A Message to our Donors...
Spring 2021
NASA scientist Peter Golkin once said, “My two favorite things in life are libraries and bicycles. They both move people forward without wasting anything.” At the Library we don’t claim to be bike experts, but we can speak to the mechanics of a library! And like a cyclist who takes an unexpected turn onto an uncharted and hilly path, the last year has given us many opportunities to steel our resolve and pedal harder as we pursue our mission.
COVID-19 brought about change to businesses and organizations worldwide, including the library. Our biggest asset has always been our strong physical presence in Torrington. Whether it was our large print collection, our frequently-used public access computers, or our ample quiet study tables, we were tied heavily to our physical location. Library cards were distributed during in-person visits to the library, and we had cemented our place as a hub for community gatherings with rentable meeting rooms and a popular calendar of free public events.
Then we were forced to close our doors. Our physical space was no longer in the equation. But leaning in and shifting gears, we found new and innovative ways to connect. We doubled our online resources, offered a variety of virtual programs, began accepting library card applications through our website, offered curbside pickup for materials, and much more. You can learn more about these exciting developments in our enclosed 2020 Annual Report.
Today, much like a cyclist, we have learned first-hand the importance of balance. We didn’t choose this journey, but we are stronger for it. With our building safely open, our patrons are able to browse our collection and take advantage of our computers and quiet study spaces. We will be hosting in-person events outdoors this summer. Our meeting rooms are scheduled to open again in September, and we are hoping to responsibly reintroduce indoor events toward the end of the year. In addition, we will continue to host virtual events and offer curbside pickup of materials for the foreseeable future, as well as process library card applications online and maintain a robust offering of online resources.
Ultimately, our community can now take full advantage of both the physical and online library we have created. Our methods have expanded, but our mission remains unchanged. Whether they prefer to visit in person or virtually, our patrons have free and equitable access to information and an engaging, enriching, and empowering place to connect.
The secret to our success? You! Your support is the air in our lungs and the wind at our backs, and we couldn’t have come this far without your encouragement and generosity. Thank you for your continued partnership and friendship. Our legs may be weary but the path is clearing and the future is bright. Let’s keep going.
Moving forward together with you,
Charlie and Jessica
Charles W. Roraback, President
Jessica Gueniat, Director
NASA scientist Peter Golkin once said, “My two favorite things in life are libraries and bicycles. They both move people forward without wasting anything.” At the Library we don’t claim to be bike experts, but we can speak to the mechanics of a library! And like a cyclist who takes an unexpected turn onto an uncharted and hilly path, the last year has given us many opportunities to steel our resolve and pedal harder as we pursue our mission.
COVID-19 brought about change to businesses and organizations worldwide, including the library. Our biggest asset has always been our strong physical presence in Torrington. Whether it was our large print collection, our frequently-used public access computers, or our ample quiet study tables, we were tied heavily to our physical location. Library cards were distributed during in-person visits to the library, and we had cemented our place as a hub for community gatherings with rentable meeting rooms and a popular calendar of free public events.
Then we were forced to close our doors. Our physical space was no longer in the equation. But leaning in and shifting gears, we found new and innovative ways to connect. We doubled our online resources, offered a variety of virtual programs, began accepting library card applications through our website, offered curbside pickup for materials, and much more. You can learn more about these exciting developments in our enclosed 2020 Annual Report.
Today, much like a cyclist, we have learned first-hand the importance of balance. We didn’t choose this journey, but we are stronger for it. With our building safely open, our patrons are able to browse our collection and take advantage of our computers and quiet study spaces. We will be hosting in-person events outdoors this summer. Our meeting rooms are scheduled to open again in September, and we are hoping to responsibly reintroduce indoor events toward the end of the year. In addition, we will continue to host virtual events and offer curbside pickup of materials for the foreseeable future, as well as process library card applications online and maintain a robust offering of online resources.
Ultimately, our community can now take full advantage of both the physical and online library we have created. Our methods have expanded, but our mission remains unchanged. Whether they prefer to visit in person or virtually, our patrons have free and equitable access to information and an engaging, enriching, and empowering place to connect.
The secret to our success? You! Your support is the air in our lungs and the wind at our backs, and we couldn’t have come this far without your encouragement and generosity. Thank you for your continued partnership and friendship. Our legs may be weary but the path is clearing and the future is bright. Let’s keep going.
Moving forward together with you,
Charlie and Jessica
Charles W. Roraback, President
Jessica Gueniat, Director
Click to Donate!
|
Click to View
|