Happy Birthday Library

This year is the 100th anniversary of the ville's library. Below is the history of the library taken from their web site (http://www.wellsville.lib.oh.us/).

"The Wellsville Carnegie Public Library began when a small group of townspeople established a reading room and lending library in a store front on Main Street. Expenses were met be selling shares, as well as holding rummage sales, suppers and concerts. Some funds were received from donations. The first records for the new library were kept in 1908. By 1910 the library had a collection of 1,535 books.Property on the corner of Main and Ninth Streets, originally belonging to Gen. James Reilly, was given to the city by the State of Ohio to be used for a public library. In 1916 the mayor appointed a board of trustees to manage the library and to apply to the Carnegie Trust Corporation for funds to build a library. The Carnegie Trust Corporation approved the application and awarded a total of $9,427 for the construction of the building. It was dedicated and opened to the public on November 20, 1917.While the services offered by the library continued to grow, the building itself remained unchanged. By the early 1980's it was evident that the building was no longer adequate to meet the changing needs of the community. The board began planning for the renovation and expansion of the library.It was not until 1998 that the plans became a reality. The library received a bequest of $711,000 from the estate of Helen McSweeney Miskall. Construction on the project began July 6, 1998. The new facility was dedicated May 23, 1999. Total cost, including furnishings, was $1,200,000."

In celebration of their first 100 years the staff had a Holiday Open House Thursday evening for the kids with a "make it & take it" crafts activity and a special visit from Santa. The crafts were Christmas decorations that the young ones assembled. Santa listened to the children's wishes for what they want him to bring them on Christmas. Later on he read them a story. They also had refreshments available all evening.

Our little library was brimming full with excited youngsters, parents and grand-parents. From what I saw it was enjoyed by all that were there. The ladies at the library should be commended for their efforts in putting on this event. They also did a nice job on the decorations.

Pictured above is some of the young ones at the front door eagerly looking for Santa's arrival. Then there is Santa finally getting there much to every one's glee. The third picture is Santa sitting on a bench getting ready to talk to the kids. You can see these kids were ready to get down to business crowding up close to the jolly ol' elf to let him know their wishes.

It was a real nice event and just one more reminder that the ville is special. Thanks to the Wellsville Carnegie Public Library.

ole nib