The Chelsea Library’s new director Sarah Story. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOKWORM DAVIS

CHELSEA — Someone new has been walking the streets of Chelsea, spicing things up and moving things around. Sarah Story, at the end of January, was named the Chelsea Public Library’s brand new director.

Sarah is a good fit for the library with her love for reading.

“Two of my favorite books are The Education of Little Tree and The Mutant Message Down Under,” Story said.

However, it is magazines and short stories that she frequents most, taking in a wide variety of genres including travel, culture and nature. Nature is something Sarah sure knows a lot about, as she is not only the fresh-face star of the Chelsea library, but also the director out at Pilgrim Heights. Story moved out to Pilgrim Heights in Montour last June and has been enjoying the view of the lake in her backyard ever since.

The Chelsea Library itself is rather new as it had to move locations after the previous building was damaged in the derecho. In 2022, 515 Station St. became the new address for the library. After a couple of years of elbow grease and hard work, the community is just starting to settle into its new library.

The new location of the Chelsea Library. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOKWORM DAVIS

Splitting her time between Pilgrim Heights and the Chelsea Library is something Sarah seems to do with ease. In just the short time she’s been with the library, Story has organized and set up numerous programs for the upcoming weeks and months. The programs are diverse and wide-ranging to welcome every citizen. Story, who is bilingual, will be starting a bilingual story hour for Spanish speaking children in the area and other similar programs as well, one of which will celebrate Cinco De Mayo.

“Chelsea has a population of 239, and we’re hoping to increase patronage by offering a variety of programs,” she said.

These programs also include guest speakers, which the library has booked a great number of. Author Linda McCann, illustrator Buck Jones, and musician and historian Mike Anderson/The Dulcimer Guy are just a few of the people coming to the Chelsea Library for a visit.

Recently, the library was grateful to receive a donation of nearly 100 brand new children’s books from Hal Berenson and Laura Ackerman, Bill Strawbridge, and Meg Wallhagen, and the Pilcrow Foundation. With this influx of books, the library needs to look into putting up some new bookshelves to accommodate the wonderfully colorful literature.

All of those donated books will surely get some use in the next several weeks as the new spring reading program is in bloom. This program is for anyone and everyone, just go on down and sign up. But if spring is not your thing, no worry as the summer reading program will start not after too long.

The inside of the new Chelsea Library. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOKWORM DAVIS

“One goal I have is to foster intergenerational and multicultural relationships where a diverse group sits around a table in our community room enjoying conversation, games, crafts, puzzles, and books,” Story said.

Well on her way to her goal, last Thursday, Sarah had loads of people coming into the library for an open house/soup supper. People sat, ate, talked, and occasionally glanced through the lovely books.

Check the Chelsea Library’s website calendar to see what special event is coming up next. But if you don’t feel like waiting for that next visiting author or bard, then don’t, because the library has many regularly scheduled programs.

For one, coffee hour is held every Monday at 10:30, well, that is until June, when that hour will become Story Time. A good old-fashioned book club is always held on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

But if you’re not into all that, and you just want to do your own thing, and read your book, well, that’s encouraged too. They are open five days a week so you can get your read on: Monday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Some volunteers serving at the Chelsea Library soup supper. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOKWORM DAVIS

“We hope to add more programs partnering with groups such as Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Tama County Historical Society, and Pilgrim Heights,” Story said.

Director Story is working hard to bring a stupendous amount of activities to the library. And if you just happen to think of a program or activity that would be good for the library, then make sure to pop in, and tell them your idea. While you’re there, you might as well check out a book while you’re at it.

Locals enjoying some food at the Chelsea Library soup supper. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOKWORM DAVIS