Summer reading is o.v.e.r.......

Well, the 2014 Lee County Library’s Summer Reading program has concluded! Although it was a dark and threatening day out, we had a wonderful final program at the Lee State Park with our pal Ranger Laura. Her program: “Aquatic and Biotic Factors in Fresh Water Quality” was fascinating!! Although intimidating as that may sound it essentially means water life and how it reflects the quality of the water they live in. To that end, we pulled samples from the artesian well that feeds the ponds. By looking under the electron microscope we could identify various small and microscopic flora and fauna and by looking at their condition conclude that the water quality at the ponds is good to excellent. Yay!! Then Laura pulled out pelts and specimens of some of the wild life that lives in the park. Deer, otter, raccoon as well an assortment of snakes were all displayed and handled by the youngsters. Thanks to Ranger Laura Kirk for a great and informative program. We all learned a lot.
Next we all went to Scoops where the owner Griselda Wilson provided us with a nice lunch of hot dogs, potato chips and, of course, ice cream! She also went out of her way to offer the children cookies and assorted sweets. We were surprised and pleased when she gave out school supplies to the youngsters. Thanks to Griselda for going above and beyond our expectations!!
So this was our busiest and most exciting summer reading program. Thanks to grants from the LSTA and administered by the SC State Library we were able to bring three great programs to Lee County. The EdVenture program kicked of the season, we funded PorkChop Productions presentation and finally the Lee State program closed the season. We would like to thank all our partners for their help: The Lee County Arts Council, Clemson University Extension, Lee State Park and Scoops Ice Cream. We also must thank the parents of the participants who go out or their way to get their children to the programs. Summer Reading is fun, but more importantly it helps students keep their reading skills sharp so they are at an advantage when school starts. So, thanks to everyone and we hope we will see you next summer!
Oh, one more thing: thanks to the SC State Library who donated some children’s books to us to give to our summer readers. We had some left over so we gave them to Griselda at Scoops to hand out. If you would like a brand new children’s book _”Wild About Reading, by Judy Sierra just go to Scoops and present your library card. Viola, you will have a very nice book to add to your collection!

EdVenture kicks off the 2014 Summer Reading Program

What do you get when you take a bunch of children to the Lee State Park on a glorious day? You have a great kick off for the Lee County Library’s 2014 Summer Reading Program. Last Friday, Brenda and I took our readers out to the park to see a presentation put on by Edventure Children’s Museum in Columbia. Our educator, Mrs. Elena, was wonderful and presented a program called “Garbology.” Funded by a grant from the SC State Library and IMLS, Elena walked us through various stages of soil production and how our behavior can influence our world. We reviewed good garbage (recyclable) bad garbage (electronics, not reusable, etc.) and no garbage (compostable). She interacted with the youngsters to help identify each and answer their questions about each category. Then she rolled out the star of the show: “Garbagena.” This life like muppet-type doll lives in a composting bin and is full of various forms of garbage. The youngsters were invited to reach in her tummy and pull out what they found. As the items emerged they were identified and then arranged in each category. At the end of Elena’s presentation Ranger Laura Kirk showed us some of the projects she conducts at the park using recycled material. Everyone had a wonderful time; and learned something too!!

The parents and the kids then went around and explored the park. What a little jewel here in Lee County! Brenda, Laura and I served a lunch of hot dogs, chips and roasted marshmallows. Then it was off to the swimming hole. They all had such a great time in the water and it was a perfect day for it given the 94 degree temperatures. Finally the day was over and we all headed home a little more aware and considerably more tired.
Special thanks to all our partners: EdVenture, SC State Library, Lee State Park and Recreational Area, Coke, Friends of the Lee County Library and especially our biggest partner – the parents.

Our next program is June 26th with Clemson Extension and Blue Cross Blue Shield presenting “Healthy Snacking.”
The library ladies would like to welcome our newest neighbor, Scoops Ice Cream Shop. We are always happy to see new merchants on Main Street. We went over to visit and while speaking to the owner, Griselda Wilson, we asked if she would be interested in hosting our summer reading closing party. We got an enthusiastic “Yes!” So for our final program on August 1st we will be going to the Lee State Park to visit Ranger Laura Kirk and then heading back to go to Scoops. Sounds like a fun way to wrap up the 2014 Summer Reading Program.

Book - a - Palooza

Heads up citizens.  So, you say you like books….you say you like book sales…..you say you like books that are priced to sell….well, look no further!!  On June 5^th, 6^th and 7^th the Friends of the Lee County Library will be holding a book sale at the Library Annex.  These books will be priced to sell - $.25 - $1.00 for everything.  We have a great selection of classic children’s literature, classic and newish fiction and a wide selection of non-fiction books.  The sale starts on Wednesday June 5^th at 10:00 AM and runs until Friday June 7^th at 5:00 PM.  That’s three days from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  We will have specials on bags of books and boxes of books.  So make plans to come join us and pick up some bargains for your summer reading. 

Strong Partnerships make strong communities......

Caption: Director Dawn Ellen and Librarian Brenda Brisbon examine the register tape from Dollar General 20106

Yikes, it has been awhile since your faithful blogger has posted. Between the 2012 Summer Reading Program, new programs here at the library and new partnerships in the community there has been plenty to write about. Of course, with all the new stuff happening at the library there comes a certain restraint to the time it takes to write about everything.

But, I digress.

The one thing that happened this week that I did want to note was the great partnership we have with the Dollar General store in Sumter. Gary Fredericks the manager of Dollar General store 20106 has always stepped up and helped the library with donations and close outs at the end of the seasons. This week however, he out did himself. When Librarian Brenda stopped by the store Gary was ready for her and by the time she was done, she had a cash register receipt measuring about 30 feet. The total bill? (Wait for it.....) $36.15. Yep, about a buck a foot. The summer seasonal things she got are going to fit right in with the 2013 Summer Reading Program theme: "Dig into Reading."

We wish to thank Gary and his staff for all their support.

What happens when you take two talented actors presenting a play that has nine characters? Well that’s called the magic of theater! And magic was what we had last Friday at the Opera House when Porkchop Productions presented “Chicken Little.” We had an SRO (standing room only) crowd and the entire audience was enchanted with madcap adventures of Chicken Little. With a little help from our summer readers; the actors, Stacy and Laura, presented 10 separate characters. (We’re talking some serious costume changes here.)

Now the truth can be told: when Chicken Little arrives to see the king who should he meet? Yep, Elvis the real king!! When Laura came on stage dressed as Elvis, she brought the house down. You probably could hear the laughter on Main Street. The whole Elvis twist was the best kept secret at the library. We were dying to tell for weeks, but we held off and the surprise factor was worth it!!

We would like to thank the Friends of the Library for their continued support in bringing live theater for the summer readers. Of course special thanks to the Lee County Arts Council and the Bishopville Opera House for partnering in this and other activities. Strong partnerships build strong communities.

We have hit the half way mark of the 2012 Summer Reading Program. Because of the holiday nothing is planned for this week. Next week we will be offering a three day art class. This class is limited and you must be enrolled in summer reading AND sign up separately for the class. If you are interested, please come to the library and speak with Brenda.

2012 Summer Reading Program......

Wondering what you should do on a picture perfect early summer morning? Heading out to the Lee State Park would be one good way to get your sunshine and fresh air.

That was exactly what Brenda and I and about 60 summer readers did last Friday when we kicked off our 2012 Summer Reading Program at the park. We had SO much fun and, as usual, learned a little more about our natural world with the help of Park Ranger Laura Kirk. Ranger Kirk did a presentation informing the crowd that it is illegal to pick leaves off the trees at the park. (Hmmmmm, didn’t know that!) Then she showed everyone how to make leaf rubbings from the leaves she provided. (Trained professionals can get leaves legally. Who knew?) Everybody made their leaf rubbings and then Ranger Laura laminated the sheets of paper. The readers then cut out the leave shape and voila: a bookmark is made. This was one of the neatest projects we have done in a long time! Everybody had a great time and I think the parents had more fun than the kids.

We all then retired to the shed for lunch. Brenda cooked up some hotdogs and we all had lunch. After lunch was a nature walk and then a marshmallow roast. The marshmallow roast was in jeopardy because all the wood was so wet from the recent rains, but Ranger Laura once again came to the rescue and had a great little fire going in the grill. All in all the day was a wonderful way to start the 2012 Summer Reading program! If you have not been to the Lee State Park recently you should make an attempt to get out there. It is a lovely area right here in our own back yard and available to everyone for free.

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.

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.

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.

It was a chilly morning......

frost
Originally uploaded by pollyalida

It started out to be a beautiful winter day. It was crisp, clear and cold with a hint of frost on the fields. Who knew that it was going to turn into a red letter day?

On Wednesday last, when I got to work, I thought that the rest of the gang was acting strangely. After I had put my stuff away my director, Dawn Ellen, handed me a big envelope from the SC State Library. Ordinarily large envelopes from the state library are not a good thing so I opened it gingerly. The cover letter started:

“Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that your application for a grant of Library Services and Technology Act funds has been approved.”

What happened next involved shouting, leaping, dancing and some tears. The entire staff spent the rest of the day on cloud nine. We just never expected that our grant proposal could win out against the larger libraries in the state. What a great endorsement for Lee County and the Lee County Library.

Now we have to get busy and design the programs that this grant will fund. We will be featuring a lot of new programs for children and teens emphasizing education and cultural events. We can’t wait to get started so pay close attention to this weekly column and the blog to keep informed as we roll out the new programs.

Whoops

Well faithful blog heads - it's been quite awhile since I posted. "Whats up?" you may be asking. Well, boys and girls, your fellow blog head has had an extreme case of writers block or writers cramp. All that means is, sometimes overwhelmed with options, it is hard to choose what to write about.

We had such a great wrap up of our summer reading program that I had too many pictures, too many ideas and too much "stuff" that I couldn't choose or prioritize. Well, I cannot promise that the quality of writing will be great, but the flood gates have opened so be prepared. The next few posts will be coming at you pretty quickly!

Thanks for your patience, and keep reading - feedback is ALWAYS welcome.

Summer Reading Field Trip...to Pizza Hut!!

The Summer Reading group had a great time this morning as they met and went out to the Pizza Hut. The readers had a quick review of restaurant etiquette, then headed off to the kitchen. In the kitchen everyone washed their hands then, with the help of Derrick Hickman, they each made their own personal pan pizza. On the other end of the oven conveyor, Ms. Cindy Durant unpanned and cut the pizzas. The children were fascinated with the process.

Many thanks to Mr. Hickman, Ms Durant and Ms. Ruthie McLeod for all their assistance and good humor.

Summer Reading Puppet Show

Mr. Tom Wampler, local Bishopville artist, put on an absolutely fabulous puppet show this morning at the library for the Summer Readers. For over an hour Mr. Wampler had the children enthralled!!

His message of listening and learning was presented in a lighthearted and humorous manner. His puppets were too cute!!

Many thanks to Coach Wampler for his great presentation.

Also, the Librarians are taking cold snacks out the Salkehatchie volunteers each after noon in the Bookmobile. We really appreciate all that the young volunteers do for our community.

Summer Readers at the famous "Drug Store Cafe"

The LC Public Library Librarians would like to thank Mr. Mark Greene and Mr. Ken Lytch for the wonderful Summer Reading program they presented at their restaurant The Drug Store Cafe in Lynchburg.

When the summer readers arrived they were greeted and given a small presentation by Mr. Lytch on proper table settings. Then we had an open forum on proper table manners in a restaurant. This led to many humorous suggestions; but many valid suggestions were presented and the readers all learned from each other.

Next, we all sat down to a great lunch and practiced what we had learned. What a great program this was. We all had fun, learned something and got to eat! Sounds like a win-win to me!!

Next program will be the puppet show here at the Library on Thursday June 27th at 11:00 AM. Mr. Thomas Wampler, local talent, will be presenting. We look forward to seeing all our summer readers at this program.

UPDATE: 2:20PM. Mr. Ken just called and told us how impressed he was with the conduct of our summer readers. "Mark and I were so impressed and pleased with the behaviour of those children...we just can't tell you" How sweet is that??? Thanks guys we love you!!

Summer Reading really heating up.........

This week will be a busy one for the summer readers. Tuesday, we will be going to “The Drug Store” café in Lynchburg. Ken Lytch will be offering a light lunch as well as a presentation of restaurant etiquette and basic table setting. We know our summer readers will enjoy this program. On Thursday we will be having a puppet show here at the Library featuring local artist Thomas Wampler. (We can’t wait!!)
Whew, in addition to all THAT, the bookmobile and some of the readers will be delivering popsicles to the Salkehatchie volunteers working out in the county repairing homes. Salkehatchie Summer Service is a pioneering service ministry at selected sites in South Carolina. The program involves high school and college age youth, adult community leaders and persons of different cultures in upgrading housing. It also helps motivate community cooperative efforts by helping persons to help themselves, and providing all participants with opportunities for personal growth and service.

Dalton Stevens' Button Museum

The Summer Reading Program started out with a bang today with a field trip to Dalton Stevens' Button Museum.

Mr. Stevens, a nationally known artist, has been featured on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Geraldo, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee and several other nationally syndicated shows.

We started our tour with a video of Dalton's appearance with Johnny Carson. Then Mr. Stevens answered questions and gave the children a little background on sharecropping, cotton picking and working the land. We then toured the museum where Mr. Stevens regaled us with more stories and a couple of songs. Mr. Stevens is an accomplished musician who can play guitar, mandolin, banjo and base.

The children were fascinated!!! The librarians were pretty fascinated as well. Check out our pictures on flikr. Video will be on YouTube shortly.

A great start to this years Summer Reading Program. Check it out:

http://www.scbuttonking.com/

Busy Summer Season

It's been pretty lonely in the Lee County Library blogosphere. The Librarians have been straight out busy.

Last week we hosted an impromptu visit from Senator John Edwards, Democratic presidential candidate. Senator Edwards visited our library on Wednesday with a group of local dignitaries and a swarm of media types. The librarians were thrilled! We are editing video and will have it up on "YouTube" shortly.

Tomorrow the Summer Readers will be going to Dalton Stevens' "Button Man Museum" in the Cedar Creek Community. Look for pictures up on Flikr and YouTube.

Post comments!!! We need your ideas and feed back.

Summer Reading Program Revealed.......

Summer Reading Program Activities:

June 13th: a visit to Dalton Steven’s Button Museum. Mr. Steven’s is a nationally recognized celebrity artist. He has appeared on Johnny Carson many times and other nationally known television shows. Mr. Stevens started his craft while suffering from insomnia. He started gluing buttons on “stuff” and never looked back.

June 20th: a visit to Emmett Acres Alpaca Farm. This has become a Summer Reading tradition. The visit includes meeting and greeting the alpacas, checking out the llama and, of course, the miniature goats. The children love this field trip and it’s a nice day of sunshine and fresh air.

June 26th: lunch at the Drug Store Café in Lynchburg. The owners are graciously allowing us to offer lunch to the summer readers. We hope to include an introduction to basic etiquette and table settings during this stop.

July 11th: a visit to Pizza Hut. This has become another tradition with us. The children get to make a pizza and learn a little of what goes on “back house” at a restaurant.

July 16th: “Judy Tunes”, aka Judy Pancoast is a nationally renowned singer and storyteller. Her press reviews emphasize her interaction with the audience and how she engages even the smallest of children.

July 27th: Field trip to EdVenture in Columbia with a side trip to Richland County Library. This trip is underwritten by the Friends of the Library.

July 30th, Summer Reading Logs must be turned in.

August 3rd: Gala Summer Reading Closing Celebration to be held at the Lee State Natural Area. The readers will receive their awards and enjoy a great cook-out and scavenger hunt.