Peninsula Community Library on the Old Mission Peninsula | Jane Boursaw Photo
Library Director Vicki Shurly, left, with staff at Peninsula Community Library on the Old Mission Peninsula | Jane Boursaw Photo
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Charles Schulz, the creator of Charlie Brown and gang, once said, “Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.”

Of course, the comic strip illustrator didn’t have to deal with a world-wide, yearlong plus pandemic! He passed away in 2000.

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We are survivors. We have adapted and are doing what it takes to get through. All of us here at Peninsula Community Library are so very grateful for your understanding and kindness through all this.

I am pleased to announce that PCL, with an abundance of caution, will reopen our doors for limited inside service on Monday, March 1. Masks and social distancing are a must. Allowable occupancy is reduced. We may limit your time in the library if others are waiting. No food or beverage is allowed.

Curbside is still available during regular hours for those who are not able to wear a mask or prefer not to come in. You may reserve items online or by phone. Please note that masks are required on our porches and when approaching staff or other patrons outside. Please help us to stay open!

Our hours will temporarily remain the same: Monday and Thursday 10-6; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10-4; and Saturday 10-2.

Many children have asked about the toys and manipulatives that they love so much here at PCL. While we are keeping them safe and they will someday return to the floor, we do not have a means of keeping them properly disinfected for play here at the library. For now, they are not available.

However, the AWE computers for preschoolers, iPads for adults and children and laptops ARE available! They will be disinfected after each use. We will provide disposable (take them with you – you can use them at home) earbuds for your use free of charge. Our STEM kits, puzzles and games are all available for checkout.

I would like to reiterate our gratitude for everything that you, our patrons, have done over the past year through the ups and downs. You have brought us extra puzzles, made financial donations, sent us upbeat letters, cards and emails. You make a difference!

To the mystery patron who left the beautiful handknit hat on the porch, thank you! I am wearing it – it will always be a sweet reminder to me of how we as a community are here for one another!

Vicki Shurly, Director of Peninsula Community Library, wearing a beautiful hat made by a mystery library patron | PCL Photo
Vicki Shurly, Director of Peninsula Community Library, wearing a beautiful hat made by a mystery library patron | PCL Photo

Charlie Brown said, “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” That has been so true over the past year for all of us as we have felt our way through this. The answer to that comes from his dog Snoopy: ” Keep looking up … that’s the secret of life!”

See you March 1st!

Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy; Linus delights in his new library card | Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts Comic Strip
Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy; Linus delights in his new library card | Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts Comic Strip

A NOTE FROM JANE: I started Old Mission Gazette in 2015 because I felt a calling to provide the Old Mission Peninsula community with local news. After decades of writing for newspapers like the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, and magazines like Family Circle and Ladies' Home Journal, I really just wanted to write about my own community where I grew up on a cherry farm and raised my own family. So of course, I started my own newspaper. Because the Gazette is mainly reader-supported, I hope you'll consider tossing a few bucks my way if I mention your event, your business, your organization or your news item, or if you simply love reading about what's happening on the Old Mission Peninsula. Check out the donation page here. Thank you so much for your support. -jb

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