Friends of the Libraries' Guest Columnist Features Libraries are everywhere By Vernon R. Alden January 8, 2005 The Athens Messenger

Shortly after I was asked to write this article, I began to see references to a library in almost everything I read:

Writing in the Martha's Vineyard Gazette, David McCullough, who spoke at Ohio University's commencement exercises last June, tells about a young California girl who years ago visited her local library for the first time. She found a book that mesmerized her. She tried to buy a copy at the local bookstore but it was not available. So she stole the book from the library. Reading it changed her life. She is now a full professor and chairman of her English department at one of our great universities, but she is still ashamed that she stole that precious volume.

In the American Scholar magazine, Christina Thompson writes about Hawaiiki, the mythical sacred island in the Pacific. She recalls receiving a letter from a Polynesian friend written in Maori. Mrs. Thompson immediately rushed to the library and found a "collection of Maori laments." It enabled her to translate the letter.

In June, I was in Chatham, Mass., visiting the Monomoy Theater with President Rod McDavis. Strolling down Main Street, I heard loud music and happy children's laughter. Just across the street were dozens of little tots dressed in colorful costumes - monkeys, bears, lions, Mickey Mouse - all dancing to the raucous tunes of a tuba, a trombone and drum. What was going on? It was a celebration at the Chatham Public Library, kicking off a summer fund-raising effort.

When I returned to a pile of mail in my Boston office, I found an invitation to a major dinner-dance gala at the Boston Public Library, inviting me to sponsor a table for 10 at $15,000, an table of eight for $10,000 or just a $1,500 ticket for myself - and "recognition in the program book."

Next came a notice from the Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, library urging me to show up at a sale of books - duplicates or volumes no longer needed. There was also a hint that an appeal for a summer fund-raiser would be forthcoming.

It is clear that libraries are significant centers in all communities. Their resources are available to all townspeople, and every library has a surprising number of helpful materials. And, of course, every library needs financial help.

We are no different at Alden Library. Friends of the Library provide much needed annual support. And our library has many, many more books, documents and current materials than most community libraries have. These resources are available to all citizens of Athens and surrounding communities. You may be surprised by the helpful things you will find here.

Vernon Alden is a president emeritus of Ohio University. The Friends of the Libraries at Ohio University sponsors this monthly feature.