HARDWICK, Jeudevine Memorial Library hosted a birthday party July 18 from noon to 2 p.m. to mark two milestones: the original building’s 130th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of its addition.
The event drew library supporters and community members to tour the expanded space, enjoy free maple creemees from Maya’s Maple Creemee stand, and watch children decorate squares that will later form a “Free For All” banner.
At 12:30 p.m., a ceremony on the new patio dedicated the Leone Cobb reading garden. A plaque reads: “Always with a book in hand, Leone Cobb inspired generations of Hardwick students.” The Cobb family donated the terrace, brick patio, outdoor furniture, and ongoing garden upkeep. Leone’s son Carl Cobb spoke about his family’s connection to Hardwick.
Library Director Diane Grenkow described how the addition has transformed operations. “What I didn’t anticipate was how much ‘yes’ there would be with this expansion,” she said, listing accessible bathrooms, quiet spaces for Zoom calls, meeting rooms, and after-school space for kids. “After so many years of ‘no,’ it’s a joy every single day to say ‘yes.’”
Former director Lisa Sammet, who retired in January 2023 after 22 years, said she had wanted an addition since she started in 2000. “It’s my dream come true,” she said. “The addition looks and feels like I had imagined.”
Two cakes were served: a chocolate sheet cake wishing the addition “Happy 1st Birthday” and a yellow cake celebrating the original library’s 130 years. The original building was completed in 1896 and accepted by the town in December 1897.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Adam Bouse via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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