Dear Friends,
A highlight of my job is definitely the fact that I enjoy the physical space of the library. I love spending time in the sun-filled atrium and watching the light shift with each passing hour. I love walking toward the back entrance and seeing the vibrant art that rotates into the library each month. And I love having a job where I’m surrounded by books!
One of my favorite places to visit here is the kids’ room. Have you been there lately? It is bright, welcoming, and the place that makes you want to pause and play. There are chairs and tables for coloring, puzzling, or curling up with a new book. Jessie, our children’s librarian, has created the kind of space that speaks to all the senses. It is welcoming and filled with color and energy, and brings a smile to my face. The Library of Things for borrowing (think microscopes, telescopes, a polaroid camera) is on full display. A fish tank bubbles away in the Story Circle, ready for watching.
Jessie gives an incredible amount of thought to the physical space; similarly, she spends a lot of her time and energy filling the room with new and relevant resources. I’m amazed at how many new books and materials she brings to Skidompha. Once again, this year, we are thrilled to participate in The Maine Student Book Award (MSBA). MSBA aims to bring new books into the hands of readers in grades 4 -8. There are 40 books to choose from, and we have them all! Students can read as many as they like and vote for their favorites. It’s so cool to have all these books and even cooler that Jessie has prizes for everyone who reads three books and casts a ballot.
Readers aged 7 – 12 can also join our Children’s Book Review Club. If you love reading and discussing your favorite books, this group is for you! Come recommend books to your peers and get recommendations from Jessie and other kids. This group begins this week and meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month at 3:30 in the kids’ room.
And if you are interested in playing chess, we hope you will join us after school for the Skidompha Chess Club. This group meets on Wednesdays at 3:00 and is open to new and experienced players.
Be well,
Matthew Graff
Executive Director
Skidompha Public Library