Bloomfield, Missouri - Local businessman, Norman Harty, made a considerable donation of $125,000 to the Bloomfield Public Library for a major overall.  On Saturday, June 25th the Bloomfield Public Library was officially dedicated with an Open House that included Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder giving the address.

The library was already full of material and well organized, but one had to go from room to room to find their reading materials.  Now there is plenty of room for their Children's Story Hour and Summer Reading Program with a open floor plan.  It just has that open feel along with the stained hard wood floors and stacks and stack of books.

There is now a newly designed work state for the librarian and eleven separate computer work stations.

Bloomfield Mayor Bill Aslin spoke to the guests first giving much credit to Librarian Linda Meyers for her contribution during the renovation project.  Jim Mayo, Stars & Stripes Museum and an expert on Stoddard county history gave a brief overview of the beginnings of the Bloomfield Public Library. 

"Twelve women formed a book club and met every week," commented Mayo.  "and it all began in the early 1900s.  They called themselves The Round Dozen."

Peter Kinder spoke on the accomplishments of Mr. Harty.  "Many if not most of Norman Harty's good works have gone unheralded, without a ceremony as we see here today," Kinder said. "in the 35 years that I have known him, he has been extremely generous in many areas for many causes."

"He comes from good stock and people who looked you in the eye and dealt with you humbly and honestly," continued Kinder.  "His character is demonstrated in not only his business dealings, but in his lifetime works. He is repeatedly helped his fellow man."

Harty followed Kinder in a brief address with these words, "Bloomfield has a very proactive Library Board and saw this renovation to completion.  I thank Mr. Mayo for working behind the scenes and I think contractor Jim Gingerich for his work as well."  Harty had a vision to better the community of Bloomfield and through his generosity he was able to fund this project. He ended with, "It is never too late to further educate yourself."

Congratulations to the Bloomfield Public Library.  If you haven't had a chance to see their new furnishings, shelving, floors, and computer stations stop by at 200 W. Seneca.

Shown in the photo from left to right: Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Norman Harty, and Billy Pat Wright, representing the office of Senator Doug Libla.