Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Summer Readers Meet 'n Greet Salkehatchie Service Members

The Lee County Librarians and the Summer Readers hosted a drop in for the Salkehatchie Service Group last evening at the Library. The young people toured Bishopville; stopping at the Cotton Museum and the Dennis House. Then they walked over to the Library where the Librarian's had prepared light refreshments.

Luckily the Librarians had turned the computers on! These teenagers had been computer deprived for two days and the computer stations were three deep with kids.


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.

We salute these spirited volunteers and thank them for their service to our community.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

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!!

Monday, June 25, 2007

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.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Summer Readers visit the Alpaca Farm..............

The Summer Reading program field trip today was to Emmett Acres locally known as The Alpaca Farm. This pastoral farm is operated by Monty and Randall Gooding and is located off Route 15 south of Bishopville.

The children were enchanted by the peaceful creatures. Mr. Randall Gooding gave a brief presentation reviewing the history and the habits of Llamas and Alpacas. Then Monty brought out 9 month old "Nacho" a beautiful creature that is in training for shows. Nacho was very patient and let all the children pet, hug and kiss him.

Emmett Acres is a hidden jewel in Lee County. Mr. and Mrs. Gooding welcome visitors but you should call before going: 803.428.2161.

Check it out: www.alpacas-4-u.com.


Check out our pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leecountypubliclibrary.

We will be posting the videos to YouTube as soon as we figure out the editing software. We have consulted our professional mentor and even he is baffled by it. We will let everyone know as soon as the video is posted.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

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/

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

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.

Friday, May 25, 2007

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.