John Joseph Craven, foreparent of the Patchogue-Medford Library, planted the roots from which P-ML grew. It was an auspicious beginning. As successor and heir to the association library, P-ML has had a rich history from the start. That story links the library to several U.S. presidents, a to king, a saint, to writers, journalists, editors; to teachers and students, poets and scholars, artists, politicians, baymen and business people; to the great and the obscure. It is a story of links to villages and libraries; to county and state; to generations of librarians (who have benefited from its leadership, services, and innovations); to associations (two founded here), institutions and agencies. It has served uncounted careers, vital interests, made contributions that have again and again improved lives, and watched people growing from these roots.

       It is no small thing that 100 years of self-motivated, active (not just assigned, responsive) education has taken place here, among people of the Patchogue-Medford community, and by thousands of visitors who have flocked here, year after year. This is an institution that has done much to help people find answers -- medical, legal, financial, educational, career, athletic, artistic, scientific, technological, how-to-do-it, historical, psychological, social, and more; and helped them to follow the path of their interests, wherever it lead: through the printed word, through microforms, audio, visual, and electronic sources; backed by interloans from the county, state, nation, and sometimes from other nations. -- All this, regardless of a person's walk of life, ethnic, religious, political, social, or cultural backgrounds -- people who have simply taken the time to walk in, or more recently call, fax, or dial up. (Think for a minute of the libraries of Bosnia, Kosovo, Indonesia, and appreciate for a second all you have.) Close to 50 collections are housed here. There are subject experts on staff to help patrons (and the county's librarians) in need, including two from the county library system, and they are all kept well occupied in their crafts. The county library association and the county library system both had their origin here, and Patchogue-Medford still plays a vital role in the county as its Central Library, which yields State funds here. Grant after grant, award after award attests to the desire and realization of innovation and service excellence. There is a full schedule of educational, entertainment, and crafts programs, accommodating all age levels month after month, year in, year out. This library has a strong record of service to the homebound and handicapped. Yes. It is asked to do more. Yes. That is right. Yes. That is often attempted. This is a library worth celebrating.

       There is much more to tell, stories to unearth, hear, record, and relate. Patchogue-Medford Library's Centennial will be observed throughout the year 2000. Think of the positive and please join us in the festivities. Better yet, lend a helping hand to an institution that has so often lent an unacknowledged neighborly hand to ten generations of its residents. Ask for Barbara Hoffman, Chair, PML Centennial Committee, (516) 654-4700.