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Elder family integral part of library’s long history

I’ve spent the last several weeks writing about the Mifflin County Library during the 1940s. The Lewistown Library of the 1870s merged with other libraries throughout the county to become the Mifflin County Library in 1941. The library director, Miss Shoemaker, resigned in December 1943. Before I go on and write about the next few directors, I’d like to tell you about an unsung hero in library history. She was never the director but she and her family helped to make the Mifflin County Library what it is today. This is Margaretta Elder. Margaretta is one of the Elder family who ...

Our hope must come from God

So Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord — Exodus 4:28 The necessity of accurately speaking (heralding) God’s message is taught throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. In Revelation 22:18, there is a warning to those who would add or take away from God’s Word. Even the way we present His truth can transform it into a man-centered religion instead of a God-centered, God-glorifying message. In Genesis chapter 3, we read about Adam and Eve choosing to rebel against God. Then they hid from God and chose not to seek Him. God sought Adam and Eve, He came looking for ...

Versatile apples are a must in Bev’s Kitchen

By Bev Kauffman Hello from the kitchen! This time of year brings back memories of picking peaches and apples! I helped pack the fruit to go to the stores. I still remember the smells. In the area I grew up there are three local orchards all family-run. I don’t miss the hard work of ...

At the library

I’ve been writing about Elisabeth Shoemaker for the past few weeks. She was the librarian during World War Two who helped and led the local Victory Book Campaign, providing reading materials for the troops. I’ve listed Edward Cole as the “first” librarian in 1802 but Miss Shoemaker was “the first.” Originally from Waynesboro, Miss Shoemaker graduated from Juniata College and then from Columbia University School of Library Science. She worked at the Huntingdon County Library before taking the director position at the newly formed Mifflin County Library. A little bit ...

Two library stereotypes that may not always be true

Important note: we have resumed accepting interlibrary loan requests. Recently, two library stereotypes have been brought up a lot here. I’ve been hearing mentions of things related to the library that may have been true at one time but are not anymore. It’s easy to perpetuate stereotypes. We repeat them enough that they can seem to be true. The library has changed a lot in recent years. Here are two library stereotypes and how they stand up to the conditions of a modern library. Libraries are quiet: I still encounter patrons who, at checkout, whisper to their kids or shoosh ...

Deterioration has started in U.S. First, the moral collapse …

The United States is fraying at the seams. Perhaps because I am an attorney, what stands out for me is the erosion of standards of lawful behavior. It has become commonplace to see videos of people violently assaulting total strangers. Mobs of teens in Chicago riot, loot and set cars on fire, and the mayor makes excuses. Individuals walk into drugstores, department stores, even luxury boutiques and leave with armfuls of stolen items. The thefts are done with impunity, as if the thieves know that employees and owners who try to stop them or defend themselves face a greater likelihood of ...