Library staff Yelana Kisler & Matt Nolder show off Potion bottles created during the Library's Wizarding Days event, Potions 101. photo courtesy of Barbaa Moscato Brown Memorial Library
Library Reflects on 2023, Looks to Coming Year
Friday, January 5, 2024
As 2023 came to a close, Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library staff wanted to reflect on what an incredible year it has been! In 2023, we organized and developed tons of brand-new and fun programs, STEM workshops, virtual presentations and crafting sessions for people of all ages.
Several programs stood out throughout the year. One of our personal favorites was the Stuffy Sleepover at the Library. Area youth were invited to bring their favorite stuffy for a special story time. Then, at the end of the evening, the plushies were allowed to spend the night for a fun-filled adventure. Another favorite was our Wizarding Days at the Library events. This year, we held two craft sessions, Herbology Class 101 & Potions 101. During these Harry Potter celebration programs, attendees were able to create their own Mandrake roots and aesthetic bottled potion Halloween decorations. Also, to celebrate the release of Rick Riordan’s newest book in the Percy Jackson series this year, we hosted our very first library scavenger hunt with a mythology theme. Everyone had a blast searching for clues to solve various Greek mythology puzzles. We also had plenty of presenters come in to conduct engaging presentations/seminars for the community.
We had the pleasure of partnering with the Community Education Center to integrate STEM workshops into our regular scheduled programming. We also spearheaded what we hope will be a continuous educational program series called Create & Discover. The first program in this series was Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In terms of offering more virtual programs for 2023, we were excited to welcome Susan Cannavino of Presentations with Pizzazz who presented an engaging and insightful presentation about President Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, we opened up our doors to the Cameron County Fair Royalty for their Reading with Royalty community outreach program.
We were “over the moon” thrilled to bring back Dungeons & Dragons Club after a long hiatus. Also, we brought back our Summer Snack Attack Initiative thanks to generous donations from Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP). In addition, our 2023 Summer Reading Program was a huge hit with the theme All Together Now. Participants learned the value of friendship and working together. At our Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party, we were joined by local author John Schlimm who assisted us with a splatter-painting mural project.
In 2023, we honored our late librarian, Anna English, by renaming the children’s area to the Anna English Youth Area. This dedication was commemorated with the installation of a brand-new and colorful sign crafted by Sekula Signs and an unveiling ceremony. The ceremony was attended by library staff, library board trustees, friends and family of Anna, and some of Anna’s former colleagues. All came to honor Anna’s legacy and the impact she had on the library and community.
Also in 2023, the library added some new features to circulation and digital services. These new additions came with beneficial advantages and enhanced services for our patrons to gain access to library materials from our library and our sister libraries within the Seneca Library District. In addition to the existing digital resources that we already offer, we started providing video streaming services through Kanopy this year! With your library card, you can now gain access to hundreds of films, documentaries, television series, and kid shows on Kanopy. Don’t forget about the access to hundreds of ebooks and audiobooks through Libby and tons of free online classes through Udemy that all come free with your library card.
As you can see, 2023 was quite an eventful year for the library! We want to thank our patrons and wonderful community as a whole for your continued support. We’ll always strive to make the library a safe, fun, educational and welcoming place for everyone.
We’re super enthused about what 2024 will bring. In 2024, we plan on bringing back some of our most popular programs. Also, we encourage you to be on the lookout for future information about virtual author talks and artisan workshops/discussions. Please follow the library Facebook page and the program calendar on the library website homepage for the latest news.
No comments:
Post a Comment