Stats show your library continues to flourish, as 2022 was a banner year.
Annually at this time of year, Meg Wempe, library director, prepares an annual report for the library’s board of trustees summarizing the highlights of the past year. The information also is used when your library applies for grants and it is required to be shared with state, county and town governments to keep them informed.
Here are details about your library’s 2022 operations. They show your library continues to flourish and 2022 was a banner year. You can pick up the infographic version of this report at the library.
“Since the height of COVID, we have enjoyed a return of patrons as we learn to live with the pandemic,” Meg said. “With an increased number of patrons, we had increased computer use, website visits, programs and more. We look forward to what 2022 holds and hope to see you soon at your library.”
Library closure
Your library will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents Day.
Events calendar
To be sure you don’t miss any of the free library activities available to you and your family, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month. Its new streamlined format combines all the activities and events for children, teens and adults on one handy two-sided page.
Flu season protocols
The curbside service that we began for COVID safety continues – and it’s also a healthful option in the cold and flu season. To save your energy and lessen germ exposure to other patrons, we recommend you use our curbside service – or add a name to your account authorizing that person to pick up items for you while you recuperate.
Online author talk today
There will be two more talks this month in our free online virtual series featuring New York Times bestselling authors and thought-leaders giving live, professionally moderated book discussions you can view on your computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access. You will have an opportunity to ask questions of the authors.
Today, Thursday, February 16 at 11 a.m. showcases Grace M. Cho, author of “Tastes Like War,” a Korean American daughter’s exploration of food and family history in order to understand her mother’s schizophrenia. Tuesday, February 28 at 2 p.m. we’ll interact with Sadeqa Johnson, award-winning author of “The House of Eve.” Johnson has written four novels and is the recipient of the National Book Club Award, the Phillis Wheatley Award and the USA Best Book Award for best fiction.
Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box 360 tomorrow, Friday, February 17 from 3-4 p.m.
Makerspace on Saturday
Kids, tweens and teens are invited to a free Makerspace session on Saturday, February 18 from 11 a.m. to noon when we’ll provide the materials so you can build, design and create.
Pokemon Club on Saturday
If you love Pokemon, this club is for you. Bring your cards to a fun free all-ages event on Saturday, February 18 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. when you can play games with others who feel the same way.
Adult DIY next Tuesday
At the free in-person adult DIY next Tuesday, February 21 from 1-2 p.m., we invite you to make your own draftstopper. It is a handy device to keep you warm if you have a draft at the bottom of a door or window that you would like blocked. As always, we’ll supply the materials.
Therapy dog visit next Wednesday
Next Wednesday, February 22 from 11 – 11:45 p.m. you are invited to come to the library for a free visit with a certified therapy dog. The visits will be limited to 10-15 minutes – just the right amount of time to pet the dog, read to the dog or just say “Hi.” This activity is for all ages.
Knowledge Bowl next Thursday
Our second free Knowledge Bowl is next Thursday, February 23 from 4-5 p.m. for tweens and teens. Participants form teams of up to six people to compete against each other by answering questions that cover a range of topics from math to spelling to pop culture. Knowledge Bowl will run every second and fourth Thursday for the remainder of the school year. It is open to students in grades four–eight, or ages 11-14.
Homework and tutoring help
Our highly popular free homework assistance and elementary tutoring are available for K-fourth grades on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. There is a registration packet for parents and guardians to fill out to enroll your child that you can get by emailing the library or coming in. This program has been a big hit because it helps build essential skills in core subjects. You still can register your child but you may be put on a waitlist.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students. Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.
Las clases de ESL
Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta.
PALS/GED adult education
Mark is available for free PALS sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more. No registration required.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy will help you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provide assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources. No appointment needed for these drop-in sessions.
Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge was posted February 13 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages and accessing this free digital collection is very easy. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
Nonfiction
“Spare” by Prince Harryis a memoir of his life as a child, adult and especially since he married Meghan and left the Royal Family. “On Savage Shores” by Caroline Dodds Pennock uses surviving literature and poetry to tell the story of Indigenous Americans who discovered Europe. “The Bill of Obligations” by Richard Haass introduces 10 commitments Americans should make to save our democracy.
Large print
“Devil’s Delight” by M.C. Beaton with R.W. Green is an Agatha Raisin mystery. “Hell and Back” by Craig Johnson is a Walt Longmire mystery.
Mysteries and thrillers
“The House in the Pines” by Ana Reyes features a young woman testing her memory about a best friend’s death. “All the Dark Places” by Terri Parlato begins with a party celebrating a man’s 40th birthday. “Code 6” by James Grippando is set in the world of Big Data.
Other novels
“The Night Travelers” by Armando Lucas Correa follows four generations of mixed-race women going back to Berlin 1931. “The Daughter of Doctor Moreau” by Silvia Moreno Garcia is an historical sci-fi story set in 19th century Mexico.
DVDs
“John Wayne Westerns, part of the Silver Screen Icons collection, contains four films. “House of the Dragon” is set 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones.” “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom” is a PBS film.
Books on CD
“The Cabinet of Dr. Leng” by Preston & Child is a thriller featuring FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene. “The Other Eden” by Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Harding tells of a prejudiced schoolteacher who disrupts the lives of a diverse group of people by trying to educate their children. “Without a Trace” by Danielle Steel features a man with the opportunity to walk away anonymously after an accident. “Dark One: Forgotten” by Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells is book one of a new true-crime fantasy series. “Recovery Road” by Christine Feehan is the latest in the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club series.
Donations
Many thanks to Susan and Terry Arrington for their generous monetary donation and to Medora Bass and our anonymous donors for their materials donations.
When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk – not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at City Market, please. The Friends take fiction published in 2013 or newer and nonfiction that is 2018 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time.
Quotable Quote
“You are never too old to reinvent yourself.” — Steve Harvey, TV host, actor and comedian.
