Three dozen hearty souls found their way to the library last Thursday when we were finally able to open. Even though our policy is not to open when schools are closed, we felt that many of you had read all your books and needed more reading materials. A few of our patrons used the computers to file their income tax. Whatever the reasons, we were happy to see them.
We are so appreciative of the Street Department crew who were able to blade and then sand our lot. It is nice to be able to tell our patrons who telephone to find out the condition of the parking lot that it is in good shape. And thank you to my neighbor who always plows my drive-way so I can get out. Must be about time for some homemade cookies, etc. for these folks!
While our weather remains so unpredictable we may be changing our hours to ensure safety for our patrons and the library staff. The library has a Facebook page and we try to keep that updated with openings/closings. You may also call the library at 451-8442 to check our hours.
Many of you have taken advantage of the book drop box in front of the building and we appreciate that. If you just simply can not get your books back by the due date, call the library if possible and we will renew them. While we are not charging late fees for books due on a day we are not open, we do ask that you return them or call us within two days of the due date.
I am sad to say that we have some library books that are seriously overdue -- seriously as in more than a month late. Fees of $.20 per day per book add up very quickly. If you have overdue books but are unable to pay your fines, return the books to stop further fines from accruing. However, you will have to pay those fines before you will be allowed to use the library again. The fine on just five overdue books is $1 per day and that adds up very quickly.
The last of our raffle tickets for the quilt and the afghan will be sold until noon this Thursday, Feb. 13. This is certainly the weather for a warm quilt or afghan so come by and get your tickets -- $1 each or six for $5.
While you are in the library, take a look at all the good books we have for sale as well as the books and magazines that are FREE. One of the old Reader's Digest Condensed Books would be good to have on hand when you have nothing to read and you just can't get to the library.
Our newest board member, Jenna Scates, has taken on the task of filling our display shelves this month. There is a very nice Valentines Day display as well as a display featuring books for Black History Month and President's Day. Thank you, Jenna!
Staples has a program where they give a $2 credit for each used printer cartridge turned in at a Staples location. The library is participating in this offer. We would appreciate any donations of used cartridges. We always have a long list of items we could use. Next on our list is a paper cutter so we can return the one we have borrowed from a patron.
Parents of second-grade students, there is one more week left in the second-grade reading challenge, so bring your children in for more books. The turn-out has been very good and we are so pleased to see so many children participating.
Stay warm and safe! 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 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.Wednesday and Thursday. The library web site is www.pearigecommunitylibrary.org.
Editorial on 02/12/2014