The bee observation hives are expected to return to the libraries in Oil City and Franklin. Library director Dan Flaherty said he isn't sure if the observation hives have brought folks to the library but has seen how important they are. "People really have come to expect them and incorporate them into their visits,," he said.
He also sees how the bees are good ice breakers for newcomers.
"I'm often long-winded and over speak to people with a million things the library does," he said admitting this overwhelms folks. Pointing to the bees seems to really help people get interested in all the services, "Something clicks in their brains, 'Oh, wow. Real bees!' Then they seem to tune in with a little more awareness to the other "new" things we introduce to them. To me, that bridge goes a long way."
He also sees how the bees are good ice breakers for newcomers.
"I'm often long-winded and over speak to people with a million things the library does," he said admitting this overwhelms folks. Pointing to the bees seems to really help people get interested in all the services, "Something clicks in their brains, 'Oh, wow. Real bees!' Then they seem to tune in with a little more awareness to the other "new" things we introduce to them. To me, that bridge goes a long way."
Flaherty likes how the displays bring more awareness to bees in general. In this month's library newsletter, he put in a message from beekeeper Debra Houser who also works at the Franklin library.
"Isn’t it wonderful to feel the warm days returning to our area?
The honeybees agree! On sunny days, the hives at HouserHoney Apiary are buzzing with activity. The queens are laying eggs and the worker bees are foraging for the pollen and nectar needed for the colonies to thrive. (The drones are hanging out waiting for virgin queens to emerge…) Soon there will be enough bees & brood to assemble the observation hives for the Franklin and Oil City libraries and move them in for the summer. I’m hoping to get them installed in time for Earth Day, April 22, depending on the weather!
In the meantime, if you see a swarm that can be collected I hope you will give me a call at 814-657-4510 (leave a message with date, time, location & your contact info). Swarms that are installed in a hive have a much better chance of survival than those that move into your walls or attic. If I can capture them before they move in, it’s better for all of us. For extractions or cutouts, please call a pest control company & see if they can direct you to a specialist.
Do you need a beekeeping mentor? I have plenty of opinions and information to share. Do you need to buy bees? I can help you find local stock. Do you need a speaker for a beekeeping presentation? Depending on the audience I can help with that too. Thank you for visiting the observation hives, and thank you for your interest in pollinators!"
"Isn’t it wonderful to feel the warm days returning to our area?
The honeybees agree! On sunny days, the hives at HouserHoney Apiary are buzzing with activity. The queens are laying eggs and the worker bees are foraging for the pollen and nectar needed for the colonies to thrive. (The drones are hanging out waiting for virgin queens to emerge…) Soon there will be enough bees & brood to assemble the observation hives for the Franklin and Oil City libraries and move them in for the summer. I’m hoping to get them installed in time for Earth Day, April 22, depending on the weather!
In the meantime, if you see a swarm that can be collected I hope you will give me a call at 814-657-4510 (leave a message with date, time, location & your contact info). Swarms that are installed in a hive have a much better chance of survival than those that move into your walls or attic. If I can capture them before they move in, it’s better for all of us. For extractions or cutouts, please call a pest control company & see if they can direct you to a specialist.
Do you need a beekeeping mentor? I have plenty of opinions and information to share. Do you need to buy bees? I can help you find local stock. Do you need a speaker for a beekeeping presentation? Depending on the audience I can help with that too. Thank you for visiting the observation hives, and thank you for your interest in pollinators!"
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