To the Editor:

Bob Dylan once sang, “The times, they are a-changin’” and so is the Wareham Free Library. In fact, libraries across the nation are evolving, and our library is perpetually reinventing itself to meet the needs of this community. Both the Wareham Free Library and Spinney Branch are dynamic and proactive community centers, replete with resources. Your library staff is committed to bringing you the services you want in 2016.

“Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”

–Lady Bird Johnson

Today’s libraries are so much more than a place to find books. Did you know that the WFL is the place to:

1. Use a Computer or access our free WiFi service to connect to the wide world.

2. Listen to a book. The WFL offers a great selection of audio books so you can listen to stories during your commute or workout. We offer audio books in multiple formats, such as physical CDs you borrow and files you can download to your electronic devices.

3. Watch DVDs. If you want something to watch, don’t head to the local DVD kiosk – come to your library. We have a substantial DVD collection, covering both TV and films, including recent releases, classic films, exercise videos, documentaries and more.

4. Play games. There are board games to play in the library and a nice selection of video games, on a number of platforms to check out.

5. Delve into historical collections. Satisfy your curiosity as to a wide variety of historical events including information about your home town!

6. Discover your Family History. The WFL has a great collection of local resources and records available to use by appointment.

7. Participate in activities for kids, teens and adults. Activities include everything from storytimes with Mrs. Hickey, Music with Mar with Mrs. Gay, and Monthly Special Events. Check our website for the full calendar of events.

8. Cast off with one of our Fishing Poles. The WFL offers both Salt and Fresh water poles. We can’t wait to see a photo of the one that “didn’t” get away.

9. Research. Use our nonfiction collection to learn to cook, knit, build, repair, publish, or whatever you want to do!

10. Meet. If you represent a recreational or nonprofit group, you may reserve a meeting room during regular business hours. Sign up early as they fill up fast!

An effective library mirrors the needs of the community, and those needs are being met at both the Main Library and the Spinney Memorial Branch Library. However, budget restrictions are a reality the town must face.

Last year, due to careful planning and a generous donation by the Friends of the Wareham Free Library, the library was able to expand its hours and re-open the Spinney Branch Library in Onset. This year, our focus is to promote early literacy as stipulated by the WFL Strategic Plan.

“Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open.”

–Laura Bush

Moving forward, the Library Staff, Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen, Library Trustees, Wareham Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library will continue to work together to identify alternative funding, and find ways to repurpose space, with the eventual goal being the recertification of our town library. This may take several years to reach fruition, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We take that first step in 2016 and ask you to support your library and let us know how we can best serve you!

Whatever role the library plays in your life, you’re not alone. A recent American Library Association study states that “more than two-thirds of Americans agree that libraries are important because they improve the quality of life in a community, promote literacy and reading, and provide many people with a chance to succeed.”

“Everything you need for better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library.”

–Henri Frederic Amiel

Come in and check us out!!

Wareham Free Library Staff