Newsletter I DECEMBER 2024

President's Message

As we approach the end of another year, we want to take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful things our group has accomplished—and share our excitement for what’s to come. Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated board members and volunteers, generous supporters, and community members like you, our library continues to be a vibrant hub of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Your generosity allows us to make a real difference in the lives of those who rely on the library for books, resources, and community programs. We are so thankful for each and every one of you who help make these events, programs, and initiatives possible.

We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas Luncheon and throughout the coming year. Mark your calendar for our first meeting of 2025: Tuesday, February 11th because Joy Hosey has another exciting program planned! More information can be found on our website, on our facebook page and in our amazing newsletters…all created by the uber talented Carrie Pickell! Together, we are making a lasting impact on our community—thank you for being part of it!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with joy, peace, and plenty of good books.

Merry! Merry!

Kathleen

From one of my all time Christmas favorites, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson…

“Since Gladys was the only one in the pageant who had anything to say she made the most of it: “Hey! Unto you a child is born!” she hollered, as if it was, for sure, the best news in the world. And all the shepherds trembled, sore afraid—of Gladys, mainly, but it looked good anyway.”

And, truly it was the best news in the world.

Membership Drive in Full Swing!

Our Individual and Business Membership Drive is going strong thanks to Susan Sisto and Jen Lewis! We are excited to welcome new business members to our growing network of supporters. When local businesses become Friends of the Library, they not only invest in the future of our community but also receive special benefits and recognition. Your support helps us fund programs and maintain the vital services that keep our library thriving. If you haven’t yet signed up, now is the perfect time to get involved!

A member directory will be published based on membership as of December 31st for the 2025 calendar year!

Memberships may be paid online by clicking below or at any of the Friends meetings.

If you have questions, please email friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com or contact Jen Lewis at 214-326-8124.

Click here to join NOW for the 2025 year!

Flannels & FRIENDSgiving: A Huge Success!

We are still basking in the glow of our Friends & Flannels event, which was a tremendous success! A big thank you to Leigh Wilcoxson and Shannon Wilson for their tireless dedication to making this event such a hit. Their hard work and passion for the library truly shone through in every detail, from the cozy flannel theme to the wonderful turnout. It was a fantastic way to celebrate our community and support our library—thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a memorable day! Huge shout out to Lesli Johnson who was quick to step up in my absence and Karen Frederick and Lea Carlson who are always the first to lend a hand when asked! Our board members ROCK!

Christmas Luncheon: A Spectacular Celebration Ahead!

The holiday season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited for our upcoming Christmas Luncheon, which promises to be more spectacular than ever! A heartfelt thank you to Kathleen Broze and her hardworking committee for all the planning and preparation they’ve put into making this event truly magical. We can’t wait to gather together, share in the Christmas spirit, and celebrate the season with good friends, delicious food, and incredible entertainment. Definitely be on the lookout for Darlene Reed wearing the GORGEOUS bracelet that will be raffled off that day, too!

Raffle Tickets will be sold day of Christmas luncheon or contact Darlene Reed at

214-384-5198.

Spring 2025 Dates:

February 11 FOL Meeting with Lunch & Speaker/Author Paul Box

Click here to buy February Luncheon ticket

Author and Marathon runner Paul Box will tell us about his book:

Running 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days and how the life-shaping physical and spiritual adventure has forever changed him. From running in the blistering cold winds of Antarctica to the sun bathed beaches of Dubai, these seven days taught Paul the importance of endurance and how it impacts every facet of his life. He struggled, bled, and fought alongside 55 others as we ran the globe on icy runways, along beautiful cobblestone streets and moonlit beaches. Throughout the journey he was strengthened and encouraged by his faith, in himself, and love for others.

He lives in Waxahachie, Texas where he works as a Financial Advisor and and trains with a wonderful group of friends since 2010. Paul has completed over 60 marathons or ultra-marathons with plenty more to come. He also serves as the race director for the Hachie 50 Ultra Marathon. His family co-founded a local non-profit, Walk In Love, where they aim to meet the practical needs of those living within their community. So please join us on February 11^th to hear about his remarkable journey!

Tickets available January 1, 2025.

April 8 FOL Meeting with Lunch & Speaker/Author Samantha Horwitz

May 13 FOL Annual Meeting with Lunch & Rebecca Blackwood, Dallas Book Reviewers

Name Tags for Members!

Magnetic Name Tags are available for members for $7.00. Click button below to order.

Nametags are plastic with a magnetic backing. Paper stick on nametags will always be available at Friends meetings.

Nametags ordered by November 5th will be available at the November 12th Fundraiser.

Click Here and scroll to end of events page to order a Name Tag

Friends Book Club meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 9:30 at the library. Contact Joan Wells or Gloria Daniels for more information at FriendsRockwallCountyLibrary@gmail.com.

2025

January – The Women by Kristen Hannah

February – The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts

March – 13 Days to Glory: The Siege of the Alamo by Lon Tinkle

April – Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

May – What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline

June – First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Library Hours:

Monday 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Tuesday 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Wednesday 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Thursday 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Friday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Sunday - Closed

Rockwall County Library website

DECEMBER Children's Program Calendar

DECEMBER Adult Program Calendar

Literacy Center

The Adult Literacy Program has convenient class schedules, including weekend mornings and select evening classes. Tutors are local volunteers and there are no fees for the program classes. There is a small fee for books.

If you have any interest in volunteering as a tutor, please contact the Literacy Center at (972) 204-7705 or email ngoodsell@rockwallcountytexas.com.

Book Alcove

The Book Alcove is accepting book donations every day the Library is open.

Suggested donations are collected and used for library programs. The selection is ever changing, come take a look and bring some books to donate too.

FICTION TITLES ARE NEEDED!

Friends of the Library is proud to partner with Meals on Wheels Senior Services to offer homebound clients books through the Book Alcove. Lynn Fate manages this program and carefully selects books per genre or title requests and they are delivered each month with meal delivery. Donations matter. Keep this in mind as you clean out your collections.

*Fiction titles and large print books are in demand for this program. If you have any to donate, please take to the Library and mark them as "Meals on Wheels." They can be left with the Circulation Desk.

If you are interested in serving on the Friends of the Library Board for the 2025-2026 year, please email FriendsRockwallCountyLibrary@gmail.com. You must be a member of FOL to serve on a committee or board.

The one year term begins June 1st, 2025.

2024-2025 Friends of the Library Board

President - Kathleen Evans

President Elect - Lesli Johnson

1st VP Programs - Joy Hosey

2nd VP's Fundraising and Special Events - Leigh Wilcoxson and Shannon Wilson

3rd VP's Membership - Jen Lewis and Susan Sisto

4th VP Business Membership - Darlene Reed

5th VP Communication - Carrie Pickell

Secretary - Lea Carlson

Treasurer - Karen Frederick

Parliamentarian - Kathleen Broze