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"Yes, there is a Library in Sumpter!"
It is small, shares a building with a Museum, and is growing, but, yes, there is finally a Library in Sumpter!
Thanks to the idea of Stephen F. Rich, SVMA President and Sumpter Museum Director, who thought that Sumpter really does need a library, and with the help and support of Aletha Bonebrake, the idea that was once only a dream, became reality........ And what a dream! Then, Aletha retired from her position as the Baker County Library Director and the new Director, Perry Stokes, took up the dream and kept it alive.............With the help of the BYCAP Crew from Baker City, which had already been helping out with general museum 
and building work, and with the help of some local volunteers, work turned towards getting the building ready for the Sumpter Library! It was a small affair..... but left standing room only and attracted folks, both local and not so local, who came to welcome our newest addition to the museum and to Sumpter! Those that turned out not only celebrated the new library, but they had the opportunity to meet the Baker County Library Director, Perry Stokes, and his wife, and all those involved in bringing a library to Sumpter! And.......... those in attendance were presented with short speeches, plenty of snacks, and slide shows on Sumpter History by Gary Deilman that were both interesting and informative. 
Aletha Bonebrake was also on hand for the festivities and was convinced to stand up and explain to everyone where it all started.......Aletha took care of the "paperwork" side of things, like the grant which paid for the library in the first place! She is supposed to be retired, but we're sure glad she still likes to do this stuff and it was a pleasure getting to meet the person that helped get the ball rolling for the Sumpter library! Thanks Aletha! 
Stephen F. Rich then brought folks up-to-date with the work that has been done to the building these past several years, including work that was done to get ready for the library. Stephen thanked the BYCAP crew for their help and read names of the crew to everyone.Stephen talked briefly of the brushing and sealing that was required to get the old walls ready in the computer-research room and the drywall work required to make a "new" room for books in the library and thanked everyone involved for their help in getting the museum building ready for the library........... It was a pretty good day for Sumpter-to get a library and learn of all the work and folks that were willing to do just about anything to make it all happen, including those volunteers donating their time to help keep the Sumpter Library going now that is open!  While you enjoy the library, remember all the folks who have helped make this happen! If you haven't visited the Sumpter Library yet, you should do so.......... and while you're there, be sure to check out the museum too! |
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