Collection Updates:

The collection will look a little different at the start of 2024. You may have noticed the new labels on the books, or perhaps that the books look slightly fresher? That’s because we have been weeding! Just like weeding a garden, pulling out the old books that no one wanted to read gives the collection a chance to grow. Have no fear, these withdrawn books are not wasted. Unless a book is heavily damaged, it gets the chance of a new home by going into the library book sale.

Now why are we weeding so heavily? To make sure we prioritize the parts of the collection that people want to read most. Some have noted that our Large Print collection is small. We’ve heard you! The Large Print collection will soon double in space available. We have also heard that the books in our Young Adult section are crammed. We will fix this as well. This means that the collection is going to be shifted around.

Don’t worry! We aren’t flipping fiction and non-fiction again. We are just shifting Young Adult, New Adult, Fiction, and Large Print in order to make browsing easier. Starting January 6, 2024, the books will be in their new homes! If you need help locating something, just ask!

Events for Children:

Introducing All-Age Saturday Programs! Starting in January, McCord will start hosting monthly Saturday programs for children of all ages. These events may include a special guest, craft, or activity. Check our calendar each month to see when they are happening!

This Month’s Program:

Saturday, January 27, 2024: Therapy Dogs 2:00-3:00

Dial-A-Story

What is Dial-A-Story?

Dial-a-story is a library program that is available 24/7! Call 814-347-8318 to hear a story read to you. Stories are available in English and Spanish. English stories change weekly and the Spanish story changes monthly. Call as many times as you want! Some flyers were sent out that had the wrong number, we apologize for the inconvenience.

New Story every week!

January Stories:

• 1/7- White Snow Bright Snow
• 1/14- I’ll Fix Anthony
• 1/21- Duncan and Dolores
• 1/28- Max and Ruby’s Babysitting Squad

Story Time

Story Time is held in the Multipurpose area downstairs. Join us for a story, activity, and/or age appropriate craft. Parent or Guardian MUST stay with child during the program.

• Preschool Tuesday & Wednesday 11:00-11:30
• Baby/Toddler Thursday 11:00-11:30

Events for Teens:

Starting in January, McCord will host a monthly teen event. These are free events unless otherwise noted. Our first event will be a painting class.

Teens, Join us for a Snowman Paint Day at McCord Library!

Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 1:00-3:00

COST: $15

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Register by calling the library or stopping by the front desk before January 4th. Space is limited!

Graphic Novel Club

Tuesday, January 9 4:00-4:30 Main Library Level

Read any graphic novel and we will share and discuss

Events for Adults:

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the adults. Adults have a special winter program: Winter Bingo! Submit one Bingo card with up to two Bingos for a chance to win the Cozy Basket!

Bingo ends February 1st.

Board Meeting January 17th at 3:00pm

Events for All Ages

STEAM club

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! Join us as we explore, build, make, and create every Monday from 3:30-4:00

January

• 1/1 CLOSED
• 1/8 LEGOs
• 1/15 CLOSED
• 1/22 Snowflakes
• 1/29 Slime

Take & Make

Join us each month for a different activity to take home and make on your own schedule

January: Make a Puzzle Kits

Fundraisers and other ways to support McCord:

Annual Appeal

Our annual appeal is still ongoing. Thank you to those who have already contributed.

Used Book Sale

We are not yet accepting used books, but feel free to check out the lobby book sale. As we weed, many items are placed for sale in the lobby. All proceeds benefit the library directly.

New Books

While we weed we are also purchasing new books; if you have a suggestion tell the staff at the desk so we can build a collection that reflects our patron’s tastes.

Please be advised that not all suggested books will be purchase. Collection management is done at the discretion of our library director.

Memorials, Endowments, and Tributes

Want to donate money in memory or in honor of a loved one? Make a memorial donation. Many employers also make matching donations, so be sure to note that on the memorial form.

Memorial brochures are available at the library, online, or by calling: (814) 725-4057.

Closure Notices and Building Updates:

The Library will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day- January 15

Leaks are continuing to be repaired as they appear, we apologize for the inconvenience this causes for browsing. We lost a small number of books during the most recent leak. Bear with us as we work to fix our lovely old building.

Coming in February

Friends of the Library Speaker Series

The Friends of the Library is hosting their annual Speaker Series in February! The Speaker Series is a free event for the community that gives local authors and enthusiasts the opportunity to share their passion with the community. Every Saturday in February will be someone new and exciting. The events will be in the Lower Level of the library and will start at 10am!

As in previous years, light refreshments will be served.

Blind Date with a Book

• Check out a book from our “Blind Date” Display (located on the Main Level)
• Each book is wrapped in paper so that it remains a mystery until checked out. Take it home, read it, and submit a review by February 29
• Each “review” submission will count as an entry for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Butch’s Diner!
• Book reviews will be published in March 2024 Books ‘n Banter.

Upcoming Teen Activity

Card Making

• Saturday, February 3: 1:00-3:00
• Free program. No registration required.

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Want to get involved at your library?

McCord Library is looking for new Board Members.

Email our director at director@mccordlibrary.org if interested