The Five Minute Read
National Library Week
LOWELL >> In recognition of the 180th anniversary of the Pollard Memorial Library, and in celebration of National Library Week, Somong Rattanayong, director of constituent services for U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, presented PML Director Bridget Cooley, staff and trustees with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition on April 10.
“The value of the Library in our community is immeasurable and the contributions of your Staff, Trustee, Foundation, and Friends will have a lasting and positive impact in the Greater Lowell Community and beyond,” said Rattanayong, who also spoke to the importance of the library in her life as an immigrant to the United States.
Cooley presented a lecture on the history of Lowell’s library and noted the support of staff, the PML Trustees, the PML Foundation and the Friends of the PML in the success of the library’s long mission serving the community.
The theme for National Library Week, which ran Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13, was “Ready, Set, Library!” and PML Trustees Chair Donna Richards, said libraries are there for residents at every opportunity.
“No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey,” she said “the Pollard Memorial Library is there for you … .”
For more information on the library, call 978674-4120 or visit lowelllibrary.org.
Rourke Bridge closures
LOWELL >> Repair work on the Rourke Bridge, previously expected to wrap up by March, has been extended until May and perhaps into the summer, according to a spokesperson with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
The schedule for the nighttime repair work on the 40-year-old bridge is Sunday through Thursday, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, while MASSDOT conducts repairs on the bridge’s lateral supports and the bridge surface. The work is weather dependent. The bridge will be closed to all but emergency vehicles.
Drivers needing to cross the Merrimack River from the north side of the Rourke Bridge will be detoured from Pawtucket Boulevard to turn onto School Street and turn right onto Middlesex Street to reach the Wood Street Extension. Those crossing from the south side of the bridge will turn onto Middlesex Street from Wood Street, take a left onto School Street and another left onto Pawtucket Boulevard.
MVFB food drive
LOWELL >> Help fill the shelves at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank by hosting a food drive by collecting nonperishables or
with folks in the community, she is just wonderful,” Perry added. “I have been a librarian for 30 years and she is the best I’ve ever seen.”
Colasanto says she loves the fact that at this season in her life she has an office where people can come to see her and visit her.
“The library feels like a second
home to me,” Colasanto said. “It makes me feel happy that I am good for something at my age — volunteering at the library keeps me young, and it is a place where I feel that I belong.”
Colasanto proves that it is never too late to contribute to your community and it is important that libraries have volunteers with all kinds of skills. The Ashby Free Public Library has volunteers that help with the plants, teach art classes, shelve books,
clean, and so much more.
“Hannelore, who works harder than most 87-year-olds, is an example of someone who came to discover a great talent later in life and is generous in sharing her skills with the whole Ashby community,” Perry said. “She loves being here, and we all love her.”
For information on how you can volunteer at the library, or for upcoming library events, call 978-386-5377 or visit their website at ashbylibrary.org.