The Seymour Library staff is thankful to the Goldman family, the Kiwanis Club of Auburn and the Allyn Foundation because their generosity has made it possible to improve the library and its services.

First, anyone who has lost a parent knows how difficult the situation can be, and many wish to honor the memory of their parents in some way. Jay Goldman and his siblings chose the Seymour Library as one of the places where their father will be remembered.

On Saturday, May 24, at 1 p.m., the Charles B. Goldman Memorial Garden, located behind the library, will be unveiled.

The public is invited to attend this event. So if you knew the Goldman family, please consider joining us that day.

The memorial garden project began in July 2007, when I first heard from Jay Goldman about a possible donation to the library. Charles B. Goldman passed away Oct. 7, 2006 and his wife, Ruth Goldman, passed away April 25. The garden is named after Goldman, a library supporter and lifelong patron.

This former plain section of grass behind the library has been transformed into a lush perennial garden with a brick walkway that leads to two classy benches and a memorial sign. The garden will be a treasure for library patrons who wish to remember Goldman, read a book, wait for a ride or enjoy the ever-changing garden.

Next, the Kiwanis Club of Auburn donated funds so the library could become a Collaborating Collection of the Foundation Center.

This money has allowed us to purchase reference books about grants and philanthropy. We also have access to two online databases, including Grants to Individuals and the Foundation Directory Online. We'll be offering workshops on how to research grants.

The Kiwanis Club runs the Duck Derby, and it will be held on Memorial Day at 1 p.m. this year.

The money that the Kiwanis members raise from the Duck Derby ticket sales is given to several nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

Finally, the Allyn Foundation has made it possible for library visits to be a little more convenient for teens, children and their caregivers. Last February, library patrons participated in focus groups.

The results are available online on our Web site. Parents mentioned that they'd like to be able to check out materials downstairs in the Children's Room. That will soon be an option.

All of the existing staff furniture in the Children's Room will be replaced with new furniture that is conducive to checking out library materials.

We've also ordered new computer equipment. Once everything is in place, patrons will no longer have to stop at the desk upstairs to check out their materials. This is great news for parents.

It is a pleasure to work and live in a town where the library is so much of a jewel to the community that people and organizations find it a worthy place for donating funds to improve services.

Sheila Mikkelson is director of the Seymour Public Library.