November brings cold temperatures and changing leaves.  I am thankful for all of our wonderful library patrons, our staff, our board and our community.  The library is a gift to our community and I appreciate that our community cherishes and supports our library.  I have seen many people who are really struggling in our community right now.  Patrons come to the library for the Internet, to get materials, to study or to attend a program. Throughout this month, I have been thinking about what it means to be thankful. Here are some quotes from people about why they are thankful for their library.

“I am grateful for my library and all others because they serve the total population. From the smiling faces of the youngest to the thoughtful ones of our seniors, from story hours to reading rooms with the latest newspapers, all are welcome. Library staff are some of the kindest people I have met.” -MaryEllen C.

“The public library is a magical place. It's where I discovered peace of heart and a stronger self-identity for the first time. Growing up in a white blue-collar suburb, I was the only Japanese American girl in my entire school. The teasing seemed relentless and I felt like a lost sparrow. My first visit to the local public library felt like I went from rags to riches. I could borrow any book I saw! It was there I found Little Plum by Rumer Godden, the first book that uplifted my Japanese heritage to something of valuable fascination. I love my library for giving me a hope-filled first look at the specialness of my background.” -Joanne M.

“I am thankful for libraries because every single library I've set foot in has helped me learn and grow. Whether I stopped by to check out books, movies, or CDs, or hunkered down in a study room or at a public computer to read and write papers for my degrees, or attended a program just for fun, the libraries I've visited have had a strong impact on me as a human being. I am thankful for the free resources that libraries have offered to me throughout my life and to their communities.” -Kelle B.

“I believe libraries are sacred places. They hold the history, science, and imagination of the ages. From first holding a book which I could read on my own, at age four, to now seventy fours years later, I have discovered information, travel, novel perspectives, the past, innovative ideas, and so much more. My life has been enriched beyond measure.” -Kathryn F. (https://ilovelibraries.org/article/10-people-share-why-theyre-thankful-for-libraries/)

On Dec. 6, we will be participating in the Outdoor Lighted Parade. After the parade is finished we will be open for our “Snowmen At Night Annual Open House” until 7:30 p.m.  Come to the library for cookie decorating, hot cocoa and fun!  On Dec. 19 we will have “Do Art Productions” presenting a Bead Workshop at 6 p.m.  We will be having a Hot Cocoa and Holiday Movie Day on Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. These are just a few of our holiday programs.  Please check our Facebook page or our website for more information. 

I invite you to think about what you are thankful for this year.  Thank you to all of our patrons for what you do to make our library great.  If you have not been to the library, come in and see what we have to offer.  We have something for everyone.  Be thankful and count all of your blessings.  See you soon. Happy Thanksgiving!

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