On the Book Front:

Notes from the
Dutton S. Peterson
Library in Odessa

The following column was written by Karin Thomas, Director of the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, 106 First St. in Odessa.

It’s grant-writing season, and we’re thrilled to begin planning new programs and workshops for the year ahead! Is there an art, hobby, or skill you’d like to learn? We would love to hear your ideas. Call us at (607) 594-2791, email petersonlibrary@stls.org, or stop by the library for a chat.

Our website and events calendar continue to grow and improve and are updated weekly. Visit duttonpetersonlibrary.org to stay informed. From there, you can also access StarCat, our online card catalog, where you can browse materials and place holds using your library card. Holds can also be placed by calling or visiting the library.

Speaking of library cards -- if you haven’t used yours in the past seven years, it may have been purged from the system. Stop in and let our staff issue you a new card and make sure your information is up to date.

We are honored to welcome historian Dr. Gary Emerson for a series of History Talks at the Odessa Community Room, 1928 County Road 15, Odessa. All talks begin at 10 a.m.; no registration is required.

January 17 -- The Lehigh Valley Railroad
February 21 -- Crimes, Chaos, and Craziness on the Chemung Canal
March 21 -- CCC Camps in Schuyler County

This February, Schuyler County libraries are partnering for community-wide book discussions of The Good Lord Bird by James McBride. The first 10 people to register at each library will receive a free copy of the book, thanks to outreach funding from the Southern Tier Library System’s Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Council. Books are available now. Discussion dates are:

February 3, 6:00 p.m. -- Elizabeth B. Pert Library, Hector
February 10, 6:00 p.m. -- Montour Falls Memorial Library
February 17, 11:00 a.m. -- Watkins Glen Public Library
February 18, 11:00 a.m. -- Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, Odessa

In addition, the Peterson Library offers recurring monthly programs that are free and welcome to everyone, with or without a library card.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. -- Craft Circle: Bring a project and enjoy good company.
3rd Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. -- Awards Book Club (contact the library for current title)
3rd Thursday, 11:00 a.m. -- Brain Games: Play games, socialize, and stay sharp!

Lastly, the library is proud to announce that we now have a Public Notary on staff. Free notary services with library clerk Stacey Hetzel are available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12-6 p.m. Staff scheduling is subject to change, so please call ahead for availability.

Stay warm, be safe, and see you at the library.