“Rest is not laziness. It is a crucial part of the cycle of life, a period of renewal that prepares us for what’s ahead.” —Louise Vallace
January was a month of reflection and resetting. Sam has returned from maternity leave and we are so glad to have our team back together. Joni started a new chair yoga program, which has been a hit. Another change we made this month is the Lego Club has been switched to the first and third Monday of the month. Emme’s Book Bingo went well, and one participant left with three or four books.
The Book Bedazzling Club was well attended. We had three teenagers present, which was amazing. They helped me come up with ideas on activities teenagers in 2026 are interested in. Stay tuned for future teen programming here at the Patrick County Library. I love this bedazzling group. Every time we meet, we have new members. It’s so nice to meet new people and through asking questions and creating relationships, learn what people are interested in and create opportunity for our community here at the library.
Our Dolly Day Celebration had an amazing turnout. Thirty-one people came and helped us celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday. Cowboy hats were made, cookies and cupcakes were eaten and Mrs. Sam read some of Dolly’s books that are in our library. If that wasn’t enough, Emme led line dancing in the meeting room, proving that there was fun for one and all. Thank you to all who participated and we look forward to next year’s celebration.
Decade’s trivia night was scheduled for January 15, and unfortunately it was so cold outside that no one attended. But I am determined because Abby works so diligently on her trivia questions, making sure they are age appropriate and proven correct and I know this event is enjoyed. We rescheduled trivia night for the following Thursday, and we had two teams come out. We had so much fun. It was interesting to see that the questions from 1990-2020 were just as tricky as the questions from the 1920-1960s. Contestants dressed up in 1940s through 90s attire, with some dressed in 2020 fashion. I really enjoy seeing people attend Trivia Night and display their creativity in their outfits. The goal in my mind when players leave the library on trivia night is having learned a factoid and having laughed out loud at least once. I am proud to say this goal has been met each trivia night.
During our Senior Social meeting in January, we used this day as an opportunity to plan our meetings for the entire year. I am so excited about all the events we came up with. We have educational programs, creative programs, and some food programs in the works. If you are interested in more information on the Senior Social Programming, please look for the Year at a Glance setup I have posted in the library.
Due to inclement weather, Norma Bozenmayer and I decided we should reschedule the Bears in VA program that we had scheduled for January 24, to February 14th at 11am. I encourage everyone to come out and learn about black bears. There is no registration or age limit.
The last week of January was spent essentially at home, stuck in place, due to winter weather and temperatures that stayed below freezing. The Patrick County Library was open on Friday, January 30th from 12-2pm. We had to reschedule or cancel a couple of events. They were the Basic Technology Class part 2: Smart Phones and National Shelfie Day. The Basic Tech Pt. 2 Smart Phone class has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 26th at 1pm.
**If you are a bookmobile patron, our staff safety and the safety of our patrons are our top priority. There may be times when the library is open but the bookmobile remains parked at the library due to parking safety issues. Should you have a question or concern, please contact the library.
With January ending in such a wintery fashion, I can honestly say that I hope February loves us and brings some clear, warmer days. I hope you all come by the library to see us and stock up on some good reading materials.
Until next month, Happy Reading!
Somer Ojodeagua, Branch Manager
