September 20, 2013 Edited by: Stephanie Taylor Star Wars Day in Greenville St. Clair Donation State Representative Mack Butler recently presented each library in the St. Clair County Library System with a $700 check, which will go towards materials and programming. The librarians greatly appreciate his thoughtfulness and generosity. Left to right: Steele Public Library Director Lynda Fann; Ragland Public Library Director Patricia Poe; Representative Mack Butler; St. Clair County Library Director Judy Douglas; Ashville Public Library Director Barbara Stewart Greenville Public Library recently hosted their second annual Star Wars Day. They had over 100 parents and children take part in Star Wars Bingo, coloring contests, Star Wars snacks, and face painting by Abrakadoodle of Montgomery. They also had plenty of checkouts from the Star Wars book collection. Everyone had a fantastic time!
Art in Birmingham Birmingham Public Library recently hosted an exhibition titled Fusion: Sculpture by Jamey Grimes and Charles Clary. The artwork on display resembled objects seen in nature, yet they are fictional fabrications born of the artists imagination. Visit the artists websites for more information at charlesclary.wordpress.com/ and http://www.jameygrimes.com/. Florence Gaming Above: Sculpture by Jamey Grimes titled Strata Via Above: Sculpture by Charles Clary titled Hugga-Diddle Serology Movement 2 Teens had a great time playing video games at Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. ConGRANTulations! Moulton Lions Club President Keith Ligon generously gave Lawrence County Library Director Regina Anderton a check for $500 to go towards new audio books in the library. Eufaula Author Luncheon Cassandra King, author of many best-selling novels, appeared at a luncheon at Eufaula Carnegie Library on September 12 th to discuss her new book, Moonrise. Tickets to the event were $35. Each ticket holder received a copy of Moonrise on the day of the luncheon. King, an Alabama native, lives in South Carolina with her novelist husband, Pat Conroy.
Have You Met... Woodville Public Library Woodville Public Library Director Karen Chambers has dedicated twenty years of her life to serving her community. The library opened in 1985 inside the Bob Jones Community Center. It wasn t until 1989 that a building was donated to the town, and the library got its own facility. The space was quickly filled with books, and even after remodeling with grant money two years ago, the library is busting at the seams with materials. Karen s library philosophy is to provide excellent service to all patrons, and that is exactly what she does. The library offers a little something for everyone, including the littlest book lovers preschoolers! The library hosts a weekly preschool story time that is beloved by all attendees. Karen said, The little kids love you regardless and love to hear stories. It is a rewarding experience for both Karen and the children. When asked her favorite part of the job Karen stated, All of it! She enjoys making people happy by helping them find their next favorite book. Her enthusiasm for all types of literature including biographies, history, romance, and the Bible make Karen an ideal candidate to help patrons develop their love of reading. Karen is a huge advocate for the library. She frequently sends pictures and articles to the local newspaper to keep the community informed about library services. She also works hard to acquire grants to help fund programs and buy new materials. Karen and the much appreciated library volunteers never stop working hard to make the library better and better each day.
Jacksonville Book Reading Author Michelle Lowery Combs visited Jacksonville Public Library on August 8 th for a book signing. Attendees were able to meet Combs and hear a reading from her novel Heir to the Lamp. Michelle is an award-winning writer and book blogger living in rural Alabama with her husband, children, and cat. Pelham Book Sale Pelham Public Library s quarterly book sale began August 26 th and will run through the end of September. Donations from members of the Pelham community make these book sales possible. The proceeds assist in buying library materials and funding programming such as children s crafts and story times. Prices are quite low: $1 for hardbacks and DVD s; 50 cents for kid s books, paperbacks and VHS tapes. Pelham Library Director Barbara Roberts said, At the library we get really excited about these book sales. Of course the fundraiser helps the library, but sometimes it s just fun to see what used gems people will dig up. There really is no telling what you ll find. Allison Moore, who manages the logistics of the book sale said, The last book sale was in May and focused on paperbacks selling at a quarter each. That event brought in about $120 for library programs and got Pelham s vacationers stocked up on fun beach reads. Magnolia Springs Crafts Mrs. Lolly Turner, otherwise known as Whip Woman, taught kids how to make Native American crafts at the Magnolia Springs Library. Downton Abbey in Hoover Hoover Public Library treated patrons to an evening of Downton Abbey inspired food and fun. 2013 Southern Voices author Wendy Wax led a trivia game and signed copies of her new book, While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. Guests were invited to dress in their best Downton-era attire and enter a costume contest. A tea party catered by Coffee-ol-ogy Café was also a big hit.
Dealing with Disaster Although earthquakes are rare in Alabama, our state is in three separate earthquake zones. Earthquakes are a risk that library administrators and the general public should be aware of. To prepare people for what to do in an earthquake, FEMA and the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium sponsor an annual drill called The Central U.S. ShakeOut Drill. This year it is scheduled for 10:17 AM on October 17, 2013. The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is a ninestate drill spanning much of the central United States, including Alabama. During the drill, wherever you are at that moment at home, at work, at school, anywhere you should drop, cover, and hold on as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds. This means DROP to the ground before the earthquake drops you, take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to sign up to participate in the drill by visiting www. ShakeOut.org. Once registered, participants receive information about showcase events in their area and regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters. The Book Nook Title: Lost Boy: The Story of the Man Who Created Peter Pan Author: Jane Yolen Reading Level: Grade 3-5 ISBN: 9780525478867 Reviewed by: Beth Kendrick Library: Double Springs Public Library Review: Jane Yolen has created a delightful picture book biography about James Matthew Barrie. The book details his life, his writing, and his adoption of five young boys. These young boys served as the inspiration for his masterpiece, Peter Pan. Quotations from his various works are scattered throughout the book. Title: Derek Jeter: Yankee Great (Playmakers) Author: Brian Howell Reading Level: Ages 9-12 ISBN: 9781617147470 Reviewed by: Kelli Brazier Library: Athens-Limestone Public Library Review: This book is a fun read for young baseball fans. The book is a biography of Jeter, covering his early life, his journey to becoming a Yankee player, and his climb to greatness. The book is full of facts, quotes, and full-color pictures on every page. Derek Jeter: Yankee Great could also easily be enjoyed by younger and older fans than the reading level given above.