In 1849, the California Gold Rush was underway, President Zachary Taylor became America’s 12th president, Harriet Tubman escaped slavery with her two brothers in Maryland, and William Bond obtained the first photograph of the moon through a telescope.
It was also the year the Spring Lake District Library first opened its doors.
On September 19, the Spring Lake District Library celebrated its 175th birthday. It was the perfect night for an outdoor event with warm weather and clear skies. Over 500 people attended including characters Elephant and Piggie from Mo Willems’ books.
There were many fun activities for the kids to participate in. The Spring Lake Fire Department brought a fire truck and gave kids a chance to look inside and learn about fire safety. The kids could also choose between sidewalk chalk, bubbles, pin the tail on the donkey, and more.
Libraries led tours of the recently-updated building, while a sculptor shared his craft in the lobby. The John Ball Travelling Zoo offered kids and adults a chance to see and touch a snake, hedgehog, and turtle.
SLDL Business Manager Amanda Rantanen said it takes a lot of effort to organize this kind of celebration, but it’s worth the hard work.
“It is something our staff looks forward to doing and the library patrons enjoy attending,” Rantanen said.
Looking back through the library’s long history, Rantanen said it’s one of the best days of the year to celebrate those big milestones.
“The library block party is one of my most favorite work days of the year,’ she said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of a community who cherishes its public library and has done so for 175 years.”