April 13 -19 was National Library Appreciation Week, and April is also National Poetry Month. We honored both by having our 2nd annual Poetry Slam on April 17th. The picture below shows winners Jesse Gardner (left) and Frank George IV (right) with guest host Scott Poole (center). It was a great evening. There were about 40 people present to listen to readings of great poetry, enjoy excellent refreshments, and laugh at the many hilarious moments. This year we offered a performance workshop on April 12. This allowed individuals the chance to practice their poetry performance and to get feedback from other performers.

Maureen Skinner and Ashley Kritzeck attended the Oregon Library Association conference in Salem on April 17. They tried to enroll in a book repair class at the conference, but it is so popular, they couldn’t get in. Maybe next time….

We were informed that the Hoodland Women’s Club are cancelling their plans to build a community center in the Welches area. We were planning to rent space there for the Hoodland Library. Margaret and Bob Thurman, owners of Welches Mountain Properties, showed me a vacant site in one of their buildings that would make a good library. Chris, Seth, Joe Knapp and I visited and discussed the possibility of moving the library. With the capital grant that we will receive from Clackamas County (as part of the library district formation) we should be able to renovate the site, add fiber and other enhancements that will result in great improvements to library services in the community. A picture of the building is posted below.