Were you among the 2200 people who came to the Library Birthday party last Sunday? What a happy combination of nostalgia, appreciation and anticipation from the 1908 artifacts to the plans for the Westport Library building of the future. In the 1908 room, I was surprised to learn that the Meyer lemon was introduced to America in 1908. I have been hearing about these wonderful “new” lemons lately (on sale at Balducci’s for $2.99/lb.) It turns out they have been around as long as our Library!
Nostalgia: Did you see all the Howard Munce drawings that graced our Library publicity through the years? Did you notice the picture of a very young Jonathan Sheffer at a Library party in 1958? Did you chuckle at the creative titles on the books being read in the Whitney Darrow artwork? Did you reminisce about the renovations and the new building as you looked at the construction photos? If you missed this stroll down memory lane, take some time to look at the art kiosks on your next trip to the Library.
Appreciation: Often people love the Library for the latest books, the interesting programs, the collection of DVDs, the café, the quiet, the conversation, the research assistance, the latest magazines, the wi-fi, the children’s librarians or that special spot for studying or writing. Local authors shared some of their appreciation about the Library. What do you appreciate about the Library ?
Anticipation: Did you meet architect Henry Myerberg and hear about his ideas for a new Library building? Did you see his sketches? And Imagine 2108! Some of Westport’s younger residents created and illustrated the Library of 100 years from now. Imagine robots, swimming pools and jets landing at the Library of the future!