New Library's Young Adult Room Dedicated To Andrew Greene

At its Feb. 17 meeting, the Johnston Town Council approved Mayor Joseph M. Polisena's request to dedicate the new Young Adult Room after Andrew Greene, a young man remembered by Library Director Jon Anderson as an active supporter of Mohr's youth programs.

"He was somebody who stood out among the kids who participated in our programs," Anderson recalled of Greene, who passed away suddenly in March, 2007, at the age of 13. "He volunteered a lot, he was one of the first members of our Teen Advisory Council — he was just a very generous, kind person."

Greene's mother, Kim, said she was "totally thrilled" when the council formally agreed to name the new young adult section after Andrew.

"When they passed the vote, I was so happy," Kim recalled during a recent interview. "I think it's very fitting."

Kim, who serves as the treasurer for the Friends of Mohr Library, said she and the volunteer group raised about $6,000 to ensure that the young adult section of the new library can accomodate the needs of its intended audience — the teens who go to the library after school and do homework, or just need somewhere to gather after the hustle and bustle of their school day.

"We felt there needed to be a place for these children to call their own," Kim explained.

Anderson said that the Friends' work resulted in a larger space than originally planned, and one that will be separate from areas reserved for other age groups.

And while Kim Greene is quick to offer thanks to the Friends and others who have supported her — "the support I receive is amazing" — her commitment to the new young adult section is all the more remarkable because her husband, William, died last October, after the couple adopted two girls last June.

"I could have just laid down, but this gave me a reason to fight for," Kim explained. "I feel this is the only way I can mother my son and honor his memory."

Several of Andrew's friends set up a page on Facebook to honor the young man, and there's a fund in his name that raises money to fund the library's summer reading program.

"Somebody like Andy will always be remembered — and he should be," Kim said.

The new library is scheduled to host a grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting on April 9.