Page 4 - Dresden Buzz 05/02/25

PAGE 4 | LOCAL NEWS MAY 2 - 15, 2025
Library donation is full circle moment for the Straker family

by Lynette Dotson
support the entire children’s area as
part of our large-scale remodel project.
That includes new interactive learning
features, updated furnishings, creative
play spaces, and a more welcoming
and dedicated space for children and
caregivers to enjoy the library. It’s all de-
signed to support early literacy, imagina-
tive exploration, and lifelong learning.”
In 2001, statues of children carry-
ing books were installed in memory of
Laura Rich Cleary, Mary Helen Straker’s
Mother. Both Laura and Mary instilled
the love of reading in the Straker chil-
dren.
“The statues outside the library are
longtime favorites for our young visitors
and have become a bit of a local land-
mark. This statue was a gift from Mary
Helen Straker, a dedicated former board
of trustees member. It depicts each of
her four children with their favorite book.
These children are now a part of the
Straker Foundation board that made the
decision to generously support the John
McIntire Library remodel,” explained
Russell.
The recent donation to the Children’s
Area shows the impact the John McIn-
tire Library has had on the Strakers and
what it has meant to their family. Thanks
to their generous donation, the modern
The Straker siblings stand with statues made to look like their younger selves. The statues were a gift to the John McIntire Library from their mother Mary experience that the library will be able to
Helen Straker. MCLS provide with innovative design and inter-
active features will create a lasting im-
For many families, the John McIn- MH Straker Charitable Foundation pre- our community’s future. Their support pression on children for years to come.
tire Library has been a big part of their sented a check for two million dollars to helps us reimagine the children’s area “This gift reflects the Straker Founda-
lives since childhood. That is certainly the Muskingum County Library System at John McIntire Library—transforming it tion’s commitment to access, educa-
the case for the Straker family, who (MCLS) for the reimagined Children’s into a more engaging, inclusive, and cre- tion, and opportunity, and we are incred-
have a deep connection to the library Area at John McIntire Library. ative space for young learners and their ibly grateful for their belief in the power
and in recent years have continued to “This donation from the Straker Foun- families,” said Stacey Russell, Executive of libraries,” said Russell.
show their support. In April, the JW & dation is a meaningful investment in Director of the MCLS. “The donation will

A check for two million dollars was presented to the Muskingum County Library System by the JW & MH
Straker Charitable Foundation. MCLS
Secrest Summer Concert

Series lineup announced

Mark your calendars for a great lineup TDT Party Band (80’s & 90’s pop, rock
of bands that span genres and decades. and country) and The Prince Experi-
performing during this year’s Secrest ence will perform on June 19. Tongo
Summer Concert Series. All concerts Rad (rock band) and Hotel California, an
are on Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Secrest Eagles tribute band are set to perform
Auditorium parking lot, 334 Shinnick St, July 10. Hard rock fans will be excited
Zanesville. to know that Thunderstruck, an AC/DC
The first bands to kick off the season tribute band will be playing on July 24 af-
will be Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd tribute ter Late Horizon (classic rock band). KLB
band) and The Groove Brothers Band & Co. (classic/modern rock band) and
(Classic Rock, Rhythm and Blues) on Ride the Wind, a Poison tribute band will
May 22. Falling Under (rock band) will be hitting the stage on August 7. For the
open for That Arena Rock Show who final show of the season you can look
promises to bring the ultimate celebra- forward to country music artists Carson
tion of 70’s and 80’s music on June 5. Clouse and North of Nashville.