About three years ago a dedicated group of people got together to figure out the best thing they could do for their local library, which at the time, was a work in progress. With an ambitious fundraising campaign, Keys for Knowledge, the group known as Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries raised enough money to purchase a handsome, state-of-the-art outdoor book drop.
Well, everybody likes a happy ending. The book drop now sits proudly before the newly completed Charles Wesley Turnbull Regional Library where it was presented in a Thursday morning ceremony by Friends president Judy King-Edmeade to Ingrid A. Bough, territorial director of libraries, archives and museums; Susan Lugo, assistant director/territorial archivist; and Symra Chinnery, librarian.
Addressing the Friends members and library employees, King-Edmeade was bursting with pride, not just at the book drop. "The dream of Mrs. Enid Baa (librarian for whom the former library was named) has finally been manifested," King-Edmeade said. "This regional library is a beautiful facility, and it will serve this community well for years to come, especially when it becomes fully functional and open for business on late evenings and weekends."
And the patrons will have the luxury and the ability to drive up and drop off materials curbside, she said. The Kingsley 4Ever Outdoor Book Drop can hold 250 books and 625 DVDS. The books fall into a cart concealed in the drop for easy handing to return the books to the shelves.
And speaking of returning books, King-Edmeade had a few words to say: "Let me stress, before I forget, that we patrons of the library, as responsible patrons, always return our borrowed items back to the library on time.”
“Always remember to check the due date,” she added. “That way, we keep our collections stocked and continually circulating for the entire community to enjoy."
While thanking the community for its support of the Keys to Knowledge campaign, King-Edmeade said the campaign is still ongoing and in need of support.
