A Message from Monnie

Monnie Nilsson, Editor

Bringing the Joy

Hello BPL! Welcome to the newest edition of Open Book I think we’re all happy to know that warmer weather and longer days are around the corner It’s been a long winter. In this column in past editions, I’ve run through several themes about ch-ch-changes, resilience, hanging in there I want to steer clear of what some might call ‘toxic positivity’ and acknowledge that it’s been a doozy of a quarter. I think we can all agree on that. There have been significant new incidents and challenges all around. And yet…we keep marching on with amazing attitudes and passion for our work We’re looking up and forward instead of down and backward. Our patrons are grateful for our services and programming. Our newest branch is on the horizon. You might say there’s some joy out there.

As both staff and patrons participate in our OBOB Book of Joy programming, I’d like to take a quick moment to touch on the concept of joy. As the Dalai Lama says, “Joy is the reward, really, of seeking to give joy to others ” And isn’t that what we are all working toward at BPL every day? Whether we are collaborating on outreach, presenting storytimes, ordering the best books out there, working to create a new branch, organizing and shelving materials so that library users can find them and improve their lives, addressing technology needs, cleaning our facilities, planning innovative programs, doing the accounting to keep BPL in the black, teaching adult learners how to read or greeting patrons and brightening their days, we are all serving in some capacity so that we, as a team, can give joy to others. So while it’s been an unprecedented time at BPL, know that you’re contributing to a rock-solid, joy-creating organization Happy Spring, season of joyous renewal.

Open Book Team

Meadows Staff:

Jessica Ashcraft

Rebecca Doyle

Alyssa Finer

Cassie Loosbrock

Barbara Magill

Monnie Nilsson

David Shugert

Guest Contributors: Nicole Docimo

Kathy Rolfes

Hidden within these pages is a Little David Shugert. See if you can spot him!