Greenwich Free Library
September Newsletter
I've got good news and . . .
First, since the library really is about people, we have some staff changes to announce:
After more years of service than anyone, even she, can quite count, Nancy Battis will be retiring this month. We aren't sure exactly how we'll get along without her and she may be getting panicked phone calls as we realize that she's the only one who knows how to do things. Please join us on Sunday, September 23rd at 3pm here at the library as we gather to thank her for all she has done for the library, the community and for us. If you're in touch with any past staff members or volunteers, please invite them to join the celebration.
For those of you who visit during the evening hours or on Saturdays, you will be seeing a new face behind the desk. Please join us in welcoming Devon Seegers to the library Devon is a Greenwich HS graduate who has returned to town after several years out in the wide world. We look forward to the fresh perspective and youthful energy he'll bring to the team. We know this will be an adjustment for all of Emilly's fans but we're confident that you'll be in good hands.
What about Emilly you may be asking? Don't panic! She's not leaving us. We would not be so foolish as to let her go. Starting this month, she will be taking over the morning pre-K programming from Betsy, who has decided to focus more attention on homeschooling. Emilly has already been hard at work developing a great lineup of classes for the fall and we look forward to the return of lively mornings.
In addition to the people, the place will also be changing.
We're on the verge of finishing up the two grant funded projects that have brought us everything from colorful benches on our re-purposed back porch to energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems. We're glad to have these coming to a close. . . but we're nowhere near done. This winter, we'll be completely renovating the basement. Improvements will include adding meeting space for large and small groups and relocating and improving the IVH Gill Local History Archive.
To prepare for this work, we will be emptying the storage and book sale room. To make that possible, we will stop accepting donations of all but children's books as of August 31st. The monthly book sales will continue through November with rock-bottom prices to help us clear out the inventory. The Friends of the Greenwich Free Library are committed to the book sales and are looking into how they will be able to continue them in their new, smaller, space after the renovation is complete.
Let's hope all goes well and we don't have to heed the immortal words of the immortal Betty Davis:
Library at the Food Pantry Needs Volunteers
We provide a number of early literacy activities for children.
It can get very busy!
We have the equipment and are looking for helpers in Cossayuna.
National Voter Registration Day September 25th - Can you help?
Like last year, we will have a table here at the library where we will help our neighbors with new voter registrations, changes of name and address and enrollment in/changes to party affiliation.
We are looking for volunteers to staff the table during library hours (10am-8pm) on the 25th. In addition, the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is has saved us seats at their annual volunteer training session on September 13th. Please contact amiller@sals.edu if you are interested in these opportunities.
New this year! We are working with the Greenwich Jr/Sr High School to make sure all of our newly eligible young adults have the information and materials they need to register for the upcoming November election. Thanks to the administration and staff for their support.
This is a NON-PARTISAN event. The Library and its volunteers commit to the following:
- · I agree not to represent a candidate or party while participating in National Voter Registration Day.
- · I agree that I will provide a registration application for anyone who requests one—regardless of party or candidate preference.
- · I agree not to pressure or induce someone to register, nor will I promise or give anything of value in exchange for a voter registration application.
- · I agree that I will contact my statewide or local election official before registering voters to ask about how best to conduct a voter registration drive, and that I will conduct all my volunteer voter registration activities in accordance with the applicable state laws.
- · I agree to return all voter registration applications to the proper elections board or to my National Voter Registration Day representative within 48hrs of receiving a completed voter registration form or sooner if necessitated by state law.
To quote from the National Voter Registration Day website, " National Voter Registration Day is a day of civic unity. It's an opportunity to set aside differences and celebrate democracy and the rights and opportunities we share as Americans."
Becoming a literary pen pal.
Greenwich Free Library
Email: amiller@sals.edu
Website: www.greenwichfreelibrary.org
Location: 148 Main Street, Greenwich, NY, USA
Phone: 518-692-7157
Facebook: facebook.com/Greenwichfreelibrary
Twitter: @GwichFreeLib