Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
President's Letter
KDL Applauds Friends' Role in IMLS Award
The Kent District Library System was recently one of five libraries in the country to receive the nation’s highest honor given to libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.
That’s a pretty big deal. Even for a library that has gotten more than its share of awards and recognition in the past.
KDL Executive Director Lance Werner summed the achievement up by saying, “Being awarded the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service by IMLS is an affirmation of the commitment to learning, connection, and growth that defines KDL. We are honored to accept this award on behalf of the 341 amazing team members who serve Kent County residents.”
And, while it is appropriate that those team members receive most of the credit for the outstanding achievements of KDL, it is also encouraging to know that, even as he was preparing to receive the award from President Biden in Washington, DC, Werner was thinking of the 240 Friends’ behind-the-scenes volunteers who have a hand in the organization’s success.
How do I know that? Well, because I was invited to say a few words about the Friends at a press conference following his return from Washington. When I was first asked to talk about the Friends, I wasn’t quite sure how we fit in. But, when it was explained to me that one of the things that set KDL apart is the depth and variety of programs that it offers, our relevancy became clearer.
KDL offers an amazing array of programs through all if its branches...programs that encourage the development of reading and thinking skills while entertaining participants. But, as we all know, budgets only go so far, and that’s where the Friends come in.
Here at the Cascade branch, the vast majority of what we contribute each year goes directly into funding hundreds of supplementary programs that the creative library team offers to just about everyone in the community...programs that draw thousands of people into the library and enhance the library’s value beyond providing access to books. I mean, what kid doesn’t want to see a live reindeer at Christmas or sit in the cab of a fire truck on Touch-A-Truck Day?
While the funds we provide are small compared to the overall library budget, I’d like to think that their impact is disproportionate...that they afford the library the luxury of some of the add-ons that take an organization from good to great, which is what this IMLS award signifies.
So, yes, the Friends were honored to be included and recognized during the celebration of the award. But, more importantly, we are honored to be part of and a contributor to a world class organization like KDL and the community it serves.
--Joe David
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Benefits of a Friend's Membership
When you become a Friend, you help support an important part of the social fabric of your community. Plus, you earn "Early Bird" privileges at most book sales, which means you gain entry to the sales in advance of non-members to have first shot at the books of greatest interest to you. And, we will notify you of any scheduled book sales or special events. So, you'll never miss out on an opportunity.
Friendship Park
Appreciative Community Comes Out to Celebrate Grand Opening of Friendship Park
The weather forecast had library staff scrambling to make indoor arrangements for the big event scheduled at the Cascade branch of KDL on Saturday, June 29...the grand opening of ‘Friendship Park’ on the grounds of the library.
But, even though the bashful sun remained hidden behind clouds, the rains stayed away, making it possible for the hundreds of people gathering for the celebration to congregate under the new pavilion in the park to hear those most closely involved in the project share some of the history and their personal experiences that brought the park to life.
Wes Landon, who headed up the project for landscape architecture firm Native Edge, talked about how much the project meant to him and how he gave of his personal time to ensure that it was something he, the township and the library could be proud of.
And, when the new facility was unveiled to the public, there was plenty to be proud of, according to Friends President Joe David.
“The Friends had wanted to use the outdoor space for something that would enhance the library experience for families,” he explained. “But, the idea didn’t gain traction until the Cascade branch management team--especially Vanessa Walstra and Ashley Smolinski--approached our board with some preliminary ideas back in 2019.”
David said it didn’t take long for the Friends board to approve funding for phase one of the project, and that’s when momentum really began to build in the community.
“Before we knew it, the Cascade Township board and the Downtown Development Authority got behind the idea,” he said, “and, with the additional funding they were able to generate, it became feasible to address all three phases of the project simultaneously.”
The result is a beautiful and welcoming park that seems to spill out of the library, offering numerous benches and tables for relaxing and congregating; a pavilion that has already hosted Vibes Fest in August; walking paths; children’s playground equipment; and much more.
Melanie Manion, township parks & recreation director, was instrumental in working with Native Edge to ensure that foliage in the park would lend itself to satisfying both the amateur naturalist and children interested in learning about flora.
Cascade Branch Manager Lulu Brown shared accolades with her predecessor, Vanessa Walstra, who had initiated plans for the park with the Friends. David said both were deserving of recognition for the vision and hard work they poured into the project to give it life and substance.
“Vanessa had the vision, did the preliminary work, and then handed her baby off to Lulu for nurturing,” he explained. “And, did she ever! Just take a walk through Friendship Park. And you’ll see for yourself.”
CONTINUE OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Members of the community gather under the new Friendship Park pavilion for the dedication ceremony.
Your Donations at Work
'Vibes Fest' Resonates with Music Lovers; More Events on Tap for the Fall
“We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Vibes Fest was a resounding success!”
That’s what Branch Outreach & Programming Specialist Leigh Verburg reported when asked about the music festival that took place inside and outside the library on August 10. The main event featured 13 local acts, with 11 additional acts performing throughout the week leading up to Saturday.
“Thanks to the support from the Friends, we saw over 1,400 people on Saturday and 200 more throughout the week leading up to the event,” she said. “It was wonderful to welcome several new patrons to our library, many of whom shared glowing feedback about the experience. The pavilion proved to be the perfect venue for music, with many attendees commenting on how much they loved the atmosphere.”
Coming Up This Fall: Exciting Programs Sponsored by the Friends!
As we look ahead, we have a fantastic lineup of fall programs. Here’s what’s in store:
- Eerie Excitement at the Library
Get ready for a fun (not scary!) family event on October 26th from 10am-12pm. We’ll have a Jack-o'-Lantern Scavenger Hunt in Friendship Park, a dance party in the pavilion complete with bubbles and fun dance lights, crafts, and a special visit from nocturnal animals brought to us by Outdoor Discovery. - Nature Adventurers
Every Tuesday at 4:30pm in Friendship Park, school-age kids will explore the great outdoors with our Nature Adventurers program. They’ll learn about the changing seasons, tracking animals, and more. Each session includes a story and hands-on learning, making it a perfect blend of education and fun. - Learn to Quilt
Starting September 26th, Assistant Branch Librarian Kathy Latreille will lead a 6-week quilting series. Registration was required for this popular program, and we’re excited to announce that all 12 spots are already filled! - Tween Mystery Play
On October 19 from 11am-1pm, tweens will step into the role of a character and work together to solve a mystery. It promises to be an engaging and interactive experience that will stretch their imaginations. - Family Craft Time
Mark your calendars for November 16th! We’re offering a special Family Craft Time where participants can paint miniatures for board games. This activity, usually featured at events like Comicon with a high price tag, will be available to our community at no cost, thanks to your support.
“I know I’ve already said it, but we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Friends for their continued support,” said Verburg. “Their generosity allows us to bring these fabulous programs to our community, enriching the lives of all who attend.”
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
"Vibes Fest" brought the talents of local performers to the library.
Author Visit
Best-Selling Author, Shelby Van Pelt, Set to Visit Cascade Branch September 12
The Friends of the Cascade Library will sponsor a visit by Shelby Van Pelt, the best-selling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures, on September 12 in the Cascade library’s Wisner Center. Ms. Van Pelt will address a luncheon group that will include volunteers, library staff and book discussion members and then meet with a larger group in the evening that will include Friends members and patrons of the broader KDL system.
“It didn’t take long for us to max out on registrations for both events,” explained Friends President Joe David, “which is quite a testament to the popularity of her book and our community’s interest in what authors have to say about their work and processes.”
Remarkably Bright Creatures revolves around a mischievous giant pacific octopus named Marcellus who lives in a small-town aquarium, which is attended by an elderly lady who cleans it. The two unlikely friends navigate their individual, isolated lives, as both deal with heartbreak and other tensions familiar to most creatures.
One reviewer had this to say about the book: “Marcellus understands human nature more than most humans, and I loved the way he wisely intuits each character’s needs. Ultimately, this is a story about creatures—both human and animal—saving each other. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.”
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Shelby Van Pelt
Book Sales
Fourth of July Book Sale Draws Crowds; Next Sale September 21-22 at the Library
The crowds for the Friends of the Cascade Library annual Fourth of July book sale were large, as usual, as excited children and celebratory parents converged on the new Friendship Park outside the library to enjoy the township’s festival-like commemoration of our nation’s birth.
With the accompaniment of exciting rides, loads of food and child-friendly attractions—like the foam machine—along with moderate July temperatures, the book sale was a friendly reminder of the traditions that have made Independence Day so special in Cascade for many generations.
The activity kicked off on the eve of the holiday with an afternoon “members only” sale inside the library’s Wisner Center, an event that has become a very popular lead-in to the main event on the Fourth, according to Kathy Sullivan, Sales Events Chair.
“Even though we have to restrict the number of books for the member sale to just what we can display indoors, it has become a very attractive option as we have managed to expand the number and categories of books the last couple of years,” she said.
The Fourth of July sale used to account for the lion’s share of the Friends annual revenues but is now competing with other sources such as online sales and bookstore sales. However, it remains an important, and tradition-rich, part of the Friends annual fund-raising events, according to Friends President Joe David.
“Because we have other revenue sources, we have focused more on keeping the books inexpensive for kids and families and on the fun factor,” he explained.
The next book sale is scheduled for September 21 and 22 in the library’s Wisner Center and will include biographies, cookbooks, nonfiction, hardcover and paperback fiction, religion, home and garden, leisure, children’s books, and more. Prices will remain low at $1.00 for hardcover and $0.50 for paperback books, with a $10 per bag special in effect. Children’s books will be half the price of adult books, according to Sullivan.
“Most likely, we won’t be offering CDs, DVDs and other media at this sale because our inventory is a little low right now,” she said. “We’ll start off with our Members-Only sale from 9:30 to 10:30 am on September 21 and then open it up to the public until 4 pm. Then, on September 22, we will open to everyone from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.”
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Marge Ohlman (left) and Stephanie Doody take a break from the book sale to enjoy the foam machine.
Book Discussion
2024-2025 Book Discussion Season Kicks Off September 18 with 'The Covenant of Water'
A new book discussion season is set to start at the Cascade library at 10 am September 18 with a deep dive into Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water. This is the first of nine monthly discussions from September through May that are moving to the third Wednesday of each month.
The Covenant of Water is an expansive, multi-generational tale of an Indian family whose members all suffer from what is termed the “Condition.” From the story’s opening in 1900 to its close in 1977, this Condition leads to the death by drowning of many members of the family, usually male.
It is Big Ammachi’s greatest hope that someone will someday discover the cause of this Condition and, thus, the cure for it. The Covenant of Water explores the caste system of India; examines the class system in the United Kingdom; spotlights the small Christian community within India; critiques the British imperial presence in India; and reveals much about Indian culture, history, and politics in the process.
Oprah Winfrey featured Covenant in her book club and said, “It’s epic. It’s transportive. Many moments during the read I had to stop to remember to breathe.”
Cascade Staff Librarian Sara Moseley, who facilitates the book discussions for the Friends, advised members of the group to get an early start on this one. “It’s longer than average, so you may want to get a hold of a copy early to give yourself extra time to read it.”
If you have not participated in the book discussion group in the past and would like to, just show up at the designated time and place. No pre-registration is necessary.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Flix@ the Library
Is There a Future for Flix?
The Friends board of directors will convene in September after a two-month summer break, and one of the items on the agenda will be whether or not to consider bringing Flix @ the Library back as part of the 2025 programming.
Flix is the brainchild of Debbie Straub, one of the most committed Friends volunteers you’ll ever find and the organization’s Past President. Under her guidance and vision, it gained in popularity and momentum throughout the years, often with more than 100 joyful attendees taking in a free replay of recently released hit movies.
But, Flix was suspended in mid-2024 when the hangover from the pandemic continued to see diminished attendance, with no indication of improvement on the horizon. The fact is that COVID helped redefine how families got their movie entertainment. Instead of congregating at theaters, many simply tuned in to their favorite streaming service. And, that change of behavior stuck even after COVID subsided.
However, the recent opening of Friendship Park at the library, with its welcoming pavilion, has the Friends taking another look at the future of Flix and asking, “Would an outdoor, ‘drive-in’ type movie event have enough appeal to community residents to justify resurrecting Flix? Would it offer enough of an appealing alternative to streaming services to justify the purchase of outdoor projection equipment?"
So, the Friends are putting the question to you. Would you have any interest in bringing Flix back, or should we simply be grateful for what it was and let it rest in peace? If you have an opinion, we would love to hear it. Just click here and share your thoughts. Thanks!
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Is there a place for Flix in the lives of library patrons? What do you think?
Membership
Is It Time to Renew Your Membership?
We always like to remind you to renew your Friends membership at the end of each newsletter so that you can gain quick and early access to all of our book sales throughout the year.
Check your membership card to see if it has expired. If it has, you can go to the "Store" on our website to renew or stop by the front desk the next time you visit the library. Membership dues remain very low at $5 for students and seniors (60+), $10 for an adult (under 60), $15 for a family and a one-time $100 charge for a Lifetime membership.
Every time you renew or become a new member, you’ll receive a coupon for a free book from our Chapter Two book store...a $3 value. Thank you for supporting the Friends with your membership.
