Alex Paul
“Daddy, is the library open yet? asked the little girl wearing pink rubber boots as she and her father walked past the Sweet Home Public Library Saturday morning.
“No honey, in about 20 minutes it will be though,” her dad answered.
“Goody,” she replied.
Although Saturday morning’s grand re opening of the Sweet Home Public Library was facilitated by adults, it was perhaps the children of the community who sported the broadest smiles that the “closed” sign that hung in the front window for four months was now turned around to “open”.
“This certainly is a more joyful and positive event than it was when we gathered at the library last May,” said Mayor Tim McQueary. We’re here today to correct that.”
Mayor McQueary praised the hard work and dedication of many who banded together to gather supports for a new four year levy.
“We never doubted that we had the support of the public but getting the 50 percent is very difficult but because of your efforts the community now has its library back.”
The mayor added that “our present system of voting makes it too easy for those who are in opposition, uninformed or just plain don’t care to sit at home, doing nothing and have their vote count.”
Project co chair Max Thompson said there were many persons who deserved to be recognized for their efforts including Sandy Leonard who organized a community march, Nancy and Linn Ellis who coordinated signage placement and Mary Rife who “worked like a trooper” on a telephone calling effort.
“We also need to thank Dr. Mike Alperin who volunteered his office for the telephone calling,” Thompson said. “We also want to thank the voters without whom we would not be standing here.”
Co chair Dr. Henry Wolthuis added that “We remember that Sweet Home is a town that always goes forward.”
“I served eight years on the city budget committee and I was always impressed at how the library operates on a budget that hardly ever increases,” Dr. Wolthuis said. “I think we also must have respect for the voters and the expression of their wishes. It behooves us to treat tax dollars as sacred.”
Once Mayor McQueary, Dr. Wolthuis and Thompson cut the ribbon commemorating the event, the crowd flooded into the building to peruse the card catalog and pull up a chair.
The Leonard sisters, Becky, 13, Heide, 12, and Emily, 9, took only a minute or two to hook onto a book each.
“We’re all glad the library’s open again,” Becky said. “I like the books by Kathryn Palmer.”
Mary Rife, also known as “Mother Goose” during story hour, was excited at the turnout noting, “We need the library…I hope we can keep it open.”
In the children’s section, Lucas Rassbach, 5, and Josh McKinnon, 3, were becoming quick friends while lounging in little chairs.
Rassbach’s dad, Mike, the local forest ranger, was busy looking up a book on dog obedience training since the family has recently acquired a new pup.
“This is a good day for Sweet Home,” the elder Rassbach said, as he held up a book for Lucas’ consideration.
Lena Meyers, 14, a freshman at SHHS, was busy at the card catalog.
“I love the library, I love to read,” Meyers said. “It makes you smarter.”
Meyers said she enjoys reading primarily fiction.