I apologize for not having a column last week. I started writing, took a break to water my flowers, then went back into the house because I didn't feel well. A fast trip to the Mercy emergency room soon revealed that I had A-Fib! That was not what I wanted to hear.
Twenty-four hours and lots of tests later, I was sent home. I had excellent care from the doctors and nurses. Now, if I just take my medications and follow the doctor's instructions, I should be fine.
On Wednesday, we bid farewell to Ms. Beth and wished her well as she starts her new job as a third-grade teacher in Washburn, Mo. We appreciate all she did for the library and wish her much success as a teacher. Ms. Jackie will be reading to the children and doing crafts each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
On Saturday afternoon, the winners of the Summer Reading Program and their families gathered at the library for a small party. Thanks so much to Library Board members Jenna Scates and Laura Baker for the donations of cupcakes and ice cream cups. The canopy lent by the Scates provided shade for the serving area. The newly-purchased picnic tables were put to good use. Thank you, Jenna and Laura, for all your help.
Delaney Busby was the winner for her grade level and overall. She received $25 in gift certificates to Barnes & Noble. A complete list of winners will be posted on the Library Facebook page.
I am very proud of each of the participants. These children and their parents are to be commended for a job well done. Some of the children visited the library each day and sometimes twice a day to get books. Many of them were reading non-fiction, which I personally think is a very good thing. The library received a very large donation of children's non-fiction books last year from the United Way of Benton County. They are being put to good use.
The Subway Dig into Reading promotion runs until Aug. 30. For each 10 books a child reads or has read to them from the Pea Ridge Community Library, they receive a free child's meal. There are complete details at the library.
Last week, the library received more donated books. We are working our way through them. Many new releases are arriving and are ready for check out. The patron list is steadily growing. Computer use continues to increase and DVDs are high on the patrons' list.
Be sure to come by the library some time in August and see the Granny's Quilts of Love display. This wonderful group of ladies will be hosting a fundraiser dinner, country store and auction later this month. These ladies make and donate quilts, hats, etc, to the Akransas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. Some of their handmade items will be on display at the library during the month of August. Information on how to join this group will also be available.
We would love to 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. The library web site is www.pearigecommunitylibrary.org.
Editorial on 08/06/2014