On January 31, 2009, we will dedicate the Monroe Township Library expansion. I have been wrestling with what I want to say here, about this expansion; obviously, something I have not already said in previous postings.
As we assembled shelving, and moved our materials here and there, until their ultimate location was completed, I suspect I personally handled just about every book, every piece of media, and every bookend at least once. To the outside observer, what does it take? So, you move things. As those of us who toiled deliberately for the past several weeks know, it takes coordination, commitment, vision and everyday muscle.
So, how do I feel as I look around as we approach the final stretch? Humble.
Humble to have been given the gift of starting this library with a card table and a folding chair on the lower level of the Municipal Building only twenty years ago; to have experienced such an amazing outpouring of encouragement. This Library is a gift to the people with whom I’ve interacted over these several years. It is the product of personal and professional growth, coupled with opportunity and encouragement from a local administration with vision and commitment.
As we assembled shelving, and moved our materials here and there, until their ultimate location was completed, I suspect I personally handled just about every book, every piece of media, and every bookend at least once. To the outside observer, what does it take? So, you move things. As those of us who toiled deliberately for the past several weeks know, it takes coordination, commitment, vision and everyday muscle.
So, how do I feel as I look around as we approach the final stretch? Humble.
Humble to have been given the gift of starting this library with a card table and a folding chair on the lower level of the Municipal Building only twenty years ago; to have experienced such an amazing outpouring of encouragement. This Library is a gift to the people with whom I’ve interacted over these several years. It is the product of personal and professional growth, coupled with opportunity and encouragement from a local administration with vision and commitment.
That early dream falls short of what we will present to the community this month. We anticipate the smiles and will accept the compliments. It is a beautiful, functional and welcoming facility. And after we bask in the light of completion, we will continue to fine tune this space; adjusting services, collection, and facility as we see how we can make our initial offering even better. It’s a process and it is from the process that we derive the greatest satisfaction.
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