The JTPL Blog

Yesterday was Patron Appreciation Day here at the library. This idea was born from a desire to let our patrons know that we appreciate their use and support of the library.

Staff-baked cookies, cakes and cupcakes were offered to everyone entering the library.  There was a drawing for a “Reader’s Basket”  containing books, edibles, library promotional materials, a journal, and more. Each person also received a magnetic “To Do List” pad with the library logo. For children, there was a special drop-in Thanksgiving craft program, and Thanksgiving stories. 

On the drawing entry, we asked for suggestions on how we could improve our service. Many of you answered that the library is just great as it is. Others offered constructive criticisms and suggestions, such as: more comfy chairs and couches; more computer classes; control loud cell phone use; designate quiet areas for study; and video games to borrow. We thank you for your  comments and suggestions, and appreciate your thoughtful input.

The day was a success! 120 people entered the drawing, which was won by resident Joan Dolan. 20 children created turkey centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table. If you missed Patron Appreciation Day this year, it will be coming around again next year during the week before Thanksgiving, an appropriate time to express our thanks to our wonderful patrons!  We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thursday night I went to an author reading and book signing at the book store in Sparta.

Author Hillary Jordan was there, reading from her book Mudbound. I hadn’t read it at the time, but I had read reveiws, and was considering selecting it for one of my book groups.

The reading was excellent, and the book sounded very intriguing. Jordan’s soft Southern accent was a perfect vehicle to convey this story that takes place in the Mississippi Delta in 1946. I purchased a copy that night, started reading it on Friday, and finished it on Saturday. This is a book you don’t want to miss.

Barbard Kingsolver is quoted on the cover saying “This is storytelling at the height of its powers…Hillary Jordan writes with the force of a Delta storm.” I agree. The narrative grabbed me right away, and never let go until the last page. These were characters I cared about, in a riviting story of “forbidden love, betrayal, and murder. ”

I was very pleased to learn that Mudbound is this author’s first novel! If you’re looking for a great story that you won’t be able to put down, read this one, and then you’ll be like me — looking forward to Jordan’s next novel!

A warm “welcome back” to The Jefferson Community Players as they return to this library this Saturday, November 7 at 7 p.m. to present two dramatized play readings, followed by light refreshments and socializing.  It is always an enjoyable and entertaining evening when the Players share their gifts at the library!

War Letters is a drama featuring three women who read and write letters to their father, husband and son while he serves in our Armed Forces overseas.

Postcards from Sicily is a comedic one-act play of a husband and wife enjoying their vacation in the ancestral Sicilian town of the wife’s family.  

The Jefferson Community Players group was formed in 1989 by the Jefferson Arts Committee as an avenue for those interested in community theater. Visit their website at http://www.jeffersonarts.org/players_about.html to find out more about this group of local thespians!