‘Fostering a sense of pride and curiosity’

LEOMINSTER — Children’s room library staff are inviting the community to celebrate the Statue of Liberty’s 140th birthday with them.

Leominster Public Library patrons ages three through 12 are welcome to take a picture of themselves as the Statue of Liberty with the standing cutout and complete a coloring page or word search through Nov. 7 to be entered for a chance to win a Statue of Liberty or Betsy Ross crochet figure.

Children’s Librarian Renée Wheeler shared that the city-based Capt. John Joslin Jr. chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is behind the patriotic display honoring the iconic symbol of freedom and democracy that sits off the coast of New York City, a gift from France to the United States that was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

“They have been so generous to us and this display was their idea,” Wheeler said of the group of women. “In the past they’ve provided funds for our U.S. Constitution Discovery Kit, and each year they provide materials for our U.S. Constitution Week display in September including flags, copies of the Constitution, and other handouts.

“Last January, they provided materials to assist with a display about Louis Braille for National Braille Literacy Month,” she continued. “They have been an amazing support to us, and we are so happy to be able to partner with them. We are very thankful for their generosity.”

Wheeler relayed that DAR chapter Library Outreach Chair Beth Watkins is their contact for the group that provided the cutout and donated four books about the Statue of Liberty and chapter Vice Regent Sharon Bouchard noted that the adorable dolls were created by chapter Registrar Sue Weiland.

“Our DAR chapter was inspired to do the display to highlight the significance of the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom and hope for many immigrants and illuminate the ideals upon which our nation was founded,” said Bouchard, who serves as the Massachusetts DAR state librarian.

She said they were happy to donate the four books about the State of Liberty, media that will now be in library circulation for patrons to check out.

“One of the founding missions of the DAR is education,” Bouchard relayed. “Our libraries are education hubs in the community, so it is a natural partnership as a way to help young people connect with important pieces of American history in ways that are hands-on and memorable, fostering a sense of pride and curiosity.”