Cumberland Library Celebrates 50 Years by Mark Berger
Even after the pandemic, Dyer said the number of visitors has steadily increased over the last several years. It’s a tribute to the variety of services they now offer. In its semi-centennial year, it could be a good time to reminisce about where the facility. Computers were unavailable to patrons until 1997. The initial computers were bulky, hard to move, did not possess the speed, design, and software most devices are accustomed to today.
The library is still a place where groups, organizations and families can meet to either learn about their town, connect through shared appreciation of a book genre or interest, and take advantage of various services at either minimal or no cost. It is not just somewhere to pick up and drop off books. There is more than just a building that houses materials. It is also a meeting place for plans to shape futures begin. While many cities and towns have their own library, one is celebrating a milestone. The Cumberland Public Library turns 50 years old this year. They are marking the festivities by holding guided tours, a former employee get-together, and plans for more events to come. Director Celeste Dyer said the library continues evolving as the the needs of the community change. Having worked there for three decades and serving in her current position for 15 years, she has seen plenty come and go. One thing that has not changed is the people coming in to participate in the fun and adventures they offer. “We have a children’s room where they will do storytime or have games and other activities happening,” she said. “We brought in computers for those who may not own one themselves for them to use. We also built a teen room that caters to kids with an after-school place to meet. The library works hard to fulfill the needs of this town and beyond.”
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The collections were sorted on card files then. Everything needed to be looked up through a system of using an author’s name, a subject, or book title. It was eventually switched over to CD-ROM when computers became more mainstream. Those fields were updated twice a year, according to Dyer. Today, all of that is stored in the library’s computer network and could be found quickly through the internet and is updated instantaneously. They have seven meeting rooms that can hold numerous meetings for various local community groups. The rooms are available by request at the through the library’s website. Dyer said the rooms are used for library programs and are have become popular with various non-profit groups. “We host crafts and cooking classes for those adults