44 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA 01612

The Friends of Richards Memorial Library have been an active part of the Paxton community for over thirty three years. Many dedicated Friends members and library staff have worked together with the Paxton community to enrich all our lives through a multifaceted library that creates new and interesting experiences for people of all ages. We hope you will continue to be an active part in our Friends group by your volunteering your actions and your financial support. The future still can look bright if we work together to keep it so.

It has certainly been an exciting and dynamic year for everyone in the Richards Memorial Library family, both staff and Friends alike. We’ve celebrated the births of two beautiful babies. Children’s Librarian, Aislinn Lewis has welcomed a baby girl, Heidi Mae, and Sarah Bailey, our creative Friends Media/website Director and daughter of Debbie Bailey, head librarian, has also welcomed a baby girl, Aaliyah Elizabeth. We wish these new arrivals and their parents many wonderful years and memories together.

More than ever, the activities of the library will depend in large degree to the success of our 2009 Book Fair on October 2^nd and 3^rd from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. We, in turn, depend heavily on you, the library patrons and especially the residents of Paxton to donate your books, volunteers your services, and most importantly, help subsidize the library through your book purchases.

Due to the wonderful response given to our 2008 Art Show, we will again be offering this exciting event for local artists and residents on Saturday, October 3^rd. Come in and shop for great book deals and also view the creations of many local artisans from the area. Vote to help select the Best of Show, so some local artist will receive a cash prize and award certificate. And don’t forget, that while at the Book Fair/ Art Show you may also renew your membership to the Friends and help support the library in an additional way.

Our creative Children’s Co-Directors, Sarah Howe and Sara Root-Simone, have delighted children and adults alike with their exciting events, including a Halloween Party that can only be described as fantastic. Their Egg Hunt/Spring Festival also took many hours of hard work to bring to a fun conclusion for all involved. In addition, during Aislinn’s absence, they have continued the summer reading program, and featured such new children’s activities as alien costume making, mirror fun, and Garden Cleanup Day. Many events occurred with the assist of a musical Rachael Douglas, local girl scouts, and library aides Thanks for all their help.

Our annual Bike Rodeo took advantage of the date for the June Paxton Festival to allow children to not only learn about bike safety through an intricate obstacle course created by our dedicated Paxton Policemen, but to also decorate their bikes for a Bike Decorating Contest and short parade.

For our Paxton adults, creativity was the word. Our literary contest judged by two talented writers and professionals, Virginia Heslinga, professor at Anna Maria College, and Joanne Wyckoff, a literary agent, was a big success and resulted not only in awards for poetry and short story for young adults and adults, but also a keepsake booklet that has been added to the library’s collection for future viewing by residents. Another creative class this year was beginner’s needle felting, a new design craft, and will be culminated in an advanced class for the creation of a decorative needle felted tea cosey in November.

Upcoming adult programs also will include an unusual presentation by a professional mentalist, Mr. Rory Raven, who is renowned for presentations that astound and delight the audience. He will be coming to the library on August 20^th at 7:00PM. All adults are welcome to this fascinating event. Then on September 22^nd, we will again be sponsoring our annual “Antique Appraisal Night” with Stuart Whitehurst of Antique Roadshow fame. Tickets will go on sale in August, but even if you don’t have an “antique” come and enjoy the fun.

To help keep these activities possible, we have dedicated Board members in our Treasurer, Betsy Cruz, our Membership Director, MaryBeth Brown, our Secretary, Kristin Steinmetz, and our Youth Representative, Carmen Blandino. Together with an incredibly hardworking library staff under head librarian Debbie Bailey, they help keep our Friends groups busy and thriving. Nevertheless, there are always positions and volunteer activities when we really need your help. Keep us in mind when you want to be a part of something worthwhile, something you can help make a difference in and we’ll be here… at the library.