As we reflect on 2020 — where do we begin? Let’s get the elephant in the world out of the way: first and foremost -— COVID-19. Yes, it has changed us forever. It has brought us sickness, heartache, loneliness, fear and masks. Yet, in the midst of it all, it has brought compassion, helpfulness and thankfulness.
This article is not long enough to thank all the people and organizations that donated to the library this year. If we need pizza, it’s given. If we need donuts, they’re given. If we need prizes or items for programs, they’re given. If we need masks, they’re given. We want to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all who have donated to us this past year.
We also want to thank our patrons. We thank you for your patience and understanding during the curbside pick-up and the grab-and-go phases. We thank you for the encouragement you give us for “changing with the times.” We have great patrons at CDPL.
Now on to 2021 — where do we begin?
Let’s begin with adult activities. The Adult Winter Reading Program “Warm Winter Wishes,” began Dec. 26 and runs through Jan. 30. You may pick up a paper copy of the program or sign up online at cdpl.readsquared.com. There are weekly drawings for small prizes and a final prize. Please check our webpage (cdpl.lib.in.us), Facebook or Instagram for other live and recorded programs offered throughout the month.
The teens (ages 13-18) will have a reading challenge every month. The Teen Winter Reading Program going on now through Jan. 30 consists of a Bingo card with several small challenges in each square. You can pick up a card at the library by calling us at 765)-362-2242, ext.2, or if you prefer, email us at children@cdpl.lib.in.us and we’ll send one right out to you. There will be a new challenge each month starting in February. You can come get a challenge card each month, read and earn prizes. Don’t forget to check out our Instagram page (instagram.com/cdpl_teens).
Right now the Winter Reading Program is going on for children as well. We have a winter animal chart for children to record their time. We have charts available to pick up at the library or we can send you one via email. Call us at 765-362-2242, ext. 2, or email at children@cdpl.lib.in.us and we’ll get a chart sent out to you. Children read an amount of time (or adults read to preschoolers) in order to earn their prizes. Starting Jan. 4 we will have a packet program for the children every month. This is geared for ages 3-12. Each month we will be recording stories and sending them out via email. There will be an activity for each story. The items for the stories will be in a packet that may be picked up anytime from the youth services desk, just give us a call or email us and we will have them ready for you. Also, there will be a take and make craft available the first and third week of each month (while supplies last); you can pick up the craft, and take it home to make.
We hope many of you will take some time to enjoy some books this January during the Winter Reading Program and you’ll join us for one of the many programs mentioned.
We know our world won’t change instantly once 2021 arrives, but we have hope that easier times are coming. We wish all of you a Happy New Year.
Karen Record is the department head in Youth Services at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
