"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." 
 
                                                                                                                            ~ Neil Gaiman, author
 
Meet Jordyn, our Wellness Access Facilitator
 
What is COMCorps, anyway? It's a specialized AmeriCorps program housed in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Community Health Programs at Ohio U. Participants serve 1,700 hours during 10.5 to 11.5-month assignments in local agencies or schools, promoting wellness-related projects.
 
We asked our current COMCorps member to tell us more about their experience in this position so far:
 
What kinds of things do you do as ACPL's Wellness Access Facilitator on a weekly basis? 
 
Since I've begun, I've worked on providing direct access to healthy produce that was all sourced from the Chesterhill Produce Auction. I also plan for upcoming programs, and I've recently been working on an access map and document that details where different food resources and basic needs resources can be found. 
 
What makes you interested in this kind of position? 
 
I've always been interested in service in Athens because it's my home. Though I didn't grow up here, this has been the only place I've lived that's accepting and open to all kinds of people, food, and culture. Service and reciprocity are very important to me, and COMCorps seemed like a good first dip in the waters. I also love libraries and the service they provide in people's lives. 
 
What kinds of programs/resources have you hosted or helped with so far, and what's coming up this winter?
 
I've hosted a variety of programs that have ranged from creating sprout jars and giving seeds, to games and granola, and each week I help facilitate and organize the weekly meal-workshop series called FEAST: Families Eating Affordably and Sustainably Together (now in its 2nd year).
 
This winter, I'm going to be hosting a documentary the 4th Tuesday of each month and cook healthy food with a theme that correlates to each film. The series is called Deliciousness and a Documentary. In January, we'll be making our own honey mustard and roasting veggies in it. We'll also watch the film Honeyland. 

I'll also be helping Community Food Initiatives (CFI) in February with a DIY Seed Mosaic series for adults and families.
 
What's a "dream program" idea that you'd love to see happen at the libraries?

One dream program for me would be creating a sort of test-drive for instruments such as a drum set, djembe, bass, guitar, microphones, and others, as well. I love music and am learning to play set, and it would mean a lot to me to see how impactful that can be on kids, teens, and adults, of course.  
 
Glouster Public Library gets a makeover
If you've visited our Glouster location in the last few months, you'll have noticed a flurry of construction work. Much-needed updates to areas like the parking lot and entryway were completed in 2019, and now a refresh to the library's interior is ready to warmly welcome visitors.
 
Patrons' first comment is usually "'Wow, this is different!'" branch manager Deb Couch recently shared. "Many have said that the re-design seems more open and spacious, and that certain sections like YA are easier to find."
 
New carpet and bright blue walls in the back are two favorite updates among library users, along with computer desk chairs on rollers. Library staff are most excited about a new circulation desk/work area. 
 
We hope you'll join us at a free program at our Glouster location this winter! See myacpl.org/events/ for what's being planned.
 
Winter Library Club is here for the 2nd year!
 
Keep track of what you read + programs you attend at any ACPL location this winter,
then fill out entries to win one of our exciting basket grand prizes. 
 
Entry bookmarks available at any library location.
 

FAQ:
 
Q: How long does the Club last?
A: January 2 - February 29.
 
Q: How many times can I enter?
A: As many times as you like, as long as each entry includes unique items.
 
Q: When will you do the drawings to see who won the baskets at each branch?
A: The beginning of March.
 
Q: Where did you get the money for this? 
A: The Becher fund, a private donation given to the libraries. 
 
Q: Do audiobooks and magazines count?
A: Yes!
 
Q: DVDs?
A: This year we're counting films based on books.
 
Q: What's in the basket at [other branch]?
A: All of the baskets around the county are unique and were put together by staff from that branch, based on what they know about their patrons. You can put your entry toward any basket, and you don't have to enter in your age category. Each basket has a value of approximately $50.
 
Q: Which programs qualify for an entry?
A: Any ACPL program in Jan/Feb 2020 (including storytime).
 
Q: Can a child enter if they can't read?
A: If a child reads a book with an adult, that counts! Does it count for the adult too? Sure thing.
 
Q: How strict are we with the rules?
A: Entries are on the honor system, so we'll use our best judgement and ask that you do too! 
 
 Upcoming program highlight
 
 
Where: Glouster Public Library
 
Bring your vintage treasures between 2-4pm to learn more about their history, discover how to research your jewels, and find out what they might be worth. Is that piece you inherited something special, or simply sentimental? Put on your glitziest pieces and join in the fun! 

Presenter Deb Schneider has been collecting and dealing in vintage costume jewelry for 40 years.  
 
A new record for our At-Home Library Service!
Our Outreach duo of Laura and Katelyn delivered over three thousand 
library items last year to Athens County residents unable to visit a library location
due to illness, disability, caregiver responsibilities, or an ongoing lack of transportation.
 
Applications for this service are available at all seven ACPL locations
or by contacting home@myacpl.org or 740-737-6009. 
 
 
 
 

Athens County Public Libraries
95 W. Washington St.
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
myacpl.org