Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library welcomed 28 new members June 12 as children’s librarian Harolyn Hylton welcomed Boothbay Region Elementary School’s third graders. Hylton introduced them to the library’s resources during a nearly two-hour visit. Students presented their applications to library staff who began preparing to deliver their newest members' official library cards.

Hylton described the library as a world of information for children and adults to explore. “A library card is a key to the world. We have books, DVDs, internet and with a card you can see our databases showing all the possible ways for accessing information,” she said.

While library staff processed the card applications, Hylton guided students on a library tour. Beginning in the children’s room, Hylton discussed the latest literature available for young readers including graphic novels and new authors. The room also included old favorites such as Harry Potter books. The next stop was the reading room, populated with magazines and local and national newspapers. Afterwards, Hylton introduced new members to “The Great Room” and gave a brief local history lesson. The Great Room includes a plaque listing the names of 100 Boothbay Harbor residents who fought in the “Great War.”

“World War I was supposed to be the last great war, but it wasn’t. This library was built in honor of all those who served in World War I. The stars indicate that three lost their lives during the war. So this is why it’s called a memorial library,” Hylton said.

The community or multipurpose room was the tour’s final stop. After this, students were separated into four groups to use their new library knowledge on a scavenger hunt. Third graders searched for everything from Abraham Lincoln biographies to artificial flowers located in the four rooms visited. The tour ended with a front lawn lunch and students receiving their first library cards.