Library seeks centennial 'memories'

The Mountain Home Public Library is inviting the public to help participate in its centennial celebration of 100 years of library services in the community.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the library will hold an open house from 1-4 p.m. with a number of activities to celebrate the opening of the Carnegie Library (today's museum) 100 years ago.

Between now and then the public is invited to enter their experiences, recollections and thoughts about the library, from the old Carnegie building to the new, expanded facility, in a "Memory Book" that will be available at the front desk beginning today.

Patrons also can bring in personal pictures that represent their memories of the library. The pictures will be scanned and returned immediately.

"We want people to let us know, for a permanent record, what the library has meant to them, how it has impacted their lives, and the changes they've seen," said library board trustee Kelly Everitt.

"Memories" also can be mailed to the library at 790 N. 10th East St., for inclusion in the Memory Book. Please write on only one side.

The library staff, the Friends of the Library and the Friends and Neighbors of Mountain Home group will be organizing a number of events for the open house and will provide refreshments and finger foods for those attending.

A series of displays will be set up so that patrons can "Walk Through the Ages," of library service history in Mountain Home. Each display will represent one decade of library history.

Other displays will show off historic "furnishings at the library as well as period display materials from organizations and patrons, as well as reading lists and book displays.

The event will begin with a brief set of speakers representing the board of trustees, the city council and will include past librarian Patty McLaughlin, Dr. John Bideganeta and board member emeritus Claire Wetherell, as well as any other member of the public who would like to offer a brief oral history of their experiences with the library. Sign up at the front desk if you want to speak.

As soon as the dedication speeches are concluded a number of old-fashioned games, including jacks, marbles, musical chairs and other "historic" games will be available for children to enjoy.

For older youths (and adults) the library's Teen Advisory Group will host a series of activities focusing on the new electronic gaming equipment the library obtained through a grant in conjunction with the city Parks and Recreation Department.

Those games also will be featured during a special "Tech Day" on Nov. 1 from 2:30-5 p.m. at the library. The games include Wii, PS2, PS3 and XBox360 games. The event is open to anyone of any age.