Massillon Public Library
January 2020
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A Message from the Director
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Happy New Year, library friends!
A colleague at another library just sent out an email for us to prepare for an upcoming meeting, and included an analogy I have never seen in all my reading and attending conferences. But I love it! She asked us to consider “roses, thorns and buds.” A rose is something that went really well this year and we should consider doing it again in the future. A thorn is a challenge and we should change or eliminate it. A bud is something new or intriguing and we should explore it for the future. Isn’t that great? I’m not one for resolutions, but I am all about evaluating, fine-tuning, and looking ahead, and this mind picture works perfectly for me.
I can give out a bouquet of roses for 2019, but if I had to pick one thing it would be our expansion of Outreach Services. Mark Villono and his crew just haven’t stopped coming up with new places to take the library outside of our walls, making new partners, and including other departments. A thorn would be construction—not so much the closing of Lincoln Way, which was just a blip for us, but our own remodeling of the Bookmobile Department that put our Auditorium out of commission for several months. Even then, all programming staff worked creatively around that “thorn.” And, we have a big long list of “budding” ideas for the new year, from increasing the number of days we deliver to homebound clients to trading off programs between all the branches.
That brings up a good point. If you’re not aware of Homebound Service, this is personal home delivery of library materials—your choice—whether you are permanently disabled or temporarily laid up after a surgery, for example. It’s the door dash of library services! Vicki and Summer will be happy to place holds on requested items, or select materials based on your likes and dislikes, and deliver a batch to your door. Spread the word, and contact Mark Villono at 330-832-9831 x313 to see if you qualify for this service.
I have a great book suggestion this month about the life-changing gift of books and literacy. JoJo Moyes’ The Giver of Stars features Kentucky library women delivering books to the back country by horse or mule in the years leading up to World War II, something that really happened and that I didn’t know about. There’s a little politics—property rights and the unionization of mines — a little romance, and a lot of books. What’s not to like? However, you might want to start with The Book Women of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson to see if you agree that the more famous Moyes possibly lifted whole paragraphs from that debut novel! (Richardson’s publisher is not taking Moyes to court.) I’ve read both, and they were different enough that I didn’t see it, but in either case, I learned about a fascinating time in American history. For further discussion on The Book Women of Troublesome Creek, see page 6 of this newsletter!
Roses to you all for being library and literacy supporters. May your year be full of new ideas!
Sherie Brown
Director, Massillon Public Library
Download the entire January newsletter.
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The Stagecoach Era in Stark County
Gorilla Trek in Uganda
The Barry Askren Memorial Branch will host local professional photographer Dick Gotschall on Wednesday, January 8, at 4:00 p.m.. as he shares his experiences and photos from his Gorilla Trek in Uganda.
PAWS To Read
Children of all ages are invited to meet and read to some very friendly and well-behaved dogs on Tuesday, January 14 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This program provides a relaxed atmosphere for children to practice their reading skills, and to interact kindly with dogs of various sizes and breeds.
Empowered Minds Vision Boards
On Saturday, January 18, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. guest presenter, Kayleigh Hanlin, co-author of the J.O.Y. Journal, will help participants design their own vision boards to inspire self-acceptance, self-love, and confidence. Registration is required.
Adult Winter Reading Challenge
Adults are invited to play Book Lover's BINGO this winter by reading books from the categories listed on a BINGO card. Library card holders age 18 and over can participate beginning January 22.
Wooden Snowmen Craft
Join us at the Pam S. Belloni Branch Library on Tuesday, January 28, at 5:30 p.m. to paint a wooden snowman! All supplies will be provided. Space is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required.
The Massillon Public Library and its branches (Pam S. Belloni Branch in Brewster and Barry Askren Memorial Branch in Navarre) will be closed on Monday, January 20, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. There will be no bookmobile service on January 20.
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