Voting Week!

Yes, it’s that time again.  Forest of Reading® voting week!  Specifically, we’re voting on Thursday, April 18th from 6 – 7 pm, but if you can’t make it that day, feel free to drop by the library anytime this week before then.

The voting list has been posted in the library.  If your name is on it (meaning…you’ve read at least 8 – 10 books & you’ve checked them off in our book), you are eligible to vote.  If you haven’t read enough books (but you’ve read at least 5), you’re invited to the party anyway.

We’ll post the list of winners that our library readers voted for later this week. And in May, we’ll let you know the official winners.  This is going to be exciting!

Read the Book, Listen to the Audio

We have a lot of people who use the library exclusively for audiobooks. They’re a great way to get some “reading” in if you travel, or if you have sight problems.  They’re also fun to use when working out, and make the time pass quickly. And we’re adding more to our collection at the library everyday (or you can use OverDrive and download free audiobooks!)

If you’ve never listened to an audiobook, you’re in for a treat.  While most don’t contain sound effects or music, many are read by actors who really make the stories come to life. And often, if you find it difficult to get into an actual book, an audiobook can change all that.

But here’s something you may not have thought of: listening to an audiobook either before or after reading the book. If you have reluctant readers at home, using audiobooks with children can make a huge difference. Children love to revisit their favourite stories, so popping in an audiobook version of Charlotte’s Web, let’s say, can be great incentive for the child that just doesn’t feel like he can make the transition to larger chapter books. If they can listen and follow along in the book, even better. It’s just another way to use audiobooks to promote reading.

Drop in to see the great audiobooks we have for all ages!

Downton Abbey

It seems like the whole world is obsessed with Downton Abbey.  If you don’t watch it (or haven’t even heard about), you might want to skip this post. But if you’re like many of my co-workers and every second patron, this could be something to keep you busy while you wait for Season Three to arrive on DVD, or Season Four, which will air sometime in early 2014.

We have the first two seasons of the popular British drama on DVD, so you can come in and borrow them to watch at home.  But we also have a few books to keep you busy while you wait for your spot in line (because these DVD’s are always on hold).

Upstairs & Downstairs : The illustrated guide to the real world of Downton Abbey by Sarah Warwick

The world of Downton Abbey  by Jessica Fellowes

If you’re on Pinterest, you might want to start your own fun boards like this one or  like this one.  Pinner Jules Pritchard posts funny pictures like this:

Even the gang at Sesame Street is in on the fun.

If you need a daily dose of Downton, follow the antics on Twitter.  They often post funny quips from the series, as well as news to keep you up to date! If you’re not a Downton Abbey fan, why not give the series a try. Great cast, great characters and lots of scandal!  What more could you ask for?

Get blown away!

Babytime at the library 2.0

Due to the incredible response we had this winter, we’re going to have another Babytime session!  That’s right, we’re looking for parents (or caregivers) with babies who are zero months to 12 months of age, who would like to join us for a six week session starting June 6/13.  We had plenty of names on the waiting list that we’re going to carry over into this session, so there aren’t a lot of spaces available.  If you’d like to join us, please call us right away to register because those spaces will fill up fast.  And yes, you DO have to register—-this is NOT a drop in event.

This session will take place on Thursday mornings from 9:30 – 10am, with time afterward for parents to connect with other parents. This is a great way to get your baby moving, meet new people and learn new and wonderful ways to bond with your child. If you have questions or would like to attend, please call us at 257-2702.  And if you don’t get into this session, never fear…we’ll run another one in the fall.

Holiday Closures

Easter Eggs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As we come up to the long holiday weekend, the library will be closed on certain days.  Here is the schedule as follows:

Friday, March 29/13  CLOSED

Saturday, March 30/13  Open 10am – 5pm

Sunday, March 31/13 CLOSED

Monday, April 1/13 CLOSED(…and no, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke!)

Have a safe and happy weekend!