Library News – February 2026
February 15, 2026
Robson Ranch Library Update
Lorraine Wilson
Library patrons at Robson Ranch should mark their calendars and plan ahead. The Robson Ranch Library will be closed from Monday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 27, with doors locked and no access to materials during that time. Patrons are encouraged to stop by before the closure begins to check out books, puzzles, audiobooks, and movies so that they are well stocked during the break. Materials should not be returned until Saturday, Feb. 28, as there will be no drop-off available during the closure.
This also marks a period of change for the Robson Ranch Library sub-committee. At the end of 2025, longtime members Sondra Clifton, Marcia Elving, and Joan Pursley stepped down to pursue other interests. Each leaves behind years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to the library. Their efforts have helped shape the library into what it is today, and they will be sincerely missed.
As one chapter closes, another begins. The library sub-committee has welcomed three new members: Deborah Diehl, Bonnie Juergens, and Joyce Swain. Deborah brings years of hands-on experience as a library volunteer, former Friends of the Library board member, and library trainer for the past three years. Bonnie, a retired librarian administrator, adds professional expertise, along with several years of volunteer service. Joyce, a volunteer for more than a year, has already taken on a key role, coordinating substitute coverage for volunteers.
With these changes, the Robson Ranch Library looks ahead with fresh energy, strong experience, and a continued commitment to serving its patrons.
Lorraine Wilson
Library patrons at Robson Ranch should mark their calendars and plan ahead. The Robson Ranch Library will be closed from Monday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 27, with doors locked and no access to materials during that time. Patrons are encouraged to stop by before the closure begins to check out books, puzzles, audiobooks, and movies so that they are well stocked during the break. Materials should not be returned until Saturday, Feb. 28, as there will be no drop-off available during the closure.
This also marks a period of change for the Robson Ranch Library sub-committee. At the end of 2025, longtime members Sondra Clifton, Marcia Elving, and Joan Pursley stepped down to pursue other interests. Each leaves behind years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to the library. Their efforts have helped shape the library into what it is today, and they will be sincerely missed.
As one chapter closes, another begins. The library sub-committee has welcomed three new members: Deborah Diehl, Bonnie Juergens, and Joyce Swain. Deborah brings years of hands-on experience as a library volunteer, former Friends of the Library board member, and library trainer for the past three years. Bonnie, a retired librarian administrator, adds professional expertise, along with several years of volunteer service. Joyce, a volunteer for more than a year, has already taken on a key role, coordinating substitute coverage for volunteers.
With these changes, the Robson Ranch Library looks ahead with fresh energy, strong experience, and a continued commitment to serving its patrons.
2026 Ushers in New Book Talks
February 15, 2026
Carol Hart Perry
Poetry Night Fun at Robson Ranch Library
There are exciting events coming to the Robson Ranch Library, all presented by the Friends of the Library club. Make the library the go-to destination for deep dives into seven intriguing books and prepare for a blast at “Beatnik Night,” a poetry event reminiscent of the 1960s!
First is Book Talks on Tuesday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m. Four nonfiction titles will be reviewed, with 20 minutes allotted for each. Scheduled are:
• The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book, by Peter Finn and Petra Couvee, presented by Elaine Kushmaul
• The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder, by David Grann, presented by Scott Baker
• Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins, by Barbara Demick, presented by Deborah Diehl
• Guardians of the Trees: A Journey of Hope Through Healing of the Planet: A Memoir, by Dr. Kinari Webb, presented by Lorraine Wilson
Other titles scheduled over the coming months include:
• The Frozen River. This work of historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon will be presented by Jane Scholz. The date is Thursday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m.
• Fahrenheit 451. This classic by Ray Bradbury will be presented by Lorraine Wilson. The date is Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
• James. This work of fiction by Percival Everett will be presented by La Donna Womochel and Cindy Voliva. Discuss how this book compares to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the experience of the character Jim/James as portrayed in both books.
Don’t miss an opportunity to take a trip back in time with Beatknik Night, a poetry read with groovy, ‘60s vibes. This fun event is designed for all poetry lovers. Participants are encouraged to wear black shirts and snap their fingers with pure 1960s style, all in appreciation of meaningful reads from community members. Folks who would like to present may read an original poem or choose a poem with personal meaning. There is no charge for the event. Come prepared for a fun hour of light jazz, coffee, smooth ambiance, and poetry! Those who wish to present a poem can contact Megg Galloway at [email protected].
If you love books, consider joining the Friends of the Library club for $10 per year. Memberships paid after May 1 are active through June of the following year, and proceeds go to buy books, puzzles, and magazines. To join, see any library volunteer or visit the website at www.rrtxfol.org.
The library is located in the Creative Arts and Technology Center building off Ed Robson Circle. Park outside the building, enter, and have the PDK app or card ready to unlock the library door. The library is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Volunteer staff is available to help patrons on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Poetry Night Fun at Robson Ranch Library
There are exciting events coming to the Robson Ranch Library, all presented by the Friends of the Library club. Make the library the go-to destination for deep dives into seven intriguing books and prepare for a blast at “Beatnik Night,” a poetry event reminiscent of the 1960s!
First is Book Talks on Tuesday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m. Four nonfiction titles will be reviewed, with 20 minutes allotted for each. Scheduled are:
• The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book, by Peter Finn and Petra Couvee, presented by Elaine Kushmaul
• The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder, by David Grann, presented by Scott Baker
• Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins, by Barbara Demick, presented by Deborah Diehl
• Guardians of the Trees: A Journey of Hope Through Healing of the Planet: A Memoir, by Dr. Kinari Webb, presented by Lorraine Wilson
Other titles scheduled over the coming months include:
• The Frozen River. This work of historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon will be presented by Jane Scholz. The date is Thursday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m.
• Fahrenheit 451. This classic by Ray Bradbury will be presented by Lorraine Wilson. The date is Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
• James. This work of fiction by Percival Everett will be presented by La Donna Womochel and Cindy Voliva. Discuss how this book compares to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the experience of the character Jim/James as portrayed in both books.
Don’t miss an opportunity to take a trip back in time with Beatknik Night, a poetry read with groovy, ‘60s vibes. This fun event is designed for all poetry lovers. Participants are encouraged to wear black shirts and snap their fingers with pure 1960s style, all in appreciation of meaningful reads from community members. Folks who would like to present may read an original poem or choose a poem with personal meaning. There is no charge for the event. Come prepared for a fun hour of light jazz, coffee, smooth ambiance, and poetry! Those who wish to present a poem can contact Megg Galloway at [email protected].
If you love books, consider joining the Friends of the Library club for $10 per year. Memberships paid after May 1 are active through June of the following year, and proceeds go to buy books, puzzles, and magazines. To join, see any library volunteer or visit the website at www.rrtxfol.org.
The library is located in the Creative Arts and Technology Center building off Ed Robson Circle. Park outside the building, enter, and have the PDK app or card ready to unlock the library door. The library is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Volunteer staff is available to help patrons on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.