Library Happenings by Julie Jarman

It is only the second month of this year but it feels like we are already flying through 2022. February may be the shortest month of the year but it is packed full of wonderful days like Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Abraham Lincoln’s and George Washington’s Birthdays, and Black History month. It is technically winter but we are also in the middle of tax season. The library has some basic forms here. We can also print copies if you know what form you need. All black and white copies are 20 cents per side (like everything else, ink cost is going up). If you would rather do your taxes online, patron computers can do that for you at IRS.gov. The library staff is not equipped to dispense any advice on how to file your taxes.

February grab bags for the young ones are here. Please come and get your bag today while supplies last. These bags are stuffed with the Winter Olympic theme in mind this time with a total of five items in every bag. At some point this year, our story time sessions will come back once we all feel comfortable inviting large groups in again.

The library has become a member of Illinois Libraries Presents. Every month for the next four months Illinois Libraries Presents will be bringing an author to your living room via Zoom. They will be interacting with other libraries and their patrons across the state. If you do not wish to do the live event, you can hear the taped recording from Youtube for a limited time only as a library guest. Jasmine Guillory is the next author featured in the series on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Please check our library Facebook for more information.

The past year has been another up and down time for us all. One great thing about having a library nearby is the ability of access to fun, interesting, thought provoking items for all ages with just a library card. The library has new video releases, new audio book titles, new graphic books, new young adult and children’s books, newspapers that are kept up-to-date monthly. Thanks to the Illinois Heartland Library System, we also share our items with over 400 other libraries in our state. This means, that chances are, if we do not have a particular item, we might be able to borrow it from another library. If a person lives inside the city limits, their taxes support the city library. If a person lives outside of Staunton but belongs to the Staunton School District, they can purchase a non- resident library card for the cost of $35 a year with proof of address. One library card is equal to or less than the price of a newly published hardback book. That sounds like the best bargain in town right now.

The library is still encouraging mask wearing inside the public library. Stay Warm, Stay healthy.

Come see us at the library soon!