Page 1 - Oxford Public Library Summer 2021 NL

Oxford Public Library News Summer 2021
Vol. 24, No. 2
www.MiOPL.org
Management Team & Board of Directors
Library Director & CEO Bryan J. Cloutier Administrative Assistant Mary Ann Dorda
Head of Adult Services Laura Fromwiller Head of Teen Services Rachael Quinn
Head of Youth Services Kim Burean
Head of Support Services Jackie Seimer
Building Superintendent Terry Brewer
President & Board Chair Kathy Hoeflein
Vice President
Tony Rizzo
Treasurer Lynn Royster Secretary
Julie Fracker Trustee DuAnne Cook Trustee Barbara Kriigel
Mission Statement
The Oxford Public Library provides access to the world, enriches the community, and promotes lifelong learning and enjoyment.
Transforming Tomorrow, Preserving our Past, & Enriching Lives Today
Peace and Tranquility Among the Gardens
Perhaps like so many of you, I have been reflecting on many elements of daily life and have certainly refocused and realigned
some of my priorities along the way. Many of the things that I thought were important—I am finding are really just superficial. As a result of inner- searching, I work each day towards finding a more meaningful balance between work, home, play, and volunteering outside of the library. These are the things that make our community a better place and life so much more meaningful. These are also the things that bring optimism and hope in knowing better days are ahead for all of us.
With nearly a year-and-a-half of unpredictable stress that has accompanied the global pandemic, I find peace and tranquility among the perennial gardens that flank the 131-year-old house that I call ‘home’.
I happened to take this picture that is used as our cover photo on this issue of your library newsletter of the American Flag. It was taken while looking through a grouping of Siberian Iris’ in one of my gardens that is nestled alongside my patio. I can only hope that you and your family can find the same level of peace and tranquility in your lives
by spending more quality time among nature this summer. I encourage everyone to get outside, plant a garden, or join together with some of your friends and neighbors and be part of a community garden if this is more suitable for your environment. Not only does it beautify your surroundings, provide food for your table—it is also a great way to relieve stress.
From beginner to a master gardener, there are
many excellent books to choose from at the library. Surely, we have a book that will provide inspiration or guidance on how to get started. My perennial gardens didn’t happen overnight and some of them have even been part of my property for multiple generations, but it is all part of the journey to develop and learn and to be creative and inspire.
Summertime at the library is usually one of our busiest seasons. With the summer reading program typically in full swing, we still don’t anticipate that this summer will be fully back to normal. However, we are starting to take on a look and feel that we are all more accustomed to seeing at the Oxford Public Library. Without exception, the library staff has been working behind the scenes to make sure there is something for everyone in helping to make our summer months more meaningful, stress-free and enjoyable. Summer reading for all ages will resume this year and fun, educational and entertaining programs are being safely and conscientiously offered at the library. Inside this newsletter you
will find more details on how summer reading at
the Oxford Public Library will unfold. Whether for the first time ever, the first time in a long time, or if part of your weekly routine, we hope that you will consider making your library and your library staff part of your journey once again. Enjoy summer
and be safe everyone. See you around town, or hopefully, more likely at the library.
Bryan J. Cloutier Director & CEO