Summer Reading information will be coming out soon. Our theme this year is, Level Up at Your Library. “Play is one of the ways we learn to relate to others, to think in new ways, and to foster friendships, new and old. Level Up at Your Library is an all ages summer reading program based around puzzles and games. Whether you’re playing with STEM concepts or gamifying your reading logs, learning to play chess or ho                                                                                                                                                                    w to code video games, iREAD 2025: Level Up at Your Library reminds us that libraries are not just a space for knowledge, they are a space for fun!”( https://www.ireadprogram.org/resources/summer-2025-level-up-at-your-library)  The Library staff is excited to see you at the Library this Summer.  We have many fun activities planned for all ages.  Look for our flyers soon.

May is a busy time at the Library.  We are getting ready for Summer Reading programs, planting our flower beds, barrels and ordering new books and supplies for Summer. Even though we feel that there is no time to spare, I like to take a moment to remember Memorial Day.  

“This national event galvanized efforts to honor and remember fallen soldiers that began with local observances at burial grounds in several towns throughout the United States following the end of the Civil War, such as the May 1, 1865 gathering in Charleston, South Carolina organized by freed slaves to pay tribute and give proper burial to Union troops.

In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day, and several states had declared it a legal holiday.

After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.

In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” (https://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/memorial-day/history/)

April 30 was a special day at the Library.  Mr. Gene Chaplin, who was a Library Board Member from 1997-2011 came to the Library.  Gene and his wife Bea, donated an American Flag and Certificate to the Library that was flown over the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C. on June 21, 1994.  Congressman John Myers presented this to Gene.  I was honored and humbled to receive such a beautiful gift. 

We are looking forward to a fabulous Summer at the Library. Make sure to look for our Summer Reading flyer and join our activities. The Library has something for everyone.  Take some time to think about Memorial Day and the meaning of this National Holiday.  Many people look at Memorial Day weekend as the start of Summer.  Remember the lives lost and what we can learn from our country’s history.  We have a variety of materials for everyone.  Come in and check us out.  See you at the Library!  

Sarah Flanagan is the director of the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library.