As another year is fast approaching it’s end, I would like to take a moment to look back on an institution that has been a big part of this community for 26 years and counting – the Brandywine Community Library. I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees for 8 years now and being President the last 3 years. We have a tremendous staff, board and volunteers who strives to make the library a focal point for this community every day. We also have the best patrons, who without, we would not have survived all these years. I want to take a minute to highlight some of the many things that have happened this past year and what to look forward to in the new year.
We have seen the retirement of our long time Children’s Librarian, Mrs. Charlotte Puff. She retired at the end of October and she will be missed. She was the first Children’s Librarian that my son Jake ever knew when we came to the library for lap-sit and story times. She has been replaced by another wonderful woman, Mrs. Marie Lichtenwalner, who was born for this job. Please come in and enjoy our family story times every Wednesday night at 6:30, Preschool story times Tuesday at 10:15 and Wednesdays at 10:30, and Baby lap-sit on Tuesday mornings at 10:30. Oh, and I can’t forget our 4 legged friends – we have Read to a Therapy Dog on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10:30-11:30! We also welcomed a new circulation clerk this year to take Marie’s place. Her name is Alexis Heslop. So next time you visit us and she is working please say hello! Also, say hello to Linda and Sue so they don’t feel left out!
We had many programs from yoga to wine tasting and also our annual wine and chocolate fundraiser and bus trips to NYC. Don’t forget our ongoing book sale every day the library is open. Right now through at least the end of the year, come in and fill a bag for $1.00! Another great service we offer is free one-on-one computer help Monday nights – from basic knowledge to advanced. If you would like to sign up, please stop in or call the library. You can also visit our website and watch for flyers around town for upcoming events.
One of the things we are very proud of this year is our Teen Advisory Board, With the help of our Library Director, Melissa Hawk, the teens meet twice a month and help plan and sponsor programs for their peers. We recently had an art show that was a big success and look forward to more good things in the coming year. One thing that they are striving for is to plan teen programs every week throughout our yearly Summer Reading Program! If anyone in 7th – 12th grade is interested in joining the teen board, please contact the library.
We also are reaching out to anyone in the community who has a hobby or talent they would like to share. We have had patrons teach us about photography, fly fishing and fly tying, crocheting, and knowledge about wine. Please contact the library if you want to share your expertise with others!
We hope 2016 will be an exciting year at BCL! Some other events to keep an eye out for:
Springtime nature programWine and Chocolate – moved to April
Basket Social/Raffle and Bake Sale event
Bus Trip to NYCYogaQuilt raffle
You can contact us by following us on Facebook, call us at 610-682-7115 or email us at brandywinecl@berks.lib.pa.us. We can also add you to our monthly newsletter so you can get monthly updates!
In closing, I just want to say how much I love being a part of this community and being able to help out in any way I can to keep our library open for current and future generations to enjoy for a long time. Again, the staff and board are here to help and your suggestions and continued support of the Brandywine Community Library are greatly appreciated every day. Thank you.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and New Year!
We’ll see you soon and Good Reading!
Michelle Herman for the Brandywine Community Library
