Happy summer, readers!
Some exciting things are happening around the library -- from in-person (so far, outside) and virtual programs happening for Summer Reading Club, to strategizing about getting even closer to “normal” in coming months. We hosted an author visit under the garden tent on June 10 (Thanks, Leni Smith Covington!) and Vinyl Club likes our parking lot venue so much that we’re back to monthly hangouts. We’re planning baby steps for a return to pre-pandemic extended hours and inside programs for the fall, depending of course on health precautions. Our partners at Goodwill are soon returning to the library for regular office hours to assist patrons with needs requiring a social worker. With people forced online for almost all government interactions like unemployment filing, this will be such a powerful service.
Oh, to bring you up to speed quickly on funding. Advocacy efforts look to be successful, with the Ohio Senate’s version of the state budget reinstating our former level of funding! There are still a few steps more before the governor signs off, but it looks (today) as if we can release our held breath concerning the Public Library Fund being cut. THANK YOU to all who expressed their concern and joined us in understanding the importance of libraries—now more than ever!
I want to use the rest of my space to remind you about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program for any very young kiddo you know. From birth up until they turn five years old, they can get a FREE book mailed to their home each month! In this way, they build up their own 60 book collection, courtesy of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Foundation (who pays for selection, administration, and shipping) and a partner who pays $25 per child per year for the actual books. In that same Ohio budget, the State picks up half the cost, and a local partner funds the rest. Yes, WE are your local partner, along with the other libraries in Stark County. We could not do it without some outstanding individuals and organizations in our service area who believe in the mission and have supported it with their dollars. First on board was the Fairless Alumni Association, and more recently we have been blessed with donations from Friends of Massillon Public Library, the Gessner Family Foundation, the Massillon Lions Club, and One Tiger Inc., who also obtained generous contributions from members of WHS Alumni Association. Thanks to Thom Voshall and John Lieberman of One Tiger who are tireless in their efforts to improve literacy and school readiness of our smallest citizens. There was a substantial donation as well from the Haas Family in memory of Dr. Max and Maria Haas Snively. All of these folks understand the impact of $12.50 per child per year. If you wish to join them in those efforts, let me know. Checks should be made out to Friends of Massillon Public Library, which serves as our fiscal agent on this project and is a tax-exempt nonprofit for your gifts. But what I REALLY need from you is to spread the word! The statistics I just received show that only 43% of eligible children in Fairless are signed up, and only 31% of Massillon children—less than the county average! Tell your family and friends that they can register directly at Imagination Library or pick up forms at any library. What’s in it for us? Another generation of readers!
Sherie Brown, Director
P.S. -- I might have mentioned that we are snowmobilers, and in that hobby I’ve spent plenty of time in northern Michigan. Plus our best friends from Canton moved years ago to “that state up North,” and we’ve gone with them to various beautiful locations in all seasons, including Traverse City, Lake Charlevoix, and Boyne City/Boyne Mountain ski resort (Not to ski, believe you me. We tried it once. I was horrible!) All of that to say, imagine my thrill when a new novel come out, set in Boyne City! Katherine Heiny’s Early Morning Riser is one of those small-town cozy stories with an up-and-down romance, family dysfunction, work dilemmas of a young teacher, a little tragedy to overcome -- and plenty of mentions of places I’ve been. (I know that ice cream parlor!) I think you’d like it even if you insert a little town YOU have visited. Critics say it will “improve your mood and restore your faith in humanity.”
Once Upon a Time... July 14 - 6:00 p.m. No matter your age, everyone loves to hear a good story! Join us online via Zoom to watch the storytellers of WRAPPS, the Western Reserve Association for the Preservation & Perpetuation of Storytelling. These wonderful storytellers will share original stories, myths, fairy tales, and more for all ages! |