Quincy Sun Promotes Thomas Crane Library

The March 10 issue of the Quincy Sun featured three articles about programs at the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy, Massachusetts. These two are clipped from Page 8. I posted this after the paper was published, and after attending the Rum-Soaked Crooks concert. It was a blast to hear sea shantey music reverberate in the rotunda and throughout the magnificant library. Luckily the library is large enough, with sufficient discreet and remote places, that anyone bothered by the sound had a number of options to find a quiet place to read or study.

Children's Reading but Not For Children

The headline doesn't tell the whole story, but the story does... Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy kicked off a reading and discussion program for adults to revisit books written for children, but "not for children only." Returning to the grammar school of one's childhood, with the fixtures and furniture so much closer to the floor than we remember, makes very real the passage of time and the strangers we have become to the children we once were. So too, reading with adult experience that which once was taken from a child's perspective can be eerie and delightful. Come, read, discuss! Thanks to the Quincy Sun for helping promote our program.

Thank you Laura Griffin!

Last week, during my last couple of days at Brockton Public Library, I agreed to a telephone interview byLaura Griffin of the Quincy Sun. I was in the middle of organizing nearly seven years worth of work and documents in a way that would be easy to find for those who follow, so I was quite distracted. We spoke for at least twenty minutes, maybe more. Imagine my pleasure when I read this article and saw myself portrayed as a thoughtful, serious professional who might just have "the right stuff" to build on the legacy of Ann McLaughlin as the leader of the magnificent Thomas Crane Public Library. Thank you Laura Griffin!

Brockton to host exhibit by Haitian artists - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

Brockton to host exhibit by Haitian artists - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

Of course the Brockton Public Library is one of the "other city locales" referred to in the article. Arnie Danielson, Bruce Hammond and others from the GBSPA have been working in our Joseph Driscoll gallery to hang many of these incredibly powerful paintings.

Thank you Anne Beauregard

This was the only Letter to the Editor on the January 1, 2011 [Brockton] Enterprise editorial page. What a lovely gift to start my new year. Anne is one of those volunteers who gives to the community in so many ways, for so many causes, and goes on local radio station WXBR 1460-AM weekly to promote everything that's positive about our City. To earn her respect and praise is very rewarding. As I indicated to many of our City Councilors at last night's meeting, Jody and I will continue to live in Brockton and be active in the Brockton Library Foundation, the Brockton Symphony Orchestra and other endeavors to make this a civil and liveable community.

Thank You Mark Linde

The Brockton Enterprise published a brief article about my forthcoming position at the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy. Mark Linde, who served as Chair of the Board of Library Trustees during my of my tenure in Brockton said some very kind words that I really appreciate.

Harry Roger Williams III submits resignation

On December 22, 2010, Harry Roger Williams III, the Library Director for the Brockton Public Library System, notified Margaret E. Mone, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, of his decision to resign effective February 4, 2011. He was offered, and accepted, appointment by Mayor Thomas P. Koch to the position of Library Director for the Thomas Crane Public Library, in the City of Quincy, Massachusetts.

Williams said, “This was a difficult decision. I will miss working with the Trustees and Mayor Balzotti and the City leadership, as well as the Library Staff, Brockton Library Foundation, our community partners and all the wonderful people who support and use the Brockton Public Library. However, the opportunity to direct a library system in a community with a long record of generous support for the library is very exciting. The only thing that could tempt me to change my current, and very satisfying, work and life situation is such an opportunity, which will allow me to spend more time and energy promoting and advocating for the library that employs me, and for libraries in general.”

Williams is proud of many accomplishments, including renovating the East Branch Library at no cost to City taxpayers; updating dozens of public internet access computers with funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates and Brockton Library Foundations; an NEA-funded Big Read program with FullerCraft and GBSPA; two City Lights fundraisers and a successful poetry series, also with the GBSPA; a grant from the State and Federal LSTA program for “Conversation Circles;” hundreds of programs, most especially many outstanding children’s programs; and tens of thousands of satisfied customers.

Williams told the Trustees, the Mayor and the Library Staff, “You have been tremendously supportive and wonderful advocates for the Library. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you for over six years. Please be assured that I will do my utmost to leave the Brockton Public Library well organized for an orderly transition.”