STAFFORD — Monday morning was a fun time in the library! We had “Story, Color, Cookie Time” with Stafford Economic Development. A fun time was had by preschoolers and valuable information exchanges by day care owners and Stafford Economic Development. The fun morning ended with an indoor snowball fight. Thanks to all that attended. Next Monday, Jan. 27, will be Preschool Story Hour at 10 a.m.

Sandy and I have been working on the Yearly Library Report for the State. It does have us looking back at how we have improved through the  year of 2024 and how we can do even better in 2025. We appreciate that the community is using the library more and more each year. Please keep in mind all the services we offer: great book, Great Bend Tribune, computers, printer/scanner/copier, shred box, State Library Card, Wi-Fi, a place to spend time to relax and also to learn new things, check out a DVD for entertainment or a puzzle to keep your mind engaged this winter. Extra Fun events like:

• January 2025 Book Challenge began and ends April 1.

• Jan. 20th, 10-11 a.m. Story Hour 

• Jan. 21, 5:30-6:30 Recently Reading! Come share your latest read. Help us get an “asked for evening” off the ground. Share your latest read and find ideas for a new one. 

• Jan. 22 the new Rotating Collection will be delivered. 

• Feb. 5, 5:30-7 p.m. Save the Date for Valentine Art with Nancy Hildebrand. Nancy will help you design unique gift bags and she has invited Jennifer Gleason to give a demonstration on pretzel and cookie decoration. Nita Keenan will also have decorated sugar cookies available for purchase. Sign up to enjoy the fun. Up to 10 people can take the class but everyone is welcome to watch the demonstration or buy cookies. Nancy is also going to have “Make your own gift bag” packets to take home and craft.

• Look forward to an event in March with Jennifer Gleason. She is planning on an evening combining sourdough bread making with tools to help your day’s activities easier.

• The First Friday committee is busy lining up great evenings for our community to enjoy. At this time I think the months are April, May, June & August on the first Friday of every month.  Plan to attend fun evenings at Nora’s Place and enjoy events with your community. Save the dates.

Next Board Meeting: Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. 

Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.comor visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.