How can it be March already when we just celebrated Christmas and the New Year? Time is flying by, so don't get caught unprepared or without noting these special dates. Don't say I didn't warn you!!

April 6: Nighttime Storytime: 7:00pm Come to our Pajama-Rama. Everyone in their jammies please! We will read bedtime stories to the young ones, then head into the meeting room for a bedtime snack.

April 21: Art Appreciation Night: 6:30-8:00pm We are partnering with art students from West Valley High School to do an evening of interesting information on some famous and not so famous works of art. Come and learn something you may not know. Admission is free.

May 1: Quarterly Book Sale and Jewelry Sale: 10:00-2:00. This will be our usual book sale, but we are holding a jewelry sale also, just in time for Mother's Day. There will be beautiful jewelry on display from Premier Jewelry for you to admire, purchase, and take home the same day. Lots of good bargains on beautifully styled jewelry. You must see it all to appreciate it. Come early to get the good stuff! Shop and support the library!

Have you noticed, just to the left when you walk into the library, that we now have a table set up featuring some of our great collections of books? We currently are displaying some great Debbie Macomber books. Are you familiar with this author? Read about her in the display, and she may just become your new favorite author. Watch to see the next collection we are featuring!

Did you know that we have Wi-Fi here at the library? And did you know that it was free for all to use? Simply turn on your laptop and go to the "cottonlib" site that is the unsecured one that does not require a password to use. Is the library closed? Try sitting out in the parking lot, and you may be able to still receive our strong signal. Happy surfing!

Many of you have asked if we take donations of books. We do - however there are some restrictions as to what we accept and do not accept. If you are thinking of donating materials to the library, call me first so we can talk about it. Thank you for your past donations, and keep them coming. All your donations help to keep the doors open.

Do you know long-time Cottonwood residents Gaylerd and Meridi Thissell? Meridi volunteers many unselfish hours to the library, both in her expertise at our outdoor landscaping, but also inside the library as a tutoring volunteer. Her husband, Gaylerd, is an artist who works with leather. Many of you may be familiar with his western works, especially his beautiful saddles. He was recently funded with a grant to teach his skills and artwork to his grandson in the hopes of keeping this skill alive. Read about their story online at www.actaonline.org., then on the left hand side click on "ACTA Welcomes 23 Master Artist-Apprentice Teams to its Apprenticeship Program " and scroll down to the Thissell name. We are proud of you, Gaylerd!

As I had mentioned in our last newsletter, February was set aside as "Love Your Library" month. At this time I wish to thank all of you who made a point of donating from our pledge board or who took the time to come in and say thank you. Our volunteers work so hard, both at the desk and behind the scenes, to make this library available to you for the hours we are open. If you have not done so lately, thank them next time you are visiting the library. After all, it is because of all of them that we are able to be open the hours that we are. Let’s all do our part to keep the library growing and moving forward, and to keep Dr. Reifert's dream alive!

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Reading! Gayle