Friday, January 20, 2017

Lobbying for Library Funding



Friends members and library advocates Kate Kruckemeyer and Sandy Ward met with our State Rep Aaron Vega at the annual Library Legislative Breakfast with State Senator Don Humason on January 20, 2017.  It was held in Easthampton, in the Williston Memorial Library.

We listened to speakers representing library users, library directors, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commission (MBLC), as well as legislators from several local towns and cities.  We heard details of the budget shortfalls in library funding, and were advised about strategies for lobbying for increased funding.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Thinking of Wanda


Wanda Myslek volunteered her time and talents to many good causes, including the Holyoke Public Library. She was an active member of the Friends of the Library and served as Treasurer for many years. Her name as Treasurer is on the official letter in fall 2009 committing the Friends of the Library to a $100,000 pledge to the Library's Capital Campaign.  (In 2016 we completed payment of that pledge.) We are glad she lived to see the successful expansion and remodeling of the Library.

Wanda helped us with many projects, including several Future Begins Here fundraisers at the Holyoke Mall.  This photo of Wanda with Anne Gorman and María Pagán was taken at FBH in 2011:
 

Today many friends (and Friends of the Library) gathered at the funeral home to pay respects to Wanda.  Anne Gorman and María Pagán were there, as well as Friends President Karlene Shea and Past-President Sandy Ward.   (Wanda's Obituary is on Masslive.)

 R.I.P. Wanda    We miss your smile!