More than just books

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

“Libraries are community treasure chests, loaded with a wealth of information available to everyone equally, and the key to that treasure chest is the library card. I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card,” former teacher, librarian and First Lady Laura Bush remarked. Bush understands that a public library encapsulates all that is best about a democracy; resources are equally accessible to anyone who has a library card. 

If you are someone who has not yet obtained a library card, September is your month because it is Library Card SignUp Month. For students, a library card is the beginning of lifelong learning and is the most cost-effective back-to-school item. 

“One Card, Endless Possibilities” is the 2025 theme for this month. From the American Library Association’s website, “It may be small, but a library card packs a punch! Borrow museum passes, musical instruments, and even tools from your library’s collection. Take part in engaging programs like book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Access technology, Wi-Fi, and career resources to support your goals, whether you’re a student, job-seeker, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner. It’s one card with endless possibilities!” 

Stop by the library during our business hours with a photo ID with current address, or a photo ID and valid proof of current address. If you prefer, go to the library website and submit an online application. It only takes a few minutes to obtain your card, which you can use for a lifetime. 

Adult programs

Card-making class will be on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 9-11:00 a.m. Led by Judi Zimmerline, this class will guide participants through the steps of creating handmade greeting cards. A $5 fee is charged to cover the cost of all the supplies needed to make cards. 

After a short hiatus, Cookbook Club is back. Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, the group will choose recipes from “Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Farm to Table Cookbook.” To participate, stop in the library to choose a recipe from this month’s cookbook. Prepare it and bring it to share with the group the night of the meeting.  

Evening book club, Reads Well With Others, will be discussing Nora Roberts’s first book in the Lost Brides Trilogy entitled “Inheritance.” Copies are still available for check out. The meeting is at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Afternoon book club, Between the Covers, will be reading “Home before Dark” by Riley Sager. 

Youth/family programs

Creation Corner will be on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. Please remember to pre-register.  

Preschool Story Hour is each Friday at 10 a.m. Cars will be the theme on Sept. 19, while tractors are the focus of the Sept. 26 Story Hour.  

Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to close will be the final Family/ Neighbor Puzzle or Board Game Event. Join us at the library for a fun time and a chance to meet new neighbors.  

A reminder to those of you who want to participate in the National Good Neighbor Day Bingo Challenge: Get a BINGO on your card and turn it in at the front desk by Sept. 30 to be eligible for a prize drawing. 

In celebration of National Good Neighbor Day, the library is providing Good Neighbor coloring sheets to anyone who would like one. Color it and share it with a neighbor, or give it to the library to decorate our walls.