At the Raymond Village Library - By Sally Holt

 “Whether the issue is education, economic development, or access to broadband, small and rural libraries are important communications hubs for people in small towns and rural locations.” Susan H. Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In October, the library catalog went live and the check out process changed from using cards and a date due stamp to using a scanner to check out books. Patrons with library cards can now see what they have borrowed, have ready access to their library history and can renew books online from personal computers. This new process allows for more efficiency and accuracy in many ways which is beneficial to the patron , library staff and volunteers. A bonus is that we get to spend more time assisting people who enter the library and can offer other library services.

Last week we began “van service.” If a book in not available in the library a request form may be filled out and in most cases the book will be delivered by the “van service” available through the Maine State Library System, the next week. This valuable service is free of charge. There are cases where we will need to go through the mail to get a title, however, but that is a choice the patron can make. 

Each year, in celebration of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the Raymond Village Library hosts a party at the gym of the Raymond Elementary School. It includes games, puzzles, crafts, storytelling, prizes and a lot of exciting fun for everyone. There is no age limit, the evening is planned as a family event including special toddler activities. It all begins at 6:30 p.m., so plan a family night out and mark your calendars to join in the fun!

The last game day was so much fun and those attending want more, so there is another scheduled for Sunday, March 9 beginning at 1 p.m. at the library. For students eight years or older and there is no required registration. Just come and bring your friends. All kinds of games are available or bring your favorite game to share. Yummy refreshments will be available, including pizza. For more information, call the library at 655-4283.

We are pleased to have Carol Manchester of Windham, Maine as a guest speaker at the Raymond Village Library, 3 Meadow Road, Route 121, on Wednesday, March 12.

Several years ago, the letters of Joseph Manchester, an ancestor who died in the Civil War in 1863, were found in the attic of a family farmhouse. From these personal letters and her research, Carol has written an amazing book, “Joseph K. Manchester: Northern Son in the South, 1861-1863, His Letters, Family and Friends.”

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. – due to an anticipated large attendance we ask all those who wish to attend to pre-register by signing up at the library, calling the library at 655-4283 or emailing the library director at sally.holt@raymondvillagelibrary.org.