Memorial Tree Planted

American Linden tree planted in memory of Joan Airoldi by Mellen Lions Club members, Liz Smith & Mike Thewis

American Linden tree planted in memory of Joan Airoldi by Mellen Lions Club members, Liz Smith & Mike Thewis

A tree has been planted in memory of Joan Airoldi, library director here in Mellen in the ’70s. She went on to be the director of Northern Waters Library Service in Ashland.  She then made the move out west with her family to share and spread her love of libraries.  Joan was one of our founding Bellringer Run members.  This year’s race is being dedicated to honor her memory, and all that she stood for.  We thank the Mellen Lions Club for their donation, planting, and care of the American Century Linden tree chosen by Joan’s son, Adam.

Thank you to Jeff Hein and his wife, Dawn for joining us last week to promote Jeff’s book, “Rise of the Red Wolf” book two in his “Cimbrian War” series. Both books are available for purchase on Amazon or from Jeff directly.  When you order from Jeff, you may get them signed.  Jeff was welcomed by two fellow graduates from the Class of 1981, in addition to our amazing group of Friends. We look forward to book three, “Terror Cimbricus”.

Please note that the library will be closed Monday, May 29th in honor of Memorial Day.  The library has the following books that you may wish to share with your littles to pass on the meaning and origin of the day, “Memorial Day” by Karen Latchana Kenney, “A Day for Rememberin’” by Leah Henderson, and “The Poppy Lady” by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh.

The Library Board of Trustees will hold their May meeting on Tuesday, the 30th at 5:30 pm with the Policy Committee meeting prior to the board meeting at 4:30 pm.

Begin recording your Summer Reading points on June 1st.  This year the Friends of the Library has purchased eight $50 gift cards from Barnes & Noble as prizes.  There are four age categories, and two gift cards will be awarded in each category:  Kindergarten & under, 1st -5th grades, 6th-12th grades, and 19+ years old.  One gift card will be drawn for, as in the past from those earning 25 reading points.  You may enter your name for each 25 reading points earned.  The other gift card will go to the person earning the most reading points. “All Together Now” let’s read!

The Friends of the Library will meet on Thursday, June 1st at 5 pm.  Following our meeting we will be having supper, before holding our first Bellringer Race Volunteer Telethon.  The change in routes, due to highway construction will mean a change in volunteer jobs for the run.  We’ll be getting an update from Race Director, Nicki Lazorik at our meeting and call people from our list of past volunteers to organize ourselves for the 2023 Bellringer Race.  New start & finish, new water stations, new corner flaggers – would you like to help, let us know at the library and we’ll add your name to our call list.  Thank you for supporting the library!

Please make a note and share with family, friends, and neighbors:  Not only is there a change in the Bellringer Race routes, but there is a much earlier deadline for those wishing to receive a t-shirt.  The deadline for t-shirt orders is NOON, FRIDAY, JUNE 9th.  That’s about two weeks from now!  Please, please get your Race Registrations in.  You may register online here: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/73226  You may also pickup paper copies of race forms at the library.  Or you may visit the library website, legionmemoriallibrary.org and click on the Mellen City Hall bell picture, where you will find links to online registration and links to print out your own PDF paper forms to mail in.  Be sure to mail early.  There is a t-shirt only option for those not wishing to participate in the race but wishing to support the library and celebrate the annual event.  You may register for the race up until 8 am on the 4th of July – but t-shirts will no longer be available after the noon, June 9th deadline.  Thank you for noting and sharing.

Did you get your FOWL Summer Raffle tickets yet?  Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.  They are available from Friends of the Library members or at the Library. The drawing will be held on July 4th at The Friends Place (library patio) during our Bellringer Race Awards Ceremony.  Prizes: 10ft kayak, 2 two-day general admission tickets to Concert in the Corn, Corn Hole Game, Treat Yourself with $100, and $100 gas card.  The kayak is on display at the library.

Last week we stamped several Passports for the Northern Waters Library Network/NWLN Passport Program.  Stop in right here at the Mellen library and pick up a passport. Visit ten NWLN libraries and enter your name for prizes.  Gather a group of friends and passports, hit the road, and visit libraries.  Stop at interesting spots along the way.  We’d love to hear about your trip!

Hope to see you soon at the library!