Peninsula Community Library hosts reception for major donors on the Old Mission Peninsula
Tim Carroll at Peninsula Community Library | Jane Boursaw Photo
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This past week was National Library Week, and in this pandemic year, the theme could not be more appropriate.

The American Library Association states, “The theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021), ‘Welcome to Your Library,’ promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.”

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Curbside Service, Craft Bags and Books at the Boathouse

It has been a long year plus, but we here at Peninsula Community Library (PCL) have continued to serve in new and innovative ways to meet your needs. As things begin to return to normal – whatever that is – I know many of the innovative changes will remain.

Curbside pickup is here to stay! Craft bags from our craft bag queens Dawn Farley and Amber Haddix! While we know we will one day once again be able to offer programming IN the library, those takeout bags will continue to be a part of what we do for our community. After all, a library is here to serve all – in every way we can!

As spring has sprung, there is a lot going on here at PCL. I still have two tickets left for the Books at the Boathouse takeout fundraiser April 19. The $150 ticket gets you a meal for two, including salad and dessert, as well as your choice of a bottle of red or white wine. Stop by the library and help us sell out! All funds benefit PCL. Thanks, Boathouse Crew!!! We LOVE you!

Lovely PCL Staffer Amber Haddix with Curbside Service | Jane Boursaw Photo
Lovely PCL Staffer Amber Haddix with Curbside Service | Jane Boursaw Photo

Covid Vaccination Card Sleeves

We have ordered sleeves that we will be offering free of charge to patrons to protect that all important COVID vaccination card. The CDC is urging people NOT to laminate the card as the heat may damage it. There may also be the need to add future boosters.

The sleeves will protect your card, as well as allow you to slip it in and out as needed. They should be available next week. Stop in and pick one up. Thanks for the idea, Mary Morgan!

Virtual Programs Galore

Many programs are being offered virtually during this time of distancing. Call us to reserve a spot for any of the programs below and we will send you the login info!

TBA CREDIT UNION presents Kids Can Save Money, Too! Not too young to learn about saving money, kids join our great partner for a Zoom story hour Wednesday, April 14, at 11 a.m. Bags courtesy of TBA Credit Union with activities and free books will be available for pick up here. “A penny saved is a penny earned!”

Our own Tim Carroll and Jerry Ostlund join us for a fireside local history chat on Tuesday, April 20, at 2 p.m. via Zoom. They will discuss their days of yore attending one-room classrooms on the Old Mission Peninsula, inspired by OMP author Karen Rieser’s book, “The History of Education on Old Mission Peninsula.”

Personal Chef Brit Eaton shares his fabulous culinary skills to teach us how to make a perfect Beef Wellington. The Zoom program is Wednesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. (changed from the original date of April 14). Here’s hoping the PCL staff gets the leftovers!

April is National Kite Month, and staffers Becky and Cruz fly theirs high with a special virtual story hour on Saturday, April 24, at 11 a.m. A kit for making your own kite will be available for pick up.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Families join PCL’s Senora Cruz on Wednesday, May 5, at 5 p.m. via Zoom to celebrate! Learn the history and Mexican traditions behind this holiday with stories, crafts, snacks and music.

Moms are Best! Gifted storyteller and PCL staff member Dawn Farley celebrates mothers on Saturday, May 8, at 11 a.m. in a story hour for kids. A special take out bag will be available before the event. “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” – Robert Browning

The Friends of Peninsula Community Library are having a special fundraiser, and we encourage you to join them for the fun! Learn more about the online silent auction, which runs through Friday, April 16, here.

Friends of Peninsula Community Library hosting online auction fundraiser | Old Mission Gazette Photo
Friends of Peninsula Community Library hosting online auction fundraiser | Old Mission Gazette Photo

Evolving With the Times – A ‘Library of Things’

As the world has evolved, libraries have, as well. We are no longer the hallowed halls of limited access and shushing librarians. In fact, libraries at times can be downright full of exuberant creative energy!

Here at PCL, we are working on a “Library of Things” that we can offer you for short term loan – an LCD projector, a movie screen for backyard use, a party-sized coffee maker, a set of electric burners, outdoor games and more. Do you have ideas? Let me know! We hope to have a collection ready by June to lend out.

PCL offers books, movies, puzzles, games, large print books, and more. Our Little Free Libraries are filled with books for the taking – adults out front and kids in back.

Printing, faxing, copying, iPads for parking lot use? YES! We are excited to announce that we now have stem kits for kids, thanks to a grant from Newton’s Road and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Wireless service is accessible in the parking lot 24/7. Notary service is available on a limited basis by appointment. We are indeed a community center for all!

Albert Einstein once said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” That could not be more true!

Girl with a book overlooks memorial bricks at the Mack and Lorraine Beers Children's Garden at Peninsula Community Library on the Old Mission Peninsula | Jane Boursaw Photo
Girl with a book overlooks memorial bricks at the Mack and Lorraine Beers Children’s Garden at Peninsula Community Library on the Old Mission Peninsula | Jane Boursaw Photo

SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER: 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 and magazines like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, 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 I started my own newspaper.

Because Old Mission Gazette is a "Reader Supported Newspaper" -- meaning it exists because of your financial support -- I hope you'll consider tossing a few bucks our 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 OMP. In a time when local news is becoming a thing of the past, supporting an independent community newspaper is more important now than ever. Thank you so much for your support! -Jane Boursaw, Editor/Publisher, Old Mission Gazette

To keep the Gazette going, click here to make a donation.

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