“What’s Happening at the Whitefield Library?” you ask.
Just one short year ago, our volunteers were eagerly preparing to reopen the doors of our old grange hall building as the new Whitefield Library with the complete renovation of its 1st floor space. Hours and hours of sorting, cataloguing, determining space, and shelving books were generously given by a small handful of determined women on a mission. Pat, Ann, Martha, Jane, and Margaret very successfully met that Day 1 opening deadline on January 14, 2022, but thankfully, they didn’t just stop there! During this past year, these five have enthusiastically beckoned other “librarians” to join them and they have trained over 15 new volunteers to help with circulation and patron services. The “Book Committee”, as this group of volunteers was called back in 2018, laid the framework for a fully functioning library service, and we are extremely proud of the work they have accomplished and appreciative of the unbelievable amount of time they have given (and continue to give) to Whitefield Library. Every Friday and Saturday 10 to 2 am, you will find at least one of these dedicated “Book Committee” volunteers in the office, behind a desk, arranging new books, scanning the shelves, or talking “book talk” with a welcomed visitor. Learning to manage and operate a library requires passion and commitment, and our library has been “gifted” with these five individuals. We thank them for all they have given to this community.
If you haven’t had a chance to stop by on a Friday or Saturday, we now have the library open on Wednesdays as well (1:30 until 6:00). That’s also the best time to introduce yourself to Shawn, our Library Administrator. We’re so fortunate to have his energy and leadership. With his direction and management, we have adopted much needed policy and procedures. Our little library is stretching into a collaborative mode with Maine State Library facilitators, and with Shawn’s help we are meeting even more of the criteria to gain MSL affiliation. He and Emma (our Children’s Program Coordinator) are our assets!
This Fall’s Children’s Program Storytime brought more delight and enthusiasm into our Saturday “open” hours as families brought the kids to listen to stories, find new books, and dive into creative crafts that matched the season. The Halloween Craftacular was most definitely met with high energy and much enthusiastic participation. There will be more of that returning in January as Ms Emma prepares a new agenda for the coming year. She is planning a Winter Crafty Party for January, too! Meanwhile, keep stopping in and finding those special books that are sure to be appreciated as winter sets in. If you would like to volunteer with Storytime, please get in touch with Emma or Shawn for a chat about your interests.
We still have our beautiful 2023 Calendars for sale featuring photos from several of our Whitefield neighbors. Pick up one (or several for gifts 🙂 at the library or at Sheepscot General Store. We are also selling Christmas trees at Sheepscot General, so hurry over to find the perfect match for your holiday decorating. On Dec. 16, we are sponsoring a free holiday caroling event at Sheepscot General (outside weather agreeable) from 4-5 with children’s favorites and from 5-6 with some of our adult traditional tunes led by Jane O’Mahoney. Enjoy the spirit of the season with everything we have happening in December!
There are plans in the works for adding a once a month Cribbage Day beginning February 1. Bring your favorite board if you have one; come to learn, to play (whatever your skill), and to have fun. Tables will be set up in the library the 1st Wednesday of every month from 2:00-5:00. Mark your calendar, and contact info@whitefieldlibrary.org FMI.
Whenever you see our OPEN flag flying, stop in. We’re proud to show you our library. We serve (free of charge) all of the residents of not only Whitefield, but our neighbors in Windsor, Somerville, Jefferson, Alna, and Pittston as well. Become a library member, pick up your free Library Card, borrow our books, bring the family to Storytime, join our volunteers, and help us grow. Our contact is: 1 Arlington Ln, Whitefield, PO Box 5, Whitefield 04353, 207-549-0170, info@whitefieldlibrary.org, and see our informative website: https://whitefieldlibrary.org.
We are so very grateful for all of the generous support we have received in 2022, and we wish everyone peace and joy throughout the holiday season.