Come this November an increase in the local library budget will be on the ballot. While I haven't been given the okay to make this public in the newspaper yet, I wrote a little ground work in support of Ripley Library. On a personal note, Nancy McIntosh, the librarian, is the best thing that's happened to the library in a long, long time. She knocks herself out to make this a social focal point for Ripley. In a town with few resources and fewer "things to do," she adds a much needed ray of sunshine. This is for you Nance.

And a Good Time Was Had by All

The Ripley Library has been a struggling library for many, many years. From the beauty of the Hamilton Estate location, the library has moved several times to other facilities. It is located currently, as most of you know, in what was once the Baptist church. It’s always a challenge to keep up with utilities, maintenance and upkeep, not to mention making sure readers are offered new books and media as they become available. Through grants the library has been able to put on a new roof, repair and replace some of the infrastructure, purchase additional books and provide speakers in recent years. But money is always tight.

We sometimes take for granted the things we have available to us on a regular basis. Let me point out some of the events/services that our local library has made available to us in the past year:

Oftentimes, speakers will come to the library free of charge, such as visits from the Office for the Aging and the Veteran’s Administration. Local garden centers have come to offer tips on preparing or putting your garden to bed. Sometimes grants are written to get speakers like the Eriehonen Indian Nation lecture by Doug Perrelli from SUNY Buffalo. All these informative lectures and information sessions are free to the public.

The library offers continuing programs for the children of the community. Story Time is offered for 2 ½ to 3 year olds from October through May. The Summer Reading Program brings in kids from preschool all the way to the 8th grade, encouraging them to read by offering prizes and incentives. High school students are encouraged to participate as helpers. Literacy counts more than ever in today’s world. The library brings a world of adventure and learning to our young people, making reading fun and cultivating a lifelong love of the written word. Along with the Summer Reading Program comes the annual Dog Show, Salad Night, Talent Show and Pizza Party. This Christmas season will offer a craft making time for children to make gifts for giving. All these fun activities, bringing kids together in their own community, are free.

Classes for adults are scheduled throughout the year. Basic computer classes are being well attended; art classes have been offered; and genealogy presentations have been made. As interest increases, more class selections will be offered.

Community events are a big part of the library’s involvement in Ripley. Events fall into two categories: they are either free, or they are fundraisers for the library. The Ripley Library has provided refreshments for the concerts given by the Ripley Central School Bell Ringers. A Valentine’s Day bake sale was a huge success last year, offering last minute sweets for sweethearts. The Big Read in February brings together adults to read and discuss a common book throughout the nation, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. March brought us the Month of the Arts, which included Picture America, a fine arts exhibition brought to us with a grant from the Arts Council, Poetry Night, and a Music Appreciation Day with recorded as well as live music offered by local musicians. An upcoming Christmas Open House will be held in December to welcome new folks to the library who have never taken advantage of the facilities there and to greet and thank old friends who frequent the library.

Other annual events such as the Block Party held in July; Book Sale in August; the Murder Mystery dinner, held in both April and October this year; Yard Sale; the Chicken Barbeque; the Night at the Winery concert and wine tasting at Noble Winery in September; and the Silent Auction coming up in November are held not only to raise much needed funds for the library, but to provide a fun time for the community.

Our local library also has a number of clubs or groups who are always looking for new members. There are two book clubs, one geared for younger adults, ages 20 through 30, and the other for older adults. Knitters spend Tuesday nights chatting and sharing tips, or teaching newcomers the fun of knitting. Pinochle players can catch a game on Thursday evenings. And the Friends of the Ripley Library meet every first Thursday to discuss ways they can further help the library, either through fund-raisers or by shelving books, cleaning or other chores than need to be done.

Our small town library cannot hope to compete with larger libraries in the area. Many people frequent neighboring libraries because “they have a better selection,” or “it just looks nicer.” Recently state funding was decreased by 25% for libraries across the board. Our little library works hard for the community. Countless hours and thought are put into events and services offered by the Ripley Library. With a staff of two and one permanent part-time volunteer, a volunteer library board, and a volunteer Friends group, they accomplish miracles.

Great things are coming for our local library. Help support it in any way you can. For more information about any of the events, services and clubs at the Ripley Library, call 716-736-3913. Tell ‘em Robyn sent you.