To the Library and Beyond We cordially invite everyone to visit and like Prairie Community Library on Facebook. Come in and visit with Joan and friends on Saturdays 10 AM – 3 PM. More from Frances about our 40 years as a volunteer library. Prairie Community Library started as an idea among a few people in the community. By 1985 the library had formed a board of directors and obtained a 12’x18’ space. Original board members were Emmet & Cindy Wilson, Kathy Grussing, Marianne Wren, Colleen Wilson, Patti Greene, Deza Rae Seubert and Judy Behler. Twelve sections of shelves held nearly 4,000 books. By 1999, the Board of Directors and volunteers had swelled to 15 people. The library space had increased to a 20’x20’ room in the Community Hall basement containing nearly 12,000 books. Now our space has been greatly improved with welcoming bright lighting, carpeting, comfy furniture, artwork, computers, copy services & much more. Our space is now 31’ x 48’ and the shelves hold about 18,000 items for checkout! If you haven’t visited or been in lately, do stop by. Remember our first of four anniversary open houses will be Tues May 13 from 11-3. Hope to see you there! Frances recommends a book: Much has been written about Boise author Anthony Doerr’s award-winning novel, All the Light We Cannot See. “Sweeping; lyrical; unforgettable; suspenseful; tender; tragic; up-lifting; sobering; insightful; and timeless” are some of the adjectives. This book is all of those, plus more. I found the structure of the novel intriguing. It was easy to track characters through time whether in flashbacks or fast-forwards. When does a book open at nearly the ending and proceed to work its way backward through time, interspersing short advances towards the ending time at the beginning of the book? Each chapter reads rather like a short story. While advancing the plot, each three- or four-page chapter also draws one to ponder the flame of human light. The story takes place mostly in France and Germany during WWII times. Set against such wrenching and dark events of war-time, Doerr’s light and tender language floats the reader through the fields, homes and fates of the book’s characters. Since the Library acquired this title last summer, it has been checked out eight times. If you weren’t one of those first readers, becoming one of the next eight or more to check the book out is highly recommended. This is one of those rare excellent novels that will linger on your mind for a long time. Monday 28 is National Great Poetry Reading Day. May is devoted to the Short Story. In 2020 Prairie Community Library served 1,772 patrons; in 2024 (July-December) we loaned 1,745 items. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” The volunteers who manage and operate Prairie Community Library aspire to always offer our patrons the items and services consistent with our mission to serve each resident of our communities. Send your volunteer message to cottonwoodlib@gmail.com. “Volunteering helps us feel happier and increases our social skills.” Please recommend improvements to the Library’s direction, priorities and customer service. Thank you all! | COTTONWOOD
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