2017 Annual Report

Posted on: January 30, 2018 - 9:25pm

Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library
1211 Maine Street, Poland, Maine 04274
Tel: 207-998-4390 FAX: 207-998-2120
www.rickerlibrary.org ~ info@rickerlibrary.org
Board of Trustees Valerie Jones, Chair, William Almy, Susan Beaulieu, Claire Walker, Larry Hancock
Director: Joanne Messer

Annual Report
July 2016 - June 2017

The Alvan Bolster Ricker Memorial Library offers valuable resources and services to the entire Poland community. The library’s stated mission is to encourage community members of all ages in their pursuit of life long learning by providing educational, cultural, and recreational materials in a welcoming environment. Resources include hardbound and paperback books, eBooks, books on CDs and cassettes, a collection of large print books, music CDs and cassettes, magazines, newspapers, reference materials, state and local histories, videos, and DVDs. We offer access to the Internet as well as basic computer software on five public computers. Our collection contains more than 30,000 titles and we also borrow items owned by other libraries in the state through the Inter-Library Loan program.

Children’s Programs:

  • Carolyn Tanner, retired school and music teacher, led Ricker’s very popular Pre-School Story Time every Tuesday morning during the school year. She guided an average of 13 children each week in stories, crafts, and music, bringing joy to children, parents, and caregivers all.
  • Susie Stover, volunteer and equally talented retired school teacher, provided Story Time for Day Care and Preschool Centers in Poland. Each month she brought stories, crafts, and a new bag of books to children all over town.
  • A total of 56 children registered for Ricker Library’s Summer Reading Program 2016. The theme this year was “Build A Better World”. Through the month of July, preschoolers and kindergarteners were led on Tuesday mornings in stories and crafts by Carolyn Tanner. The first through fifth graders were led by Terri LaClaire. The sixth through eighth graders were led by Tammy Christopher. Another major component of the Reading Program is the Family Fun Events. This year the events Build Bird Houses, Chewonki Batmobile, and Magic Show. Summer Reading Grand Finale the children checked out a Fire Truck, Recue Unit, and a new Plow Truck, Prizes and enjoyed Fruit Kabobs.
  • The total attendance for all programs and events was 296.
  • A newly established Teens Club met every Tuesday during the school year, 3:00-4:30 PM. A variety of crafts, life skills, games and discussions held their interests.
  • Book Discussion Groups: We have two long established book groups. On the first Monday of each month at 2 PM is the Mystery Book group. The Let’s Talk Book group chooses books from a wide range of topics; they meet the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 PM.

Continuing Community Outreach:

  • Monday Morning Quilters create lovely items each week as do the Scraps and Patches Quilters on Wednesday mornings.
  • The Needle Crafters who meet to knit, crochet, embroider, etc., gathered Wednesday afternoons of every week to share tips and techniques.
  • Poland Spring Woodcarvers get together on the first Friday of the month and third Saturday of the month.
  • Families and non-profit organizations of Poland can reserve Ricker Library’s Community Room and/or Conference Room without charge. Donations are welcome to help maintain this service.

The Friends of Ricker Library supported special programs at the library by sponsoring fund raising event such as the Yard Sale. The group provided funds for a community pass to Maine Wildlife Park, Adult Coloring Club, Person to Person
Potluck suppers, Lego’s Club, and movie nights. New members are always welcomed. It can be fun to support your library through this volunteer organization.

We offer a variety of programs and services to the public. For further information about programs or volunteer opportunities call Ricker Memorial Library at 998-4390. Our hours are Monday & Tuesday: 9 AM to 8 PM; Wednesday through Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM; and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM.

Respectfully,
Joanne Messer, Library Director