CAPTION: The Friends of the Webber Library with Phoebe in front of the Webber Library “open” sign. Photo by Randy Klauk.
Where were you on October 4, 1914? Chances are you were a twinkle in your parent’s eyes, if indeed they were more than just a twinkle in their parent’s eyes. October 4, 1914 is the day that Camden resident Phoebe Nosker was born. At about the time World War I came to an end, she made her first trip to Webber Park Library with her mother, and she has been a card carrying member of the library ever since. Phoebe is a lover of books, and when you meet her, you realize she is a lover of life as well. When the Friends of Webber Park Library (FWPL) was formed a couple of years ago, Phoebe became a member. She also meets monthly with her book club; a club that began in 1997 at Webber Park Library and moved to North Regional Library, when Webber Library closed for one year. The FWPL honored this near 100-year supporter, by dedicating the new “open” sign to her on October 15. With 20 people gathered to honor Phoebe, FWPL Treasurer Kate Petersen presented her with a framed likeness of the plaque that is on the back of the sign. When Kate told Phoebe that the sign was being dedicated to her, she responded in surprise, “Me?” Later she said, “I certainly was very surprised. I was waiting for a meeting to happen.”
The plaque reads, “In honor of life-long Webber Park Library Patron, Phoebe Nosker, the Friends of Webber Park Library respectfully dedicate this “open” sign.” FWLP President Mary Martinson presented Phoebe with a book bag printed with the Henry David Thoreau quote, “Libraries will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no libraries.” Considering these times, it’s nice to see the new open sign turned on. Let’s hope it will be turned on even more in the near future.
The FWPL have been busy this fall. In addition to the dedication, they held two events and will have a special guest at their November meeting. The Friends group hosted a book reading by local author, Faith Sullivan. Faith entertained a full house at the Warren on September 14. Kate Petersen, FWPL member and treasurer remarked, “It was really fun. Faith read humorous selections and was very entertaining.” Thanks Faith!
On September 17 the Friends held their 2nd Annual Benefit Book Sale at Guilded Salvage Antiques on 44th and Lyndale Aves. During the week prior to the sale, under the direction of Mary Martinson, volunteers sorted books and set up ingenious displays throughout the Guilded Salvage Antiques. Hundreds of books were sold and patrons were able to enjoy music by Gary Anderson and Bob Meisch of the Snow Leopards. Gary’s daughter, Leslie Anderson, demonstrated a creative way to craft works of art out of recycled books, a technique she calls Altered Books: Altered Art. Leslie is a 5th grade teacher at Fair School in Crystal. The book sale displays were creative and the book selection was endless. The proceeds from the sale will be used to provide programming at Webber Park Library.
The next FWPL meeting is on November 7, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Webber Park community building. The Friends will host a meeting with special guest Lois Langer Thompson, the Director of Hennepin County Libraries. Thompson will talk about the Hennepin County Library system and will address questions regarding plans for the future development of the New Webber Park Library. New Friends and visitors are welcome. For info visit www.supporthclib.org/webberpark.