It hardly seems possible that this is my last column for 2012. This year has just gone quickly with many good things happening for the library. Work on the new library is progressing beautifully. The interior walls are up and textured. And I expect by the time I write my next column, much more work will be completed. Tony Townsend, Corey and the group of inmates from the Benton County Jail have worked very hard. Thank you to all the guys!
As the end of the year nears, the library receives many book donations. We appreciate these donations. Almost always I find some good books for our shelves. Duplicates or those that are not in good enough condition to place on the shelves are held for book sales or are placed in the free box outside thelibrary.
We were very happy to receive an anonymous donation of $100 this past week. I hope to use that toward the purchase of some new books for the children’s room.
The library open house was a success in spite of the wind and cold weather. I loved seeing so many people stop by to visit a while. I cannot wait until we can hold our functions in the new building with much more space.
I am sorry to report that we have a number of past due library books and despite telephone calls to the card holders who checked them out, the books arenot being returned. Not only is it costly to replace these books, the time spent on telephone calls and writing letters could be better spent on other library functions.
So, please if you have overdue books, return them. Remember there are other people who might be waiting to read these books.
Starting in January, we will be updating our card holder information. We will be asking to see your driver’s license as well as checking current address and telephone information. If you have moved, please bring us a piece of mail such as a utility bill that has been sent to your new address. This is just the first step in preparing for the new computerized system we hope to have in place shortly after our move into the newbuilding.
I could use a volunteer on Thursday morning or afternoon to shelve books, dust shelves, etc. So if you find yourself with a little time on your hands, give me a call at 451-8442.
There is no long-term commitment required.
Thank you to each of you have used and supported the library this year. It is a pleasure and a blessing for me to serve as your librarian.
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Editor’s note: Peggy Maddox is the librarian of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by mail at P.O. Box 9, Pea Ridge, AR 72751. Library hours are 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.
Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. The library web site is www.pearigecommunitylibrary.org.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 12/26/2012