Local families, library staff, and elected officials gathered Saturday at the Trimble County Public Library playground for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Library Director Dena Ratliff-Warren highlighted the work of the library board members and thanked local organizations for their generous support. Library Board members Dudley Lush, Michelle Griffith and Pam Watson accepted a plaque on behalf of the two library boards that oversaw the project. Ratliff-Warren outlined the library's plans for outdoor programs that will make use of the new pavilion and the playground. She also described the evolving role of libraries in the community and how the new outdoor spaces support the mission of the library as a place for families to connect and learn.
The ribbon cutting was performed by library regular Kimmee Wheeler, grandaughter of Kim Bales. Families spent the afternoon exploring the playground and interactive activities throughout the library. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by the library's summer reading kick-off beach party.
June 4th at 1:00 p.m. the Trimble County Public Library will host a ribbon cutting for the new library playground. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by the library Summer Reading kick-off beach party from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend both the ribbon-cutting, and the summer reading kick-off. This will be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the playground, explore the library, and learn more about library programs.
Playground construction was completed in May 2022; however, the process took two years and involved the work of many library board and community members. Several years ago, the Board began considering the possibility of putting in a playground and talking with community members to gauge support. When COVID started, it became clear to library leaders that outdoor space for library activities was essential. Library board members including Michelle Griffith, Angela Anderson, Pam Watson, Dudley Lush, Bethani Johnson, Hannah Edwards, Keith Wagoner and Doug Salisbury and library Director Dena Ratliff-Warren worked to create a space that would be useful for library programs, and bring more families to the library. Adjacent to the playground is a pavilion that will be used for outdoor library programs, and can be used by visitors. The playground is located behind the library and will be open during library hours to the public. Library membership is not required. Children under the age of twelve must have an adult present. No pets are permitted in the playground or pavilion. Entrance to the playground will be handicap accessible. The library plans to work on landscaping and improving accessibility to the playground throughout the summer months.
During the month of May, librarians from the Trimble County Public Library visited both elementary schools in Trimble County to promote the Summer Reading Program. All K - 3 students enrolled in Trimble County Schools will be participating in the Book Bunch Summer Reading Challenge. The library and the schools have partnered to bring all K-3 students a free summer reading program. The goal of the program is to keep students learning during the summer. Each child will bring home a bag with five books and activities to enjoy. The books, specially chosen by the librarians, will engage and entertain young readers.
Reading during the summer helps prevent the loss of knowledge gained during the last school year. Preventing the “summer slide” doesn’t have to feel like work. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read the Book Bunch books with the children and make reading a fun family activity. Students who read during the summer are more likely to leap ahead when they return to school. This gain of skills is called the “summer leap”, and that is what the Book Bunch program is designed to encourage. The Trimble County Public Library will also be hosting Saturday programs every week that relate to each of the books in the Book Bunch set. Information on the summer library programs is included in the Book Bunch bag that each of the students will be bringing home. The Book Bunch books, combined with the library summer programs will have children reading and growing all summer long. To learn more about the Book Bunch Reading Challenge and other summer programs visit www.trimblelibrary.org.  Did you know that you can search the library's collection and place items on hold using our app? Librista provides a much user friendly way to connect to your library! Sign in using your library card information. Download the app using Google Play or Apple Store today! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government extended the tax filing deadline to May 17th, 2021. Today is last day to file your 2020 income taxes without having to pay a penalty! Just as a reminder, the library is offering free tax prep software and answers to your tax questions. Come in today during our open hours and we will help you get started with our online tax filing software. We will also be available to help guide you through the process. Those who file their taxes on paper are also welcome to come in for tax help, and the library is still offering free tax forms to the public. Our tax prep program will end today at 4 pm so hurry in and get those taxes filed!  |
AuthorTrimble County Public Library staff members contribute to the blog. Archives
June 2022
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