BELLOWS FALLS — Its staff, trustees, and nonprofit friends group invite the community to the Rockingham Free Public Library's grand re-opening celebration, May 8 through 10. Events are planned for all ages to enjoy marking the completion of the library's recent yearlong renovation.
Festivities begin Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m., when Bill Hosley presents, “More Than Books: Reflections on Libraries, Community, and Historic Preservation.”
Hosley's program traces approximately 200 years in American library practice with a special focus on New England and its many municipal, historic, and specialty research libraries. This armchair tour and discussion of library history reminds us of the richness of New England's heritage and the commitment of our states to lifelong learning and access to ideas.
Return Friday, May 9, for a free 7 p.m. screening of “The Book Thief,” rated PG-13. The film, an adaption of the novel of the same name written by Makcus Zusak, tells the story of a young girl named Liesel who finds solace from the horrors of World War II by stealing books and sharing them with others.
Saturday, May 10, features activities throughout the day. From 10 a.m. there'll be art, photo, and historical collection displays and live music. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is at noon. Visitors will hear speeches from community leaders and enjoy cake.
Activities perfect for families and youth are planned for the weekend as well, including a Thursday story time at 10:30 a.m., a Friday “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” event with the RFPL's Teen Advisory Council at 4:30 p.m., a Saturday story time at 11 a.m. and day-long face painting, Lego building, and Mother's Day craft activities.
In addition to the festivities being a fun time to gather with neighbors and appreciate the hard work of all involved in the renovation, they're also a time to note the central role the Rockingham Free Public Library has had in the life of our community for more than 200 years.
It started on Oct. 28, 1799, when a small group of settlers from the village of Rockingham - of a total population 1,000 or so - established the Rockingham Library Society. Shares were $1 each.
The library grew, and on Sept. 6, 1887 became the Rockingham Free Public Library. Fundraising made possible the Library Room, on the first floor of the newly built Opera House, in 1888.
In 1908, Rockingham citizens agreed to buy land on Westminster Street, provide an annual allowance for library maintenance, and accept a gift of $15,000 from philanthropist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to build a library.
Designed by the Fitchburg, Mass., firm of Francis and Son in the Classical Revival style, this became one of four Vermont Carnegie libraries.
A Children's Room was added to the rear of the building in 1929; a two-floor addition was built to provide a new meeting space and an expanded Children's Room in 1968. Using funds from the Freeman Foundation, a handicapped-accessible entry and elevator were added in 2003.
Renovation of all three floors was undertaken in the fall of 2012 and took a year to complete. The library reopened to the public in November 2013 at 65 Westminster St., where patrons found increased space for library services such as a community meeting room on the top floor, a dedicated youth program in the Youth Department, and improved access to the library by expanding elevator access to all three floors.
All are invited to tour the library to learn about its history, renovation, and community and patron services.