News

‘Read to me’ captivates library fans

By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
WINDSOR, VT — The Windsor Library hosted a happy holiday event on Sunday, Dec. 10, as the read-to-me holiday celebration meant great stories, snacks, music and great conversations.

The event, hosted by the Friends of the Windsor Library, continued its mission to make the library a great community resource.

Windsor Library Director Barbara Ball said the read-to-me events have been happening for years.

“This is holiday or season-themed,” said Ball. “It doesn’t have to be specifically Christmas; it could be cold weatherish.”

Friends of the Library President Ruth Doiron said each reader chose a book.

“We do community events that raise money and bring awareness to the library,” said Doiron. “We do a storytelling in Paradise Park for the fall called Enchanted Forest and go around to fire pits and listen to stories. We assist with whatever the library needs as far as fundraising.

One of the Friends’ more notable past projects is the Lift Project; adding a handicapped elevator to the library.

“The bathroom was not accessible and was available only downstairs,” Doiron said. “We’re a very small group and do fundraisers three times a year.”

When people enter the Windsor Library, they’ll be struck by the “beautiful, historical building.”

“Our collection is really diverse and shows all kinds of viewpoints,” Ball said. “There are friendly and warm people there inviting people in.”

Doiron said she was recruited into the Friends of the Windsor Library about 10 years ago.

“My kids go to story time, and they were involved,” she said. “It was an easy community thing that was fun to do.”

Ball added that Windsor is a great community.

“They have so many gifts they share,” she said.

Cliff Pollard brought his guitar to the event and played some mellow, gentle songs to underscore the event.

“Barbara Ball arranges a lot of these things where we can get together and play music through the library,” said Pollard. “It gives me a place to go and share the music that I love and meet with other musicians and play.”

Friends of the Library Vice President Beth Carlson loves how the read-to-me events bring people together.

“I like a book from Willem Lange, which is a story about his dog and fruitcakes,” said Carlson.

Jennie Pollard read original poems at the read-to-me event and read a small passage from William Shakespeare.

She gets feelings from situations she encounters that inspire her poetry.

“Maybe it’s the landscapes,” said Pollard. “It usually happens when I’m out in nature. I enjoy all the outdoor events and all the beauty around me. We live in the country, and it’s so nice and quiet.”

The Windsor Library is open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information, visit windsorlibrary.org.

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