Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library: Geography of Bliss

Monday, March 17, 2008

Geography of Bliss

Can a place make you happy? Imagine traveling around the world and visiting countries just to find out why some places seem happier than others. This is an assignment I would love to get. Well, that's what I thought until I got to the chapter on Moldova--which the author describes as one of the unhappiest places on earth. I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and fun to read. Eric Weiner, foreign correspondent for National Public Radio, visits ten countries in search of happiness and writes about his adventure with sarcasm, wit, and great observations. Iceland is one happy place despite being cold, isolated, and dark most of the year. Read the book to find out why.

Geography of Bliss

New York Times First Chapter

Eric Weiner Books

Author's Website. You can post your happiest places message there.

Publisher's site. From their site: "TWELVE was established in August 2005 with the objective of publishing no more than one book per month. We strive to publish the singular book, by authors who have a unique perspective and compelling authority. Works that explain our culture; that illuminate, inspire, provoke, and entertain. We seek to establish communities of conversation surrounding our books."

Other books on happiness for further reading:

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Library History

As early as 1874, a group of interested persons formed the Presque Isle Library Association. The members referred to themselves as the Half and Half Club, a group dedicated to social exchanges, mutual improvement, and the establishment of a public library. The club’s name reflected the fact that its officers would consist “half of ladies and half of gentleman, when it can be arranged.”

The early collection of books, formed from donations rotated among many Presque Isle businesses, with the librarian usually drawn from the business that housed the books.

The books were first placed in George Rowell’s drugstore and then moved to the Post Office where Mrs. Luce, the postmaster’s wife, served as librarian. Later Laila Smith’s millinery store held the collection. In 1905 the collection was moved to Holmes Jewelry Store and Mr. Holmes was the librarian.

Presque Isle citizens voted to build a library in 1907, using a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Fund. Thomas H. Phair purchased a lot from the Dudley heirs for $1,000 on the southeast corner of Second and State Streets, and citizens raised an additional $937.50 for a small adjoining lot. The Presque Isle Library opened on July 1, 1908 with a collection of 2,000 books.

As the city’s population grew, the community needed a larger building and used state funding and a matching donation of $60,000 from Mark Turner, a local businessman. In April of 1967, the newly expanded Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library opened its doors.

Today the library offers a diverse collection of books, magazines, videos/DVDs and programs and events. The library also provides computer and Internet access. To learn more about the library and the services offered just stop in, call, or visit the Website to see a list of events.