Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to count my blessings, as I hope each of you has been doing, as well. 

This is not hard for me to do—especially this year, as one of my biggest blessings has been getting to work at both Fort Gibson and Hulbert libraries. I have worked at Q.B. Boydstun Library since 2020, but Hulbert Community Library has been a new experience filled with unexpected blessings. 

I have met many wonderful people there who work hard to promote their town and bring its people together. And I would like to thank each of the community volunteers who have graciously given of their time and talents to lead programs at Hulbert’s library.

Thank you to Mr. Charles Cowart, a local woodworker who taught children how to make their own treasure boxes last month. He is following it up with another woodworking program on December 7 and 14. This time, he will teach constructing trivets. These would make perfect “made with love” Christmas gifts! 

I also want to thank Mrs. Rose Hook, who is leading our Hook and Needle Club. She is currently teaching beginners’ crochet, but all fiber crafters are welcome in the circle. These will be every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 3:30 pm.  

“Thank you” to Cherokee National Treasure and artist, Mr. Vyrl Keeter, as well. He stopped by the library last week to demonstrate flint knapping. 

And the last volunteer I would like to thank is Mr. Andrew Pudewa. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, and a bona fide rockstar to every homeschool parent I know. 

He travels all over North America speaking to students, parents, and educators on topics related to teaching, reading, writing, spelling, critical thinking, and music. I’m so excited to announce that Mr. Pudewa will be at the library on Tuesday, November 28, to give a free talk entitled “Nurturing Competent Communicators.” A huge “thank you” to him for coming to share! 

If you would like more information on any of our programs at Hulbert Community Library, please visit our website at eols.org/hulbert. Have a blessed week!

Ashley Rouse is the shared branch manager of Hulbert Community Library and Q.B. Boydstun Library, branches of the Eastern Oklahoma Library System.