June was a fantastic month here at the Patrick County Library. We started off the 2025 Summer Reading Program with fun activities and warm temperatures. This year’s theme is “Color Your World.” Assistant Manager, Samantha Edmondson runs our branch’s summer reading program, and she is fantastic at organizing the programs and the kids always have a blast.
I would like to send a special thank you to Norma Bozenmayer, a dedicated member of the PC Master Gardeners, for helping kick off the first program of the summer and planting a beautiful butterfly waystation around our library sign by the road.
Speaking of roads, Gayle Wagoner, our bookmobile queen, has been keeping them hot while traveling to all parts of Patrick County carrying must reads to her patrons. She is amazing and everyone loves her and the bookmobile.
Leandio Gravely, the Programming Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Regional Library system, hosted nine patrons for a class on learning how to make your own ice cream and waffle cones. Of course, all nine participants left with a smile on their faces and a booklet filled with recipes to make their own frozen treats. Who doesn’t love coming to the library AND eating ice cream on a muggy June day?
The “Journaling Junkies” met and had a great time designing and updating their planners and journals with new stickers and information. If anyone is interested in joining that group, they meet every third Saturday of the month from 11-12:30. Bring your own journal or planner and supplies or you are welcome to use what we have available in our “Journaling” supply container.
As far as what’s coming up in July in the library, we have continued the Summer Reading Program, along with a weekly movie and popcorn on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. On Wednesday, July 23, Sam and Emme are hosting a “formal” tea party celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. They encourage participants to dress up in Victorian fashion and be ready for regency era snacks. Registration is required as seats are limited.
Leandio will return in July with a new type of program for our 18 plus participants. “Boots on the Ground” a line dancing class will be on Monday July 21, at 1 p.m. at our PC branch. Registration is free and patrons are encouraged to wear their favorite cowboy/cowgirl boots or country western apparel. Also, in July, Cindy Howe, owner and creator of Ragtop Designs, is hosting a free watercolor class on July 26 at 11 a.m. in the meeting room at the library. If you are interested, please stop by or call and sign up to save a spot for the class. All materials are provided. As per usual, if you are interested in any of our programs, feel free to give us a call at (276) 694-3352 or check us out online at https://www.brrl.lib.va.us/index.php or on Facebook under Blue Ridge Regional Library for further information.
I would also like to thank everyone for their support and encouraging words as I start my new journey in the library management world. I am part of an amazing team, not only here at the Patrick County Branch but with the entire Blue Ridge Regional Library system. I look forward to what all the future holds and am blessed to have my dream job here at our wonderful library.
For a quick smile—I caught one of our circulation assistants, Abigail Brammar, “sitting” on the job. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. She is great at what she does and loves to shelve books.
Until next month, happy reading and come by and see me.
Somer Ojodeagua, PC Library Branch Manager
