May 2013: From the Director's Chair

blog.freepeople.com

Celebrations abound in the month of May, keeping us all very, very busy!

For those of us whose mothers are no longer with us, Mother's Day is bittersweet—we are happy to have had loving, kind, or unique mothers but sad that we can no longer go to them for advice. For anyone whose mother is still alive, make sure to celebrate her on Mother's Day.

Memorial Day is another day full of sadness and joy. While we mourn the loss of those men and women who gave their lives to ensure America's freedom, we also celebrate those who continue to risk their lives for others daily.

On a much lighter note, the following holidays also take place in May...

Mother Goose Day (5/1)
No Socks Day (5/8)
Kite Day (5/12)
National Dance Like a Chicken Day (5/14)
National Chocolate Chip Day (5/15)
Blueberry Cheesecake Day (5/26)

Many historical events occurred in May, including the opening of the Eiffel Tower, the publishing of the first newspaper cartoon in America, the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the sending of the first Morse code message, and the patenting of masking tape. The Kentucky Derby horse race is run every year on the first Saturday of the month.

Graduations from high schools and colleges also take place in the month of May. For many organizations, May is the last month for big meetings before the fall season.

With all of the holidays to celebrate and events to attend in May, make sure to add Martinsburg Heritage Day (look for more details soon!) to your list. Community member Max Mosse, who donated the popcorn machine you see upon entering the library, will be speaking about Martinsburg during the 1940s and 1950s. Come and reminisce with him! 

We're also celebrating Zombie Awareness Month. Come out tomorrow night at 7 p.m. for the showing of Night of the Living Dead.

We'd love for you to add a visit to the library to your busy May! We'll see you soon!