Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Great Pumpkin Decorating Project......




We held our Great Pumpkin Decorating Program last Friday and it was a huge success. About thirty youngsters with their parents participated. I am here to tell you, these young people went above and beyond the perceived notion of pumpkin decorating. There were glittery, beaded, bejeweled and just plain old scary pumpkins. After the decorating the children and adults were treated to lemonade and popcorn and each given a trick or treat bag and a little treat. A great time was had by all. We are planning another program for Thanksgiving and another one for Christmas – watch this column for more details.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

An Encore Performance......




Last time Porkchop Productions performed for us I gave them two thumbs up (Ála Roger Ebert) but after last Thursday’s performance I am giving them a full downtown high five! This time the ladies performed “Sleeping Beauty” and what a performance it was! They had the children and the adults fascinated with their humor and high jinx! We were so happy to be able to have them back.

Stacy Maxwell and Laura Blanchette, the ladies of Porkchop, are from Aiken SC. They travel all over the Southeast with their shows and also are veteran radio, theater and voiceover artists. They are just a pleasure to host and we hope to have them back soon! They have an excellent Christmas show and we are attempting to get the funding to bring them back for the holidays.

We thank our partners at the Lee County Arts Council and The Bishopville Opera House. The 2011 Lee County Summer Reading program is partially funded by a grant from the SC State Library and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Once was just not enough......


Well, we wished for it, and we got our wish. A few weeks ago, we hosted Pork Chop Productions and their staging of the “Bremen Town Musicians;” at the time I hoped we would be able to have them back again. Well, they are coming back on August 11th to stage “Sleeping Beauty.”

Anyone who has seen these talented actors has been enchanted with their interpretation of the classic fairy stories. Their stage presence and effervescent energy light up the stage, and pull the audience into the story. Of course, by using audience volunteers, they draw the audience in even more. (You think we like these girls – you got it we do!!)

So make plans to join us at The Bishopville Opera House on Thursday August 11th at 1:30 P.M. and help us welcome the Pork Chop Productions interpretation of “Sleeping Beauty.”

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Pork Chop Productions......





Last Thursday's production of "The Musicians of Bremen Town" was such a huge success that we have decided to asked these two talented actresses to return. Back by popular demand!!

The ladies will be staging "Sleeping Beauty" at the Bishopville Opera House on Thursday August 11th at 1:30PM. We can't wait!

Following are some snaps from last weeks production.

We thank our partners at the Lee County Arts Council and The Bishopville Opera House. The 2011 Lee County Summer Reading program is partially funded by a grant from the SC State Library and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Finished Product.........

Well, the Summer Reading Art class has concluded and we are displaying the finished works of art at the library. We will be moving the art to the Bishopville Opera House Drayton Gallery later this month.

The painting class went so well, we will be offering another. “Acrylic Painting with Dawn and Jess” will be on :
July 12th and 14th
July 19th and 21st
July 26th and 28th.
All classes will start at 10:00 AM at the Opera House and last about an hour. This is also a limited capacity program so you have to come to the library to sign up. The instructors are Dawn Ellen and Jessica Hiddemen.

We thank our partners at the Lee County Arts Council, The Bishopville Opera House and Clemson Extension. The 2011 Lee County Summer Reading program is partially funded by a grant from the SC State Library and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.






Friday, July 1, 2011

Cooking with Darlas..........


Last week we had our “Cooking with Darlas” program at the Clemson Extension Building. This is one of our most popular activities of the Summer Reading Program. Darlas Moore, Clemson Extension Agent, leads the youngsters through the preparation of an entire meal. She shows how to properly measure ingredients, proper food handling and sanitation. Because the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program is “One World – Many Stories” Darlas planned an international menu. The children made a Mexican Eggroll, Chinese Rice and German Streusel. Of course the best part was, that after all their hard work, the youngsters got to EAT their efforts! We will have another “Cooking with Darlas” program on July 21st. If you would like to participate, please sign up at the Library – there is a limited number of spaces.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Bright Star Traveling Theater.......








As you can see from the rapt attention of the audience, The Bright Star Production presentation was huge success. The audience was completely caught up in the stories. Akili and Jabari presented the legends and folktales of Africa in a delightful and intriguing way!


Both the youngsters and the adults were captivated. We thank the Lee County Arts Council and the Bishopville Opera House for partnering in this event.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

The 2011 Summer Reading Program begins.....


Here are some heroes from Saturdays Kick Off Gala.

Louis and Vicki Moniz. Thanks so much for your help.

Kay Farmer & South Atlantic Canners for letting us use the trailer, and helping me get it unlocked!!

The AmeriCorps volunteers. They were the hands that got the job done.

Special mention for Laresha McDaniel who was my shadow all day. Helped me save my wounded wing. Also helped Brender-boo all day long!

Thanks to all. Hope you all had a good time.
esp

Friday, June 10, 2011

Summer Reading 2011.....


So far we have in excess of 150 youngsters signed up for the 2011 Summer Reading Program. This is a substantial increase over last year and we are thrilled to be offering such a diverse program. Thursday June 16th, we will be offering a production at the Opera House presented by Bright Star Productions. . This event is open to the entire community. African Folktales is a 45-minute production that brings to life the vastness of the African landscape and a variety of clever animals. Join Akili as she shares these exciting tales that were traditionally passed down by word of mouth. With imaginative costumes and lots of audience participation, this production also includes valuable character-education themes. Celebrate world cultures, literature and the art of interactive African storytelling with the newest show in the Bright Star repertoire. The “Library Ladies” hope the entire community will come and join us for this great show. Admission, of course, is free.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

New Programs for Summer Reading 2011



Caption: Example of the artwork from the SC School for the Blind at the SC State Library.

Last January Dawn and I went to the SC State Library for a meeting. While there we enjoyed an art installation that was presented by the SC School for the Blind. To say we were blown away would be an understatement. The art work presented was in collage form and it was breathtaking in depth and diversity. From that visit an idea was formed.

This year for the 2011 Summer Reading program we will be offering art classes in collage. Ms. Jess Hindeman and Dawn will be the instructors and will offer sessions for 4th 5th and 6th graders and another for 7th 8th and 9th graders. Session dates are: June 14h and 16th, June 21st and 23rd and June 28th and 30th. The students will be making collages from a variety of natural materials and the only limitation will be their imagination.

After the sessions are completed, our partners the Lee County Arts Council and the Bishopville Opera House will be presenting the art in their main gallery. We are really excited about this great venue because it will offer the entire community the opportunity to view the handiwork of our area youngsters. This is the first year that we have offered this program and we hope we will be able to offer it again and again. Special sign-up sheets are at the library.

Monday, June 6, 2011

2011 Summer Reading Program


We are right in the middle of sign-up week for the entire 2011 Summer Reading Program. If you would like to participate, come to the library and sign up. We will issue you a wrist band that will entitle you to come to our Gala Kick-Off at the Grammar School Park on Saturday June 11th. The gala will be held at 11:00AM and will feature hot dogs, a cake walk, music by Tiz Laney and lots of fun things. We hope to see all our summer readers in the park on Saturday. Remember, you must have a wrist band to participate.
The Library will be closed on June 11th.
The next program will be held on next Thursday June 16th at 1:00 PM at the Opera House. We will be hosting Bright Star Theater. This event is open to the entire community. African Folktales is a 45-minute production that brings to life the vastness of the African landscape and a variety of clever animals. Join Akili as she shares these exciting tales that were traditionally passed down by word of mouth. With imaginative costumes and lots of audience participation, this production also includes valuable character-education themes. Celebrate world cultures, literature and the art of interactive African storytelling with the newest show in the Bright Star repertoire. The “Library Ladies” hope the entire community will come and join us for this great show. Admission, of course, is free.
Thanks again to our partners the Lee County Arts Council for their support. The 2011 Lee County Summer Reading program is partially funded by a grant from the SC State Library and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Special thanks to our partners at the Lee County Chamber of Commerce for promoting our program on the community marquee.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Bloomin' Mother's Day Project....(and more!)


The “Bloomin’ Mother’s Day” program that Brenda held today was a wild success! She had to have two sessions there was so much interest. The youngsters decorated flower pots and then planted flowers in them for their Mothers. Everybody had a great time and they all went home with something nice for Mom.

Final reminder gentle readers: the South Carolina Book Festival is this weekend on May 14th and 15th. There are going to be lots of authors, book sellers, appraisers and panel discussions. New to this year’s program is a special children’s area on the second floor of the Convention Center. Both Saturday and Sunday there will be children’s story times, theatrical presentations and music. Truly this year’s event has something for everyone. It occurs to me that all the time I have been promoting this event I forgot a very important item; namely – it’s FREE!!! Yep, the whole weekend is free. (Free is good in my world!) Meanwhile you are in the heart of Columbia’s Vista District with all the great galleries, antique stores and restaurants. It’s a win-win weekend. So I hope to see you in Columbia. If you are at the Convention Center give me a shout out. (I will be live tweeting all weekend!)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

It's the 15th SC Annual Book Festival - come join us!!



Every year the Lee County Library partners up with the South Carolina Book Festival and pitches in to help promote and put on the Festival. This year the Festival will be held from Friday May 13th through Sunday May 15th. The line up of authors is impressive!!

Friday is devoted to Master Classes. Here you can learn everything from how to discover your poetic voice to becoming a social media maven and lots of stuff in between. The classes are posted on the Festival website, or you can come to the library and ask me. Saturday there will be readings, discussions and book signings. Mary Alice Monroe, a popular South Carolina author will be presenting her new book “The Butterfly’s Daughter” and follow up with a book signing. C. J. Box, another bestselling author will also be presenting. There really are too many to list, but I know that our own Jack Bass and Natalie Dupree (Frances Ginsberg’s brother and sister-in-law) will be in attendance.

All of the information is available at www.scbookfestival.org, or come to the library and ask Elizabeth. Just one more thing, something new this year is a special children’s program running Saturday and Sunday on the Upper level of the Convention Center. Books a Million is sponsoring this event, and there will be music, story telling, magicians and theatrical productions. This is a new addition to the Festival and I am sure it will be delightful.

If you love books, like authors or just like to schmooze – this is a great volunteer opportunity. The Festival Directors work hard all year long on this project and they really appreciate the support of the volunteers. I have been volunteering for years and I am here to tell you: it’s a blast! You get to meet a bunch of new people and rub shoulders with some famous writers. (Who, by the way, are very approachable and nice.) Consider offering your time to this great event. Contact me at the library or visit the website for more information.

With all that said, the Library will be closed on Saturday May 14th. Hope to see you in Columbia!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Yikes.....



Been awhile since I've posted. But, in my own defense, it HAS been a pretty busy spring.

Summer reading is just around the corner. I will be posting the schedule shortly but until then........

We have another great new program we will be giving on May 6th at 4:00 PM at the Library Annex. Brenda will be hosting a “Bloomin’ Mother’s Day” craft program. We all know that Brenda is into her crafts, and this program will utilize her talents and give the youngsters an opportunity to make a gift for their Mother. It’s all good!

Youngsters must sign up for this program. Come into the library and sign up before May 6th. Again, this program will be held on Friday, May 6th at 4:00 PM. We hope to see you then – adults are welcome!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

(Photo Caption: Author Travis Haney with Risha,Rob and Bayler Teal)


The library has scored a coup! Dawn Ellen has contacted Travis Haney the author of “Gamecock Glory” and secured him to do a book signing on March 24th at 4:30 PM. The book, which is dedicated to Bayler Teal, is set for release in mid-March. To date, this event will be the first book signing that Mr. Haney has scheduled. The “Library Ladies” are excited.

Mr. Haney is a two year veteran sports reporter for the “Charleston Post and Courier.” He covers University of South Carolina as well as Southeastern Conference athletics. Mr. Haney, 27, covered the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball for two years before joining the Post and Courier staff.

The Gamecocks first met Bayler Teal at Columbia’s Palmetto Children’s Hospital in October 2008. The 5-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer a month earlier. The team expected to encounter a sickly kid, but instead it entered the hospital room to find Bayler smiling and bouncing on a couch. It was the Gamecocks’ introduction to Bayler’s fighting spirit and joyful disposition. Bayler went to war with cancer for 22 months, losing his life on June 24, 2010. The same night, in the College World Series, South Carolina extended its season by rallying for two runs in the 12th inning to defeat Oklahoma. The timing defies comprehension. The Gamecocks played in Bayler’s memory the rest of the way in Omaha, defeating rival Clemson twice and the UCLA twice in the national championship series. After the College World Series, Coach Ray Tanner repeatedly thanked and credited Bayler for inspiring his players. (Attribution: Gamecock Glory.com)

We are excited and pleased that Mr. Haney has agreed to come and do his first book signing. We hope the entire community will come out to meet him!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Strong Partnerships make strong communities


The Lee County Library firmly believes that strong partnerships make strong communities; and therefore we were thrilled to partner with the MLD Higher Learning Academy to reward their students for achievement in the MAP tests administered last fall.

On February 4th, twenty four students from the MLD Academy took a break from their regular routine and visited the Friends of the Library Annex located on Nettles Street.
These students had made significant gains in the District MAP( Measures of Academic Progress) for the fall semester, 2010 and the school rewarded them with a day of celebration.

Students played the latest Wii and PSP2 technology games. They had a terrific time as they ate pizza, chicken and popcorn while they played numerous games and enjoyed socializing. This fun day incentive was planned to reward the students who made gains to continue to do so and to encourage and to motivate other students to work harder on the upcoming test. The students were excited about the celebration and committed to making the necessary gains needed to attend the next MAP Celebration.

One of the students said, that the Annex building was like heaven to him. He was able to
enjoy all of the games he ever dreamed of. Many students formed Rock Bands, while others became Michael Jackson with the famous glove. All in all, students had a blast!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The State Library wants to know,....


The SC State Library is conducting "Why I Love my Library" all month. This is your chance to share your thoughts about your library with the "Big Boys" in Columbia.

http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/component/option,com_chronocontact/Itemid,1526/

We are conducting the same campaign here at the Lee County Library, so feel free to leave comments here or on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Never was so much...


Never was so much...
Originally uploaded by Phil Bradley
Wow, I LOVE this stuff. History, vintage posters and a message. It's all good @yourlibrary!!

Wow.......


I found this image at the British Library = too cool and timely!

**Attribution: Phil Bradley's Weblog

Saturday, January 22, 2011

It's all true......


“Forget about that image of librarians as mousy bookworms. More and more of today’s librarians must be clever interrogators, helping the patron to reframe their question more usefully. Librarians then become high-tech information sleuths, helping patrons plumb the oceans of information available in books and digital records, often starting with a clever Google search but frequently going well beyond....."

Well, it's all true and here at the Lee County Library and we have FUN too!!


..Attributiom: quote from US News and World Report....

Friday, January 14, 2011

It's a steal......


Well, not really a steal. The Librarians are weeding out our Juvenile Fiction shelves and we will be selling our books for $1.00 a volume. If you have youngsters who are into chapter books, this is a great opportunity to increase their library without breaking you wallet.

Come down to the Library and check out the selection. There's always something going on @ your library!!