MORRISVILLE LIBRARY NEWS November 23, 2001
by Mary Brown

The Second Annual Holiday Silent Auction to benefit the library is off and running! What an easy and entertaining way this is to do some of your Christmas shopping. Simply come in to our program room and sign up for a bidding number. Once you have a number, you write that number and the amount you want to bid on the bid sheet next to each item on display. If you are the highest bidder when the auction ends on December 13th, you win the item. It's as easy as that. Well, maybe not quite that easy. You'll probably want to check back with us a few times to be sure you haven't been outbid before the auction closes on the 13th at 1 p.m. (Sometimes there is a bidding "war", so you have to keep on your toes!) Bid early! Bid high! But be sure to come in and enjoy this entertaining - and sometimes exciting - event. The auction is open to the public; anyone can come in and join in the fun.


Over the past few weeks, we have tried to give you and idea of the wonderful variety of quality items on the auction block this year. Several beautiful handmade wall quilts, lovely signed paintings (including ones by Doris Roberts and W. Ralph Murray), several collectible dolls - including a complete set of Franklin Mint dolls representing the thirteen colonies, a small Oriental rug, jewelry, Christmas pillows and decorations, hand-knit items, cross-stitched (Hummels) tote bags, a Gevalia coffee maker, a men's shearling vest (sz. L) , a great set of waterless cookware and many more fantastic items have been donated to the auction by generous people who are always there to help the library. The number of collectors' dolls is especially large this year, so tell all your doll collector friends to come in for a look - and maybe, a great bargain!.


If you want to do even more shopping while you're at the library, remember all the nice items we have for sale. The navy blue duck tote bags with a drawing of the library on one side always make great gifts. The library note cards, note pads, playing cards, post cards and book plates all are neat stocking stuffers.


The Friends of the Library cordially invite everyone to the Holiday Open House on Friday, December 7th from 1 p.m to 5 p.m. The library is festively decorated for the occasion in a patriotic holiday theme this year. Come in, enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty holiday treats.


Another great holiday idea is to include the library on your gift list. You could choose one of the books on the "hope to be adopted" list at the circulation desk and purchase it for the library, or you could donate to the library a brand new book that you receive for Christmas (of course, you can read it first!).


A Mini Book Sale of art and crafts books is now in progress in the front hall of the library. Hard cover books are two dollars each and paperbacks are one dollar each. This sale will benefit the Friends of the Library's Roof Fund. Speaking of the Roof Fund, right next to the Book Sale cart is an interesting display of shingles that were recently collected not from the roof but from the library's yard and driveway where they had fallen! Donations for repair of the roof are being graciously accepted by the Friends of the Library.


Our only new acquisitions this week are two donations: the video, "Men in Black" and the science fiction novel, Commitment Hour, by James Alan Gardner. Set in the 25th century, the novel focuses on Fullin, a young musician nearing his twentieth birthday, when all youngsters in the community of Tubor Cove must decide their sex. This event sets in place an exploration of aliens tampering with DNA and the problem of acceptance of neuts (neuter children).


Thank you this week to Elaine Widmann for a donation in memory of John Haight and for her kind words. Ms. Widmann grew up in Morrisville in the 20's and 30's and has fond memories of the library. Her letter expressed her delight that the library is still serving the community so well, and she concludes, "Morrisville Library is surely exciting, inviting and challenging! A blessing!"


We feel, as well, that the library is a blessing, and hope that during this holiday season, you will support our fund-raising auction, donate a book, and come in often to enjoy the warm holiday atmosphere as well as the great collection of entertaining and educational resources.


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November 30, 2001