NEWS AND UPDATES FROM
THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY!
With COVID 19 restrictions, FOL events in the library have been put on hold and our bus trips have been postponed. However, the Book Nook and Butterfly Garden committees have been busy despite the need to wear masks and social distance. Read further to see what they have been up to.
BOOK NOOK NEWS

When the MFP Library opened on June 1, the Book Nook was ready and open for business. Lots of good fiction, non-fiction and kids books at reasonable prices. Just what you need when you are spending more time at home. Take advantage of the library's new seniors only hours (9 to 10 am, M-F), stop in and browse what is available.
Book donations are now being accepted by the library. They quarantine all donations for three days, then evaluate the books for use in the library's collection. They give the books they cannot use to the FOL for the Book Nook.
At the May 20 FOL Board Meeting, the Board voted to provide 90% of the new Book Nook proceeds each month to the library. These funds will be used toward the $14,400 cost of electronic books for the library's digital collection. The first payment was given to the library for the January through April period--$3750.06, a good start for the project.
GARDEN GREETINGS
Many thanks to Clare Helminiak and Gene Carnicom for all their hard work on the Butterfly Garden. Comal Master Gardeners were unable to work in the gardens because Texas A&M extended all garden closures through mid-June. Over the course of several weeks, Clare and Gene planted over 350 plants purchased by the FOL. Now the garden is a beautiful space for the butterflies and hummingbirds.

Summer work days are July 23 and August 27 from 8 to 10 am. If you are able to assist in the garden work days, please bring your own tools. It is best to use a dedicated weeding or plastic tool as it is very easy to nick the drip irrigation lines with any tool with a serrated or sharp edge. Connie Shepard, CMG Extension Agent, and the Texas A&M Master Gardener Program have issued the following rules for the Comal Master Gardener Association:
  • No more than 10 workers in the garden
  • Stay 6 feet apart
  • Wear a mask
  • People over 65 who are more at risk are advised to remain at home
Thank you for your appreciation of these rules and respecting everyone's health.
Most of the plant labels for the plants already planted are installed. We have many more labels for future plants. Clare has purchased the wildflower seeds for fall planting this year, and she hopes to have some additional plants for the water feature very soon. A memorial bench for Lee Franzel has been ordered and will be installed soon.
Stay healthy! Please walk through the garden and visit the plants.
BIG GIVE
The Big Give will be held September 10, 2020. This has been one of our major fundraisers for the last few years, and it will be especially important this year. Originally, the FOL said donations will be used for Eagle Scout projects. However, during the time the library was closed for COVID 19, the demand for electronic books and other digital media greatly increased. Therefore, the Friends have now designated BIG GIVE donations to assist the library improve the digital content available for patrons. We appreciate your support in this effort. Of course, donations are appreciated all year round!!
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
T he library's Summer Reading Program is now underway. Susan and her staff have done an amazing job with setting up a variety of online programs to satisfy everyone--children, teens and adults. Check out the Summer Reading Portal for all the online activities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Show your support for the library staff by remembering to wear your masks and sanitize your hands when entering the building. Let's keep our staff members, volunteers, Friends, and patrons safe.
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