As Mentone Public Library enters its second century, we’re excited to announce our new identity and direction.
Ever since 1925, MPL has served the local community as an independent, volunteer-driven, membership-based lending library, a place where locals can meet authors, learn new writing skills, enter writing competitions and more. All of these services are thriving… except one: last year, MPL loaned out nine books.
So the very thing you’ve clearly shown you don’t want is the one thing our name conveys. It’s caused confusion and prevented us from working effectively with other potential partners.
In fact, as long ago as 1966, Mentone Public Library’s Committee pledged to close down as soon as there were regional libraries open. It’s time that we delivered on that promise.
So today, the new Committee of MPL, elected last month, announces our new direction and our new identity: Kingston Writers Centre.
We pledge to keep all that you love about MPL – the friendly, relaxed, welcome and the volunteer-led, community-based activity. Our mission is to be a place where you, the residents of Kingston, meet authors, celebrate writing, read together and learn new skills.
We want you to feel welcome to come and visit a safe and comfortable space where you can write and, if you wish, share your writing; where you can learn new skills and meet new people from all walks of life.
And in particular we welcome you if you’re someone who’s always wanted to write but hasn’t known how or felt able. We’ll make a writer of you yet!
MPL’s Immediate Past President Graeme Johnstone said: “I’m delighted that we have a new and energetic Committee in place to take our beloved Mentone Public Library into its second century. This new identity sums up all that’s best about us. I know our future is assured with new President Steve Carey, Treasurer Warren Duncan and Secretary Helen Carey, and I look forward to seeing what they bring.”
To enable us to make our limited space more suited to our new purpose, we’re selling the Library’s books, keeping only those by Kingston authors and those books about writing skills and publishing. There will be a public sale from 10am on Saturday 28th March, but you, our Members and friends, will have the opportunity to come along to a special sale at 10am on Sunday 22nd March. We look forward to meeting MPL’s members and volunteers then. We’ll be able to take cash, but prefer it if you’re happy to pay by card. Bring your own bags! And we’ll definitely take donations in cash or on card! Please tell your family and friends, who are all welcome on Sunday 22nd March from 10am till 2pm.
Kingston Writers Centre @ Mentone Public Library 