The bottom line is that we will take a financial hit from    

            the pandemic, but it will not be a disaster.

   

By Les Peat, Treasurer

These are tough times for everyone and the library is no exception. The value of its endowment had just achieved a record high as of January 1st, when suddenly the market collapsed and all of our recent gains disappeared. Since then, the market has recovered somewhat, and as of the end of April, we were down about 10% for the year, putting us back to about where we were in August of 2018. We hope that once we return to the "new normal," whatever that may turn out to be, we will see a further increase in the value of our holdings.  For now, the endowment continues to furnish about two-thirds of our operating funds, and there is no immediate danger that this will have to change.

Another major source of operating funds is the annual Membership Campaign. On this front, the news is not so good. As of May 15th, the total raised was substantially below our usual goal of $40,000. The shortfall is attributable primarily to a decline in large contributions, on which we have been heavily dependent in recent years. Some of this decline came about as a result of unfounded negative publicity, some has resulted from attrition among older donors, and some is simply unaccounted for.  

This is certainly not a good time to ask for gifts, but for any of you who have not joined or renewed your memberships, or who are in a position to make additional gifts before the Campaign ends on June 30th, contributions would be most welcome. You can click here for a Campaign donor form.

The third largest source of operating funds is our annual events - the July Book and Plant Sale and the fall Spaghetti Supper. At this time it appears doubtful that we will be able to hold either of them at their usual times and in their usual formats unless the pandemic unexpectedly and abruptly reverses course.

For all of this, the news is not all bad. One bit of good news is that, like other Cape libraries, we have received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the federal government. These funds will be expended for staff salaries (which we have continued to pay during the closure) and other expenses such as utilities, and the loan will then become a grant. This will somewhat make up for the shortfall in operating revenue.

The bottom line is that we will take a financial hit from the pandemic, but it will not be a disaster. We are beginning to plan for our phased reopening, and while we cannot yet predict with any certainty when it will occur, it surely will occur and our new reality will be as much like the old reality as we can possibly make it.

by Carrie Bearse, Assistant Librarian/Children's Services

First, let me reiterate, we miss you! A library without patrons is a lonely place...a book without a reader, a movie without a viewer, an audio without someone to listen to it is NOT how it is supposed to be. Just when I was getting settled in my new position, beginning to recognize and connect with many of our wonderful patrons - children and adults - our world shifted. It is my hope that perhaps not as quickly; but absolutely, and eventually, our world will return to normal.

In the meantime, we carry on. Smiles behind the masks are revealed in the twinkle of the eyes. The hearty handshake is no longer, but a true greeting is felt deeply just the same. We hope you are well, and be assured that when we are allowed to open, we will be just as excited as you are and so happy to see you all again!

During this period, I have been organizing the Children's Room in order to make it easier for children, care givers, and volunteers to use. DVDs are now on shelves. Early Reader books have a new location, and all series books have been integrated into their respective categories...Juvenile Fiction, Graphic Novels, and in some cases, Nonfiction.

I have rearranged the play area to make it more contained in the children's room out of respect for all of our patrons, especially in these times where we need to be mindful of distancing. Young Adult books have been moved to the back of the library beyond the mystery section, to offer teenage readers an opportunity to choose and read books in their own space.

A few plans for this special summer...

After such an unusual spring and early summer with so much indoor time and "screen" time, I decided that virtual programming would not and should not be a major focus. Better for kids to be outside in the sun, reading a book under a tree, coloring on the back porch, or having a picnic on a blanket in the yard.

However, there will inevitably be some rainy days and if you would like to have an activity on hand, I will be recording some "Rainy Day Reads" which will have a link on our website and via our Facebook page. Selections will feature new or special books and will be available in different versions: 1) Story time (I will read the book as in story time), 2) Close-up (I will read the book but just the book pages will be visible), and 3) Self-reader (simply the book pages will be visible for the child to read on their own page by page). It is my hope to have Rainy Day Reads available on our website beginning in June, with more added incrementally throughout the summer.

Summer Reading! Although I will not be initiating any formal summer reading program at this time, I do encourage parents, caregivers, and children to use the link on our website to learn about the Massachusetts Summer Reading Program.

The website has a wealth of information about the summer reading program, themes, and associated crafts and activities. I would also encourage kids to do the READ FOUR challenge to read at least four books this summer. Children of Yarmouth Port Library patrons are encouraged to send me a list (via email, regular mail or drop off) of the four books they have read over the summer no later than August 25th, 2020. Please include the reader's name, age, and contact information. Each reader will receive a little prize for participating. Please encourage summer reading!

Story Time - Outside: I am planning to have a very informal outside Story Time each Tuesday at 11 AM beginning in July, if safety and social conditions allow it. This will be a drop in with caregiver (appropriate for ages 3 to 6) and we will read two to three books. We will be behind the library either on blankets (please bring your own) or at the picnic table. Obviously, beyond the

safety and social distancing considerations, this is also weather dependent. I will keep you posted, as restrictions are revised.   

Finally, we have quite a few new books on our shelves as well as a fabulous selection of picture, fiction, and nonfiction books to choose from. If you are unable to come to the library and want some assistance choosing books during this stay at home time, please send me an email and I will gather a selection of age appropriate books ( Librarian's Choice Fun Pack), check them out to your library card, and have them available for pick-up on the front porch.

Sometimes, and perhaps often times, the best part of coming to the library is finding books that you weren't specifically looking for...perhaps this will allow your child to simulate that experience, provide a broader selection of books, and create a little excitement! And of course, as always you can request specific books via a CLAMS hold and we would be happy to have them ready for you to pick up.

Please stay well, enjoy this special opportunity of connecting with family at home, and know that when it is safe, the Yarmouth Port Library will be ready for your return...and you will absolutely see the twinkle in our eyes!

A longtime neighbor and friend of the Yarmouth Port Library passed away last winter at the age of 98.

When Marjorie Menconi moved to Yarmouth Port in 1976, she was pleased to have the library next door, because she was an avid reader. She soon became a member of the Friends of the Library, a group of local supporters and volunteers. In time, Martha White, YPL's longtime librarian, asked Marjorie to join the staff as a desk assistant, a job she love

Marjorie Menconi Memorial Fund: Her family has established a memorial fund in Marjorie Menconi's name, and several generous donors have shown their support already. Others who may be interested can contribute in honor of Marjorie to the Yarmouth Port Library.

If you do any shopping on Amazon, please go to Amazon Smile: smile.amazon.com

           It is a simple and automatic way for you to support YPL  

                       every time you shop, at no cost to you.  

ONGOING EVENTS

AT THIS TIME  

ALL PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED 

Please check the library website ( click here)

for up-to-date and detailed information on events.