About Town

Recent pics around the town...

A property owner on North 9th is protesting the lack of a police dog on the force. The truth behind why we don't have one is different from the official version given at a recent public meeting. In fact, the truth behind other issues in town differs from the official versions.

 But right now, we're not about to stir up those hornet's nests, like this one on the 300 block of Walnut. Someone might get mad at the truth and call us negative.

 However, there's no denying the fact that we have a major drug problem in town, as evidenced by the recent spate of ODs, and discarded syringes - like this one near the bridge plaza.

 So, is Columbia rising from the ashes or fading into the dust? 

We'll leave those controversies for now and rise above it all, like this plane over River Park last week.

Speaking of River Park, here's a guy sealing the concrete at Columbia Crossing for about $8,000.

And here's an artist at work down along the tracks.

There's a lion on South 2nd attired for the upcoming winter weather.

Seen from the 200 block of Avenue I - a novel way to board up your windows.

There's a watcher on South 4th.

Speaking of watchers, surveillance cameras are keeping an eye on us.

(Sorry - we couldn't avoid controversy after all.)

At a recent meeting, the mayor said there are "exactly 50" such cameras in the borough. On our leisurely strolls through town, we spotted about 18 in plain sight. A former borough official believes there are about 20. So what about the other 30? Are they "covert"? Who monitors them? Or is this another case of the truth not agreeing with the "official version"?

But here's a positive: Work continues at 301 Locust.

The unseasonably warm weather has brought many folks out and about.

Is there a new business on the 300 block of Locust?

The new old bridge lights installed a few years ago are holding up nicely.

Near miss or near hit?

A castle of silver and gold? No, it's just that place on the hill across the river, reflecting in the afternoon sun.

Master butcher

A painting of the Grinch takes shape on South 4th.

But here's the real one in the window of Tacos To Go.

We understand the Grinch heartily supports the "tax reform" bill just passed by Republicans.

And here's Rudolph, whose nose will be turned off next year to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Sorry, Rudolph!

Artist John Morrow crafted this mayfly-themed bike rack based on a winning drawing by third-grader Bella Gentile. The rack will eventually find its way in front of Columbia Crossing at Columbia River Park.

Winterish sky over Chestnut Street.

Temps are supposed to plunge by next weekend.

Atmospheric histrionics at sunset

The sun looks just like a ball of glowing gas, which, in fact, it is.

Rudeness at Rotary

These arrows at the top of the high school hill are now barely discernible.

And here's the result: downhill the wrong way

Tribute to a fallen vet at Laurel Hill Cemetery

Market House Update

Coleman, Alicia Amber - Retail Theft | Columbia Borough Police Department

On 12-02-17 at approx. 11:26AM the Columbia Police were called to the Dollar General store located at 960 Lancaster Ave. for a shoplifting complaint. Alicia Amber Coleman (39) of Columbia was arrested for attempting to steal a hooded sweatshirt from the store.

Case Number: 

1642-12-02-17

Arrest Date: 

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Charges:

• Retail Theft

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/coleman-alicia-amber-retail-theft

Free books at Columbia Library through December

Columbia Burrow

                         "We got lots in stock!"

Columbia Library will close for 4 months; Bookmobile will visit twice a month

From the Columbia Public Library Newsletter – December 2017:

I’ll get right to the heart of the matter. December 31 brings us to a critical point in our construction. Due to our total remodel, our collection will be packed and stored. We will need to completely close the library for approximately four months. This is necessary for the safety of everyone.

As you can imagine, this was a very hard decision for our Board of Directors to make. But it is the safest, most expeditious way to get our new library up and running by next summer.

The Office of Commonwealth Libraries has granted us a closure period from January 2 through May 19. If construction personnel are permitted unrestricted access during this time period, our new building should be ready to go by summer!

Thank you for your understanding during this period. We will indeed reap the rewards of our beautiful new library (with expanded children’s wing, children’s computers, and a reading terrace) when this is all behind us!

Of course, we want to provide as much library service as possible during this time period. Here are the logistics:

The Bookmobile will be visiting twice a month beginning January 9. It will be staffed by Miss Lisa and Mr. Ed. The Bookmobile will be parked in front of St. John’s Church on Sixth Street on Tuesday, January 9. Hours are 11 AM to 1 PM. These hours allow us to also visit Head Start and St. Anne’s.

On Saturday, January 27, the Bookmobile will be in front of the Columbia Public Library from 9 AM until noon. I’ll be working as needed from an office at the Library System of Lancaster County, processing new items as they come in and providing some (not all!) bestsellers via the Bookmobile Stops twice a month.

Bookmobile Hours: Second Tuesday of Each Month, 11 AM to 1 PM

Fourth Saturday of each month from 9 AM to noon.

No Bookmobile visits in inclement weather.

Other options if the Bookmobile doesn’t work out for you:

Visit Mountville Library (717-285-3231) or Milanof-Schock Library in Mount Joy (717-653-1510).

Circulations here at CPL Building

Last day for checkouts from this building will be December 15.

Last day NEW books will be delivered to this building will be December 10.

I will be able to provide a limited number of new bestsellers on both monthly Bookmobile stops.

What’s going to happen to the books?

They will be packed and put into a new storage unit until construction is complete.


Where will the computers go?

They will be stored at the LSLC System offices.


What about the Book Drop?

It will be checked regularly. Anything in it will be taken to the Mountville Library for check in. After check in, it will be sent back to the owning library. Columbia items will be sent to me at LSLC to be stored.


How do I place holds?

Remember, Columbia items will be in storage. Lisa will transfer as many as possible to other libraries. Please do NOT choose “Columbia” as your pick-up location! You may either choose another library nearby OR pick them up from the Bookmobile. Please remember, the Bookmobile is only here second Tuesday over lunch hour and fourth Saturday morning. You may need to wait a bit longer to get your item. We appreciate your patience. During my hours at LSLC, I’ll be calling or emailing those who have placed holds regarding where to pick them up.


Are there computers on the Bookmobile?

No.


Will your wi-fi be running?

No. Remember, Burger King and McDonalds provide free wi-fi.


What about Summer Reading 2018?

It is ON!! I’ll be working on planning programming for the summer, and distribution of reading logs happens AFTER we re-open.

We truly appreciate your patience in all of this. The payoff will be a beautiful improved library this summer!

I am sure that many other questions will arise. Please let me know of them and I will do my best to find the answer.

But we still have the month of December!

Columbia Library Calendar of Events for December 2017