A treasured resource

Posted 3/29/11

Thank you for your support of libraries, specifically public libraries.

I grew up on a farm outside of Honesdale, PA. When my morning chores were finished in the summer, I had free time until it …

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A treasured resource

Posted

Thank you for your support of libraries, specifically public libraries.

I grew up on a farm outside of Honesdale, PA. When my morning chores were finished in the summer, I had free time until it was time to hay or do afternoon chores. Once a week, I would get my second-hand Schwinn and ride the eight miles into town with my backpack and go to the public library. At that time, the library was still located next to the old Glinsky’s drug store.

I borrowed “The Black Stallion” and other Walter Farley books so often I can tell you the plot of every story and the order of the books. Now, as an adult, I finally have my own set. I was, and still am, an avid reader. As a farmer, my father wanted his children to have opportunities he did not, and access to the public library and books provided that opportunity.

I am now a library director for a small, blue-collar town in New Jersey, and it is amazing what I can and will do to provide patrons and my community with the resources they need. Last week, our library held an Irish soda bread contest. This week, we are partnering with a local bank to teach small children about the value of money. Next week will begin our plant of the month, in a partnership with Rutgers University and Ringwood Gardening Club.

If you have not stepped in your local library in a week, a year, 10 years, make a point to come in. Look around. Ask questions. Libraries are meant to be used. Lady Bird Johnson stated that “Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the public library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”

Show your interest.

Gillian Kieff Buonanno

Milford, PA

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