February’s Note from the Director
Hello February! It’s Love your Library month!
I hope everyone has had a chance to cuddle up with a good book during the snow we had last month. This month why not check out a pair of snowshoes from our Library of Things and get outside? Nature breaks are a great way to get moving and to take time to notice the beauty around us.
This snowy season is also legislative season for libraries as the statewide budgeting process is in full swing. Massachusetts is fortunate to have a strong network of libraries headed up by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC helps libraries at the local level in several ways. State Aid provides funding directly to certified libraries each year. Additional funding is provided to library networks which helps provide technology and resource-sharing services. Without that help, our library would not be able to afford membership in our library network, MVLC, nor would it be a part of the statewide delivery system that allows patrons to borrow books and materials that our library doesn’t have. These are just a few of the ways our state organization assists all of us in Manchester, so at this time of year, we work to make sure that assistance doesn’t disappear.
This year, you can help us let legislators know how much the library means to you by telling your library story. Go to lovemasslibraries.com to share how the library has helped you. When you let them know why you love the library, you will be letting us know as well. We will be collecting your stories, too, to help us shape the library’s future in our next strategic plan.
Speaking of plans, check out our very full February calendar of events. We’ve got something for everyone going on. Are you participating in the Mass Center for the Book’s Adult Reading Challenge (Mass Center for the Book and all their lit-loving activities are also funded by MBLC)? This month’s challenge is to read a book with the name of a city in the title. Not sure what to read? Come on down to the library and we’ll help you find a great choice!