FISKE FREE LIBRARY CLOSES BOOKS ON A SUCCESSFUL 1999
by Marilyn Nagy, Director
Fiske Free Library, Claremont

As the song goes, "It was a very good year..." And at the Fiske Free Library, the staff might very well be humming that tune as 1999 winds down.

Director Marilyn Nagy reported that the year witnessed major accomplishments as important goals were set and realized, and she credited strong community support as a key factor for another successful year.

"We are truly blessed with tremendous support from so many parts of the community," she said. "Residents and businesses alike recognize the value of a strong library and all that we can accomplish together. I thank them for their generous support once again."

Nagy reported that the following donations were received and used for Children's Programming: $1,500 from the Claremont Chapter of Kiwanis; $600 from the Claremont Savings Bank; and $300 from James Upham.

Nagy also listed additional donations made to the library in 1999: $250-plus, donated in memory of City Councilor Donald Densmore; $100 from Mrs. Frances T. Samiec for books; Frank and Dorothy Connor, five-year subscription to Bird Watcher's Magazine; $100 from Denis Chabot to purchase the following magazines: Down East, Bon Appetit, Outside, PC Family, Florida Living, Sunset, and Men's Journal; $117 from the Claremont Emblem Club for literacy books; $200 from the Bourdon Center for books; $200 from Acorn Advertising for the purchase of books; three videos in memory of Jim Goodhue's father.

The Children's Room

Nagy reported that The Children's Room was "very busy this year with many special programs and a great summer reading program." Special events included visits by guest speakers who provided stories, songs, games and slide shows, which provided "informative but entertaining learning experiences." Several of the monthly themes included kits from the Boston Children's Museum that provided "hands-on" materials for displays and workshops.

Some of the special programs offered in 1999 to children included: Sharon Wood, Storyteller; Judy Pancoast, Original Songs and Fun; Michael Zerphy, Mime & Clown; Teddy Bear Picnic; Jane Brodeur-Smith, Pet Demonstration, Learn About Pets, and Watch A Puppy Grow; VINS Raptor Rendezvous; Mr. B Little Songs & Stories; Lesley Smith and the Theater Puppets; Story Time; Toddler Activity Time; It's Turkey Time; and Holiday Evening Story Time.

Beautification Project

In other news, Nagy reported that "one of the great surprises and pleasures for the library staff and public this year was our very own herb garden. Becky Gentes and Stephen Judd, from the Sullivan County Extension Service, planted a medicinal and culinary display herb garden. This project proved to be so extensive that it will take another year of hard work to realize its full potential."

Building Projects

Nagy also reported that the Children's Picture Book Room was renovated with new book shelves, new carpeting, and new paint.

"All of the work was done by library staff and family members," said Nagy. The total cost for carpet, paint, wood, wiring, and plumbing was $2,500.

Additional building projects in 1999 included: replacing four storm windows, fixing assorted broken window panes, and replacing Chapel Street and Broad Street entrance carpet as well as painting those areas. Two exit signs were replaced and one set of emergency lights was installed. Nagy added that, "The Department of Public Works removed our 100-year-old lampposts and removed many, layers of paint, then repainted them a bright, shiny black." Work continues on designing the new Reference and Circulation Desk.

Education

Angel Stone and Brenda Tripodes of the Children's Department completed their library certification. Three staff members have now finished this certification process. This certification consists of seven library courses, available through CLL. The cost was about $4,000 per staff member. The money for these classes came mostly from the Friends of the Fiske Free Library and by swapping the use of the Sarah Gilmore Room for classroom space. Three staff members took a total of five college classes.