Bonnie Evers was just about 9 years old the first time Maplewood Library opened its doors to reveal hundreds of books meant to be borrowed, their colorful spines carefully arranged in stacks that filled a new building off Dewey Avenue.
It was 1959. Evers lived two blocks away on Birr Street. She wandered into the library on opening day, unsure what to expect, and was met by a world of wonder.
“I had never been to a library,” Evers said. She has hardly left in the 67 years since.
Evers started as a library page in high school, stayed on for two summers through college and returned part-time years ago when she was still a young schoolteacher in the neighborhood. She is the one who ensures the book you’re looking for is in its assigned spot, every time, without fail.
So it was only fitting that Evers was there Monday as Maplewood Library celebrated its second opening day ― this time after a two-year, $8.5 million renovation and expansion that includes new classrooms, meeting spaces and a secure outdoor play area for children.
Evers was scheduled to work the morning shift as city, state and federal officials filed in for a ribbon cutting. The mayor, aware of her connection to this space, made sure she left with a piece of the ceremonious blue ribbon.
“This particular library means a lot to a lot of the community,” Evers said after. “They come here for our programs, they come here for relief from the heat and the cold, and they come here for information. And if we can’t service them, we can send them somewhere a lot of time. It depends on what their needs are.”
Maplewood Library reopens on Dewey Avenue
The library project represents a significant investment in Northwest Rochester.
The Dewey Avenue corridor, like other parts of the city, has experienced bouts of drug activity and street fights, though residents and business owners say they’ve noticed a positive shift in recent years.
Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, who lives in the neighborhood, said Monday the library project builds on other recent efforts to uplift the area, including the expansion of an urban community farm off Lexington Avenue, a Teen Empowerment branch at the corner of Magee, and a new nature center and playground set to open this summer.
“You feel the energy and you feel the tide turning,” she said. “The Northwest is really something to celebrate these days.”
The Maplewood Library is one of the busiest branch libraries in Rochester, with more than 7,200 visitors each month. And it offers more than just books: The library runs English and citizenship courses; lends out sewing machines, fishing kits and portable Wi-Fi routers; and exists as a rare free third-space for community members.
By the time the library officially opened Monday ― at 11 a.m. ― several phones were already ringing behind the circulation desk.
Clearly, it was time to leave, the mayor said. There was work here to be done.
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on immigration, police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: A lifetime at Maplewood Library comes full circle on reopening day
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
