2 UPCOMING CLOSINGS EPL opens program registration at various times according to age group. Adult Programs: Registration opens simulatenously on January 5. Kid, Family Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date. Tween, Teen Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date. www.elyrialibrary.org A Note from the Director Library News Central West River Keystone South Outreach IN THIS ISSUE 2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10 11 PROGRAM REGISTRATION SUMMER READING PROGRAM Mark your calendar! May 26 - July 31 Staff Development May 1 Memorial Day May 25 DEAR FRIENDS, When I moved here from Michigan in 2008, I wouldn’t have believed that I would one day get to serve as the director of the library system that gave so much to my family and me. My now teenage daughters were born here at the hospital when it was EMH. I have a lot of good memories of that time, but I also remember struggles of balancing working, raising young children and trying to make ends meet without a big network of family and friends here yet. Elyria Public Library became my second home during my kids’ pre-school years. We looked forward to our visits to pick out books and play with the train set and the toy kitchen. I have warm memories of my kids bringing me plates of pretend food, and the librarians showing them books about whatever animal they were interested in after watching The Wild Kratts show. I knew EPL was a special place when the staff started to recognize us and remembered what we liked. I remember the day that Barb, a staff member who is still working here now, knew my name before looking up my card and asked where the girls were. It meant so much to me to feel I belonged, and I will never forget it. In a pretty challenging time in my life, that small steady connection I felt at EPL reminded me there is always a place where I would be welcomed. I was a patron long before I applied to work at EPL, and though my relationship with the library has evolved, that feeling of comfort and community is still the same. The new tagline “Always a Place for You” immediately resonated because that’s exactly what the library has always been for me, and I’m honored that I get to help make it that kind of place for others too. Our team today strives to be a warm and welcoming presence and show kindness every day. My colleagues in adult services at the West River location added a touch of hospitality to book club meetings with a coffee/tea cart, turning discussion into a cozy experience. And Leanne from our Outreach Team went the extra mile to make sure a homebound patron didn’t miss their weekend reads. Jen, a manager at Central, used her beginner sign language knowledge to assist a deaf patron. These small acts of care reflect our commitment to care and the “Patron First Promise” that we live by. What is your library story? If you are reading this and have a story of how someone at the library impacted your life, made your day, or helped you through a tough time, I would love to hear it! I also love to hear suggestions for the library, and welcome messages from the community by email or phone: jennifer.starkey@elyrialibrary.org / 440-322-0244. Hope to see you around, I’m usually at the Central Library and I like to hear from members of our community! Warmly, Jen Starkey
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