The Fourth of July was a big success for the Andover Libraries, as we made almost $6,700 from
the book donation event and the mini-golf course. What really made the day so successful were
the cheerful demeanors, artistic creations, and strong arms of all the volunteers. 

They sorted and packed books in each library through the year; they hauled books upstairs and drove them to the Stone Chapel, where others had already set up tables. Volunteers staffed the tables Monday evening and all day Tuesday. They consolidated and re-packed books and then showed up Wednesday morning to help our vendor pack them into his truck to be distributed to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, here and abroad. What a mighty effort!

Thank you to the following: Robin and Ryan Benincase, Kathy Bennet, Kaden Hardy, John and Sooze Hodgson, Amy and Gregor Makechnie and Cope Makechnie, Jesse Schust, Bill, Sheila, and Cheri Swenson.

Thank you to Abby and Olivia Bentzler, Santigie Hoover, Amy Jenkins, Caroline Moulton, Shelby Perrault, and Lee Wells who were responsible for running the mini-golf course, under the enthusiastic guidance of Michaela Hoover. 

We continue our thanks to: Gail Beaufays, Susan Chase, Donna Duclos, Sandra Graves, Cynthia and Kent Hackman, Paula Higgins, Julie Matz, Janet Moore, Marie Nardino and Bill Radzelovage, Priscilla Poulin, Deb Rees, Nancy and Scott Robart, Kris Tabor-Hall, and Tina Nussbaum Wagler and family. 

Michaela Hoover and Lee Wells masterminded the golf course, and if you missed it this year, fear not; sponsors are already lining up for 2024. Sheila Swenson effectively pulled together the new Friends of the Library into a very efficient group. The trustees are extremely grateful!

All that’s left to do in this rainy summer is to read; so, here’s what’s on my table: Ann Cleeve’s Cold Earth and Red Bones, Michael Crummey’s River Thieves, Trish Doller’s Off the Map, Janice Hallet’s The Appeal, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, and Sena Jeter Naslund’s Four Spirits. Oh yes, and Amy Makechnie’s The McNifficents.