2015 has been a busy year at the library! Starting with the beginning of the year in January, we hosted the PAC Book Bingo and ended the month bringing in the amazing Smithsonian Exhibit, which provided many activities through the month of March. Sharon Sturgis contributed so much of her time and talent to make this a wonderful addition to our library during that period of time. March was the month that I completed the PRAXIS, and now need to continue working through the end of the 2016 school year to receive my Library/Media Endorsement. The end of March through April, our high school students showcased their art projects and we hosted a reception in their honor. In April, I began Director APPLE Training through CKLS. This program will continue once a month through April 2016. The end of April also brought the end of StoryTime, and we all enjoyed a movie party to celebrate. Closing out the school year in May, our students showcased their talents at Forensics Night. ESCL was also the location for Chamber Coffee hosted by Great Bend’s Visitor’s Bureau. After school was out, work began on the Circulation Desk and a new desk was made for Michele. Thank you to Stickney and Birzer for their fabulous work, we have received many complements on the updates! June 5th was a busy day, CKLS came in and assisted Julie, Michele, and I with weeding the Reference Section of the library. That same evening, for June Jaunt, we assisted the Chamber in hosting a Movie Night. This took place on the school’s front lawn. Shatlyn Thomas did an excellent job leading Summer Library with the assistance of Michele Martin, Julie Blakeslee, Rachael Dickson, Sarah Hammeke, and Macy Munson. They had a Super Heroes theme, and the periodicals area was transformed into the Bat Cave complete with a Superman Telephone Booth. They ended this session with water fun provided by Walk on the Moon Party Rentals. Each year in July, we appreciate the maintenance staff who all get together to help with the cleaning and any repairs of the library! Also in July, Julie and I weeded the AR Section of the library, with the assistance of Toby and Tyler Holmes. After the weeded books were offered to teachers and patrons, I delivered them to Bennington where they are opened a new library – they were very grateful. In August, Ellinwood School/Community Library hosted Stuff the Bus, and we forgave partial fines for a donation. We collected several items, and thank all that donated. This fall, our displays have included: Youth Photography, Adult Photography, Books made into movies display, and The Twelve Days of Christmas, A Series of Original Plates from JoAnn Roth. Again, thank you to all who share their talents to display for our community! Michele Martin resigned her position as ILL/Children’s Librarian to stay home with her baby girl! Kala Robl has been hired as the ILL/Children’s Librarian! Thank you to Amy Hammeke, Barbara Clawson, Joyce Schulte, and Margaret Kennedy for filling in when we need you! Be Well Barton County Sponsored a Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Workshop at ESCL. Amy created bookmarks for the library that has information for new patrons. Thanks Amy. Story Time began in October, and Julie did a super job! She is training Kala, and they attended a Youth Services Workshop at CKLS. In November, we displayed the Kansas Notable Books we purchased by a grant through the Kansas State Library from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. Ellinwood School/Community Library was recognized by Library Journal as a Three Star Library! In December, we displayed Ellinwood Chamber’s Christkindlmarket STORYWALK® of THE POLAR EXPRESS. The pages will stay up through the end of December for those who were not able to do it on the 5th. The PAC Hosted Santa’s Workshop with free crafts, snack, and stories. There were several positive comments. It was very successful! All of the programs and services offered by ESCL wouldn’t be possible without the work of Julie Blakeslee, Kala Robl, Stephanie Robl, Kay Linden, Amy Hammeke, Michele Martin, and Mildred Burroughs! We are blessed with an amazing staff! We appreciate all of our patrons who come to visit us throughout the year, and we work hard to try to meet all of your needs. We wish you all the best in the New Year!
Sheri Holmes
Director of Library/Media Services
Ellinwood School/Community Libraries