By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
“Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.” R. David Lankes
Community building at its finest – the Outdoor Learning Space and Harold Showalter Pavilion – the newest addition to North Adams Library.
You know someone has great love and passion for something when they dream of things for the next generation. Such was the vision of the late Harold Showalter, former Director of the Adams County Public Library. As Karen Hughes, President of the Friends of North Adams Library, recalls, when the library was under construction, Showalter shared a vision he had for the library at a Friends of the Library meeting. She remembered his words, “You know, we have two acres here, and I could just see someday a little gazebo or shelter house, maybe a couple of picnic tables, and maybe even an amphitheater.”
Nick Sloan, Adams County Public Library Director, remembered the day Showalter gave him a tour of the library locations. When they drove by the North Adams location, Showalter told Sloan he had a power outlet installed on a light pole in preparation for the future shelter site. Hughes shared that Showalter’s vision included a space for children’s learning activities, reading, book club conversations – a place for community.
It was befitting to commemorate Showalter’s impact and legacy both to the library system and the community at large by distinguishing the pavilion in his name. Holly Johnson, Library Board of Trustees Vice-President and Friends of the Library member, spearheaded the project and said that a bronze plaque has been ordered and will be installed in tribute to Showalter in the coming weeks.
For many years, the Friends of the Library had been holding the dream of this outdoor space. Johnson said they shared Showalter’s hopes and, “members envisioned creating an area where education could extend beyond the walls of the library.” “Thanks to an incredibly generous anonymous donation,” Hughes said, “That vision has become a reality, and we are deeply grateful.” Sloan reaffirmed, “It’s beyond my wildest imagination!”
And although Harold Showalter wasn’t there to see his vision come to life, his wife and children sat front row at the July 22 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony dedicating the new outdoor pavilion at the learning garden in his honor.
Johnson described the Outdoor Learning Space that includes accessible walking paths, landscaped gathering areas, a reading nook, educational stations, and the Harold Showalter Pavilion at the heart of it all. She said, “Future programming will feature outdoor story times, environmental education, weather observation activities, bird watching, children’s programming, and other opportunities designed to encourage lifelong learning.” Library Board of Trustees President Phil Rhonemus echoed, “This venue lends itself to a myriad of events and programs. Hopefully library patrons from all around the county will make use of the facility.”
The staff and friends of the North Adams Library dreamed big, and it took many businesses, organizations, and individuals to complete the project. Johnson recognized the substantial gift from an anonymous donor that made the work possible. Repeating her famous mantra, Johnson said, “Many hands truly made light work.” She thanked Morningstar Landscaping for the site design and construction, AJM Painting for the staining and finishing work, and Adams County Health and Wellness for providing a grant to obtain the drinking fountain and bottle filling station. McCoy Plumbing did the plumbing and installation; West End Electric completed the electrical work. Erwin Farms enhanced the library’s front landscaping. Jeanne Wilson and Melissa and Jenni Hupp of Southern Ohio Creations provided the North Adams staff with library T-shirts.
Allison Burton, Team Leader of the North Adams Library, said, “We are very excited to offer this new space for our patrons to enjoy. The library’s primary purpose is to aid our community, and adding this space gives us another avenue we can use to support our area. Given our location near the public school and the many homeschool families in our community, we are glad we can provide an educational center to foster learning.”
“I am excited about all the possibilities of activities and learning we can host with the new shelter and garden,” said North Adams Library Program Coordinator Jane Hesler. Some of the future events planned are painting, hiking, garden tours, and hosting the Edge of Appalachia. Hesler is eager for the ability to host larger events and school visits. She said, “I look forward to this space providing more school and family learning and gatherings. The connection of nature and community at our library space with this beautiful pavilion project is truly heartwarming.”
The new outdoor learning space will be available for the public to enjoy and reserve soon for programs, gatherings, and special events. Bookings will be made through the North Adams Public Library’s Book a Building reservation system. Johnson said, “Library officials anticipate the space becoming a popular destination for educational programming, community events, and quiet reflection for years to come.”
Hughes concluded, “This project represents far more than new landscaping and a pavilion. It fulfills a dream to create a place where learning truly extends beyond the pages of a book.”