In Berlin – a metamorphosis @your LIBRARY!
There’s an interesting sign hanging from the front of our Berlin Maryland town Library these days stating, “Metamorphosis…@ your library”. This message bears a bit of thought – strictly speaking, as a zoological term, metamorphosis means to transform, in two or more distinct stages from the immature form to the adult. A second meaning can be the change or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one by natural or supernatural means. In other words – an evolution!!!
Particularly noticed during these more stringent economic times are the increased numbers of library patrons…more cars in the lot outside and more patrons inside. And why not – our library, a full-fledged branch supported by the Worcester County Public Library System and State of Maryland, offers the full line of library services – FREE! No just longer a place to “get a book” or look something up, the library here in Berlin has definitely “morphed”. No longer greeted with a glance or hearing a “sssh”, patrons 
are greeted with a smile, most times with a warm “Hello”. Often these days some sort quiet special-interest meeting of local citizens or book club is seen being held at the table in the comfortable reading area near the fireplace – or a lively story hour is being conducted in the Children’s area. And, since the placement of five computers within our branch, it is seldom that one finds a vacant seat! These activities are supplemented by the widened selections of loan-able materials including audio (some rockin’ music!) CD’s and visual (current and popular) DVD materials. One cannot forget the “bulletin board”, 
where announcements of community interest vie for attention or the shelves where stacks of weekly area tabloids are kept – free for the taking. There’s also the newest service (5yrs) whereby one can ask a question via their home computer and receive an answer from any library or from many institutions of higher learning Maryland wide using the askusnow.org website! Very cool! Don’t take my word for it…stop by soon and ask Alice, the ringleader of this wonderful transformation or her helpers Doris or Robin – you’re sure to get an answer and a smile! A metamorphosis for sure!
