Mary Hurley

As you may have noticed, the Mineola Memorial Library column was absent from the paper on Sept. 19. That was my fault. I was in Springfield, Ill., at the Association of Rural and Small Libraries conference and I just completely forgot to submit my column.

I had a good time meeting up with librarians from across the country, visiting with vendors, attending a lot of seminars on various things relating to small libraries, and I squeezed in a little time to enjoy the sights of Springfield. I could not have attended without the support of our Library Board, a fantastic staff, and a great bunch of volunteers.

There are lots of things going on at the library during the month of October, beginning with the Friends of the Library meeting on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be Nancy Predaina, and she will be speaking about Mercy Ships. You will learn what Mercy Ships is and what it does.

Afterward there will be refreshments and a short business meeting to discuss Friends activities.

Computer Q&A is returning on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 9:30 a.m. This is a time for you to ask questions about specific things on your computer. Sign-ups are a must and may be handled by calling the Library (903-569-2767) or stopping by the front desk and letting the staff know you want to sign up.

American Girls Historical Reading Club will meet on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. This is a club for mothers with their daughters to enjoy learning history through games, crafts, and snacks. Registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday, Oct. 10 in order to have enough supplies for all who attend. Mothers are expected to participate with their child.

We have Preschool Story Time at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesdays. This is a change from previous years. This program is for children ages 3, 4, and 5 with their adult guardians. Stories, songs, and an activity relating to the book is what make up the program.

Tuesday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. brings the after-school programs for K-5th grade and for Tweens and Teens (TNT). The time has been changed to reflect the later release times at Mineola schools. Each group has an activity that changes weekly.

Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. is Toddler Story Time for children 18 months to 3 years and their adults. They play, read, sing, and have activities relating to a weekly theme.

Wednesday afternoons October 10, 17, and 24 at 2 p.m. brings Nancy Stelmach to explain photo preservation and how to keep your photos safe in the event of disaster. Sign-ups are requested.

Thursday mornings brings Bouncing Babies Story Time at 10 a.m. for children infant to 18 months and their parents. It’s an interactive time for parents and their children to enjoy songs, books, and together time.

Thursday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. is when the Library Book Club will meet to discuss Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. This is a novel based on the true ordeal of Mary Ingles in 1755. The book is available at the Library for check out. Join the group for lively discussion and fellowship.

Friday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. is Family Craft Day. This is a time for families to make something together as a family.

Friday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. is a time for adults to gather to go on a short field trip to a nearby location to find out about the location, its history, why it’s there, what happens there.

As you can read, there is a lot happening at the Mineola Memorial Library. We hope you have the opportunity to visit our library and maybe try one of our programs.

The Mineola Memorial Library is a 501(c)3, non-profit, and your donations are tax deductible.