Miss Jan was honored to be asked by Assistant Professor Kathryn Caprino, Ph.D. at Etown College to be a guest speaker for her PK-12 New Literacies class on Tuesday, November 16.

Jan’s focus was on Pre-K through 4th grade read-aloud storybooks, how to best present them to children, and which types of books and stories would be appropriate for that age-group. The 12 students were very co-operative in interacting with the stories she read and got a taste of Miss Jan in action as she “performed” a narration of “Grumpy Bird” by Jeremy Tankard and one other picture book.

The students asked her lots of questions, and Professor Caprino reached out to Jan after the class and shared, “My students LOVED you! One student gave a read-aloud after you and said, “I hope I can live up to Miss Jan!”” Anyone who has attended one of Miss Jan’s Story Times at the Library understands.

Jan “had a blast” and looks forward to returning in the Spring to share more of her knowledge and expertise in reading to young children.

Our annual Giving Tree (aka Mitten Tree) is up and ready to be “decorated” with new or handmade mittens, hats, gloves, and scarves for local families in need. We are also collecting underwear, socks, slippers, ear muffs, even small umbrellas if you’d like. Donations will be accepted until Dec 17. Thank you!

Puzzle Swap at the Library!
We now have a puzzle swap in the ALPS (Adult Library Patron Space)! Bring a puzzle (all the pieces, please!) and take a puzzle – this is perfect for puzzle-lovers who need a new challenge but don’t want to spend the money on new ones. If you don’t have any at home to swap, we invite you to borrow one using the honor system.

The Summer Reading Program and Adult Summer Reading Olympics were so popular that we have created interactive reading for all ages at the Library this fall!

We are “falling” back into reading with another fun program that encourages children to read at least 20 minutes a day. Pick up papers at the front desk October 18 thru November 27, turn in completed papers (more than one is awesome!) to earn a book prize and to be eligible for the grand prize drawing in December. This challenge is for kids in grades K-12. Click here for printable pdf.

The Adult Summer Reading Olympics were so well-received that we are continuing with monthly reading challenges thru to next summer! Pick up entry forms at the Library; one winner chosen each month. Please make sure to check our social media pages for new challenges, stop by the Library, or give us a call!

The first challenges of Autumn are:
Oct 1 – 15: Read or listen to a book that says autumn to you
Oct 16 – 31: Read or listen to a book about a classic monster

Friends Group president Joyce Summers (left) and treasurer Marilyn Barnett (right) presented MSL director Joseph McIlhenney with a check for $21,000. This amount was the proceeds from their summer Used Book Sale. They also gave the Library a donation in the name of three devoted Friends who have passed – Donna Little, Janet Jarvie, and Dorothy Allen. The Library is grateful for the Friends and their dedication, hard work, and service to our Library!

If you think you might need or want a passport in the near future, getting it done now would be a great idea. The government turn-around time is very slow right now, even for expedited passports. Call the Library to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed agents sooner rather than later.

Congratulations to the first two Library patrons who completed their Milanof-Schock Mile Punch Cards! Angela and Jake earned 10 punches each in the adult and child categories; Angela earned MSL Cash to be used toward a book purchase, and Jake earned a free book – he chose a Magic Tree House! There is still plenty of time to participate. Pick up your punch card at the Library!