by Lisa Greybill, director

Last month, we celebrated Thanksgiving.  And the Columbia Public Library has much to be thankful for……as seen by the kindness of the folks of our service area in donating money, time, and equipment to keep our library running smoothly.  Our annual fund drive is now in full swing – as of this date, $3,361 has been donated to our library operations.  Of equal importance are our faithful volunteers who give countless hours to provide you with books, movies, computer access, copy and fax service, and reference help.  Kudos also go to our Literacy Council volunteers, who give of their time to provide instruction for ESL and GED classes.  I could name many names – but some folks prefer to keep their generosity anonymous, as seen in the following paragraph.

I walked into my office one morning last month and discovered a brand new (still in its box!) Toshiba DVD / VCR combo player.  I discovered from Sam that this was a very generous gift from a donor who chooses to remain anonymous.  I would certainly like to thank this person, as the retail value of the machine is $80.00.  It is the perfect item for our Family Film Nights, Summer Reading presenter needs, and I am sure we will find many other uses!  From all of us at the Columbia Public Library, thank you very much for this thoughtful and much needed donation.  The community of Columbia will certainly benefit from your kindness!

It just wouldn’t be December without our annual Mitten Tree!  Columbia has always proven itself to be the “little town with a big heart” as many donations are always received for this annual event.  Last year, over 300 items were donated to needy families in the Columbia area.  Once again, we can use mittens, hats, gloves, scarves, purses, earmuffs, umbrellas, and socks!  Campaign runs from Monday, November 21 through Friday, December 16.

The following churches have been so kind as to accept donations from us to be distributed to area children and families:

• St. John’s Lutheran Church (special thanks to Mrs. Jean Phiel)
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (special thanks to Danielle Peters and Sue Ohler)

The churches will arrange to distribute the donations at schools, daycares, and the rotating shelter.  Thank you in advance for your help with this worthwhile project!  Both handmade and purchased items are welcome.

Last January, we tried a new program which allowed people to donate to their local food bank while paying off any outstanding fines.  We are happy to announce that this program will be in effect again for a two week period this coming January.  Titled “Food For Fines”, the program consists of bringing in nonperishable food items for the Columbia Food Bank.  Personal hygiene items for the traveling winter shelter will also be collected.   Each item donated will allow the donor to have $1.00 removed from their outstanding library fines.  Of course, people who have no fines are certainly welcome to donate as well!  Specific needs and exact dates in January will be published soon.  This program is happening strictly at the Columbia Library…..food donations for fine forgiveness will not be accepted at other libraries during this time.

Are you looking for a fun night out while getting some Christmas shopping done at the same time?  ACE Hardware (Columbia Center, by McDonalds) is holding a “Ladies Night” for Christmas shopping on Wednesday, December 14, between 7 and 9 PM.  I will be selling like new hardback and paperback books that evening.  Hardback books are $3.00, larger sized paperbacks are $2.00, and smaller (mass market) paperbacks are only $1.00.  These books are in pristine condition and priced for gift giving!  Children’s books will be for sale, as well.  If you can’t attend the Wednesday night sale, we have our book sale running year round at all hours the library is open.  Please stop in and check some gifts off your list!

Santa will have many good gifts in his bag for the citizens of Columbia during the month of December.  New books coming this month:

Red Mist (Kay Scarpetta) by Patricia Cornwell

DC Dead (Stone Barrington) by Stuart Woods

77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz

Locked On by Tom Clancy

Down the Darkest Road by Tami Hoag

Death Benefit by Robin Cook

New feature films arriving in December:

The Help starring Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, and Bryce Dallas Howard.  Based on the blockbuster bestseller by Kathryn Stockett dealing with racial tension in1960’s Mississippi, this is one movie that is “as good as the book was”!  This year’s One Book, One Community selection.

Cars 2 featuring the voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, and Michael Caine.  Race car Lightning McQueen and his friend Mater the tow truck leave Radiator Springs to compete in Europe’s World Grand Prix.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.   The battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war.   Harry may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort.

Water For Elephants starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson.  Against all odds, a veterinary student and a beautiful circus performer from a bygone era meet and fall in love through their shared compassion for a special elephant. But their secret romance incurs the wrath of her dangerously volatile husband.  Based on the best selling book by Sara Gruen.

Speaking of films, our Family Film Nights for December feature a holiday theme:

 Wednesday, December 7:  “Santa Buddies”

Wednesday, December 14:  “The Muppet Christmas Carol”

Wednesday, December 21:  “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure”

Wednesday, December 28:  “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”

All Family Films begin at 6 PM on Wednesdays.

Due to low attendance on Saturday mornings, we are going to try moving our story time to Monday evenings at 6 PM.  Storyteller will be Mrs. Coni Haas, a former teacher from York County.  Mrs. Haas volunteers at our library every Monday afternoon, so some of you may already have met her!  She will be visiting the Head Start classes with me in November, so that local children will get to know her.  Coni loves reading aloud and is very much looking forward to meeting the children and sharing stories with them!

Coni’s stories for December

Monday, December 5:  “Frosty and His Snow Friends”

Monday, December 12:  “A Happy Hanukkah Celebration”

Monday, December 19:  “A Merry Christmas With Jan Brett”

Monday, December 26:  closed

Monday, January 2, 2012: closed

Monday evening story times begin at 6 PM

Join us in another joint venture with the Columbia Historical Preservation Society (CHPs).  Glenn S. Banner, the author of Flames Across the Susquehanna, would like to provide a FREE autographed copy of his book about the burning of the bridge prior to the Battle of Gettysburg for young people ages 9-16.  But – you have to earn it by completing a scavenger hunt!  Students MUST be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult guardian.  The hunt will be held throughout the CHPs building on 19 North Second Street on the following dates:  Sunday, December 4; Sunday, December 11; and Sunday, December 18.  Hours are 1 to 4 PM on each date.

The library will be closed the following dates for Christmas and New Year’s Day:

Saturday, December 24

Monday, December 26

Saturday, December 31

Monday, January 2, 2012

We wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday season!