I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving Holiday! Nora’s Place has much to be thankful for this season! We are thankful for the continued support of a great host of people that have supported restoring the library and ensuring its future in the Stafford community. We would also like to thank those that support the library with their USE of our many services in the library, which is the WHY for our existence.
Last week was the ending of one grant, with Scott Hoefer and his crew finishing the first phase of working on the windows of the library. We hope to receive another grant to bring Scott’s crew back to restore the last lead glass and stained glass surrounds of the windows. This will complete the restoration of the critical outside envelope of the library.
Monday, is scheduled to be the removal of the front steps of the library. The plan is to pour a set of concrete steps that are more uniform and safer for our patrons. I really had thought this unnecessary and destructive to the history of the library. I had fondly remembered using “these steps” to enter the library and sitting on “these steps” waiting for mom to pick us up after Margaret Ann (Miss Fee) helped us select a treasure of books.
Reality has set it!
Now as librarian, I have to use these uneven and broken steps each day and I will WELCOME new, better designed, steps! Since the Open Door Ceremony, two patrons have fallen on the steps (thank Heaven no injuries)!
This has imprinted on my mind the NEED of this expense. Of course, accidents might still happen and if the new steps are still a problem for you, we always have the great ramp on the south side of the building. This ramp also provides access during the renovation.
Thank you for your patience during this time when the steps and also the broken and dangerous sidewalk will be replaced. We also need to thank the City of Stafford and their crew that will help in this endeavor.
This is the last week for the “Fall into Reading” book challenge. Please come in (if weather doesn’t permit, call) to finish up your sheets by Dec. 1.
We have welcomed several families for the Penguin Hunt. Come at your leisure and enjoy a fun family time! The hunt continues even though access to the library will switch to the south ramp. Thank you for the contribution of supplies for Stafford Kids. They will be distributed as needed by Stafford schools. We are still collecting until the end of the week.
Giving Tuesday
Tuesday is “Giving Tuesday” sponsored by Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) who will increase the gift with matching funds. We would appreciate your gifts to continue our quest to keep Nora’s Place a wonderful library that meets the needs of our community.
On Dec. 9, the library will have a fun activity at the “Christmas Carnival,” sponsored by the City of Stafford and the VFW.
I have finished “Scarlett,” the sequel to “Gone With the Wind”. I am amazed how much I really enjoyed revisiting these books and am surprised at how the content is even more entertaining and informative than when I was younger. It is still the Great American Saga!
This week, I have signed up several out of town visitors to the Kansas Library Card through Nora’s Place.
This enables them to read a huge selection of books anywhere they are, for free! The State of Kansas then gives us credit for the checkout just as if you had walked through our doors. It is a great service that I have been very surprised how much I enjoy. (I am one of those who really likes to hold the book in my hands.)
I wanted to read “The Prairie Bachelor” last week, but it was checked out. Bummer!
Low and Behold! It was on the state catalog holdings and I could get it immediately! I can read it on my computer without my reading light blinding Jeff late into the night. I am really enjoying this book, because it helps me relate to exactly what my family of Stafford County homesteading ancestors went through, to create a future for me and my children. It’s a win! win!
It might be interesting the next few weeks to get into Nora’s Place, but be adventurous and be present, for the changes and future of Nora’s Place.
Come join us at Nora’s. Our address is 108 N. Union, Stafford,
Our library hours are: Monday morning 8 a.m. to noon; and Tuesday through Friday 2-6 p.m. Phone 620-234-5762 or email larabeelibrary@gmail.com. Visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
By Gerry Hildebrand, head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
