Governor Taft Visits Poland Library for Preview Event; Praises Poland Library for "Extraordinary Achievement"

POLAND (November 14, 2001) -- Governor Bob Taft commended Poland Library as a "one-of-a-kind library" for finding a "way to use recyclable, environmentally-friendly materials to build a highly functional library that's energy efficient" when he visited for a special preview event at 3:30 p.m. today. "Now that's innovative and an extraordinary achievement," the Governor said.

Governor Taft spoke to an invited group of guests who had been involved in the Poland Library project, as they had an opportunity for a sneak peak at the inside of the new library, scheduled to open within the next few weeks.

Governor Taft commended Library Director Carlton A. Sears, Trustee President Kenneth J. Wilson, Poland Building Committee Chair Daniel H. Becker, and members of the committee for their foresight in this building project. He further commended Architect Robert Mastriana and the team of 4 M Company Architects and Planners, plus general contractor Robert Arroyo and Frontier Woodworking, for "your skills in taking this idea and making it come to life."

The Recycling Division of Mahoning County received accolades from the Governor for its generous donation of $400,000 to support the use of recycled construction materials. Governor Taft also thanked the community for its generous donations of over $800,000 toward this project. "You should all be very proud," the Governor said. "

As I've said before, Ohio will become a 21st century state of excellence by focusing on our four E's: education, the environment, energy and the economy. And with this new facility, you are clearly dedicated to improving three of these four areas," the Governor proclaimed.

"With this new library, you'll be serving the lifelong learning needs of the people of Poland - from children to senior citizens - while at the same time instilling a strong concern for our environment and improving our energy situation," said Governor Taft. "As Governor, I applaud your tremendous service to your community and our state. Thank you for helping Ohio to become a 21st century state of excellence." The Governor presented the Poland Library with a certificate honoring the achievement.

Library Board of Trustees President Kenneth J. Wilson welcomed visitors to the new Poland Library for the Governor's visit. Mr. Wilson encouraged visitors to tour the library and have a first-hand look at the use of recycled materials, as Poland Library is the foremost example of "green architecture" in the Mahoning Valley. "We hope this library will become an educational tool, helping children and adults learn more about the benefits of recycling," Mr. Wilson said. "Governor Taft understands libraries and the value of reading," Mr. Wilson continued.

Governor Taft's major educational initiative, OhioReads, aims to improve reading skills of Ohio's students. His program is a partnership that includes libraries - and we are proud to say that our library system continues to participate in many types of OhioReads activities because we share the same goal - the goal of encouraging our youngest citizens to read…but more than that - we want them to LOVE to read and to become lifelong readers."

Library Director Carlton A. Sears thanked the Governor for his visit and reflected on the previous Poland Library, where shelves were so filled that new books could not be added without discarding the old, where there was little room to sit down, where there was no room for computers. "When we set out to correct those deficiencies, we did quite extensive studies to be sure we knew what the community wanted - places to study and meet, new technology, wonderful space for children, and lots of space for more books," he said. "When Poland Library is ready to open in a few weeks, this building will realize all of those desires."

"This building is not just a library," Mr. Sears said. "It is also a showcase of talent and skill that reside in the Mahoning Valley -- furnishings, tables, cabinets, cupboards, decorative ironwork, framed works of art -- were made right here in Mahoning County by local residents."

Mr. Sears thanked Governor Taft and state legislators for the support they provide to libraries across the state and presented the Governor with a certificate recognizing the interest he has shown in "one of the public library's oldest and most cherished goals - developing a love of reading in children."

Mr. Sears thanked those involved in the project and gave special awards to:

KENNETH J. WILSON, president of the Library Board of Trustees.

DANIEL H. BECKER, chair of the Poland Library Building Committee under the Board of Trustees.

Poland Building Committee members and trustees, DR. THOMAS D.Y. FOK, JAMES J. MEEHAN, KATHRYN G. BENNETT, RICHARD CALVIN.

4 M Company Architects & Planners, ROBERT MASTRIANA, architect and partner; PAUL MASTRIANA, partner; and JAMES A. YODER, associate architect.

ROBERT ARROYO, Frontier Woodworking, general contractor. CHARLES RUMBERG and ATTY. DAVID COMSTOCK SR., co-chairs of the Poland Fundraising Committee.

Mr. Sears closed by saying, "On behalf of the Library, I want to thank the people of this community for their patience. The Library will be open soon. Come back when it is really done and enjoy the gift that you have given to yourself."