Henry David Thoreau asked, “It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?” Well Mr. Thoreau, we are busy with summer reading and all the things. How did we blink and July be over? Summer reading was in full force here at the Patrick County Library and I will let Lisa tell you all about it. But I will say, the staff here at the Patrick County Library rally together and make things work like no other I have ever witnessed before and I am so proud of each member of our team. I am truly blessed.
Book Bingo brought laughs and new reads to all who came and participated. The library quilting club had another successful month. Whether its eight quilters or just three—their two-hour block of time in the meeting room is much appreciated by all who participate.
Mahjong 101 finally happened! Due to schedule conflicts and miscommunication on my part, we had to reschedule twice but as the saying goes, “the third time is a charm’, and indeed it was. Twelve people met in the meeting room and Betsy LeGallais led the group in a basic introductory lesson on the 19th century Chinese game of Mahjong. So simple, but collaborating with essentially your neighbors, is so enjoyable and rewarding for all those involved. This has also been the case with three of our teen summer reading programs. Patrons who come to the library, willing to donate their time and resources, to give back to the community. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.
Sports Trivia was not as well attended as I would have expected, considering the topic, but we had two teams and memories were built. The Legion of Doom were defeated by the Pride of Prestonville and the P of P won a sports theme bag filled with athletic gear. August’s theme is “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” and we are hoping that we have several teams come for out for general knowledge questions. I love these trivia nights, not only for the fellowship but for the educational nuggets. Kaye does an amazing job and I am so thankful for all the effort she puts into this monthly event.
On Saturday, July 18th, we had three events. Two crochet classes, led by Stephanie Keith, one of my Leadership Patrick County cohorts, took place in the meeting room. The first 90 minutes meeting was a very basic intro into crochet class. The second class was for those who had some prior experience crocheting. They learned how to make a soap saver bag. Participants left with their yarn and a new hook (not a needle!). At the same time in the reference section of the library, we set up Book Bedazzling. I have it now as a “floating” program so people can get there at 11 and work on their project and leave when they want. We had 13 people bedazzle. Some were not even at the library for Book Bedazzling but saw what we were doing and happened to have their planners and joined in the fun. They reassured me they would start adding this event to their planner and join the Crafty Chapters Club.
We ended July programming with the Christmas in July Senior Social. Six ladies came by and painted beautiful and festive artwork on canvas tote bags. They also painted ornaments that will adorn their Christmas tree this holiday season. Four of the six ladies were new to our library and raved about all the fun activities that are provided by our system of libraries. As we all know there is always something going on at any one of our branches for all ages.
I will end this report with this. We handed out 46 pool passes for punch card completion, as well as giving 54 additional ones away for the finale. The Patrick County Library had amazing summer reading numbers and it could not have happened without all the support that has come from all over this wonderful county. Parents and grandparents have loved the motivation they see in their children and I know so many memories were created during these seven weeks. Pinky the Dinosaur visited often and scared only a couple of kids and that in and of itself is incredible. I cannot thank our sponsors and the organizations that rallied behind me to create this Splash and Read incentive program enough. Thank you to Patrick County Parks and Recreation, The Town of Stuart, Stuart Rotary, One Family Productions, and the Stuart Ruritan Club, along with all the individual members who took the time to help me create such an amazing program.
Until next month….Happy Reading!
Somer Ojodeagua
