New chapter for youth area

HURON — With tears dripping down her face, Melissa Harrington looked down at a few children standing mere inches away. And as those kids intently gazed back at her — someone they collectively see as a trusted and beloved figure — she smiled, gained composure and passionately spoke about their bond. "This building is where we build relationships with the community," said Harrington, the head of youth services at Huron's public library. Often referred to as "Miss Melissa," she leads the district's popular storytime events. Referencing the library's mission statement, achieved by events like storytimes, Harrington underscored how she and her colleagues aim to continue "inspiring generations with books and more." "And I'm proud to be part of 'the more' in our vision," said Harrington, who received a thunderous ovation for her heartfelt address. A new chapter Harrington helped introduce the public to Huron Public Library's revamped children and teen area within its building, 333 Williams St. About 50 people, including many children, attended Friday's ribbon-cutting ceremony and visited this revamped space afterward. Crews spent the past month creating a nautical and nature theme by: • Installing new carpet featuring blue and green shades; "A lake/marsh inspiration drove the design with the carpet flowing from glass to shallow water to the lake," Harrington said. • Placing several decorative elements, such as trees, around spaces • Painting the walls in warm tones • Buying new furniture • Expanding the play area for younger kids "There have been no upgrades here for about 25 years, and we felt that our children deserved something better," library director Jennifer Buch said. "We didn't have a specific theme, and it blended into our circulation desk," Buch said about the layout prior to its recent makeover. "We really wanted to give the kids a space so they could use their imagination more and be more welcoming for them and the community." The project's cost totaled about $250,000, an expense covered by an ongoing library levy local taxpayers support. "Our board has been very fiscally responsible, which allowed us to pursue this," said Buch, adding how the next major upgrade the library wants to undertake involves a revamped heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Upgrades to the children's area occurred, in large part, because board members listened to library patron feedback. A survey guided officials to pursue these renovations. "We asked you different questions and also asked you to tell us what you would like to see at this library, and we really paid attention to that and prioritized it," library board member Bob Williams said. "When you tell us what you would like to see, that means something to us. Please don't stop doing that and keep telling us your input. We are here to serve you." The 'you' in youth When Harrington spoke, she would often tilt her head down, wanting to constantly acknowledge those mattering most to her: the children. "It's definitely you who we do this for," Harrington said. "Your love and support, the constant hugs and the run-ups of you saying 'Miss Melissa' — seeing the kids' faces and reactions each time they enter this building is what brings us joy, and that's incomparable." Harrington then shared some insight about why she began working at Huron's library in 2013. Originally from Pennsylvania, she and her family moved from Chicago, selecting a home within Huron's Old Plat neighborhood. Why? Because it's within walking distance from the library, which her children frequently visited for events years before she began working there. Now as an employee, it warms her heart to see many other children appreciate the library as she did as a kid and still does as an adult. "The library is a staple of the community, and it's truly a community that makes the library successful," Harrington said. And Harrington hopes their passion never wavers and also expands with these latest improvements. "I cannot express my gratitude enough to the community for showing up and using the library," she said. "You've given this Miss Melissa a chance to brag about having her dream job in a wonderful town it belongs to. So, thank you, to everyone for being here to enjoy this space."