The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Library celebrates 75th anniversary
By Sheila Pursglove, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: April 12, 2007
Come join the party — the Chelsea District Library is celebrating its 75th birthday during National Library Week, April 15-21.
Advertisement
The library - also known as the McKune Memorial Library - is one of the most vibrant septuagenarians in the state, said Director Cathy Russ.
"The library has changed a lot over the last 75 years," she said. "When the library first opened in 1932, the Internet was unheard of, computer technology was the subject of science fiction, and programs for adults and children were not even on the agenda."
The most important thing was to offer a borrowing collection of 200 books to the citizens of Chelsea for their information and entertainment, Russ said.
Over the next 75 years, other collections such as audio books, DVDs, magazines, and newspapers, were added, in addition to programs and events that make the library a true community center.
"However, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and nothing illustrates this better than the Library Committee Secretary's report for the year 1931 to 1932, Russ said.
The report noted that Chelsea as a library, owns about 200 books, and that "it really works, the public likes us, and we like ourselves, our library home, our efficient management and the enthusiastic way the children and youngsters flock in after books."
The Chelsea area still has a wonderful library that now serves five communities, Russ said.
"While the library owns over 50,000 volumes now, the library still really works, and based on our ever-increasing statistics, the public still likes us. And it is interesting to see that the enthusiastic way that children and youngsters flock in hasn't changed either. The McKune Memorial Library has kept up with the times and stays pretty active, for a 75-year-old!"
Birthday celebrations and National Library Week will kick off April 15 on Holocaust Remembrance Day with a 1:30 p.m. screening of "Schindler's List," the story of one man's efforts that saved over 1,000 Jews from certain death.
Steven Spielberg's award-winning film is just the start of a great week of events and activities, said Shawn Personke, the library's community relations and development coordinator.
"We've got a great line up, including this awesome documentary about historic Tiger Stadium, called "Stranded on the Corner, that was shown at the Baseball Hall of Fame Film Fest last year. It tells the story of the stadium and the politics and the battle that is probably leading to its demolition."
The documentary will be shown 7 p.m. April 16, and director, Gary Glaser, will be on hand to talk about making the film and his passion for baseball and the stadium.
Bill Harmer, the library's head of adult services, said he was one of the naysayers that didn't want the Tigers to build a new ballpark.
"Tiger Stadium was a shrine to me," said Harmer, whose first job was at an office in downtown Detroit.
"Whenever the Tigers were in town, there was a good chance you would find me there at least once a week sitting in my favorite spot, which was the upper deck between home plate and third place.
"It's hard to believe that it was only 10 years ago. I could buy a box seat for about $10 and live like a king. Now that same ticket at Comerica park will cost your about $65. I'm a season ticket holder today but nothing will ever come close to the experience of taking in a game at that old battleship slash baseball cathedral Tiger Stadium."
Baseball fans will also love the library's baseball display that includes baseball blankets from around 1910, a Briggs Stadium pennant, autographed baseballs, T-shirts and championship yearbooks from the 1968 World Series, and a genuine New York City stick ball bat.
For kids and families, Karen Persello, youth and teen librarian, will host "Family Fun with Food Night," 6:30 p.m. April 18.
"This is a little preview of what's in store as we get ready for the Smithsonian Institution exhibit, "Key Ingredients: America by Food," Personke said.
"Families can celebrate and create family traditions by creating a family cookbook, a family tablecloth and placemats, and other fun activities. Karen is asking people to bring several of their favorite family recipes."
A "Prom Dress Exchange & Style Night" is set from 6 to 8 p.m. April 19, where teens can get a free dress, hair tips, test nail colors, and win beauty baskets, including a Prom Day at the Spa certificate from Gemini Hair Salon.
To wrap up the week the Friends of Chelsea District Library will host an Open House 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21. The day will include a 1 p.m. awards ceremony when the Design A Bookmark contest winners, Friend of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year will be announced. The day will also include refreshments, and entertainment by "The Yellow Submarines," a Beatles tribute band.
Not all stories are guaranteed to appear
online. The Web edition contains a reasonable
sampling of the print edition stories.
For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to
subscribe
to the print edition of the paper.
Expanded
Web
Coverage
TOP JOBS
