April showers bring May flowers, and at the library, it brings bluebonnets going to seed. As soon as things dry out, the seed pods will burst and scatter their contents, then we can mow. Until then, we’ll look a little ugly and neglected. Please, be patient. In the meantime, the lantana are growing quickly and will soon attract butterflies.

East Texas Giving Day was April 28. As always it is the last Tuesday of April. We thank all of those who contributed to the campaign this year. Money raised will go to general operations such as utilities, books and supplies. That same day was our movie night at the Select Theater, and proceeds will go to purchase VOX books.

Summer Reading is about to get into full swing. It will begin on Wednesday, May 27 at 2 p.m. and continue until July 1. The programs are geared to children in K-5th grade, but older and younger are welcome. Younger ones will need the assistance of their parents. We will be tracking reading minutes through reading challenges that can also apply to the Texas-America 250 Reading Challenge (all ages are encouraged to participate in this). Stay tuned for more details about the Summer Program.

Toddler Story Time will continue on Tuesdays until the last one on May 19 and then they will break for the summer. Preschool Story Time will continue on Wednesdays until the last one on May 20, and this program will also break for the summer. Homeschool Heroes will meet Friday, May 1 and Friday, May 15, and then they will break for the summer.

Read to a Dog will continue on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. as long as our canine friends and their trainers wish to continue (we are loving having them here).

Look for us at Fiesta de Mayo with a booth full of second-hand books for sale at .25 each or 5/$1. There will also be information about our summer reading program. Please, support the library as you always have.

Thank you to our donors including Beth Shockey, Patricia Moore and Diane Pitkin. The Mineola Memorial Library is a 501(c)3, non-profit and your donations may be tax-deductible.