Sure, we all know that Colgate University is celebrating its bicentennial this year, but did you know that another major public institution is ALSO turning 200 in 2019? No, not us, the Park United Methodist Church, right here on Broad Street!

For those that need a refresher, this is the ‘pink’ church, two doors down from the library. You know, the one that is also home to the Two by Two Nursery School? That one.

So what in the world does this anniversary celebration have to do with the library? I’ll tell you! Members of the church and the Village Historical Commission have partnered to create a new exhibit in the library’s museum, and it’s up and running until this summer. Stop by and find out more about the history of this church (or rather, churches, as there were three separate buildings at two locations), see some photographs, read some newspaper clippings, read letters, and much much more on this history of this interesting fixture in our community.

To celebrate their bicentennial in person, join the Church (at the church) on Sunday, April 28 with their congregation as well as a visit from Bishop Mark Webb and other distinguished guests starting at 9:15 a.m.

Wondering why the library is promoting a religion in this week’s column? Honestly, I see this more as a community partnership than anything else. Religious groups are very active in Hamilton, and have been, obviously, for at least two centuries! If this column is about anything, it’s inclusion. Sometimes that means including people that are disenfranchised, and other times it can be about including the masses (pun intended).

Coming up this week at the library, we’re hosting another Cooking by the Book Potluck on Monday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m., Storytime on Tuesday, April 30 at 10:30, and a special screening of the Maltese Falcon Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m.