Gingerbread Library
In November of 2021, Town of Andover Health Inspector Patricia Crafts annouced plans to host a Town Department gingerbread house contest. By the end of the month, the Memorial Hall Library gingerbread house team was working hard. Assistant Directors Kim Lynn and Clare Curran, Assistant Head of Circulation Gerry Deyermond, Cataloger and Reference Librarian Stephanie Smith, Aquisitions Manager Darsana Barua, Library Assistant Virgina Guazalocca and patron Mark Aude all contributed time and talent to baking, building, frosting and decorating what would become Memorial Hall Library's entry into the contest.
On December 20th, it was announced that MHL's gingerbread library tied for first prize sharing top billing with The Andover Health Department's gingerbread depiction of the Kiley Law Building at 342 North Main Street in Shawsheen. The Accounting Department won second place for its gingerbread depiction of the Andover Deli. The Water Department won third place for its confectionary likeness of the Town of Andover Water Treatment Plant in West Andover. Town Manager Andrew Flanagan was the judge.
A blue ribbon was awarded to the gingerbread library and it was returned to MHL for display until New Year's Eve 2021.
Hughes, Madeline Sweet Competition, The Townsman. December 30, 2021
Hughes, Madeline Sweet Competition, The Eagle Tribune December 30, 2021