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From The Director
January-March 2012
The Time To Be Happy Is Now …
By Lynn Rosato, Library Director
The place to be happy is here! So reads the expression on the recently installed sun dial at the main entrance - a gift from the Bethel Garden Club. And there were many reasons in 2011 for both patrons and those associated with the Bethel Library to be happy. As we look forward to 2012, here are a few highlights from the past year.
There were many happy patrons who visited the Library during 2011, but maybe not more than those who discovered us during the aftermath of both Hurricane Irene and Winter Storm Alfred. The Library was the one place they could go to access the Internet, charge their laptops and cell phones, and during Alfred, have heat. Many grateful patrons publicly expressed their appreciation for the Library, and we appreciate them doing so!
The Library Board of Directors reached its capital campaign goal, and the building project to finish the second floor is underway. We' re in the pre-construction phase during which the architectural and engineering plans are finalized, the construction budget is fine-tuned, and bid packages are prepared. We hope construction will begin in the spring. The Library will remain open during construction.
Although our campaign goal has been reached, the target was based on an estimated budget. We won' t know the real costs until the bids are received. The Board is still fund raising, pursuing grants, and accepting donations. If you are thinking of donating, Donor Wall plaques are still available for a gift of $500 or more, but any amount is greatly appreciated. It all adds up!
A most generous gift of $10,000 was received for the Children' s Library Collection Development. The donation was made by Jonathan Fanton in memory of Shelly Arnhold, as a way to honor her father, and his dear friend, Mr. Henry Arnhold, on his 90thbirthday. Mr. Fanton secured matching funds for his personal gift from the MacArthur Foundation and the Newman Foundation.
Mr. Bob Speziale and his son, Andrew, presented a small bench painted with flowers, lady bugs and other creatures to the Children' s Library. Andrew and his friends have been working on the bench since 2004! The boys, ages 11-12, participate in the Bethel Buddy Walk, a one-mile walk that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. The bench will make a great addition to the soon-to-be finished Children' s Library.
You, too, can show your support by speaking up on behalf of the Bethel Public Library. Tell everyone you know what a wonderful and unique resource the Library is every chance you get. Encourage your friends and neighbors to become Library patrons and Library advocates. Let the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance know how important the Library is to you and your family. Write a letter to the editor on behalf of the Library. Learn more about how the Library operates. Attend programs, read the newsletter, visit the website and use the resources provided there for you, become a Friend of the Library, and help the Library Board with its fund raising efforts.
We are grateful for all who appreciate and support the Bethel Library on a regular basis. Your input helps us to improve our services and make the Library a better place for everyone. Happy 2012!
Click here to make a donation to the Library's Capital Campaign.