Library construction and new paperback series

Well, things are just moving right along with our library renovation. By now you'll have noticed the colorful paint and wallpaper and beautiful landscaping. I can tell you that when the interior construction is all finished, you'll be blown away! The Youth Department will have some new shelving, a larger play space and our own story hour room. Color and function will rule here soon!

I also wanted to let you know about three new series I have purchased. All you second thru third grade horse fans will be reaching for the Bella Sara series by Felicity Brown. Third thru sixth graders will welcome the Phantom Stallion series by Terri Farley and the new Vet Volunteers series by Laurie Halse Anderson. I have also expanded our selection of the Geronimo Stilton series.

Check out Exotic Animals for Awareness Youtube!

Hey, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZnUlO8YsK8 and check out the video of our Exotic Animals for Awareness program! It's awesome! Thanks, Sandy Sullivan's son-in-law!

Exotic Animals and 300 People--What's Next?

If you came to the library Wednesday, you know the crush we had in the meeting room with our Exotic Animal Rescue program. Did you know there were 300 people in there? Not me, though--that big ol' snake was just too much! Next Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. we will feature the Ocean Adventure Scuba Divers who will talk about swimming with great white sharks! Join us, if you dare!

Summer Reading Registration A Success!

Golly, we're tired! Did you know that we registered a total of 600 adults, teens and children for our summer reading program, Read on the Wild Side? And have you seen how many books have been checked out in the Youth Department? Lots of bare shelves out there! We know you're reading now but please continue if you go away on vacation. And if you signed up to be a Junior Friend of the Homewood Library, remember to send a picture of yourself with your Friends bag taken on vacation and you'll receive 5 library reading reward dollars. Such a deal! Thanks for making our registration day a total success. You know, the pool party really isn't that far away so start earning those reward dollars now! You'll need to have earned 10 before you can go to the party. Read on, library-ites!

Tomorrow is Summer Reading Registration!

Tomorrow is our summer reading kickoff! Beginning at 9:30 a.m., everyone who registers for our summer reading program, Read on the Wild Side, will receive a ticket for a free yummy Dairy Queen ice cream treat! Parents work? No problem! We will continue to register until 8:00 p.m. You may still register after tomorrow but tomorrow is the only day to receive a Dairy Queen ice cream treat. I hope to see you all there!

Wild Things!

I have a new favorite book--Wild Things by Clay Carmichael. Zoe has been sent to live with Uncle Henry when her mother passes away. After living with a mentally ill mother who forces Zoe to raise herself, Zoe has a hard time trusting anyone after her mother's suicide. In her mind, "everyone leaves." Uncle Henry, a fiery red haired reclusive artist and heart surgeon, has his own issues with trust after losing his wife to cancer. The stray cat that lives under the house sees a kindred soul in Zoe, yet holds back, fearing she too will leave. All three struggle to find love and trust in another human being. Well written and immediately engaging, you will struggle to put it down before bed! This book is best for fourth thru eighth graders and I think it's an award winner!

Let's "Read on the Wild Side!"

It's hard to believe but summer reading is just around the corner! Yes, registration begins June 10th and our theme is "Read on the Wild Side". To help you get into the mood, I have found some jungle crafts that will send you and your kids to your craft supplies pronto. My favorite is the monkey puppet! You'll find directions for the crafts here. Enjoy your craft!