They not only read; they care enough to really support our local library. And, my friends, there are rewards in such support.
A very special upcoming reward is the young adult area, a place at the library for teens to gather, hang out, see what’s new, look at their friends’ artwork, play games and, of course, read.
Former Adult Services Librarian Kathleen Joritz and volunteers from the Teen Speak advisory committee worked together to conceptualize a new “teen space” for the Hood River Library.
Teen Speak is a group of teenagers that meets on the first Saturday of every month in the Jeanne Marie Gaulke Meeting Room of the library from 2-3 p.m. to share ideas and suggestions about what they’d like to see in the library and plan library events. They also do volunteer work within the library.
The new space, which will be on the south side of the atrium (where the computers are), is to include a fluorescent-green couch, a collaboration table, moving shelving unit, wall shelving, display shelf, gadget station, bean bag chairs and other comfortable chairs. The wall nearest the circulation area will be an art wall. There will be a new books and materials shelf just for young adults.
The new area will also be specially painted and have additional decorations. It will meet ADA standards for accessibility and should be finished by June, according to Library Director Buzzy Nielsen.
Be sure to stop by and check it out this summer — and, of course, if you happen to be a teenager, enjoy it!
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On a different subject, as we participate in the events related to Hood River County Reads, this is a good time to remember that the Gorge Community Foundation has a new fund.
Last year, some Friends of the Library members started the Pat Hazlehurst Endowment for the Hood River County Library. These donors are offering a challenge gift of up to $10,000 to match public donations. The long-term goal of the fund is to fill in the gaps left by the lower tax levy.
Grant recommendations will be decided by an advisory committee composed of the Hood River Library director, Friends of the Library president and a Gorge Community Foundation board member.
To learn more about the fund, or about Pat Hazlehurst and her legacy, check out the Foundation’s website at gorgecf.org. Contributions may be made by going to the website and clicking on “Donate Now,” or by mailing to: Gorge Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1711, Hood River, OR 97031.
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