2007 was an exciting year of transformation of our public library from a dull and dated building to a vibrant and welcoming place for Wilmington residents. The makeover of the first floor of the library that began in 2006 continued this past year. The first floor redesign included the expansion of public internet computers from six to twelve on handsome workstations, a new circulation desk with matching new reference desk, and the relocation of the magazine reading area with comfortable reading chairs near the windows. Behind the library’s circulation desk, four photographs depicting Wilmington’s Town Common in winter, spring, summer and fall not only added color and warmth, they provided a sense of the library’s connection to the Town Common. Thanks to the Wilmington Arts Council for purchasing these photographs that were taken by photographer Alex Rodeski. A 24/7 curbside book and media return purchased by the Friends of the Library was installed in March giving patrons the convenience of returning library material any time of day right from their cars.
The newly designed first floor of the library was showcased on Sunday May 20at the Friends of the Library's Tenth Anniversary Reception. All the donors of the 2006 Annual Appeal and those who supported the makeover were invited. Approximately 90 guests enjoyed refreshments, music, and socializing with fellow library supporters. It is noteworthy that the Friends of the Library have donated over $75,000 in funding support to the library since 1997.
The makeover of the Children’s Room was launched in July with some unexpected funding. Wilmington Memorial Library was notified that it was one of three libraries in the nation selected to receive funding from “the Idearc Media American Library Association (ALA) Reading Renovation Volunteer Project” that included $20,000 and volunteer help to support the project. The other project locations were Fort-Worth, TX and Washington, D.C. In order to meet the November deadline for completion of the project, the library staff hit the ground running to plan a vibrant remake of the Children’s Room with a focus on the preschool area. Sixty-five volunteers from Idearc Media contributed over 300 hours in three days in the middle of November, painting the Children’s Room, the Teen Zone, rest rooms, the Bicentennial Room, the staff room and selected areas on the first floor. Idearc Media graphic artists created murals based on the theme of Wilmington’s historic Baldwin apple. New shelving with cut out designs of animals and a Baldwin apple puppet theater were funded by Idearc Media. The Friends of the Library purchased the new tables and chairs and paid for the upholstery of the couch with beautiful red fabric that completed the new look in the preschool area.
The makeover of the Teen Zone coincided with the makeover of the Children’s Room. In July, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approved the library’s application for “Serving ‘Tweens and Teens” grant in the amount of $20,000. The two year federal grant supported the makeover of the Teen Zone with the purchase of new furniture. The Town’s budget funded the new shelving and six new computers in the Teen Zone. The grant also supported the creation of a Teen and ‘Tween Advisory Board. In addition, the grant will help to expand the teen collection as well as develop program initiatives in science, technology, consumerism and visual literacy.
On December 10, the public was invited to the celebration of the newly remade Children’s Room and Teen Zone. Town Manager Michael Caira and Chairman of the Board of Selectman Michael Newhouse officially thanked Idearc Media for its donation to the library and the Friends of the Library for its continued support for the makeover. Michael Dowling, from the American Library Association, and Anthony Borrelli from Idearc Media, both were present at the celebration ceremony and indicated that they were pleased to be a part of the makeover of the Wilmington Memorial Library. Puppeteer Sparky Davis delighted children and adults with a special puppet show in the new puppet theater. Her humorous presentation told the story of the Baldwin apple’s origin in Wilmington.
Although the focus in 2007 was the makeover of the library, traditional services continued to be offered along with a variety of interesting programs and some new ways of reaching our patrons. For Wilmington Reads 2007, residents voted to read Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian. On February 28, 175 people came to the Wilmington Middle School for the Wilmington Reads kick off event “An Evening with Chris Bohjalian.” The library’s third annual town wide reading program was generously supported by the Friends of the Library and local businesses and organizations who contributed over $5,000. The Annual Poetry Contest was held in April with the theme “birthdays” inspiring over 200 creative writers to submit entries. The Wilmington Garden Club created eight floral arrangements based on different books. These arrangements were on display at the library April 13through April 18. Other programs held during the year included an Irish music performer, an introduction to feng shui, an impersonation of William Shakespeare as “the lunatic, the lover and the poet”, and how to develop backyard bird sanctuaries. One of the most popular programs offered in 2007 was one held in October on how to use a digital camera with over 80 people in attendance.
“Crazy about Science,” the annual summer reading program, registered 661 children. On June 22, a record number of 400 children and parents came to the Wildwood Street parking lot to see the town’s “Big Wheels.” Children enjoyed sitting in the front seat of the fire truck, checking the inside of the ambulance and the police cruiser, and blasting the horn on DPW’s front end loader. Other summer programs included Mad Science Workshops, with presentations on optical illusions and slippery science. The live wolf program and the animal petting zoo also proved to be very popular. The summer reading program for teens followed a similar theme with “Down to A Science.” Program offerings for teens during the summer included forensic science investigation, aerodynamic paper planes, and making your own ice cream. It was great to have 141 teens sign for the summer reading program. In the fall, Teen Services Librarian, Brandy Danner, invited middle school and high school students to join the Teen Advisory Group. This group meets monthly to offer feedback on the kinds of materials, services and programs that they would like to see in our library.
Two librarians received noteworthy awards this past year. Susan MacDonald, Children’s Librarian, was the recipient of the Phyllis Allen Smith North Shore Council’s annual Celebrate Literacy Award. According to the award letter, Susan MacDonald was selected for her dedication to literacy, for her tireless work over many years at the Wilmington Memorial Library, for the excellence of her programs for children, for encouraging children to read and love literature, and for her deep understanding and knowledge of books and children. Charlotte Wood, Technical Services Librarian, was one of three Massachusetts librarians to win a trip to the 2007 American Library Association (ALA) annual conference held in June in Washington, D. C. All expenses were paid by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Wilmington Memorial Library was awarded first place in the Web Site Category of the Public Relations Awards at Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Conference in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on May 3rd. Winners were chosen by a panel of independent judges from the public relations, press, and library fields. Evaluation criteria included graphic design, originality, and presentation. Over 85 entries were submitted in 17 categories. The library now provides a museum pass reservation feature on its web site, allowing patrons to see what passes are available via the web site and to book the pass on their own computer. The library began offering an online newsletter that is sent weekly to any subscriber’s email account. The newsletter provides information on upcoming programs, new services, interesting and/or new books, DVDS, CDs, etc.
On Saturday, April 28, The Friends of the Library had the grand opening of “Book Store Next Door” at 183 Middlesex Avenue. Gently used donations of books, videos, DVDs and CDS are available for sale and for donation every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This endeavor has proven to be a wonderful community service in that it provides a place for residents to recycle their books, a place to find wonderful reads at bargain prices, and a place for volunteers to raise funds for library improvements. By the end of December, the Book Store Next Door had raised over $12,000. Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed to this success. The Friends of the Library also launched its second annual appeal in late November with the goal of raising $25,000 to complete the makeover of the Children’s Room. Thanks to all donors who gave a total of over $9,000 by the end of December.
Linda Callahan, Reference and Adult Services Librarian, whose characteristic cheerful smile and helpfulness was well known to many library patrons, retired at the end of the year. Linda came to the library in November, 1996 as the Circulation Librarian and was promoted to Reference and Adult Services Librarian in February, 2002. She was instrumental in developing a variety of new services and programs including the successful town wide reading program “Wilmington Reads.” Linda was also a creative force in spearheading the makeover of the library. Charlotte Wood was appointed to the position of Assistant Library Director on December 31. Charlotte was previously Technical Services Librarian at the Wilmington Memorial Library and was very involved in developing the library’s technology plan as well as in the makeover of the library.
The entire library staff is acknowledged for their dedicated enthusiasm and hard work in creating the makeover of the library and for their continued commitment to excellent customer service. However, the library staff recognizes that the makeover of the library is not just about physical changes in the building but also about transforming library services to better respond to the changing interests and needs of the community. Keeping in mind our mission “to enrich the community by providing access to intellectual, cultural, and recreational resources to all citizens,” the library will reinvent itself as needed to remain a relevant and dynamic presence in our town.
