Looking at the past year

It's that time of year that we all look back over the past year at our accomplishments (or lack of). We are no different here at the library. We were curious to see where we were a year ago, and how we got where we are now. We had made a few plans for the year, and were interested to see whether we had been able to work on the plans, or whether life had gotten in the way - as it has the nasty habit of doing.

I had started the year talking about our plans at going green and remarkably, we did make some real progress. We have reduced the number of notices we mail and print - saving paper that way. We have introduced a very successful recycling program for our daily trash. So successful that we now have easily 3 times as much waiting for the recycling pick-up each week than we have waiting for the garbage pick-up. We reduced the temperature in the winter and raised the temperature in the summer with not much complaint - except for some of those really hot days. We found a non-profit that will pick up our old computer equipment for reuse or recycling. The books that don't sell in our book sales are now being passed on to another non-profit that distributes them around the world. So we are kind of proud of our successes, but are well aware of the long way we need to go, so we will continue the green challenge in the new year.

We were one of the first libraries in the state to offer a circulating Kill-a-Watt tester so that our users could find out what the power usage for their appliances was, and to help find ways to cut back on power use. Just recently, we received 6 more as part of a state library/NH utility companies initiative so that we now have plenty for our patrons. We added significantly to our collection on how to curb your power usage, how to live more 'green', how to do business in a green way, and how to invest in a green future. So we did a bit to help everyone have the opportunity to become a bit more thoughtful when using natural resources.

We also wanted to make the library a bit more welcoming. I think we have some achievements that we can point to. There is that nice comfortable reading area in the back off of the reference department. We made another seating area right in front of the desk, nestled between a new display table and the paperbacks. We gave the children's room a fresh paint job that has perked up the room and the spirits of everyone using the room. We made new signage, cleaned the carpets, created a puzzle table and got a nice big flag to welcome you to the library. We also started a quarterly newsletter to let you know what all is going on at the library. We streamlined the process for booking museum passes so that the process is quick and easy. We got receipt printers that have made the checkout process a bit quicker and easier too. Now you can really know exactly what you have out and when it is due. We moved some of the collections around (not too many and not too much) so that there is more room for what many of you are looking for. So there has been some progress, but again, there is much that we can do in the coming year.

We are kind of proud of what we accomplished this year, as each of you must be thinking about yourself, your family and friends. Even if it is just making it through the year, considering what 2009 challenged us all with, it is an accomplishment to be proud of. Now we can all start fresh with a new year and a new decade.

Giving thanks, giving back

This Saturday (the 12th) is the Library Board of Trustees annual Holiday Tea. This event is the trustees way of thanking the community for supporting the library. It is a delightful event offering good music and delicious treats. The music is a tradition - the Windham Flute Ensemble. They are planning an upbeat selection of Holiday favorites. Enjoy the music while selecting from a wide variety of teas, hot chocolate and cider, fine pastries and cookies. Join us between 1 and 3.

But what is important is that the Board of Trustees takes the opportunity to thank the community, to give back. And what more appropriate time of year? It seems right during this traditional season of giving to give back and consider ways to express your caring for others.

There is another tradition that is all about caring for others that the Kelley Library has long embraced and will continue this year. We put up a tree in the children's department and one upstairs and decorate them simply, with lights and candy canes. The candy canes can be taken and enjoyed, but only when you give something to our community. The children's tree is for donations of warm mittens, gloves and scarves. These articles of clothing are then passed along to the Salvation Army to give to those in our community who need them. The tree on the main level trades candy canes for food donations. These donations are passed along to several food banks here in Salem, offering a helping hand in these tough times.

So come to the Holiday Tea and enjoy an afternoon of fine music. And next time you come to the library, consider helping your neighbor with a food or mitten donation. We will give you a sweet thanks - remember to take a candy cane.