October 1st begins my third year at Scarborough Public Library. As many challenges, projects, changes, and plans come together, I cannot imagine myself being happier. The community, staff and trustees are world class, and I am not exaggerating that these are exciting times for us at the library!
While we face constant challenges finding dedicated space for the library’s multiple uses, I am amazed how useful we are to the community. The attendance for our programming across all ages illustrates the value of literacy and access to this community. On many occasions, we have limited reservations for our programs because you value our services.
Let me tell you what I mean: 80 people a week attend Rhythm and Rhyme, our Die Well Death education was split into two sections, and one section outgrew our space and is now graciously hosted by Piper Shores, an organization that makes me go back to the term “world class.” Let’s not forget our movie matinees, author visits, afterschool programs, and Emerson Series hosted by the
Friends of the Scarborough Library. They are always looking for members!
As a result, we are presented challenges every library wishes for, but challenges that we are working to address. We are looking for ways inside our current walls to create community space or workspace for staff, maybe both. We are also looking at booth-like enclosures for study/telecommuting in the common areas, and we are looking for ways to bring new technology into the library. While we deeply desire a library of things, a teen room to keep gaming in a dedicated place, or even a 3D printer, space is far too limited to add these services. But we are still trying.
Stay tuned, a new generator is coming this month, and we have four new grants cooking thanks to Kerstin Gilg, our new Development Coordinator. I am so happy to spend year three with all of you and thank you for being who you are!
