May was an interesting month at the Patrick County Library with our new computer system. After being closed four days at the beginning of the month, I was worried about what would happen when we reopened but I have the best staff and they all have done a professional job and patrons have been so patient and understanding. I am so proud of my staff and how fast they are picking things up. They teach me something new each day and I appreciate them.
Before training however, we had an amazing event. The Bridgerton Tea Party was hosted on May 2. It was a registration only event and Regency dress was encouraged. Twenty-one guests came and snacked on mini cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches and chicken salad sandwiches. There were pastries, blueberry lemon scones, hot tea and pink lemonade. The Bridgerton soundtrack played in the background. Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were read and so appreciated. Two games of bingo and name that character were played and prizes provided. There was also a Bridgerton Trivia game for them all. We had five teams and winners received wooden wick candles which smelled amazing. Guests were able to have photo opportunities with the beautiful setup Sam and our volunteer, Alicia Tiller, created. It was an exhausting day but amazing at the same time. Thank you to all who participated in all forms.
Bingocize wrapped up this month and I would be remiss to not send a special thank you to Terri Alt, who hosted this program with the Virginia Extension Office. She demonstrated patience and genuinely cares for those who participated in learning the necessary techniques to remain at home longer and live more safely as senior citizens.
Lucia hosted Book Bingo this month and did a wonderful job. Our first Library Quilt Bee started this month and five people attended. We are hoping word will spread and more quilters will come by on the second Thursday of the month from 2-4pm to see what it’s all about.
My Homeschool Bookworms learned about fiction and nonfiction in May. We played a sorting “game” in the meeting room and learned what makes genres so specific. I found a catchy video on YouTube; we watched it twice and sang along. After a cutting and pasting activity, they each were allowed to keep a donation book of their choice, fiction or nonfiction, for listening and helping me sort some of the donation shelves.
Sit and Stitch was attended both times. We even had two new faces show up just for one of our original members to give them tips on crocheting. One had learned about Sit and Stitch at the Quilting Club the week prior. This made us all so happy. Joni’s yoga classes are always going strong and every student that comes leaves looking relaxed and happy. She does an amazing job and I appreciate all her efforts.
On May 16th, Lisa and I sat up for the Strawberry Festival. We had so many people stop by, even our own Strawberry Shortcake, Rebecca Adcock came by. We told visitors about summer reading and some of the programs that the library offers. Everyone who stopped by, was able to spin the spinner wheel of prizes. Prizes varied from screen wipes to books to stickers and even strawberry tattoos. The weather under the tent was perfect. The visitors were happy and we had an amazing day. Lisa’s family stopped by and helped us pack up the materials and tent and table and that was a huge help. Kudos to them.
Trivia Night for May was Star Wars versus Star Trek. The force was with us. We had 21 people in attendance and it lasted an hour and a half. The winning team, the Jedi Poodoo’s, each won a galaxy projector and some BRRL pens and pencils. No one argued (SW vs ST) and players left laughing and the newbies met new Trekkies. Kaye did a fantastic job making trivia questions. We all left that night to live long and prosper.
The following day Kaye led the Senior Social which was a plant swap. Attendance was low but those who came seemed to enjoy themselves. The plants involved were beautiful. Next month’s theme is DIY healthy snacks. Terri Alt will be leading the seniors create healthy snacks for the summertime, when heavy meals may not be their preference.
On the last Friday of the May, Sam and Jeff worked on the Summer Reading decorations. The library is looking so good. I want to mention our Splash and Read incentive program for summer reading. Students who come to four summer reading programs and finish their reading log, will receive a free day pool pass for themselves and one parent/guardian to go to the pool at DeHart Park. Special thank you to the following sponsors: The Town of Stuart, Stuart Rotary, One Family Productions, and the Stuart Ruritans. I am so thankful to have such supportive groups stand behind me and our library, to create a fun and helpful program for our community’s young people. Thank you also to Patrick County Recreation for allowing us to work with you and make this an amazing summer.
A quick reminder, the bookmobile schedule is different during the summer, so make sure you are looking at Gayle’s schedule. She is keeping reading rolling and we love and appreciate all that she does.
Thank you all for your continued support and please tell all you know, to come check out all the Patrick County Library has to offer. Until next month, Happy Reading.
Somer Ojodeagua,
Patrick County Library Branch Manager
