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We had a successful summer here at the library, sometimes chaotic but always fun. We stay busy during the summer so that more people walk in the door to find a wonderful book to read. Reading is the heart of what we do. Good news, this year our kids reading program had a 33% increase in reading log turn ins. That means even more kids are reading and completing their logs than last year. Perhaps you have read reports lately that show that reading for pleasure is down 40% across the country. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-20/reading-for-pleasure-on-steep-decline-study-finds
That’s rather heartbreaking for someone like me that has been putting books in excited hands for all of my career. Allowing yourself the downtime to read can seem like a chore, or something that is only an indulgence. In an age of constant automation, and electronic distraction how do we have so little time for the simple joy of reading? We will continue to do our part here at the library by bringing in new books, hosting more programs to encourage reading and connecting new and old readers to a book that they never even knew they would love.
This month we are incredibly busy with new programs and the return of favorites. One of our all-time favorites is our Grandparents Day celebration on Saturday September 6. Did you know that Grandparents Day was founded by WV native Marian McQuade. Who is the mother of our very own Board of Trustees member Ruth McQuade. Ruth will be missing our celebration this year because she will be dedicating a historical marker placed in honor of her mother in Oak Hill, WV. Ruth writes, “Recently a historical marker was installed in Oak Hill, WV, honoring Marian McQuade, a former resident of Fayette County, as the founder of National Grandparents Day. The establishment of this holiday was the result of a long campaign by Ms. McQuade to create a day to honor grandparents and their contributions to family and society. National Grandparents day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This historical marker is one of approximately 1000 historical markers around the state. Historical markers are managed by the WV Division of Culture and History.” Congratulations to Ruth and her family. We hope you can celebrate your grandparents and special people in your life this month with us.
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