2023 has just gone—and 2024 has arrived with weather extravaganzas. Looking back—2023 was another busy year at Meekins—with more and more library visits, and lots of activities and programs for patrons of all ages. To keep the library going, behind the scenes we ordered, cataloged, and processed new books, magazines, audio books, DVDs, and more, got them ready—and then checked out thousands of items. We telephoned and e-chatted and e-mailed—answering reference questions in-person, by phone and online near and far. We promoted our online sources and coached and encouraged use of Kanopy, Hoopla and Libby too. As the town’s school library, every week we welcomed Anne T. Dunphy School classes for introduction to library materials and of course the chance to borrow lots of books and books and books. All year we had a rotating series of exhibitions of local artists shown throughout the library. Community groups made good use of the Hawks-Hayden Community Room throughout 2023. And the Meekins grounds were well-populated for quiet moments and for fun by multiple generations in every season—a real oasis in the center of town.
2023 brought changes to the Meekins. In June we lost our long-time Technical Services Librarian Bobbin. For 25 years, she had been creating our library’s catalogue, providing online access to book information and fielding questions of all sorts from the patrons she loved. Her passing left its mark. After almost 8 years, Kmit Children’s Librarian Naomi moved away leaving her legacy of innovative children’s programs. In the fall, Makayla joined the Meekins as Kmit Librarian and jumped right into all the school activities. Library assistant Irene, left in the summer and by early fall Wenny had joined the Meekins, a new face on the library’s service desk.
We took special care of our historic library building with town support for roof repairs and well-timed new gutters. We got a new “people counter” so that we can keep good track of the number of visitors to the Meekins. And we got our much-needed “tweaking” to our aging computers giving them a few extra years of service. The big old oak door, the original 1896 entrance to library, was beautifully restored to its former glory, welcoming people who come up the old steps.
Special programs filled the year. In February Meekins was the venue for a local “Town Hall” event with our local Massachusetts representative and senator. In April, performance artist and musician Pamela Means provided her “Power of The Protest Song: Our Shared History & Present Day” program. The Meekins participated in the Massachusetts Library Road Trip Program, welcoming visitors from all over who were on a trek to visit all commonwealth public libraries. Meekins was part of the multi-library Isaac Fitzgerald author event “Dirtbag Massachusetts”. The virtual “Spark Joy-Organizing your Life” program was a big hit. The Native plants program and the special pollinator garden walk program brought out many garden lovers. The “Doctor Atomic the Opera” discussion was lively; Bob McMaster’s talk about Edward Hitchcock was a new take on the old local geologist; Christian McEwen’s reading from her book “In Praise of Listening” was a thoughtful and enjoyable evening; and the “Save Your Back” program was welcomed by all attendees.
To celebrate National Library Week in April, metal sculptor James Kitchen’s “Steampunk Spaceship” landed at the Meekins, to the surprise of wide-eyed children and adults who could view it inside and out. Music by the reading-loving sculptor and friends accompanied the landing. The spaceship’s short visit sparked lots of interest.
The library continued its series of Technology Days—getting people into Meekins to meet with volunteer experts to help with their tech questions. “Drop Everything and Read” brought readers and listeners together both at the Anne T. Dunphy School and here at the Meekins—with a wonderful selection of good books and expressive readers. The adult library book club read and discussed a new book each month—“Horse” by Geraldine Brooks was the hands-down favorite. Naomi’s junior book clubs racked up their own book counts—devouring their favorite graphic novels each month. The “Find Your Voice” summer reading program was in full force online and in person—with participants earning lanyards filled with specially made buttons. Thursday night poetry lovers came together to read monthly. Every month, on a Sunday afternoon, we knitted and chatted and indulged in treats. We moved with world Tai Chi Day and celebrated poetry in April. For the first time this year, we held an “Ask an Archivist” day—for all your historical and genealogical questions.
School classes came every week—spring, fall, and winter. All year, parents and children came weekly for the always popular story hour. Craft, science, Legos, and game programs multiplied. STEAM programs brought kids and science and engineering together for creative experiments. Escape Rooms were packed, and expanded Dungeons and Dragons games were full.
The Friends held their anxiously anticipated annual October book sale. Halloween festivities were held in the entire spooky decorated library and hundreds visited that night. Luckily, we had a never-emptying bowl of treats. We shared “Day of the Dead” bread with those who visited the memorial altar in front of the fireplace in the Black Reading Room. People took special care to look at all the memorial photos and mementos placed there by community members. The Cabinet of Curiosities held felted creatures and Dedham pottery bunnies as well as funky vintage library finds.
At the end of the year, the Meekins Market returned as our patrons discovered “new” old treasures to share. Year three of the new favorite puzzle raffle, had ten this year—giving more people a chance to win. We held our decade-plus annual warm clothing drive to add coats to the permanent food collection in the library supporting the Neighbors Helping Neighbors local pantry. Once again, we participated in the “Christmas in Williamsburg” festivities—with happy children (and adults) making special cards while waiting to visit Santa. The 15th annual Holiday Read was a lovely interlude in a crazy season as we read new and old favorites by the fireplace.
Kids of all ages undertook the very popular monthly scavenger hunts. “Take & Make” crafts flew out of the library lobby daily. And every week throughout the year, new Throwback Thursday moments appeared on Facebook, sharing bits of town places, stories, and history, remembering townsfolk, and quirky Meekins tidbits. Finally—we watched Ssssmeekins the temperature snake grow to his full-year length. Wishing you a good start to 2024 and a year of joyful surprises. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist and photographer. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 1/11/2024
