The Library Vault

Is it just me, or does this holiday season feel a little… different than usual? I’ve sensed it not only in myself, but in the people around me. Less interest in material objects. More inclination to hold loved ones close. A slowing down, a meaningful realignment with what truly matters. It sounds like a heart beating, steady and strong.

Maybe I’m just sentimental at the moment. After all, we are celebrating the 150th year that Russell Library has served this community. Our building has literally welcomed generations of Middletown residents. Millions of people have been here. Many of them started coming as babes-in-arms and continue to visit with their grandchildren. Untold numbers learned how to read with the books we provided; paid rapturous attention to earnest librarians at story time; pursued their own interests in our stacks as their literacies grew; gained necessary skills when life challenged them; built support networks with fellow library goers; and shared their knowledge as their wisdom blossomed.

Public libraries are truly miraculous places. On behalf of the staff of Russell Library, I would like to thank you for using our collections and services to their fullest. We enjoy working with you every day in all the ways that you need us. Together we infuse this place with a spirit that lasts well beyond the holiday season.

In gratitude for all the support our community shows us, Russell Library has decided to give back for Giving Tuesday this year. We are offering the following tokens of appreciation* to donors so they may “wear their hearts on their sleeves,” as it were. It is so delightful to spot this logo out and about on the town! I’ve seen it bring smiles to many faces and start conversations between strangers who may well have become friends.

After all, this not just about the stuff. It is about what matters to you, what has made a difference in your life. Every donation is reinvested right back into your local public library, so you can rest assured that it supports a good cause.

To show us some love, and get a little in return, please click the link below. Thank you!

* All give-backs must be picked up in person at Russell Library. Donors may select any combination of the items below adding up to a maximum of their donation amount.

$20 – Tall camper ceramic mug (16 oz.) or round car magnet

$40 – Yard sign or super soft T-shirt**

$50 – h2go vacuum travel tumbler with flip top (16 oz.)

$100 – Premium hoodie**

$100 – 2 tickets to A Christmas Carol***

$250 – 5 tickets to A Christmas Carol***

** printed in Middletown by cinder + salt

*** only available on dates with remaining seats