There was a whole lot packed into the past week here at the library …

  • In one day, the children’s and young adult collections were moved into the new wing. That’s thousands (and thousands) of books, audio books, DVDs and more — thanks to a lot of hard-working volunteers! Patrons got their first peek on Saturday.
  • The new adult books were moved to much more spacious shelves, great for browsing.
  • Several computers were installed in the new children’s area and teen lounge, with more to come.
  • The parking lot was paved and striped.
  • Old shelving and furniture were moved out of the previous children’s section in preparation for a new adult reading lounge, with help from Home Depot.
  • New shelving (donated by Rodale) was moved in and installed, again thanks to the hard work of many volunteers and their power tools.
  • The large-print collection was relocated to the new shelving.
  • There was the usual array of events throughout the week, including:
    • Writing workshops to kick off NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
    • Literary Lunch Jr. for 4th & 5th graders, who read Roller Girl.
    • A showing of ‘ParaNorman,’ our monthly fun family film.
    • A poetry reading by Donny Barilla.
    • A daytime book club discussion of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
    • Toddler storytime.
    • Book-A-Librarian sessions to give patrons one-on-one help with their information needs.
    • A ‘Thank You Mother Nature!’ presentation by Miss Jolie, part of the Buckets Full of Nature series.
    • Teen events, including a Thanksgiving craft and the monthly anime club.
  • A couple of new volunteers — Evan and Sienna — started lending their talents to the library, helping patrons and putting books back on shelves. They join dozens and dozens of other volunteers who generously lend their time and energy to the library every day.
  • Last but not least, there was an awesome ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new children’s wing, with more than 100 patrons and community representatives in attendance from Emmaus Borough, Macungie Borough, Upper Milford Township, Emmaus Arts Commission, Emmaus Main Street Partners, and the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library. In addition to remarks from library director Maryellen Kanarr and youth services librarian Sue Monroe, keynote speakers included:
    • Emmaus Borough Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert
    • Emmaus Council President Brent Labenberg
    • Emmaus Arts Commission Vice President Teri Sorg-McManamon
    • Emmaus Public Library Board of Trustees members Jean Nagle and Carl Cramer
    • State Rep. Justin Simmons
    • U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey
    • Representatives for Lehigh County Commissioner Nathan Brown, state Sen. Lisa Boscola and state Sen. Pat Browne.

If you missed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, check out The Morning Call and our Facebook page for lots of photos and lots of videos.

Whew, what a week — with lots more on the way. Stop in to see all the new things happening here, and mark your calendar for our Children’s Wing Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6-8:30 p.m. — with a special appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog. Hope to see you there!