~Charles M. Bailey-Public Library~This is the public library of my home town. A beautiful old stone building that has been our library for as long as I or anyone in the town can remember.
This is where, as young students, we would go to prepare for a history report, a book report or to look at the latest edition of Ingenue magazine-{do any of you remember that?}
A few weeks ago, a sixteen year old boy- not from this community - set fire to this landmark. So far there is little talk about this young man or why he was out in the middle of the night or why this happened.
My late Mother was a trustee of this library and she used this library. It was a special to her. She regularly took books out from this library and would use it for research.
It's sad to drive by and see no young children entering for story hour, or high school students going inside to look up information online. We are hoping that with the help of community - our little library will be back with us soon. We are a community that does not judge, we do not blame... we just want her back in all of her glory.
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I am so sorry to hear that. I pray that it will be brought back to it's former glory. I love the library so much and have taught my children to love it too. My kids even now at teens, especially my daughter will always take a tripe with me there. Our little town library is currently under renovation.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love the way a library smells? They are special places and we keep fingers crossed for this little gem. Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad on so many levels. I hope the town can come together and give this fine landmark back her life. The building is beautiful! Is there a group of people trying to get her up and running?
ReplyDeleteOur local library offers a lot of opportunities for the kids and adults alike.
Have a golden day my friend! xoxo
Debra, our local Leawood Pioneer Library is being expanded and so is closed for now. The temp library is at the Towne Center Shopping center (across the street)with limited works, however they of course will order books in for you. I think that is a great thing that so many people are using the library that they need to add on. I am so sorry to hear of your beautiful landmark.
ReplyDeleteOh, how sad. I feel the sadness of your current loss and it sounds so wonderful that the town does not judge. I truly hope that it is restored to the spot for all to enjoy, including the young person. Growing up should be a time for trips to story hour and getting lost in good books.
ReplyDeleteI shall say a prayer for your town to bond and rebuild and to also help this soul to know God has plans for him. Each of us need a purpose and to know we are loved.
Please come by and see my cookbook that I posted today!
That is really sad. All the history wiped out. I love local libraries and often go to the lovely old library/community playhouse in Spring Lake New Jersey when I visit my family. I googled the story of this fire and it looks like the community is rallying. Good luck to all!!!
ReplyDeleteJoyce~ This is an old community and we will work to bring her back. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKarena~ Area libraries are offering membership to us- so that is kind and very helpful.
PVE~ Thank you for your prayers. Isn't she beautiful? I'm painting her right now and will offer it when she's healed and up and running again.
Ina~ Yes, it is all sad. Mostly the young man and his family. Thankfully many books were salvaged.
She is an absolute charming library. I hope your town can restore it soon, so that all the Library lovers can resume walking through those doors. It's been hurt, and now it needs to be healed.
ReplyDeleteYes-it will take some time. I'll do an up-date when things are much improved. So happy to see you here!
ReplyDeleteOh that is so sad! Like a little death. I hope it gets resurrected soon.
ReplyDeleteWe're hoping all will be all healed and running smoothly again soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about this terrible happening!
ReplyDeleteSET FIRE TO A LIBRARY???? That must be so angering for the people of your town. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad shame. Surely a troubled young man to do such a senseless, tragic thing. I do so hope your town will be able to restore this lovely and vital building and she will soon reopen even better than before!
ReplyDeleteThis is a terribly sad story. You just have to wonder how troubled someone is to do this sort of thing. I really think your take on the whole thing is such an example of not judging. I know with attitudes like that, your library will be back better than ever.
ReplyDeleteSad sad story! Really hope they sentence the young man who did this to a community service in the library when it's restored.
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear about this! I really do hope the community pulls together. You have a great attitude about looking forward...
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