It’s a fantastic feeling to see you all here at the opening chapter of the Second Edition of the Canton Public Library. Like all great works, the venture from conception to final publication required the collaboration of many; some of the principals whom you’ve just met. But all of you contributed with your ideas, your encouragement and your generosity. Four years ago, you were asked to "imagine the possibilities" and you did. Today I am pleased to report: what once seemed like a work of fantasy fiction is today decidedly a landmark classic. You will find the Canton Public Library Second Edition to be a comprehensive revision and expansion of the 1^st and well suited for a second century of service to you.

Two themes recurred throughout the design and construction process that struck me with the convincing truth that is recognized where art and life converge. It’s that sensation when things just feel right. The first was associated with the fact that the building plan included a new state of the art expansion that anticipates future needs as well as a restoration that would be sensitive to the historic design. This dual perspective on the building exactly mirrored two apparently opposing yet essential goals of library service: to preserve community heritage and prepare children and adults for change and the future. Like this building itself, we can only grow out of our past. Libraries can help us to do that.

The second theme involved the symbolic incorporation of natural elements into the design. This seemingly evolved on its own, heralded perhaps by the discovery of uncharted wetlands on site that for a time threatened to impose severe changes to our plans. Ultimately, the building itself began to reflect symbolically its own organic growth. The most unique feature of the building, the copper pinecone finial atop the dome, was chosen as backdrop to the donor recognition wall. It is a symbol of potential, growth, and renewal, and became emblematic of the Library’s own transformation. It too, metaphorically mirrors an essential goal of library service to provide individuals and communities the resources to renew, re-create and realize their potential. All life and ideas can only grow from a seed. Libraries can plant those seeds. As you become better acquainted with your new library, you will surely notice more natural elements used throughout the building, right down to the fossils in the stone flooring. Not yet evident is that a frog to be named later will surely become emblematic to the Children’s Library. This building has not yet disclosed all its surprises and you will need to return often for the full story. Like every living thing, it too will grow.

We would have liked everything complete for this dedication, but this is yet a work in progress, and aside from some aesthetic elements not yet in place, there remains some essential work to complete before we are ready to function effectively. It is with some disappointment I must announce that our real opening is yet a week or two away. I wish to note that library staff, trustees, volunteers, building committee members, our design and construction teams, and everyone involved in this transition have given their all to reach this state of readiness for this Dedication. To all the people who have tried to visit the library, and to all the groups who have called to book our new Community Room, I beg your understanding and patience just a while longer.

A source of far greater disappointment is the financial reality that the Library faces along with other municipal departments for the near future. The magnanimous support for the Library building in two local elections, along with the attainment of a competitive grant award under the Massachusetts Library Construction Program contrasts dramatically with the specter of decreased local operational funding coupled with a withering of support funds at the state level. This could not come at a worse time as costs to maintain a larger facility begin to come on-line. Poised as we are with wings now to soar, we may need yet to crawl before we can fly. Your patience again will be appreciated, and your generosity, which has been inspiring, will be needed more than ever.

These disappointments are transitory however, when compared to the endurance of the things that we are here to celebrate today. This Library has withstood the changes of a hundred years and will do so for one-hundred more because of the enduring values it cultivates in our community and in our selves. The design and construction of this library is a labor of love for all of us because it is a gift we give ourselves that affirms the best of our human nature. I could not be more proud than I am today, not only of this great building, but also of the people who worked tirelessly to make it happen. I will miss our design and construction crews, but you leave with my total respect and admiration. To my staff, and the many Friends and Trustees, new and old, thank you all. Consider this not the end of this storybook but the beginning of new challenging adventures. I look forward to sharing them with you. I wish to acknowledge those who cannot be here today to share to our joy: Ed Bolster, Ed Kenealy, Jeannette McDonald, Charlie Brooks, to name only a few, they too contributed to this story. Finally, I am proud to serve a community that believes that investment in the education and social support of its own citizens is its highest priority.

I’ll leave you with a quote from poet David Whyte that sums up the question the library asks of each of us.

 By the unique and personal ways in which we use the library, each of us can sow our own answer.

It is now my great honor to introduce to you the principal author of this handsome and compelling design that succeeded in all of our functional and aesthetic goals. Richard Smith was selected by the library building committee because he is simply the best library architect in the State. Of course we didn’t know that at the time and his firm actually was selected by a single vote among twelve. But to this day we each take credit for casting the deciding vote. Please join me in thanking and welcoming Richard Smith.