Milnelibrary’s Weblog

It’s that time of year. And in keeping with the season, the Friends decided the library should have a new camera. Not just any camera, but one with enough bells and whistles to keep the librarians occupied (with a technical manual) for a few days. Here is our first attempt at taping and transferring a movie file from the new Canon SX20 IS. If any of you out there are masters of this technology, stop by the children’s room and help Mindy figure out this new-fangled thing. You may thank the Friends in person at the December 9 festivities at the Williams Inn. It promises to be a beautiful New England evening with loads of snow. And we’ll be taking pictures, too. We are working on a shoestring budget here so instead of upgrading our blog for video we will show the story time clip on our web page. Check it out.

Since December 1989, the Friends of the Milne have gathered together to provide financial support for the Williamstown Public Library. Over the years and through many book sales, the Friends have provided computer labs, professional training, fine furniture, special collections, and art work (to name just a few of their contributions) to make our library a special place. We hope you will join us at the Williams Inn this coming Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. to meet and greet these wonderful supporters and say thank you for all they do. Entertainment will be provided by “Northern Spy,” tables will groan with treats to sample, and ambiance will be provided by Marilyn and Carl Faulkner. See you there.

The second Haunted Williamstown, brain child of Juliana Haubrich, was a successful “fun-raiser” for the House of Local History despite a downpour on Halloween evening. On Friday night, about 70 teens and adults danced, in costume, to the tunes of local band DaFe Brudajo. Sean McHugh was and believable Edgar Allen Poe and his escort a remarkable “Raven.” Lisa Sheldon took first prize as “Medusa.” The historical tour was deemed a rousing success with local actors telling the history of the Pine Cobble grounds and buildings. Food and friends for a perfect evening.

The following night featured a “pre-treat” party for children with magician Scott Jameson and a huge hay fort in the courtyard. Children also met Laura Ingalls Wilder and Beatrix Potter retelling their favorite stories in the children’s room. The later tours were dampened by a sudden downpour but several daring souls enjoyed another tour through the haunted House of Local History. It was a great event and kudos go out to Juliana, her crew of talented actors, and legions of volunteers.

And find out what all the fuss is about. Here at the Milne Library we occasionally have someone take offense at a certain book. Usually it’s a wonderful parent trying to protect their child from more mature or disturbing content. And we understand that. But the Library Bill of Rights endorsed by the American Library Association and our public library really discourages removing or labeling materials in any way. There is a procedure in place that involves a written complaint submitted to the Director and Board of Trustees to review potentially offensive material but the list of most contentious items usually includes great literature including writers like Mark Twain, J.K. Rowling, Judy Blume, Maurice Sendak and many others. For a look at some challenged classics check out this site :

Great post here about the importance of libraries.

http://thenonconsumeradvocate.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/grateful-for-public-libraries-a-guest-post/