It has been a very busy April and we’re just now halfway through the month.

Two of us had the opportunity to attend the Texas Library Association’s annual conference. It was a wise investment. We learned some things, connected with vendors we normally interact with one the phone or email, we connected with colleagues that we see only once or twice a year due to the size of our state, and we enjoyed some downtime from regular library duties.

We are also fortunate that we have a wonderful staff that held down the fort and board members who helped staff get a chance to get out and take a break.

Last week was National Library Week. We kind of missed the boat on promoting that due to the conference so you may see something similar coming up. We want to know what draws you to our library.

We have several fundraisers this month. On Friday, April 18 during library hours we will have a cookie sale to benefit the library and word has it the Easter Bunny will visit from 2 to 4 p.m. and you may use your phone or camera to take pictures.

We will be closed Saturday, April 19 so our staff may take a break, enjoy the weekend and the holiday.

Saturday, April 26 we will have a book sale. This time it will be in the alley behind the library. Park at the library or the Methodist church and walk over. Cash only and your donations for book purchases go to support the library.

All during this month, culminating on Tuesday, April 29 is East Texas Giving Day. This is a day to donate to non-profits from the comfort of your own home. It is an online giving platform and the Mineola Memorial Library will be participating this year along with several other local non-profits. Please, give generously.

Our regular line-ups of programs continue with Toddler Story Time on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. for the 18-month to 3-year-old crowd with parent/caregiver; Preschool Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. for the 3-5-year-old crowd with parent/caregiver; and Homeschool Heroes on Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. for homeschool families. East Texas Perfictionist Book Club will meet Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss “The Clockmaker’s Daughter.”

Remember the Mineola Memorial Library is a 501(c)3, non-profit. Your support means the world to us.