Lanpher Library Awarded Children's Space Grant

by Amy Kolb Noyes

HYDE PARK - Some of the frills had to be cut from the plans for the new
addition to Hyde Park's Lanpher Memorial Library due to budget
constraints. However, a second grant awarded by the Turrell Fund, of
Montclair, NJ will allow many features to be reinstated to the
children's area.
Hyde Park administrative officer Julia Compagna announced last week the
library addition/renovation project has been awarded $15,000
specifically for the portion of the addition dedicated to children's
books and programming. Compagna, who authored the grant application on
behalf of the library, said last year the Turrell Fund gave $5,000
toward the "structure" of the children's area for items such as
sheetrock and flooring. At that time, fund personnel visited the Lanpher
Memorial Library. Compagna said they encouraged Hyde Park to reapply for
additional funds, if needed.
Original plans called for the children's area to be glassed off from
other sections of the library to provide for a separate, soundproof
area. When the town bonded for $75,000 to keep the project moving
forward, the glass wall was scaled back to a knee wall. Compagna said it
is that type of extra, as well as items such as book bins or shelving,
that might be added back into the project with the Turrell Fund grant.
"It's going to be up to the trustees and the librarian as to what they
want to restore," Compagna commented.
Librarian Amy Masi said she had put the library's children's programming
on hold in anticipation of disruptive construction. She hopes to
reinstate such programs in early 2005. The Night Owl program, one of the
more popular children's programs, will be brought back on Monday
evenings at 6 p.m. The Wednesday morning story time for young families
will be making a comeback as well. Masi also plans to start a vacation
novel club for older children over February school vacation.
The Turrell Fund was founded in 1935 by Herbert and Margaret Turrell to
"support activities that will contribute to the development of young
persons from families that could not afford these services without
help," Compagna explained. The fund supports organizations in Vermont
and New Jersey.
Meanwhile, fundraising continues to complete the library's renovation
and expansion. Masi said they are in the process of compiling a "wish
list" for donors who would like to purchase specific items for the
library. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to the Lanpher
Memorial Library at P.O. Box 196, Hyde Park, VT 05655.