IN THIS ISSUE 2 A Note from the Director 3 Library News 4-5 Central 6-7 West River 8 Keystone 9 South 10 Outreach 11 EPL Foundation UPCOMING CLOSINGS 2 www.elyrialibrary.org DEAR COMMUNITY, Staff Development Apr. 26 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (All EPL locations will be open 2 - 5 p.m.) Memorial Day May 27 Welcome to the Winter/Spring edition of The Next Chapter! We are excited to present this new guide of programs that we hope you will love. We planned a special focus on space sciences leading up to the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. EPL will be handing out eclipse viewing glasses to people who attend related programs over the coming months. We also hope you will stop into a library and browse the latest books and movies; we have new items coming in just about every day! I would like to introduce EPL’s new Fiscal Officer Debby Perkins! Debby is rooted in our community and brings extensive experience and knowledge of finance and enthusiasm to help the library serve the community. We also bid a fond farewell to Miss Kim, a librarian who has recently retired from the Central Library. Her work has positively impacted so many families, especially the babies and toddlers who have had fun at her story times while learning early literacy skills. We wish Miss Kim a happy retirement! The Board of Elyria Public Library is pleased to welcome three new trustees in service of the public: Koneake Lawrence, Scott Serazin, and Margaret Leglise. Board members volunteer their time and valuable perspectives to assure that the library is well run on behalf of the people of Elyria and LaGrange. We thank them for their commitment in service of the community. This time of year when it’s cold and gray outside, EPL focuses on the connect component of our mission to connect, engage and inspire. In the Ohio winter, people spend more time alone and indoors, and our general well-being tends to languish with the change of seasons. A 2023 report by the US Surgeon General “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” acknowledges a general uptick in loneliness apart from seasonal factors, exacerbated by the pandemic. The report also provides a pathway forward and plenty of optimism, sharing research that documents the healing effects of social connection. EPL is proud to share these opportunities to connect. As the mural on our EPL South location says: “We all shine brighter together.” I hope you make a point to seek opportunities for social connection and visit your library! Warmly, Jen Starkey PROGRAM REGISTRATION With feedback from our team and community , EPL opens program registration at various times according to age group. Adult Programs: Registration opens simulatenously on January 5. Kid Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date. Family Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date. Teen Programs: Registration opens four weeks prior to program date.
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