We continue to grow; taking the “toddler” steps necessary to becoming a sturdy runner. We’re sure you all remember what that looked like…awkward! The satisfaction from making it all the way across the room only propels the next step! We have many “next steps” in growing Whitefield Library, but these past two months have seen a lot of smiles of satisfaction.
When we reopened our doors in our newly renovated space a year ago, we hoped that we could provide the library services that resembled other small rural libraries in Maine, and we knew that was going to take a lot of leadership. Finding the right individuals to lead that necessary coordination is sometimes impossible, but our library must have been in the right lane when Shawn and Emma appeared on the horizon. Our steps have become very secure and steady with their leadership at the forefront. As our Library Administrator, Shawn Gallagher, has guided our Volunteer Coordinator and our dedicated Book Committee to enlist and train over 24 active circulation volunteers who attend to library “duties” every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Shawn’s enthusiasm for our library, makes it impossible for volunteers to walk away without signing up for some important task. With his encouragement and direction, we now have two attractions for adults other than just our great books and puzzles. Our Adult Programming offers Cribbage meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 2:00-5:00. Bring your favorite board if you have one; come to learn, to play (whatever your skill), and to have fun. Sign out a new book, too. You might also check out our New Acquisitions link on our website to see what we’ve recently added to our shelves. Remember, it’s all free, so contact cribbage@whitefieldlibrary.org FMI.
After gathering survey results, Shawn and volunteers will also be offering a monthly “Any Book, Book Club” beginning on April 12, 2:00-4:00 (snacks, coffee, tea, company provided). It will be great fun chatting (maybe via ZOOM, even) about books and authors! Having an administrator has tied up some “loose ends” for us and opened the door to many more organized programs and events. Needing more information or have an idea to share about more programs or events that we might be able to offer, please contact Shawn at info@whitefieldlibrary.org
Where would we ever be without our most enthusiastic program…our Friday morning Children’s Program? If you remember, a child’s request was the reason our library got off the ground in the first place, and we continue to provide a place that offers “something to do” just like Quinn asked for in his letter to the Select Board in 2016. Quinn is now in High School, and we offer our children “something to do” year round, thanks to the creativity and child-centered focus of our program coordinator, Emma Nelson. Ms. Emma and her team focus on a seasonal theme, read books, play, craft, and will come together with families in the library every other Friday at 10:30 over the next three months. Look for special children’s activities also being planned similar to last year’s Earth Day event. With Emma’s suggestions, we also have some beautiful new books available for you to read as Winter turns to Spring!
The next few months will be busy ones for us as we prepare for the March 18th Town Meeting (we’ll have a tasty concession stand waiting for your enjoyment; hope you will attend), and as we organize for our 1st music/film showing event in our new space on Sunday, March 26. Whitefield’s very own Oshima Brothers will be showing their visual album, Dark Nights Golden Days. They’ll be having two showings (1-3:00 & 5-7:00) to accommodate our limited space. We’re so anxious to be able to share this film screening with everyone who can attend. There is more info about tickets on our website and FB posting.
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. We always appreciate support! 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 and follow us on Facebook.
has anyone ever considered a scrabble afternoon? i say this knowing i definitely couldn’t commit to any day/time b/c my schedule is so full BUT if it was available i could take advantage of it when i was free. just mentioning it b/c it seems to fit well w/ reading.
Hi Sherry, nobody has suggested Scrabble as a library activity, but it sure sounds appropriate! I’ll put this in front of the right people and see what happens. Thanks for reaching out!