April Newsletter
A fond farewell from Library Director Helen Malinka.
April 1, 2021
From the Library Director
A Fond Farewell
Jonathan Lockwood Huie said, “Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.” So, I’m writing to celebrate my ending here at Berlin-Peck, after starting my Connecticut library career back in 1977.
Was I being a wiseacre when I planned April 1st as my retirement date? Maybe a little. I teased the staff that on that day I was going to say, “April Fools, I’m staying!”
I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished during my 10+ years here in Berlin, and most especially during this past, very difficult, year. While the library doors may have been shut for a few months in the beginning, our services never were. We answered phones and emails (at home at first!), strengthened Wi-Fi so it could be accessed outside, established curbside pickup and senior hours which are continuing to this day, set up express internet and expanded our eBook resources. We recently resumed our passport and notary services.
I truly appreciate the support from this community, as well as a loyal Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library. But it all comes down to this staff. As I come to the close of my time here, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for making this a fantastic place to work, and for making this team the best in the area. Time after time, they have supported each other and pitched in where it was needed to get the job done. They are professional, hardworking, personable, fun, and funny, and I will miss them terribly.
Please help me thank them by supporting the Berlin-Peck Library budget this spring. Only 1.26% of municipal revenue goes to support the library. All the wonderful services you can receive here are most certainly worth that and more!
Libraries are such a vital part of the community. It has been a privilege and honor to lead Berlin-Peck. I wish you all well.
All the best,
Helen Malinka
Library Director
Special Hours
- The library will be closed Friday, April 2, for Good Friday.
- Library hours are weekdays 10am–8pm, 5pm on Fridays.
- Senior hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am.
- Book drop hours will be weekdays 7am–9pm, 6pm on Fridays.
- Curbside pickup is still available!
Book Lists
Check out one of Berlin-Peck’s themed book lists or let us build you a recommended list!
- Celebrate National Library Week with a book!
- Books for Earth Day
- Talk Like Shakespeare Day
- Books for National Gardening Day
Events
Check out the Events Page to see upcoming events!