Summer, 2004
Page 4
Library Opening Newspaper Article
Nicholas' Laws of Life Essay:
Help Others in Need
Of The Morning Call
Nicholas was selected for the honor by county Commissioner Michael G. Fitzpatrick, who met the boy a year ago at the groundbreaking ceremony for the $3.4 million facility at Fourth and Mill Streets. Fitzpatrick explained that Nicholas was the only child at the groundbreaking., and when he asked the Richland Township boy why he showed up, he was touched by Nicholas' answer.
"I told him I love reading," said Nicholas, who also wrote to Gov. Ed Rendell, asking for a funding increase for libraries.
Fitzpatrick decided to reward that simple message of appreciation by inviting Nicholas and his sister to cut the ribbon.
The library replaces the 31-year-old Michener branch on California Road in Richland Township, which will be converted into a police station.
Fitzpatrick said the commissioners were convinced to build the branch on the Quakertown site by library boosters who insisted the facility had to be within walking distance for children living in Quakertown. The California Road site, which was also under consideration for the new facility, is accessible only by car.
A class from nearby Neidig Elementary School attended the dedication ceremony, and Fitzpatrick pointed out the students were able to walk to the event.
The ceremony was held on the 31st anniversary of the dedication of the California Road branch, which was attended by Michener, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who grew up in Doylestown. Michener died in 1997.
Herman Silverman, a Doylestown businessman and longtime friend of the author, said only two libraries in the United States are named in honor of Michener - the Quakertown branch of the Bucks County Free Library and a research library on the campus of the Univeristy of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.
Silverman said Michener often spoke about his love for libraries. He was among the first cardholders in the Melinda Cox Library in Doylestown, which eventually became the county's central library.
Michener donated $1 million to county libraries.
Picture taken by my dad
Help Others in Need
by Nicholas
I use this law of life to help those at my house. I do things like help my sister feel better when she gets hurt. When my mom got sick, I made breakfast and lunch and played with my sister all day. I also use this law of life to help the animals that come to our house. I feed the birds especially making sure they get food during snowstorms by clearing a place that is sheltered and giving them seeds.
I try to use this law of life when I see a neighbor in need. One of our neighbors is older and lives alone. When it snows I help my mom and dad shovel her driveway because she shouldn't do it. I also take in her mail when she is sick or when it is too icy for her to walk outside to for it.
I remember to help others in need even if I've never met them. I know that I've been very lucky and blessed. I also know that some people don't have what I have so I do my best to help them. On my birthday I didn't need presents so instead I asked my friends to brink blankets for the homeless shelter. I love to read and I know other kids do too. I found out that kids who stayed at a family shelter in Allentown didn't have enough good books to read. I remembered about helping others in need so I organized a Halloween book drive. I handed out flyers all over the neighborhood and when kids came trick or treating they dropped off children's books which I brought to the family shelter. This law of life also helps my family and I remember to give food, clothing and toys to people who need it.
I think it is important to always think about others and what they might need. I try every day to follow this important law of life. It makes me a better scout and a better citizen. The world is a nicer place to live in when we remember to help those in need.