This is my last Off the Shelf of 2020. As 2021 approaches, I’m reflecting on the year that we’ve had, the fantastic staff at the library, and the devoted library patrons in our community. As I mentioned in April, I didn’t think that the future ever held closing a public library, our ...

It is easy to guess what this is -- a rainbow spatterware water pitcher. But how old is it? Spatterware was first made in the late 1700s in England, but most found today dates from about 1800 to 1850 in Staffordshire, England, made to sell in the United States. Unfortunately, the word ...

For many people, the holiday season is a special time of year marked by festive celebrations and gatherings with family and friends. It is a time to look ahead with excitement to the approaching New Year. For those struggling with losses such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, ...

Like many, over the long Thanksgiving weekend I chose to stay home and celebrate a quieter Thanksgiving than in past years. Although I missed seeing family and friends, I took the opportunity to enjoy a few books in my to-be-read stack. I must say, I chose some winners. David Sedaris’ ...

This vintage bank is easy to date. It is a type of tin bank that is no longer popular and the dog decorating the front was a comic cartoon star from the 1920s to the 1940s. This is the first famous Bonzo. A live dog by that name became famous in the movies years later. Bonzo was first ...

When stress is at its peak, it is hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if you know the holidays have taken an emotional toll in previous years. Living during the challenging times of the pandemic could make this holiday season even more ...