Hallett Library Begins 39 years of Service in 2017
As the New Year is ushered in, many special events are on the horizon for the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library. In January, the popular Hot Reads for Cold Nights adult reading program kicks-off with readers encouraged to come in and pick up their packet of materials explaining the program. This will be the 13th year Hot Reads has been offered. Readers who read 20 titles between January 3 and March 10 will receive a 2017 Hot Reads mug while supplies last. The Hot Reads program is sponsored by the JFHML Friends Foundation. The Friends will be hosting the return of SIZZLIN’ THURSDAYS during February, special events will include Bee Nay She Bird Club, Soap Making and and Author Talk with Donna Salli. Visit the library website at www.hallettlibrary.org for details.
Pre-school Story Hour will begin on Wednesday, January 11th with a line-up of winter stories, crafts songs and fingerplays. Story Hour, led by Deb Weide, Sharon Beaman, Becky Munns and Peggi Beseres, meets each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. — all area preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome. This is a tradition that began under the auspices of Alice Woock thirty-nine years ago and continues to this day. During 2016, over 1900 enjoyed this well-attended literacy program. The Hallett Library was fortunate to receive two $500 grants; a Jessie Hallett Trust grant and a Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Operation Round-up grant, and a yearly donation of $1000 from the JFHML Friends Foundation which will be used for the 2017 Story Hour year to bring in special programming and events.
Tax Help will begin in early February by appointment. The Minnesota Department of Revenue will NO LONGER provide state tax forms and instructions for Libraries. The IRS will only provide basic forms, no instruction booklets. Beginning in mid-January, the staff at the front desk will be happy to take an appointment for Tax Help available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. starting on February 1. Call the Library at 546-8005 after January 9.
In keeping with the strategic plan, the Library will be focusing on tackling its yearly $35,000 funding goal. By working together with the support of the generous Cuyuna Lakes community anything is possible! The Library has an active JFHML Friends Foundation which meets on the second Tuesday of each month (next scheduled meeting is January 10 at 5:00 p.m.) and is always seeking new members. The Friends are proud of their retail endeavor BACKSTREET BOOKS which continues to provide like new book titles, greeting cards and repurposed book art. The creation of the Le Connection area-a wifi internet café, coffee bar, hi-speed printer capable computer lab & expanded bookstore has added a new user-friendly dimension to the Library experience. There are fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule. Come in out of the cold and check out the possibilities at your neighborhood Library.
The Hallett Library was recently awed by the generosity of JINGLE BOOKS supporters, who along with a matching grant from the Hallett Charitable Trust, were able to raise (at press time)$16,000+ to purchase books, e-books, audiobooks and periodicals in 2017. The Library offers best sellers(with hardly a wait), over 2600 e-book titles, new DVDs and books on CD arriving daily, 108 periodicals and local and national newspapers. Available are nine internet computers, FREE wireless access, ipads for inhouse check out, two laptops & two Dell tablets available for teen checkout in Curbside and LeapPads for preschoolers in Cattale Corner. Coming in MARCH of 2017 will be the new Create & Do Zone, JUNCTION 101, designed to meet the needs of ages 8-12. Watch for grand opening details! A 24/7 online card catalog can be accessed through the Library website at www.hallettlibrary.org. Get connected, stay informed and cater to your need to know…it’s all here at 101 1st St SE. The Library will be closed on Friday through Monday December 30-January 2 for the New Year Holiday and Monday, January 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
