n January 1, 1910 the Camden Branch Library was opened, a result of the remarkable generosity of Mary Harris Webber and Charles Deere Webber. On Saturday January 15, 2011 our community celebrated 100 years of library service to our community. The event was sponsored by the Friends of Webber Park Library in partnership with the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, marking a milestone for our community library. Many neighbors stopped in to enjoy cake, listen to good music, sign the birthday card and visit with other library patrons. One neighbor, Phoebe Nosker, attested to the importance of Webber Park Library and she would know. She has been a library patron for over 90 years.
Mary Martinson, President of the Friends of Webber Park Library, welcomed the community and presented a large mock check to librarian Ellen Buskirk as a symbol of the first gift given from the newly formed Friends of Webber Park Library. The grassroots volunteer organization raised the money for the donation through small book sales at community events and through the first annual book sale, held at Guilded Salvage Antiques this past October. Ellen Buskirk remarked that the Friends Group has "made a world of difference" to the library through its infusion of "energy and support." She is using the gift to provide three future programs; Origami Fun, Everyone Loves Balloons, and the Secret Life of Honeybees, offered in March, April and May. Adam Olson, Outreach Coordinator for the Library Foundation, remarked that Webber Park Library has seen a significant increase in usage, up 15 percent during the past year, an increase that he attributes at least in part, to the public relations efforts of the Friends Group. A number of people celebrated the 100 years by joining the Friends Group. They were rewarded with their choice of book bags. One was provided, compliments of local author Lorna Landvik, and the other offered a quote from Henry David Thoreau, "Libraries will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no libraries." A fitting quote for these times.
Hennepin County Library Board Members Gary Thaden and Jill Joseph were there to show their support, as were 4th Ward City Council Member Barb Johnson, WCNO Director Roberta Englund and Victory Neighborhood staff Debbie Nelson. County Commissioner Mark Stenglein was unable to attend, but sent a letter to the Friends of Webber Park Library, congratulating the library on its 100th year of service and noting that, "The steadfast energy and support for public libraries that comes out of this neighborhood is something to be proud of - and hopefully will serve the blossoming new Friends Group." Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson also sent a letter of congratulations and thanked the leadership of the Friends Group for their, "commitment to excellent library service."
You may have noticed that the aforementioned math doesn't add up. Webber Park Library is actually 101 years old, but it has provided service to our community for 100 years due to its closure during 2007. The closure was a bitter pill that our community had twice refused, strongly reacting to the attempts to permanently close it in 2003 and again in 2007, when it was closed for a year. It's reopening was a testament to the collective will of our community and the heart of those who pressed for its presence in our community. The Friends of Webber Park Library offer an opportunity for the community to be proactive in support of our incredible community library. It's a nice change. They hope you will join them in securing the next 100 years. Visit www.supporthclib.org/webberpark, call 952-847-8109 or email webberpark@supporthclib.org.
Phoebe Nosker, 97-year-old Camden resident and a 90 year patron of the Webber Park Library, signs the birthday card at the Webber Library annivesersary celebration. Photo by Duane Atter