by Paul Bouchey
Given the advent of the internet and the proliferation of ever-changing digital devices, now virtually everyone has easy access to an enormous amount of information hitherto available primarily on the written page in the form of books. These developments have led many to predict the inevitable demise of the traditional library. Yet, as Mark Twain once observed, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” The same can be said of libraries.
[private]In the words of Christian Collins, who was appointed Director of the Grafton Community Library a year ago, “In this age of quick and abundant access to electronic resources, libraries must reaffirm their role as community centers that bring people together and foster dialogue and connection by offering a rich array of programs, services and materials carefully tailored to meet the needs of the population – from the youngest to the oldest – and being ever responsive to their changing needs.”
Collins brings to his position a wide variety of experiences and an impressive educational background. He holds a Master of Library Science degree from St. John’s University in New York and a Master of Arts degree from UMass Amherst in French and Francophone Studies. He is fluent not only in the French language but also Arabic, with some knowledge of Spanish and Greek. He has worked as a teacher, researcher and translator in the U.S. and abroad, in both France and Syria. He is also familiar with Asian cultures. For two years he was employed as a special program assistant at the Queens Library in New York. Those are but a few of his credentials, which might suggest an aloof scholar. In reality, Collins is a warm, approachable, knowledgeable young man who, together with his staff, Amy Hart and Angela Kanser, an active Board of Trustees and individual volunteers, works enthusiastically to guide the Grafton Library through changing times.
Collins grew up in Millerton, a small Duchess County, New York town. His interest in books was generated in large part by the fact that his father was, and is, an antiques dealer specializing in rare books. Christian spent time in Paris and Switzerland as a child and discovered he had a natural aptitude for learning languages. The historic French connections with Syria led to an interest in the language and culture of that part of the world and prompted him to learn Arabic, “for the fun of it.” He spent a year in Damascus on a Fulbright Grant and translated a number of Syrian short stories for literary magazines. That resulted in the publication last year of his English translation of Fullblood Arabian by prizewinning Syrian author-in-exile, Osama Alomar.
While studying for his first masters degree in Amherst in 2006, Collins visited a nearby peace pagoda and became friends with Sister Jun Yasuda (better know locally as Jun San), a Japanese-born Buddhist peace activist. That connection brought him to Grafton to visit its own peace pagoda. One thing led to another, and he was appointed Library Director in October, 2013.
Grafton has a rich literary heritage directly connected to the library itself. The institution was established in 1945, through the persistent efforts of author and literary critic Granville Hicks, together with a local organization called the Grafton Community League, which subsequently transformed into the Library’s Board of Trustees. It was Hicks who provided most of the original 600 volume collection from his and his father’s own libraries. Hicks resided in Grafton for over forty years, which was the thinly veiled location for his book Small Town. He and his wife Dorothy participated in many community activities. He also helped acquire the land upon which the current building was erected. It opened on July 4, 1954.
The collection was initially housed in the Methodist Church parsonage, open to the public for just a few hours a week. An early volunteer was Ethel Simmons, a teacher who served as librarian until 1970. In her memory an annual writing award is bestowed upon a local high school student in conjunction with the Grafton Historical Society
Stanley and Lillis Bunce were stalwarts of the undertaking, he as a Trustee, almost from the beginning, for over fifty years. Lillis succeeded Simmons as librarian. They dedicated themselves to the Library’s development and outreach. Mary Gagnon and Alice Kautz were among other important figures in the institution’s history. Many individuals were involved in the fundraising and construction of the permanent home. Most all were volunteers.
Carolyn Durnin began her association as a Trustee, then served as the Library Director from 1995 until 2011. It eventually became a paid position. Her tenure saw a dramatic expansion of the collection, an increase in hours of operation and greater participation by local residents. Circulation rose from 5,000 to 30,000 books and materials. It was serendipity that she and her husband John, who moved to Grafton in 1984, raised their family in the old farm house on Shaver Pond Road previously owned by the Hickses. That happy coincidence resulted in her involvement with the Library. The Hick’s burial site, situated within a pine grove, is nearby, adjacent to the State Park land.
Since his arrival Christian Collins has focused on establishing new programs and enhancing existing ones, including the Book Discussion Group, weekly Storytimes for pre-school children, Tuesday Game Days, a Saturday Sit and Knit Needle Arts Group led by Doris O’Brien and a variety of special events and programs covering a wide range of subjects. A future program, funded by the Upper Hudson Library System – of which Grafton is a member – will focus on “workforce development,” helping individuals conduct job searches and submit resumes to potential employers.
Libraries are the ultimate repositories of human knowledge, achievements, history and entertainment. Their resources have been expanded over recent decades to include not just books and periodicals but also audio and video archives as well as offering free internet access and providing for the downloading of thousands of e-books. They have become centers of vibrant communication. They must be ever mindful and protective of their valuable place in society and must change with the times in order to assure their survival. Furthermore, local interaction and ties are important. In Durnin’s words, “When people at the desk live in the community, it makes all the difference.”
The Grafton Community Library is an admirable example of a true grassroots creation, founded by citizens and now supported in large part by local government. It is also funded by vital private donations and grants. Its impact for almost seven decades on the quality of life for all generations in this small rural town cannot be overestimated.[/private]