A group of concerned citizens and wrote letters asking the Northwest Regional Library board to continue to support the Barb Geer Memorial Libary while it is closed down. The condition of the Legacy Center roof over the library made it necessary for the library to close temporarily. This has caused concern that the library may not be able to continue.
Concerns over whether the NWRL board would wait while alternatives were considered were expressed in letters which are being reprinted in this week’s paper.
July 3, 2024 Northwest Regional Library Board Members Northwest Regional Library 210 La Bree Ave.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701 Dear Board Members, I am writing this letter to express my unwavering support for the Barb Geer Memorial Library in Middle River. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the library has been compelled to seek a new location until the conditions at the Middle River Legacy Center are rectified. The importance of the Barb Geer Memorial Library to our rural community cannot be overstated, and I believe it is crucial that we rally together to support this invaluable institution.
The Barb Geer Memorial Library is more than just a repository of books; it offers numerous benefits that enhance the lives of residents in Middle River and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the key benefits the library brings to our small community: 1. Access to Information and Knowledge: The library provides residents with access to a vast collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. This access is particularly vital in a rural community where other resources may be limited. The library serves as a gateway to knowledge, enabling individuals of all ages to learn, explore, and grow.
2. Educational Support: For students in our community, the library is an indispensable resource. The library’s programs and resources support the academic success of our youth, helping them to achieve their full potential.
3. Community Programs and Events: The Barb Geer Memorial Library hosts a variety of programs and events that bring people together. From book club and youth summer reading opportunities, the library fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities for lifelong learning.
4. Social Connection and Well-being: The library is a safe and welcoming space where residents can connect with one another through activities like the book club. This social interaction is vital for mental health and well-being, particularly in a small community where social opportunities may be fewer.
The temporary relocation of the Barb Geer Memorial Library is a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to this essential community asset. I urge you to support the library during this transition period.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Together, we can ensure that the Barb Geer Memorial Library continues to thrive and enrich the lives of all who call Middle River home.
Sincerely, Janie Brandon u July 6, 2024 Dear Board Members, I am a member of the Middle River community who has immense pride in the accomplishments this community has made under many adverse conditions. Unfortunately, we are now faced with another unforeseen condition to deal with. The relocation of the library to a different location until this condition can be dealt with.
The Barb Geer Memorial Library committee has been diligently working to find a location to temporarily move the library until the conditions at the Middle River Legacy Center have been taken care of. It is not an easy task, but the committee believes it is vital to the people of our community and I fully support their efforts.
The library is important to the Senior Citizens, children and others of the community who rely on the library for access to everything that is offered, books, periodicals, access to technology to name a few.
It hosts events which provide socializing to some who may find it difficult to participate in other venues. It helps fill the void of not having a school in Middle River by giving our children access to the library’s programs and resources which enhance and support our children’s ability to achieve their goals.
This is another adverse condition that can be met and dealt with by the citizens of our community, but we need your support. Please give your support to the Barb Geer Memorial Library and those who call Middle River home. Together, we can achieve our goal to keep the Barb Geer Memorial Library a legacy and an important asset to everybody who lives here. Thank you.
Sincerely, Arlette Pearson July 8, 2024 Dear Northwest Regional Library Members: It has come to the attention that the Northwest Regional Library in Middle River has had some unforseen circumstances come to their location. I am writing to show my support of the Barb Geer Memorial Library. Since the library has opened my children and I have enjoyed many visits to the Middle River location. It is an extremely important part of our lives. My children use the library for easy access to books during the school year for AR points and in the summer for leisure reading. We have always prayed for there to be a library in our town and when it happened we were highly supportive of the idea.
I am aware that the Legacy Center may not be able to be the “home” of the Library at this time, but we are hoping that with some consideration into other options that we are able to keep the library in our small town. With each visit we are able to connect with other members of the community and talk about books that interest each one of us. I have enjoyed seeing faces of community members in which I didn’t expect to see at our local library. I believe the library is good for connecting community members, an easy access point to gain knowledge, and a place where my kids can enjoy. I remember as a child when the book mobile would come around to my hometown, I would be elated and that is the exact feeling my kids get when they get to attend the library each Wednesday.
I understand that the temporary relocation of the Barb Geer Memorial Library is a big undertaking, but I can asure you that the importance the library holds in our hearts here in Middle River will be worth it. Middle River is a town FULL of passion, drive, and hearts full of compassion to work together. We have made it through challenging obstacles before, but we hope this is just another one for us to overcome and be back and better than ever. I thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely, Stephanie Schenkey July 9, 2024 To: NW Regional Library Board Members My name is Jedediah Geer. I lived in Middle River, MN for the first 18 years of my life and have enjoyed coming back to my hometown ever since. My mom, Barb Geer, was the biggest mentor in my life. When she passed in February 2019, she left quite a legacy in Middle River.
One of my mom's dreams was to have a library in Middle River. This did not come to 100% fruition before died, and it was something that my sister and I were going to attempt to achieve someday.
We were nothing more than humbled and honored that the library was named after my mom, and we have enjoyed many hours of time in the Barb Geer Memorial Library since that day.
The relocation of the library will come with great challenges, but as the mighty 'small' town of Middle River always does, they will step up huge to the challenge.
I am asking that you support the Barb Geer Memorial Library during this difficult t ime. It is a vital piece of the puzzle in Middle River. Sincerely, Jedediah Geer Bismark, ND
