THE LOCAL NEWS OF THE MADISON VALLEY, RUBY VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

PHOTO BY CORI KOENIG

A little magic at Christmas

Extraordinary generosity brings books under trees

The Giving Tree at Madison Valley Bank has long been a staple example of the generosity that abounds across Madison Valley. This year, that generosity took a step in a new direction as Madison Valley Public Library collaborated with thoughtful donors to create age appropriate packages of books to pair with each giving tree tag.

When asked where this wonderful idea originated, Karen Ketchu, Madison Valley Public Library Director responded, “Every year, there are people who search for giving tree tags that specifically ask for books. After choosing tags, some of those kind souls come directly across the street to the library to ask advice and for age-specific recommendations on how to fill those tags. And, every year at this time, people come into the library looking for books to give to their children and grandchildren, and I wondered if there might be more kids in the valley who would enjoy having some books under the tree.”

Ketchu credited Bayley Gibson, Youth Services Specialist at the library with having a special gift for understanding which books might appeal to which children.

“We realize not all the books will all be a perfect fit or will be read. Even if you set aside all the learning early literacy and lifelong learning benefits books can bring, when the right book reaches the right young personespecially under the Christmas tree- there is a connection that is pure magic. Kids that love books already know the big secret about the magic, which is that it belongs only to them. And, as long as there is a book around, it’s accessible anywhere or anytime. And, really, everyone deserves a little magic at Christmas,” said Ketchu.

Anne Olson, loan processor at Madison Valley Bank, is coordinating the Giving Tree for the second year. She really enjoys being able to be a part of something that is helping families in the community. According to Olson, as of press time, 19 families, for a total of 41 kids, will be benefiting from the Giving Tree this year. Andrea Noack has been involved with the Giving Tree for fourteen years--that’s spreading a lot of Christmas cheer! Noack and Olson will be shopping to fill final tags on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

“I think it is great that the library is getting involved. I think it's important for kids to read an actual book, and not always be reading on an electronic [device]", said Olson.

“Kids that love books already know the big secret about the magic, which is that it belongs only to them. And, as long as there is a book around, it’s accessible anywhere or anytime. And, really, everyone deserves a little magic at Christmas,” Karen Ketchu.

Featured: 
Add Article to Front Page Categorized News

More Information

The Madisonian

65 N. MT Hwy 287
Ennis, MT 59729
406-682-7755
www.madisoniannews.com

Cori Koenig, editor: editor@madisoniannews.com
Susanne Hill, billing: s.hill@madisoniannews.com 
Ad orders, inserts, classifieds: connect@madisoniannews.com 
Comment Here