Snippets from the Shelves

In today’s society, technical wonders
surround us. Since the Renaissance, we have been blessed with technology which previous generations would define as magic. This technology has occurred because of one thing—the printed word. Libraries have dedicated themselves to storing, organizing and sharing their information with everyone. The process of disseminating this information leads to knowledge, understanding and empathy.
There is nothing else on the planet that compares to this system which stores, preserves and shares knowledge. Just one example: a recent article in the New York Times described research into late 19th century medical procedures to see whether modern technology can use or improve upon those old, long-forgotten techniques. Where are researchers finding all this information? In libraries.

Meadville citizens realized as early as 1879 that libraries are important for any community to thrive. Before automobiles, radio and electric lights, the leading citizens of Meadville decided that a proper Public Library was needed. The previous public library was a disorganized collection stored in 12 cupboards and was continually moved to whatever building had a bit of free space available.

Since 1879, the Meadville Public Library has occupied two different buildings, has had 13 library directors, 42 board presidents, hundreds of employees, thousands of patrons, hundreds of thousands of books and millions of visitors. The accomplishments during the past 130 years would fill a very long list. We know that the library always has and continues to fulfill a critical role in the community.

In just the past 10 years library technology has moved from analog (book) to digital (computer screen.) What has not changed is the library’s goal to provide free access to the written word. Maybe computer screens and the Internet would seem magical to Benjamin Franklin, founder of the modern public library. He might remind us that the very existence of libraries can create magical experiences for its patrons. It doesn’t matter what form the written word takes as long as we are open-minded enough to enjoy the magic.

Because the library is so important to all of us, we are planning a small celebration to mark our 130th birthday. We invite all patrons, friends, board members and employees of the Meadville Public Library to share in celebrating 130 years of bringing magic to the region.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 4th, 2009 at 8:09 pm and is filed under From the Director's Chair. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.