For each food item donated, we will apply a $2 credit toward reducing any existing overdue fines. All collected items will be donated to Samaritan’s Kitchen, where they will be distributed to those in need.
If you would like to participate in the food drive but do not need fine forgiveness, you are invited to drop off items to help another patron with their fines. The new year is a perfect opportunity to start fresh and reestablish your borrowing privileges.
Many people follow the tradition of setting resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Plans are often made to diet, exercise, and save money. While you focus on your 2025 improvement plan, don't forget about the importance of reading. Joseph Addison, a 17th-century essayist, is known for the popular quote: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” In other words, just as exercise strengthens your body, reading stimulates your mind and enhances your intelligence. Reading serves as great exercise for your brain, allowing you to imagine scenarios and follow dialogues.
If you’re planning to save money in the new year, consider visiting the library instead of the bookstore or rental store. Remember, the library lends books and movies for free!
A great way to encourage reading among children and families is through the Wilkes Library Winter Reading Challenge. Children ages 0 to 12 can participate in this fun event. Parents or older siblings will need to read with the little ones who haven't yet learned to read. There are no specific books required; instead, there are tasks to complete related to reading. For example, you might read with a pet or read using a flashlight. The challenge runs through January 27, and cool prizes are available for those who complete the reading tasks.
Stop by the children’s department to register for this challenge and pick up a reading bingo card to track your completed tasks. With winter weather in the forecast, remember to stock up on good reads. There are ‘snow’ many good books!