Springfield Library - Revision history

198.6.33.13 at 17:37, 6 November 2008

2008-11-06T17:37:13Z

198.6.33.13: /* History */

2008-11-06T17:13:16Z

History

←Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 6 November 2008
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	=History=		=History=
-	by Crystal Fogle	+	by [[Fogle, Crystal Bryan\|Crystal Fogle]]

	[[April 13]]th, [[1958]] will mark the 50th or golden anniversary of the Springfield Public Library. As our city approaches that date, its citizens are preparing to dedicate a beautiful modern library building which will adequately serve the city of Springfield for years in the future.		[[April 13]]th, [[1958]] will mark the 50th or golden anniversary of the Springfield Public Library. As our city approaches that date, its citizens are preparing to dedicate a beautiful modern library building which will adequately serve the city of Springfield for years in the future.

199.79.32.17 at 21:31, 25 October 2008

2008-10-25T21:31:13Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 25 October 2008
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	A picture show and food sale were held in March 1925 to bolster library funds. A Mr. McKinnon contacted the library board concerning night school in the library rooms. Miss Roberts, the librarian, was appointed to interview him concerning the kind of school he wished to conduct. The board agreed to permit the gentleman to use the rooms three evenings each week at $1 per night on a one month's trial basis.		A picture show and food sale were held in March 1925 to bolster library funds. A Mr. McKinnon contacted the library board concerning night school in the library rooms. Miss Roberts, the librarian, was appointed to interview him concerning the kind of school he wished to conduct. The board agreed to permit the gentleman to use the rooms three evenings each week at $1 per night on a one month's trial basis.

-	The librarian's salary was raised to $24 a month, Books now needed binding but the board thought it best to first investigate the financial condition of the library. Two members of the board met with Mr. '''[[Larson, Jack\|Jack Larson]]''', owner of the '''[[Bell ~~Theater~~]]''' to discuss a moving picture library benefit. The play, “Way Down East" was given '''[[October 8]]'''th, '''[[1925]]''' and the library’s share of the proceeds after expenses was $11.50.	+	The librarian's salary was raised to $24 a month, Books now needed binding but the board thought it best to first investigate the financial condition of the library. Two members of the board met with Mr. '''[[Larson, Jack\|Jack Larson]]''', owner of the '''[[Bell Theatre]]''' to discuss a moving picture library benefit. The play, “Way Down East" was given '''[[October 8]]'''th, '''[[1925]]''' and the library’s share of the proceeds after expenses was $11.50.

	Mrs. Emery, library board president, suggested that the board meet with the council to discuss financial matters but Mr. R. Smith, city recorder, thought it best not to see the council at this particular time.		Mrs. Emery, library board president, suggested that the board meet with the council to discuss financial matters but Mr. R. Smith, city recorder, thought it best not to see the council at this particular time.
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	By February 1926 the library board realized it had not received its full amount of revenue from taxes because tax money had not been collected, so new books were purchased just a few at a time.		By February 1926 the library board realized it had not received its full amount of revenue from taxes because tax money had not been collected, so new books were purchased just a few at a time.

-	An April ~~261926~~ food sale showed a profit of $15.35 to help bolster library funds.	+	An '''[[April 26]]''' '''[[1926]]''' food sale showed a profit of $15.35 to help bolster library funds.

	An $800 insurance policy was written for the library in 1926.		An $800 insurance policy was written for the library in 1926.

199.79.32.17: /* History */

2008-10-25T21:28:15Z

History

←Older revision		Revision as of 21:28, 25 October 2008
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	A picture show and food sale were held in March 1925 to bolster library funds. A Mr. McKinnon contacted the library board concerning night school in the library rooms. Miss Roberts, the librarian, was appointed to interview him concerning the kind of school he wished to conduct. The board agreed to permit the gentleman to use the rooms three evenings each week at $1 per night on a one month's trial basis.		A picture show and food sale were held in March 1925 to bolster library funds. A Mr. McKinnon contacted the library board concerning night school in the library rooms. Miss Roberts, the librarian, was appointed to interview him concerning the kind of school he wished to conduct. The board agreed to permit the gentleman to use the rooms three evenings each week at $1 per night on a one month's trial basis.

-	The librarian's salary was raised to $24 a month, Books now needed binding but the board thought it best to first investigate the financial condition of the library. Two members of the board met with Mr. Jack Larson, owner of the Bell Theater to discuss a moving picture library benefit. The play, “Way Down East" was given October ~~8th~~, 1925 and the library’s share of the proceeds after expenses was $11.50.	+	The librarian's salary was raised to $24 a month, Books now needed binding but the board thought it best to first investigate the financial condition of the library. Two members of the board met with Mr. '''[[Larson, Jack\|Jack Larson]]''', owner of the '''[[Bell Theater]]''' to discuss a moving picture library benefit. The play, “Way Down East" was given '''[[October 8]]'''th, '''[[1925]]''' and the library’s share of the proceeds after expenses was $11.50.

	Mrs. Emery, library board president, suggested that the board meet with the council to discuss financial matters but Mr. R. Smith, city recorder, thought it best not to see the council at this particular time.		Mrs. Emery, library board president, suggested that the board meet with the council to discuss financial matters but Mr. R. Smith, city recorder, thought it best not to see the council at this particular time.

64.13.12.12 at 00:41, 21 September 2008

2008-09-21T00:41:19Z

64.13.12.12: /* History */

2008-09-21T00:38:23Z

History

←Older revision		Revision as of 00:38, 21 September 2008
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	Respectful tribute is given to Mrs. Elizabeth Page, former teacher, who served the Springfield, library as its secretary for 43 years and many others who have contributed of their time, efforts and resources to bestow upon this new library a heritage of faithful service.		Respectful tribute is given to Mrs. Elizabeth Page, former teacher, who served the Springfield, library as its secretary for 43 years and many others who have contributed of their time, efforts and resources to bestow upon this new library a heritage of faithful service.
		+
		+	==Article==

	Judy Harold has seen a lot change in the 43 years she’s been involved with the Springfield Public Library. But that’s not even the half of it.		Judy Harold has seen a lot change in the 43 years she’s been involved with the Springfield Public Library. But that’s not even the half of it.

64.13.12.12 at 00:37, 21 September 2008

2008-09-21T00:37:23Z

Show changes

198.6.33.13 at 22:53, 17 April 2008

2008-04-17T22:53:08Z

New page

Judy Harold has seen a lot change in the 43 years she’s been involved with the Springfield Public Library. But that’s not even the half of it.

Throughout this month, the library is celebrating a century of growth, marking the 100th anniversary of its founding in [[1908]] with a series of events centered on Saturday’s community gala. The free party will include music, entertainment, various children’s activities and birthday cake.

The celebration offers plenty of incentive for both the library itself and its patrons, said Harold, who was a staff librarian for 26 years before her retirement in 2006.

“Yes, we like taking this opportunity to become more visible — it’s a great opportunity to do that — but I think more, we really do think of it as an opportunity to thank people for supporting us,” she said.

The Springfield Public Library has come a long way since a group of Springfield women first met on April 13, 1908, with the idea of forming the library. Their first fundraiser collected a total of $65.10 to get the project off the ground, according to a written history of the library compiled in [[1958]] by historian Crystal Fogle.

A year later, in [[1909]], Springfield’s librarian earned a monthly salary of $2.

The decades that followed saw several location changes for the library as it continued to outgrow its confines. They also saw financial struggle — library staff often had to hold off on buying books to add to the collection, and the [[1927]] purchase of a set of “Roosevelt’s Complete Works” left the library with just 2 cents in its treasury.

Things eventually stabilized before the library moved again in 1958 to its former location on A Street, in the old City Hall downtown. In [[1981]], the Springfield library moved a few blocks to its current location on nearby Fifth Street.

Today, the Springfield Public Library maintains an inventory of about 180,000 items — including books, CDs and movies, among other things — and circulates about 27,000 of those each month, Interim Director Debbie Steinman said.

The library still plays a large part in the Springfield community, serving hundreds of patrons each day, even if its role has changed slightly. In recent years, Steinman said the library’s focus has shifted toward providing access to technology to people who can’t easily afford it.

“People can come into the library, and you don’t have to pay for those connections,” Steinman said.

“I look around at a lot of people using (the Internet), and I know a lot of them don’t have it at home.”

But not everyone just cruises MySpace or YouTube. Steinman said she often sees users working on résumés or applying for jobs online.

One thing hasn’t changed in 100 years. Volunteers are still vital to the library’s success today, just as they were in 1908, Harold said.

“I think that was always something that was real critical to the inception of this library,” she said. “It started out as a community library with volunteers, and we still are lucky to have volunteers that in fact do all of our shelving.”

And in the face of an ever-present budget crunch, volunteer work has become even more important as the library tries to make ends meet.

There are generally 30 to 45 volunteers who work during any given time of year (there are only 12 permanent staff members), although many come and go depending on the season, Steinman said. They collectively log about 3,500 hours per year.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” Steinman said.

One such volunteer is Springfield resident Brandy Wilson, who spent a recent Monday morning shelving books near the library’s reference section. In about a year of volunteering, Wilson said she’s enjoyed being able to find useful books for her 13-year-old daughter’s home schooling, and working in a positive atmosphere.

“The ladies and people here are just wonderful,” Wilson said.

Following this month’s 100th anniversary celebration, library staff say they hope there’s plenty more growth in store for the future. Although no concrete plans are currently in the works, Harold and Steinman both said they’d like to see the library move to a larger location that could serve more of Springfield.

The library’s current space is filled to capacity. Some books are stored in the back rooms, Steinman said.

For now, the Springfield Public Library will take advantage of the opportunity to reach out to its community, Steinman said.

“I think it’s important to celebrate the milestones,” she said. “It’s important for the community to know that it’s been here that long and to reflect on how far it’s come.”

Saturday’s gala will include music by the Springfield High Jazz Ensemble (from noon to 1 p.m.), a welcome from Mayor Sid Leiken and Steinman (1 p.m.), Portland juggler Charlie Brown (1:15 p.m.) and a performance by the Old-Time Music Players (2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.).

Throughout the event, there will be birthday cake available, visits from Clifford the Big Red Dog and Pig from “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” balloon twisting, a musical book walk for children with book prizes, and historical displays in the library and the nearby City Hall Gallery.

Later this month, the 100th anniversary celebration continues with a reading and discussion by local award-winning mystery and science fiction author Kate Wilhelm, at 7 p.m. April 22 at the Wildish Theater, 630 Main St.

Among Wilhelm’s numerous awards are the Hugo and Nebula, the Kurt Lasswitz Award from Germany and the Prix Apollo from France. Wilhelm’s work has been translated into more than a dozen languages.

On April 28, the library will observe Dia de los Ninos, or Day of the Child, recognizing the International Rights of Children. The music, games and refreshments will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sponsors of the 100th anniversary celebration events include Cressey Charitable Trust; John Dewenter, attorney-at-law; SELCO; Siuslaw Bank; Emerald Property Management; Brandt Financial Services; Springfield Utility Board; Springfield Buick; Jerry’s Home Improvement Center; Pacific Source Health Plans; ING Financial Advisers; and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

[[Category:Springfield]]

←Older revision		Revision as of 00:41, 21 September 2008
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	by Crystal Fogle		by Crystal Fogle

-	April ~~13th~~, 1958 will mark the 50th or golden anniversary of the Springfield Public Library. As our city approaches that date, its citizens are preparing to dedicate a beautiful modern library building which will adequately serve the city of Springfield for years in the future.	+	[[April 13]]th, [[1958]] will mark the 50th or golden anniversary of the Springfield Public Library. As our city approaches that date, its citizens are preparing to dedicate a beautiful modern library building which will adequately serve the city of Springfield for years in the future.

	Embodied within the walls of this new structure and the books it contains, are found the results of labors and dreams of many Springfield past and present citizens.		Embodied within the walls of this new structure and the books it contains, are found the results of labors and dreams of many Springfield past and present citizens.
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	This building stands as a living memorial to all of those who have given of themselves in any measure to create, foster and produce a library of which the whole city can be justly proud.		This building stands as a living memorial to all of those who have given of themselves in any measure to create, foster and produce a library of which the whole city can be justly proud.

-	Some years ago I gave a promise to Mrs. Elizabeth Page who has since passed away that I would collaborate with her in writing a history of the Springfield Public Library. I am now fulfilling that obligation.	+	Some years ago I gave a promise to Mrs. '''[[Page, Elizabeth\|Elizabeth Page]]''' who has since passed away that I would collaborate with her in writing a history of the Springfield Public Library. I am now fulfilling that obligation.

	I have known personally with very few exceptions, the individuals who have made this story and it has been a pleasure to renew these acquaintances in memory. It has been impossible to mention all who have given of their best for the “library cause," but those who resided here or their descendants can see with pride the “fruit of those labors.”		I have known personally with very few exceptions, the individuals who have made this story and it has been a pleasure to renew these acquaintances in memory. It has been impossible to mention all who have given of their best for the “library cause," but those who resided here or their descendants can see with pride the “fruit of those labors.”
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	The story is written in minute detail so that we may see with appreciation that which has been created.		The story is written in minute detail so that we may see with appreciation that which has been created.

-	The day of April 13, 1908 the ladies of Springfield held a mass meeting at the Methodist Church 2nd and B streets for the purpose of formulating plans fore the establishment of a public library. Mrs. Paul Bettelheim was elected president of the group, Mrs. Elizabeth Page, secretary, and Mrs. Harry Stewart, treasurer. At the second meeting of the ladies, Miss Cornelia Marvin, secretary of the state library commission, suggested the city hall as a proper location fort the city library. She also volunteered to send a traveling library of 50 volumes.	+	The day of April 13, [[1908]] the ladies of Springfield held a mass meeting at the Methodist Church 2nd and B streets for the purpose of formulating plans fore the establishment of a public library. Mrs. Paul Bettelheim was elected president of the group, Mrs. Elizabeth Page, secretary, and Mrs. Harry Stewart, treasurer. At the second meeting of the ladies, Miss Cornelia Marvin, secretary of the state library commission, suggested the city hall as a proper location fort the city library. She also volunteered to send a traveling library of 50 volumes.

	The Springfield ladies, realizing money to be the first requisite in their tremendous venture, began a long series of fund raising projects. The first of these was an Election Day dinner. A letter and ten tickets were sent to each of the various state and county candidates requesting their financial assistance in establishing a public library. The sum of $65.10 was netted as a result of the energetic work of committees and the ladies of Springfield generally.		The Springfield ladies, realizing money to be the first requisite in their tremendous venture, began a long series of fund raising projects. The first of these was an Election Day dinner. A letter and ten tickets were sent to each of the various state and county candidates requesting their financial assistance in establishing a public library. The sum of $65.10 was netted as a result of the energetic work of committees and the ladies of Springfield generally.
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	A committee consisting of Mrs. Harry Stewart, Mrs. Will Cheshire and Mrs. Mary Martin was successful in securing the city hall as a library location. Mrs. Martin was elected to be the first librarian. Miss Marvin sent the promised 50 volume traveling library and a year's subscription to the Oregon Monthly, which company itself donated 100 sample magazines. Public donations and pledged donations were received from interested citizens and thus the Springfield Library came into being. Its doors were open to the patrons on Saturdays from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The struggle to keep this library functioning and serving its patrons will be revealed proudly in this story.		A committee consisting of Mrs. Harry Stewart, Mrs. Will Cheshire and Mrs. Mary Martin was successful in securing the city hall as a library location. Mrs. Martin was elected to be the first librarian. Miss Marvin sent the promised 50 volume traveling library and a year's subscription to the Oregon Monthly, which company itself donated 100 sample magazines. Public donations and pledged donations were received from interested citizens and thus the Springfield Library came into being. Its doors were open to the patrons on Saturdays from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The struggle to keep this library functioning and serving its patrons will be revealed proudly in this story.

-	The ladies ordered new books for the library when-ever funds permitted, through' M. M. Peery, a local druggist. All manner of plans were laid for raising money--the first of these projects being a bazaar which netted $53.67. Donations from local business firms and individuals were being received so Mrs. N. W. Emery (wife of the local dentist) agreed to canvass the city for "new subscribers" to the library. Miss Alice Kester (now Mrs. George Perkins) offered her services free of charge to act as librarian once each week thus enabling the library to be open twice weekly.	+	The ladies ordered new books for the library when-ever funds permitted, through' '''[[Peery, M.M.\|M. M. Peery]]''', a local druggist. All manner of plans were laid for raising money--the first of these projects being a bazaar which netted $53.67. Donations from local business firms and individuals were being received so Mrs. N. W. Emery (wife of the local dentist) agreed to canvass the city for "new subscribers" to the library. Miss Alice Kester (now Mrs. George Perkins) offered her services free of charge to act as librarian once each week thus enabling the library to be open twice weekly.

	In February, 1909 the "library association" voted to move the library from the city hall to a room above the photograph gallery - the rent to be $2.00 per month. It remained this location only four months. The association sought and received exclusive use of the city hall for Saturday afternoon and evening so the library was moved back to its former location by the Rychard Express for 50c.		In February, 1909 the "library association" voted to move the library from the city hall to a room above the photograph gallery - the rent to be $2.00 per month. It remained this location only four months. The association sought and received exclusive use of the city hall for Saturday afternoon and evening so the library was moved back to its former location by the Rychard Express for 50c.