Autumn Years Spring 2023

"Years ago, someone may have come to the library looking for a book about how to fix a car or how to crochet. Today, they come in and ask how to access free how-to videos on YouTube and other resources that may not be in the library’s physical possession."

problems—to lead a presentation for the library. The presentation was paired with a film about plastics, and the pro fessor shared ways packaging is evolv ing to use less plastic. “The program was very engaging and well attended and participants enjoyed talking about the environmental future in more positive ways,” says Martha. Schools also had the opportunity to Zoom in. Martha is ever alert to opportunities to optimize access to the library’s physi cal space, too. One of the first things she did as director was re-purpose her office as meeting space. “The office was big for one person, and I knew the library desperately needed more public meet ing space,” says Martha. Over the years,

riched the viewing experience for every one, notes Martha. The library has also hosted “green screen” films to complement commu nity environmental initiatives. Inspired by the remote accessibility of Zoom el evated during the pandemic and the comfort people had using the technol ogy, Martha was able to reach out to experts beyond the local area to give ac cess to scientists in the know. “I wanted to present something positive, new and different,” says Martha. She researched and found a professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago who is an expert on Biodesign—the study of us ing living organisms in design, a com bination of art and science to solve

nity to learn about these art programs and see what students were creating. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get their work out there in front of the public and for the public to see the work of some of Westwood’s rising talents,” she says. For years, the library has successfully teamed with Literacy Volunteers of Pas cack Valley to provide services to adults seeking to learn or improve their Eng lish. Many ESL program participants have subsequently given back to the library by presenting information ses sions about their native countries, like last winter’s presentation about Ukraine. The library also hosts movies, and its “March to the Oscars” program has become an annual highlight. Through this program, the library shows some nominated films in the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards. This gives people who did not or could not get to a theater or who do not subscribe to the streaming service on which a movie was released an opportunity to watch them. Martha has also used film to connect the community with local experts. For example, she once invited members of a local French club to co-host the showing of a French film. Their participation en

Martha and the Westwood Library staff.

SPRING 2023 I AUTUMN YEARS 39