Libraries have existed since the earliest recorded history and will exist into the foreseeable future. True, they have changed over time and will continue to change. We no longer read on stone or clay tablets. Librarians no longer chain books to tables, no matter how much we might want to. We can not expunge people from the Book of the Living for losing or damaging a book. (I still think we should consider that policy.)

The library of the future will contain books, computers, downloadable audio and video, electronic books and much, much more.

The library of the future will be a technology center.

The library of the future will still be a place where people gather to read, listen, watch and learn.

The library of the future will be a place where programs entertain, enrich, and educate.

The library of the future will be a destination place for all ages, ethnic groups, and socio-economic levels.

The library of the future will resemble what the Scottsbluff Public Library is today—a community living room.

Several years ago, the Library Board of the Scottsbluff Public Library undertook the task of raising money for a renovation and expansion of the library. They didn’t do this because they were a bunch of people with lots of time on their hands and nothing better to do. They began this process because they believe deeply in the services that the Scottsbluff Library offers the citizens of this community. They began this process because they knew the library could better serve the community if it was enlarged and brought up-to-date. They did this because they love the library, and they love their community. This has not always been an easy or fun process, but it has had many points-of-light. Let me share a few with you.

• Thirteen-year old Sara Frederick saved $50.00 from her babysitting money and donated it to help the library, "…in a small way".
• Mrs. Smith’s BMS 8^th Grade Family Consumer Science class donated the proceeds of their fundraiser ($100.00) to the library.
• Mrs. Waite’s BMS 6^th grade Advanced Language Arts class honored her retirement by raising $500.00 for the library.
• Westmore 3^rd Graders sold suckers and did other fundraising for the library.
• An anonymous veteran honored Coil Edmond, Jr., a Scottsbluff soldier who was killed in Vietnam, by giving $50.00 to the library..
• The library’s Teen Advisory Council raised over $2,500.00 for the library.
• Marj Robbin’s donated her husband Art’s remaining paintings to raise money for the library.
• Hundreds of wonderful volunteers, including the Friends of the Library, spent thousands of hours helping with mailings, solicitations and community events for the library.
• Many, many individuals, local businesses and local foundations have donated to the library.

The Scottsbluff Public Library is a legacy to each generation, offering the heritage of the past and the promise of the future. All of us connected with the library (Board, staff, Friends, and Foundation) are so deeply grateful for the community’s enthusiasm and support. We are encouraged and blessed to live in such a giving community. With almost $600,000 raised the process continues as more events are in the works, including a Read-a-thon and on January 18^th Culvers is donating 10% of their sales to the library. Thank you everyone—you know who you are. You are helping us pass on this legacy to future generations.

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Scottsbluff Public Library :: 1809 Third Avenue :: Scottsbluff, NE 69361 :: 308-630-6250