As we approach Christmas, we are busy at the library hurrying to put up the Christmas tree.  We think it is so warm and welcoming to have it in the lobby with the lights twinkling so we want to enjoy it for as long as possible.  The Friends of the Library are busy too and have literally made the back room a basket making factory and have the most wonderful selection of gift baskets ever.   If you need a unique Christmas gift for that hard to buy for person stop by and look over these great baskets.  Each contains a book along with fun items, most of the time themed around the book.  They make great gifts and take the pressure of trying to find just the right thing because they are so unique and one of a kind.

            We also are working with the Valentine Youth Activities Director, Jenny Reece and have developed a plan to host and cultivate learning through gaming activities for school children during the after school hours in the winter months when children are not so heavily involved in sports.  Since the library is a natural gathering place for children after school, we felt it is the logical host site to promote this type of activity.  Planned are the introduction to and instruction in board games such as chess, checkers, backgammon, and the introduction of the less familiar game called “Speed Stacking” with scheduled tournaments for each game learned.  We felt that the youth could learn the strategies of each game, compete in a non-threatening environment and have a great time doing it all.  These board gaming activities are appropriate to students of all ages and abilities.  They have been specifically chosen to stimulate the intellectual side of the students as well as bring in a new element of physical involvement through Speed Stacking.  They can be challenging to the athletically gifted as well as interest students that don’t get excited about physical education.  Speed Stacking is a game that levels the playing field and is inclusive to everyone even those with special needs. The ability to compete with board games and especially Speed Stacking promotes self-confidence, teamwork, good sportsmanship and dexterity and it is just plain fun.  If you don’t have any idea what Speed Stacking is all about, you should stop by the library in January when we are up and going and check it out.

            Lastly, we continue to order new books in an effort to keep our selection fresh and appealing.  We try to keep up with the bestsellers and sometimes we even have a few oddball selections that seem to be checked out too.  If you are looking for a good read, it is my guess that we can find something for you.  You might imagine that all of us working at the library are readers so we can certainly guide you in your search.  We don’t want you to be caught without something to read.

            Please stop by and see us.  We love the library and hope you do as well.  We work hard to make it a great library for Cherry County.  So from all of us, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Anne, Marie, Belle, Jody, Bob and Lisa

 "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” –Sir Richard Steele