Monday, August 27, 2007

Internet Safety......everyone's concern!

Last week, Editorial Writer Ray Alexander wrote about the hidden dangers the Internet poses for children and young adults. We at the library are fully aware that the Internet poses severe challenges for parents and caretakers. Here at the library we have the ability to monitor our patrons usage, but home usage can be troublesome. We have, for the last year, offered an Internet safety program to help parents identify risks and protect their children. This program is free and can be offered at the parent’s convenience. If you are interested, please call Elizabeth at the library 484.5921.

Friday, August 24, 2007

September is Library Card Sign Up Month!!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Lee County Public library wants to make sure that your child is among the two-thirds of Americans that carry the smartest card of all – a library card.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

“A library card has always been the most important school supply of all,” says Brenda Brisbon, Children’s Librarian. “Children can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also check our free music, DVDs and use the Internet to make after school life a little more fun. There’s a lot happening at our library”

A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together. Forty-four percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason.

Activities at the library during Library Card Sign-up Month will include: school visits, contests and promotions. Library Card Sign-up Month began in 1987.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

"Ask a Librarian" feature in process.....

How about having the ability to contact the Library from your home computer? Does that sound like a good idea? Well, we thought it did! In the near future we will be initiating the new “Ask a Librarian” feature to the website. Several of the larger libraries in the state have this feature as well as the State Library. I have used the State Library’s “Ask a Librarian” section several times and it really is easy, cool and very, very helpful. We are working our best to get our own section up and running shortly.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

August at the Library

During the dog days of August the Librarians get a chance to regroup, rethink and reevaluate the programs and services offered at the Lee County Public Library. It’s going to be hard to achieve the success of the Summer Reading Program but we are pretty sure that we can.

So far, the “Food for Fines” program has been very well received. We will have a nice selection of non-perishable food items to donate to the food bank. This program is limited to the month of August. So take advantage of this opportunity and bring back our books! This offer does not apply to outstanding fines prior to August 1

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Practice the Three R's at Home

With the school year getting underway here are some pointers for parents to help their children achieve academic success:

Read! Read! Read!
Read with your child each day and have them read to you.

Reinforce what is learned in school
Parents and families are busy people. Take a minute each day to ask yourself "What can I do easily and in a few minutes to reinforce and extend what the school is doing?" For starters, ask your child about school each day.

Reach for the Stars!!
Set high expectations for academic performance and behavior. Let you child know that you believe he or she CAN succeed and be generous with sincere praise and pride in your child's accomplishments.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Lee County Council Meeting

Went to the Lee County Council meeting this morning to report the Library activities for the month. It is really wonderful how our Council supports us. Additionally on the agenda were reports from the Workforce Development and the Lee County Mental Health Department. These meetings are always informative and also a great example of democracy at work!!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Library Amnesty raking in the food

So far, our effort to waive fines for food has proven to be a great success. This program only applies to fines after August 1, 2007. If you have library books at home don't wait to return them.....bring them in now with a donation of a non-perishable food item and we will waive your library fine.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Summer Reading Program Wrap Party

The Summer Reading Program Wrap party took place last Friday at the Lee State Recreational Area. What a great way to spend a day. The park is lovely and Interpretive Ranger Laura Kirk gave a wonderful presentation outlining the history of the park. Ranger Kirk then introduced the children to the various forms of wild life in the park. She then directed the readers on a scavenger hunt trying to find various forms of flora and fauna. The children had a great time…..ummm, so did the librarians!!

Then we had a picnic lunch and awarded the Summer Reader Medals. Once again those little summer readers went home tired!!

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Fine amnesty month - with a twist....

Good news library fans - inspired by their affiliation with the Salkehatchie Service Group - the librarians have instituted a fine amnesty program for the month of August. So here's the deal....if you have library books that are overdue bring them back home to the library with a nonperishable food item and we will waive your fine.


Sounds like a win - win to me!! The library books come home (believe me they are lonely at your house) and the library donates food to the food bank. Sweet!!

So take advantage of this opportunity and bring back our books! This offer does not apply to outstanding fines prior to August 1.

Check it out:

"http://www.flickr.com/photos/leecountypubliclibrary/sets/72157600519832412/