Willow Springs Public Library news

The Willow Springs Public Library is pleased to introduce a new free app for patrons. It’s called Beanstack and it’s like a fitness tracker for readers. Patrons can participate in fun reading challenges, leave book reviews, log time spent reading, unlock badges, and even win prizes. It’s a great tool for parents and grandparents who want to encourage kids to read. Teachers and group leaders can even create groups for some healthy reading competition. Visit the library’s website at willowspringslibrary.org for more information and to create your free account. The 2022 Summer Reading Program, Oceans of Possibilities, will be here soon and the library will use Beanstack to track readers’ progress.

The library has received several recent donations in memory of some wonderful folks from the Willow Springs community. The library would like to thank Brenda Kimbrough for placing two books in honor of Jackie Hinds; Daring To Hope by Katie Davis Majors and A Chance to Die – The Life And Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot. Brenda also donated two classic children’s books, Miss Nelson Is Missing and The Big Orange Splot in memory of Karen Nelson. Also in memory of Karen Nelson, Rob and Donna Gossard donated more of the Miss Nelson book series – Miss Nelson Is Back and Miss Nelson Has A Field Day. Rob and Donna also donated books in memory of Ronnie White, The Story of an Aviator and The Aviators, and Bob Hummel, Get Your Ass to Work: an illustrated guide to training your donkey to harness. The Winkler Family of Belleville, MI gave a donation to the library in memory of their uncle, Captain Charles “Chuck” Hiett. In 1954 Captain Hiett became the first Marine pilot to fly with the famous Navy demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels. In his honor the library has added a collection of books for both adults and children on the Blue Angels, the U.S. Marines, and even the most recent edition of Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle because of Mr. Hiett’s years spent ranching in the area. The library wants to thank all of these friends for partnering to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Memorial books are featured on the “New Books” shelf for six months and include a commemorative book plate. To make a memorial donation, visit the library or look under the “Support” tab on the website.