Years ago, the Creston Friends of the Library found love when they settled on Valentine’s cookie bouquets as a fundraiser for the Gibson Memorial Library. Kay Raymond knows the story much better than I, but the project was a group effort to fund the library’s summer reading program, conceived and co-managed by the late Kay Ritter with help from the late Jan Nesbit. Our current group of friends undertook the daunting task of continuing in their footsteps, and I can attest that the early results are delicious!
The cookie bouquets are quite a romantic and tasty affair. You’ll see order forms in the Creston News Advertiser or just come into the library and place your order. For a bargain at six for $10 (gluten-free $12) or 12 for $15, cookies bouquets and boxes will be delivered to the apple of your eye on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the time and place of your choice. Or, you can pick them up at the library. However, be advised that the final day for placing orders is Friday, Feb. 8.
What else is new in Matilda’s world, you ask? Looking ahead to National Library Week (April 7-13), we’ll be hosting Iowa historian Linda McCann, among other activities. She is the author of several books about Iowa history, including prohibition in Iowa and prisoners of war in Iowa during World War II. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, John Marshall of Mid American Energy will lead an informational session on wind energy. On Saturday, March 9, Jennie Hargrove will conduct an instant pot boot camp. I can attest that she knows some tricks that will help you get those recipes right. On the second and fourth Thursdays, we’re hosting Lego-mania for ages K-12, and we supply the Legos. Dash the Robot has a Lego connector, so the possibilities are endless.
Meanwhile, Matilda’s Warriors are planning a St. Patty’s Day dinner and auction that will entertain and satisfy all-comers. This year’s party is Saturday evening, March 16, at Creston Eagles Club. We learned some lessons last year about how to entertain and serve a large crowd, and will put that experience to work at this year’s dinner and auction. Would you or your organization please furnish a basket for our auction? We love nothing more than to promote our sponsors in the newspaper, on the radio and in social media. Baskets will be on display at the library in the coming weeks, and this year’s auction promises to bring in some novelties, antiques and other treasures.
Until they finish the job, Matilda’s Warriors are working to build a library and cultural center that is capable of serving the community’s needs for information and technology far into the future. We’re a free source of entertainment and education, and we’re open year-round. If there’s anything we can do to better serve you, your family or the community, don’t hesitate to let me know at 641-782-6507, or email me at david@creston.lib.ia.us. We’re here to serve the taxpayers of Creston and Union County, so put us to work!