Library hopes to expand

Life is beginning to settle into some sort of normal. My personal computer is back up and running thanks to my sons and our local computer repairman. I forget how much I use and need it until it suddenly stopped working.

Story hour this week was a big hit. There were 21 children with glue sticks and finger paint! I think everyone loves Story Hour with Ms. Beth. She starts her first teaching job at the beginning of August. I am very happy for her but we sure will miss her.

As many of you know, there is approximately 1,200 square feet of space on the south side of the building that is unfinished. Our only meeting room is small and often in use so we could definitely utilize this space by turning it into a multi-purpose room. It could be used for children's programs, a meeting room, a place to have a Book Club -- the possibilities are endless. We have begun the process of applying for grants that would help with the cost. The first step was taken last week when Donna Beaver and I attended a City Council meeting where a Resolution was passed to allow us to move forward.

Council meetings are very informative and open to the public. Council member's names and contact information are published in The Times each week. They would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding Pea Ridge city operations. Or attend a meeting and voice your opinions/concerns.

A recent donation of books yielded John Grisham first editions which we are attempting to sell on line. These are duplications of what we have on the shelves. The library could use some boxes -- suitable for mailing books -- and packing materials -- peanuts and bubble wrap. If you have any you would like to donate, we would appreciate it.

Three individuals who had never been in our library before dropped in this week. One visitor is a Pea Ridge High School graduate who joined the military right after graduation and never moved back. On another day, a gentleman who had moved into the area from Iowa toured our facility. The third man has been a resident for some time but had never used our library. We enjoyed showing them around and hearing all the nice things they had to say. They were all surprised that our small town library has so much to offer. We always tell everyone it is because of all the community support we receive!

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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.

Editorial on 06/25/2014