Radway Library: A Pillar of the Community for 80 Years

By Brandie Majeau

“Party!” “Happy Birthday!” Delighted greetings rang out as patrons began to trickle into the library.
Radway Public Library celebrated its 80th anniversary on September 23. Gazebos were set up along the
building, decorated with balloons and cheerful pops of decoration announcing the celebrations and
piquing the curiosity of anyone passing by, encouraging them to stop in and join the festivities.
Barbecues were blazing, and coolers were filled with a variety of sodas and vanilla ice cream. The
anniversary welcomed its guests to partake in free hotdogs, ice cream floats, and cake. Why floats? The
joke among library patrons was the suggestion of a beer tent for this monumental occasion, but sticking
to a fun, family-filled day, the decision was made to serve “root beer” floats instead.

With an outpouring of support from community businesses and private individuals, tables were also
lined with items set up for a silent auction. Alongside the celebration was the fundraising opportunity to
gather resources for this hub of activity in a quaint rural community. The library is packed with shelves
of books, movies, and activities, the space utilized to its fullest potential. The desire expressed by
librarian Sandra Moschansky was always for the fundraising income to contribute to book purchases but
also craft supplies, computer chairs, and rolling bookcases. Rolling bookcases are expensive but allow for
freedom and flexibility in transforming the library space to be fully utilized for activities.

Radway Library is one of the only businesses in the hamlet that is open regularly with consistent hours.
Newer families moving to the area, in addition to a population of aging individuals, have the opportunity
to go somewhere that is close, accessible, and affordable. Monthly crafts are set up for children, and the
coffee pot is always on for those just wanting a place to stop and visit. Patrons are also invited to drop in
and sit down at the crossword table, showing off their skills and wisdom with tricky puzzles. Libraries
have always been a place to visit to expand your knowledge, providing access to the written word and a
variety of media resources where individuals may not be exposed to those opportunities without them.
In rural communities, they have evolved into something more. Libraries are becoming the heart of a
community, and Radway Public Library demonstrates this in everything it does. From the welcoming,
smiling nature of Sandra Moschansky to the exuberant party atmosphere apparent in the guests who
stopped by, it may not only be the heart of the community but also the very pulse that keeps this
community alive.