SUMMER 2018
ISSUE 1
From the Director, Susan Stickel:
I recently celebrated my 3rd anniversary as director of the library. It is such a pleasure to serve the community. My very first year as Director I had the awesome opportunity to be a part of the library’s Centennial Celebration. That beautiful day in May will be forever in my mind and heart. Everyone involved worked tirelessly to make the day special.
My love of the library started at a very young age. I wish that all children could have access to a library. Part of our mission at the Benton Public Library is to strongly encourage young children and their parents to explore the wonder of reading and learning by providing material, group based activities, and a friendly environment.
This being the first newsletter, it is my hope that everyone will enjoy reading about the library and its importance to the community. The Board of Trustees, library staff, and I wish all of you a relaxing and enjoyable summer.
STORY HOUR
Preschool children are invited to attend each Wednesday morning at 10am. There is no need to register – just show up and enjoy a story, craft, and light refreshments.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
The theme for this year’s summer reading program is “Reading Takes You Everywhere.” The program will be held on Mondays from 10-11:30 am, starting June 18 through July 23. Children 5-11 years of age are welcome to attend. Pre registration is the week of June 11. Packets will be available at the circulation desk. Children who participate will enjoy story time, crafts, special guest presentations, and refreshments.
CAMP OUT WITH A GOOD BOOK
Representative Dave Severin is sponsoring a summer reading club open to K-4th grade children. The kids must read 8 books during summer break, have a parent or guardian verify that books were read, and then return the form to Rep. Severin’s district office. Children who have read at least 8 books will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. The library with the most recipients will get a pizza party. Deadline to return the forms is August 1, 2018. Forms are available at the library.
LEGOS
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10-12 noon. Kids use their creative talents to create Lego figures.
BOOK CLUB
The book club meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1pm. The book chosen for June is Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Books are available at the library. If you would like to join the book club, call or come in the library to leave information .
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET?
Mary Jane Graham offers classes for those who would like to learn. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 1pm, and on Thursday evenings at 5:30 pm. If you are interested in learning, bring a crochet hook size G, H, or I, or knitting needles size 6,7,or 8. You will also need at least 2oz. of yarn. There is no charge for the classes. For those who already know how to knit and crochet, please also join us for this fun activity.
GENEALOGY CLUB
Genealogy Club meets the 3rd Wednesday from 4-5pm. For information, please call Pam Teague, Certified Genealogist, at the library.
TECH SUPPORT
Joe DeVille will be available monthly to provide tech service to those who are in need of assistance in downloading eBooks from the library, or any other tech related problem you may be experiencing. Joe will be at the library from 5-8pm on the last Tuesday of the month: June 26, July 31, and Aug. 28.
BLOOD DRIVE
The Red Cross will be at the library from 1 to 6pm on June 28, and from 2 to 6pm on August 23.
VETERAN JOB SERVICES
The Department of Employment Security is available the 1st Friday of each month from 9am-12pm. The program provides assistance to veterans with significant barriers to employment. All veterans between 18-24 years old are encouraged to call (618) 241-6733 for more information.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Do you need to refresh your driver’s knowledge? A representative from the Department of Transportation will be available July 27 at 9:30 am. They will be able provide assistance and answer any questions you may have.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT
The library rents fishing poles! We have rods and reels available to be checked out on a juvenile card only. The Department of Natural Resources provides this service to our youth.
OUTDOOR STAFF RUMMAGE SALE
We are planning an outdoor staff rummage sale the day of the city wide sales. It will be Saturday, June the 9th during regular library hours. Shoppers can come in and pay at the circulation desk.
THANK YOU
The library is very lucky to have 2 groups that maintain the flowers that beautify the library. The library would like to thank the Town and Country Gardeners Club for the planter they placed in front of the library and for maintaining the beautiful flowers in that planter. The Garden Gate Club is responsible for the wonderful landscaping around the Statue of Liberty and our sign. This is why the outside of our library always looks so beautiful!
MEET OUR STAFF
In each newsletter, we will highlight a library employee. Due to her love of children and reading, she is a perfect employee to highlight in this month’s newsletter. Welcome Norma Minor. Norma is our children’s librarian. She retired from teaching in 2005, but started working at the library in 2004. After retirement, she took over the children’s program. She loves children and loves reading to children. Perfect job!!! Norma and her husband, Lindell, love to travel in their spare time. She has 2 boys and 6 grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, movies, walking, camping and travel. There is something about Norma that no one knows. She sold ice cream bars at a fair in Wisconsin the year she graduated from college.
