Catfish Chronicle, Issue 6, Fall 2024

Generally, at the end of the summer, we’re able to describe the fabulous Falls Library programs for patrons of all ages. This summer, we’re sorry to report that there were HVAC challenges for many libraries in the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) system including our beloved Falls branch. This resulted in multiple temporary closings and put a halt to a lot of great programs initiated over the summer, for instance, the Young Visual Playwright’s program and several wellness programs: Chair Exercise, Qigong and Mudras for Inner Balance.

We know these problems were hard to deal with especially when Friends and neighbors sought respite from the high July-August temperatures, but as we move into the Fall many programs have been rescheduled. Please know that the Friends appreciated all your offers to help during closure, but I am also happy to say that as of Tuesday, August 13, the library opened up for business with their regular hours of Monday & Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.So, be sure to check out the robust schedule of events and programs section of the newsletter which also notes that we will have our Fall Book Sale November 21-23!

As you can read in Jenna’s interview with our new Branch Librarian, Jennifer “Jenn” Estepp (later in this newsletter), we have an experienced and wonderful new Branch head. Generally, a new Librarian has a period of calm when they start a new job but instead, Jenn had to deal with a building closure while working with the FLP Buildings department with the Falls Staff being temporarily reassigned to other libraries. Along with support from their FLP Supervisor, Jenn and Grace, our Children’s Librarian, fashioned a temporary system to have reserved books on hold placed in the Community Room so that patrons would be able to pick up their items. As is true for many older buildings, the Community Room has a separate a/c system that was working. The staff also set up curated popular books, DVDs and games in addition to our on-hold materials.

Please know that your support to the Friends of the Falls Library matters a great deal. We are known for having an active and ambitious Friends group, and I can tell you that the offers of help and support from all of you proved that.

We thank you for the renewed and new memberships. If you have not renewed your membership yet, please consider doing so. Here is the link.

Many thanks.

Martha