Children gather at the Rumford Library’s new children’s room circulation desk, gift of the Jane Holt deFrees Memorial Fund. A ribbon-cutting and reception will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. From left with Children’s Librarian Ginny Todd are Alice LeDuc, Henry LeDuc and Elijah Tappan-deFrees, grandson of Burt and Jane deFrees.

Reception to celebrate library gift

RUMFORD – Friends of the Rumford Library will host a program and ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the new children’s room circulation desk, a gift from the Jane Holt deFrees Memorial Fund, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

A reception will follow until 2:30. The public is invited to the occasion that will honor children, reading and the memory of Jane deFrees.

The new desk is a fitting tribute to deFrees’ advocacy for libraries and educational opportunities for all children.

For all three deFrees children, the Rumford library constituted a vital part of their childhood. The desk was selected for its immediate practicality and its adaptability to future needs.

In a brief program, librarian Karl Aromaa will welcome the group and introduce Joe Sirois, president of Friends of the Rumford Library. Sirois will reflect on deFrees’ contributions to her community.

Children’s librarian Ginny Todd will offer remarks on the value of reading to preschoolers and will suggest strategies for making the most of that time in a child’s life.

After the ribbon-cutting, the group will socialize over refreshments. A special story corner will be available to the children in attendance and Addy Fuller will read.