Harvey Mitchell Memorial Library Notes 12/23/08
During a week when southern NH residents find themselves thankful for basics like heat and running water we are reminded to be grateful for those things that are easy to take for granted. This week I write a more personal “thank you” to the voluntary members of the library’s Board of Trustees who, through staffing challenges, director searches, trustee shortages and town budget shortfalls, continue to seek the best Epping can afford for “our little library”. Many thanks to Chairman Michael Swegles, Treasurer Sylvia Nollet, Secretary Lynn Reinhardt and newest members Nan Nutt and Christine Vallone. My most heartfelt thank you, however, goes to Laurie Dudley, HMML’s Interim Director. Laurie had joined the staff earlier in 2008 to work part time in the evenings, and picked up on things so quickly she was invited to fill in as director full time when Amanda Reynolds-Cooper left us for Hampton in June. Semi-retired and preferring to spend time with her grandchildren when she can, Laurie has taken on the enormous and somewhat daunting task of keeping the library running during this difficult transition time. It cannot have been easy stepping into “Miss Amanda”s shoes, but she has done so admirably. A library does not run itself, and we have been blessed to receive her leadership and dedication as well as her laughter and wisdom. Thank you, Laurie!
One final thank you goes to the people of Epping who make Harvey Mitchell Memorial Library the special place it is simply by being a part of the extended library family. Each person adds a little light and warmth as they come through the doors, chat with neighbors, share with strangers, play with friends, and create a feeling of community. May you all have a magical holiday season.
December’s Toy Play Day falls on Saturday, December 27th and will be a Holiday Tea Party! Young ladies and gentlemen are invited to dress in their holiday finery to sip tea (and juice) from real china teacups, practice their best manners at a fancy table full of finger sandwiches and other treats, make old fashioned holiday crafts and play dress-up. After everyone has had their turn at the table, the group will gather for stories recalling the “olden days”. A special area will be set up for photos, so parents can capture the fun and elegance of the day. The Holiday Tea Party will begin at 11:00 and go until 1:00.
With the holidays comes school vacation week and HMML’s Vacation Movie Series. Each afternoon at 1:00 the children’s room will become a theater, showing movies newly released to DVD. Friday the 26th, Monday the 29th, Tuesday the 30th, Wednesday the 31st and Friday January 2nd will each feature a different movie rated G or PG. Please call the library to find out which titles are playing.
The library will be closing early on Wednesday, December 24th and will be closed on Thursday, December 25th and January 1st so that staff may celebrate with their families. Please call 679-5944 for information about holiday hours or any library programs, and enjoy the season!
