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To accomplish these endeavors, the Library relies upon a professional staff, a broad collection of current materials in a variety of formats, suitable information technology, and a well-maintained facility for patrons. The Library Board of Trustees has adopted the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. (March 30, 1999.) Library History The forerunner of the Winchester Public Library was the South Woburn Library Association founded in 1848. After the incorporation of the Town of Winchester in 1850, the name of the association was changed to the Winchester Library Association. The Winchester Public Library was founded in 1858, and the present building was constructed in 1931, at a cost of $137,000. Designed by architects Kilham, Hopkins & Greeley, the Library's English Norman exterior is of rough-faced Massachusetts granite with joints of dark mortar and trim of cut limestone. The building's innovative design, combining both an art gallery and library, was featured in the June, 1932, issue of The Architectural Forum. An addition to the building, designed by Kilham, Hopkins, Greeley and Brodie, was completed in 1966. It provided for a larger reading and reference room, an enlarged children's room, a workroom, and increased storage capacity. The Newly Renovated Library -- November 24, 1996 Architects Jon French and Glen Matsumoto designed the 1996 renovation. Jon French served as the project architect. The renovation completely upgraded the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems, and provided wiring to support both existing and future technologies. The Library gained 20% net usable floor space by leveling floors, removing walls, and opening up the interior of the building. A new skylight and central stairway brought the 1931 and 1966 buildings together into one logical, functional and beautiful space. The renovation provided easy access to all public service areas for everyone, in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. The number of floor levels was reduced from ten to six and all staff functions were moved off the main floor in order to free up space for patron services. Beyond the mechanical and structural improvements, the architects designed a handsome public space with millwork and finishes that complement the original 1931 decor. 1996 Renovation process On February 6, 1995, the Library Board of Trustees asked the Winchester Town Meeting to support a $4.3 million bond for the complete restoration of the Library. The final request was lowered to $4.1 million due to a $200,000 state grant. Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly in favor of the restoration project. Though bond money covered the reconstruction of the building, the Library still needed funds for new furniture, updated technology, restoration of the historic murals and Tiffany stained glass, reconfiguration of the parking lot, landscaping and more. To avoid further burdening the Winchester taxpayers, the Board of Trustees, in cooperation with the Friends of the Library, launched the "Build for the Future! " campaign to raise an additional $500,000 in private donations. In August, 1994, the Library moved to temporary quarters at 263 Main Street. Demolition and reconstruction began in March, 1995, and was completed in November, 1996. From the beginning, the renovation project was tightly monitored, with high standards of quality and cost-control. Construction costs were kept within budget. The "Build for the Future!" campaign surpassed its goal, bringing in over $620,000. Over 1,100 individuals and families--one in seven Winchester households--contributed sums ranging from $5 to $100,000. Local businesses, town organizations, and hundreds of dedicated people provided an extraordinary outpouring of support. The campaign was exceptionally cost-efficient, with only 5% of receipts used to cover the fundraising campaign expenses; The other 95% of the money raised went toward the renovation itself. In addition, the value in dollars of the goods, time, and professional services donated to this project cannot even be estimated. Public Monies. Thanks to the taxpayers, the $4.1 million bond paid for:
For further reading:
An
Interpretation of the Library Bill Of Rights Restrictions take a variety of forms, including, among others, restricted reading rooms for adult use only, library cards limiting circulation of some materials to adults only, closed collections for adult use only, collections limited to teacher use, or restricted according to a student's grade level, and interlibrary loan service for adult use only. Article 5 of the Library Bill Of Rights states that, "A person's tight to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views." All limitations on minors' access to library materials and services violate that Article. The "right to use a library" includes use of, and access to, all library materials and services. Thus, practices which allow adults to use some services and materials which are denied to minors abridge the use of libraries based on age. Material selection decisions are often made and restrictions are often initiated under the assumption that certain materials may be "harmful" to minors, or in an effort to avoid controversy with parents. Libraries or library boards who would restrict the access of minors to materials and services because of actual or suspected parental objections should bear in mind that they do not serve in loco parentis. Varied levels of intellectual development among young people and differing family background and child-rearing philosophies are significant factors not accommodated by a uniform policy based upon age. In today's world, children are exposed to adult life much earlier than in the past. They read materials and view a variety of media on the adult level at home and elsewhere. Current emphasis upon early childhood education has also increased opportunities for young people to learn and to have access to materials, and has decreased the validity of using chronological age as an index to the use of libraries. The period of time during which children are interested in reading materials specifically designed for them grows steadily shorter, and librarians must recognize and adjust to this change if they wish to serve young people effectively. Librarians have a responsibility to ensure that young people have access to a wide range of informational and recreational materials and services that reflects sufficient diversity to meet the young person's needs. The American Library Association opposes libraries restricting access to library materials and services for minors and holds that it is the parents -- and only parents -- who may restrict their children -- and only their children -- from access to library materials and services. Parents who would rather their children did not have access to certain materials should so advise their children. The library and its staff are responsible for providing equal access to library materials and services for all library users. The word "age" was incorporated into Article 5 of the Library Bill Of Rights because young people are entitled to the same access to libraries and to the materials in libraries as are adults. Materials selection should not be diluted on that account. (Adopted June 30, 1972; amended July 1, 1981, by the ALA Council.)
Introduction Librarians significantly influence or control the selection,
organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system
grounded in an informed citizenry, librarians are members of a profession explicitly
committed-d to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information.
We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas
to present and future generations. Code of Ethics (Approved by ALA Council, 1981 Annual Conference) The Winchester Public Library Website -- 2003 Award In June 2003, the Massachusetts Library Association awarded this website first place in the bieannial Public Relations Awards website division. Ludlow's Hubbard Memorial Library's website was ranked second and the Boston Public Library's website was third. Our website is sponsored by The Friends of the Winchester Public Library and managed by the library staff. Notary Public at the Library. If you need a Notary, contact Karen Brown, Head of Circulation who is a Notary. An appointment is needed. See Ask Us /Tell Us for contact information.
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| Webmaster: Marie Ariel; Web Design & Development: Margarita Drozdoff Photographs by Monique Zombeck, Martin Zombeck and Marie Ariel Text: Janet Nelson and Marie Ariel Technical Advice & Original Art: David Strugnell Sponsored by The Friends of the Winchester Public Library www.winpublib.org |
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