Library needs helpers to clean

Final book swap will take place June 10

By Debbie Gardner

PRIME Editor

HAMPDEN It was a labor of love for nearly a year. But come this June, volunteers from the Friends of the Hampden Library can finally give up their once-a-month Saturday job.

"The final Book Swap will be June 10," said Cynthia Bailey, a newly elected Library Trustee and former Friends co-president. "We will be encouraging people to bring bags to fill with books -- excess book swap books and also books and videos weeded from the library's current collection to make room for new books."

The grand re-opening of the Hampden Free Public Library is slated for July 1, 2006, one year from the date the town's failure to approve a funding override forced the library's closure.

In August of 2005, Bailey and an anonymous co-volunteer hosted the first community book swap on the grounds of the Hampden Public Library in an attempt to keep the community spirit of their library alive.

The two women came up with the concept of a free monthly book swap shortly after the Hampden Public Library closed.

But the end of the Book Swap doesn't mean the Friends' work is coming to an end.

"The Friends of the Hampden Free Public Library will provide financial, as well as moral support and muscle to prepare the library for re-opening," Bailey said. "There is so much to do! It often feels overwhelming."

Help get the Library ready!

Patty Ehlers, Friends co-president, told Reminder Publications that she is still looking for volunteers to help clean up the library to prepare for the grand re-opening.

"The work parties are going to be on May 31 and June 2," Ehlers said. "We'll be cleaning from 4 to 7 p.m. the first day, and from 3 p.m. until we're done on the second."

When asked if volunteers should bring any cleaning supplies to the work parties, Ehlers said "bring your favorite duster, [glass cleaner] and paper towels ... things like that."

For more information on the Library re-opening work parties, call Patty Ehlers at 566-3105.