Thanks to the generosity and support of our local businesses, the March Madness Raffle at the libraries was a great success. Patrons received a raffle ticket for every visit during which they checked out library materials. The winners’ names were drawn at the end of the month. Eight lucky patrons received gift cards or gift certificates from Blackwater Junction Restaurant, Repeat Boutique, Belletetes, Circle K, JJ’s, Andover Pizza Chef, The Kitchen, and Naughty Nellies.

Want to honor a special person in your life? Please consider donating a book to either library in their honor! It could be for a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, a special thank-you to a friend or neighbor or teacher, or–for no particular reason at all. We will be happy to order the book, make out the special bookplate, and gift wrap it-and the honoree will automatically become the first person to check out the book.

The Bachelder Library will host the East Andover Village Preschool Art Show for the month of May. Grand opening is April 30th at 5 PM. The featured artists, all students, will attend the opening and be happy to explain their artwork to interested viewers. If you can’t make it on the 30th, do come by sometime during the month.

We will be going in a different direction for the May Book Club meeting. Rather than have participants read the same selection, we have instead decided to have everyone read a middle grade or young adult novel of their own choosing and then present a–you guessed it– book report! As grown-ups, we tend to overlook middle grade and young adult literature, but those stories are often just as complex and serious and often as humorous as adult fiction is; it’s just that they’re told from a child’s viewpoint. Take a risk and come share with us. We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month, from 7-8 PM at the Bachelder. Ask the librarians if you need suggestions, or a retired librarian: jmpcilley@nulltds.net; Janet Moore is full of ideas!

Now that the weather is warmer and the roads are finally clear of ice, it’s an even better time to join the WABL Walkers! Weather permitting, we meet at the Bachelder on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 AM and head up Chase Hill Rd onto Emery, turning back when everyone has had enough. It’s a hilly walk but with spectacular views, and we end with tea at the library, and check-outs if you desire. There’s no set pace, only what you like, and the schedule and route are always up for grabs. Come join us for a welcome breath of fresh air. And if you’d like to receive our monthly e-newsletter, just give us a buzz at wablibrary@nullcomcast.net or andoverpl@nullcomcast.net.