As I type these lines on Wednesday February 12, 2020 at the Horseheads Free Library we are celebrating Patron Appreciation Day. Mr. John Manfredi is playing a jazzy version of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Patrons are enjoying some light refreshments, and entering a drawing to win a fifty dollar gift card from Barnes and Nobel.
Our celebration symbolizes our appreciation of our patrons, but an assortment of light refreshments and soothing music does not completely express our appreciation of our patrons. You, our patron, are the reason libraries exist. You borrow materials, attend programs, you download ebooks and audiobooks, you utilize public PCs and free broadband Wireless connections, you conduct research to enrich your life, create something unique in our Marker Space at the Steele Memorial Library, visit our Bookmobile, or you just hang out at your favorite branch reading, reflecting, or meeting friends.
We appreciate you our patron. Why? You ask. You enjoy a wide variety of library services throughout the Chemung County Library District because you recognize the value of the public library in this age of technology where it is thought by many that a public library is an obsolete because of internet connected smartphones, tablets, or PCs. You, our patron, contact your representatives in Albany expressing to them how important the public library is to you as library funding is threatened each year during the budget battles in Albany. You donate your books, DVDS, audiobooks, and music CDs to the library which help fund library programs throughout Chemung County. You, our patron, support the Chemung County Library District and its mission each year when you vote to approve our operating budget on Election Day.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the library soon!
Owen Frank, Branch Supervisor
Hey, who wouldn’t support such a wonderful, almost timeless, resource right here in our midst?! It’s a definite no-brainer to me. And I say this without regard to previous occupational conditioning! Honestly, it should be WeLoveOurLibraries.