Library holds book lovers Christmas celebration

On Monday evening the Friends of the Warren County Memorial Library entertained children from the local elementary schools in their second annual Book Lovers Christmas Celebration. 

Teachers were given the assignment of inviting two to three students from each second grade classroom in all the elementary schools for a special evening and refreshments at the Warren County Memorial Library.

Children chosen for this event were not chosen according to socio-economic status, grades or standing in the local school system or community. Their only requirement was a love of books and reading. 

Approximately two dozen students, their parents and some brothers and sisters were in attendance. Following a stop at the refreshment table laden with sandwiches, cookies, nuts, cheese, crackers, chips and dip along with Christmas punch the students were invited into the reading room where Rev. Kenny Davis of Wise Baptist Church read several selections for the assembled group.

Each student was given a gift of a hardcover book at the end of the program.

Friends of Warren County Memorial Library is an organization comprised of people interested in working and enhancing the programs of the Warren County Memorial Library. The organization focuses public attention on library resources and services. It works to receive and to encourage gifts, endowments, and bequests to the library.

Friends of Warren County Memorial Library supports and cooperates with the library in developing library services and facilities for the community. It also funds special program needs outside the library budget and provides volunteers for library activities.

One of the projects in the coming months is the revival of the Book Mobile, which was taken out of circulation several years ago. Dr. Sue Loper is hoping to receive a grant to assist in the funding of this project.

The Friends of the Library are planning to help with this project in order to serve the families of the county who may not be able to visit the library during regular business hours.

Other projects planned by the library and which the Friends of the Library will be assisting an Oral History Project with Rev. Canon Ted Malone pastor of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church serving as chairman. This project will involve taped interviews with local adults of all ages discussing their memories of Warren County in previous time.

A photography project of local history with Richard Hunter, the Warren County clerk of superior court as the chairman, is planned. This will consist of photographs of businesses and other structures that have existed in Warren County.

A craftsman’s registry with Peggy Richardson of the Warren County Economic Development office serving as chair will highlight a variety of area artists and craftsmen. This group will include people who produce special products such as bluebird houses, berries, grapes, pottery, honey, homemade aprons and quilts and anything that can be homemade.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the local Friends of the Warren County Memorial Library, or wantingt to volunteer for programs through the library, should call call Dr. Sue Loper at 257-4990.