What an exciting start to the month of May we have had. While I was hoping for sunshine and warm temps for the weekend so I could get some yard work done, I must admit the dusting of snow was pretty while it lasted. I truly hope this was winter’s last hurrah.
So many things happening now with the end of school so near. Several classes from the primary school and the sixth graders will be visiting the library later this month.
We are looking forward to their visits - can’t wait for them to see what our library has to offer.
More than a dozen new library patrons have been issued cards since our opening. It is such a pleasure to hear all the comments from our old and new patrons when they walk in the door - “It’s beautiful,” “It is so much bigger,” “It is so much brighter.” And children and parents really like the children’s area with the colorful rugs and book displays.
It is our hope to have a Summer Story Hour beginning in the next few weeks. For this to happen we need volunteers to read and do simple crafts with the children. If you are interested in participating, please contact me. Last summer we offered two sessions - one on Wednesday mornings and one on Thursday mornings. We hope to be able to offer two sessions again this year. The library pays for the materials used for the crafts.
We are working on plans for the Summer Reading Program. This program runs for three weeks and is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Parents stop by the library and sign up their child/ children. Each child is given a sheet to record the books they read. All children who participate and turn in their record sheets by the end of the day the contest ends will receive a gift bag. The child who reads the most books in their grade level will win a special prize. Information will be sent home by the Pea Ridge School District.
In preparation for the Story Hour and the Summer Reading Program, new books are being ordered for pre-school through sixth grade. I spent some time at Barnes and Noble on Sunday and found some great new releases. I also purchased books for some of the series that the children seem to enjoy.
Do you have a couple of hours a week that you could volunteer at the library? There are so many things to do - check books out and in, shelve books, assist patrons in finding reading materials, etc. Any one volunteering/working at the library must consent to and pass a police background check.
Remember to look at our Used Books for Sale section the next time you visit the library. There are lots of good books and magazines for sale at reasonable prices.
See you at the library.
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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 05/08/2013