A Library Card

A poem by T.E. Carter

Much time has passed since Squire Magoun,

bequeathed his manse to Medford’s boon.

The generations who witnessed this,

Are all long gone, though sorely missed.

So much history connects,

the public trust time oft’ neglects.

Beyond a useful life indeed,

old structures may in time concede.

As dust and rust and age impaired...

a new solution was prepared…

And thus, all grievances as bared,

this future-forward home repaired.

We must respect our memories,

that old space harbored legacies.

Archival methods employed and approved,

collected treasures gently removed.

Today, we laud modernity,

though none may claim eternity.

A few great years have seen the new,

please take good note as I review.

Steel and Glass adorn the frame,

bricks beneath the Bloomberg name,

a gift we scarcely could refuse,

a grand design we all may use...

We watched and waited patiently,

for each gift and amenity.

The structure rose with craft and care,

where once the ground was rough and bare.

Many opinions openly sought,

perhaps a battle or two was fought.

But solar panels span the roof.

the people cared, they gave us proof.

They showed a great efficiency,

for every local family,

saving lots of energy,

less greenhouse impurity.

We now can boast a destination,

200k in visitation,

400k in circulation,

up in user participation,

live events, and arts creation,

digital age appreciation,

programs of every configuration.

Heck, we just might lead the nation.

What defines a neighborhood...

an open heart for common good.

Here we rebuilt open doors,

through which our city's richness pours.All the books, no banning here...

courage and wisdom, free and clear.

A welcome pause from scorn and spite,

music and laughter keeps things light.

We gather now, in community…

all generations in unity.

Children have a special place.

Imagination, we embrace.

Could we have known that such success,

Medford folks would ever bless?

Time has shown we've passed the test.

Yet on these laurels, we won't rest.

To be a haven for equity,

inclusion and diversity.

We see the rainbow every day.

Rain or shine, it guides our way.

We'll strive to makes new gains each year,

to shift the social atmosphere,

moving our town to greater grace,

sharing this awesome communal space.

Make sure that you have a card,

as offered by this Medford bard.

Rights and priv’leges do attach,

as ordained then, by our man Thatch.

These are the words I pledged to read,

I'll end with this librarian's creed...

The more you read,

the more you know.

The more you know,

the smarter you grow.

The smarter you grow,

the stronger your vision.

The stronger your vision,

the clearer your voice,

when speaking your mind,

or making your choice.

In libraries, we must rejoice.

In libraries, we must rejoice.

© T.E. Carter, all rights reserved.

Dedicated to the ongoing legacy of the

Charlotte and William Bloomberg

Medford Public Library

October 5, 2024