Library salutes departing leader, stages events

You may have heard our library director, Kelly Skovbjerg, is leaving us at the end of April this year, and I just wanted to share my own experience working with this amazing person.

Kelly started working with us in July of 2002 as the library’s reference librarian, and all I can say is that she entered a chaotic place.

There were lots of changes going on, and we didn’t even have a desk ready for her. After making her wander all over the building with me, I finally asked her just to bunk with me in my office. At the time I was in technical services.

She and I discovered that we both loved “Pride and Prejudice” featuring the yummy Colin Firth, and we’d quote from it all the time.

During that period, Kelly and I both collaborated to create the library’s long-lasting book discussion group, Food for Thought, which is still going strong today.

I was so excited when she became our library director just over a year after she started, but she and I had a bit of an unusual transition when we went from coworkers to supervisor and employee. After we worked that out, we settled into a great relationship.

For the past two decades, I have witnessed her powerful, creative and collaborative approach to designing and building this wonderful facility in which we serve the public.

Kelly faced a myriad of obstacles, but she handled them all like a pro. I’m incredibly proud of her and what she has accomplished; not just for the library, but for the whole community.

I will miss her so much, but I also know that Kelly will continue to excel at whatever endeavors she takes on, and that makes me smile during this bittersweet time.

Staffing change

General services assistant Oemuer Samsa learned so much about putting out fires here at the library, that he decided to put that skill to use. He now works for the Boerne Fire Department.

With his departure, we have moved part-time employee Libby Quintero into his old position. She has plenty of accounting experience as well as wonderful customer-service skills.

If you need help with booking a meeting space, contact Libby at [email protected].

Asian tea ceremony

On Feb. 7, from 6-7:30 p.m., experience a traditional Asian tea ceremony with Yaping Zhang, a Chinese culture expert.

An Asian tea ceremony is a traditional ritual that involves the preparation, serving and consumption of tea. Various Asian cultures, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean and others, have their unique tea ceremony practices.

The Asian tea ceremony embodies principles of mindfulness, harmony, and aesthetics. While the specifics can vary across cultures, the underlying philosophy emphasizes the connection between nature, people, and the moment. This library event is limited to 20 people, so please register as soon as possible. Just visit boernelibrary.org to find the registration link.

Second Saturday author

On the Second Saturday of each month, we feature a different author in the lobby for two hours. This month we encourage dystopian fiction enthusiasts to mark your calendars.

Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 10 for a unique opportunity to meet the creative mind behind the gripping “Keeper Program” series, author Michael Camarillo.

Camarillo will be available to engage in discussions, sign copies of his books, and share his creative journey. Don’t miss your chance to connect with this regional author and delve into the thought-provoking landscapes of the Keeper Program series. See you there.

Movie for teens and families

On Feb. 10, we usher in the Chinese New Year in grand style: it’s the Year of the Dragon!

Join us at 1 p.m. in The Hub where we’ll magically transform the space into a sit-in cinema, featuring the movie “Dragonheart” on the big screen.

Enjoy complimentary movie concessions like popcorn, nachos and delightful dragon-themed snacks. You can use provided seating or bring your own lawn chairs or bean-bag furniture.

No need to fret about registration, but hey, it’s encouraged. Just visit boernelibrary.org and find the registration link on the calendar entry. It will help let us know you’re coming so we can ensure an abundance of treats for everyone.

While the movie is rated PG-13, this event is open to all ages. Don’t miss the chance to take home a piece of the magic with a special dragon-themed make-n-take craft.