The community is the home-base of The Settlement Library Project in that the library institution creates a relationship with the rural community to be served. Resources should be provided to support that which is defined as most important for the community growth and the community good by the community itself. Diverse arenas for cultural expression and historical preservation are all part of the Settlement Library concept, and the library of the future, which fulfills the information needs, identity, and personality of residents. Libraries build communities; however, it is the history and culture of the community which give the library its soul and its character.
In rating the importance of
institutional functions - even in a small, rural library - Education, Collections Stewardship, and Providing
Community Resources are usually the three strongest areas of utility. Librarians are frequently asked to describe a
particularly significant item needed to be addressed in collections and why it
is important to preserve and protect. A
notable response in your rural community might be that of “Quilts,” which have
recently been designated as National Treasures by the National Endowment for
the Humanities.
In ten short years an imaginary
clothesline of connected barns decorated with quilt squares has spread to 30
U.S. states and two Canadian provinces with over 3,200 colorful quilt squares. “Quilt Barn Trails” are being recognized as a
growing symbol of rural regional artistic expression and a historic preservation vehicle for community landmarks across
the nation. “Quilt Barn Trail” recent
history is of great importance to not only a rural cultural heritage involving
diverse populations, but also for highlighting unique values, vision, and a sense
of pride to be shared between the rural community and the world.
The United States has long relied on
farming and agriculture for its stability and economic trading flexibility. Barns evoke a sense of tradition and security
to not only the surrounding land and community, but to the American dream and
the simplicity that can still be found rurally.
Old barns stand the test of time as links to a cultural past, as well as
community landmarks and social enterprises (barn raising), much the same as the
establishment of the local free public library.
“Quilt Barn Trails” have been noted to
impact not only the cultural heritage of rural communities, but also highlights
the unique values and historic qualities of entire regions. Considered modern community landmarks, an
audience is growing for this symbol of rural regional expression. Recognizing a great value through an
economic, social, and cultural influence, an interest has been generated toward
the unique historical heritage of Appalachia and other regions through the
“Quilt Barn Trail” phenomenon.
As an
emerging concept and regional enterprise, this venue for public history has rapidly
spread via
an original series of self-guided trail maps directing sight-seers along
highways to geographically highlighted barns with quilt squares on them. And the number of these nationwide trails is growing.
What can a “Quilt Barn Trail” do for
your library and rural community?
- Connect local artists and promote the arts
- Create opportunities for generations to work together
- Honor local heritage and promote public history
- Create economic development through tourism
- Bring new life to communities often desperate for revitalization
- Connect schools and libraries with the community
- Develop skills such as communication, teamwork, and artistic creation
In ten short years, “Quilt Barn Trails”
have proliferated locally, regionally, statewide, nationally and
internationally. These trails have been
noted to increase tourism; enhance community pride; showcase local history and
culture; and are the embodiment of combining a traditional art form with a
traditional structure while securing public history. Why not make your rural library the catalyst
for such an endeavor!
The location of “Quilt Barn Trails” and
statewide digital collections are listed here:
Quilt Barn Quick Facts:
Suzi was there first:
image: http://chesshirecat.wordpress.com/
