Speakers Praise Opening Of New Mohr Library

Here's a recap of the speeches delivered at the grand opening of the new Marian J. Mohr Library on April 9. A statement by Rep. James Langevin, sent via e-mail, is also included.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed: "This is a moment to commend and applaud the people of Johnston. Your vision, your commitment, your determination has made this day possible... This is an extraordinary moment to just simply say 'thank you' for what you've done. It's heartwarming to all of us.

"Libraries are critical to communities; libraries are places where poeple continue to learn. In fact, if we can teach children in our schools to use libraries for the rest of their lives, guess what? Stand back — they're the most educated people in the world.

"But libraries are something else today — it's the way people are connected to the bigger world and to find a job. It's very hard if you don't have a computer to apply for a job today. For many, many people, the only plae they'll be able to connect to the workforce and to the community at large is coming to use this library."

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse: "This is a wonderful turnout, and a great expression of the community's support for this new library.

"When the original Marian J. Mohr Library was built, we had a brand new President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and a brand-new Senator, Senator Claiborne Pell...

"So much time has passed since the original library was built, and it shows how important this new library is and what an important step this was for Johnston to take.... Congratulations. Well done. I'm proud to be with you."

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline: "Libraries are places of discovery and inspiration and learning, and they make such a difference in the lives of children, and also families and communities.

"In really difficult times, it takes vision to make the kind of investment to make this library a reality... It also takes the wisdom and vision of the community to come forward and be willing to make the investment you've made.

"You should be very proud of this library. It will make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in this town."

U.S. Rep. James Langevin (via e-mail): "The first Mohr library constructed 50 years ago exemplified the great value of public libraries, which offer people of all ages equal access to information and educational opportunities through children’s programs, lectures, workshops and much more.

"I commend Mayor Polisena and all those involved with construction of this new building, which will continue the great tradition of the original library.

"Particularly, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the late Michael Fargnoli and Andrew Greene, and their families, for their tireless devotion to this project and community service. It is because of the efforts of so many people like them that generations of Johnston residents to come will enjoy the countless benefits of this tremendous facility.

"I regret that I was unable to attend to today's event, but look forward to visiting soon."

R.I. Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts: "These are community centers, and Johnston, you knew you needed a bigger and better community center in town.

"About 20 years ago, I worked in the library of the community where I lived, and I saw all the kids who came after school to get homework done under adult supervision... Johnston, you are so smart to recognize how important this is right now, when so many of us are thinking of retrenching, you knew you needed to reinvest in your community."

Johnston Town Council Pres. Robert V. Russo: "It makes a special feeling in my heart to see so many people here today. It's a testament to how important this facility is.

"It's not only for our children, it's also for adults. The global workforce and the global environment is shrinking, and our youth really have to compete with a different element across the world — and every chance we give them to compete, with books, the Internet, and reading, is very important."

Town Councilor Vice Pres. Stephanie Manzi: "Back in 2008, when the voters approved the initiative on the ballot to build this new facility, I said to myself, 'I am so proud to be a member of this community.'

"At the end of the day, sometimes nothing is better than holding that book in your hand, smelling it, playing with the binder, and sometimes when you go to the library, you can sit in there and think 'Who had this before me, and what did they think of this book?'

"I'd drive by this land all the time with my kids, and they'd ask, at least 100 times in the last month, 'When is it going to open?' and now it's "When are we going to have a library card?' As soon as they get that card, we'll come as often as we can."

Mohr Board of Trustees Chairwoman Lisa Filippelli: "Ben Franklin, the founding father of libraries, said: 'All mankind is divided into three classes: Those who are immovable, those who are movable, and those who move.'

"This new library proves that Johnston knows how to move. We moved forward as a team, creating this library as a community resource, a place where people can gather in a trusted setting with experienced, hands-on assistance.

"We moved ahead to provide equal access to all our citizens, aged 2 to 92, providing their lifelong learning needs.

"We evolved from a small, outdated building to a modern, accessible, technologically advanced building that provides access to all of our citizens...

"And now we move on in out technological world, remembering that a library remains the most vital indication of a literate, free-thinking community."

Susan Hildreth, IMLS Director: "I'm so impressed with the support you had on the ballot measure. It was wonderful to see that, and it shows that you all know how important libraries are. You wanted it, and you got it.

"This community is such a great symbol of what libraries are all about today, and we know that in some parts of the country, libraries are not doing so well. To see the commitment your community has made to this library is astounding.

"Now I'm going to tell everybody to run up to Johnston and see what's happening up here because you guys are doing the right thing — you're the poster child for effective public libraries, and I have to really praise you for your foresight and community dedication...

"You have this fabulous location, between the middle school and high school — I'm sure after school will get a little hectic... a noisy library is one that people love and they're using it. I hope you don't have any 'shush' policies, because I want to see it active and well-used, and I'm sure it will be.

"A key role of libraries is becoming a civic focal point and a resource hub of the community. Libraries have the very unique role of bring a neutral space in the community, and they can bring together all sorts of folks who are thinking about various topics, ideas, and challenges. The library is a neutral place, a safe palce, to come and talk with each other and to get to know each other and to be able to talk about the issues in your community.

"You, as taxpayers, have made the investment in this building, and you want to make sure that your library staff is leveraging all the investment you're making on an ongoing basis, by developing partnerships in your community.

"I am very, very impressed with Johnston. You're not a large community. I'm sure you don't have a huge number of resources, and you've made libraries and education a huge priority, and I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this day for you."

The accompanying video shows Mayor Joseph M. Polisena and Mohr Library Director Jon Anderson speaking about the new library.