My greatest inspiration in life has always come from my Great Auntie Carol (she loved to emphasize the "Great" part). She taught me to be a caring and giving person, she showed me that nothing was impossible, and she always made me feel special and loved. I keep this photo on my desk at work to keep me on target, always knowing that I am someone who can make a difference in the world, just as she did. I know you understand - Carol had that effect on everyone. When I heard that the Marshall Library was building a new facility, I first felt a sense of loss - just entering the library brings her back to me. She worked there for eighteen years - and, I'm sure, would have continued there much longer if she could have. I spent so much time there growing up, all years that she was there - how handy to have her call me before my books were overdue! I began to imagine how excited she would be about this project - a huge children's department, a teen center, a computer lab, spacious workspaces, and all on one floor to make it more accessible to all. This is a truly needed renovation - a library built for a town of 5,000 now serves a community of 13,000 plus, with 100,000 patrons yearly, 7,000 of whom are children. We can be sure that if she were still here, she would be at the forefront of this project. So, I thought, what would be more fitting than a donation to this project in her memory? I talked to the director of the library foundation, Dr. John Bowden (who attends Christ United Presbyterian Church, Carol's church, and remembers her well). As a goal to shoot for, he offered the purchase of several lounge chairs in front of the fireplace. He thought this especially fitting as she always invited library patrons to sit and read. Carol's name would be included on a wall of those who helped build the library - a way for her memory to continue in this new space. This gives us a minimum goal of $2,500 - which sounds like a lot, but we have a large family! A donation of $15, $25, or more, would really get the ball rolling! I would love to have your help in any way you see fit. I will keep in touch as this project progresses. The library plans to break ground this summer, but their fundraising is a three-year project - plenty of time to make this goal a reality. Thank you for your help - please let me know if you have any suggestions to help us reach our goal! To donate money in Carol's name, make (your tax-deductable) checks out to the Marshall-Lyon County Library Foundation and send them to me: Barbra Springer 32 N Vine #5 Waconia, MN 55387 I will keep everyone posted on how much money we have raised. THANKS!! Profile Edited by CoolerCode.com MySpace Editor ..