I’m not sure who said, “In July, let the sun be your guide and adventure your destination” but I like it because it makes me want to search for the nearest library (Patrick County Library, of course) and find a book filled with magic and exploration. This July has been full of fun here at the Patrick County Library. The Summer Reading Program had 43 total participants this year ending on July 29, 2025, with a colorful water party where the participants and librarians could play water games, dance in the bubbles and eat watermelon and ice pops. Not a bad way to spend an incredibly hot July day. All participants left with a free book and fun filled memories of another summer reading program complete here at the library.
July also brought a new face to the library. Kaye Moorefield has joined our team as the newest circulation assistant. She enjoys meeting new faces and discussing books. The perfect addition to our crew.
Leandio, our Blue Ridge Regional Library, Program Coordinator, had his first “Boots on the Ground” line dancing class with seven lucky dancers. Dancers left the class asking about the next class. He is well aware y’all, that the interest is there. The Journaling Junkies had their final meeting on July 19. The numbers have not been great, so for the moment, we are retiring this program. Also in July, Sam and Emme hosted the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, which was not in July, but effort was made to have the tea party in 2025, so success! It was a great day with Jane Austen trivia, regency games and dress, scones, finger sandwiches and of course, hot tea. The weather was great, and the company was even better. On July 26th, Cindy Howe, of Ragtop Designs, volunteered her talent and expertise to show 13 people how to start their journey into watercolor art. She showed these budding artists brush control and how to mix the colors. We have another class planned for August 30. It was a great success. Gayle, our bookmobile librarian, mentioned having her September through April schedule out soon, so be on the lookout for her upcoming schedule. Who doesn’t love bookmobile days!
July was fun and busy and we are looking forward to a “less hectic” schedule in August. Just kidding. I have added and rescheduled programming for August. We have moved Board Game Day to the second Friday of the month and are encouraging any and all to come out. This is a great opportunity for homeschoolers and newer people to the area to come out and play a game of UNO and visit. You can bring your own board game or use some of ours. Hours are 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and it’s a floating game day. So come and stay and play.
The first Silent Book Club will be on August 7, from 5:30-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. We will have bookish chat for the first 25 minutes or so, then find any place in the library and read the book of your choice. Who doesn’t love to come to library to read! This club will meet the first Thursday of each month.
On August 20, author Pepper Basham will be at our library from 4-6 p.m. for a meet and greet. If you own one of her books, bring it for her to sign. I have mine on my desk already. We are very fortunate to have her stopping by and spending time with us, so I really hope we have a good turnout. This is a chance to meet Pepper and ask her questions about her books, or her writing style, or just to compliment her.
Our Senior Social Group will start on August 22, from 11 a.m. until noonish, and be held on the fourth Friday of each month. We will provide tea and a pastry while you sit and chat. During our first meeting we can discuss ideas for upcoming months.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns or even ideas about programming and our library, feel free to stop by and see me. I welcome new ideas and love to meet people. Stay cool and happy reading.
