Abington Township Public Library

I really wish libraries and money weren’t so inextricably intertwined. In a perfect world there would be unlimited resources to fund this oh-so-important institution, and everybody would agree with us that Abington Free Library should be above financial constraints and worries and should focus on loftier concerns like the classics or poetry or ESL programs. Not very likely, is it?

There’s no getting away from it. Even our name brings thoughts of money to mind. Abington FREE Library. Often our users say, "If this is a free library why do I have to pay overdue fines for this book?" Because the word "Free" in our name has nothing to do with money. It means free access to information, it stands for the open exchange of ideas, and it implies that our users have the freedom to walk through our doors without constraint.

Thankfully, we don’t run the library on the back of our overdue fines, but every little bit helps. Think of your fines as a small donation! (and remember, if you return your items on time there are no overdues - it’s really as simple as that). Thanks to a generous Township and changes in State funding initiated by Governor Ridge (and encouraged, no doubt, by his librarian wife, Michelle) our Library is in much better financial shape than some.

But that could all change in one fiscal year, should the Legislature decide funding cuts would be aimed at library service. And that is where you can help to safeguard our future. Please consider naming the Library as a beneficiary in your will or charitable trust. We have received several such gifts in the past years, and they have allowed us to build a small endowment. Someday I hope that will be a big endowment! In the meantime, consider our Honor Books program the next time you need to purchase a present, include the Library in your end-of-the-year charitable contributions, and smile if you have to pay an overdue fine. OK, I know that last request is difficult. No smile required. : )

- Nancy Byouk Hammeke

Donate to the Library!

Reference/Information Desk - October 2002

Rebecca Ritts, on the left, has joined our Reference/Information team as a librarian. She is not a stranger to Abington library users, as she has worked for eleven years in several departments. Most recently, she was a cataloger in our Technical Services department, and she also helped users at the Circulation Desk. She is already known to you for her skills and helpfulness, and has moved to the Information Desk to continue that service. Rebecca is a graduate of Messiah College and is enrolled at Clarion University for her MSLS degree. Rebecca is a reader of fiction and non-fiction, with a special interest in history and literature. It has been Rebecca’s goal to become a reference librarian, and we know you will join us in helping her enjoy her new position.

Ann Fields, on the right, is our new Young Adult/Reference Librarian. She is a new resident of Pennsylvania, having recently moved here from Charlotte, North Carolina. Ann comes to Abington with experience working with adults and young adults in the nationally recognized Charlotte-Mecklenburg library system. She has also worked with children in a library setting. Ann is a graduate of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and her MLIS is from University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She is an avid reader of mysteries and historical fiction and enjoys quilting, traveling and gardening. It is great to have her here to work with us.

Staff Spotlight - October 2002

You know, the tall redheaded one? How many times has the Circ staff at the library heard that one? The ubiquitous, tall redheaded one is Pat, the Head of the Circulation Department.

She oversees all aspects of circulation, from routine checkouts to books that are twelve years overdue! On a typical day, that could mean 2000 books passing through the hands of Pat and her able staff. On a really busy day, the number has gone all the way up to 6000. On days like those, Pat keeps her cool with an indefatigable sense of humor and a repertoire of sayings from her native Ireland.

Pat was born in Derry, Northern Ireland. As a girl, her only entertainment was reading. “We didn’t have TV then,” she says. “Only books and the radio. So I read all the time. I always loved books. She came to America in 1962, and a mere year later met and married Bob. She worked first at Holy Redeemer Hospital and thought about becoming a nurse, but, after volunteering at the library at Immaculate Conception Elementary School, she realized that she really wanted to work in a library.

Pat started at Abington Free Library in 1980, typing up the old pink library cards. Ten years later, she became the Head of Circulation. Her favorite part of the job is the constant flow of people in and out of the library, most of whom stop by the desk to ask questions, give capsule reviews of the books they just read or to chat.

Pat and Bob have two grown children, Bob Jr., a 20-year active member and Vice-President of the Pioneer Fire Co. in Jenkintown and Sharon, who is busily planning her wedding next year. They also have two cats, Emily and Danny Boy. She danced with the Timoney Dancers at parades and ceilis for years, until her knees gave out. Now her favorite pastimes include reading (what else) and listening to music, especially Enya and Phil Coulter.

With her red hair, Irish brogue and front-desk position, Pat is definitely a distinctive presence at the library, but ask her staff what they appreciate the most about her and they will all tell you it’s her invisible heart of gold.

Volunteer Spotlight - October 2002

For information on the Friends of the Library: 215-885-5180, ext. 36
For information on becoming a Volunteer: 215-885-5180, ext. 11

Meet Mimi. She volunteers as a Friend of the Library. She was born and schooled in the area and later majored in English at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, she worked at Raymond & Whitcomb Travel Agency where she traveled from Mexico to Asia and throughout Europe.

Retirement does not mean slowing down for Mimi. She volunteered for the Book Store in Jenkintown whose entire proceeds supported the Jenkintown Library. After the Book Store closed, she worked for Encore Books. Mimi volunteered at the BookCellar's temporary site in the Atrium Mall while Abington Free Library was being renovated. She now serves on the BookCellar Committee and is helping to organize the Election Day Bake Sale. For fun, she does needlepoint and counted cross-stitch. As you see, she likes to keep busy. Mimi's "can-do" attitude, her energy, ideas and the countless hours she contributes to the library are greatly appreciated.

The Ab Lib from October 2002 Vol. 1, No. 3

From the Director - October 2002

Reference/Information Desk - October 2002

Staff Spotlight - October 2002

Volunteer Spotlight - October 2002

Visual Assistive Technology - October 2002

From the Friends - October 2002

Give the gift of a lifetime

2002 Calendar of Events - October 2002

From the Children's Department - October 2002

From the Roslyn Branch Library - October 2002