R. David Lankes said, “Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.” As I am hearing more information about the proposed bond to expand the Olean Public Library, I have taken some time to reflect on where our library falls on this spectrum.

My love of libraries began in that building. The summer reading program was a highlight of my youth. While I was an avid reader naturally, earning those coveted “Book Bucks” added a level of excitement. And I recall friends who were not readers. The prizes that could be bought enticed them to take time to pick up books, helping turn some of them into readers. The summer reading program pushed the boundaries of what you read, encouraging the perusal of genres outside your normal “go to” series. And while high school and college took the library into more of the research realm, there was still the necessity to borrow the pleasure read in some of my rare downtime.

As a parent, the library took another level of importance. My children attended the various children’s programs during our summer break. Here books were shared and creativity expanded through the arts and crafts that Miss Kathy lovingly designed to correspond with the story of the week. We partook in the all-important summer reading program (although I was repeatedly reminded that they were collecting “Kids’ Cash”, not “Book Bucks”).

I watched the literary world open for my children as it had for me … with boundaries pushed and favorites cherished.

Now my children are teens. I wasn’t sure what role the library would play during this time of their lives. The role is substantial. Within walking distance of Olean High School, the library thought it wise to set up a “Teen Room.” A little hole in the wall in the back corner, Miss Kathy, a retired nurse, and Ellie provide a safe and accepting space filled with love and snacks.

This is where my children go after school to wait for a ride home. I know that there are few better places in this world they could be than in that room. Some night they stay past Teen room hours, whether to play Jackbox games or the monthly teen D and D campaign that Cherish runs.

With all of these wonderful experiences, I feel that the Olean Public library falls under the “great libraries build communities” category. I look so forward to the community expansion that will result from the physical expansion that is being proposed. Let’s help their creativity and passion to soar to its pinnacle.

(Wendi Morgan lives in Olean.)