We are proud to announce the winners in our letter-writing contest! All the letters were sent to Governor Rendell at the end of 2005, and our local legislators chose winners in adult and child categories for each branch.

State Senator Charles Lemmond, State Representative Tina Pickett, and State Representative James Wansacz carefully evaluated the letters. We thank them very much for their time! The list of winners is below. Click "Read More" to view the full text of each letter.

Hallstead-Great Bend - Adult: Kristin Longacre
Hallstead-Great Bend - Child: Autumn Stoddard (age 8)

Forest City -  Adult: Lisa DeMark
Forest City -  Child: Jeffrey Burrell (age 7)

Montrose - Adult: Shannon Miranda
Montrose - Child: David Koloski (age 10)

Susquehanna - Adult: Marie Monroe
Susquehanna - Child: Ryan Rosenthal (age 12)

Winners are receiving a library tote bag in the color of their choice containing special prizes. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Hallstead-Great Bend Adult: Kristin Longacre

"I am thankful for my library because: Well, have you ever had a day when your 8th grader needs to come up with a science project to do. Your 6th grader needs a book on Lewis and Clark. She also needs a magazine or an encyclopedia article so she could get some information for a research paper, and be ready to hand in three bibliography cards by tomorrow. Your other children would like some books to read. So where do you go? I head to my local home town library. While the kids start searching for books, I sit down for a few minutes' rest with a few magazines. I am looking for some quick ideas for supper. Then I remember I have to come up with a Thanksgiving craft for my son. So now I am searching along with my children for books. We finally have all the books and information that we need. As we are checking out, I remember that I wanted A Pair of Red Clogs by Masako Matsumo, it is a very good book that I want to read to my pre-schooler but our library does not have it. I ask if they can get it through inter-library loan.

It seems  like our family has a lot of days like this. I love my home town library.

P.S. If you ever have any extra money or grants please remember my library. They could use some more space and way more parking."

Hallstead-Great Bend Juvenile: Autumn Stoddard (8)

"I am thankful for my library because they have lots of books. Every Tuesday my mom, my brother, and I go to the library. We pick out a lot of books. I am thankful for my library because if I have a report on something I can go to the library and find a book about it."

Forest City Adult: Lisa DeMark

"I am thankful for my library I use the library every week due to their resources and ease of accessibility. I have been able to improve my mind, health, and body, borrowing self help books and videos. The Library has also aided me in instructing my Sunday school class of 12 children. Their religious resources make fun learning tools. I find the endless entertaining supply of cookbooks and decorating information very helpful every day and throughout the holidays.

When planning a trip I always find information to help me get around the new area. The books on tape make the ride enjoyable for all.

The Library provides many interesting and educational tools for learning and entertaining."

Forest City Juvenile: Jeffrey Burrell (7)

quot;I am thankful for my library because it's a nice place to relax and read quietly. Reading is great fun because it lets me explore and go to different places without leaving my seat! It is like a mini vacation for your brain!"

Montrose Adult: Shannon Miranda

quot;I am thankful for my library because it has always been both a faithful friend & constant teacher. Each visit is a new adventure in learning whether it be: quiet study, being transported to a magical world, learning a new hobby or being humbled by the sacrifices of the pioneers."

Montrose Juvenile: David Koloski (10)

"I am thankful for my library because when I was little, I would use the library to get books to keep me occupied. Now, I use the computers there too. I love the library."

Susquehanna Adult: Marie Monroe

"I am thankful for my library because it has a wealth of good books, magazines, videos and other carefully selected materials and a highly competent, helpful staff to run it."

Susquehanna Juvenile: Ryan Rosenthal (12)

"I am thankful for my library because of its wide variety of books, movies, and cassettes available to the public. I also enjoy the computer service we get at our library. It inspires younger children to read and express themselves. I, myself have learned a lot from this library and they need support on expanding on their wonderful collection. I am thankful for their books because some you can't find at the school libraries."