| To the Library and Beyond February is Black History Month, the annual observance of the many achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their important contributions to U.S. history. February is Low Vision Awareness Month reminding us of the challenges faced by those whose impaired vision cannot be remedied by standard appliances, treatments, or surgeries. February is National Library Lovers' Month, “a month-long celebration of all types of libraries.” This is the month to catch up with those classics you haven’t taken time for, or write your own classic; the more you read, the better writer you become. The week of February 4-10 is designated Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week in recognition of all they do to help us learn to love reading. Wednesday, February 7 is World Read Aloud Day and we are advised that “[dressing up is a popular way to encourage reluctant readers to engage with reading.]” More statistics from our favorite Library: In 2019 Prairie Community Library loaned 2,228 items. In 2022 Story Hour attracted 665 attendees. The volunteers who manage Prairie Community Library endeavor to maintain a basic and transparent operation. We value commitment to purpose by tracking statistics, like those mentioned, to determine where we are growing and which services are most popular. We invite our patrons to recommend improvements to the organization’s direction, priorities and customer service when we reopen. Many thanks to those who leave donated books in the book drop. We regret we do not have much space to store additions to our collection until the Library is “put back together.” Please continue returning any items you may have checked out from the Library to the drop box at the back, north end, of the Community Hall building and encouraging your friends to do the same. Thank you! |