Message from the Director...
When our Circulation Manager, Renee, reminded me it was time for my biannual message from the Director I could not believe it had already been six months since I wrote the January message. Time continues to march on and months seem to pass like weeks. At the beginning of the year, the library was certainly at a very different level of operations than where we are now. This summer we have pretty much been back to “normal.” Weekly in-person story times and family programs have returned. Our libraries have been bustling with patrons checking out books, using the tech lounge, and utilizing the many services the library has to offer. We all have a new appreciation for the day-to-day interactions with our patrons in real life.
For decades the library has helped bridge the gap from one school year to the next. We make reading fun with programs and reading challenges. Kids of all ages can win prizes and participate in fun programs. This year the library was again able to award prizes including: a VR headset, go-kart pedal car, a DeltaWing scooter, and gift certificates with help from local and state-wide businesses.
Our Summer Reading Program had nearly 300 participants registered at our main library and hundreds more at our three branch locations. Our Youth Services Coordinator, Amy Broering, takes the lead in organizing the Summer Reading Program and is already making plans for next year. As with any success, it takes many hands, and I want to thank our entire staff for their hard work and dedication. Additionally, the support and generosity of area businesses and organizations is humbling and much-appreciated. We received over a thousand dollars in donations this year. In addition, the Friends and Promoters groups for our libraries donated hundreds of dollars to help enhance our program. These groups are always looking for members, so if you are interested in how you can join and help, stop in or visit our website for more information.
The youth of Mercer County are not the only ones who have the opportunity for fun and prizes this summer. Our Adult Summer Reading Program is in its tenth year. We have already had hundreds of entries in our biweekly drawings for prizes including numerous gift certificates from area restaurants and businesses. In addition to our new Grab & Go Book Club, Great Reads Book discussion, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club, and the Bob Ross Painting Program, we also partnered with Brew Nation for the return of our wildly popular Summer Reading Trivia Night in July. Although the Youth Summer Reading Program ended on July 23, adults have until August 26 to participate... and win!
Remember that our programs for all ages do not stop at the end of the summer. All four of our library locations hold programs throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook (Mercer County District Library), Twitter (@MercerCoLibrary), visit our website (mercerlibrary.org), or subscribe to our newsletter to find out what programs your library has for you.
I look forward to seeing each of you when you come in to take advantage of what all our libraries have to offer you. Whether that be for books, technology, programs, events, the mineral collection, or just to see a friendly face — we are here for you. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with me.
A very special thank you to the following businesses and organizations who support our programs:
Mercer Health, C-Town Wings, Visions, CAPT, VFW Post 5713, Celina Moose Lodge 1473, Celina Eagles Lodge 1291, Moeller Door & Window, Mercer County Fair, YMCA, Lake City Creamery, Crown, Cotterman & Company, Ray's Refrigeration, Willow, Consolidated-Hunter, NuWave Technology, Lochte Technology, Celina Wine Store, Cakes by Design, Westside Carryout, Bryson Pool, Asset Allocation Associates Inc
Remember that our curbside services are still available through our library app, the SEO Libraries app. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with me.
SEO Libraries app for Android /for iOS (Apple) : Search the catalog, view your checkouts, renew materials, and manage holds.
Library’s Facebook Page: Check for latest updates, programming, and more.
Library’s YouTube Channel: Watch past storytimes, programs, and more.
Library’s Catalog: Search the catalog, place holds, view your checkouts, renew materials, and manage holds.
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