Several exciting improvements provided expanded service to the public. The computers in the Information Technology Training Center were upgraded to provide faster access to the Internet. A new computer with a printer, scanner and CD burner has proven to be very popular with students and other users who can scan photos and other graphics into their research papers, business presentations, and personal correspondence. The Friends of the Library funded the purchase of a pc based language lab for students learning to speak English. Our redesigned web page makes it easier than ever to find out what’s available and what’s happening at the Library.

The Oliver Family of Newton commissioned sculptor Nancy Schon to design a bronze statue of Winnie the Pooh and his hunny pot to keep Eeyore company on the Children’s Patio. Following a successful fundraising campaign spearheaded by the Olivers, the statue was unveiled on Mother’s Day and dedicated in memory of their daughter Sarah. Now, more than ever, children and their families visit and play with the magical characters.

Our calendar of educational and cultural programs was better and more varied than ever. Over 35,500 people from toddlers to senior citizens attended programs that were scheduled nearly every day the Library was open. Highlights for adults included a number of programs to help better understand the events of September 11, author talks by Elizabeth McCracken, Alex Beam, and David Kertzer, celebrations of Chinese New Year, the winter solstice and African American History Month, and a stellar line-up of classical music concerts. We continued to partner with All Newton Music School, the Jane Austen Society and Green Decade Coalition among other organizations for some of our programs.

The Children’s Department offered creative, enjoyable programming to children of all ages. Highlights included the Book Investigator workshop which produced a journal of book reviews that the children wrote, a Literacy Fair which promoted the importance of reading, and weekly story hours and other programs for children ages 1 to 7.

The Library received a Library Services and Technology Act federal grant funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to fund a preservation survey of our Newton history materials. We will use the recommendations in the survey to develop a program to better preserve our historical collections, and make them more accessible to library users.

Volunteer hours increased in FY02 to nearly 14,500 hours (7.5 FTEs) contributed by nearly 300 faithful volunteers. They are here every day of the week, quietly working to ensure that the Newton Free Library remains the best in the Commonwealth.

I am forever grateful to the wonderful and exceptional staff; they truly make the Library the success that it is. I also wish to thank Mayor Cohen, the Board of Aldermen and the City administration, department heads and Library Policy and Planning Committee for all of their assistance and support. I am particularly grateful to the Board of Library Trustees and the Friends of the Library. Their philosophical and financial support of the Newton Free Library is unwavering.