FALL 2022

From the Director, Susan Stickel:

As you all know, we dedicate a lot of our energy to the very young. We believe this lays a foundation for a lifetime of learning. When I was a child, the former library was a comfortable place to frequent. I have many fond memories of having the privilege of visiting there most weekends.

Over the years, libraries have evolved to keep up with the time and meet the needs of our patrons. Benton Library is no exception. I believe we are exceptional! We have a beautiful facility, a lovely Reading Garden, and a very unique pirate ship!

Part of our mission says we are to enhance the quality of life for our patrons and visitors by providing services to meet their educational, professional, and recreational needs. Our governing Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and I work together to ensure the best possible experiences for all age levels.

As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, I find myself reminiscing about that comfortable place on the weekends the 60’s and I realize our library is still that comfortable place.

Did You Know?

We have jigsaw puzzles that can be checked out just like books. We also have a puzzle on a table near the front of the library (by the DVDs) that is a community effort. We encourage everyone’s help!

What’s Happening at Your Library

Needlework
The 1st and 3rd Monday of every month
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Everyone is welcome! Bring your yarn or whatever sewing project you are working on and spend an hour relaxing and sharing with other needle workers!

Book Club
Third Thursday of every month
1:00 – 2:00 pm
The November book is Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck. If you would like to join book club, call or come into the library to leave your information, or just show up!

Story Time
Every Wednesday
10:00 – 11:00 am
Preschool aged kids enjoy stories, a craft, and a snack. This is a very popular program!

Tuesdays After School
Every Tuesday
3:30 – 7:00 pm
Kids are welcome to drop in during this time for fun and games and science experiments. (Science Saturday has moved to the after school program.) Kids can stay for as long or as short as they want. On days when there is no school, the After School Program will not be available.

Rules of the Road
Do you need to refresh your driver’s knowledge? A representative from the Department of Transportation will be available October 28 from 9:30 – 11:30 am. They will be able to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have.

A Woman Called Murn
On Thursday, November 10, at 1:00, Deborah Burris will be here to sign her book entitled A Woman Called Murn. “This is the story of an exceptional woman who looked at Death and said, “Not Now” many times. A survivor of childhood polio, an unselfish caregiver to many, a woman dedicated to family, a woman of Faith, and a Mother to the author and her little sister, Murn’s story is lovingly told by her niece Debbie.

Veteran’s Day
The library will be closed November 11 for Veterans Day. We will also close at noon on Wednesday, November 23, and remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Haunted Pirate Ship
There will be a spooky event on Friday, October 28 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. The Reading Garden will be full of games, treats, goody bags and food! While there, take a walk over to the haunted pirate ship for even more spooky fun!

Meet the Staff
We will highlight a library employee in each newsletter.

Kimberly Livesay

Kimberly has worked at the library for 8 1/2 years. She started out as a library clerk and is now a full-time employee – administrative assistant, social event planner, budget manager – she does it all! Kimberly loves being around books and people who enjoy books. She loves to motivate people, especially kids, to read, discover, and learn. She has been married for 35 years to Dale Houseworth. She is stepmom to twin boys that live here in Benton and a daughter currently living in the UK. She has 7 beautiful grandchildren. She is the oldest of 7 siblings. Kimberly loves to read, collect antiques and make jewelry. She can also crochet and sew. Kimberly worked for 30 years in special education, first as an interpreter for students who are deaf, and then with students who are deaf and autistic. Something no one knows about Kimberly is that she sang on the Grand Old Opry stage with the Webster Junior High Lab Choir when she was in 8th grade. When asked if she had any funny experiences at the library, she couldn’t think of anything. Something must be funny to her because her constant smile is as big as her heart!