Library corner

This will be my last "Library Corner" for a while, as Patricia Kalstrom will be back in action (with her brand-new hip) as library director starting June 4th. Welcome back Pat! In other exciting news, congratulations to library board trustee, Krista Kerr, and her husband Justin on their recent wedding. We wish you all the best!

I need to back up a little bit to April 8th and our Solar Eclipse Party. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor for a viewing of the partial eclipse, but that didn't stop the party. We had the NASA livestream up and running to see the total solar eclipse from different locations in real time. We also had several activities including: solar eclipse art, a solar clock project, and sorting games (How big? How hot? How far?). Participants also enjoyed cookies and coffee at the event. In total we had 7 adults, 2 young adults, and 17 children attend the party. I'd like to say a big thank you to Mr. Montemayores and the 4th grade class for stopping in. The kids were so fun and even gave us their solar eclipse chalk art to hang in the window.

Mrs. Walker and her early childhood education class wrapped up this year's last Story Hour on May 2nd. In total, 307 preschoolers attended Story Hour this year, and checked out a whopping 588 books. Thank you to Amy Walker, her students, Ami Nies, and all the parents and guardians who brought their children to visit us every week. There is no substitute for an early love of reading!

As I've mentioned before, country school visits are some of my favorite days working for the library. May 6th was our last visit to the country schools for this school year. In total, these 142 students checked out 419 books! In addition, several students and their families have started using Montana Library2Go with the Libby app this year. It's a great way to check out eBooks and audiobooks for free from the Montana State Library's digital collection while still supporting your local library.

K'nex Club, organized by the Berg family, also wrapped up in May. In just two months, 60 children and young adults attended the club and built over a dozen items from a motorcycle and helicopter, to a huge Ferris wheel and model replica of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and many other amazing things. Thank you, Berg family! What a wonderful experience! Stop in at the library to see their amazing creations on display.

School is out, which means it's time to get ready for SUMMER READING WEEK! This event will take place in July to coincide with the country kids swimming lessons schedule. We will share specific dates when we have them. This year's theme is "Adventure begins at your library". Here's a few hints about the activities planned: geodes, mushrooms, and space! In the meantime, we have fun activity stations set up in the children's and junior sections of the library with new items added weekly. We also have magnet blocks, Legos, and K'nex ready to cure any kid's boredom and ignite their creative genius. It's spring-cleaning time, so FREE BOOKS & DVDs for all ages are stationed on the rolling rack outside. Many items are duplicates or just older copies of books we have on our shelves. Help us find new, loving homes for them! Donations will be used to resupply books for the children's library and update the space.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as interim library director these past few months and am excited to start my new role as assistant director this summer. Once again, welcome back Pat!

Ekalaka Public Library is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can reach us at (406) 775-6336, or by email at epl@midrives.com. Check our Facebook page for updates and upcoming community events.