“You had better be on your best behavior.”
Those were the last words my mother said to me as we walked up the well-worn steps to the Hackley Public Library in Muskegon, Michigan. The building was a massive stone structure, a historical landmark. Its interior immediately invoked a sense of awe with its oak paneling and majestic stained-glass window. The librarian, standing behind an imposing desk, looked us over quickly, said nothing, and went back to her work. Bookshelves were everywhere. A couple of people perused the stacks. Others leafed through the card catalog, all oblivious to each other.
The first impression I had as a 10-year-old child was that the silence felt oppressive and the entire atmosphere was intimidating. I have no recollection of why we went there that day. I just knew that I did not want to come back. The words “fun” and “welcoming” were the furthest from my mind. If you had told me that decades later I would be a library board president, I would have laughed derisively.
Back in those pre-Google days, before even “Ask Jeeves,” the library was THE repository of knowledge. Casual factual arguments were settled by a visit to the library. Research was conducted almost exclusively there unless your home had the Encyclopedia Brittanica. Times have changed and libraries have thankfully adapted to meet current needs.
Today, when you enter the Orr’s Island Library, the atmosphere is completely different. Librarian Anne Wilkes sits behind a much smaller desk, piled high with books and a bowl of chocolates that is frequently replenished. She smiles when you come in. If you are a regular, she asks how you liked the last books you checked out and recommends new ones you might enjoy. If you are new, she explains how the library is laid out and directs you to your area of interest. If you are a summer visitor, she also offers you a free library card because “while you are here, you are part of our community.” Anne also provides notary public services.
Looking around, you immediately notice the public computers and printers to your left and the used bookstore to your right. You see someone using their laptop (and free 24/7 Wi-Fi) in one room. In the main room, a couple of people are relaxing in a comfortable seating area, drinking coffee and engaging in conversation.
Most noticeable, however, are the children. They are sitting on the floor in a large area for kids, either paging through picture books or listening while their mother reads to them. You can tell they feel completely at home because their coats have dropped where they took them off and their shoes are off too. Hence the gentle admonition: “Watch out for the shoes!”
Summer programs on the way
Summer programming for adults and children will arrive in full force in June. For dates and times, see the Harpswell Anchor’s Community Calendar or the library’s website and Facebook page.
We’ll kick off June with the annual plant sale on Saturday, June 13.
Children’s activities will be highlighted in July by the Helen Kitchel Children’s Programs. This year, children will be treated to the ever-popular Chewonki offerings “Tidal Pools” and “Animal Adaptations.” Sparks Ark will return with animals that have been rescued. And all will be enthralled by Bob Lloyd Magic.
There also will be summer programs for adults to enjoy, including Alan Lightman on 18th-century clocks, Tess Chakkalakal on Harriet Beecher Stowe, Ed Robinson on wildlife in South Africa, John Goff on recent finds of Beal’s Cove china and pottery, and author talks with Bob Feldman and Jim Nelson.
As always, mark your calendars for the annual book sale and bake sale from Aug. 6-8.
Finally, we want to thank the town of Harpswell for its continuing financial support of the Orr’s Island Library at the last Town Meeting. Your generous support allows us to serve this exceptional community.
“Library Connections” is a monthly column that rotates among the three libraries that serve Harpswell: Cundy’s Harbor, Orr’s Island, and Curtis Memorial.
