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Monticello Schools Help Local Library Celebrate its 75th Anniversary

August 15, 2011

Monticello Central School District students and staff played a significant role in the 75th anniversary celebration of the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library. The well-attended August 13 event featured a presentation of the award-winning essays titled, “What The Library Means To Me,” written last spring by four Monticello students, Victoria Lopez, John Blinston, Jasmine Akselrad and Hunter Tallia. Each winner was awarded a $25 prize and commendation certificates from the library, Senator John Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. In addition, the student essays were printed in the library's commemorative journal. READ ESSAYS

The event included a chair auction as a way to raise much needed funds for the library’s programs. Local artists, some of whom are teachers and students from Monticello Schools, painted antique chairs that were stored in the library’s attic. Each work of art was inspired by a book or had a library theme.

Retired Monticello Schools teacher and Director of Humanities Lynn Skolnick thanked the attendees for their support and commended the event’s honored guest, June Motl. Ms. Motl, who turned 97 this year, worked as a substitute teacher in Monticello for more than 30 years.

Mother Nature helped make the day a perfect setting for the outdoor event and set the stage for performances by students from the Nesin Cultural Arts Summer Music Institute who enchanted the crowd with their musical talents.

The celebration also included refreshments, a bouncy pavilion, used book sale and a special art exhibit of paintings by the library’s namesake, Ethelbert B. Crawford.

To emphasize the need to support, and the importance of, local libraries, Ms. Skolnick summed it up best when she reminded the crowd that the “more you read, the more you know,” and ultimately, the smarter you will become!

Photo: From left, celebration honoree June Motl, Crawford Library Board of Trustees President Robert Norris, Monticello students Hunter Tallia, Jasmine Akselrad, John Blinston and Victoria Lopez, and NY State Senator John Bonacic's representative Linda Cellini.

   

     

   

     

   

   

    

   

     

Essay Winners: "What The Library Means to Me"

By Victoria Lopez
A library is a sanctuary. It is not selective or unshared; anyone may enter through its doors if they seek knowledge. A willing and eager mind is enough to render the possibilities. The library is a place I often come to when I am in need of learning. Because of the library I have discovered things I never would have come across on my own. Being an aspiring illustrator, I usually check out how-to books, interior design encyclopedias and graphic novels along with many others. The library has helped me find new and inventive ways to better my drawing and creativity. The resources available at the library are a huge help. If I want to find information I can just check out a book. That way I won’t have to end up searching to buy a book I’m not sure I’ll even find. Or, if I’m pressed for time I can use one of the available computers. Librarians can help as well; I’ve had books recommended to me by librarians depending on what I’ve checked out. When I enter the library I feel as if I can relax without worry because It’s quiet and peaceful. All in all the library means a lot to me and I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a good story.

By John Blinston
When some people look at the library they see four walls and some books. I see lots of information. You can get any answer you need from the library. To check out a book first you need a library card; they are free. I already go mine at the Crawford library. All I had to do was fill out a card and they sent me my library card in the mail. I got it the next week. On Saturday I go there with my family to pick out books. My sister Bri plays on the computer. She plays ‘Dora the Explorer’ and pick out ‘Dora the Explorer’ books. My other sister Sara picks out fantasy fiction and plays on the computer a little bit because Tori is mean and greedy when she wants something. I get Goosebumps. My mom gets how-to books. There is something for everyone.

By Jasmine Akselrad
What the library means to me is that it is a safe place to learn new things and ask questions like who started the first tree? The Librarian lets us read and learn more and more. Sometimes it is a place to just have fun! Libraries are important because you can find books that you never read before and see if you like them. If you do like them you will love the library. The library is important because you can work in a group or by yourself. You can use their computers or just learn more about how to use them. You have to be quiet in a library so that everyone can read there and never ever scream! If you are missing a book then you may have to pay a fine so try to bring the book back on time. I like the Crawford Library because I can take home books and bring them back to get more books. That is why I love the library.

By Hunter Tallia
This what library means to me. Library means books and books mean fun. Books are the best. Books are fun like games are. You can imagine the picture in your mind. You can also imagine the characters too. You can imagine yourself in the story and your friends too. Library is fun when you have a library card. You can pick out as many books as you want. I like adventure and action books. I also like fables too. All books are cool like the Harry Potter series. I like books 1, 2, & 3. I also like all the ‘Fudge’ books too. My favorite is Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

CLICK HERE for coverage of this story by the Times Herald-Record titled, "Fans of library celebrate its 75th birthday."