BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford County commissioners officially voted to fire Robert Perone as library director during its meeting May 7 just before his replacement charted the library’s path forward.
Perone was arrested on charges of grand theft and illegal use of a credit card for allegedly stealing more than $12,000 from the nonprofit Friends group that raises money for library programs and staff.
Tricia Wylie, the director of the New River Public Library Cooperative, is taking over Perone’s duties, assisted by Deputy Director Kim Crawford and the library staff. They are making sure the library continues doing what it does best — providing educational and entertaining experiences for all ages through programs that promote reading, art, imagination and community.
Wylie said Friends of the Library’s biggest fundraiser will kick off Thursday, May 9. The three-day book sale includes other media for sale as well, such as music and movies. The inventory includes a little bit of everything, Wylie said, books for everyone, hardbound and paperback, VHS cassettes and DVDs, etc.
Weekday hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wylie said Saturday is also dollar bag day, and you can fill a grocery store bag for $1.
Most of the planning, however, has been for a summer full of events. Melanie Jackson and Tonya Mitchell prepared the June summer schedule for ages 0-12. There is Hawaiian luau planned, animal encounters that include a reptile show and petting zoo, crafting, games and a magician.
Wylie said most activities are tied to the summer reading theme “Adventure Begins at your Library.” The fun for ages 0-12 continues in July with more events, including Book Bingo, crafting, music making, and to wrap up the summer, a Water Day.
Teens aren’t left out. They can take on the Summer Reading Challenge and participate in special events with their fellow readers. Throughout June and July, teens can explore song writing, jewelry making, scrapbooking, map making and story crafting. It all ends with a party to announce the contest winners.
The teen programs are planned by Amy Turney and Mary Green.
“Teens can be challenging to reach out to, but they do a great job, and they have a dedicated group of kids who come in to hang out and make cool crafts and so forth,” Wylie said.
There are also multiple painting-themed events for all ages, including neon glow-in-the-dark painting, rock and mini canvas painting.
The library has book clubs for adults as well, with a club that meets for brunch and dessert club that meets in the evenings, each once a month. They are an opportunity to eat out at a local restaurant and discuss books with friends.
Kathy Paddock is coordinator for adult programs and a very talented painter, Wylie said.
Wylie also previewed a grant-funded book giveaway. They have chosen geology as the theme, and participants will also receive geodes they can take home and crack open to discover the crystal formations inside.
“We have 600 of everything, so we’re hoping to have a really good turnout,” she said.
Programs are free to attend. Some do request advance signup. Some activities are first come, first served. The library will have schedules to distribute, and you can also follow events on social media.
Reach out to the library for more information at 904-368-3911.
County Manager Scott Kornegay told commissioners it was Wylie who suggested staffing changes that could save the library $85,000 annually, as well as $15,000 for the library cooperative.
Wylie has worked for the cooperative for seven years, which is a cooperative of the Bradford, Baker and Union county libraries. She received rave reviews from commissioners and the manager.
“We’re off to a great start with new leadership, and I just want to publicly thank you for everything you’ve done so far,” Kornegay said, adding kudos for Crawford as well.
