Thanking our Honorable Knight

Ron Knight and his wife, Judy, with books from the collection donated to Mendon Public Library in his honor.

The Friends of Mendon Public Library have donated a collection of history books to Mendon Public Library in honor of Capital Campaign Chairman Ron Knight.

Knight, who volunteers his time to lead the “Heart of our Town” capital campaign, chose that the collection be books about the making of America, covering the period between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

A desserts reception at the library celebrated Knight’s key role in getting the project out to bid last spring, as well as his work on private fund-raising for the new library–both the new building currently being constructed as phase 1, and the renovation of the historic and 1974 buildings planned for phase 2.

In accepting the gift of the collection and a framed photo memento of this time in library history, Knight said his commitment to the fund-raising necessary to complete both phases of the project was unwavering. He asked: “Why I am I doing this?” and then answered that it’s about small children learning to read, about teens having a safe place to gather when school’s not in session, about access to the Internet for job-seekers, and about offering an accessible place of knowledge and ideas for everyone in the community, including senior and people with disabilities.

Please join in thanking Ron in your comments. (And if you want information on making a campaign pledge, 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.

Why do you Support Your Public Library? Some Reasons to Think About

In her new book, Saving Our Public Libraries: Why We Should. How We Can, janet jai details two traditional roles libraries have always played in their communities–plus 19 others–in what she calls “a partial list” of reasons public libraries are worth supporting. With thanks to everyone currently working on some aspect of promoting the well being and growth of Mendon Public Library, here are a few of jai’s reasons to support public libraries (the book, of course, includes more details to back these up). What are some other reasons to support public libraries? What are your reasons for supporting Mendon Public Library?

If you walk to the new library from Monroe Street, you will enter here. (Photo taken Feb. 16, 2011.)

1. Libraries are a cornerstone of literacy in the United States.
2. Libraries are the centers for lifelong learning in the United States.
3. Libraries support the workforce, especially now.
4. Libraries are essential in bridging the digital divide (in providing computer and Internet access to those who don’t have it).
5. Libraries are a foundation of democracy, defending first amendment rights.
6. Let’s not forget the wonder of the children’s room.
7. Libraries provide homebound books for those who are ill long term or temporarily.
8. Libraries are a positive economic force in the community with great return on investment. (One Wisconsin study found that for every $1 the state spent on the library, $4 was generated back into the economy by spending on operations, buildings and by staff and patrons.)

 

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!