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December 2, 2017
As the year comes to a close, I want to share some of the amazing milestones from 2017 that happened at the Memorial Library of Nazareth. It has been an exciting year, filled with many things to celebrate.
Through the generosity of grant-based funding, in conjunction with funds from the library's operational budget, we were able to install a new air-conditioning system, create a new parking lot that offers ten additional parking spaces, incorporate landscaping around the new parking lot, install door counters which provide us with accurate data regarding patron's library usage, remove and save two large honey bee hives from the library's exterior with the help of Nazareth Borough's Public Works and the Mennonite community, and restore the steps and integrate new lighting fixtures to the original entrance of the building.
This year the library's summer reading program, "Build a Better World," was a huge success. The children's librarians and other members of the library staff worked tirelessly to offer 51 programs to children and adults. A total of 325,440 minutes were read by the children that participated during the eight-week period.
Thanks to the unfailing generosity of our special event sponsors, we ran two successful large fundraisers. These events were Mini Golf FORE the Library and Touch a Truck 2017. We received sponsorships totaling over $15,000 for these two events combined. We are looking forward to increased sponsorships in 2018 with the help of local businesses and organizations.
Cherished partnerships were forged this year as the library staff worked in tandem with the Nazareth Rotary Club to offer the Mini Golf FORE the Nazareth Library. In addition, we were honored to host the Memorial Home Association of Veterans of Foreign Wars of Nazareth, Post 4366 to be a part of our Veterans' Day program. We will continue to work with local businesses and organizations to continue to serve our community together.
In May, the library migrated to a new integrated library system. This new system provides consortium opportunities with over 120 other public libraries in the State of Pennsylvania. We are looking forward to a new web-based interface to our new system in the early part of 2018.
The Library Board adopted a strategic plan for 2017-2020. This strategic plan has enabled us to execute a new organizational structure which better positions us for the future. The Library Staff is working with me to build on the strengths of our library and offer innovative services that our entire community will enjoy.
I look forward to the coming year with optimism and excitement. I am blessed to lead a community library that is adored by its patrons. In addition, I have a devoted staff whose commitment to the library and its patrons is clearly visible every day. Their efforts are matched by continuous generosity of our supporting municipalities, donors, and the enthusiasm and energy of our volunteers. And finally, a supporting and encouraging Library Board who shares in my vision for the future.
During the season of hope and renewal, may you and your family experience all the joys of the holidays!
Holly Bennett
Library Director, Information Conductor, and Community Ambassador
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LIBRARY HOURS
The library will be
closed on Saturday, December 23, Monday, December 25, Saturday, December 30, and Monday, January 1.
Please remember the book drop is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
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LIBRARY ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
A cornerstone of the community, The Memorial Library of Nazareth is expanding its reach and touching more lives than ever before. The library is so much more than books! Where else can you find a wide array of programs in services in one place, all at no cost? Can you help ensure the library continues to grow its impact for years to come? Your gift will play a major role in the life of a child, a senior citizen, a parent on a budget, and every single member of our community. Consider making a donation today online at
www.nazarethlibrary.org.
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HOLIDAY BASKET RAFFLE
December 1 through December 15
Over 30 baskets are on display to bid on at the library.
Raffle tickets are $10.00 for 20 tickets and $5.00 per ticket for premium baskets. We received donations from the following businesses and individuals: Cherry Hill Hotel, Nazareth Army & Navy, Buzas' Greenhouse and Farm, Mario Andretti, Shawnee Mountain, Great Wolf Lodge,WaWa, Calandra's Cheese, Cigars International, Giant Food Store, Kraemer Yarns, Mary Kay, Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, Stehly's Bakery, WaWa, Mario Andretti, Penn Rose Guild, Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth-Bath Regional Chamber of Commerce, Donna Hartman, Catherine Stewart, Jen Vevea, JoAnn Kelly, Holly Bennett, Library Board, and others... Don't forget that the library now takes credit cards for all purchases over $5.00 - including raffle tickets!
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| CHRISTMAS IN NAZARETH
December 9, 12-4pm
You are welcome to join us for a festive afternoon, filled with, refreshment and holiday spirit. The library will host the Nazareth Community Chorus, strolling music and a basket raffle. Our much beloved Santa will greet children between 1-3:30pm, and children can make a beautiful holiday craft from a Martin Guitar sound hole cutout. |
LIBRARY STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
RYAN REESER
Ryan Reeser is in the spotlight for the month of December. Ryan started working as a part-time maintenance contractor for the library in spring of 2017. He is the owner of Summit Station Construction since 2009. Although Ryan was originally contracted to assist with general maintenance issues at the library, he has provided us with so much more.
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LIBRARY LIBATIONS
December 7th, 5:00 - 8:00pm
Paint a celestial delight while enjoying a glass of wine, food, and good company! Registration is required, space is limited. Call the Main Circulation Desk for more information @ 610-759-4932.
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CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS & EVENTS
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| PARENTS NIGHT OUT Friday, December 15, 5-8pm
Parents are invited to bring their children to the library while they tackle holiday errands or have a nice dinner out. The Library Staff will be locking the doors and having fun crafts and activities for the kids. Two local artists will join us this evening to lead your children in a Christmas art project. Sign-up will begin on December 4th.
Space is limited to 25 children, so sign up early. Donations are encouraged.
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EVENING STORY TIME FOR TODDLER'S & PRESCHOOLERS
Wednesday, December 13, 6:30-7pm
Children ages 2-5 and their families are invited to our monthly evening story time. Join us in December for "Stories for the Season."
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FAMILY HOLIDAY CRAFT NIGHT
Wednesday evening, December 6th, 6:30-7:15
Join us for a festive family craft night! Sign-up for this event now in the Children's Room.
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TRAIN MONTH AT THE LIBRARY
January 2018
The Nazareth Area Society of Model Engineers will present a model train display for our patrons!
A train display will be open to the public on the following dates:
Thursday, January 11: 5-7:30 pm
Saturday, January 13: 9 - 3:30 pm
Thursday, January 18: 5-7:30 pm
Saturday, January 20: 9-3:30 pm
Thursday, January 25: 5-7:30 pm
Saturday, January 27: 9-3:30 pm
During the month of January there will also be a train themed craft night for the children on 1/17, a lecture on the history of trains, and train-themed story times. Watch our website for more details.
Thank you to the Friends of the Library for supporting this program.
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LETTERS TO SANTA
The Library Staff was approached by the elves at the North Pole to help collect letters for Santa. They gifted us with a special mailbox to collect letters through Friday, December 22nd. All children are welcomed to drop their letters to Santa in our special mailbox. The mailbox is located in the children's department of the library. We will make sure Santa receives them before he visits Nazareth on December 24th.
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WINTER PAINTING for Grades 3- 5
December 14th 5:30-7pm
Paint a holiday inspired canvas with Jen Avitable! Registration will open on December 4th. Space is limited to 10 children. Sign up early to reserve your spot.
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| STORY TIME & DROP IN PROGRAM UPDATES
All drop-in Children's Programs (WeeBuild, Toddler Shake and Boogie, and Story Times) are on hiatus starting December 15 and will
resume Monday, January 8th.
We are happy to offer a variety of programs from Monday through Friday; morning, afternoon, and evening; and, at different locations in our community! All are free and all are drop-in (that means you just show-up ready to have fun)!
For the working parent, an
evening story time takes place
every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm for toddlers and preschoolers.
Weekly
morning and afternoon story times are offered at the library on
Tuesdays (1:00pm),
Wednesdays (10:00am, 10:45am, 11:15am[babies]), and
Thursdays (10:00am, 10:45am)
as well as at the Lower Nazareth Township Park building (
306 Butztown Rd, Bethlehem
) on
Thursday mornings(10:00am [babies], 10:45pm)
.
On
Monday mornings (10:30am-noon)
Wee Build
in the Children's room provides socialization and playtime discovery and exploration with our diverse collection of building toys.
And toddlers can
Shake and Boogie on
Tuesday mornings (10:30am) at the library or head to the Bushkill Township Volunteer Firehouse (
155 Firehouse Drive, Nazareth) on
Friday mornings (10:30am).
These programs are part of a PA Forward Initiative promoting Basic Literacy.
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Mini Golf FORE the Nazareth Library
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Almost Spring Book Sale
March 26 - March 31st
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The
Nazareth Book Club
will gather at Susan Gerken's home for the December club meeting to select the books for next year. If anyone new is interested in joining, please contact Susan at SGerken@aol.com or 484-201-0871.
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