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Library Friends,
Did you know that YOU could be part of the group of library supporters who decides what kinds of library services and equipment is purchased with book sale proceeds? Maybe no one has invited you to join the “Friends of Massillon Public Library,” so consider this your personal invitation from Friends’ president Jim Chatterton and from me! The Friends is the non-profit organization that fundraises and supports the business of the library.
Joining the Friends is a simple matter—just $10 for individuals, $15 for families, and $5 for seniors. But where we could really use a few new faces is attending their monthly one-hour business meeting where they approve staff requests for funding. Last month it was a new microfilm cabinet and some drapes for under the lace curtains in the local history room. If that sounds fun, Friends moved what used to be an evening meeting to 11am on the first Monday of each month. No nighttime driving, and at a time where working folks *might* be able to call it an early lunch hour. Think about it, and call me if you are interested or have any questions!
Some exciting things are just around the corner, including 3-D printing in our Computer Center, and technology classes being taught for the business community at the Chamber of Commerce. Long gone are the days we just hung around our own building! Oh, and I’m trying something brand new suggested by a patron, a vinyl record listening night on Monday April 1st! Obviously, I’m the Director and get to plug my own events, but this newsletter is full of wonderful opportunities for education and entertainment, so join us!
I have read two books this month that I can’t get out of my mind. I’m back to non-fiction. Heartland by Sarah Smarsh describes the life of so many in our families and community, although its author grew up in Kansas. She calls it “a memoir of working hard and being broke in the richest country on Earth.” She talks about class, and generational poverty, and about how good people get kicked down by economic policies and try to get back up. It will make you think, like Hillbilly Elegy and Educated. By the way, would anyone like to get together in a discussion group to read these kinds of books? That’s perking in my plans. I’m also reading some of the books from which we’ll pick the 2019 One Book One Community selection, and I’m sure going to lobby hard for Anthony Ray Hinton’s The Sun Does Shine, a mind-boggling story of his false conviction and 30 years on Alabama’s death row before being exonerated. No matter what you THINK you know of the criminal justice system—and race—you’ll be horrified, and then uplifted by the attitude Mr. Hinton developed to deal with his situation and make it out alive.
Happy reading!
Sherie Brown, Director
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