On Sunday, November 19th, I traveled to Westmoreland to be part of the dedication for the newly renovated and expanded Westmoreland Public Library. Driving west on Route 101 from Manchester on a Sunday afternoon gave me plenty of time to enjoy the ride and reflect on Westmoreland's achievement. To be able to represent the State Library at celebrations such as this is one of my favorite parts of my job.

When I attend these events, I always come away with a tremendous feeling of pride, because of the infectious pride of the town's people who participate in groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings. Very often library building projects have been on going for a long time. The library friends have raised money from every conceivable source, book sales, bake sales, quilt auctions, and countless other activities. Usually the civic groups have had a role in the project and are thrilled to put their name on the project. In many respects the library project becomes the barnraising for the town. Everyone comes together for a common good and all feel a substantial accomplishment, which will have a positive impact on the community for a long time to come.

State Library staff and I enjoy the ceremonial aspects of New Hampshire's library projects, but what we enjoy more is working with the many librarians and trustees to help make the projects come to fruition. We want to be a part of your library celebrations, so don't forget to include the State Library on your invitation lists. I really like going to library dedications - there are always cookies.

Michael York, State Librarian