Happy St. Patrick's Day

There are McNultys on my mother's side of the family.  They immigrated during the famine times landing in New York and moving west with the generations.  I think all I have left of my heritage is Irish good humor and sometimes a wee bit of a temper.

It's going to be a chilly St. Patrick's Day this year.  Chowing down on corned beef and cabbage will take off some of the shivers.  Last year it was nearly 70 degrees and sunny for the Dyersville parade.  Regardless, I hope everyone has a safe and happy celebration. 

Last evening was our monthly Friends of the Library meeting.  What a wonderful supportive bunch of library lovers!!  They drew for the door prizes from their series of open houses.  Here are the lucky winners:

Ed Wille - Color Nook (Holy Cross)
Holly Kress - Iowa Places book (Asbury)
Owen Welter - Monopoly game (Holy Cross)
Scott Ellerbach - Scrabble game (Asbury)
Will Bergfeld - Clue game (Peosta).

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who attended.  Thanks to the Friends for providing treats and the prizes. 

The budget process is over.  The County scrutinized every line item for every department.  The result will be a very tight budget for the current year with reductions to books, programming, and office supplies.  We may have to count paper clips by the end of June.  Next year a little money is restored to books and programming but we will continue to watch our pennies while providing quality service to our customers.

Upcoming Events:

Reading with the 'Rents - a new Kid/Parent Book Club...read a book with your parent then join us once a month for a relaxing book club at our NEW HOLY CROSS location...895 Main Street!

Before we meet:

• Read from the Iowa Children's Choice List.
• Books are available for check out at the Holy Cross library.
• Choose any book or multiple books to read with a parent.
• Then come and share your favorite or least favorite books from this year's list.
• By sharing we will all find some new, good books to read.
• Read 2 or more by the end of March then vote for your favorite on the Iowa list. YOUR VOTE COUNTS!  
• Call your local branch to register

Mark your calendar for an exciting author visit.  Elizabeth Fixmer author of "Saint Training" will be presenting a program and signing books on Monday evening, April 15th at our NICC/Peosta branch.  If you haven't read the story of Mary Clare, a young girl waiting for a miracle, you need to.  It's a delightful read.

The Friends of Dubuque County Library is having a spring book sale the weekend of April 25-27 at our Epworth branch.  You won't want to miss getting in on the bargains.  Lots of weeded and donated books will be on sale at rock botton prices.

Next week is our GAB (Girls and Books) meeting on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at our NICC/Peosta branch.  Up for discussion is Fanny Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe."  This has become a contemporary classic about a sprawling Southern family.  It was made into a movie starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy.  If you would like to join us, just pick up a book at your local branch. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!  See you at the Library.

Dawn