Pam
By Pamela West-Finkle
Welcome to 2023! May it be a year filled with blessings and hope. We could use a few blessings and we can never have too much hope. It has been a dark few years, but it is my experience that whenever humanity faces a global struggle, great art is born after. The thousands of books on our shelves speak of tales and stories, fantastical and true, reassuring us that this too shall pass.
Meanwhile, our community grows, embracing a new sense of self, and old past times find new meaning. On December 3rd, we invited the community to join us in lighting the evergreen tree in Bohlmann Park. The weather cleared just in time for Santa’s arrival and a jubilant round of favorite holiday songs as we processed from the park to the library for hot chocolate and treats. Santa listened to Christmas wishes in the children’s room while I sang from the circulation desk, occasionally rustling up a few other carolers to sing with me. Kari Haugeto, my cheer-meister cohort, stopped by between bustling from here and there, to sing lovely harmonies. Afterwards, many made their way over to the Hunting Tavern for a comforting bowl of hot soup.
On December 13th, the Andes Garden Club held their December meeting at the library and had a good turnout for their speaker, arborist Ryan Trapani, who talked about the trees around us. For anyone wishing to join the Andes Garden Club, contact Tina DeSanto or message the garden club on Facebook.
New Book Drop!
If you have been by the library recently, you may have noticed our fancy new book drop. This will provide more protection and security for our materials. This book drop was purchased with funds provided last year by Assemblyman Brian Miller. Please do not use the old drop box to return materials; however, this box can now be used for porch pickup orders and small package deliveries.
Looking ahead…
Just to give everyone the heads up, I will be having a total shoulder replacement surgery, possibly as soon as mid-February, and I have been told I will have to take three months off for recuperation. We are currently in discussion with a couple of familiar faces in town to take over for me temporarily. We can assure you the library will be left in good hands, and I will still be available for phone tech assistance once I have gotten through the worst of my recuperation. I will be back manning the desk sometime in May before the busy summer months begin.
All Together Now – Have an idea for a program?
This Summer’s national library theme is “All Together Now.” If anyone has ideas for summer programming and wants to discuss scheduling special events or workshops, please reach out to me now as I usually schedule book events for the summer in January and write my O’Connor Youth Grant and Community Foundation Library Fund grants by February 1st.
Programs and Clubs:
- LitWits Book Club, 3:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month.
- Stitch Witches Club, 2nd and 4th Monday at 2 pm
- Story and Music for ages 0-7,
Wednesday afternoons 3 pm in January until my surgery. Due to morning nap schedules and other early childhood programs, we are going to try 3 pm during the month of January. Depending on who takes over for me, we may need to delay story and song time during my surgery recuperation.
Weather reminder:
Now that winter is upon us, remember that we close the library for inclement weather—automatically if Andes school closes. Feel free to call before you come 845-676-3333 and check our Facebook page.~