“Gratitude”—A single, simple word. Yet a word filled with deep meaning on so many levels. Gratitude comes from the Latin word “gratus”, which means “thankful” or “pleasing”. Gratitude—the art of giving thanks and appreciation. At the Meekins Library we have so many things to be grateful for.
As the 20th century approached, the Williamsburg townspeople wanted a library, and they helped create one. Local farmer Stephen Meekins left funds in his will to build the elegant granite building in the center of town which was dedicated in February 1897. For more than 128 years townsfolk have come to the Meekins—first, to find just books and periodicals, and now, still, so many more books and magazines (physical and online), DVDs, CDs, museum passes, local history and connections to our town history, the vast virtual world, programs for all generations, technology support, a peaceful place to connect with neighbors, beautiful grounds in all seasons and so much more.
Our gratitude list could be endless–yet it starts here. Meekins is so thankful for:
- Our library patrons of all ages, near and far. You are our reason for being.
- This town, all town departments, and the townspeople of Williamsburg and Haydenville for 128+ years of support of all kinds.
- Those who built the original library and expanded it in 2003.
- The decades of library staff and volunteers with a vision of how the Library is an integral part of the community, and who have faced every kind of challenge—from weather, to construction, to technology that changes so fast—and who have guided the Library as it moved with the times.
- Those who select the books you love to read—and all the readers out there who want those books.
- Those who make sure that our patrons can easily find what they want—physically and virtually.
- Membership in the regional library and state library systems that provides patrons with access to a broad world of resources here and online.
- Those who read to children, and the children of all ages who listen.
- School children—who learn to love the library early on—and stay connected their whole lives.
- The Summer Reading Programs that kids remember so well and then tell their own children all about them.
- Those who design and keep up the beautiful grounds. And those who enjoy the beautiful campus—a green oasis in the center of town.
- The artisans and artists who have created beautiful furnishings and art for the Library.
- Artists and craftspeople who show their work in our beautiful Hammer Gallery.
- A town full of rich history and the Meekins as a safe place to preserve our story.
- Friends of the Library who manage the always anticipated autumn book sale and have provided special programming support for years.
- Trustees over time who have worked on behalf of the Library for decades.
- Those from neighboring towns who consider Meekins their home library and provide support.
- The community and cultural organizations, businesses and all the groups who have joined together with Meekins in serving our community.
- All those who donate their time, their talents, and their funds to keep Meekins viable and strong.
- EACH OF YOU—without you, we could not be your community library. Thank you!
Come in—our doors are literally and virtually open. You are always welcome! Visit in person or virtually. Serving you, our patrons, is our reason for being. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Always, and with gratitude, from Meekins, your community library. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist and photographer. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 11/27/2025
