Clifton Forge Public Library Reort For May, 2016   Clifton Forge, VA (June 24, 2016) - The month of May was a busy time as groups and governmental agencies met on regular schedules. The Armstrong Community Meeting room remained busy as 203 people attended various meetings and special programs. Town Community Development director Don Ford held a single meeting regarding local bike trails. Salem/Alleghany Highlands General Education [GED] classes met on regular schedule. The Masonic Theater Planning group held two special meetings. The Community Services Board held a special meeting. The Library Quilters met on their regular schedule. Threadbenders met three times during the month. Appalfolks held its monthly board meeting as well as two songwriting and poetry workshops led by Ray Allen. The Brown Bag Book Club met and discussed "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin. Congressman Morgan Griffith's representative met with local constituents on normal schedule. The representative of the Virginia Employment Commission resumed her regular schedule. The Library Board met on their regular schedule. The Friends of the Library met on their regular schedule but will not meet during June and July. The Library Board and Friends of the Library hosted a special presentation on the Zika Virus by Dr. Don Roberts. The Library also hosted a special themed pre-school story time. Library Director Mike Barnes read "Frog," a story by Susan Cooper. The children made frog puppets and lily pads, played musical chairs, and danced to the HokeY-Pokey. They also enjoyed a snack. Staff member Iris Gilbert and volunteer B.C. William's made a monthly trip to Scott Hill where residents checked out 173 books. In addition, the library featured a display of dolls in regional native costumes. The display is part of Elaine Shafley's personal collection. For more than fifty years, Mrs. Shafley collected the dolls during the years she lived in Laon, France, and during many subsequent visits. The dolls represent her travels in Western Europe. Also included in the collection are dolls from Russia, Guatemala, and Kenya which were gifts from friends who visited those countries. The display will remain through the month of June.

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