STAFFORD  — November is known as “Giving November.” The Bible has many thoughts on giving summarized in this thought, The Bible teaches that giving is a vital part of faith and an act of worship that should be done generously, cheerfully, and voluntarily. The motivation for giving should stem from a heart of love and gratitude for God’s provision, not obligation or a desire for human recognition.

According to Google, one reason for “Giving November” is because,“Holiday traditions: The strong association with Thanksgiving, a holiday centered on gratitude, and the subsequent lead-up to other holidays creates a cultural atmosphere of generosity and charity in November.”

Another factor, of course, is the ability to see the end of the fiscal year and taking advantage of tax breaks with gifts to non-profits.

There are many reasons to give. Nora E. Larabee Library has been graced by the giving of people that love our library and want to support the Stafford community. We are grateful “To the Moon and Back”!

If you are looking for another way to give, we have contacted the school and asked what the school needs to help support the students. Personal hygiene items are needed such as :

• Deodorant

• Shower gel and/or soap

• Shampoo

• Leggings for MS/HS girls sizes XSmall to XXXLarge

• Underwear for lower elementary

• Boxes of Kleenix for classrooms

Bring any of these items you would like to share to the library during library hours. Thank you!

Recently Read

The Recently Read book group met in October and we had a lively conversation on a variety of books!

• “The Power of One” by Bryce Coutenay

• D-Day Girls by Sarah Rose -Spies who armed the Resistance -True Story

• Portrait of a Marriage by Pearl Buck

• The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

• Two Old Women by Velma Wallis - An Alaskan Legend

• The Co-Worker by Freida McFadden

• Code Name Helena by Ariel Lawhon - True Story

• The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg

• The Porcelain Menagerie by Jillian Forsberg

• The Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiveriani

• Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel

• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

• The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson

• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

• Hunted by Abir Mukherjee

• Books by Jojo Moyes — too many titles to list. Many of her titles have been enjoyed from our library collection and the State Library Card.

The next meeting will be Nov, 25 at 5:30 p.m.

Smart Technology

I am excited about our Smart Technology workshop on Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Jennifer from the K-State Extension is going to help us learn to use our technology to monitor and improve our health and to stay active. Coupon Queens of the past generation do you know how to utilize Digital Coupons? Come find out how to save money with your smart phone and digital coupons. The workshop is free. A reservation is not needed but it would be helpful to know how to set-up the room.

Coming events

• Monday Mornings 10-11 a.m. - Preschool Story Hour

• Every Wednesday except 2nd Wednesday - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval, 6 p.m.

• November - Bring items for the school.

• Nov. 13 9 a.m. - Bear Hunt for Mrs. Mink’s preschool class.

• Nov. 19 - Medicare Plan D sign-up. MUST CALL for an appointment!

• November and December - We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the library! Bring your children and join us at your leisure!

• Early Bird Giving is going on Dec. 2 is Giving Tuesday.

• Next Board Meeting: Nov. 12.

Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.