Days of Festivities
Guest Blog Post by Deb Achor
The holidays are upon us! Library book return dates reflect the impending holiday hustle!
Library staff is busy arranging shelves and display cases to usher in the festive season! A lot of time, effort and energy goes into beautifying the floors of the Piqua Public Library. The staff works diligently to herald in this magical season. I interviewed the Christmas Committee here at the Library. We talked about the history, goals and their favorite memories of holiday decorating.
Jim Oda, the Director, related that the committee began in 2009. The goal was promoting the library and educating patrons about various holiday traditions. The collection of culturally diverse nativity scenes is one of Jim’s favorites. The Library also has a beautifully rendered crèche, or manger, gifted by Violet Das and the late Dr. Ramen Das.
The Christmas Committee team is well comprised. Each member cherishes various aspects of the season. Their diverse talents, perspectives, and abilities combined with hard work create gorgeous displays. Angie Winsler, a true enthusiast, strives to “bring holiday cheer to the community.” Her enthusiasm for all things Santa Claus breathes vigor into the committee. Beth Hole began decorating the Library stair railing at the Flesh Library years ago. She keeps the committee organized. Beth shared that planning begins with choosing a theme for the display. Procuring decorative items takes place throughout the calendar year.
Decorating the Library with holiday cheer is a collaborative effort. The committee relies on the collective artistic strength of its members and volunteers. Missy Courtright lends her artistic talents to the group by making stunning handmade ornaments for the tree. Deb Bolin employed her artistic talents with “The Twelve Days of Christmas” tree. She said, “it was a lot of fun using lots of different mediums, especially with the ‘Lords a Leaping.’"
Sharon Watson’s favorite theme was last year’s display. It included a full-sized R.P. Spiker carriage sleigh. The sleigh was lent to us by Larry and Barbara Coffing of Piqua and was manufactured in Piqua by the R. T. Spiker Co. in 1875. Sharon's husband, Ken, and his friend, Paul Yohey, maneuvered the sleigh in place! Gary Meek acknowledges all the community’s contribution. He especially appreciates Barb Bollenbacher’s menorahs. Gary works on many of the decorating projects. His wife, Deb, joins the decorating team as a volunteer. Deb treats the community by playing beautiful carols on the grand piano in the lobby.
Committee members agree that volunteers greatly contribute to the Library's impressive displays each year. The Piqua Library would like thank the following staff and volunteers who have contributed to our holiday decorating: Lois Fair, Jean Franz, Gail Staley, Penny and Monte Mohler, Catherine Oda, Alma Peterson, Juanita Ventura, Grace Voskuhl, April Watson, Ken Watson, Niki Watson, McKenna Watson, Beverly Yohey and Paul Yohey. We appreciate the spirit of giving which these and other community members share.
When returning those books back to the Piqua Public Library I would ask that you give yourself a gift. Take time to visit each floor of the Library. See what our library staff and volunteers have created for you this festive season. Happy Holidays!
