Columbia Public Library Newsletter – September 2018
Wednesday, August 1, was a red letter day for the Columbia Public Library. It was our reopening to the public after 7 months of closure. As people observed the new facility, inside and out, it was agreed that the construction inconvenience was well worth the wait. If you haven’t visited in August, please do stop in soon – it is indeed a place where “new worlds await”.
It would be impossible for me to thank each and every person involved with this project. There were literally hundreds of people involved in planning, construction, furniture design, and logistics. I would like to highlight the following people:
- Gregg Dubbs: as our board treasurer, Gregg had the task of responding to hundreds of calls, emails, and texts as the project progressed. He also was involved with Capital Campaign and construction meetings – as well as writing out all the checks needed for everyone involved.
- Paul Nikolaus and RLPS Architects: Paul created the blueprints for the initial building structure – he and his team revised, problem-solved, and dealt with everything from soil testing to code compliance. RLPS made regular onsite visits to ensure everything was proceeding smoothly. They also had to solve unexpected problems – such as huge rocks in the ground where the addition went.
- Ron Miller and CH & E Construction: Ron was the project superintendent. He would be the man you saw here every day from 7 AM on. Ron was tasked with bringing Paul’s plans to life and working with all subcontractors to ensure that plans were followed. The building underwent rigorous inspections before we even moved our materials back in to make certain of its safety and user-friendliness. Ron not only went above and beyond for us, he did so with a smile and we are very much appreciative!
- Greg Pilotti: is the owner of a small furniture crafting company which uses graduates of Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology. Our tables, wooden chairs, and book shelf ends were all handmade by Greg Pilotti craftsmen. Greg grew up in a town similar to Columbia and wanted to give back to the community, along with letting young people know about the opportunities which Thaddeus Stevens can offer them.
And of course a thank you to all subcontractors, Capital Campaign team, community members, and ALL who donated both large and small to this ambitious undertaking. This library is YOUR library – please utilize it often and thank you for caring about your community.
Wednesday, August 1, brought sadness as well – our beloved board member Robert McCarthy passed away. Bob had been involved as a face and a voice for the Columbia Public Library since the 1950’s. Just about everyone who came in regularly remembers seeing Bob at some point. His diligence and stewardship as board treasurer allowed us to take the big step of the remodeling project. Bob did get to see the interior of the finished library before he passed. I know he was pleased at the library’s renovations and was happy that library services would continue for Columbia in an upgraded, more user friendly environment. All of us here at the library will certainly miss Bob and plan to honor the legacy he left us.
September means back to school – and more time to read! The month of September brings some great new titles to enjoy:
Juror # 3 by James Patterson
The Forbidden Door by Dean Koontz
Leverage in Death by J. D. Robb
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini
Walking Shadows by Faye Kellerman
Field of Bones by J. A. Jance
In His Father’s Footsteps by Danielle Steel
Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler
Transcription by Kate Atkinson
New DVDs for September:
Book Club
Ocean’s 8
Jurassic World: the Fallen Kingdom
Solo: a Star Wars Story
This year, we had 142 children and teens complete reading logs for Summer Reading and over 1100 people attended 25 programs this summer. But, outside of the statistics, the most important part is the fun and learning gained from reading and from interacting with the wealth of talent in our community. Special thanks and kudos to:
John Black, Park Elementary principal
Travis Kinser, Park School custodian, and his staff
Jack Gamby and the Lions Club Jesse Rothacker
Ryan Bridge Fred McNaughton
Chris Ivey John Andrews
Matthew Dodd Al and Patti Means
Fred Nell Chief Doug Kemmerly
Chief Jack Brommer Peggy Gernerd (aka “Miss Maggie”)
Mary Ann Schlegel Jeo Ramos
Officer Holly Oster Officer Drew Snyder
Officer Ed Mann Illusionist Ran D Shine
Jeri Jones Dan Sahd
Mark DeRose Erin Corveia
Marci Klutchka Beth Putt, Park School secretary
Renee Christiansen, Youth Services Manager, Library System of Lancaster County
Summer Reading 2018 could not have happened without you!
September means back to school and that means I shift my focus from Summer Reading to my classroom read alouds. Some of the groups I plan to work with this year:
Kim Herskowitz’s students – Our Lady of the Angels
Head Start Columbia Branch (with Bookmobile Visits)
Our Lady of the Angels PreSchool classes
Luthercare PreSchool classes
I have also begun tours of the library with Park School classes!
Teachers who are interested in visiting the library with their class are encouraged to contact me at 717-684-2255.
Is there a first grader in your life? September is the month for Mission Grade One (“Mission GO”) where first graders may receive their first library card. If your child is in first grade at Park School or Our Lady of the Angels, a packet will be coming home in September if you would like your child to have a library card. Just fill out the form and we will get your child’s card ready! If you child already has a card or you don’t want them having their own card, there’s a spot to note that as well. Applications will be coming home with your child and the MUST have a caregiver’s signature to process the cards. Cards will be taken to Mrs. Bucks or Mrs. Williams for distribution. Thanks to Kelsey Bucks, Park librarian, and Marie Williams, Our Lady of the Angels first grade teacher for their assistance with this important milestone.
You don’t have to be a first grader to get a library card. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Anyone over five years old can get one and there is no charge for your first card. All you need to bring is a photo ID with your current address and we’ll take care of the rest. Lost cards do incur a $1.00 replacement charge. With your library card you can:
- Check out books, music CDs, audiobooks, and movies
- Use our public access computers
- Use our wi-fi
- Access Tumblebooks and Tutor.com for your children
- Read e-books on your tablet or other device (e-book downloads are also free of charge!)
- Access free databases, ranging on subjects from test preparation through the Learning Express Library to health information from Consumer Health Complete.
- Order books from across the state at no charge
The Young Adult book club will once again begin in September 19, meeting in the high school library. There will be two discussions: one for middle school and one for high school. The first meeting is usually spent suggesting books to read for the upcoming year. Students must sign a behavior contract and also inform their last period teacher (middle school only) that they are attending book club. Middle school club begins at 1:50 and continues until 2:35 dismissal. High school club meets 2:45 to 3:30 PM. Exact schedule will be determined in conjunction with Mr. White, high school librarian. Adult leaders are Patti Fischer, Lisa Greybill, and Michael White. See Mr. White for more information and to pick up contracts.
More sad news: Spencer, our Reading Education Assistance dog, passed away from cancer at age 13. Kelly Skiptunas, Spencer’s handler, is planning on continuing the READ program with her dog Tommy. She plans to resume visits in October after adjusting to Spencer’s passing and getting Tommy adjusted for more frequent visitations.
PreSchool Pals Returns! A special puppet show with Hank the Health Hero will kick off the series on Monday, September 24, at 10:30 AM. Hank the puppet LOVES to eat – but are his snacks always healthy? Hank and his friend find out through an interactive story time – then a simple craft for the children and their caregivers. Susan Kalas continues the program through the school year. Join us all Mondays in October, with the exception of October 8 – Columbus Day. All preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome for stories and a simple craft. Caregiver must stay. Ages 18 months to 4 years.
A Community Program will be held on Wednesday, September 12, at 6:30 PM. “Understanding Medicare” is led by Stephanie Yarberough of the Discover Medicare consortium. This program offers state-approved, accurate info on many aspects of Medicare, including:
- Enrollment Timelines and Special Election Periods
- How to Enroll in Medicare
- What do Parts A, B, C & D mean and what do they cover?
- What if I am Still Working?
- Avoiding Future Penalties
- Advantage Plan vs Supplement
- Rx Coverage and the Donut Hole
- Government Assistance Programs
Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome too. Call 717-271-2326 to register or register online at www.discovermedicare.com.
Weekly deliveries of books to the high-rises begins again on September 6.
Finally, Mitzi Sanchez will no longer be able to offer her crochet club due to her current work schedule. Any other crocheters (or knitters) interested? You should have enough experience to be able to assist beginners. Please call 717-684-2255 or email lgreybill@columbiapubliclibrary.org if interested. We would like to continue this program and I am sure Mitzi would be glad to hear that it is still going strong!
The Columbia Public Library is located on 24 S. 6th Street, next to Park Elementary School. (Cattycorner to CVS Pharmacy and across the street from St. John’s Lutheran Church) Phone number is 684-2255 and web address is www.columbia.lib.pa.us. Find us on Facebook! Please stop by and visit often!