After more than a decade and a half of bringing progressive materials and speakers to locals, the Civic Media Center celebrated its Sweet 16 Friday at the Sweetwater Branch Inn downtown.
"I'm really proud of the way we've been able in the last 16 years to build an alternative library," co-founder Charles Willett said.
The CMC collects non-mainstream materials that feature alternative viewpoints, authors and publishers as well as movies and magazines and gives visitors a place to sit and read.
"Connecting people and groups and movements is one of the main functions that the CMC does for the community," said CMC member Katie Walters.
About 75 people gathered to celebrate, and about 15 of them have been members for more than 15 years.
James Schmidt, co-coordinator, said the original mission of the center was to create an alternative library to promote alternative thought.
Over the years, it has grown into a community hub for progressive community organizing, he said.
"We were all determined," Willett said, "and always seemed to find the money for rent. I don't know how we did it, but we always did."
Sweetwater Branch Inn owner Cornelia Holbrook, Sandra Carlisi of Elegant Events and Karma Cream donated food and services for the event, and local jazz ensemble The Midtown Project played for guests.
"The CMC is important because we are all activists, and it allows us to pass on the information and the opportunity to experience and organize things," said Abby Goldsmith, a volunteer who has been involved since the center opened on Oct. 18, 1993.
