Help Us Design a Sensory-Friendly Space in the New Library!

We are proud of our brand-new library, but we want to be sure it is a welcoming place for all. Located next to the City Pool and a public park, with a children’s area full of fun play items like LEGOS, games, and shakers, as well as computers and books, there’s lots for children to see and do both inside and outside of the building.

Will this just be too much for some kids to take in?

Research indicates that 5-13% of American kids between the ages of 4 to 6 have a sensory processing challenge, which can cause them to react to inputs like bright lights, loud noises, and new surroundings. This means busy public spaces like the library and a park or pool can sometimes be overwhelming.

But we have an exciting opportunity to do something about this!

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Letter from Penelope, the Library Goose

Penelope and her chicken posse

Dear gentle readers,

This is Penelope, the library goose, checking in. When the staff sent me around the world a few years ago, I signed off from my journeys with the hope that, in a few years, we would be moving into a new library that will better accommodate my quarters and wardrobe.

Well, that time has come. Today is the last day we are open at 104 Spring Street. The next time you’ll see me in the, well, feathers, we will be at our new location on 207 S. Springfield.

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Free to Be: July

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an important historical birthday for the United States, and we will be celebrating it all year-round with our new Free to Be series. With respect to Marlo Thomas, our Free to Be posts will be celebrating unique freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And this month, we’re looking at how we’re free to celebrate.

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Free to Be: June

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an important historical birthday for the United States, and we will be celebrating it all year-round with our new Free to Be series. With respect to Marlo Thomas, our Free to Be posts will be celebrating unique freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And this month, we’re looking at how we’re free to read.

Continue reading “Free to Be: June”

Free to Be: April

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an important historical birthday for the United States, and we will be celebrating it all year-round with our new Free to Be series. With respect to Marlo Thomas, our Free to Be posts will be celebrating unique freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And this month, we’re looking at how we’re free to laugh.

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Free to Be: March

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an important historical birthday for the United States, and we will be celebrating it all year-round with our new Free to Be series. With respect to Marlo Thomas, our Free to Be posts will be celebrating unique freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And this month, we’re looking at how we’re free to travel across our beautiful country.

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In Loving Memory of Carol Ann Engskov (1948-2026)

Carol Ann modeling Friends of the Library swag, 2021. She was always a good sport.

Carol Ann Engskov passed away on February 6. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be greatly missed.

She was the long-time director of the Berryville Library, from 1983 to 2011. After her retirement, she remained a passionate advocate for the library and channeled her tremendous energy into being an active member of the Friends board as their historian.

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Free to Be: February

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an important historical birthday for the United States, and we will be celebrating it all year-round with our new Free to Be series. With respect to Marlo Thomas, our Free to Be posts will be celebrating unique freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And this month, we’re looking at how we’re free to express ourselves.

Continue reading “Free to Be: February”

Free to Be: January

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an important historical birthday for the United States, and we will be celebrating it all year-round with our new Free to Be series. With respect to Marlo Thomas, our Free to Be posts will be celebrating unique freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And first up, we’re looking at how we’re free to learn.

Continue reading “Free to Be: January”