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About North Douglas herald. (Drain Or) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2024)
Page 4 February 2024 Lower Umpqua Library District Updates Lower Umpqua Library District is placing neighborhood library modules in outlying rural locations within our service area. These are basically roofed bookcases, which can contain approximately 130 books and DVDs. The public can borrow and return these items on an honor system basis. The library district received an American Rescue Plan Act grant that funded the materials to build seven of these. So far, two neighborhood library modules have been built by volunteers and are located in Winchester Bay and Ash Valley, respectively. Two more are currently under construction and one of those will be placed at Smith River Store. We are currently looking for four additional locations to place neighborhood library modules and for volunteers to build three of them. If you would like to volunteer the use of your land for a neighborhood library Letters from the Librarian “The beauty of winter is that it makes you appreciate spring.” - Lucy Maud Montgomery Weather! We are channeling our inner Anne of Green Gables again with this winter weather and accompany- ing closures, out- ages, and chilly challenges. The library is a place to find warmth, internet, and a place to hang out. Oh, and books, which are a favorite pastime for getting cozy. In a somewhat related note, we have a cuddly collection of hats, scarves, socks, and gloves courtesy of the Yarn Club (see this very column, paragraph three, to join) and our Friends of the Library. Seed library and garden club! The Mildred Whipple Library is excited to announce its new seed library. “Borrow” all you want and need of herb, flower, and vegetable seeds -- and of course they are free. An updated list of what’s available is on our website at ndld.org under the “program” tab. Or browse the collection in person during open hours. We are pleased to also launch a garden club on the second Saturday of each month, where members can borrow seeds, trade information, check out garden and home- stead books, and hear from master gardeners from time to time. Drop in from 12 to 2 p.m. to join the garden club fun. Do remember, though, that the seeds are available anytime we are open. We are also accepting seed donations from your stash or leftovers. We’ll take care of the sorting and labeling so you can feel good about passing along seeds that might help someone else. Yarn along! Do you knit, crochet, cross stitch or embroider? Or do you want to learn? Our fiber arts group meets Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. for all kinds of fun with yarn. It’s an encour- aging and kind group with room for you. We have some free supplies to get you started too. Library kids! We are grateful for a community full of library kids, who are always welcome in the library. Kids under the age of 12 do need an adult or responsible teen accompanying them on their visit. Some of our kid-friendly program- ming includes: Story time. Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. is dedi- cated to stories and crafts for preschoolers and toddlers (and all siblings and grownups who’d enjoy a story and a craft); Teen advisory. Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. is our teen advisory group for ages 12-18. The teens in this group have snacks, help choose books for the young adult and tween collections, decorate the teen room for the seasons, and plan fun events. Matinee movie. Also on Wednesdays, starting at 4 p.m., is our family-friendly matinee movie. We serve hot popcorn and snacks. Game club. Legos and chess and board games, oh my! Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m., join us for Legos and board games on a rotating sched- ule. Call the library at 541-836-2648 for details. This was a very popular program that we’re glad to reintroduce. School gets out early on Fridays, so the learning and fun continue at the library. Friends! The vibrant Friends of the Library group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. Join them to plan author talks, parties, fundraisers, and to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Read along! The YonDr book club travels between Yoncalla and Drain on the second Thursday of each month. In February, the club will read “No Ghosts in the Graveyard” by local author Bob Crites and meet in Drain at 7 p.m. Pick up a copy at either library and join the discussion. Miriam Sisson Director Mildred Whipple Library, North Douglas Library District ndld.org 541-836-2648 module or your time to build one, or if you have questions or suggestions about this project please contact the library. The photo shows the neighborhood library module in Ash Valley and the map shows the boundaries of Lower Umpqua Library District (the area within the black border). We can potentially erect neighborhood library modules anywhere within the borders of Lower Umpqua Library District, provided that we have permission from the land owner and someone to build them. Ideal placement locations would be areas where the neighborhood library modules will likely be seen and used by many people, where they can be accessed safely, where there is space for people to congregate, and that are in a distinct area that is not too close to either the library or another module. Completed neighborhood library modules are monitored and restocked by staff and/or volunteers. Alex Kuestner Library Director/District Manager Lower Umpqua Library District 395 Winchester Ave Reedsport, Oregon 97467 (541) 271-3500 www.luld.org Current Neighborhood Library Modules Winchester Bay Neighborhood Library Near the corner of Broadway Ave & South 6 th Street Ash Valley Neighborhood Library Near the corner of Elk Ridge Forest Road & Loon Lake Road North Douglas Herald Yoncalla Public Library Notes We’re looking forward to February at the Yoncalla Public Library. On Monday the 12th and Wednesday the 14th we’ll have all the supplies for anyone to drop-in for crafty Valentines Day card-making. Stop by during open hours to participate. On Saturday the 24th from 12-2 join us for our Celebration of Literacy. This is an all-ages event with lunch, a cursive writing competition, and entertainment for the whole family. Also join us on the second Saturday of every month from 10-12 when we have Coffee Club. This is a space to drop-in for a cup of coffee, get help with any technology needs, or just meet up for conversation. Our hours are M 1-5, W 10- 4, Th 4-7, and Sat 10-2. Follow us on Facebook for more information and to see what we’re up to every week. See you at the library! Conversation with Craig Zolezzi Continued from Page 1 Zolezzi Insurance Agency to work for his Dad. As the business thrived, the Zolezzi’s were growing and in 1992 the building was expanded and updated to it’s present state. In 1999, after 31 years at the helm, Gordon suddenly passed away. At the age of 35, Craig found himself taking over the company. According to Craig, “We had some long time employees and strong connections with the community and everyone was very supportive. I kind of cut my teeth there and Ray Heaton was there for me, he was a long time employee, sort of leading me the way. Then in 2002 I bought what was the Scallon Insurance Agency in Sutherlin Oregon, establishing a second location at 112 Eagle Court there. I ran both Agencies there for many years and most recently purchased an Agency in Florence, that was formerly called Coast Insurance. We closed the deal on January 1st 2022 so we have been there a year now.” When you speak to Craig, it is obvious that he is, both, a driven insurance professional that enjoys working with and helping people, as well as a down to earth, guy next door, sure to give a smile and handshake and look you in the eye while talking to you. Gregarious and friendly, Craig is quick to tell a good story and just as quick to let you know he’s listening and hears your point of view. “So I spend a lot of my time on the road, between the valley and the coast”, he explains. “Our territory is state wide, in fact it’s multi state. My roots do run deep in Drain, in North Douglas county. I graduated from Elkton High School and I have a lot of local customers and a lot of multi generational customers.” Continued on Page 11
