Our second stop on our whirlwind tour of new operations in RCS was the RCS Community Library on Main Street in Ravena.

We’ve published accounts of the rough road this important community institution was forced to navigate at the hands of Mayor John T. Bruno and his band of merry thugs in village Hall. We’ve also published accounts of the corruption that has become the Ravena Health and Fitness Center and the scandal that is going on there in what was once the RCS Community Library’s home. We also reported on the Ravena-Coeymans incest club’s contribution to the Library’s difficulties with slow progress of renovation work and rent increases while they were in their old location. Thank you! Mayor John Bruno!

But this is a report on the positive, on how the dedicated officers on the board of trustees, the directors, the women and men who are there with a smile to help, and a beautiful, spacious, airy, welcoming new location.

Even the courts agree that “A library is “‘a place dedicated to quiet, to knowledge, and to beauty.” (e.g. Brown v. Louisiana, 383 U.S. 131, 142, 86 S.Ct. 719, 724, 15 L.Ed.2d 637 (1966)) . Its very purpose is to aid in the acquisition of knowledge through reading, writing and quiet contemplation. Our libraries are centers of First Amendment protected rights, they are places where the word, dialogue, speech and expression are available for all.

I, personally was not able to attend the grand opening and, in a way I’m glad I didn’t. I would not have been able to devote my attention to the details of the place, physical and personal. When I walked in I was pleasantly surprised at the pleasant atmosphere: it’s open, airly, bright, clean. You’re not stifled or intimidated (That’s a nice change in Ravena, right?).

I was able to meander through stacks that were full but I didn’t get the impression that an avalanche of books was going to bury my any second. I noted a couple of dedicated spaces, including what appeared to be a children’s center. Everything had a place.

There was a bank of computers ready to assist anyone to get to this blog (LOL), or anywhere else on the Internet, providing it’s decent.

But the most pleasant experience came when I had questions about what the RCS Community Library could to for me and my reading requirements. It was not a disappointment. Several library staff came to my assistance and, if one couldn’t answer my questions or didn’t have the experience with the service I needed, they knew right where to go.

The very convincing message they delivered was: We’re here to help make your reading and research experience as pleasant as we can. And they did. They offered suggestions, alternatives, information I didn’t have; all to ensure that my needs were met.

I Left The RCS Community Library Very Impressed and With My New Library Card

Leaving the library, I was a happy camper and glad that I supported their fine efforts with a YES to their budget. A group like that can’t fail because they have their hearts in the right place and their fingers on the pulse of this community.

We’d like to see some joint programs organized collaboratively by the RC Youth Activities and Teen Center and the RCS Community Library. Joining forces and optimizing resources and opportunities can only multiply effectiveness!

We Encourage Everyone to Visit the RCS Community Library, to Meet and Chat with the Staff There, and to Make Use of the Beautiful New Facilities. Make it A Point to Use Your Library! I Know I Will!

Thank you! RCS Community Library!