I think it’s safe to say we’re all thrilled to welcome the start of 2021!

Reflecting on 2020- it was a year with challenges the likes of which we’ve never faced - and continue to face. Thank you to the library’s incredible staff, who have adjusted to so many changes these past months, often in the blink of an eye- they’ve continued to provide such wonderful service to our community in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Despite the difficulties wrought by COVID-19, there were many moments of positivity,

too- where we learned of the depth and breadth of your support of the Downingtown Library. From your patience adjusting to changes in service levels, to your willingness to adapt to all-virtual programming, to the encouraging notes and social media comments you’ve shared, to the donations that have poured in for our Annual Giving Campaign- in so many ways, you, our patrons, have shown us how much you support and care for

the Downingtown Library. It is hard to overstate how meaningful that is to us.

Particularly touching are the donations we’ve received from several children this year- some who created jewelry to sell on their street to raise money for the library, and two others who sent in their savings to help the library buy books! I’m not ashamed to say that the generosity of these incredible children brought a tear to my eye.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, all.

I also have bittersweet news to share- the retirement of our beloved Programming Coordinator, Karen Smith. In her nearly 25 years working at Downingtown Library, Karen has impacted countless lives by both working at the circulation desk, choosing books to purchase for the library’s collection, and by developing a huge variety of programs for adults, teenagers, and children. In the time I’ve been lucky enough to work with Karen, I’ve been constantly amazed by her creativity, her ability to connect with the community, her dedication, and her wonderful sense of humor. She created and executed such a huge number of programs over the years- covering an incredible number of topics. From Book Talks at local senior living facilities, to Shadow Puppet Theater Camp for children, to a weekly Teen Volunteer group, to a “Year of Beer,” (a year’s worth of beer and food-related programs) to science presentations, to an Art Sale Fundraiser, to the Unicorn Festival- I could go on and on! Personally, one of my favorite memories of working in the library is hearing Karen’s delightful laugh joining with the laughter of the English Conversation Group- a weekly group that Karen led for English learners after receiving training from the Volunteer English Program. What started as a way for English learners to practice the language, quickly turned into a tight-knit group of friends who formed a community- because of Karen. I cannot go without mentioning Karen’s flexibility and willingness to learn. When COVID-19 hit, we had nearly no notice that the library would be ordered closed by the State. In mere weeks, Karen taught herself how to use completely new technology, and how to transition her programs from in-person to virtual- a staggering feat. It was truly incredible, and still amazes me to think about today.

Please join me in thanking Karen for the incredible impact she has had on our community, and for her hard work over these years. Karen, I am so thankful you’ve shared your talents with us, you play such a large part in making the Downingtown Library the valuable and vibrant community resource it is today, and has been for so many years. While we will miss you terribly, we wish you the happiest and most relaxing of retirements!

Elizabeth Hess

Library Director