Submitted by Genie Dethloff.
Killingworth Library is reopening in carefully planned phases after closing for public use on March 15:
- Curbside service to check out books, movies and other items began on June 1. In the first 3 months, more than 700 items were picked up at curbside.
- A Summer Program of outdoor activities for families with young children and middle school students was held in July and August. A total of 70 adults and 101 children attended a variety of science-themed and educational activities spread over 19 sessions on library grounds.
- Browsing of the library’s main room and PC use began by limited appointment on August 1, 2020.
- Parent-only browsing in the Children’s room by limited appointment began in September. The Children’s room will not reopen for regular use until sometime in 2021.
- The library will be offering two new programs online via Zoom, Tween Comic Book Club and Teen Write Club, bi-weekly starting in October. Check the library’s website and Facebook page for details.
Much work has been done while the library was closed for public use. All areas of the building have been thoroughly deep cleaned, grant money was used to upgrade bathroom facilities, an HVAC air conditioning unit was replaced, stonework was replaced to create a level entryway to the building, computer cables are being reconfigured to ensure social distancing between computer stations, and a longer-term project to improve outdoor lighting in the parking area is underway.
We want to thank and recognize former library staff and volunteers for their years of service. While COVID-19 restrictions, financial considerations, and long-range planning to serve a changing demographic influenced some staffing changes, patrons of all ages continue to be served.
Killingworth Library would like to thank Gayle Byrne, children’s librarian since 2000, for her dedication and service to the community, the library, and the children of Killingworth. Gayle organized and facilitated many programs that entertained and educated a generation of Killingworth children. She was the face and smile of the children’s room for 20 years and even authored a couple of the books it contains!
We thank former staff member Kristina Sanso for her polite, professional manner and enthusiasm as circulation assistant in serving library patrons since 2017. Kristina also helped process interlibrary loans and created engaging displays of library materials.
Volunteers play a unique and special role at Killingworth Library, and we treasure each one. Our heartfelt thanks to three long-time volunteers who retired in 2020: BJ Folger, who volunteered at the library circulation desk for more than 20 years; Joanne Hine, another friendly, dedicated volunteer with more than a decade of service; and Sue Dineen, who began volunteering at the library in the 1990s and served as desk volunteer and two-term board member.
Killingworth Library’s Main Entrance Walkway Repaired
The uneven and broken stone surface in front of the library’s main entrance has been completely reworked with beautiful non-skid granite mined from a local quarry. We now have an entrance that is not slippery when wet and ready to welcome patrons.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Moyer’s Landscaping Services LLC, who generously donated their time for this project!
Photo Credit Laurie Prichard.
