1-9-2026

This week, almost before I had written 2026, I renewed a library card for 2028. That seems so far in the future, but so too does/did 2026. Yet, here we are. Happy New Year East Troy community. January brings with it a new schedule for library programs.

We try to host one adult program a month. There are several in the works, but memories of last year’s snowfalls seemingly only on the nights one was scheduled slowed down the planning. That and all the other planning I’ve been focusing upon. (See the final article for 2025.) Our daytime programming continues to be robust with essentially no changes. That is the schedule we ran in the Winter/Spring Park & Rec Guide. It can also be found on our website.

Two January programs are worth noting. The most pressing is actually the tail end of a December/January program. The Winter Reading Program ends this Saturday, January 10^th at 1:00 pm. Not to be oddly specific, but the raffle tickets must be in place at closing for a pre-opening drawing on Monday morning. Winners will be notified by phone.

The other program is our ETCSD is off for teacher in-service special family program on January 19^th at 1:00 pm. Miss Maria will be showing a movie. We can’t officially advertise the title; however, I can say it involves a bear and makes me crave the Fireside’s duck. I waitressed my way through my second college degree and first seven years of teaching. The duck was one of my favorite dishes. It was half a duck smothered in orange marmalade and slow roasted/baked. Delicious.

Miss Connie has been extremely busy since we switched to buying from Ingram. She prepares the books by adding spine labels, barcodes, and covers. The books are fairly easy and routine. Recent purchases from Penworthy, which specializes in children’s books, are not. They also sell kits. We have one for small children about 18 months to 3 years old. There is a book, but they are essentially toys that can be used to teach literacy. Other reasons patrons may like them include switching out toys for free variety or providing children of guests with something to do and their parents one less bag to pack.

Penworthy also offers memory kits for people on the other end of the spectrum. They are meant for adults who are struggling with impaired memories. They include engaging activities that make a connection. We have four including one focused on gardening and another on dogs. To prove they can have broader appeal, one focuses on John Wayne movies. Miss Connie has been asked to prepare that one first.

On a closing note, it has been a while since I have mentioned sourdough. All I will say now is blueberry scones with a lemon glaze. Thank you, Tiffany, for providing the recipe this summer following our Bake Off. It is currently posted on the Adult Programs page of our website. My daughter and I love them. 

Reading Now: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Listening to Now: The Godfather by Mario Puzo