For the Sake of Vinyl, Berkley Library Director Shaves Beard
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 22, 2022)
Berkley, MI – Berkley Library Director Matt Church is one of those directors who’s easily recognizable by regulars as he’s often out and about, engaging with visitors, helping out at the reference desk, and sharing his easygoing smile. Plus, he’s got that thick, recognizable beard.
Well, he had a burly beard. At least until a regular patron made him a challenge – ditch the facial hair, and they’d make a $500 donation.
Church shared that the patron had asked him years ago if he’d shave it off for money, then showed up one day this year with $500 in hand, and the irresistible offer.
Since the buzz of the clippers earlier in August, the library’s been a buzz with the drastic change.
“I shaved two days in a row but promptly got back to growing a beard. It was a fun way to get a donation to benefit the library and get some positive buzz on social media,” Church said.
“We’re launching a new vinyl collection in a few months. We’ll be getting most of the beginning collection from our neighbors at Flipside Records. Record players for loan will be part of the collection as well,” he said.
The $500 will help buy albums for the collections. From classic favorites, to local bands, and new music to discover, the collection will help introduce patrons to the sounds that can be made when groves are pressed into plastic, and spun around a turntable with a needle to pick up the sounds.
“We’ll eventually be accepting donated vinyl but haven’t worked out the particulars yet,” Church said.
For now, just as Church is bearing with the fresh growth of hair on his chin and cheeks, patrons must be patient until the music comes. But as soon as the records are ready to loan out, Church be there – donning a new beard – to tell the world.
