The Patriotism of Public Libraries

Public libraries in the USA are as patriotic as apple pie, baseball and the grand ole flag. These
community institutions are the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and beloved by all citizens. Your
public library is a hub of activity where folks learn, stay informed, and nourish their creativity. It is a safe space where the individual is valued, and every person is served. And a really good public library will contain materials enough to offend everyone and that is a very good thing indeed. Libraries serve to open minds.
The real estate of the library space is one of the most important aspects of making sure that all those
materials are regularly refreshed, renewed and replenished. A library must be nimble and readily flexible to change with the growing and evolving needs of its community based on patron and citizen input. In the landscape of contemporary times the need for libraries to pivot on the fly is crucial in serving all citizens.
Let’s make this summer of 2024 a moment where you discover something new about your library.
Challenge yourself and check out a book that offends you and commit to reading it and here is why;
Every citizen matters and when we learn about each other and others individually, we build community and empathy. That is the miracle of your public library. It is the modern frontier of exploration. Public libraries break boundaries and level the playing field for all citizens. Make a date with yourself or a friend and explore your library today, from offensive materials to your comforting favorites. It’s all good and all are welcome!

“We are a nation not only of dreamers, but also of fixers. We have looked at our land and people, and said, time and time again, ‘This is not good enough; we can be better.'”
― Dan Rather

Brick by Brick

By 1996, Erie had a library on South Park Row that was encased in scaffolding because the weight of the books was pulling the building apart, and chunks of the Beaux Arts structure were literally falling to the sidewalk. The scaffolding created tunnels making it safe for pedestrians to walk. It also had a Bayfront Highway, but no bayfront development, because no one wanted to take that risk. County officials at that time saw the value in libraries and made the courageous decision to move the library to the bayfront, starting the renaissance of development along the shoreline. Today, it is now one of the few spaces on the city bayfront open at no cost to the public aside from Dobbins Landing. In addition to the tax money used to fund the library, Penelec and the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority donated land to be used for a library and museum, and Raymond M. Blasco, M.D. donated a large sum of money for the library and bookmobile. Dr. Blasco passed away before the construction could be completed and the library was named in his memory. In addition to Dr. Blasco’s generous contribution, residents of Erie County gave above and beyond their tax dollars to create this beautiful bayfront library by giving bricks engraved with the name of loved ones. These bricks can be seen in the library lobby and specific bricks can be located by asking for the directory at the circulation desk.

Birth of the Blasco Library

A Waterfront Library

The Evolution of the Blasco Library

All available here as well: History

“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to do what is right.”

~Peter Marshall

Show Some Love!

Show Julio some love! After all, he shows us so much love and support! The Hultman and Schwartz Trio will be performing at Julius at the Maennerchor Plaza on Saturday, June 29 from 6-9pm.

Speaking of love…here is another library resource you will love–Hoopla! With Hoopla, you can borrow audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music by downloading the app to your phone, computer, tablet, or even your TV! Use your library card to sign up for an account, and then use your user name and password to stream from the catalog.

If you happen to find a book on there to recommend for KOLP’s Summer Reading List, please email your suggestion to keepourlibrarypublic@gmail.com and let us know you found it on Hoopla.

Please also make sure to share our website on your social media: https://keepourlibrarypublic.com/.

It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.

~Oscar Wilde

Inflation is Real!

If you have a Kindle and are interested in saving money, you don’t need to sign up for Kindle Unlimited or by e-books. You can use the Libby app! Make sure you have your library card handy, and download the Libby app to your phone, tablet, or computer. You can then find the Erie County Public Library and enter your card. Then search for the book(s) you want to read. You then have the option of reading in the Libby app on your device or send it to your Kindle. For the step-by step process, check here: Getting Started with Libby. You can also get a card at the Crawford County Federated Library System. The Cambridge Springs Library is right in front of Riverside Brewing. The Free Library of Philadelphia offers online library card applications to residents of PA with online verification. The Carnegie Library offers online library card applications to PA residents, but you need to verify them in person. Remember, though, that the Erie County Library should be your first choice for borrowing e-books to boost those numbers!

Another great way to save money is by shopping at the Great American Book Sale this week. I really can’t say I saved money considering how many books I purchased, but I’ll be entertained for quite a while.

Don’t forget our Stay Engaged page with links to schedules for all organization and government meetings that are library related.

Most importantly, don’t forget our fundraising site: go.rallyup.com/kolp.

“I read it a lot, whenever I find it in a library. Partly because I find new things every time I read it, but also because these BOOKS are always there for me. All of them are there for me. My life changes all the time, but books don’t change. My reading of them changes—I can bring new things to them each time. But the words are familiar words. The world is a place you’ve been before, and it welcomes you back.”
~ David Levithan

Problems at the Post Office and Summer Reading

We discovered this week that even though the KOLP post office box was rented and activated in the post office’s system, no one took the seal off the back of the box. If you sent a check donation to PO Box 8361; Erie, PA 16505, it may be on its way back to you. Please, please mail it again. We have been assured that the problem has been solved. If you would like us to pick it up and live locally, please contact keepourlibrarypublic@gmail.com, and we will pick it up.

Today began the SOAR (Step Out and Read) Summer Reading Challenge. There are prizes for all ages–including adults! Yes, I registered! Stop at your local branch to register.

If you have any ideas for books to add to the KOLP reading list, email them to keepourlibrarypublic@gmail.com.

Don’t forget that this Sunday is first day of the Great American Book Sale. It runs from June 16 through June 21.

Please continue to promote our fundraising site: https://go.rallyup.com/kolp.

Special thanks to Stephen Maynard! He graciously donated his time to take pictures for our website. You can see more of his work on Instagram @stephen.anthony.maynard.

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”

~Virginia Woolf

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