Columbia Public Library Newsletter – December 2017
I’ll get right to the heart of the matter. December 31 brings us to a critical point in our construction. Due to our total remodel, our collection will be packed and stored. We will need to completely close the library for approximately four months. This is necessary for the safety of everyone.
As you can imagine, this was a very hard decision for our Board of Directors to make. But it is the safest, most expeditious way to get our new library up and running by next summer.
The Office of Commonwealth Libraries has granted us a closure period from January 2 through May 19. If construction personnel are permitted unrestricted access during this time period, our new building should be ready to go by summer!
Thank you for your understanding during this period. We will indeed reap the rewards of our beautiful new library (with expanded children’s wing, children’s computers, and a reading terrace) when this is all behind us!
Of course, we want to provide as much library service as possible during this time period. Here are the logistics:
The Bookmobile will be visiting twice a month beginning January 9. It will be staffed by Miss Lisa and Mr. Ed. The Bookmobile will be parked in front of St. John’s Church on Sixth Street on Tuesday, January 9. Hours are 11 AM to 1 PM. These hours allow us to also visit Head Start and St. Anne’s.
On Saturday, January 27, the Bookmobile will be in front of the Columbia Public Library from 9 AM until noon. I’ll be working as needed from an office at the Library System of Lancaster County, processing new items as they come in and providing some (not all!) bestsellers via the Bookmobile Stops twice a month.
Bookmobile Hours: Second Tuesday of Each Month, 11 AM to 1 PM
Fourth Saturday of each month from 9 AM to noon.
No Bookmobile visits in inclement weather.
Other options if the Bookmobile doesn’t work out for you:
Visit Mountville Library (717-285-3231) or Milanof-Schock Library in Mount Joy (717-653-1510).
Circulations here at CPL Building
Last day for checkouts from this building will be December 15.
Last day NEW books will be delivered to this building will be December 10.
I will be able to provide a limited number of new bestsellers on both monthly Bookmobile stops
What’s going to happen to the books?
They will be packed and put into a new storage unit until construction is complete.
Where will the computers go?
They will be stored at the LSLC System offices.
Are you weeding out unused books?
YES! Unused books take up packing time and space. Please visit during our regular hours in December and let us know you would like to “browse our weeds.” They are FREE for the taking! There are books for both children and adults.
What about the Book Drop?
It will be checked regularly. Anything in it will be taken to the Mountville Library for check in. After check in, it will be sent back to the owning library. Columbia items will be sent to me at LSLC to be stored.
How do I place holds?
Remember, Columbia items will be in storage. Lisa will transfer as many as possible to other libraries. Please do NOT choose “Columbia” as your pick-up location! You may either choose another library nearby OR pick them up from the Bookmobile. Please remember, the Bookmobile is only here second Tuesday over lunch hour and fourth Saturday morning. You may need to wait a bit longer to get your item. We appreciate your patience. During my hours at LSLC, I’ll be calling or emailing those who have placed holds regarding where to pick them up.
Are there computers on the Bookmobile?
No.
Will your wi-fi be running?
No. Remember, Burger King and McDonalds provide free wi-fi.
What about Summer Reading 2018?
It is ON!! I’ll be working on planning programming for the summer, and distribution of reading logs happens AFTER we re-open.
We truly appreciate your patience in all of this. The payoff will be a beautiful improved library this summer!
I am sure that many other questions will arise. Please let me know of them and I will do my best to find the answer.
But we still have the month of December!
New books releasing this month. December is traditionally a slow month for book releases. Please remember our last check-out day is December 15 and last day for new book delivery is December 10!
You’re Gonna Love Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
Year One by Nora Roberts
The Wanted by Robert Crais
Enchantress of Numbers: a Novel of Ada Lovelace by Jennifer Chiaverini
Death at Nuremberg by WEB Griffin
Firefly Cove by Davis Bunn
The Mitten Tree continues through December 22. Items can be handmade or bought. Thank you for helping your neighbors!
Crochet with Mitzi will be held December 9 and 23 at 9 AM
GED Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 to 7:45. Call Jenny at 717-295-5523 for more information. ESL classes are also available – contact the same phone number.
The Susquehanna Foundation will be holding a College Financial Aid seminar on Thursday, December 7, from 6 to 8 PM. If you have a student heading for college soon, don’t miss this FREE program.
Second-graders from Park Elementary School will be visiting in December for their library instruction lesson “What Can I Do With My Public Library Card.” They will hear a story, get a tour of the library, and watch a Tumblebooks video.
One of my favorite activities here is Food for Fines. Sadly, we will be unable to do that this year. It will definitely return in January, February, and March of 2019.
Taxes with Sam. If you want Sam to help you with your taxes, please call 717-406-8143 or email: sedmond@columbia.lib.pa.us. He will arrange with you a time and place to accomplish this. If you need help with Social Security, unemployment, LIHEAP, etc. – call the above number and Sam will arrange a time and place to meet with you
Santa Claus will visit the library again this December! Saturday, December 9, from 10 AM to 1 PM. There will NOT be an Enchanted Forest OR parade this year. Be sure to bring your children / grandchildren on Saturday, December 9, between 10 AM and 1 PM. Mrs. Claus and the elves will be here too.
I will be reading Christmas stories at 4 PM at Geltz Gotz Goodeze (430 Locust Street) as part of the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 10. The day’s activities will also feature a train display at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society, carriage rides, and cookie decorating with Miss Daisy at Perfect Settings (must have ticket for cookie decorating). Free children’s books (including Glenn Banner’s “Flames Across the Susquehanna”) will be available at Geltz Gotz Goodeze from 11 AM until 5 PM. My read aloud time is 4 PM.
And finally, Biggie the Cat will visit on Wednesday, December 13, at 3 PM (when school lets out). Stop by on your way home and visit with our gentle giant Maine Coon.
All of us at the Columbia Library wish you a blessed holiday season. We so appreciate your patience with this project. I will continue to send monthly updates from my temporary office at LSLC – reminding everyone of the twice-a- month Bookmobile visit dates and, from time to time, construction photos.
We will all reap the rewards this coming summer with our improved, inviting, and dynamic “new” library!
Lisa Greybill, Administrator
Columbia Public Library Staff and Board of Directors