Today’s libraries, with their multitude of services, are being used by more people than ever before. Unfortunately, funds for many libraries are also being severely curtailed. The East Haven Hagaman Memorial Library, guided by the capable and dedicated Cynthia Gwiazda, the community services librarian, has initiated a series of cost-effective, popular programs.
Giving a boost to local authors, as well as providing an entertaining evening, Hagaman’s recent authors included Henry Lee presenting, “Shocking Cases from Dr. Lee’s Forensic Files,” “A Measure of Joy,” written by Reiki master teacher Gay Stinnett and Tom Ackerman’s novel, “For a Reason,” which explores why things happen.
There is also a classics book discussion group and a contemporary fiction discussion group, both of which meet in the afternoon. Free movie nights include pizza and soft drinks, and free ballroom dance lessons for tango, waltz and swing were available earlier this spring.
There have been free concerts and a virtual program, “50 Wonders of Korea.” For anyone inspired by the latter to take a trip, the library will have a special Passport Day June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help anyone needing a passport.
A special feature for anyone older than 60 who is homebound (permanently or for a short period) is the Homebound Delivery Service, which Cynthia was able to start after she applied for and received a special government grant. Regular- and large-print books, as well as videos and books on tape, can be delivered to the homes of East Haven residents.
One of the most innovative programs at their library is the Adopt-an-Author plan. You agree to purchase one copy of each new book published by your favorite author for one year. In turn, you are able to borrow the book first, after which it becomes part of the circulating collection and can carry your identification on a book plate.
As part of their effort to make the library a vital social center for the town, new carpeting, bright new windows and a new air-conditioning system have been installed. Getting people to use their town library has been the goal of many libraries. Some have created cafes and special zones to appeal to teenagers.
While the economy has encouraged people to seek free Internet access at the library for job hunts and free book and movie rentals, library hours, along with senior services and arts programs, are on the chopping block in many states. One Dallas library countered budget cuts with a program called Street Smart Express, which charges a $5 fee for any hot, new book.
It will be interesting to see how the Internet and Kindle affect the library of the future. Library scholarship began in the Great Library of Alexandria, paid for with funds from the royal treasury, and the books were actually scrolls made of papyrus or leather. Today, there is already a library in Massachusetts that is completely electronic; there is not a single book!
It is discouraging to learn that 40 percent of the people in America read one book or less last year, but a rare June 1938 comic book, the first to feature Superman, sold recently for a cool million dollars. Will the printed word become an endangered species? Only time will tell, but this writer is betting on its survival.
Meanwhile, have you checked out what’s happening at your local library lately? For programs at the East Haven library, call 203-468-3890 or go to www.hagamanlibrary.info.
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