Kathryn Russell
Oct 13, 2023
Why I Love Libraries/How a Small Idea Can Grow
Hello!
I’ve loved libraries my whole life.
Both my parents encouraged reading, and countless happy after-school and weekend hours were spent at our local library. Everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve been an avid patron of the local library.
My Mom’s dream as a young woman was to be a librarian. She completed one year of college classes at night school during the Great Depression, before she had to drop out and help support her Mother and siblings after her father died. She had a wonderful and productive life, but always regretted the fact that she didn’t finish her education and fulfill her dream of being a librarian.
To honor my Mom after she passed away, I funded a scholarship in her memory at the school she had attended so many years ago. This university is in the heart of downtown Detroit. The scholarship supports women who are studying to be librarians, and who have had their studies interrupted by economic hardship. Many of these students go on to work in the Detroit Public Library system where they help economically disadvantaged children develop reading and lifelong learning skills. Over the past 20 years, over 50 scholarships in the total amount of $50,000+ have been awarded. And the program is set up to run for years to come.
For the past two years, it has been my honor to serve as a Trustee of the Deep River Public Library. During this time, I served as a thought leader alongside my board colleagues in doing the work to establish a Mission Statement and a Strategic Plan for the Library (something the Essex and Old Saybrook public libraries had, but ours didn’t). We reached out to Deep River residents through formal market research to better understand their use and wishes for the library. We wrote a thoughtful request for ARPA funds and applied for a CT Neighborhood Assistance grant to help with window repair and restoration.
The Deep River Public Library is an important center for learning, exploring, and community.
As First Selectwoman, I will commit to applying my intellect and my heart to the issues of our Town. From a single idea and a small start, tremendous growth can occur once love, commitment, and the principle of compound interest are applied.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of my campaign.
Warm regards,
Katie