I apologize for the absence of last week’s column, but when I opened my office door on October 1st, I had hornets flying around and crawling up the windows.  Since we are a library we did look them up and found out that they were European Hornets who can sting multiple times and spray venom.  It took three tries and four days before the exterminators killed off their source and the left-over hornets.  So, I was out of my office and unable to access my computer or my phone for most of last week.

               

The renovation project is almost complete; there are some minor issues with delayed lighting fixtures, but otherwise the ceilings and flooring are all done.  We still have boxes stacked everywhere that we must unload, and areas to shift, so work continues.  We are adding lighting in the children’s area as well as additional lighting near the DVDs and magazines in the next few weeks.

               

An open house to celebrate our new look is tentatively scheduled for December 6th with a performance of the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band.  Please mark that date on your calendar.

               

Most of our patrons have been adapting to our constantly changing conditions this summer and so have observed the new lighting and flooring as it was installed.  I want to thank you for all your patience and your positive comments.  We think one woman’s comment that the new entryway feels like an “embrace” has so far been our favorite.

               

Programming was limited due to the lack of the conference room, but the schedule is starting to fill back up.  Tea & Talk on Mondays at 1 p.m. is busy discussing the latest season of “Poldark” on PBS.  A new craft group, “The Nesting Knitters,” is meeting on Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m.  Anyone interested in knitting or crochet are invited to attend meetings and share ideas.  Advanced and beginner knitters are welcome.

               

Ereader Workshops continue October 9th and 18th at 2 p.m.  Registration is required, but bring your Kindle, iPad or Android device and your library card to learn how to download eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines from the library for free. 

               

Book Talk members will be discussing “If the Creek Don’t Rise” by Leah Weiss on Wednesday, October 17th at 4 p.m. and Read in Red members will be discussing “The Land of Shadows” by Rachel Howzell Hall on Friday, October 19th at noon.  To borrow copies of either books please see Joanne or Sarah.

               

And we will be holding our third annual “Red Talk: Death of a Rock Star” on Tuesday, October 23rd at 1 p.m.  Registration is required, but all are welcome to attend and enjoy the featured amateur acting and homemade three-course lunch.  Past imagined crime scenes included a winery and an office party.  This year we’re headed to a concert venue.

               

So, please stop in the library to see all the changes, pick up the brochures on our programs, and enjoy our new ambience.