08 May From The Director’s Chair
The staff and I spent the bitterly cold, dark, and dreary winter months planning all kinds of stellar summer events for folks of all ages and interests. We’re so excited about what’s coming up, and we’re sure that you’re going to have a blast this summer!
During the month of May, we’ll be gearing up for the official launch of the the Summer Reading program on Tuesday, May 28. This year’s theme, A Universe of Stories, focuses on all things outer space and is designed for all ages to participate. A new twist we’ve added this year is our Summer Reading Prize Patrol. We’ll distribute promotional summer reading signs to individual households, and you can place them in your yard or window for a chance to be selected as one of our weekly summer reading prize winners! Supplies will be limited, so be sure to make your way to the Summer Reading Prize Patrol table first thing during the launch party on Tuesday, May 28.
On Monday, May 6, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., we also begin our Essentials of English program series for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This new program is designed for those for whom English is not their first language but wish to improve their English speaking skills.
In June, the Friends of the Library host their 11th annual Plainfield Garden Tour fundraiser. Set for Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, this annual event featuring tours of local gardens is sure to please and inspire. Tickets are $12 each and go on sale Wednesday, May 1. Proceeds from the tour help support library programs and events.
We’re also thrilled to announce that NASA astronaut and fellow Hoosier, Colonel Jerry Ross, will touch down at the library on June 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for An Evening with an Astronaut. Colonel Ross will speak about his experiences, answer questions, and sign copies of his books. You won’t want to miss your chance to meet a living Hoosier legend and one of the joint record holders for the most space flights!
Even though Summer Reading begins to wind down in July, we have plenty of other activities planned to keep you going. One that I’m particularly excited about is A Starry Night: An Evening with Vincent on Friday, July 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in The Gallery. This event features artwork and activities inspired by master artist Vincent Van Gogh, and it will include live music, an art scavenger hunt, and a virtual reality experience where participants view, in 3D, the starry night sky outside Vincent’s favorite cafe.
That’s just a smattering of all that we’ve got planned for the summer. Be sure to read the rest of the Summer 2019 Library Guide to discover all of the great things waiting for you.
Best regards,
Montie Manning
Library Director
