JUNE
2005
Time travel is real. Traverse a wormhole and over 33 years are
compressed into a moment. Yesterday on February 1, 1972, I entered the
library as a new graduate with a Master’s in Library Science. Today, I’m
retiring. With spectacular views of the cosmos, it’s been an
exhilarating ride.
What I’ve seen in that slice of time is a community growing and
adapting. Yet, the underlying principle of altruism remains strong.
Leading the way in the library, are the trustees. They give of their
time with no remuneration. They lead by serving.
The library charter states a member of the Howe Family, the Brown
line, will hold a perpetual succession on the Library Board. During my
tenure, I’ve had the privilege of working with three generations:
Dorothy Comstock, Edwin Comstock, Jr. and brothers Edwin Comstock III
and Donald Comstock. All had a vision of the importance of the library
and worked as untiring advocates. Don nobly carries on the family
tradition since 1979.
In 1893, a group of thirteen women interested in literature formed
the Monday Club. One of the earliest presidents, Louise Brown, convinced
her nephew, David A. Howe, about the importance of a library in
Wellsville. Mr. Howe left a million dollars for the building and
maintenance of the library. The Monday Club still meets and gives to the
library.
Ask for help and there is a volunteer. Many people work behind the
scenes doing a multitude of tasks. Some do clerical work – shelving
videos, reading and straightening books, cutting and laminating DVD,
video and CD cards, moving books, preparing scrapbooks, labeling
magazines, repairing books, etc. Others donate their specialized skills
like caulking stonework or carpentry repairs.
