January 2024: Volume 3, Issue 1

Every year, from November to January, our organization makes an annual appeal to our users for help in supporting our libraries. This year, we set a goal to raise $35,000. The money raised will go towards funding things as simple as utilities to keep our locations running and as noble as new books for everyone. We are so grateful to all who have contributed to the annual appeal thus far and wanted to give an update. We are 64% of the way towards our goal! If you haven't been able to participate in the generosity yet, please consider helping us to reach our goal in the New Year. To donate, please visit our website, visit one of our locations, call 814-355-1516, or mail a check to 203 North Allegheny St, Bellefonte, PA, 16823. All donations are tax deductible.

Have you ever wondered who hires the librarians and guides overall library decision making at Centre County Library and Historical Museum libraries? You'll probably be happy to hear that people just like you on the Centre County Library & Historical Museum Board of Trustees are those that maintain the oversight of our organization.

In December 2023, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution to make longtime Board member, John Sengle, a Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his exceptional dedication and 20+ years of service to the Centre County Libraries. John's introduction to our libraries occurred in 1982 when he visited the Holt Memorial Library for the first time. After his first visit, he continued to enjoy his trips to the library while he started up his blueberry farm in Julian, PA -- Mountainhome Farm. He decided to become involved with the Board when in 1999, one his friends stopped by the farm to pick blueberries and asked if he would fill the seat she was vacating on the Board of Trustees. The rest is library history. Read more about it in our interview with John below!

When did you first visit the Centre County Library and Historical Museum? What branch was it?

I went to the Philipsburg branch when I lived near there in 1982. At that time, the library was in a building with the town hall and a bunch of other municipal services. Later, in the early to mid 80s when I moved to Buffalo Run, I went to the Bellefonte Library.

Could you tell us about your blueberry farm, Mountainhome Farm?

My wife and I have had the farm* for more than 30 years. We bought it back in '84 and started planting the blueberries in '86 or '88. It used to be an abandoned peach orchard. We used to sell the blueberries at the farmer's market in Bellefonte, but now we have a "pick your own" selling model. We plant mid-season varieties at the farm so they are usually ready to pick between late June and July 4th. In these days, people that came to the farm as kids are starting to bring their own kids which is great.

*Learn more about the farm on their website here.

What are you reading right now? What kinds of things do you most like to read?

I read mostly nonfiction; it's just what I gravitate to. The book I'm reading right now is called, "The Two Headed Whale: life, loss, and the tangled legacy of whaling in the Antarctic," by Sandy Winterbottom. It's about a woman who went to Antarctica and found the grave of a boy on South Georgia island. The woman read about the boy and wove his story into her trip throughout the Antarctic. It's been fascinating and includes a story about two-headed whales that are sometimes found when whalers cut open pregnant whales on ships.

I don't specifically seek out memoirs but another great one that I read recently is called, "The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon" by Kevin Fedarko.

When did you first become a library board member and what made you want to do it?

A friend of mind was picking blueberries at the farm and she mentioned that she was on the Board. She said she was leaving and asked if I would be willing to replace her and I agreed. My folks were actively involved in their library near Mountainhome, PA -- the Barrett Friendly Library. I wanted to help out like they did.

What is your favorite thing about being involved with the library as a board member and now as a Trustee Emeritus?

I've loved learning about how much there is behind the scenes with the library: library policies, library operations, funding streams. The things that make libraries pleasant and vibrant are also interesting to me. I like knowing what needs to be done to maintain those things. It's all about giving back to the next generation.

What are the top 3 things that you have learned from being a long time member of a library board?

First, I've learned just how dedicated library staffers are, these people don't do it for the money, it's something they believe in. Second, I've learned that people assume libraries will always be there, but that is not the case. People should still be making an effort to keep libraries around. Third, it's a lot of work to keep older buildings up and running. There is a lot of upkeep and maintenance that people don't think about.

People need to recognize that they need to give as much as their ancestors gave [to libraries]. A library is an important component of a healthy community and only the community can maintain it.

What do you wish people knew about the library?

First, I wish that people knew that if they don't make a commitment to the library, then it won't survive. Commitment to the library can mean different things to different people. Commitment could mean volunteering for the library, giving the library money, or advocating for the library.

Second, I wish more people would use the genealogical and historical library. The stuff in the Miles-Humes house is amazing. It has local, Pennsylvania, and larger US history. Detailed stuff is over there. I find the census records particularly interesting.

Join us on January 27th from 1-3 PM (and the last Saturdays of the month after that) at the Bellefonte library for STEM exploration Saturdays. Everyone is invited to come and engage with STEM focused kits that we have at the library. The kits will be set up in the Community Room from 1-3 PM for people to explore.

Are you or any of your family members sticker lovers? What about sticker collectors? Join us at the Centre Hall Area Branch Library on Saturday, January 13th from 10 AM to 2 PM for a Stickerpalooza! You can collect new stickers and swap some of your current stickers for ones that you like more. Don't miss your chance to up your sticker game!

The Centre Hall Branch Library is hosting a class, Family History 101, put on by our very own librarians from the PA Room and Historical Museum!

Sign up to attend and learn about how to get started in studying your own family's history. Don't miss your chance to learn about family history and how our libraries can help you to learn more about your family.



Start the new year by getting a checkup and flu vaccine! The Lion Mobile Clinic will be stopping by the Centre Hall Area Branch Library on Monday, January 29th from 10 AM to 12 PM. Everyone is welcome to stop by for FREE health screenings and Flu shots. No appointments or insurance are needed.

While the Lion Mobile Clinic is in Centre Hall, its Penn State Medical Students will be hosting a health program for kids at 11 AM. Kids will learn about the importance of being clean and staying away from germs!

Join us virtually or at one of our locations for any of our book clubs! We even have a book club for book lovers who prefer talking about books in general rather than a specific book. See below for details.

Thursday, January 11th, 6 PM: The Centre Hall Mystery Book Club is discussing the first book of the famous Nancy Drew mystery series, "The Secret of the Old Clock" by Carolyn Keene for the January meeting. Call 814-364-2580 or stop by the Centre Hall Branch Library to sign up to attend.

Saturday, January 13th, 10 AM: Book Lovers Coffee Hour. Come discuss what you are reading with other book lovers! Please register to attend by clicking the button below and receive a Zoom link via email!

Wednesday, January 17th, 6:30 PM: The Virtual Evening Book Discussion Group will be discussing the novel, "Radium Girls" by Kate Moore this month. Please register to attend by clicking the button below and receive a Zoom link via email.

Thursday, January 25th, 6 PM: Join us for our "Booked for Murder" mystery book club at the Bellefonte Library! This month, we will discuss the classic Agatha Christie novel, "Murder on the Orient Express." Click the button below to be added to our text message reminder group for the program.

Join us at the Bellefonte Library on Tuesday, January 2nd at 1:00 PM for No School Movie Day! We will watch the new animated family film, "DC League of Superpets" while we eat popcorn. Dress as your favorite superhero or make your own cape at the library! Just drop in, there is no need to register.

Join us at the Centre Hall Area Branch Library on Monday, January 15th from 11 AM to 4 PM for No-School Build Day! You and your children can build with LEGOs, Duplos, Magna tiles, Lincoln Logs, and other building materials. Just drop in!

Kids Connect, a specially designed program for elementary and middle school youth, takes place on Thursday evenings from 6-7pm. Each week will feature a different activity: STEM, games, art, and more. Space and supplies are limited, so you must register to attend. Click the link below to register to attend any of the events.

January 4th, 6 PM: LEGO Night (ages 5-13). Come make exciting creations out of LEGOs, Duplos, and other building toys!

January 11th, 6 PM: Kid's Book BINGO (ages 5-13). Join us at the library to play BINGO and win books!

January 18th, 6 PM: Kids in the Kitchen: Snowman Pancakes (ages 5-13). Join us as we make Snowmen out of pancakes, fruit, and whipped cream!

January 25th, 6 PM: Open Craft Night (ages 5-13). We are cleaning out our craft closet and giving you a chance to use your imagination to create whatever you would like! Join us and get crafting!

Join us for our special Adult and Teen events at the Holt Memorial Library this December!

Saturday, January 13th, 11 AM: Adult and Teen Cork Snowman Craft. We will make Snowman faces out of felt and painted corks! As space and supplies are limited, please call 814-342-1987 to register to attend.

Saturday, January 20th, 11 AM: Teen & Adult Book BINGO. Come to play BINGO and win books! Space is limited, so please register by calling (814) 342-1987, stopping in, or clicking the button below.

Mission

Centre County Library & Historical Museum is a free community destination providing books, information, Internet access, and technology resources to preserve our heritage and promote a lifetime of reading and learning.

Vision

Centre County Library & Historical Museum will be an inviting and vital part of our community by providing access to current technology and services to foster education and to enhance our community’s quality of life.

We are a PA Forward Library

PA Forward is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association designed to increase awareness of the vital role libraries play in the well-being of their communities.

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