To the Library and Beyond Remember to visit and “like” Prairie Community Library on Facebook! Come in on Saturdays – 10 AM to 3 PM – to chat with Joan and Frances. Pat G. gives us some “Thumbs-up”: The Chocolate Falcon Fraud by JoAnna Carl, “a fun read”; Pollyanna of the Orange Blossoms by Harriet Lummis Smith, with 101-year-old prose; and The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, embracing the positive in a difficult world. Joan has reviewed the 2001 book, Rotting Face: Smallpox & the American Indian, by R. G. Robertson. “This is a very sobering book about how a [raging], unchecked disease can result in a terrible [degree] of mortality among unprotected people.” The author describes those Native American tribes inhabiting the area of the upper Missouri River during the 1830s. He describes the disease called smallpox, how it manifests itself and spreads, as well as ways to prevent its occurrence and proliferation. He details the smallpox epidemic that occurred among the Native Americans in the mid-1830s along the upper Missouri river. He cites the fatality estimate at 17,000 – 20,000 Natives during 1937 – 1938. In April we are nationally aware of Hobbies, the History of Deafness, and Poetry; see more below! Thursday 17 is International Haiku Poetry Day; see more below!! In March 2025, Prairie Community Library served 262 patrons, at least 66 of whom were children. Story Hour hosted 49 children and 20 adults. We loaned 469 items, 413 of which were children’s items. We welcomed one new library-card-holder and renewed three others. Librarians added 70 items to our shelves. More than eight people used our computers for a total of about five and a half hours. And lastly, we answered questions for about 15 people. In 2018 Prairie Community Library served 2,023 visitors; in 2022 we loaned 1,518 children’s items. The VOLUNTEERS who manage and operate Prairie Community Library aspire to partnerships with all who complement our mission and purpose. “Volunteering can provide job prospects and helps us meet and make new friends.” In observance of International Haiku Poetry Day, Frances Conklin has shared her following creation: Morrel mushrooms grow Hidden in the forest dark Dank earthy jewels. Send your volunteer message to cottonwoodlib@gmail.com. “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Please recommend improvements to the Library’s direction, priorities and customer service. Thank you all! | COTTONWOOD
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