In the enchanting realm of storytelling and exploration, I am thrilled to embark on a journey with you as your interim library director, Millie Hopkins. I will be your guide through the vast landscapes of language and literature. This introductory article serves as a window into the world of words that I am passionate about, a glimpse into the pages of my own narrative and the world I love to share with you all.
I have worked at the library for six years, starting as the
Youth Services Library Assistant and ending in the Director’s chair. I moved to
Ritzville in April of 2017 when the library was up at the high school while it
was being remodeled to add the elevator. When the library moved back, I was
excited to see the inside of a Carnegie Library still used as a library with
original shelves! The first time I walked into the Carnegie building, I fell in
love! I always brag about our library because it is so unique and
unforgettable. I was so excited when I heard I got a job at the library I
started dancing in the aisle at Walmart. Being able to work at this library was
a dream come true. I did not know it then, but this library is why my family
and I moved to Ritzville.
When Covid hit, and the library had to close, it was
difficult because what I loved best about my job was no longer. I did not get
to play with the kids anymore; I was doing Facebook Live programs and talking
to myself all day. While things slowly opened back up and we gradually got back
on our feet, we saw a director or two come and go but it is with much
excitement that I announce that our programs are back to being fully open!
The doors are wide open, and we invite you to be a part of
the celebration. Join us at any one of the many exciting things going on in
February!
On Friday, February 1st, we are celebrating Take Your Child
to the Library Day, which thousands of libraries across the globe celebrate. It
is a way for families to spend some time together and discover the enchantment
of the library. Join us for a whimsical celebration where the world of books
meets the enchanting sweetness of Candyland from 12-5 pm. There will be
different stations around the library where we will have fun activities and
crafts. Each staff member picked a book for their station; I am using the BFG
by Roald Dahl and will make dream bottles with the kids. We are also Cloudy
with a Chance of Meatballs with a Guess What is in the Box and Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory with a chance to win a golden ticket! There is also Alice in
Wonderland, which has a fun card game with a teatime snack and pop and The
Invention of Bubblegum with a giant bubble gum machine!
Are you ready to experience the thrill of the unknown, the
excitement of a surprise, and the joy of discovering a hidden gem? Say hello to
the most enchanting blind date you’ll ever have- a rendezvous with a book that
promises mystery, excitement, and the magic of story. We are doing our annual
Blind Date with a book all month. Come down and find the one with the catchiest
‘pickup line’ and take it home. For me, any cheese line will do because I am
easy! We have different genres, from romance to suspense, poetry, adult
westerns, and more obscure options. Some are donations we did not add to the
collection that we know you will fall in love with and get to keep. In
contrast, others are library books that we would love to hear all the dirty
details of your ‘date’ when you bring them back!
If roses and romance are not your thing and your tired of
the heart shaped cliches and lovey-dovey gestures then join us for a night of
rebellion, laughter, and unapologetic fun at our Anti-Valentines Day Party for
adults. Not everyone has a date for Valentine’s Day or even really cares about
the “Day of Love”. Well, if that is you, then we got you! Come down on that
black Wednesday and celebrate Not being in love with other like-minded people
because sometimes Love Stinks! We will have some fun games and food. Adults
only, meet us at the library at 6 pm on Wednesday the 14th and celebrate your
freedom from the shackles of Cupid’s silly arrows!
As the frosty days of winter melt away, a new chapter
unfolds at the Ritzville Public Library. March promises a treasure trove of
literary delights, engaging events, and opportunities to connect with stories
that will captivate your imagination. Join us here again in anticipating the
exciting literary journey that awaits you in the upcoming month.
Millie Hopkins
Library Director
