LATEST NEWS

Compiled By Jim Foster

Towards Renewing the Collection

A workshop for volunteers on assisting the library staff in weeding books which are in poor condition, obsolete, or no longer reflect the needs of library users from the collection was held at the Library by Bonnie Dwyer of the Maine State Library on June 14th.

As a result of the workshop, it became apparent that there was a need first to decide what in general we want our collection to look like. As a result, the Trustees have decided to add several members to the current book selection committee in order to broaden its perspective. Hopefully, the new members will include a high school student, the parent of a younger child, a representative from SAD 54 school libraries and possibly a representative from the Margaret Chase Smith Library. Recommendations for selection will be made within the limits of the book buying budget. Philip Russakoff and Margaret Reid have agreed to co-chair the expanded book selection committee.

A volunteer weeding committee will also be formed. The selection committee and the weeding committee will work together in order to achieve the best results for the community.

NEWS FROM THE CHILDREN’S ROOM

Summer Reading Club

Those yellow reading charts are piling up in the Children’s Room as many young eager readers join the Summer Reading Club! Some readers have already passed the 75 point mark and have chosen a prize from the Library Prize Box. At 150 points they’ll be eligible for a “Gala Library Party” in August (more about this later), and the opportunity to select a brand new paperback book of their own. It’s not too late to sign up and join the fun so ask Mrs. Moody for the details. The club is open to anyone aged 4 years and older.

Wednesday Afternoon Programs

The first program of the series will be at 2 PM on July 11 when our loyal library friend, Kristine Rinaldi, visits once more with her fascinating “Living Treasures from the Sea”. Don’t miss it! And check the calendar in this newsletter for the subsequent Wednesday programs.

Log Days Parade

Yes! The Library will be represented on July 28 at the Log Days Parade. Chairperson for this event is Christine Smith who is working on some wonderful ideas for a library float. We’ll look forward to cheering on a group of enthusiastic young readers, exhibiting their love for books as they ride down Madison Avenue.

Summer Story Hour

As a result of requests received by Mrs. Moody, the Wednesday morning Story and Craft Hour will resume on July 11 at 10 AM. Library volunteers who have agreed to sign up for one or two Wednesdays include: Mary Turbyne, Mary Stuart, Dot Cleaver, Debora Barter, Louise Tessier, Kathy Hughes and Corrilla Hastings. All ages are welcome as we enjoy some stories, sing some songs, play some games and do a simple craft.

Our Sympathy

The Friends of the Skowhegan Free Public Library would like to express our sympathy for Head Librarian Helen Shaw, who lost her husband Moses in June. Helen herself is convalescing from surgery and should be returning to the Library soon.

Library Lunch

Our apologies for not reporting this in an earlier newsletter. In April the Friends sold and delivered more than one hundred lunches around town and raised $550 for the Renovation/restoration Fund. We owe thanks to the many ladies who baked cookies and to those who made and delivered the sandwiches.We appreciate your generosity with your time and efforts to make the day go smoothly.We also want to thank our sponsors; Northstar Orchards, Shop ‘n’ Save and Sam’s Club for their generous contributions. We couldn’t have done it without your generosity. Thank you.

Garden Tour

The next fund-raising project is the Garden Tour on July 21st. There will be nine delightful garden areas to see, including country gardens, gardens with an English influence and a historical garden. The tour starts at the Methodist Church where everyone will recieve directions to the various gardens and sign up for the door prize (now on display at the library). There will also be an art show at the Methodist Church. There will be works by several artists. There are even rumors about sculpture being placed outside. In the afternoon you may enjoy a concert in Skowhegan’s Coburn Park. Tickets for the tour are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 on the day. A limited number of tickets include a gourmet lunch with the tour (advance sales only). These are $15.00 each. Tickets may be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, Boynton’s Greenhouse, the Town Office and the Library.