The Last Honor System

Details

Created on Tuesday, 22 March 2016 16:04

Written by Taylor Fuller

WATERFORD- The honor system isn't something we see too much of in this day and age. One local library is the last of its kind to try to keep this system alive.The Davies Memorial Library was established in 1896 and is the last public library in the state to run its operations on the honor system.

"More often than not I would not be here, there would be nobody here" Librarian Jennifer D'Agostino said. "You could take any of the material off the shelf and check it out on your own you could use our computer, and we have free Wi-Fi".

D'Agostin went on to say that this library is really a community based library. She thinks its funny because "There will be adults that are taking their shoes off at the door to come in so you know they are using it as kind of their home base". The goal wasn't just to make this a library but a real community center where people can gather. There have been baby showers along with events that members of the community voiced their opinions on coming to the area.

One question that many people outside of the community ask is if there is any theft. D'Agostin says that in here six years there as the librarian she hasn't had any theft. She says there "the opposite is kind of the issue people brining boxes and boxes of donations which is great because we have a book sale twice a year". There are also computers within the library that she doesn't think twice about if they will be stolen.

A library like this wont work everywhere and D'Agostin understands this. She attributes the success of the library to community "I think the honor system works because of the way the community believes in it and supports it and I think that's a great thing to see"

The library isn't on the main path, there are no bus stops near it, you have to know where it is and be looking for it in order to go to it. The community views the space second home.