Professional Packing Guidance Spurs Library to Close June 8

Mendon Public Library will close to the public on June 8 so the collection can be packed and labeled for the move to the new building. Tuesday, June 7, will be the last day the library is open to patrons in the current building. It will reopen at 9 a.m., June 27, in the new building.

Originally scheduled to close June 13 for the move, the library will be unavailable to the public just four more days than originally planned. The four extra days of closure will enable the library to use the professional movers’ careful system of labeling and packing, and help ensure the smoothest move possible.

In all, Mendon Public Library will be closed two and a half weeks for packing and moving. In contrast, many libraries close for a full month when moving to a new building.

During its period of closure from June 8-June 26, the library will accept books in its book drop, and strive to accommodate patrons that might have holds already on the hold shelf. Unfortunately, patrons will not be able to use library computers, nor to browse for materials during this time.

Nearby libraries you can use during the closure include those in Rush, Henrietta and Pittsford–or any library that’s convenient for you in the Monroe County Library System. If you have questions, please call the library at 624-6067.

The Most Important Building in Town

This week longtime library supporter (and cross country ski enthusiast) Ruth Hayes shared an article from Yankee magazine called “The Most Important Building in Town.” Written by well-known New Hampshire writer and author Edie Clark, the article about libraries ends by saying:

The small town library, once a place of sometimes-dusty books, has found a way to not only survive in this new world but to be indispensable.  The idea that books are or will become obsolete is a bit premature.  What they’ve always given us will remain even though the delivery system may change.  As far as I can tell, the library can still take us not only back to the 19th century, but ahead into the 21st century.

Phase 1 doesn't quite look like this yet, but it won't be long now.

So just what do libraries give us, you ask? According to author janet jai in her new book Saving Our Public Libraries: Why we Should. How We Can, the library is the space that makes possible key interactions between people of all ages and:

• books (and many other materials),
• computers,
• librarians, and
• ideas.

“Equally important these days, public libraries are community anchors and places of safety,” jai writes.

Why is the library important to you? Please post your thoughts in the comments.

More on the Leak

I was in the library last night for a capital campaign meeting and saw the computer right under the most recent roof leak is temporarily bagged up. This means only seven of the usual eight (and very busy) Internet workstations are currently available. Storms are expected this weekend, so the plastic won’t come off until after the library staff see how things go. The ceiling tiles are clearing showing the wet as well. The new building and the full renovation of the old one will be welcome changes!