National Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. 

Closer to home, this week is a reminder to me to say an enormous “thank you” to Pullman Firefighters Local Union 1892.  There is more than one reason to thank these fine men and women.  First on our list, is the protection and service they give to all of us in this fine community.  When we need help, they’re there for us.  Thank you, indeed!

Even closer to home – like, right here at Neill Library – there is yet more reasons to say “thank you.” If you’ve been to the children’s area you’ve seen the wonderful fire engine book case. Local Union 1892 members built this for our patrons several years ago.  A fine gift, indeed!  I can’t count how many times, on a daily basis we have kids of all ages sitting in the engine, enjoying book after book.

And in that fire engine bookcase are DVDs and books related to firefighting and fire safety.  They’re so popular, it’s challenging to find many on the shelf at one time.  But, not for long.  And here’s another reason to say “thank you.”  Local 1892 members recently donated $500 to purchase more books and DVDs for this well-circulating collection.  WOW!  So many thanks for so many reasons.

So, in celebration of National Fire Prevention Week, make it a point to thank one of our local firefighters.  Thank them for their service and their ongoing generosity to the library.  What a difference they make to us all!

Kathleen Ahern

Children's Librarian