We made it through the ice! Maybe our heavy dose of winter is past. Even if it isn’t, we have plenty of books to read while wrapped up in a cozy blanket or sweater and enjoying a warm beverage.

There are lots of things associated with February. We had Groundhog Day already, and upcoming is Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), and President’s Day. It is also National Library Lovers’ Month and Black History Month. Check out our displays throughout the library recognizing each of these February themes.

How can you celebrate these days? By reading a book, of course. We have lots of books with a Valentine’s theme and numerous books about famous African Americans, many of which are displayed in the children’s area. We will also be highlighting African American authors.

February for the Mineola Memorial Library is Fine Forgiveness Month. This month, if you need to clear your fines, bring in pet food for cats or dogs, and we will reduce your fine. Pet food will be distributed to both the Mineola Animal Shelter and APET. Canned pet food will be valued at $1 per can, small bags of pet food will be valued at $5 per bag, large bags of pet food will be valued at $20 per bag, and cat litter will be valued at $15 per unit. For example, if you owe $4.50 and you bring in 5 cans of pet food, your fine will be cleared, and you will have helped our animal shelters.

National Library Lovers Month can be celebrated by visiting the Mineola Memorial Library (or another library), getting a library card, checking out books, or making a monetary donation to your library. Or, you can just leave a kind word about the library you visit.

Don’t forget our regular activities: Read to a Dog at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7; Preschool Story Time on Tuesdays at 9 a.m.; Preschool Story Time on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.; Homeschool Heroes on the first and third Fridays at 10 a.m. (Feb. 6 and 14); and East Texas Library Friends Book Club on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

Remember, the Mineola Memorial Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so your donations may be tax-deductible. We have received a memorial donation for Don Rhodes from Betty and Raymond Curbow, and a donation from Susan Few.