From the Director: “Attend” MCPL’s Virtual Luncheon!

Part of being a library director means regularly attending meetings, including the occasional luncheon. Gathering in a large room to hear a presentation and visit with other community leaders used to occasionally seem like a time constraint rather than an opportunity. Now, with the ongoing pandemic, my regular in-person programs have all been cancelled, and ironically, I suppose I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed and learned from them until they were gone!

Recently, I was able to attend a virtual luncheon. Many of you know that, as part of the Library’s 50th anniversary celebration several years ago, MCPL created the “Legacy Luncheon.” It’s a great event every year, involving a presentation from an author, an update about the Library system, and recognition of Library advocates and Library staff. July 2020 was to mark the sixth-annual Legacy Luncheon—until COVID-19.

I must applaud our Fundraising and Development Department because they created an incredible virtual version of the Legacy Luncheon. Just add your own lunch, and you’re good to go. Let me explain. When you register to attend the 2020 Legacy Luncheon, you receive a link to an online site that has a wonderful talk by acclaimed author Alex George about his book The Paris Hours.

If you’d like to create your own three-course lunch to go along with the event, there is an online cooking presentation by Chef Guillaume Hanriot of Café des Amis included in the registration. You can even learn how to pair the perfect French wine with your lunch from sommelier Ken Mason. Also included with the Legacy Luncheon experience is a wonderful performance by jazz duo A La Mode (and a free digital download of their latest album, C’est si Bon), and two great videos from MCPL customers talking about the impact the Library has had on them. Finally, there are Library and construction update videos too.

I really enjoyed my virtual luncheon! If you didn’t attend on July 17, there is no need to worry. You still can attend. Just go to the 2020 MCPL Virtual Legacy Luncheon registration page and choose whether you’d like to register for the virtual event only or the event with a signed copy of Alex George’s book and recipe cards. It was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon, to learn some new things, and to receive an update on what’s happening at the Library.

If you have the time, I’d really encourage you to “attend” the 2020 Legacy Luncheon.  

Steven V. Potter
MCPL Director & CEO