Williamstown Superintendent of Schools Susette Bollard (Right) did the honors as Emcee at the Ainsworth Library Centennial reception last Saturday afternoon at the Middle/High School cafeteria. The large crowd on hand enjoyed readings of student poetry, displays of student history projects, a silent auction of books by 25 Vermont authors and fiddle music in addition to keynote speaker, Author Willem Lange. Photo by Bill Croney, The Northfield News Ainsworth Public Library’s Centennial Celebration was a hit! Over 130 people filled the Williamstown Middle High School cafeteria to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Ainsworth Public Library on the afternoon of Saturday, December 17th.

Suzette Bollard, Orange North Supervisor Union Superintendent, was the master of ceremonies and also shared a brief history of the library. Several students from Kim Delaurier’s middle school classes read wonderful original poetry describing their town of Williamstown and how much it meant to them. Martha Reid, the Vermont State Librarian, presented the three Williamtown Elementary School winners of the l Bookmark Contest ,”What Reading Means to Me...” their award and a $10 gift certificate for Scholastic books. Naveda Orton (gr. K-1), Erin Rivers (gr.2-3), and Haley Trottier (gr.4-5) were also congratulated by Flora O’Hara, Ainsworth Public Libary Director and Kathy Ducharme, a representative from the Friends of Ainsworth Public Library.

Senator Mark MacDonald read and presented Florence Winters and Ann Hegarty, longtime Ainsworth Public Library Trustees, with an official document from Governor Peter Shumlin which proclaimed December 17, 2011 to be Ainsworth Public Library Day.

Adam Boyce and Ben Koenig performed on fiddle and guitar, respectively, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. Some even danced a bit while many others clapped along.

The guest speaker, Willen Lange, kept everyone entertained with his stories of life and especially the tricks to keeping telemarketers on the phone until they finally hang up on you.

During the breaks in the program, people continued to buy raffle tickets for the large handmade raffle basket filled to overflowing with Vermont made items ranging from chocolates, toys, a Keurig machine and k-cups, a handblown glass ornamentto gift certificates to a spa and even a 1 hour private flight over Lake Champlain. The astonished winner at the end of the program of the raffle basket was Judith Prive of Barre.

The books signed by Vermont authors and illustrators garnered a great deal of interest and their silent auction bids created some healthy competition proving to be an effective way to boost the fundraising efforts of the Friends of Ainsworth Public Library while providing special books to the participants.

All in all, this afternoon will not be soon forgotten. The volunteers who put in many months of preparation deserve special thanks and rest. The Librarian, Flora O’Hara, especially thanks her very capable and creative Assistant, Roberta Tracy, for spearheading the entire event and keeping everyone focused on producing an amazing celebration. It could not have been done without her. Happy 100th Birthday, Ainsworth Public Library!

Those at the Celebration were treated to amazing elementary and high school student displays of bookmarks, family genealogy, 3-D creations of Williamstown, poetry, interesting facts about Williamstown as well as a great trifold display of Ainsworth Public Library history by the Williamstown Historical Society. It was wonderful to have so many people in town involved in this celebration.