My nephew, Mike, posted on Face Book that he was in sitting in Cheers having a cold one. You know what immediately came to mind, “where everyone knows your name.” The closest thing we have to a bar in Kingston Springs is the Filling Station. I’ve only had one occasion to visit there, and that was during the time I was working for the census. There is a place I go every Tuesday morning to spend time with wonderful women, who not only know my name, but are loving friends, that is the Kingston Springs Public Library.
Think about public places you frequent. What makes it special? Our library is a log structure situated between 2 churches on Main Street. The interior is a feast for the eyes. A large tree with stuffed animals marks the children’s section. The decorations for the tree change with the seasons. Well see for yourself, http://southcheathamlibrary.com/index.html. The vibe from the minute you walk in the door is welcoming. Whoever is at the desk, Bev, Mary Jo, or Charlene looks up and says hello with 100 watt smiles.
Don’t you think the quality of service and the attention you receive from an establishment keeps you going back? The management wants you there and they let you know it. When Janet Walker came to serve as our library director, the atmosphere underwent a noticeable change. She is a bright, cheerful lady who, by her actions lets you know she is there to serve. Her attitude is contagious. Immediately she thought of ways to bring her patrons in and at the same time have some fun. One of these ideas was to offer a place on Tuesdays for ladies to come sit and knit, crochet or quilt.
This is my group. Women of all ages come with their bags stuffed with yarn, needles, projects that they’ve completed and their current project. There is coffee and all the fixings on the table, and often one or another of us brings a plate of goodies to share. The first few minutes there is a bustle of activity, finding a seat, pulling our work out, getting our coffee just right. Then the buzz begins as we begin to chat. Here at this long table we learn about each person, their families, their trials, and their accomplishments. It is a shot in the arm to be a part of the camaraderie, to get to know my neighbors.
Janet is usually in and out as she takes care of library business. Lucinda comes with her 2 children whom she home schools. Sometimes her mother, who is a wizard with the needles, comes too. Rita is a newcomer, and she often brings her 2 grandchildren. Lynn usually is working on afghan for one of her family members. Jean works with the Kniffty Kniter Loom, as do many. I believe it was Janet who introduced this handy device. Janet said she’s sold on it because she hates to count. Pam is my buddy from census days, and she is good at making up her patterns. Rolene recently brought her 50th wedding anniversary album. Mary Jo works at the library, but Tuesday morning she comes in just for the fellowship. Peggy and Laura are faithful members of the group. Sometimes a woman will poke her head in to see what is going on, and will find herself with a hook or a needle and a ball of thread and Mary Jo sitting by her side teaching her how to cast on.
On rare occasion a gentleman will come in to say hello. The day Jerry came at my request to take the featured picture, a fellow popped in to deliver cookies for us. Recently the library tech fellow came in after working on the computers for coffee. We aren’t adverse to the occasional male, especially if he comes bearing treats or news.
If you’re in the Kingston Springs area on a Tuesday morning, come in and see us. You’ll hear before you see us, the needles clicking and the chatter going.
