The Kuzmic Family, Highland Library Highland Patrons of the Year.

If you knock on the door of the Kuzmic home, don’t be surprised if the person answering it is holding a book. It might be Rya (8), with a Billy B. Brown book; Nehkai (6), laughing at a picture of Ninja Cat; or Reyna (4), enjoying the antics of Pete the Cat. If they open the door and let you wander, you will find books in almost every room in their house. The Kuzmic family loves to read. The parents, Sumin and Shattuck Kuzmic, have passed their enthusiasm for libraries down to their children.

When the family moved to Highland in January of 2024, they found the library shortly after they moved in. Now they go there a minimum of once a week, but more often twice a week. They have found programs for each of the children: STEM labs, crafting, and summer reading challenges. They like the scavenger hunts, coloring pages, and magnetic board.

Shattuck and Sumin also have favorite books. Shattuck’s favorite series of all time is The Merlin Trilogy by Mary Stewart. Sumin loves Big Magic. The kids even enjoy imagining themselves as characters. Rya and Reyna would like to be Elsa and Anna from Frozen.  Nehkai would make a good Serperior [Pokemon].

The family doesn’t just read. They play board games, go to parks, craft, bake, and visit museums, but they love to come home to the variety of materials they find at the library. Their house would seem empty without these  library treasures. They can even listen to audiobooks in their bedrooms as they fall asleep. They often check out 50 books in a week. They can keep their home full of books.

In the past two years, the Highland Library has welcomed many new young families who have found a sense of belonging at the Library.

Cedar Hills Library Family of the Year

The Kyle and Jared Laufiso family likes to be active, and they enjoy being outside. You’ll find them riding bikes, jumping on a trampoline, swimming, going ice fishing, and camping. There is one thing they like to do that keeps them still, though: Reading

The Laufiso family, Jared, Kyle, Graham (3), Lily (5), and Alexandra (8) all like to read. They started coming to the Highland City Library when they moved to Cedar Hills five years ago. All of the kids have loved story time, the crafts at the end, playing in the kids’ area, and picking out books to take home with them. Graham gathers up books about cars or trucks, and Lily searches for books about unicorns, mermaids, dragons, and Halloween. Alexandra is captivated by the Wings of Fire series. She often chooses graphic novels and some of the Guinness World Records books.

The family participates in summer reading programs, 1000 Books before Kindergarten, and any scavenger hunt that has a prize at the end. They go to the library at least twice a month to get new books. Kyle says, “We just love filling our house with books!”

Jared is an online reader and immediately searches the internet when he has a question. Kyle is always reading, often more than one book at a time. She loves self-help books, historical fiction, mysteries, and stories of survival. She is always looking for book recommendations and has over 300 on her want-to-read list!

Eagle Scout Peter Carruth

Fifteen-year-old Peter Carruth loves to read. He’s happiest with a book in his hand, and his favorite authors include Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Zadie Smith, and Carlo Rovelli. Peter’s love of books has led to a love of libraries. He admires everything they stand for and enjoys visiting them. When his family travels, they often visit the local libraries. 

     When it came time for Peter to choose an Eagle project, he wanted to encourage people to share his love of reading. He approached Donna Cardon, the Library Director, and asked if there was any project he might do for the library.  Of course, he didn’t have the funds to build an addition to the Highland City Library, but after talking together, they decided that Peter could create a Little Free Library. He would construct the little library, which is a cute wooden box on a pole with a door. After it was completed, the library would maintain it by checking it monthly and refreshing the books inside. Little libraries bring books right into neighborhoods. People can take a book and leave a book without charge or having to check out anything. Peter’s library is at Beacon Hills Park in Highland. He chose a spot quite a ways from our city library to benefit those who might find it difficult to get to the library.

Just walking by the little library is a pleasure. It is difficult not to take a look. You can take a book that interests you, keep it, and donate one in its place. Thanks, Peter, for encouraging the enjoyment of reading in our community.

The Humphreys, Library Patrons of the Year from Alpine.

When Tim and Brook Humphrey moved back to Alpine in 2020, it didn’t take them long to visit the Highland City Library. They are a family that loves books. The Humphreys have what some call a blended family. (Tim’s late wife passed away from cancer.) They have seven children, three of whom are grown and four at home.

The Humphreys try to get to the library about once a week. The youngest Humphreys love story time, especially the songs and crafts at the end. Their 5-year-old girl especially liked becoming a princess for a day at the Fairy Tale Ball. The kids love to take books to read at home. Their favorites right now are the Mother Bruce books by Ryan T. Higgins, the Molly Lou Melon series by Patty Lovell and David Catrow, and the Knuffle Bunny set by Mo Williams. Their teenage daughter has been enjoying The False Prince, the first book in The Ascendance Series by Jennifer A. Nielsen, as well as the Lockwood & Co. series.

When the children get older and move on to the young adult and adult sections, Brook and Tim will have an eclectic bunch of their favorites to recommend.  They enjoy historical books like The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, A Distant Prayer by Joseph Banks, and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson.  On the lighter side, they also love old classics that make you laugh like The Teacher’s Funeral by Richard Peck and Emma by Jane Austin. And it’s very likely they will encourage the kids to re-read their old favorites: the Fablehaven, Harry Potter, and the Inkheart series.

Brook appreciates the library staff, especially their willingness to answer questions and help the children. She also expresses appreciation to those who inspired her love of reading. She says,

“Big thanks to my mom, Grandma Walker, for coming with us to story time and helping wrangle the kids. ‘Richer than I you can never be—I had a mother who read to me.’ Also I’m thankful to my Dad who showed us the wisdom of going to bed early so that he could get a chapter or two in before falling to sleep.”

And thanks to families like the Humphreys who bring their enthusiasm to the library on a regular basis. They share that excitement with the staff and other patrons.

The Bezzant Family: Highland Library Patrons of the Year 2024

The Trent and Jenaway Bezzant family loves the library. They are always happy to recommend a good book. Their 16-year-old loves fantasy and will send you to find Jurassic Park. The 13-year-old especially likes the Wings of Fire collection. The 8-year-old will share Dog Man. Trent’s current favorite is all of Harry Potter.  It’s Jenaway who can keep you for hours, though, suggesting books she loves.

When Jenaway Bezzant walks into the Highland City Library, the staff welcomes her by name. She has had her Highland library card since the library opened. Jen has always loved to read. When she got married twenty-one years ago, her mother-in-law had lots of books. As Jenaway read the mountain of books, she developed a love for religious fiction. When she finished reading her mother-in-law’s stack, she turned to the library for more. She discovered she could request books she was eager to read for the library to purchase. Here is a list of a few of the book she has recommended:

The Gentleman and the Thief  by Sarah Eden

Forever Phoebe  by Chalon Linton

A Captain for Caroline Gray  by Julie Wright

Manor for Sale: Baron Included  by Esther Hatch

Winning the Gentleman  by Kristi Ann Hunter

Until Vienna  by Heather Moore

The Paris Dressmaker  by Kristy Cambron

Worlds Collide  by Traci Hunter Abramson

Over the past four years, the library has ordered many books at Jenaway’s request. She sends Kim Bergeson, who orders books for the library, a recommendation almost weekly. One month she was able to get ten new books. Kim has found that Jenaway has great taste and the books Jenaway requests are popular with other readers. As a result, the library has an impressive religious fiction section. Jenaway says, “Kim is amazing! Let’s be honest. Everyone who works at the library is amazing.” The library staff feels the same way about the Bezzant family.

The Lauren and Jacob Zufelt Family: Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year 2024

When the Lauren and Jacob Zufelt family moved to Cedar Hills four years ago, a friend told them about an amazing library in the neighboring city, so they quickly investigated the Highland City Library. The second they walked in, Lauren says, she knew she was in “library heaven.” She felt certain that all their needs and wants for reading were going to be met.

Over the last four years, the family has enjoyed opportunities to listen to stories, dance to music, learn the letters of the alphabet, do crafts, and meet new friends. They have checked out tons of books, some new favorites and some old friends. The learning kits have provided them with an opportunity to learn  new concepts and grow together as a family. 

Lauren writes, “We love the extra programs and activities that allow our family opportunities to have fun. We love celebrating our progress and growth with the different reading programs and love that each of us as adults and children can become better people.  We love the library! Even more so, we love OUR Highland City Library.”

And the staff at the Highland City Library loves the Zufelt family. One of the librarians, Rebecca, says "Last summer Lauren gave us a tote full of treats and gifts and a very nice note saying how grateful she was for all that we do for the library. She often tells me in person just how much she loves our library and our programs." 

The McClellan Family, Library Patrons of the Year from Alpine

Memories are made at libraries. Samantha McClellan remembers going to the library as a child with her mother. Her mother would pick an aisle, sit down, and finger through the books in front of her. When she found one that interested her, she would take it out, flip through the pages, and put it in her bag to take home. Samantha recalls bags full of books that they read together.

    The family of Jeffrey and Samantha McClellan, who moved to Alpine about six years ago, will have similar happy memories of libraries as they grow up. The children—Anita (13), Shayon (12), Olivia (11), Kamran (9), Enloe (6), and Christian (3)—will be happy to show their new baby around. Their family visits almost weekly. The summer reading program is a highlight for all the children every year. The younger children love Story Time. They remember the books, the music, and the crafts. 

    Over the years the family has read many, many books. They have books they love and can recommend to others. Here are some of their favorites: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, ALL Cassandra Clare book series, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim, Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan, Wings of Fire graphic novel by Tui T. Sutherland, Narwhal and Jelly books, Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges, the Villains series by Serena Valentino, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Warriors by Erin Hunter, Stone Soup by Marcia Brown, The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers (ALL Oliver Jeffers books), Greek Mythology books, Amber and Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz, Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, Beauty and the Beast by Mahlon F. Craft, The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glasser, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

    The McClellan children will remember more than just books when they think of their library experience. They will think of the kindness of the staff. One experience is special to them. Enloe (age 6) was looking for the hidden leprechaun but couldn’t find him. He wanted a hint from the librarian but was too shy to ask. Samantha kept helping him practice asking, and she let the librarian know he was nervous. When Enloe finally was able to ask, the librarian encouraged him, took time with him, gave him a hint, and told him that he was brave. And he found the leprechaun.

    Three of the McClellan children are homeschooled, so the books help bring beautiful literature and art into the home. They also bring the spirit of the library. Samantha writes, “Libraries are a type of sanctuary from the world for me. I love the quietness, the cozy reading spots, the way books smell and sound. It is a place of comfort and familiarity.” It is a place to make memories.

Highland City Library Family of the Year

Davis Fleming, one-month-old son of Vindie and Lincoln Fleming, has already held his first library book, and it is very likely he will become an avid reader just like his siblings, Livvy (14), Jude (12), Reese (10), Wes (8), Jackson (6), and Sterling (3). He will discover that about once a week his family spends some time at the library, attending story time, participating in crafts, and checking out books. He’ll be able to watch them counting up their books for the summer reading challenge and receiving prizes as they meet their goals.

In the future when Davis needs help finding a book, he’ll have plenty of help finding a good one. Sterling will point him to the Llama Llama books. Jackson will recommend Another Brother by Matthew Cordell. Jude, Reese, and Wes especially like Epic Athletes books. Davis may have to wait a few years to read Livvy’s favorite, A Man Called Ove, but his family will certainly help him find many more books until he’s ready for that one.

The Fleming family has always found the Highland Library a very friendly place to be. Once when they were picking out books, one of the librarians knew that Jackson loved Star Wars books and gave him a book that was too damaged for the library to keep. He was thrilled, and his mom was delighted to see that the librarian had noticed his preference.

The Flemings enjoy doing many things together, playing games, playing sports, paddle-boarding in the summer, and sledding in the winter. Reading is their favorite year-round activity, though. They started the habit of coming to the library often when their oldest daughter was a baby. Vindie and Lincoln feel that it has helped the kids develop a love of reading at an early age.

When the Flemings return from a library trip, they lay out all of the books in the living room and spend the next few hours reading and enjoying the new books. Davis will soon see the books spread out on the rug and find it’s like a magic carpet, taking him to visit many places. He may be tempted to chew on a few, but this family will engage him in reading early, and he’ll soon be turning the pages himself.

The Highland City Library loves families like the Flemings. The storyteller says, “I love seeing them at story time! The boys are super sweet and respectful and always take interest in the craft.” The library director appreciates them, too: “They are here so often and are so pleasant they feel like friends instead of just patrons.” 

The Hunt Family

Library Patrons of the Year from Cedar Hills

Lily Hunt was just a toddler when her family first stepped inside the Highland City Library. In the years since Rachel and Charlie Hunt bought their first home in Cedar Hills, they have made many, many visits with their three children, Lily, 13; Ethan, 11; and Sadie, 7. Over the years members of the family have participated in just about every program the library has had. They love Story Time, Lego Club, Junior Explorers’ Club, and the summer and winter reading programs. Sadie especially likes searching for the elf and the leprechaun (and getting a prize when she finds them). Ethan just loves all the books. Lily is a fan of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series and was always so happy when the next book came out. During the summer, the Hunts are often at the library every week so the kids can get new books and collect their prizes. They have checked out over 4600 items over the years.

As a mom, Rachel appreciates the kindness of the librarians, who learn the kids’ names and greet them on a first name basis. The librarians really enjoy the family, too. Devin commented, “The Hunts are super friendly and have come to so many programs over the years!” Calli added, “They come frequently and are always very polite.” Before leaving, the children always gather up a big stack of books to place in their library basket at home. One of the biggest changes the family has enjoyed is that the library changed the number of items that could be checked out from thirty to one hundred at a time. That gives everyone plenty of choices!

Rachel has always been a reader. She was one of the kids who read the entire new Harry Potter book in a day. She and Charlie have tried to instill the love of books in each of their kids. They always have a family book they are reading. Some favorites have been Little House on the Prairie, Artemis Fowl, The Boys Start the War, The Haymeadow, and Anne of Green Gables. The kids have personal reading time every day, and Mom still reads to the younger two every night.

Charlie laughs that Rachel has a book problem. She says, “I really do love collecting books and growing my own personal library at home, but there is something magical about going to the library and having so many different books at your fingertips. We love the Highland Library!” And the Highland City Library loves the magic the and enthusiasm the Hunt family brings with them each time they come to refill their basket of books.

Julie Muelleck

One day every week you can find Julie Muelleck volunteering at the Highland City Library. Julie loves books. She loves to read books, loves to discuss books, loves to be surrounded by books, and loves to share books.

Julie was raised in the small town of Sheridan, Wyoming. Her parents both loved to read and learn, and they took Julie to the library there. They were always willing to talk about what she learned from her reading. Often her mother would read the books Julie was assigned at school. Together they would discuss their thoughts.

Julie passed on this passion for reading to her children and grandchildren. Christmas gifts always included books. The Muelleck children read on every long car trip, and the books were saved to be read by younger children coming along.

Julie’s grandparents were readers and writers, and as a grandmother, Julie loves to read to her grandchildren. The Muellecks have their own family library, a bedroom in their home filled with books they can read and reread with their grandchildren. As the grandchildren grow older, Julie notices which authors are most popular for their age level and learns their preferences.

When the Muelleck family moved to Highland in 2006, they looked for a library, but it didn’t exist. Julie soon became involved with others seeking to help Highland build a library. When they were finally able to make it happen, Julie signed on to be a volunteer, and she’s been there ever since. She’s a great help at the library, and being there also helps her expand her knowledge of books. Often she’ll spot just the right book for a grandchild or for her book club,

Julie appreciates the influence of the library staff. She observes, “Even though our Highland Library is small, I feel that Donna and the library staff work to find ways to meet needs of patrons as they reach out to make the library a welcoming and pleasant place to find books, participate in fun and educational programs, and feel the joy of reading.” And the staff is grateful for Julie. Kim says, “Julie is wonderful! Her many years of volunteering here has made her a pro—she offers great suggestions to help things run smoothly, helps our patrons, and always has kind words for our staff.

Last year, 58 different volunteers logged a total of over 850 service hours for the Library.

Alpine Library Patrons of the Year 2022

The Laura and Steve Buchanan Family has been chosen as the “Alpine Library Patrons of the Year for 2022.” The family lived in Cedar Hills for several years before moving to Alpine, so the children and the Highland library have grown together. Natalie (13), Jacob (11), Sarah (9), Anna (6), and Kate (3) have been able to watch the library expand. Natalie Babbitt wrote, “Readers are lucky. They will never be bored or lonely.” The Buchanan kids should never be bored or lonely. About every month the family checks out a huge stack of books, often around 50. Over the years they’ve checked out over 5700 items!

For the most part the Buchanans check out and read books from the library. They always manage to find something to interest them. Laura and Steve enjoy the online audio books. The Harry Potter books are favorites of everyone. Jacob especially likes the I Survived series, which appeals to reluctant readers. Sarah says, “I like all the chapter books. They’re fun!” Anna agrees, responding, “I like checking out the Magic Tree House series.” Kate loves the puppets and the fun magnetic board activities and the little room that’s just her size.

The Buchanans appreciate the librarians, saying they are amazing, kind, and helpful. Laura writes, “I am SO grateful to have the library! The Highland library is close and has grown so much over the years. It has been a huge blessing to be able to have access to so many books.” And the library staff is always happy to see the family gathering their enormous pile!

Highland Library Patrons of the Year 2022

The Friends of the Highland City Library are happy to announce that the Marjorie and Ryan Kitchen family has been chosen as the “Highland Library Patrons of the Year for 2022.” “Are you homeschooling?” the librarians often ask the Kitchen family when they check out a tall stack of books, DVDs, and other library materials. “No,” they say, the library is just an integral part of their life. (Although they did homeschool in 2020-2021 and were grateful for their working knowledge of the library then.) 

Like many families, the Kitchens use the library to find picture books, chapter books to captivate older readers, audio books on CD, DVDs for long periods of sickness or a slow time in their schedule, and assorted items to help with school assignments for the five children, ages 8 to 18. Marjorie sometimes checks out several cookbooks and tries new recipes, some that have become family favorites. The family looks for fun activities, crafts, and games for the kids and ideas for special events. 

Marjorie says she was in college when she learned about interlibrary loan. She writes, “Several years ago I was given my grandma’s love letters. Both she and my grandpa had passed away before I was born so this was a special insight into their personalities. In one of the letters my grandpa asked my grandma to read a specific magazine article of the time (1923ish). It wasn’t something that was online. I was very curious what it said, so I went to the library and the librarians helped me request a copy of the article. It was really special to see the article complete with ads of the day. Grandpa was indeed trying to convince her to marry him even by recommending popular literature of the day. I’m so glad it worked!” The Kitchen family can attest that our local library is able to help us gather knowledge from many different places and times. It’s fun to know the library might be able to further a courtship or give us a peek into our own past. 

This is a family who knows books. They made a list of favorite kids’ books. (They could list many more.) Hopefully many library families can use these lists for reading inspiration in their own homes.  

PICTURE BOOKS 

Dragon Pizzeria 

Little Pea 

Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude 

Fancy Nancy books 

Arthur books 

Bernstein Bears collection 

Rhyming Dust Bunnies 

Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug 

38 Ways to Entertain Your Parents on Summer Vacation 

Dinotrux series 

Trucktown books 

CHAPTER BOOKS 

Owl Diaries series 

Thea Stilton books 

The Box Car Children books 

Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series 

American Girl series 

Encyclopedia Brown books 

Evil Librarians set 

Wings of Fire series 

How to Train your Dragon series 

Starlight series 

Fablehaven series 

A Series of Unfortunate Events books 

The Mysterious Benedict Society series 

Enola Homes series 

Rowan Hood books 

Culinary Mysteries by Josi Kilpack 

Comic books like Baby Blues and Garfield 

So many by Gordon Korman but especially the Unteachables

Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year 2022

The Friends of the Highland City Library are happy to announce that the Ryan and Diana Holt family has been chosen as the “Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year for 2022.” When the Holt family first began visiting the library not long after they moved to Cedar Hills, they were a bit disappointed at the size because their previous library had been huge. Soon, however, they began to love the quaint and more personal feel of the Highland Library. They were very excited when the library got its own children’s room.

The Holt kids have been learning to love libraries since they were tiny. Ella (13), Audrey (11), Brooklyn (11), Davis (9), Hallie (6), and Hannah (4) have all come to story times over the years. They would often stop after gymnastics to gather a new bag of books, usually including a new Berenstain Bear book. They enjoyed finding the Elf on the Shelf and Larry the Leprechaun. The Holts have also participated in many summer reading programs, coming weekly, and then heading over to the splash pad.

The three older girls, Ella, Audrey, and Brooklyn, have developed a love for reading over the years. They love Harry Potter, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Lunar Chronicles, the False Prince, and many others. At first they weren’t too excited about reading themselves but preferred being read to in the evenings. Before long, they learned to love the stories, got better at reading, and became avid readers themselves. Davis loves sports books, Dog Man, and graphic novels. Hallie and Hannah like picture books and beginner chapter books like Princess in Black.

The Holts can frequently be seen at the library. Last year they really used the library because they decided to homeschool for the year 2020-2021. It was a weekly highlight to get out of the house every Wednesday and pick out new books for the week. The younger girls loved to check out the themed bags, the older girls headed straight for the intermediate fiction section, and Davis found graphic novels. The library proved to be invaluable during the homeschool year.

Diana often needs to go no farther than the “new” shelves near the entrance to the library. As her life gets busier, she also loves audio books. She often uses the Libby app to access books. She says, “My holds list on there is usually full, and I love having access to so many books!” Ryan is now listening to audio books, too. The older girls have persuaded him to listen to the Harry Potter books, and he is now enjoying the third book in the series

The Holts appreciate the help of the librarians. They especially enjoyed seeing Jill Powell from their neighborhood. She was a great help to them during their homeschool year. And the librarians appreciate the Holts. Jill says, “Years ago Diana Holt tutored my oldest son in math when he attended Cedar Ridge Elementary. It has been fun to stay in touch with her and watch her family grow over the years as she has come into the Highland Library.” The library staff admires the family’s love of reading. Their enthusiastic appreciation of the library is contagious. They inspire others to share what library has to offer.

Book Project

We often hear that books can take us to new and interesting places, but the Friends of the Highland City Library have been looking for opportunities to send books on travels of their own. Thanks to the generous book donations from local residents, we have been able to donate books to various locations, assisting groups providing educational opportunities.

Close to home, we have been able to donate ten boxes of books to the Provo City School District English Language Acquisition program, which helps adult Utah residents improve their language skills. Some books are kept at the center at the Dixon Middle School, and many are given to students to help them practice their reading in English.

In 2021 the Rotary Club of Utah planned a service project in October to remodel an old Head Start building in Mexican Hat, Utah, in order to create a new Navajo Community Center. They asked the Highland City Library if they could contribute some books. Thanks to the generous donations of area residents, the Friends of the Library were able to send twenty-one boxes of books. The Rotary Club took the books with them to Mexican Hat where their volunteers were able to renovate the building, putting in new flooring, painting, adding new cabinetry to the kitchen, and installing new bookshelves in the library. The bookshelves were filled to overflowing.

One of the Friends’ current goals is to send books to two English Learning Centers in Guatemala. In January we sent several books, and we hope to send many more in the next few months. One of these centers was started by a young woman who rented a house for the school and now has twenty-seven students, ages four to adult. Another center is run by a couple who are grateful to receive English children’s books.

Your book donations are travelling farther and farther. We’re excited to be able to make books available to these eager readers.

We are so grateful to generous patrons who donate hundreds of used books each month that benefit the Library and the larger community.

HIVEs Adult Educational Activity Program

The weather outside doesn’t matter. When the participants of the HIVEs group enter the Highland City Library, they bring sunshine with them. These adults with disabilities are interested in everything and everyone they see. Some like wandering the library a bit while others enjoy sitting on the large sofa, listening to stories and looking at pictures.

Each month one of the library staff prepares a presentation for them. These usually have a theme. For example, the October session included Halloween books, a game searching for a ghost, a craft decorating a pumpkin face, and songs with actions. Each of the participants took part, some enthusiastically singing, others humming or moving to the music.

HIVEs in an acronym for Habilitation/Independence/Vocation/Education/ Socialization. It allows participants who live at home to be able to get out into the community. Michelle Holbrook, one of the instructors at HIVEs, says that visits to the library impact the participants in very positive ways. They feel very welcome and comfortable, they are able to sharpen skills and have fun, they participate in a variety of activities, they learn from the presentations, and they are able to socialize during craft time.

The participants are eager to comment on their happy library visits. Mark and Mason both report that they think the library is “pretty cool,” and they loved making sock puppets. Curtis shared their enthusiasm, remarking, “Crafts is my favorite part.” Brandon enjoyed the Halloween lesson, and Kelly liked the vampire book. Trista is glad the librarians put pictures from the books on a screen, making it easier to see.

The group also benefits the library. There are displays of kindness as some help others with the crafts. These adults bring great enthusiasm for simple things like colorful pictures or creative songs. Some are friendly with other library patrons, spreading their excitement.

Donna Cardon, library director, is also excited about the group, saying, “Presenting the HIVEs program is one of the highlights of the month. The HIVEs group is the best audience ever! They enjoy the activities and work hard on the craft projects. I love singing the songs with them and getting their ‘high fives’ at the end of the program. Michelle Holbrook, Stefanie Colledge, and their co-workers couldn’t be more gracious.”

We all agree that the atmosphere is always sunny when the HIVEs group comes to the library.

The Highland City Library provides educational story programs for about 500 toddlers, pre-schoolers, special needs adults and a grandparent/grandchild pairs each month. Storytimes build community.

Highland City Library's Alpine City Patrons of the Year 2021

At Home at the Library

“They literally fill an entire wagon full of books every time they come to the library.”  

This is how Donna Cardon, Highland City's library director describes the Talin and Jennifer Wadsworth family on their selection as the Alpine City library patrons of the year for 2021.  For Talin and Jennifer and their three children; Ezra age 12, June age 7 and Greta age 4, the community library has always been a vital part of their family life no matter where they have lived.

“We have moved multiple times,” Jennifer explains, “usually during the summer, and jumping into library programs in our new city has always helped us feel grounded and safe in those first few chaotic months.”  

Such was the case when the family moved to Alpine from the Bay Area two years ago after Talin took a job as the principal designer for Adobe.  As in previous moves, within a week of relocating they looked for and found the local library.  

“We were surprised to learn that Alpine didn't have its own library,” Jennifer says, “but all of our new neighbors encouraged us to check out the Highland City Library.  I'm so glad we did!”

She says the library is much smaller than others they have used but they soon discovered the “charm and benefits of a cozy library.”  They also discovered that the library's many programs and activities made them feel accepted and involved.  They particularly loved and continue to enjoy the summer reading program, story time, Junior Explorers, and the tween time activities.  Talin and Jennifer also recommend the parent/child book club, not only for the books they read together but for the amazing discussions they have in the group with Miss Donna.  Jennifer says her son was thrilled when Donna actually used one of his recommended books in the book club.  “It's also been an amazing way to stay connected with our middle schooler,” she adds.   

Having a smaller library also helps her children easily find books from their long list of favorite books and Talin and Jennifer can always find something exciting to read without being overwhelmed.  They visit the library at least once a week and sometimes more for activities and available programs.  It's the perfect way to keep their wagon full of books and keep them all involved in the community.   

With so much to appreciate, Jennifer believes that one of the very best things about the Highland City Library is its amazing staff.  The staff knows each of them by name and they often joke together about how many books they are checking out.  “From that very first day of signing up for a library card to today, we have felt welcomed, included and best of all, known! They are always ready to help us and greet us with a smile.”   

For this busy family who also enjoys hiking, traveling, watching movies, singing and dancing along with exploring the world around them, the library remains a vital part of their family life.  When asked what one word would describe for them the Highland City Library, it was simply, home.  

And for the Wadsworths, home is a wonderful place to be.  

The Library feels like home for hundreds of our Highland, Alpine and Cedar Hills neighbors.

Highland City Library Patrons of the Year 2021

The Friends of the Highland City Library are excited to announce that the Dannen and Claudia Bushman family has been chosen as the “Highland City Library Patrons of the Year for 2021.”

When Dannen and Claudia Bushman moved to Highland two years ago, they quickly found that the Highland City Library was a happy place for their family to be. "Not many places are excited when you show up with six kids," Claudia says, "but the librarians are always welcoming." Kyla (12), Bailey (10), Brooke (9), Bratcher (5), Emilia (5), and Allison (2) have all enjoyed the many programs offered at the library as well as the stacks of books they have been able to take home.

The smallest Bushmans have participated in Baby Bookworms and love singing with Sammie. They enjoy Story Time with Ms. D. The older girls often attend the Tween STEAM program with Devin. They also enjoy the Parent/Child Book Club, being able to read books with their parents and discuss them together. Kyla especially likes the Wings of Fire series, and she and Bailey are fans of both the Michael Vey and the Fablehaven series. Everyone loves the summer reading program and all the other activities the library sponsors in the summer.

Nine-year-old Brooke has special needs. Claudia says that many people see a non-verbal child in a wheelchair and don't pay much attention to them, but the librarians have been absolutely awesome with her, including her in the programs and activities. They make sure Brooke can see the books and pictures during Story Time. They include her in as many activities in the summer reading program as possible, so she can listen to and watch what the other kids are doing. At the Super Hero activity, the librarians helped her participate in some of the activities with parental assistance. Brooke likes to be read to, so she is contented and appreciated at the library.

The Bushmans haven't been able to visit the library as regularly during the pandemic. With a high-risk-daughter, they are cautious about taking her out or getting the other family members exposed. During the lockdown, they were able to get library books with curbside pickup. They continue to get lots of audio books and e-books through Libby, Overdrive, and RB Digital. They are also enjoying the new TumbleBooks programs. They love being able to access so many options with their library cards.

Claudia writes, "I just love that the library is a place where we can go and be accepted and wanted and loved." The library staff is just as enthusiastic about the contribution the Bushmans make to the library. Library Director Donna Cardon says, "The Bushmans are such avid library supporters. They attend several of our programs and are always ready with expressions of appreciation. I was especially touched when a teenage sister brought her younger sister to the Parent/Child book club. They are just a great family."

Families can access so much with their library card.

The Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year 2021

The Friends of the Highland City Library would like to honor Joleen and Jake Rees and family as the “Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year for 2021” in recognition of the family’s exceptional support of the Highland City Library and its materials and programs. The Rees family has checked out more than 3200 items since they began coming to the library. They will be honored during the upcoming Cedar Hills Family Festival.

When Joleen and Jake Rees, both avid readers, moved to Cedar Hills six- and-a-half years ago, their oldest son, Derrek was just a toddler. It didn’t take them long to find the Highland City Library, and they have been coming ever since, usually about once a week.

Now Derrek, age 7, McKenna, age 6, and Addilyn, age 4, are faithful library patrons. Over the years they have attended story times and the Jr. Explorers Club. They try to participate in the summer reading program every year. The children have many favorite books. Derrek likes the Notebook of Doom series, the Last Firehawk series, and The Dragon Master series. McKenna loves the Elephant and Piggie books and Mo Willem’s Pigeon books. Addilyn loves lift-the-flap books and will often look through a chapter book as though she’s actually reading it.

Joleen and Jake can often be found with a book in hand. Joleen likes historical fiction, biographies, and Young Adult and intermediate fiction. Jake, who teaches English at Lone Peak High School, reads just about everything. He enjoys nonfiction in his free time.

The family enjoys many activities together. They love hiking, baseball, working and playing outside, and going on small family trips. Of course, they love reading together. Right now they’re reading The Magician’s Nephew, the first of the Chronicles of Narnia books.

The Rees family always manages to find fun and educational material at the library. They enjoy the discovery kits and the wide selection of books. They usually find a video or two to check out as well. They are grateful for help and kindness from the library staff. The staff also appreciates them. Juliawna Killpack says, “Joleen and her kids are a fun addition to our Jr. Explorer Club group of regular attendees this year. They rarely miss a week and are always excited about learning and making something new. Joleen seems to enjoy making the crafts with her kids just as much as her kids like making the actual crafts themselves.”

The family has enjoyed watching the library expand. They remember the days when the children’s section was tucked away in a corner, and they love the children’s room now with the space to read and play.  Joleen says, “My children and I feel comfortable at the library and love to be there.”

 The Library is where great families go for fun!

For Love of The Library: Two Story Time Moms

When Jenifer Kidd moved into her Highland neighborhood some 3 ½ years ago, it was almost like a homecoming.   Her grandmother, Darlene Stice Van Werkhoven, was raised in Highland in the log cabin now located in Heritage Park.  Jenifer also met a new neighbor, Sarah Harris, and the two of them and their children became fast friends. Sarah invited Jenifer to attend story time at the Highland City Library and it soon became one of their favorite activities to do together with their children.   

For Sarah, attending library story time is a long and cherished tradition.  It started in Lehi where her two oldest children Mariah and Mitt were born.  At that time there was a main and a branch library so Sarah and her children attended story time twice a week.  When the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2012, where Sarah's daughter Heidi was born, the first order of business was to find the local library and attend story time.   

“We loved the small town library feel so much there,” Sarah says, “and having a mom with 3 kids aged 5 and younger attending weekly story time certainly wasn't the norm in North Carolina.”     

Jenifer feels the same as Sarah about library story time.  Since being invited by Sarah to attend story time at the Highland City Library, she has attended weekly with her son Jude, now 6, who enjoys being there with his mom and Sarah's son Howie, also 6, who is one of his best friends.  They started story time with Miss Janice then Miss Gretchen and since last year, Miss Dorraine or Miss D, whom they love.  

“We come every week to hear stories, sing songs, do crafts, check out library books and see our friends—the librarians,” says Jenifer. “Our week is brighter because of story time and Miss D.  And every librarian is extremely sweet to Jude and knows his name. They say hello to him and make him feel special.”   

They also notice small things as when Jude had his hair cut or when he brings his older sisters along.  The library staff make them feel special too.  

For Sarah, it's a poignant time with Miss D.  “She has made this, my last year with my youngest kid before he, too, joins his siblings in full-time school, so enjoyable and full of laughter and fun every single week.”

Jenifer gives credit to all those who work at the library for making their time there so special. She says that because of the pandemic, story time during 2020 was challenging and that they missed attending regular story time.  Still, the library staff made it possible during the summer to attend story time at the park and then in-person story time again with social distancing and the wearing of masks.

“I am grateful for story time and the friendships I have made with the dear librarians who are cheerful and welcoming to children,” Jenifer says.  “I feel loved and happy to be part of the service they provide.”  

For Sarah, after years of attending library story time and having seen each of her four children benefit from story time before moving on, she continues to value what the Highland City Library has to offer including Teen STEAM and the summer and winter reading programs.  

“So even though, after 14 ½ years of weekly story time attendance I am down to my last few months, I know the Highland City Library is a place that we will always visit, cherish and make memories with on a regular basis.”  

In 2020, despite the pandemic, the Library provided fun and educational story times for 2139 kids and parents. Story times teach a range of early literacy skill that help children be prepared to be successful in school.

Alpine Family of the Year 2020

The Johnson family moved to Alpine about ten years ago, and they began visiting the library soon after. This last year they checked out more than 1500 items.

Blake and Suzy started coming to the library after their first daughter, June, age 11, was born. Even as an infant, June loved books, and her parents spent a lot of time reading to her. Milo, age 9, Bess, age 5, and Nils, age 3, have come to the Highland City Library their whole lives. The family loves the summer reading program, and they are always eager to see what the next theme will be. All the children have enjoyed story time over the years, and the older children love the STEM activities they have attended.

The Johnson kids have read lots of books, and they could almost be librarians themselves. They recommend Wonder, Hatchet, The Penderwicks, the Harry Potter books, the Percy Jackson series, Lord of the Rings, Little House on the Prairie, and Junior Genius Guides.

The parents enjoy the library as much as the kids. Suzy says, "We love that the library is a place to go that all can agree on. It’s always a peaceful environment  I love that it’s a place that I can say ’yes’ to almost anything my kids want." She and Blake like to browse the new books section and always come away with something good to read. They appreciate the warmth, friendship, and advice of the librarians.

The Johnsons come to the library every week. They find it awesome to have an influx of new reading material come into their home each week, especially during this time of isolation. Besides Finding new books to read, they can also pick up some magazines, and even a cookbook with a new recipe to try. 

The library helps keep the world open to them and other patrons

Highland Library Family of the Year 2020

The Aaron and Marci Murdock family have been chosen as the “Highland City Library Patrons for 2020,” and according to Donna Cardon, Highland City library director, a better choice could not have been made.  “They are regular library patrons,” Donna wrote in her announcement, “and have checked out over 1800 items.”      

For the Murdocks, the library has always been a way to help their children love reading.  In fact, Marci began taking her children, Rex (8) Marshall (5) and Claire (2) to the library when Rex was 1.  Since then, the Highland City Library has become something of a “family affair” where the librarians and staff workers greet them by name.        

“I like the family feel of the library,” says Marci.  “There’s a niche for everybody.”

This certainly is true for Marci and her family.  They not only check out a lot of books, but they make good use of the library’s many programs as well. The children attend Story Time, Baby Bookworms, the Junior Explorers’ Club and participate in the summer reading program.  They play with puppets, decorate coloring pages provided by the library, try on dress-ups and enjoy the magnetic board in the children’s area where Claire is learning to spell her name.    

And that’s not all.  Rex is old enough to enjoy the coding classes and brings his father, Aaron, to those.  The family also make crafts, attend the Reading with the Mayor event at Christmas and one spring, Marci took a gardening class.  She is already looking forward to joining the parent/child book club when Rex is a little older. And while Aaron still prefers holding a book to read, he is starting to enjoy using ebooks as well.  

Of course one of the best parts of any library is the books on the shelves, and the Murdocks look forward to checking books out to take home.  “We read about a half an hour after school,” Marci says, “then another half an hour before bed.”

Right now, Rex loves the Magic Tree House book series and reads about one a week while Marshall is into superheroes and Claire likes anything.  Marci decided that her children could get their own library cards between kindergarten and first grade so now Rex checks out his own books using his own library card which he keeps on a lanyard to hang around his neck. Marshall is in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program where for every 100 books he reads, he gets a prize at the library and a new reading chart to track his progress.  He is well on his way to accomplishing his goal. 

Marci says that as a young girl growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, she wasn’t much of a reader, but she and Aaron are well on their way to giving the gift of reading to their children.  And with a little help from the Highland City Library, it will be a gift that lasts a lifetime.   

Libraries give the gift of reading

Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year 2020

The Friends of the Highland City Library would like to honor Sarah and Bryce Craig and family as the “Cedar Hills Library Patrons of the Year for 2020” in recognition of the family’s exceptional support of the Highland City Library and its materials and programs. This family of eight has checked out more than 2000 items from the Library and have supported the Library in many ways.

The Craig family moved to Cedar Hills five years ago, and they started coming to the library as soon as they arrived. Over the past several years, they have loved coming regularly to story times, and the whole family has participated in the summer reading programs. They make a weekly visit to the library.

The family has many, many favorite books. Bryce’s favorite read-aloud books are Wonder and the Way of the Warrior Kid series. Sarah enjoys Atomic Habits, Harry Potter, and The Way of Kings.  Blake, age 13, recommends the Janitors and Masterminds collections. Bently, age 11, can be found reading Gordon Korman books and the Upside Down Magic series, while Cannon, age 9, likes Hocus Pocus Hoteland the numerous adventures of Geronimo Stilton. Corbin, age 7, enjoyed listening to Call of the Wild; Reed, age 4, is fascinated by the Elephant & Piggie books; and Rosie, age 2, just loves the shaker song and the goodbye song with Miss D at Story Time. Sarah and Bryce also enjoy using Overdrive to listen to audio books.

A year ago when the library was getting close to reaching the book limit to become part of the Utah County library cooperative, the Craigs assisted in hosting a neighborhood book drive to help them reach their goal. Everyone in the community was eager to support the effort. The librarians were delighted when the kids brought in the books. They took their picture and displayed it during the summer.

The Craigs love the librarians. They find them to be friendly, helpful, and personable. Sarah writes, “Best library ever!! We love this library and every person who works and serves there. They’ve blessed our lives with books, story times, programs, activities, and friendships of the amazing librarians.” The library is grateful for such enthusiastic, dedicated, and helpful patrons.

The Library is grateful for all our wonderful patrons.

Watching the Library Work

Lowell Nelson has always been involved in community service. He has lived in the Highland/Lehi area since 1977, and he and his wife raised their seven children here. From 1986 to 1990, Lowell was on the Highland City Council, and he then served in the Utah State Legislature from 1992 to 2000. He encouraged a multitude of scouts to achieve the Eagle Scout award, and he was given the BSA Silver Beaver award.

In recent years, Lowell Nelson has become a familiar face at the Highland City Library. Typically he comes there three times a week to study, write, and work. Often you will find him writing to dozens of missionaries, sending them the current news from our area and encouraging them in their work. At other times he will be conducting business, doing work for his financial planning company. Some days he is scanning and printing family history material. The library provides him with the space and equipment he needs.

The library has become a haven for Lowell, and he notices and appreciates the smallest details. He feels warmth from the smiling faces of the staff, the concern he sees as they plan learning opportunities for children, and the consideration they give to each patron.

Probably few patrons notice the careful care given books when they are returned, making sure they come back in the same condition as they went out.  Lowell observes how they are carefully checked for marks, wiped down with cleansing cloths, and then placed back on the shelves.

Lowell enjoys the quiet of the library, but he also likes the noise of children when they come for library-sponsored activities. He says, “The Highland Library is a place of learning for the upcoming generations, and the staff puts a lot of preparation into making these events memorable and exciting!” The children can be noisy, but they’re never disruptive.

Lowell watches as the library welcomes those with mental disabilities to the library each week and gives them opportunities to be taught in simple and loving ways. He observes that the library staff takes their needs seriously, plans special programs for them, and allows them to sit in the City Council Chamber, which gives them a sense of importance.

Lowell Nelson treasures the organization of the library. He says, “As I have walked through the book stacks and looked at the different titles, it becomes very clear that every book is in its correct place. There is order and nothing is misplaced. This is a wonderful library!”

The Library welcomes between 4000-5000 visitors each month.

Libraries have something for everyone.

Reaching a Goal

Diana Elder has always loved reading, learning, and libraries. When Highland City built its very own library, she was thrilled. She belongs to two book clubs and over the years has been happy to find that most of the books she needed were available either in house or through the inter-library loan program. Diana says, “That program has been a wonderful resource not only for me personally, but also professionally.”

In 2015 Diana set a goal to become an Accredited Genealogist professional and needed several reference books to prepare for her testing. The books were on the history and records of her chosen region—the Gulf South United States. Through inter-library loan, she was able to order books about researching in states such as Arkansas and Texas. Those books came from libraries throughout the country and gave her the opportunity to study from the comfort of her home.

Now as a professional genealogist, Diana still uses the inter-library loan system to order reference books that she uses in her research. She and her daughter, Nicole Dyer, own Family Locket Genealogists, a professional research company. They also provide learning opportunities through their books, podcast, study groups, and eCourse, all of which can be accessed on their Website, Family Locket. They love helping others learn how to find their ancestors. Diana states, “The Highland City Library has proven to be of great benefit to me and my family.”

The Inter-library Loan service is available to all library card holders and allows patrons to access books from almost any library in the country.

Libraries help people follow their dreams.

Making Highland Home

Thirty-six. That’s how many times Jacqueline Roettger has moved in her life, and the local library has played a crucial part in each of those moves.  

It was from the local library that Jacqueline and her family learned what was happening in their new community, where they found programs for children and adults, met and made new friends during story times, and found information and learning opportunities through a host of books and movies.  In fact, a new library card was always one of Jacqueline’s first acquisitions in any new area.

This was true for Jacqueline even as a child.  Because her father was a pilot, she changed locations and schools a lot, and found that the local library helped her even out her education.  If she was behind, the library helped her catch up; if she was ahead, she found challenging material to fill her time.  

Eventually Jacqueline married and had five children.  She also continued to move often, and over the years she obtained many, many more library cards.  Her children became participants in many library programs.  While living in North Logan, her boys rode their bikes over three miles to attend teen nights at the library.  One of her sons was vice-president of the Teen Advisory Board.  They helped clean the library and decorate it.  They did service projects, held quiz bowls, had video game nights, and played putt putt golf between the stacks.

In April, 2018, the Roettger family moved to Highland, and before they even unpacked, they found our community library.  They loved the summer reading programs, came to story hour, and joined the robotics club.  Today, Charlotte, age 8, especially loves the arts and crafts projects the library provides.   Alex, who is autistic, enjoys reading in the alcove where he can pursue a single topic over an extended period of time. Ethan, 15, enjoys his independence, exploring subjects he likes and helping his siblings do the same. They all do homework on the computers, and mom appreciates the firewalls the library has in place. Last year when the family had to make an unexpected trip to a funeral, they went straight to the library to find movies and books on CD for the long journey. It was yet another way the library has been a help to them.  

The Roettger family wants to give back to the library as well, so Jacqueline recently joined the Friends of the Library where she works with others helping to keep our community library strong.  As Jacqueline says, “The library is a place of abundance and happiness. We can have any dream we want because the library is there to help us build it.”

The Library issues about 90 new library cards each month.  

Libraries build a sense of community.