November 15, 2014

At the Library - By Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library



As a young school girl in the late 1960s, I would wake many mornings and hear country artist Glen Campbell playing on the radio. He had a stream of hits in the 60s and 70s and 80s including: Wichata Lineman, Galveston, By the Time I Get to Phoenix and Gentle On My Mind. I have not thought of Glenn Campbell in recent years but occasionally I would hear a song of his on the radio and be transported back to those early school days of mine. 

 Campbell, a five-time Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Famer went public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011, hoping to raise awareness about this devastating disease. Shortly after, Campbell announced he would head out on a three-to-five-week goodbye tour, but ended up completing 151 concerts over a year and a half. The journey is chronicled in a soon-to-be- released documentary, "Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me.", The number of Americans’ suffering from the disease could reach 16 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Two weeks ago my daughter and I visited Books A Million in Portland and, much to my daughter’s chagrin, I purchased a Glen Campbell CD, and since then I have been listening to the CD every time I am in my car. My daughter is not usually with me. 

One of my favorite Campbell songs is, “Gentle On My Mind” written by John Hartland and released in 1967. Hartland penned the song after viewing the film, Dr. Zhivago, a book written by Boris Pasternack. The song begins,” It's knowing that your door is always open. And your path is free to walk.” To me, these lyrics illustrate the mission of public libraries. The library is a place where anyone is welcome to enter and receive free and respectful service from the staff and volunteers. And even spend some time in November attending some library programs which include:

Pajama Story Time
We are so pleased to have, Maine Children’s author, Tamra Wight, at the Raymond Village Library’s Pajama Story Time at the library on Monday, November 10 at 6 p.m.

Tamra has written two books about the adventures of Cooper and Packrat, two friends who join together at a campground to solve mysteries. Her first book is Mystery on Pine Lake and book two in this series is Mystery of the Eagle’s Nest.

We invite kids of all ages and parents to come and enjoy the stories and refreshments. Be sure to come early and remember PJ’s are the recommended outfit for the evening. For more information call the library at 655-4283.

Knit and Crochet Party
We invite all knitters and those who crochet to the first Knit and Crochet Party held at the Raymond Village Library on Thursday, November 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come and socialize with others and make a hat, scarf, mittens or any other item you wish. Bring ideas and have fun sharing! Bring your own patterns and needles, if you have them. Refreshments will be served. 

The library is beginning a Needle and Hook Lending Library and already there is quite a collection of straight and circular needles, crochet hooks and a large stash of yarn, which can be crocheted or knitted by you. If you wish you can donate these items to the library to sell, in order to benefit the Knitting Needle/Crochet Hook Lending Library.

Annual Tree Lighting
The Annual Tree Lighting will take place on the library lawn Sunday, November 30 at 5 p.m. This community event is sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club in conjunction with the Raymond Village Library and begins the holiday season each year in Raymond. All are invited to attend: Carolers will entertain and refreshments are available. There will be a special story time beginning in the library at 4:30pm, conducted by Lisa Davison, youth services assistant.

For more information about library events and activities, email sally.holt@auburnpubliclibrary.org or call phone 655-4283.




No comments:

Post a Comment