Your monthly news & updates
|
|
We are happy to announce that the library is now open six days per week, on our normal schedule:
Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 4:30, 9:30-1:00 on Saturdays and 1:00-4:00 on Sundays.
All live programs and clubs remain postponed until further notice.
For the safety and comfort of both members and staff, we continue with the following changes inside the building that we ask you to read carefully.
- All surfaces will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
- Only ten patrons will be permitted in the Library at a time.
- Anyone who comes inside the building will need to wear a mask.
- Hand sanitizer will be available just as you come inside; please plan to use it when you enter and exit.
- All books and materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in.
- Finally, please maintain social distance of at least six feet, and preferably 10 feet, from all other people, particularly staff at the circulation desk. This may require waiting before approaching a popular shelf or section of materials.
We realize that some people may prefer to not come inside at this time, and thus we will continue to offer
porch pickup on Tuesday to Friday from 10:00-4:00. You can use the online catalog to reserve your materials or call or email your requests. We will place them outside on the porch for you to pick up. Please note that porch pickup will not be available on Saturdays or Sundays.
We remain grateful for your support and flexibility during these unusual times. The staff looks forward to seeing you, from an appropriate distance, whenever you feel comfortable returning. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions you might have.
Jenny Purtill
Executive Director
|
|
Nancy Pemberton and Nancy Holmes sat for a socially distanced chat at the library Sunday.
|
|
Things are getting back to normal at the library with the reopening on Sundays. It can be a bit more challenging to understand each other through masks, but we're getting better at it, and as you browse the newsletter you will see masks are becoming a new Lanier fashion statement!
|
|
In alphabetical order by author, Lanier Library announces the three Magnum Opus finalists chosen in the online People’s Choice voting:
- Libbie Johnson: Stories I’ve Saved 'Til All My Relatives are Dead
I was born on the ugliest place on earth, in the cracked earth middle of nowhere that smelled of despair.
- Dale Potruski: The Hearth
"It was my destiny, it's what we needed to do, they were telling me, now I'm telling you,” the clock radio blared out from across our bedroom; Lou Gramm nearly made it through the first chorus before I could mute this morning’s rock n’ roll reveille.
- Ken Yeager: It's Only Eight O'Clock
Hey honey, the coffee tastes kind of strange this morning.
The winner is Dale Potruski of Landrum, SC.
According to Dale,
The Hearth
is currently a large number of computer files, each an episode that Dale is working to structure for theme and flow. It is a story inspired by his experiences as a B&B owner and proprietor in three historic inns, each with more than one hearth.
“I was inside one of the six hearths in our house in Georgia, wire brushing soot from the back wall of rocks and wondered about where they came from and who had placed them. I learned that they were ballast stones from a slave ship. When slaves had been shipped, stones were added to balance the weight for the crossing. The stones were left behind for the return trip.”
Dale feels that a hearth is the heart of a home, each with a history of people and events.
“I want my book to have an historic and a romantic thread.”
Dale graduated in Journalism, wrote theater and restaurant reviews, worked in broadcast news, interviewed Pearl Bailey, entertained as a musician, and currently volunteers writing and photography for Paws, Prayers, & Promises in Landrum. He adds, “I’ve also promised my wife to work on the book at least four hours a day.”
Congratulations to Dale with wishes for a completed novel in the near future and a lovely dinner on us at Lavender Bistro!
|
|
Support @ Lanier
Shopping as a FUNdraiser!
|
|
One of our members had the grand idea of inviting a few friends to go shopping. Okay, not so novel even in these times, but what made this idea truly unique was that the opportunity for fun became a FUNdraiser for the library!
The private shopping party at Elite Luxury Consignment and Boutique, an upscale consignment store in Hendersonville allowed 6-8 people to shop privately in the store, provided snacks and wine and offered to give 10% of the proceeds to the charitable organization of the host's choice. Our donor chose Lanier to receive the donation for her party.
We, of course, were pleased to receive the donation, but also thought the idea was something other members might want to employ and enjoy. And Melissa Clay, owner of Elite, offered the same opportunity to others who would enjoy shopping for a good cause.
"I plan to continue the private shopping opportunities and look forward to serving the Ladies of Lanier," said Clay, who adds that if you are a Lanier member, you will also receive a 20%-off coupon.
"We have such creative and generous members," said Jenny Purtill, Lanier Library Executive Director. "Discovering ways to enjoy time with friends in a safe environment during these challenging times, to have some fun and also to raise some money for the library just seems so perfect. We are grateful for the donation and also for a great idea!"
Elite is one opportunity to have fun and raise money for charitable causes, but perhaps you know of or can find others. If you know of a business that would like a boost, this works for them as well. Pass it on and count on us for promotion!
|
|
During the yearlong commemoration of its 130th anniversary, Lanier Library celebrates members in this monthly column. The profiles here will introduce you to community members who carry the Lanier card, continuing a cultural tradition begun in 1890.
|
|
Celebrating Lanier Members:
Sisters Nancy Holmes
and Sally McPherson
|
“If I could choose a period in Lanier history to visit, I’d want to meet the LeDuc sisters when they were working to acquire the first books,” says Sally. Her sister Nancy speaks from a different perspective, “I want to see the library over the next ten years.”
Nancy came to Tryon after careers in book publishing in NYC and psychotherapy in Connecticut, joining Lanier in 1992. She and her husband were attracted by the arts community culture. She recalls, “I first walked into Lanier because it was convenient and was immediately reminded of my childhood library in Kansas...deja vu, cool and calm, the comforting smell of books.”
Sally had been a buyer for Macy’s in Kansas City and then raised a family with her husband in Atlanta before moving to Tryon. She joined Lanier in 1995. “ I was taken by the inviting nostalgia of the card catalog and the friendliness of the staff.” She is happy that the card catalogue is still kept up to date for members who prefer tradition to the speed and convenience of the library’s computer system. She adds, “There is still the warmth of personal attention.”
Over the years, each sister found different ways to involve themselves in helping the library sustain relevance in a changing community.
|
|
Nancy found a sense of purpose in fund-raising, investing herself in such events as the Poetry and Mystery Festivals. Sally served as Board President for two terms, fondly remembering book sales and decorating the library for Christmas.
“One of my fondest memories is working with Sally on the first Mystery Festival,” recalls Nancy. “While I was hunting for clues, she was time keeper with her alarm clock as back-up.”
|
|
Here are the links to our lists of book orders and newest acquisitions. Feel free to contact the library to put your name on the hold list for these books. You can call us or
log in through the catalogue on the website using your library card number for PIN
. And, as always, let us know if there is a book or DVD you think would enhance the collection.
Although the Book Lovers group is unable to meet, they have sent in their recommendations based on reading during the quarantine. The list is here for some books you might also enjoy.
|
|
Reviews
Eight Perfect Murders
by Peter Swanson
Eight Perfect Murders
by Peter Swanson is a mystery reader’s mystery with clever nods to some of the great writers of the genre such as Agatha Christie, Patricia Highsmith & Donna Tartt and even some solidly pulp authors such as James M. Cain and John D. McDonald. After all, Swanson’s darkly tongue-in- cheek tale features an elusive serial killer riffing on their plot devices determined to artfully commit a series of “perfect murders”. This shadowy nemesis instigates a cat and mouse manipulation as he simultaneously torments and entices into being a co-conspirator, mystery bookstore owner, Mal Kershaw, who has authored a blog titled “Eight Perfect Murders”.
If you’re a fan of Anthony Horowitz and his metafiction mysteries, and like me, have read them all already, give this one a try! I was glad to read there will be another Malcolm Kershaw book to follow soon.
Review by Sandra McCall
|
|
Due to the limiting of gatherings to 10 people or less during Phase 2 of Governor Cooper's reopening plan we will continue to offer online programs for the forseeable future.
|
|
Food-Safe Summer Fun
with Jimmi Buell
Wednesday, July 22 at noon
|
In July, we hope you will join us for a presentation with Jimmi Buell, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Agent, who will be sharing suggestions for food safety while picnicking or gathering at the holidays. As safety is in the forefront of everyone’s mind, we know her presentation will give us plenty to consider before we gather again, at a safe social distance. Join us on Wednesday,
July 22 at noon via https://www.facebook.com/lanierlibraryassociation.
|
|
Last Month's Online Programs
|
Although the Library was unable to host its usual live programs in June, we were fortunate to have two excellent online programs using Facebook Live. Vidoes for both programs can be found in this newsletter.
On June 11, Virgil Stucker addressed the issue of Finding Harmony in Troubled Times. We are so fortunate to have someone with his background in mental health to honestly address the level of pain we are experiencing as a society. Virgil’s talk suggested three areas of concentration for preventing mental distress: improving belonging, purpose, and resilience. While there are no easy answers to the troubles many are experiencing in these unprecedented times, we appreciate the expertise Virgil shared with us. He also donated two copies of his new book,
A Family Guide to Mental Health Recovery: What You Need to Know From Day One, to Lanier Library for our members’ use.
|
|
|
|
|
On June 23, author and Lanier Library board member Tom Ervin participated in an interview with executive director Jenny Purtill to talk about his new book,
Earth Day Every Day. Tom’s book inspects the impact of global warming and climate change on our planet and includes suggestions about changes we can all make to decrease some of the damage. Tom has generously agreed to donate signed copies of
Earth Day Every Day to benefit Lanier. All proceeds from sales made by emailing thelanierlibrary@gmail.com or calling 859-9535 will support the library.
|
|
Lanier Library welcomes all library-friendly dogs, but asks that they remain on leash at all times.
|
|
With the reopening of our pet-friendly library we are pleased not only to greet our members, but their four-legged companions as well. There are still treats and a friendly greeting for our canine friends.
|
|
|
|
Lanier Greeter Dog Nick with best friend Steve Aldred is back on Sundays, and promises to be a regular once again!
|
|
Vonda Krahn's "Petite Princess Fantasy Furniture" Collection
|
This month's display is from the vintage Petite Princess Fantasy Furniture collection of
former Lanier Library Executive Director Vonda Krahn.
In the early 1960s, the Ideal Toy and Novelty Corporation used state of the art plastic molding processes to create hyper-realistic furniture for dollhouses marketed specifically to young girls. The company’s Petite Princess Fantasy Furniture line debuted in 1964, offering a mix of Italian Renaissance, French Provincial, Rococo, Art Noveau, Victorian, and other styles. The 30-piece set included hand-painted furniture composed of wood, porcelain, brass, and glass, as well as hand-tailored satin and brocade upholstery. The designers sought to achieve an “antique look” that reflected 1960s interior design.
"The toy furniture never became as popular as the Ideal Toy Company hoped because the furniture was expensive to make and too delicate for young children. It was discontinued in 1967," Vonda told us. She adds that she obtained hers when a toy store owner was "practically giving it away!"
The National Building Museum in Washington DC also got a deal. The museum does not usually collect doll houses or doll furniture, but the offer from a collector of the complete line and story of Petite Princess was an offer it could not refuse. Today their collection consists of
|
|
more than 200 pieces of furniture, dolls, Fantasy Rooms, doll houses, advertisements and store displays that, according to the museum website: "
reflects, in fine detail, a fantasy of opulence and an aspirational model for American middle-class children in the 1960s. It speaks to a specific time and place in our nation’s history and how toy companies marketed the American dream to a new generation of children."
Although perhaps not as large as the National Building Museum's display, we think you will discover a rare treat when you stop in to see Vonda's collection.
Thank you to
Alan and Harriet Peoples for the nostalgic July display of vintage Tryon area postcards!
Sandra's Shelf Display for July is a selection of staff and member favorites. This is one display that we encourage you to dismantle; we have lots more favorites to replace what you choose to check out.
|
|
About a month ago Sandra McCall began to discover notes in the back of books she was checking in. As you know, rather than handing in books we now deposit them for later check-in and a 72-hour quarantine, so Sandra had to do some sleuthing to discover the name of the sender of clever aphorisms. It turned out to be former Lanier Library board member Gary DeRemer. We share some of Gary's thought provoking and entertaining musings here and suggest perhaps others might like to surprise and brighten Sandra's day with happy thoughts of their own. Who knows, "Final Note" might become a regular column.
Musings: Gary DeRemer
The trouble with being punctual is that there's nobody there to appreciate it.
If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would anybody know?
If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?
Exercise can add minutes to your life. This enables you, at 85 years of age,
to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7,000 per month.
If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed?
|
|
|
|
Lanier Library | 828-859-9535| thelanierlibrary@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
