From the Director's Desk

As we enter the new year, I want to express my deepest thanks for the support of the entire community. The buildings, the books, and the other resources belong to you, and I am always mindful that the entire staff is here to serve you and to provide you with the very best resources possible. My office is open to you if you have any questions or concerns, or if you just want to introduce yourself and tell me about your vision for the Library District.

I count access to books and the ability to read as two of my life’s greatest blessings. My life has been immeasurably enriched by exposure to ideas, to different cultures, and to the diversity of all that literature contains. In 2018, I learned about Andrew Carnegie (Carnegie’s Maid), Ada Lovelace (Enchantress of Numbers), the feminist movement (My Life on the Road), fishing lures (The Feather Thief), Supreme Court cases during Reconstruction (Unpunished Murder), the siege of Leningrad (Madonnas of Leningrad), indigo plantations (The Indigo Girl), 1920s Bombay (The Widows of Malabar Hill), and so much more. My parents and grandparents always were willing to set aside their “adult” tasks to read to me, and through their example, I came to value both education and the joys of reading for pleasure.

It is my hope that you will also take time to read to the children in your family or in our community. Not only is reading an essential skill for success, but it creates life-long bonds because of the shared knowledge and culture. Throughout your lives, I encourage you to continue reading and to discuss your books with others. Challenge yourself this year by reading a book about a culture that is foreign to you or a book about a subject that is new to you. Then let us know what you learned or what you enjoyed.

Happy reading!