The Best Small Library in America - 2005

The Renaissance scholar, Erasmus, is quoted as having said, "When I get a little bit of money, I buy books.  If there are any funds left over, I then purchase food."

There are some of us - possibly, even someone reading this blog - to whom that statement has some personal resonance; or at least, it resonates with their wife!!

For bibliophiles, such as myself, I believe that I fully understand what Thomas Jefferson meant - when he said, "I don't believe that I could live without books."  A bookstore or a library, for me, is like a magnet.  There is a gravitational pull that is impossible to resist.  And, I'm grateful for a wife that is understanding of - shall we say - that quirk in my personality.

Thus, today found me exploring the library in Haines, AK - where Melba and I are visiting this month.  And, what did I find?

I found an attractive, functional, recently completed library that was awarded the "Best Small Library in America" award in 2005 - by the Library Journal and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Pretty doggone good for a small community of between 2500 and 3000 persons - I think!!

So, how did the folk of Haines, AK accomplish this feat, which -indeed, was no small task?  First, the citizenry passed a $400,000 local bond issue with 67% of the vote.  Second, to the bond issue was added grants from Alaska's Rasmusen Foundation, Murdock Charitable Trust, and Paul Allen Foundation.  Third, there were fundraising events by a Friends group.  Fourth, there were funds - rural development monies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  And, finally there were additional grants, and cash donations; in the end, totaling $2.5 million.  With the cash, there were multiple in-kind donations - exemplified by a local craftsman who contributed a week of his time to assist in building the library furniture.

Why do I find this story of the Haines, AK library to be of interest and of value?

First, I believe that placing a high priority focus on the importance of reading and learning resources, within a community, reflects positively upon a community's values.  I'm thinking - that in the hard, cold, and long dark days of an Alaskan winter - reading and learning are good ways to utilize the time that one spends indoors.

Second, by building and equipping their library with quality resources, the folk of Haines are continuing to follow a long line of positive community tradition - from the ancient library tablet records of Sumer and Akkad, to the celebrated library at Alexandria, Egypt, and including the example of Benjamin Franklin's establishment of America's first public library in Philadelphia, PA.

However, visiting this library and gaining some initial acquaintance with their resources and programs, has a current point of interest for me.  My current home of Sylva, NC is in the process of adding to, and reclaiming its former courthouse - a historic structure which sits on the highest point of land - in the downtown area - for a new library.

As has been true in Haines, AK, so it has also been true in Sylva, NC.  There have been numerous grants and cash donations sought and received, as well as numerous fund-raising activities by a hard-working group of volunteers - the Friends of the Library.  Thus, my home community, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, will also soon enjoy a new facility, and the opportunities for growth, enrichment, and learning that a new, up-to-date library facility can provide.

The Haines Library has an attractive children's section area, and as part of the activities associated with our visit to Haines, Melba will be presenting a program - utilizing art activities with the children - during the next three Thursday afternoons.  One of things I currently enjoy doing is taking my four-year old grandson to our present, small library.  So, make no mistake about it, I'm looking forward to being able to take him to the new facility, and to explore with him its new resource offerings, within the next year.

I seriously doubt that anyone can place a price tag upon the value of learning and the enriching of one's mind and spirit.  If anyone, however, has doubts regarding the value of a community's investment in a library, I believe that the folk in Haines, AK are experientially demonstrating - that their library is an investment that is paying positive dividends.

From its opening in January 2003 to February 2005, the circulation - at 112,520 - reflected a five year volume increase of 77% increase - 27% alone, from 2004 to 2005.  Free, unfiltered public Internet access has generated 28,000 user sessions - an increase of 70% from 2004 to 2005.  In 2005, the citizens of Haines paid $113 per capita taxes for library services, and in 2005, the library was spending approximately 11% of its budget on collections.

While I don't know, I'm going to step out on a limb and speculate that all of the hard work and effort that went into the planning and execution of the various grants, fund-raising activities, and programs that resulted in this library being constructed, and gaining the prestigious award - awarded to it in 2005 - came from the hearts and minds of some very dedicated lovers of people and books.

And, if my speculation is correct, then from one bibliophile to others, may I say to each of you - my "congratulations", and a hearty "well done."  You have a jewel in your community!!