The Carnegie Library has always been a source of pride for our community, a reminder of the importance of free access to knowledge and gathering spaces. Built in 1903, the building has stood for generations, shaping the lives of countless residents. One of the most meaningful experiences for me has been seeing the front limestone steps come back to life. Those steps, once the welcoming entrance to the library, had been closed off since the 1970s due to deterioration. For decades, they served only as a reminder of what once was, no longer safe for public use. In 2023, we were able to restore them with new limestone, bringing back not just a functional entrance but a piece of our shared history. To me, the reopening of the steps symbolizes resilience and continuity. They connect today’s visitors to the same entrance generations before us walked, reminding us that the library is more than a building — it is a living part of our community. Watching people once again climb those steps fills me with gratitude and reinforces the library’s role as a place where the past and present meet.
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