As the first eTidings goes to distribution, the Eldredge Public Library is battling environmental issues. The combination of building leaks, a summer-long air conditioning failure, and the hot, muggy summer has created a mold problem.

We are currently taking steps to remediate the situation, but in the meantime we have temporarily cancelled the use of our large meeting rooms until the air has improved. Mold spores have spread throughout the building, and people are advised to avoid prolonged exposure, particularly those with asthma or other

 respiratory issues.

     Every June it is the pleasure of the president of the Friends to recognize an individual who has served the Library with dedication and a commitment to excellence.  It is my honor to present the Friends Annual Esprit Award to Joe Gagliano, a past board member who has been involved with the Eldredge Public Library for many years in various capacities.

     Joe served on the Friends board as treasurer, a position that can involve a great deal of paper work and the need for financial organization when there is a major fundraiser.  He became president of the Friends and served from 2008 to 2010.  His energy and enthusiasm for the many programs that the Library offers was evident to those who served with him.  He continues to contribute to the Library as a member of the Board of Trustees where he oversees and coordinates the Annual Fund drive, a huge job requiring many hours of dedicated labor.

     The military periodically carries out formal ceremonies called "changing of the guard." Analogously but less demonstratively the Eldredge Library Board of Trustees elects new officers to replace those who have reached their term limits (the maximum length of time an officer can hold the same office).

     Terms for officers are for one year; three years is the maximum. Unlimited terms are supposed to provide increasing competence, know-how, etc., and perhaps they do, sometimes. For the Trustees, however, longer term limits afford no real benefit and lose the advantage of new energies and ideas. This year, of the Board's five officers, three -- the President (Dick Evans), Vice President (Phyllis Freeman), and Clerk (Stephanie Bartlett) -- will be "termed out" on September 19.

     Nearing that turning point, it seems appropriate to sum up what has (and has not) been accomplished over the past three years.

   Holly Whiting is retiring after 12 years of editing Tidings. Her first issue was the Fall 2001 and she produced this publication through the Summer 2013 edition.

   According to Holly, "working with people" was what she liked most about the position. It made her feel like she was doing something creative.  

   "I liked doing it and people enjoyed seeing it. It was a job the Library and the community wanted and needed, and I was able to do it. I enjoyed serving the community and being productive."

     "It was a fun process with interesting people and the end result was a product people loved seeing. I loved hearing people say, 'Oh, I got Tidings today and it's great!'"   

     Holly moved to Chatham in 2000 after living in Singapore from 1974-1998 and Swampscott, MA from 1999-2000. She enjoys reading and doing crossword puzzles. Paddling a boat and swimming in Lovers Lake are her favorite activities on a beautiful Cape Cod day. 

     The Library and the community thanks Holly for her dedication and wonderful job!