photo by Megan Woznicki

 By Bill Tate

  November 9 may have seemed like just another day, but to Mrs. Gail Clifford it was "opening day." Mrs. Clifford is the Head Librarian of the brand new Daniel Boone Middle School Library, which opened to students Nov. 9. On that day students could begin borrowing one of the 6,200 brand-new books or using the library's reference collection to research class assignments. Finding a particular library book is now done not with the old card catalog, but by the library's computerized catalog that allows a student to search for a book by title, author, or "keyword" subject.

  The middle school's library opening was delayed by the new high school library's construction, which was not completed until October. Then, the high school library book collection had to be removed from the middle school library and moved to the high school library. This job was accomplished by sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade gym students walking the "library circuit" and carrying several books with them on each trip. After all the books were in the correct school, next came the tedious process of unpacking and cataloging the $110,000 worth of books. Mrs. Clifford, with the help of library aide Mrs. Michelene Greene and many volunteers, completed the job in time to hold a "Preview Day" for teachers on Friday, November 6.

  Mrs. Clifford is certainly familiar with opening new libraries, having opened the Monocacy Kindergarten Library, the Birdsboro Elementary Center Library, and at one time simultaneously running the Amity Elementary Center, Birdsboro Elementary Center, and Monocacy Kindergarten Library. Mrs. Clifford has created an "open" library, tailored to middle school needs that is available to students on a daily basis. She wants every student to know how to use the library. Mrs. Clifford already has ideas to expand the library and make it even more inviting to students. She is hoping to furnish a reading area and add to the library's collection through financial support from parents and the community, as well as through the school's annual library budget.

For those wishing to donate a book to the middle school library in honor of a student or special occasion, Mrs. Clifford will be glad to help you select a book from her library "wish list" for the popular Adopt-a-Book Program. The book you select will be given a permanent dedication plate on the inside cover with the student's name or occasion being celebrated, and your gift will help to build the library's book collection.

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