Welcome, Friends!
Every time I walk through the Bartlett Library Doors I am reminded of a rich history of books, reading, and life long learning passed on to me through libraries. Those first library doors opened a world of possibility and imagination. Aunt Mary’s home library was only a narrow hallway stuffed with a teacher’s collection of books, but to a preschooler it held mystery and security. A big “Thank You” to all the adults who read to me, opening their arms and hearts to introduce beloved characters of childhood memories.
In the 1950s Randolph Library became our free weekly family entertainment. The summer I read all the Nancy Drew Mystery books Randolph owned is still dear to me. My school libraries started with a few shelves in a classroom and grew to Great Books Clubs, term papers, and hours among the stacks. In my teen years, parents felt safe letting me drive alone to meet friends beyond the library doors. Our college library moved books to a new building thanks to the entire student body and community turning out to make a human conveyor belt. As a young parent, a favorite outing was taking my girls to the Parkway Village library. We still laugh about taking our goldfish, Alexander, to the Library Pet Show. Bartlett Library became familiar to us in the 1970s. Life was never too busy to stop by the library. Bookstores came and went, but the library doors were always open. Libraries in other states and countries have been windows on the world in my travels. Each door opens a promise. Every library tells the history of the people who built and support it.
Ten years ago in my retirement, I joined two book clubs. Thanks to Vickie Simpson, I was introduced to Friends of the Bartlett Public Library and have delighted in an association with so many book lovers . Your volunteer work is tireless, and your joy of sharing literacy unbounded. Your community is a a better place to live for all of your dedication. Library doors are kept open by the people who value books and reading. As we begin the Friends’ second decade of service, let us continue our mission to keep these doors open to encourage literacy, learning, and reading.
Join me as we walk through the Bartlett Library Doors into a new decade. We are making memories for generations to come.
Judy Teague
President
Friends of the Bartlett Public Library
In the 1950s Randolph Library became our free weekly family entertainment. The summer I read all the Nancy Drew Mystery books Randolph owned is still dear to me. My school libraries started with a few shelves in a classroom and grew to Great Books Clubs, term papers, and hours among the stacks. In my teen years, parents felt safe letting me drive alone to meet friends beyond the library doors. Our college library moved books to a new building thanks to the entire student body and community turning out to make a human conveyor belt. As a young parent, a favorite outing was taking my girls to the Parkway Village library. We still laugh about taking our goldfish, Alexander, to the Library Pet Show. Bartlett Library became familiar to us in the 1970s. Life was never too busy to stop by the library. Bookstores came and went, but the library doors were always open. Libraries in other states and countries have been windows on the world in my travels. Each door opens a promise. Every library tells the history of the people who built and support it.
Ten years ago in my retirement, I joined two book clubs. Thanks to Vickie Simpson, I was introduced to Friends of the Bartlett Public Library and have delighted in an association with so many book lovers . Your volunteer work is tireless, and your joy of sharing literacy unbounded. Your community is a a better place to live for all of your dedication. Library doors are kept open by the people who value books and reading. As we begin the Friends’ second decade of service, let us continue our mission to keep these doors open to encourage literacy, learning, and reading.
Join me as we walk through the Bartlett Library Doors into a new decade. We are making memories for generations to come.
Judy Teague
President
Friends of the Bartlett Public Library
Friends of the Bartlett Public Library | 5884 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134 | (901) 386-8968
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