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REFLECTIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY
Volume 2, Issue 37 FEBRUARY 7, 2025 Total Raised: $8,989
Lead this Legacy
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YOUR LOCALLYOWNED OWNEDAND AND OPERATED OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE YOUR LOCALLY NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE Thank you to this week’s donors towards our Lead this Legacy Fundraising Campaign Kathleen Badgley
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Pentwater Township Library to celebrate 170 years By AnnaMae Bush
itors in just two hours! Christmas programs also bring joy, with Santa visits and family crafts each weekend. Recently, we gathered members from six local book clubs, including our own, to share ideas with an Afternoon Library Tea and to explore library resources like NoveList and MeLCat. It’s all about connecting our patrons to resources and to each other.
The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent The Pentwater Township Library is having a special celebration in honor of its 170th anniversary! This milestone event will take place at the library Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., 402 E. Park St. in Pentwater.
Q: What vision does the Board or Director have for the library in the next 10 years? A: We are continually seeking ways to strengthen our community impact. Two years ago we began exploring a transition to a district library, especially as changes within the village may affect our current structure. With a committee representing the Township, the School District, and Weare Township, we’re in consultation with the Library of Michigan to determine the best path forward. Our focus is on long-term stability and ensuring continued, expanded services for all our patrons.
The following is an interview with Mary Barker, director of the Pentwater Township Library (PTL): Q: What is the event that the library is celebrating this month? A: Our library will celebrate a milestone 170th birthday in February! Founded with an initial $50 donation, a substantial sum at the time—our library has been serving the community since 1855. To put this into perspective, 170 years ago, groundbreaking events like the opening of the Panama Railroad and the invention of the Bunsen burner took place, as well as the debut of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and the founding of Michigan State University. Our library’s roots are truly historic, and we’re thrilled to honor this long-standing service to our community. Q: Can you tell us about the original founding event? A: We don’t know exactly who gave that initial $50 to start our library, but in today’s dollars, that’s equivalent to about $1,812. It’s humbling to realize how this early contribution has evolved into a vibrant library that’s been at the heart of our community for nearly two centuries. Q: How has the library changed since its beginning, and what are some highlights along the way? A: Over 170 years, libraries like ours have transformed. Early libraries often restricted access—many didn’t lend books, and children were usually not permitted. By the early 1900s, librar-
ies began easing restrictions, though many maintained age limits. PTL was among Michigan’s first libraries founded under township law, with the township clerk initially acting as the honorary librarian. Major changes came in the 1980s with automation and the replacement of card catalogs by computers. By 2008, e-materials became available, expanding access to books, music, and films, Q: How will the anniversary be celebrated in and today we offer a range of digital and streaming February (or is that to be a secret?) services. A: We’re planning a community gathering that includes local leaders, library friends and patrons. Q: What awards has the library achieved? A: Our library has a proud history of recogni- We’ll share photos, stories and fun historical tidtion. In 1996, we received an LSCA (Library Ser- bits. 170 years is a cause for celebration! vices Construction Act) grant to build our current The theme for the Feb. 14 event, “For the Love facility on Park Street, creating the welcoming of Libraries, Celebrating 170 Years,” reflects the space our patrons enjoy today. We also received deep connection this library has fostered within the prestigious Star Library status from Library the community for generations. Journal in both 2016 and 2022, a designation given The celebration will include: to only 12 libraries in Michigan that demonstrate ◆ Engaging displays showcasing the library’s high resource usage and community engagement. rich history and its role in the community. Our “Reading Community” truly shines here. ◆ Thoughtful discussions on libraries and Q: What activities are you particularly proud emerging trends, featuring special guest speakers. of? ◆ Opportunities to connect with fellow comA: We host engaging programs year-round, munity members and share one’s thoughts on the but our holiday events are especially popular. For value of libraries. example, our 2024 Haunted Library drew 642 visLight refreshments will be provided.
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The 2025 Pentwater Homecoming King Rolando Salgado and Queen Mandi Sayles, above center, were crowned prior to this past Friday’s varsity boys basketball game. Prince Logan Fatura and Princess Charlie Swanger were also crowned before the game against Marion. • Brendan Samuels/Echo
Winterfest warms up Hart • Brendan Samuels, Connie VanDerZanden and Paul Erickson/Echo