The Summer Library Reading Program continues to grow in numbers as we near the end of July. To date, 215 children are participating in the program. On average, there have been around 175 participants in past years. So we are proud to see this significant increase. I would like to acknowledge and pass on my thanks to the parents and teachers of these children for not only instilling a love of reading, but also bringing them in and encouraging them to continue to read.
The time is drawing near for Summer Library Program wrap-up finale. Robert and Lynn Halbrook will be back to present "Imagineering at Your Local Library," a fun and entertaining show that brings books to the forefront of being creative and expressing yourself, which were our 2009 themes this year. Some of you may remember him as Chef Roberto from last year. The program will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 27, here at the library. Grand prize drawings for our bikes, scooters, MP3s and iPods will follow the program, so you want to be sure and plan to be here!
The true ending date of the Summer Library Program is July 31, so in trying to be true to the full eight-week program period, we will continue to collect reading slips through the end of the month and have a separate drawing for a much appreciated $25 gift certificate to Wal-Mart.
I'm very excited to report that the city of Wadena has completed the purchase of the property adjacent to the library. This is the first big step in a plan to expand and revitalize the library. Realistically, due to the costly and time-consuming process of expanding we know that changes will not happen overnight, but at least this gets the ball rolling. I'm even happy to say we've set up a library expansion fund for those generous people who have already donated money for this specific goal. We appreciate the support as well as the anticipation and excitement the public is showing! As I said last month, this is an exciting time and we are looking forward to a "bigger" future.
Time to highlight some of the special activities planned for story time hour over the next few weeks. The theme and project for the 22nd is "summer vacation," and July 29 will be "bubbles." I'd like to also acknowledge and thank Donna Anderson with the University of Minnesota Extension office for helping us this summer with projects and education involving food based on each week's story time theme. It's been one yummy summer that's for sure!
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I'd like to thank all of our library patrons at this time for their patience, patronage and support during this busy time. Our library usage statistics are increasing by leaps and bounds compared to one year ago. We are truly happy that during these difficult economic times people are turning to their libraries for any number of reasons. There are a lot of people in and out of our doors throughout each day requiring our attention, maybe making a little more noise than usual, and waiting in line for internet service or reference help. This is why we are here, and this is the reason for our thanks for your patience and understanding.
If the last few days of weather are any indication for the rest of the season, have a happy summer and try to stay warm! Like I usually say in the winter months: curl up with a good book ... in July! Yikes!
Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
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Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
