August 2, 2012
Miss Manners wrote, in her column that runs in the Star Tribune, that it really isn’t difficult to write thank you notes. Well, this is a gigantic thank you note to some of the people who have helped make this one of the most amazing summers in my years at Litchfield Library.
Many dedicated parents have brought children weekly to library programs. Reading calendars are coming in so fast I’ve lost count. We have to put them in a box because my cute little basket filled so quickly. 299 young people, preschool through teens, have signed up to participate in reading throughout the summer. Thanks to all of the families who have encouraged their children to keep reading through the summer. I haven’t added up our total attendance at library programs, but attendance has remained steady throughout the summer.
Our Monday trips to Cosmos for our “Little Bit of Library” will end with a party in the Cosmos Park, at about 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 6th. I plan to be there at about 6, and hope for a slightly cooler evening than the past few Mondays. Peace Lutheran Church graciously extended their hospitality to us, and the cool building was a life saver. They have really cold water, too. Thank you so much, Pastor Marlaine and congregation.
The WonderWeavers, Tina Rhode and Colleen Shaskin, ventured all the way to Cosmos and were, well, wonderful. I asked the children what professional storytellers do. Tina and Colleen kept the children and parents involved and entertained, and afterward the children said, “They tell stories!” Tina and Colleen tell some of the best.
Thanks to the Litchfield office of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for providing wildlife experts who brought excellent programs to Cosmos and Litchfield. I just couldn’t get the Litchfield kids excited about the word “crepuscular,” but will keep trying.( By the way, mosquitoes are crepuscular insects.) Thanks again to the Wildlife Wizard and to Bridget for telling us about the work that you do.
The Willmar Stingers came to visit, charming our story time kids and thrilling the baseball fans who attended that day. The PAK parents presented their program “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” inspiring us all to be more aware of our carbon footprint. The “Tomato Story Time,” presented by Joan Olson of the “One Vegetable One Community” project was really entertaining. I’ve probably left out someone, so if I have, please consider yourself thanked.
Story times are not offered in August. Book clubs will meet on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays, as usual. On August 23 at 3 p.m., the library will host Professor Marvel’s Dream Machines. Magician Robert Halbrook designs a new show every year for the Cooperative Summer Reading Program. He always amazes, and always encourages kids to enjoy reading.
Reading Records can be turned in through the end of August, and certificates will be available at the children’s desk for everyone who participated. Thanks for a great summer!
