Message from the Director

Dear Friends:

As another school year is coming to an end and everyone is impatient for Summer Vacation to begin, the excitement at the library is just as great as at the schools (and homes).  Summer means many things here at the library.  It means we have a couple extra hours at home to enjoy the evening because of the start of our summer hours. Beginning on Tuesday, May 31, the main library will be closing at 6:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Year round we are open Wednesdays until 8:00 pm as well as Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

But more importantly, Summer means the beginning of the annual Summer Reading Programs.  Over the years, I have always looked forward to the Summer Reading Program.  Planning for this program begins in the Fall and continues through the Spring.  Although I do not have a lot to do with the planning stage anymore, I still appreciate the time, hard work, and dedication put into these programs.  Our Youth & Adult Services Coordinators have worked with their departments to create programs, activities, and entertainment to educate, enlighten, and excite patrons of all ages.  For decades libraries across the nation collaborate using a unified summer reading theme along with professional art and evidence-based materials so that libraries can provide high-quality summer reading programs at the lowest possible cost and to play a significant role in literacy initiatives.  

For all of the staff here at the main library as well as our three branches, it means there will be an increase in excited children, teens, and adults at the library each day. They will be here not only to check out books and movies, but also to attend special programs and participate in activities.  It also means there will be more opportunities for us to eat snacks leftover from the weekly story and craft hours.  

The Mercer County District Library loves to assist patrons year round, but take services and programs to another level over the summer months.  Libraries help bridge the gap between school years by encouraging children and teens to read and learn with incentives, activities, and programs. Adults are encouraged to up their reading game over the summer and this year they will be challenged to exercise their minds.  Be sure to contact us, check the library’s website (www.MercerLibrary.org) or like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mercercountylibrary) to get all of the specifics.

I am excited and privileged to be serving our community as the Director of the Mercer County District Library, and look forward seeing each of you come in to utilize all our library has to offer you.  Whether that be for books, technology, events, the mineral collection, or the arts, we are here for you.  As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share those as well.

Now, On Your Mark, Get Set… READ!!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Muether, MLIS

Director