2003 Annual Report

This was a bittersweet year for our public libraries. The new year brought the expectation of a renovation and expansion for the Wheeler Memorial Library while September and October saw the end of this more than fifteen year expansion endeavor when town voters chose not to accept the costs necessary for the project.

Staff changes were a prominent feature of the year. A new Director, Anne Williamson, was hired to replace our Director of over twenty-four years, Janice Lanou, while early retirements were taken by our Children’s Librarian of twenty-three years, Lester Scafidi, and our Adult Services Librarian of fifteen years, Lynne Jacoby. Lester Scafidi will be sorely missed. His knowledge of children’s literature, his magical musical story hours, his engaging, witty personality and his dedication to our community are renowned. Lynne Jacoby will be continuing her dedicated work as a part-time employee at the Wheeler for which we are grateful.

The accomplishments which occurred this year are many in number. A few highlights follow. Five new public access computers arrived in April thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Our Friends group obtained IRS charitable status thanks to the diligence of Geneva Lawson. Our libraries now boast a website www.orangelib.org. From this website, it is possible to search the CWMARS library catalogs, place holds on items, and find information in reference databases. The library was awarded Library Services and Technology Act funding in the amount of $9950. to improve its customer service, while a monthly reading and discussion program was initiated in October.

The death of Michael Tatistcheff in October is our saddest news of the year. Michael was a great man and a thoughtful, perceptive personality. His thorough-going intellect, humor and wisdom have been a great loss to our community and our board. We miss him deeply.

Respectfully submitted,

The Board of Trustees

Sally Howe and Rachel Scherer, co-chairs

Robert Collen, recording secretary

Suzanne Lain, corresponding secretary

Nancy Mousley