CLEARFIELD – Groucho Marx once commented, “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend.” The Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library is a great place to find that book, according to Paula Collins, library director.
“Not only can you borrow books at no cost, but the library can also help you find a new job, connect you to information and help you research issues using the Internet,” she said.
“On Nov. 5, the library will be celebrating 75 years of service to the community. Please stop between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the open house event and enjoy a sweet treat with the library director, staff and trustees.”
Collins said that 75 years ago, when Ella Shaw donated the library to Clearfield in memory of her parents, what she envisioned was far from what residents enjoy today.
“Because of her vision, kindness and generosity Clearfield has an outstanding library that continues to grow,” she said. Collins added when the Shaw Public Library was chartered in 1937 libraries were principally used for entertainment, which is very different from all of the services offered by today’s libraries.
According to Collins, the Shaw Public Library serves area residents providing them with books, reference materials, DVD’s, books on CD’s, eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, extensive children’s programs and adult services.
As well during quieter times, she said that library users participate in a wide array of programs and classes, art exhibits and meetings. Today, she said the Shaw Public Library serves as community-wide connector that links residents to information and resources, as well as, “being a place to find your favorite book and author.”
She pointed out that the Shaw Public Library “plays a significant role in the lives of children that would have put a smile on Ella Shaw’s face.” While encouraging literacy and the love of reading, the library has had a much more significant impact on children, she said.
Pew Research Center Studies indicate that students who participate in free public library summer reading programs, like those offered by Shaw Public Library, scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than students who did not participate.
National studies also concluded that children who participated in summer reading programs increased their enjoyment of reading, were more motivated to read and were more confident of their reading ability.
Further, studies found that older children read beyond what was required in their free time and recognized that reading was important.
“Early learning initiatives at the library help both parents and pre-school children by demonstrating oral reading skills that parents can follow – like pointing to words as you read them, asking children questions about what they see on a page and letting children predict what is coming next in the story,” said Collins.
“Beyond literacy skills, story sessions provide an important opportunity for a joint family activity. These programs are free, easily accessible and most do not require any advance planning beyond registration.”
The Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library acts as “a dynamic, versatile community center that provides programs, club meeting space and education and information sharing. Thousands of area residents of all ages visit the library each year,” she said.
Collins pointed out that the economic impact of the Shaw Public Library is far reaching. According the Pew Research Center, more than half of the adults who sought library services are living in poverty. These adults used the Internet to find work, apply for college or advanced training, learn about medical treatments and obtain critical information.
She said that the Shaw Public Library, like other libraries across the country, encourages new readers, supports book groups and promotes access to information – more than 1.59 billion visits to libraries, during 2009, focused on access to the Internet.
For residents who are unable to visit the library, Collins said that the library offers books by mail, which delivers books to their home. If there is a need, she said that the Shaw Public Library works to address and meet that need.
“The Shaw Public Library is a pocket-sized marvel, which tries hard to help every user,” said Collins. “Despite a continuing economic struggle, the collection and services have grown.
“Because the library has been such an open welcoming place over the last 75 years, it will be a delight to celebrate this anniversary. Please join other community members and stop during the open house on Nov. 5.”
