Letter sent to members, spring 2011
Dear Friends and Members of the Library,
The winter weather has finally passed and spring is blooming on Monhegan and elsewhere. One hopes the beautiful days continue uninterrupted into summer (although being a New Englander I know better than that). The weather, like life itself, brings many changes. Still one always hopes for the best, and I write to you again to report on our Library’s activities, both past and present.
Many of you will be beginning to think about and plan your return to Monhegan. Some of you make your life on the island and are probably bracing for the end of lobster season and the return of that other way of life. Either way, change is in the offing, at the Library on less than elsewhere.
As with many small non-profits, much of our focus during the active time of year is on raising money so that we can continue our core mission of providing a wonderful little library. Our 2010 Tea-by-the-Sea was again held at the Island Inn. The theme was the Mad Hatter’s Teaparty; the terrific poster was by Alice Boynton. Food was donated by the Inn as well as by many dedicated members. Songs and music were provided by John Murdock and friends. The theme for the 2011 Tea, a salute to the characters of Charles DIckes, is “A Dickens of a Tea.” Costumes are invited, so start your planning now. Despite adding an element from our more elaborate Teas of the past, we remain committed to a simpler event where we can focus on the fun – instead of the fundraising. The date for the 2011 Tea-by-the-Sea is July 31, so save the date.
Two weeks after the 2011 Tea, on August 13, we will be holding our biannual book sale. No library likes removing books from its collection, but the sale is essential to freeing up space for newer acquisitions. Although it’s a hard task, our intrepid Board manages to balance what is no longer of interest to our members, what must be retained despite lack of current popularity, and what may be respectfully offered to new caretakers. In this way we revitalize our shelves. Books not sold at this event will be available for purchase at the library for a limited time.
The other significant summer event for the Library is Library Day, (aka Celebrate the Library Day). After a threatening hurricane caused a one-day postponement, it was held on the Library lawn on September 3, 2010, on a drop-dead-gorgeous Sunday. The events of the day included the sale of art, baked goods, library memorabilia, as well as a silent auction of Bill Cameron’s specially-designed bookends and art by Joanne Scott. Raffle results are also announced at this event, which for 2011 is scheduled for Saturday, September 3.
Huge thanks go out to the many artists who donated works on paper to hang on the popular Clothesline Gallery, where pieces are priced at $20, with a few exceptions. It’s a great way for artists to get their art out there, and the rest of us to acquire a work by a genuine Monhegan artist while benefitting the Library. Once again, children are encouraged to donate their own Monhegan art for the Children’s Clothesline; donated art may be left with the Librarian this summer at any time.
During the summer months, we will also continue with book-centered events. Currently planned are discussions of particular works or authors, organized by Judy Grey; a reading circle on favorite writers or writings; and the children’s reading hour hosted by Corlis Carrol. The Library will continue to provide a forum for meditation and Quaker meetings; the regular AA meetings and other events of interest to the Monhegan community.
I began this letter speaking of change. The biggest change we saw this past year was the return to our past practice of having two different librarians. Jan Bailey, our wonderful, year-round librarian, wished to begin spending winters with family in South Carolina. Tara Hire assumed the responsibilities of “winter” librarian until Jan’s return in the spring. Tara reports that the Library was active with lending books as well as regular book club meetings. Tara, Jan, and our book committees have been busy scanning the literary horizons for additions to our shelves.
As we look around the Monhegan community, there are other signs of changes, either already here or coming soon. Many of us remember fondly the old Periwinkle coffee shop, which has since gone through several reinventions. In the summer of 2010, it joined our ever-increasing music venues such as the popular church jamborees when it was transformed into a coffee house with rotating musical acts. The schedules ofr both promise to be crowded in summer 2011. While Robert and Tralice Bracy have moved away, two new families were formed when Tara Hire and Kole Lord were married last summer, and Angela Iannicelli and Travis Dowl were married in October. Gabe Church graduated from 8th grade and went off-island to school, but little Margaret joined long-time pupils Dalton and Quinn, which makes three students in the one-room school house. Not to fear, at least three new little ones are currently waiting in the wings. Several houses changed hands last year, and others are currently on the market. Word is that the Monhegan Store, which closed for the winter will not reopen, at least this summer. But from sad events like the shuttering of the old general store or the passing of long-time friends, Monhegan has a history of bringing forth new life to reinvigorate what was lost.
In the spirit of remembering old friends who left this world in the last year, we fondly remember and deeply miss Ed Donegan, Dorothy Stanley, and Fred Wiley, among others. I hope it is not disrespectful of them to include a special non-human spirit among the departed, Shadrack the beloved parrot of Bob and Anne Bartels.
Again in the spirit of change, the Library Board is considering joining the 21st century and creating a website, which would help us to better communicate with our members. We are interested in your thoughts on this. Please let us know what you think when you return your membership card, or simply the next time you stop by. The Library survives on the financial donations of its members, as well as their selfless donation of time in fundraising activities. The Library is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and your donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. If you support our mission, please consider making an additional contribution when you renew your membership or purchase raffle tickets.
Thank you in advance for your generous contributions to the Monhegan Library. Here’s to the summer!
Sincerely,
Kim Murdock
Treasurer
Sue Bolman, President; Candis Kerns, Vice President; Eileen Cameron, Secretary; Board Members: Iris Miller, Fran Vaughn, Sylvia Alberts, Susan Finkin.
