Have you been to the Raymond Village Library recently?

A little over a year ago, the Library conducted a survey to find out what Raymond residents want from their library. The Library’s Planning Committee then used the results to create a Three-Year Plan (2005-2008) to address the needs of a growing and changing community.

One of the goals outlined in “The Plan” is to improve the physical environment. That was accomplished in part with a major space reorganization in the fall: the Library has a new welcoming feel to it and the children’s area is more open and inviting.

Another current facility project is improving the indoor/outdoor lighting for safety and energy efficiency. Space remains a challenge, causing us to make careful choices when adding to the collection. However, through a combination of selective weeding and the creative use of shelving, we have been able to improve display space and build non-fiction materials.

The debut of our electronic E-news newsletter is our second recent accomplishment and helps us meet the goal of improving communications. To stay informed about Library events, materials and information, send an e-mail note to rlibrar1@maine.rr.com, and we will add you to the subscription list.

Your Library continues to be an excellent value for the Raymond community. The Library currently receives $25,000 in town funds against an operating budget of $60,000. Compared to many other communities of our size these amounts are low. We rely on the generous contributions of supporters during our annual appeal, as well as on volunteers, grant money and other fundraisers to help close the funding gap.

Visit your library and keep in touch. The Library needs ongoing feedback from you. Stay tuned for our progress on “The Plan.”

Winter Game Night

Raymond Village Library and the Raymond Mentoring partnered in a Board Game Night for meddle school students. Jan. 15 was one of the coldest nights this winter and still some die-hard middle school students braved the weather and had a great evening of fun at Raymond Village Library playing a variety of games. Raymond Mentoring Program provided the game assortment and gave the students a wide selection from which to choose.

Naturally, there were snacks provided to keep this group going, all healthy and also provided by Raymond Mentoring. It was certainly a perfect night to stay inside and have fun, laughing among friends!

RVL would like to thank Lori Rand for partnering the Mentoring Program with the library. It is this type of collaborative effort that makes the “One Raymond” philosophy shine, benefiting everyone involved.

E-Mail newsletter

Did you know that the Raymond Village Library now has an electronic newsletter. If you would like to receive the RVL E-News, please contact rlibrar1@maine.rr.com and sign up for the next issue.

Annual Appeal

Many thanks go to the 260 patrons who have donated to the annual appeal at the library. With your support we continue to operate your library and provide you with the reading materials, programs and events for all ages. Our Annual Appeal will continue throughout the year, so if you would like to donate to the library, we are always most grateful for your financial support.

Book Group

The reading group will meet at the library on Wednesday, Mar. 22 at 7 p.m. Chosen for this month’s discussion is Susan Vreeland’s, Girl in Hyacinth Blue. New members are always welcome. For more information, please call the library at 655-4283.

After the Peak

How much oil is really left? What strategies will effectively save energy and reduce your power bill? Which technologies offer the best investment opportunities? Join us at the library to learn more about our future as the world passes peak oil production.

Resources to check out:

www.eia.doe.gov – U.S. energy information administration.

www.mainegreenpower.org – a Maine green power company.

www.homepower.com – a magazine available at the Library.

John Rand of the Raymond Conservation Commission will discuss these important topics at a program at the library on Wednesday, Mar. 29 beginning at 7 p.m.

Future Library Programming

Do you have an area of expertise, a talent to share, or a programming idea? Would you help us organize a library program for either adults or middle school students? We welcome your ideas for programming related to books, current topics, travel, community issues and personal enrichment. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests. Look for a Gardening program or two coming this Spring.

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