Library Stuff

We have a new quilt hanging in the library. It is called Stars ‘n’ Stripes of Love and was made by Peg Behrens. There is the sweetest story attached to the quilt. Here it is in Peg’s words: “I made this quilt for my friend who was to be married to a fellow in the service in Iraq. It was a combination birthday-wedding gift. Shortly before the wedding, he was killed in action. My friend and I were close, and had been exchanging birthday gifts for years. She really loved this quilt, and would snuggle into it always. The pieces were machine stitched, but the quilt was all hand-quilted. When she died from cancer two years ago, her family gave the quilt back to me. Now I snuggle in it on cool nights.” Stop by to look at this patriotic quilt.
Malachi Green is our Reader of the Week! Reader of the Week is a weekly drawing for participants in our Children’s Summer Reading Program. Each week the winner receives his or her own poster created by children’s librarian, Sarah Evans. There is a display of all the posters in the downstairs library lobby. Stop by and check those out, too.
This month we will say goodbye to two library board of trustee’s members. Craig Christensen has served for eight years. He has missed a meeting or two, but has attended a large majority. Donna Currier is retiring after four years. Each has been a faithful library advocate. If you see either one of the, thank them for taking care of your library. The three remaining board members are Jill Colerick, Tom Tecklenburg and Donna Day. Give them a pat on the back, too. It is a rather thankless position….not demanding of too much time, but requiring a belief in the betterment of our community through the support of our library. Our good mayor, Walter Jensen, has appointed William Schaffer and Tricia Gargano to the board of trustees. Their terms will begin in July.
A small town runs on its volunteers. Humboldt is blessed with many, many residents who generously donate their time to make Humboldt a good place to live. Last week’s Art Festival, our sixth, is another example. Youth sports, holiday parades, churches, boy and girl scouts and lots more organizations exist only because people are willing to volunteer their time.
Here is an exciting volunteer opportunity for you: the library needs volunteers to sit in the children’s library on Saturdays through the lunch hour. It’s not a very demanding position. One need only sit. That’s all. Just sit and make sure no one empties all the shelves or runs off with all the dvds. The volunteer certainly will have time to read or knit or write letters or whatever. We just need an adult presence downstairs between eleven and 1:00 pm. Give me a call if you can help.

Sumertime at the Library

The summer library program for children and teens is in full swing. We opened registration the day after school let out. We had more than 80 teens and 80 children register the very first day. I haven’t checked the numbers since. There just hasn’t been time; I can tell you that there are kids of all ages all over everywhere.
Every time I venture downstairs, the foyer has been transformed into a different country. So far, China, Egypt and Australia. Italy is coming up……everything is draped with vines and grapes for an authentic vineyard look. Children’s librarian, Sarah Evans, and her helpers have done amazing things this summer. Check out their Facebook page: Humboldt Library Kids. Be sure you watch the video of crocodile hunter Jonathan Schaffer- his down-under accent is perfect!
When the children “visit” Peru on June 28, we are going to have a real live llama on the library lawn. If you have always wanted to meet one, stop by on the 28th at 10:00 am.
June 16 is our Humboldt Reads! dinner and book discussion. We’ve read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It’s a look at civil rights from a different point of view. If you haven’t read it, we still have plenty of copies. It’s worth your time.
The July Humboldt Reads! selection is Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I haven’t reqd it yet, but several people have told me how well written it is. One of those people is Darlene McKimmey. Darlene and I occasionally have completely opposite views when we read the same book. It will be interesting to find out if we agree on this one. When we don’t agree, it makes for lively conversation.
June 18 is the Humboldt Area Arts Festival at John Brown Park. From what I understand, restoration work on the park fountain is almost finished. I can’t wait to see it working again. Park fountains just say “summer to me.” As always, at the festival there will be many artists’ booths, music most of the day, good food available and lots of activities for kids. Every year the library sponsors a kids’ activity. The first year we painted with our feet. Believe me; I learned a lesson that year. Since then, our art activity has focused on the making of a bookmark---in some not-very-messy art medium. We’ve used rubber stamps, markers, stickers, glitter, etc.
This year we are being really kind to the library staff. We’ve engaged the services of a caricature artist. Duane Murray, library director at the Alexander, Iowa Public Library will be available under the children’s tent to do a sketch of the kids. Stop by and say “hi”, and watch him draw!