What kind of community do people in Rosendale want to live in? When the library asked residents this question, what we heard over and over is people want to live in a community that is socially connected, where they feel a sense of belonging, and where there are opportunities for creative expression and lifelong learning.  It is easy to calculate the impact of $50 per year on a household budget. It is difficult to calculate the value of having a publicly owned space where new horizons open through learning, and where lifelong friendships are forged through weekly or monthly group activities or casual encounters.

 

This coming Tuesday, June 9, registered voters in Rosendale will have a chance to vote on a modest addition to the library that will significantly improve the ways people can use the library for generations to come.  The polls are open from noon to 8 p.m., and people are welcome to vote absentee if they will be away, or if mobility is a concern. Please make a plan for Tuesday June 9. This investment in community infrastructure is a community decision. The more people’s voices are heard, the better.

 

Our summer reading program kickoff will be on Friday, June 19th at the Widow Jane Mine at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are invited to this bubble play party with free ice cream cones. As usual, everyone who signs up for the summer reading program (including adults) will get to choose a free book for their home library, and will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including gift certificates to Postmark Books.

 

There are many important reasons to encourage summer reading. When kids don’t read over the summer, their reading levels decline, such that they typically start the school behind, whereas those who read maintain or improve their reading levels. Aside from improving academic outcomes, through books kids can discover a wide world of stories and adventures that help us learn a bit more about what it means to be human.