Reading Rooster Recommends December 15 2009

From our friends at the state library!! Thanks guys.

What Makes a Library a Library, Volume 1

Check out this video. A great video from "the unquiet library." Hmmm, librarians who don't mind noise?? What a concept.

Read @ Your Library Campaign

Read @ Your Library Campaign
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

Wayne Reynolds is our "Poster Dude" this month, the last month of the year. Wayne is one of our most faithful borrowers. Plus he's a great guy to talk to.

Dawn and Breon

Dawn and Breon
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

The Lee County Library Ladies love a success story! We love it even more when we are part of the story, or helped to achieve the happy ending.

We are lucky to have our student intern Breon Stephens who is an 11th grade student at the MLD Higher Learning Academy. We have known that Breon is a special young man for a long time. Before he was our intern he was a frequent flyer here at the Library; coming in most afternoons after school. Now Breon has been honored for his hard work in a tangible way. He recently received the Superintendent’s Award for Academic Achievement and several other awards at a ceremony at the Academy. We know that Breon deserves any honors he gets since he has shown his hard work ethic and devotion to studies for a long time to the “Library Ladies.”

It's cold but it's worth it.....

How much fun is this - seeing old friends and making a bunch of new ones. Thanks Bishopville.

Please forgive typing and spelling errors - hands are freezing, but the donations are keeping us warm.

Llve blogging

Whooo-hooo. We are out in front of the Piggly Wiggly, freezing our tuschkas off, but making a difference. Our favorite manager, AJ just donated 25.00 worth of canned goods - that's a BUNCH of canned goods.

Thank pigglyy wiggly pals.

We are live....

Brenda and Elizabeth are live at the beautiful downtown Piggly Wiggly in Bishopville SC.
The "Raffle Road Show is on the air.

Come down, bring us canned goods and enter to win.

A raffle for a good cause......

This is your opportunity to do good and possibly win BIG! Bring your food items to the library and take a chance on this beautiful "Candy Cake!!" All donations will be given to the Lee County Co-operative Ministries' "Care Center" drawing will be held on Tuesday November 24th. Each food item is worth one chance.

Anniversary to note......

Originally uploaded by wolffriend333

There is an anniversary I would like to note. Today is the 40th anniversary of the airing of " Sesame Street ." When my children were young " Sesame Street " had just started its fifth year. What was wonderful about those early years was that besides being a great learning tool for children, it was also just plain great television. Each day I could spend an hour with my children at 4:00PM and both generations would be entertained. (It is my humble opinion that Bert and Ernie are the best comedy team around!) The writing, the music and the comedy were just superior. I have not had an opportunity in years to see the program; and I know it has changed, but I still have happy memories of watching it with my little ones.

Don't even get me started on Mr. Rogers!
Thanks to wolffriend333 in Camden for use of the photo via flickr.

Dr Randy Watkins

Dr Randy Watkins
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

Everyone's favorite English/Spanish instructor is this months Read @ your Library campaign poster child.

We love Randy, he is a frequent flier here at the Library. He also makes regular use of the State Library and is able to peruse the State Library Catalog by using the link we provide here at the blog. Pretty nifty..

Thanks Randy for agreeing to participate.

Had a great weekend @ Lee County Cotton Festival

The Library partnered up with the Lee County Chamber again this year to help put on a terrific Cotton Festival.

Congratulations to the Chamber staff for their success, we know how much hard work you put into it.

Check it out:

New Stufff.......

Just a reminder, gentle readers, the Library is running the "Guess the Candy in the Jar" contest and the drawing will be on October 29th. To participate you must be 12 years old or younger and check out at least three books.

Also the annual Halloween Costume contest will be on Friday October 30th from 4:00PM - 6:00PM. The judging will be at 5:00PM so make sure you are at the library if you want to be judged. As always, Librarian Brenda will be presiding over the popcorn popper and we will be handing out the popcorn to all the trick or treaters!

It's Funny and Timely!!!!!

Banned Book Week!!!!!!

Banned Book Week.......

Once a year, libraries around the United States salute intellectual freedom by highlighting books that have been banned or challenged in school libraries and public libraries. Banned Books Week, which is September 26 – October 3 this year, celebrates our freedom to read materials which may have controversial content or unpopular viewpoints.

You would expect to see books such as Lolita and Harry Potter on the list, but many of the books frequently challenged in schools and libraries are surprising. Here are a just a few examples:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
King & King by Linda de Haan
The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle (one of my personal favorites)
Come to the library and check one of the banned books out. Open your mind by getting to know a different point of view.

Celebrating Constitution Day......

Okay, I'll be the first to admit that this is a crummy video. But, hey (!), it's the first one I have done using a new gizmo - so I am forgiving myself. Alittle more practice and the quality will improve!!

Anyhoo, this was shot during the nation-wide celebration of Constitution Day on September 17th. Churches were encouraged to ring their bells at 4:00PM and here in Bishopville the Bethlehem United Methodist Church participated. Spearheading this effort was Mrs. Frances Drayton. We rang the bells 222 times. Once for each year since the original signing in 1787.

We are always happy to participate in community events.

Librarian: superhero for information-saturation

Each September, as students head back to the classroom, the American Library Association urges people to get and use a library card. Smart people, those librarians.
Here are some reasons why you should be putting a library card to good use:

1. You are already paying for it. During these tough economic times, why would you pay double for something? A 2008 poll showed library usage at an all-time high.
2. Save money. While you may want to own a few favorite titles, do you really need all those books? Anyone who has ever moved will tell you, “Moving boxes of books stinks.”
3. You get to try titles and genres you might otherwise miss. You may not want to plunk down $20 just to find out you that you detest the latest craze in vampire romance novels.
4. Reading broadly makes you smarter. Studies have repeatedly shown that vocabulary development, language acquisition and background knowledge are all improved in those who have been exposed to a variety of information.
5. You can get more than books with your library card. The library offers an amazing array of products and services: DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, movie nights, computer use, homework help, college prep, after school programs, kid & teen programs, author visits, career planning, and free classes. Many libraries are beginning to feature audio books, eBooks and even eMovies that are downloadable from your home computer.
6. Libraries are better than bookstores. If the bookstore doesn’t have a title or subject you are searching for, you can get it through Interlibrary Loan. This even works for international titles! The library also has 24-hour online access. Bookstores close, but you can access databases and reference information while sitting in your pajamas.
7. Free WiFi. No more wardriving or mocha latte obligations for you.
8. They will bring the books to you. Some libraries will deliver titles you request right to your mailbox and many neighborhoods have bookmobiles. Think of it as the corner ice cream truck, only less fattening.
9. Libraries will give you free money. Most library cards offer perks like discounts to museums, zoos and art galleries in your community.
10. Librarians are hot. While you’re there, getting your shiny new library card, remember to hug the librarian. They hold the keys to unlocking our mass of information, the superheroes of our information-saturated society

Oscar Mayer "Wiener" Ad 1965 in COLOR (THE BEST CLASSIC AD IN THE USA)

I am working on trying to get the "Wiener Mobile." how cool would THAT be!!??

Reading Rooster Recommends September 3 2009

It's a trend.......

First came "Price and Prejudice and Zombies" new to be released: "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters." The latest Jane Austen mashup. Can't WAIT so see what they come up with next!!

Have IM on the Blog.......

Well, we finally have IM on the blog. Scroll down to the bottom and ask a question!!

New Program......

We have yet another new program in the works. We would like to offer a Wii Fit program for adults. Wii Fit uses a unique platform peripheral called the Wii Balance Board, allowing the software to, among other uses, calculate body mass index (BMI) when told the user's height. The game has about 50 different activities including yoga poses, push ups, and other exercises. Furthermore, Wii Fit allows its players to take body tests and compare their results without the game disc. Wii Fit tracks a user's "Wii Fit Age" through a body test basing the result on the user's current age, weight and athletic ability.

This is awesome software. If you are interested in participating, please call the the library. We will base the schedule on the level of interest.

Ahhhh -- the lazy blogger

In a phenomenon that occurs every year in the week before Labor Day, bloggers across America file pointless, content-free "filler" blogs, enabling the lazy scribes to hit the beach earlier, according to observers who have been following this trend.

The "filler" blogs are churned out in a matter of minutes with no loftier goal than meeting a deadline and filling up space -- meaning that bloggers will often resort to using the same words or phrase again and again and again and again and again.

And rather than doing any original writing, the slothful bloggers will rely on so-called "experts" to supply them with quotes to fill up space, experts say.

"They'll often quote people you've never heard of," says Harold Crimmins, an expert in the field of filler blogs. "It's pretty shameless."

The typical "filler" blog is often a reprint of a previously published column, but the writer will later plug in one cursory reference to current events, such as the health care reform controversy, to disguise this fact.

And in order to fill up space even faster, Crimmins says, the lazy beach-bound blogger will compose his summer "filler" columns with short paragraphs.

Many of these paragraphs will be as short as one sentence, he says.

"Or shorter," he adds.

There are other telltale signs a reader can look for in order to determine whether a writer has, in fact, filed a so-called "filler" blog, according to Crimmins.

One of these is a tendency to repeat information that the reader has already read earlier in the article, with columnists even stooping to using the same quote twice.

"They'll often quote people you've never heard of," Crimmins says.

Another tip-off is if the blog ends abruptly.

my thanks to andy

It takes a village.

Mr Dixon
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

We Love all our patrons - but Mr. Dixon is very special. Every week he brings us a pound cake. (How Great is that??) Mr. Dixon is a dedicated gentleman and his greatest interest is to return prayer to the schools.

He has a kind soul and is always so sweet to us. He lifts our spirits with his kind word.

Thanks Rev.

It takes a village....

Breaking News.........

We will commence opening on Saturdays starting September 12th. So, we will be open each Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3PM starting on that date. We are extremely happy to offer this additional service. We were saddened when we had to stop our weekend hours due to budget cuts. During the summer it was logistically impossible to keep open on the weekend - but now that Summer Reading program has concluded we can adjust staff around to fill the void. So, make sure to come down and visit on Saturday starting September 12th.

Its All good........

It's ALL good this fall around the Library, (Thats the way we like it!!!) We are planning arts and crafts programs and senior fitness classes using our Wii.

Stop in to see us to get all the details.

Moving on....

I just added a Lee County Library Fan page to Facebook. It's attached to my profile so swing on over and become a fan.

it takes a village......

it takes a village
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

The Lee County Library would be lost without the help of our volunteers. Zack Medlin is one of our most talented and loyal vollies!!! He always brings a smile and happy attitude when we ask him (many MANY times) to fix, adjust and install items for the Library.

Special thanks to Zack and all the people who help us maintain the Library!!!!

Divorce Workshop

We are partnering with SC Legal Services to offer a "Divorce Workshop" on Thursday August 27 at 3:00PM.

This workshop is free, but you must register to attend. Please call 888.799.9668 to register.

Our able intern Breon......

Breon Stephens
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

Our intern Breon Stephens got a GREAT write up last Saturday in the Sumter Daily Item. Special thanks to Randy Burns for his continued coverage.

Been awhile......

it's been a super busy summer, so the old blog has suffered from attention deficit (Mine!) We will get everything up to speed and back on track. Thanks for your patience.

This month's "Read @ Your Library" poster features Omeka Benjamin and her children Destiny and Marcus. The entire Benjamin family are "frequent flyers" here at the Lee County Library.

Thanks for the participation

Maintenance Updates..........

We are trying to update the blog. A few notes: The South Carolina State Library link is not working. SCSL has changed their portal, and I am working to restore the link.

The you tube link is no longer active. We will be removing it to replace it with our Facebook - Twitter page.

Flikr is still our most popular site. Visit often - leave comments. We appreciate your input.

Read @ The Lee County Library

Read @ The Lee County Library
Originally uploaded by Lee County Public Library - SC

The latest entry at our "Read @ the Lee County Library" features Mr. Charles Ellison. Charles Graduated from REL Academy in 1999. he Graduated from Coker College in 2004. After attending Penn State University he returned to South Carolina to continue his studies at USC.

Currently, Charles is the Public Information Co-Ordinator for the SC Department of Consumer Affairs. He is finishing up his thesis to graduate from USC with a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication.

When Charles came in to see us, he was on his way to Florence to give a presentation on Consumer Credit. We hope to host him here at the Library in the future.

Thanks Charles for your participation!!

Our newest neighbor.....

Our newest neighbor
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Mr. English Cooper is a master ironworker. He just opened a work shop on Main Street two doors down. Here is a picture of a free standing wrought iron sculpture I saw when I was visiting his shop.

Trust me here, boys and girls this picture does not do it justice. This piece is GEORGEOUS!!!!

English told me that he will be having his grand opening in the Fall. We are so glad to see him on Main Street. He is a real asset to our community.

Check out the rest of the pictures: http://tinyurl.com/an26k5

Why we love our patrons..........

Why we love our patrons..........
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Why, of course, we love out patrons - especially when they bring us goodies.

Usually Mr. Dixon brings in pound cakes - but this morning Mr. Gene Smalls brought us this bounty from his home garden. Yep, that big boy is a zucchini. Also got some cukes, tomatoes and yellow squash. Yummmy!!

The librarians are having tomato sandwiches for lunch!!

2009 Summer Reading Program

2009 Summer Reading Program
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

By far the most popular program so far in the Summer Reading Program has been "Stirring the Pot Together" with Darlas Moore.

This partnership between the Lee County Library and Clemson 4H has really been a crowd pleaser. The participants got to make their entire lunch of spaghetti, garlic bread, muffins and iced lemon tea. Of course, then they got to eat the fruits of their labor.

Thanks to Darlas for teaming up with us.

Summer Reading 2009

Summer Reading 2009
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

The 2009 Summer Reading Program has gotten off to running start. So far we have had a cooking program in partnership with Clemson Extension and Darlas Moore. This week we have had three art classes. The classes were broken down by age group and everyone had a WONDERFUL time.

We will be offering classes in making bath salts as well as another cooking class. We are looking forward to opening our Annex in July and starting afternoon sessions using the new PS3 play stations.

Check it out - all the pictures are here: http://tinyurl.com/an26k5

Intern Breon

Intern Breon
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

We are happy to welcome our Summer Intern Breon Stephens to the Library. Already Breon has shown himself to be a valuable asset. We are happy to welcome him to our little family!!!

Summer reading program is underway - check out our pictures at: http://tinyurl.com/an26k5

Twitter - our social networking pal....

There is a great interview in Time Magazine about the growing value of "Twitter". We at the library have been utilizing this tool for awhile.

It's value was shown to me when I was in Columbia at a meeting at the State Library. During the meeting I was tweeting and that allowed my followers to add their input into the discussion. It added a second layer of discussion and brought a wider audience into what would have been a private exchange. it also gave the event an afterlife on the Web.

If you have not tried this networking tool - try it out. I only wish I new what the NEXT big thing will be!!

Visit from Headstart - Strong Partnerships = Strong Communities

Visit from Headstart
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Ms. Boyd brought her Headstart class to the Library for a visit. The youngsters were incredibly well behaved. They got to check out the children's area of the Library and had an impromptu "Story Time"

Ms. Boyd made arrangements for weekly visits during the Summer. Librarian Brenda Brisbon will be visiting the school each Tuesday during the Summer.

We hope Ms. Boyd will bring the children back soon. They loved the Library and the Librarians loved them. Extra Bonus Points - Dawn and Elizabeth each got a hug from each of the children. Kinda made our day!!

Holly Bounds Reads @ Her Library

Holly Bounds Reads @ Her Library
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Holly Bounds, Bishopville native has made quite a name for herself in the news/media world. Holly graduated from REL in 2001 and went on to USC where she majored in Broadcast journalism.

She has parleyed her education and experience to become a respected reporter for WSAV in Savannah GA. She is also Anchor of My Lowcountry 3 on My TV. Holly frequently returns home to Bishopville to visit her family.

Her last trip home, she graciously took the time to come to the Library to have her picture taken for the "Read @ Your Library" campaign.

Thanks holly.

"Friends of the Library" Book Sale

"Friends of the Library" Book Sale
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Bishopville Mayor Tom Alexander and Davis Kirkpatrick, President of "The Friends of the Library" chatting during the Book Sale Preview.

The Preview was an opportunity for the community to visit our Annex Building. The Annex will be used for activities for Children and Young Adults. It is equipped with five gaming stations featuring PS2 and Wii game software.

The Book Sale will continue through Saturday. Come down to The Annex (formerly The Garden Gate Gift Shop) and get your favorite authors. Hardbound Books are $1.00, paperback $.50 and trade paperbacks $.75.

Our youngest volunteer

Our youngest volunteer
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Beware Parents - if your child wanders behind the desk at the library - we WILL put them to work!!!

Look who wandered in....

Look who wandered in....
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

We love our little people - and they know it. Novaeh Jovan felt free enough to wander behind the desk and into Dawn's office. It looks like she and Dawn are in a deep discussion - probably about the meaning of life.

Public Relations Exchange - April 28th

PR Exchange
Originally uploaded by South Carolina State Library

Our pal Curtis Rogers took this photo of our “Why I♥ve my Library Campaign" entries. We will be posting our own photos shortly.

The PR Exchange was a great opportunity to meet state wide Library Directors and get fresh ideas on how to improve our service.

READ @ Your Library Campaign...

READ @ Your Library Campaign...
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

We are pleased to feature our own Bishopville Police Chief, John Ewing, during this month's READ @ Your Library Campaign. Look for the posters around the community.

I am still working on the pictures from last weeks Easter Egg Hunt. I will be working on them and will get them up by the weekend.

“Why I♥ve my Library Campaign."

sign for our drop in for national library week
Originally uploaded by South Carolina State Library

In celebration of National Library Week, April 12-18, 2009, the South Carolina State Library and the Lee County Library is conducting the “Why I♥ve my Library Campaign." You can take a moment to share how you have benefited from using the library. Personal stories can make a difference in funding for public libraries statewide and ensure that every citizen has access to quality resources and information. Just like you, thousands of people all over South Carolina use their public libraries to access the information they need to improve their lives, find jobs, and to help their children learn and stretch their imaginations. Share your library story today!

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Please note this correction. Due to scheduling conflicts the librarians have changed the day and the time of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Mark your calendars for April 9th, 2009 at 4:00 PM. . We will meet in the Old Grammar School Park. Come prepared for fun, games and surprises!! The Easter Egg Hunt is one of our favorite projects at the Library. So, come prepared to hunt, hunt, hunt! Those Librarians have some pretty sneaky places to stash Easter Eggs.

Miss Carrie Gass

Miss Carrie Gass
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Carrie Gass, friend and supporter of the Library is this Months featured celebrity during the "Read@" promotion.

A big thanks to Ms. Carrie for participating in the program. Every community leader who participates, helps get our message out!!

The 12th Annual SC Quilt Show!!

The 12th Annual SC Quilt Show!!
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

The 12th Annual SC Quilt Show opened today at the Bishopville Opera House. Of course, the Library partnered up with this worthy cause.

The Quilt Show has become one of the most popular event in town, and it really helps showcase Lee County in the best possible light.

Congratulations to Doris Winstead, and the entire Arts Council for this great show!!

Silenced in the Library: Keeping your patrons quiet in the modern lending library

We are pretty easy going here regarding the noise level at the Library. This video from a friend of mine in the UK is timely, relevant and darn funny!!

Enjoy!

Ahhhhh - Spring!

We have been so close together
Each a candle, each a flame.
All the dangers were outside us,
And we knew them all by name.

See how the bramble and the rose
Intertwine
Love grows like a bramble and a rose
Round each other we will twine.


We does soooo love our spring fever!!

Special Visitors....

Special Visitors
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

The Dennis Intermediate and Middle School Beta Club came to visit the library ladies.

The Beta Club is an organization of Academic High Achievers. Because of their dedication to their studies, they get to take special trips. Yesterday they decided to come visit us!!!

Congratulations to these overachievers. Special thanks to Ms. Martha Hannah and Wilhelminia Luther for their sponsorship of this worth organization.

Community Outreach...strong partnerships make strong communities.

Community Outreach
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Ms. Hannah of the Dennis Intermediate School in Bishopville SC invited Librarian Brenda Brisbon to her class of "high achievers" to give a demonstration on how to make bath salts.

The youngsters were fascinated. Ms. Hannah's class concentrates on college preparation with an emphasis on writing, science and logical thinking.

Thanks to Ms. Hannah for the opportunity to share with her students.

13th Annual SC Book Festival - Columbia SC

13th Annual SC Book Festival - Columbia SC
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

The Library partnered with the 13th Annual SC Book Festival. A great time was had by ALL!!

Got to meet some GREAT authors - Scott Turow, Mary Alice Monroe, Alexander Sokoloff, JT Ellison and T. Lynn Ocean, just to name a few Everyone was just so nice and welcoming.

Had a great time and also tried to promote the LCPL to EVERYONE. Hope some of our contacts will come and visit us soon!!.

Behind the Desk.....

Behind the Desk.....
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Shemeka Wright, and the official "First Library Grandbaby", Jaidyn Wright came in to see us today. Shemeka is Librarian Brenda's daughter.

She has just returned from Georgia where she completed the grueling Officers Training School for the US Army. No small accomplishment!!!

Congrats to Meka on her graduation - you can bring Jaidyn to visit us any time. We all had a great time today!!

Social Networking Conference

Check this out from our own guru - Dr. Curtis Rogers. Very cool.

hands free texting

New technology is helping people to get around those “no-texting-while-driving” laws.

Here comes Saytype.com’s voice-to-text system. See what you think at http://saytype.com.

Read more of the article at http://www.resourceshelf.com/2009/01/13/hands-free-texting/

Doring more with less.....

Doring more with less.....
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Another example of how the LCPL does more with less. We made new library card using existing business cards. Mike Bedenbaugh of the Bishopville Fire Department kindly donated the laminated pouches.

New card cost: $0.00

Old card cost: $0.49

Pretty good savings for a little effort!!

news from the Library...........

Forget myspace it's become the ghetto of the Internet. Using facebook - OK - but for the best of the web, try "Twitter."

Instant blogging in 140 characters or less. Gets you to say what you need without superfluous verbiage. Also the best links for almost instantaneous news.

Found this little nugget. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/be9d3q

Just another day at the library.....

Just another day at the library.....
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

It's what we do!!!! Heavy duty homework help this time of year and at this time of day.

Also - this just in from the ALA - "Kids @ the Library Program."


Top 10 Things for Kids to Do @ The Library



10. Find the great new books that other kids are reading

9. Curl up with your favorite magazine or book

8. Discover places you’ve never heard about on maps and globes, and in encyclopedias

7. Find music and books on CD, and DVD movies to take home

6. Be with your friends after school in a fun place

5. Take home a work of art that you make at an art workshop

4. Learn more about your favorite baseball player, artist, or animal

3. Do research for school and get help with your homework

2. Listen to storytellers, and authors and illustrators reading their books

1. Become a better reader by reading to a dog, joining the summer reading program or a book club, and asking the librarian for help finding a book by your favorite author or the next book in your favorite series

Another Day at the Library....

Another Day at the Library....
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Melody Dickey Perkins reads to her son, Steven Dickey, age 6 in the front windows of the library.

Nice way to spend an afternoon!!

SC Book Festival

The 13th annual SC Book Festival will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC on February 27–28, & March 1,2009. On Friday, February 27th, the festival will feature workshops at various locations around Columbia during the day. These workshops have a charge attached to them. If you are interested in attending call the Library for the fees. On Saturday and Sunday of the festival all events are free. The weekend activities feature award-winning authors discussing their works and other interesting literary topics. The Exhibit Hall will be filled with authors autographing books. Over 100 exhibitors set up their booth spaces where you can shop all weekend long for that special literary treat. All events are open and free to the public, no appointment, registration or reservation required.

This year’s featured authors are Ernest F. “Fritz” Hollings, Mary Alice Monroe, Scott Turow and many, many more. Call the library, or check the Book Festival web page for more details.
www.scbookfestival.org. Of course, the Lee County Library is again partnering with the Book Festival by providing volunteer services. We hope to see you there!!

PLAD (Public Library Appreciation Day).....

The LCPL was happy to participate at the Public Library Appreciation Day held at the SC State House on Wednesday February 11th. This event gives the state public libraries the opportunity to meet with legislators and impress on them the importance of libraries to their constituents. We have written before how important YOUR library, the LCPL, is to Lee County. We offer unlimited service to our patrons in the form of resume help, job placement, hands on computer training and full research/reference service. We have noticed an marked increase in our resume and job search inquiries and we are always happy to help our patrons. It is important for the public and the legislature to be aware of these services. Cutbacks to FREE public services during a time of economic hardship does not seem reasonable. If you or your friends or family have made use of the Library and our services, we urge you to contact your legislator and let your feelings be known.

The LCPL would like to thank Representative Grady Brown (D-50th) for his past support. At the meeting in Columbia, he personally assured me of his future support. One of the great things about living in Lee County is accessibility we have to our Representative. Grady freely gives of his time, and for our part, we truly appreciate him!

SC State House Back

PLAD 2009041
Originally uploaded by South Carolina State Library

We went to the South Carolina State House yesterday, February 11th, to remind our legislators of the huge value the South Carolina Public Libraries represent for their constituents.

The Boston Globe has called public libraries the "Recession Sanctuary" during these difficult economic times.

Support YOUR local library, and let your leaders know the value you place on it with your vocal support.


Photo attribution: Dr. Curtis Rogers -

Bayler is BETTER!!!!

Bayler Teal with his family.....
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

We are happy to report that young Bayler Teal has finished his testing and there is no sign of cancer left.

We are so happy for the Teal family. Our prayers and thoughts remain with them.

This falls under the heading of: "I can't MAKE this stuff up!!"....

. I heard this on the radio – I, of course had to check it out. It seems that Jane Austen’s masterwork “Pride and Prejudice” read (or in my case slogged through) by millions of students as required reading is no longer good enough. How could you improve on the classic love story of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet? Well, by the introduction of zombies of course!!!

“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” features the original text of Jane Austen's beloved novel with all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers—and even more violent sparring on the battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Complete with 20 illustrations in the style of C. E. Brock (the original illustrator of Pride and Prejudice), this insanely funny expanded edition will introduce Jane Austen's classic novel to new legions of fans.

I can’t improve on this – really – I am just upset that I didn’t think of it first.

Whoops......

I'm a little behind the ball here. Amendment was defeated last night at 9:30. Yea - for our side!!!

Pay Attention everyone'............

Amendment to cut libraries out of broadband package in Senate stimulus bill

Calls to ALL Senators are needed IMMEDIATELY to protect $200 million for libraries, community computing centers and related institutions in the original language of the Senate stimulus bill, H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The American Library Association has just been advised that Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are expected to introduce Senate Amendment 501 which would strip funding for libraries and broadband to put additional funding in FDIC. If introduced, the vote could take place this afternoon.

The message is: keep the $200 million for libraries and broadband in H.R. 1 - defeat amendment 501. Libraries provide information on jobs, employment skills, and all other types of job-seeking information. More people are using libraries during these difficult times and the demand for broadband is greater than ever.

Attribution: New York State Data Center Affiliate.

I have already written Sen Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to strongly protest this amendment.

I urge everyone to do the same. This is not a political blog, but I feel pretty strongly about this.

50 years later, the day the music died.

50 years later, the day the music died.
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

Our pal, Randy Burns, led an animated discussion on who DIDN'T die when Buddy Holly's plane crashed 50 years ago.

Just another example of why this ISN'T your daddy's library!!

just because I like it.......

Apple tree's bird
Originally uploaded by photophilde

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Emily Dickinson

Our Pal Zack

Our Pal Zack
Originally uploaded by leecolibrary

The entire staff of the Lee County Library would like to congratulate Mr. Zack Medlin on the occasion of being named “Volunteer of the Year” by the Lee County Chamber of Commerce during the annual Lee County Chamber Banquet on January 28th. Zack is a very special “Friend of the Library.” Frequently, when he visits the Library, Zack will be roped into performing little odd jobs like hanging pictures or helping put together stuff.

I personally have asked Zack to help in a variety of community activities…. Cotton Festival…. Pilot Memory Tree…. Opera House performances. Zack has always helped me and brings with him not only a great deal of expertise, but a willing, cheerful nature that adds zest to any project. Thanks Zack for all you do – we appreciate it.