It's More than Just a Library

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Created on Friday, 21 October 2016 19:57
Written by Haley Lyndes

StorytimeST. JOHNSBURY - A library is a place where some go to further their literature, educate themselves, and gain a peace of mind. What makes St. Johnsbury’s library so special is that it is not just a tool for literature, but for so much more.

The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum was established in 1871 by Horace Fairbanks, who was a big name for the St. Johnsbury town. Fairbanks had a large influence on job creation and the growth of St. Johnsbury. He opened up the Athenaeum as the only library in St. Johnsbury, and later added an additional art gallery.

 Today, the Athenaeum stands as a historic landmark, and still to be the only library in St. Johnsbury. It is identified as an “Athenaeum” because of it’s literature and art gallery.

 

“Theres a lot of things going on at the library that you would not necessarily think about” says Adele West-Fisher, the Youth Service Librarian.

 

The library offers many different activities and events such as a regular speaker series, movie nights, as well as on going youth events like the La Leche League Meeting, and Acorn Storytime.

 

“We can get our children better prepared for kindergarten, you know, a lot of times it starts right here in the library.” Says West- Fisher.

 

West-Fisher is in charge of Acorn Club’s Storytime, an hour long event on Friday’s that allows parents to get out of the house and for infants and toddlers to be read stories, sing, and do some much needed arts and crafts.

 

Katherine Harris, a new mother and resident to the area says that she’s here for a few reasons. “I’m new to the area so I’m trying to meet some new parents, you know, some new moms. But my daughter also does not have any siblings so I’m here so that she can meet other kids.” 

 

With all the events the Athenaeum has to offer, it is not only a good place to go to fill your literary needs, but a fun place to go on a Friday night.

 

West-Fisher says a goal that she has is “I’m really trying to get those people that maybe haven’t had that library experience to come to library and enjoy all the services we have available.”

 

The Athenaeum’s next special event will be a Jack O’ Lantern contest, held this upcoming Wednesday.