This week’s challenge is to check out your local library. I’m all for this, perhaps because it’s in my blood. I’m from Pittsburgh, home once to Andrew Carnegie, the industrialist who after making his fortune in the steel industry, provided millions in funds to create public libraries open to individuals of all social classes across the country and the world.
Crediting his accessibility to books as the reason for his enormous success, Carnegie believed that a library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. “It is a never failing spring in a desert,” he said.
First funding libraries in places where he had a personal connection, namely Dunferminet, Scotland, his birthplace and southwestern Pennsylvania, in 1899 Carnegie chose to expand upon his mission. Twenty years later, in 1919, when the Carnegie Foundation provided its final grant, the US had 3,500 libraries, nearly half of which had been built with his funds. That certainly sounds like an amazing feat. Hip hip, hooray, Andrew. Your legacy lives on today.
In Vermont, thanks to the commitment from the Bellows Falls, Morristown, Fair Haven and Burlington communities, four Carnegie funded libraries were constructed and celebrated their 100th anniversaries a few years ago. Perhaps this is the week to explore them all. Or, if not – there are 179 other libraries within reach thanks to post-civil war women’s club movers and shakers and prosperous hometown donors. Crammed full of literature, audio books and activities for children and folks of all ages, these libraries will make your hearts sing with joy and enrich your mind’s eye.
As I passed through Barre the other day, I noted that the Aldrich Library’s Wednesday night summer author series is in full swing. On the docket in August is John Carafoli, a food writer, John and Jennifer Churchman, picture book authors and illustrators of the now famous, Sweet Pea and Friends book and former chief justice, Jeffrey Amestoy.
You might want to pick up a Vermont summer library passport at any one of 107 participating libraries and travel around the state collecting a variety of passport stamps. This event, sponsored by the Vermont Library Association, is open to adults, young adults and children. At summer’s end, each library will determine which patrons from each category have visited the most libraries and the winners will take home a small prize.
Also, keep in mind that several Vermont libraries have discounted passes for the ECHO Science Center, Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Museum, Vermont history museums and state historical sites and parks.
In my own backyard, eager to find something new to read, I stopped by the Grand Isle Free Library the other evening. Housed in a small red brick building that once served as the town hall, stacks and stacks of books line the shelves. 
Because of our town’s size, if one frequents the library, it doesn’t take long before the librarian knows your first name and which genre strikes your fancy. Kathy was eager to be of assistance. Lo and behold, I am first in line to borrow the brand new Harry Potter sensation – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- when it is released at midnight.
We look forward to seeing your favorite library photos throughout the week.
See you on the PATH ahead.
Shevonne, Gillian and Amy