Last week Tharpo the pirate visited Chico Library’s summer reading program. Library Director Michelle Slonaker said he entertained guests with silly antics, juggling and magic tricks.
Above, Cassie Byers, Taryn Lunsford and Jessica Byers assist Tharpo with with one of his tricks. Of course, kids also turned in their reading logs for prizes and checked out more books.
Which summer reading program are you going to visit this week?
Photo submitted by Michelle Slonaker
Photo submitted by Decatur Public Library
The Decatur Public Library kicked off its new bilingual story time with a party Saturday. Librarian Cecilia Barham said children and parents enjoyed stories, songs and games in Spanish and English. The library received an Amo Leer/I Love to Read grant to expand the Spanish language children’s collection and bilingual programming. Money received from the grant covered the expense of the new program and allowed the library to purchase 770 bilingual and Spanish children’s books.
The regular story time will be at 10:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, beginning in February.
The Bridgeport Historical Society is declaring Nov. 11, 2010, Ken Sprecher Day. Sprecher wrote “Bridgeport,” a book filled with more than 200 vintage images of the town and anecdotes about its history.
Sprecher grew up visiting his grandparents in Bridgeport, and after retiring from law enforcement, he and his wife, Cheryle, moved here. He’s been active in the historical society, and he will be honored with a reception 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bridgeport Heritage Museum, 812B Halsell St.
“Bridgeport” is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, and it was released Sept. 27. Looking at the book is like turning the pages of a family album. Readers will likely see locations and last names that are familiar, and Sprecher says in the acknowledgements that he hopes the book will encourage others to collect their photos and tell the stories associated with them.
Profits from the sale of the book are being donated to the operation of the Bridgeport Heritage Museum. It can be purchased at the museum, the Bridgeport Visitors Center and at online retailers, like Barnes and Noble.
Book events for this week:
TEA PARTY — The Decatur Public Library will host a Fancy Nancy Tea Party with books, crafts and a snack at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. This event is designed for children ages 3 to 10 years old. Dress fancy! For information, call the library at (940) 627-5512 or visit www.decaturpubliclibrary.com.
BOOK FAIR — The Wise Regional Health Care Auxiliary will have a book fair 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at the main lobby of Wise Regional Health System in Decatur.
BOOK FAIR — The Wise Regional Health Care Auxiliary will have a book fair 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at the main lobby of Wise Regional Health System.
Almost 300 kids attended last week’s Rolling and Reading event at the Decatur Public Library. Librarian Cecilia Barham said it was a joint effort of the library, fire department, police department, public works and Peterbilt. Check out these cute photos!
Captain Nate Mara with the Decatur Fire Department watches while Jordan Silva tries on firefighter gear.
Colby Taylor “digs” the heavy equipment.
Next Tuesday the Decatur Fire Department’s Clown Brigade will present programs at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. So go join the fun and don’t forget to bring your reading logs to earn fun prizes!
Okay, folks. I’m writing this at 10:01 p.m., which means we are exactly two hours away from the “Eclipse” premiere.
Poor planning on my part means I’m sitting on my couch right now, not anxiously waiting at the movie theater. But it’s just as well. I’m still reading the book! I’m about halfway through, so I figure I’ll finish it this weekend and see the movie … next week.
I know, I know. It’s not optimal, but it’s the best I’ve got right now.
But this means I’m counting on you. If you go to the midnight showing tonight, tell me about it. I’ll admit, I giggled my way through “New Moon,” but I know several people who are expecting more from “Eclipse.”
So check in here tomorrow and give me a mini-review. Can’t wait to hear from you.
The teams trained intensely, devoured stories and fine-tuned their war cries.
Boys and girls donned team colors and even talked a little trash.
This wasn’t a decision to be decided on the court, football field or track. It was about books.
Battle of the Books 2010 was a few weeks ago at Rann Elementary, and it was an intense competition. As a parent of a first grader, this was my first year to attend and have a child participating. If you’re not familiar with the contest, it’s a quiz bowl featuring questions about books.
There is a list of primary books for 1st and 2nd graders to read, and the 3rd and 4th graders read chapter books from the secondary list. Students who want to participate are placed on teams with members of all ages. The contest is divided into three parts. Only 1st and 2nd graders answer questions in the primary round, and 3rd and 4th in the secondary round. All of the students work together in the third round.
The students took the competition very seriously. When a team got an answer correct, they whooped and hollered, even jumped up and down. As an observer, you couldn’t help but smile at their exuberance and excitement.
It’s something we’re accustomed to seeing at sporting events, but it was especially delightful to see that same unabashed spirit at a reading quiz bowl.
Word is that next year each elementary school in Decatur will use the same list for a Battle of the Books competition, and the winners from each school will then compete against each other.
It’s sure to be fun, so get started on those reading lists this summer!
Christian fiction writer Francine Rivers will be signing books in Dallas and Southlake today. Rivers is well-known for her “Mark of the Lion” and “Lineage of Grace” series, as well “Redeeming Love” and “The Last Sin Eater.” Her most recent book is “Her Mother’s Hope,” released just last month.
Rivers will be at the Southlake Town Square Barnes and Noble 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Lincoln Park Barnes and Noble in Dallas from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Although I’ll be working today, I’ve got a friend who’s offered to get something signed for me. Cheers to good friends who don’t mind waiting in long lines.
Local libraries are doing some spring cleaning and have scheduled book sales during the next few weeks. These events beckon patrons to grab a coffee and come do a little casual browsing. You’re sure to leave with a bag o’ books.
Here’s a list:
Boyd — Today (Thursday) is the last day for the public library’s book sale.
Bridgeport — The library is hosting a book sale Thursday, March 25, through Saturday, March 27. Times are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Hardback books are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents, romance paperbacks are eight for a $1 and videos/DVDs/audio are $1 or as marked. Saturday is $1 per bag.
Newark — More than 3,000 books will be sold at the library on Saturday, March 27, through Saturday, April 3. All books will be priced 25 cents to $2.
*I owe an apology to the Newark Library and its patrons. In the March 4 All Around Wise, I published incorrect dates for the book sale.