The Oak Bluffs Public Library was sparkling Friday evening, all dressed up for the 10th anniversary of the building. Oversize gold balloons hung from the ceilings proclaiming “10,” along with gold streamers and blue and white balloons.
Colorful photo displays chronicled the decade-old facility from groundbreaking and construction to jubilant ribbon-cutting. Others showed happy patrons and staff taking part in programs over the past 10 years, from toddler story hours to the more recent Sock Hop, and staff decked out in grass skirts for Hawaiian Luau Night.
Visitors were invited to take a stroll down Memory Lane, writing recollections on index cards. “Playing miniature golf” and “Sondra’s story hours” were popular activities that received votes.
“I miss Anita very much, a real class act,” recalled one patron in a touching tribute to the late Anita Parker at the circulation desk. “She was always so gracious, funny, just generally a pleasure to interact with.”
“This library made the Island really my home,” wrote one newcomer. “You’ll never get rid of me now.”
“I can’t wait for the next 10 years!” wrote another.
Patrons, staff, and town and library officials filled the community room to enjoy light refreshments and sparkling cider by Truly Scrumptious Catering, provided by the Library Friends of Oak Bluffs. Guests also raised toasts with champagne donated by Our Market.
Multitalented Island musician Michael Haydn enhanced the party mood with solo guitar renditions of jazz, pop, bossa nova, and some original numbers.
Library director Sondra Murphy, who also marked her departure at the party, took the floor with a heartfelt tribute, confiding she did not want to cry.
“A toast to this building and everyone in the community that came to the library, everyone who supported me and the library the past five years — cheers!” said Ms. Murphy as she lifted her champagne flute.
Ms. Murphy is widely credited for bringing new energy and a wide assortment of new programming to the library. She is leaving for the Worcester Public Library to become youth services coordinator, where she will supervise a staff of 15 that services five branches.
In a follow-up email she added, “I am eternally grateful for my time at the Oak Bluffs Public Library. I have grown so much as a person and a librarian. I am most sad to leave my amazing staff, all of whom I have hired. They are such a wonderful group of people, and the next director will be lucky to have them by his or her side.”
The building process
Karen Achille, a former Vineyard Haven children’s librarian, had been chairman of the Oak Bluffs Library Board of Trustees in 1996 when discussions of a new building began. She later became chair of the building committee, with David Wilson taking over as head trustee. She recalls, “We were rapidly outgrowing our library space; we needed to expand our horizons,” offering a glimpse back at history.
At that time the library was a 3,471-square-foot former grocery store on the corner of Penacook and Circuit avenues, where it had been since the 1920s.
“It was a very long process,” said Ms. Achille. She recounted building committee visits to off-Island libraries, choosing architect Mashek and Maclean, now of Vineyard Haven, and holding numerous construction meetings.
Town-owned land on Pacific Avenue adjoining the old Oak Bluffs School, now the town hall, was acquired. Total project cost was approximately $5,800,000; the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners contributed some $2,500,000 toward the total.
Construction began in fall 2002, and was fully completed with a festive ribbon-cutting on Nov. 5, 2005. “I can’t believe it has been 10 years since we opened the doors,” said Ms. Achille. “I think the architects did a great job of making our library homey and comfortable,” commented Ms. Murphy later. “The style is timeless and classic.”
Looking ahead
Along with Ms. Murphy’s departure, several staff changes are underway, which will further shape a new future for the building. Anna Marie D’Addarie, who worked at the library since 2008, becoming circulation manager in 2010 and most recently serving as program coordinator, also departed this month. Among the creative activities she organized were a live summer music series, an informational Pet Fair, Young Adult Acting Workshops, and Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day. Seasonal events included readings of scary stories for Halloween and a wintertime Hot Chocolate Festival. She and co-worker Allyson Malik organized “Books on Tap,” a book club that met at a local bar.
Ms. D’Addarie is best known by many for her popular Fit in ’15 a series with an emphasis on goal-setting focused on physical, spiritual, and psychological wellness. Featured presentations ranged from nutrition to exercise to meditation, and more.
Assuming the program coordinator post is Nate Luce, who moves from the circulation desk. Mr. Luce, who has longstanding family ties on the Island, graduated from Bennington College and worked at Omega Institute in the video department. He said he looks forward to continuing Ms. D’Addarie’s most successful programs and expanding into other areas.
Sonja Drotar has been appointed children’s librarian. The position had been vacant since Zoe Pechter left last year (Ms. Murphy had been overseeing programming for the department). Ms. Drotar earned her library science degree from Simmons College, and commutes from Falmouth.
“She is warm, and immediately fit into our team. She is planning some super-cute programs!” said Ms. Murphy.
A haven for locals
“I enjoy spending time here in the winter. It’s a very homey, warm, light space,” said Cheryl Burns of Oak Bluffs. “The resources are really good,” she added, citing research sources including archives of town records.
Donna Joyce, a patron and volunteer, praised the library for its upbeat atmosphere and many creative activities. “It’s the staff that are here that are so full of energy,” she said.
“I was really impressed by the summer live music series,” said Virginia Coutinho of Vineyard Haven. Like many others, Ms. Coutinho said she admired the numerous dynamic programs created by Ms. Murphy and Ms. D’Addarie, and that both women would be missed.
Part-time staffer Pam Melrose, a retired teacher who has combined library work with teaching for years, praised the library for its imaginative children’s programs. She said that drawing children into the fun, comfortable library environment at an early age will enable them to enjoy libraries as adults.
She said Ms. Murphy’s emphasis on creative programming has been especially positive.
“I hope the new librarian will have the same kind of energy, connecting to the community,” she said. “Our library is a warm and welcoming space, a special place,” said Ms. Melrose. “I think it’s one of the jewels of Oak Bluffs.”
