Ark Valley News - From the library

From the library
By Janice Sharp, director
Last Updated: February 16, 2017

Help maintain germ-free environment

Have you had a cold this month? Or do you have one now? Please do not bring your cold to the library staff. So far most of us have been lucky (knock on wood) and not been sick beyond a runny nose, which we've attributed to allergies. If you notice that the library closes without much notice, it will be because too many staff members are ill.

Our library board has been very specific that we must have a minimum of two staff members here to be open. We try to clean the door handles, counters, tables, computer keyboards and anything that is touched by our hands as well as the hands of patrons. We clean all library materials after they are checked in and prior to shelving. We certainly make every effort to maintain a germ-free environment.

The adult mystery dinner theater will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 18. Reservations for attendance were to be in by 6 p.m. Feb. 13. This event is a free program. Food is being provided by library staff.

Our next monthly coffee or cocoa will be held on Feb. 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with our firemen. We'll have some handouts for the kids and refreshments for everyone. Come with your questions and/or comments for our local firemen.

We have scheduled several amnesty days in the coming months. Watch for a sign on the door or check on Facebook for the chosen day. Bring in your items with current fines and we'll waive them from your record. P.S. the next amnesty day is Feb. 20.

Dr. Seuss' birthday is March 2. Would your child like to make a birthday card to celebrate his birthday? We'll have supplies out for children to make a card. We'll display them until March 4, then you may pick them up.

The design committee for the new facility has been busy with interior details. Our currently scheduled meeting is Feb. 15. We'll know soon when they will break ground and an estimated time for moving. The excitement is building!

Have you ever wondered if the charity information you receive in the mail is from a legitimate charity? I receive mailings from the IRS listserv -- the latest was about fake charities on the IRS "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for 2017. The IRS compiles the list annually and can be found on the IRS.gov site by going to exempt organizations select check. Legitimate charities will have an EIN — Employer Identification Number — that can be used to verify their status. You may also check to make sure donations would be tax-deductible.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb. 15 – Design committee meeting.

Feb. 18 – Adult mystery dinner theater.

Feb. 20 – Amnesty day.

Feb. 21 – City council.

Feb. 23 – Cocoa with our firemen – 6:30 p.m.

March 2 – Dr. Seuss' birthday.