Children's Healthy Fun Fair

It’s that time of year again and you know what that means. The Children’s Healthy Fun Fair is coming up once again. On Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., lots of interested children, accompanied by their parents, will be making their way to the Ag Building on the Seward County Fairgrounds to join in the festivities. Each year the Fair offers fun activities, healthy snacks, great giveaways, and helpful information to attendees, all free of charge.

The event, which is geared for children from preschool to sixth grade, but open to all ages, focuses on the health and well-being of children through exhibits, activities, healthy snacks and lots of great information. It is open to the public with free admission.

The Children's Healthy Fun Fair started out in 2004 at the Liberal Memorial Library, but has grown so large over the years that it has moved to the Ag Building. The event has drawn over 30 participating agencies and 600-plus attendees.

Some of the activities have included fingerprinting with free fingerprint kits for parents to take home and complete for each of their children, basketball, bowling, X-box Kinect and Wii Fit.

All of these activities and information provided by the participants are intended to help the health and well-being of children not only physically, but to help them be aware of a healthy environmental surrounding as well.

Participants in the Children’s Healthy Fun Fair include: Seward County Health Dept., Southwest Guidance Center, PACT, SCCC/ATS Respiratory Therapy students, UMMAM, USD 480 preschool, Liberal Police Department, Liberal and Seward County Fire Departments, Liberal Parks & Rec, Saint Francis Community Services and many, many more.

For more information on the Children’s Healthy Fun Fair, you can contact the Library at (620) 626-0180.

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The Library will be holding its monthly Recipe Swap on Monday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cooper Clark room. Every month we’ll have a different topic or theme. This month we’ll be searching for a little green in our recipes as we look ahead and focus on a meal for St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll be sharing our favorite recipes from the Emerald Isle – Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew and many others.

And even if you don’t have an Irish recipe one or not really interested in that type of cuisine, that’s fine. Come on down anyway and meet people who want to share their passion with you – cooking. Hope to see you there!

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And just a reminder, that we do have a Kindle Fire available for check out.
If you’ve always wanted to see what a tablet can do, here’s your chance to find out first hand. Here’s a great opportunity to check out the wonders of what a tablet can do. You can surf the web, read a book, watch a video and do so much more.

All you have to do is come down to the circulation desk and ask for the Kindle Fire. Borrowers have to be at least 18 years old and sign a borrowing agreement adhering to the Library’s policies and terms for the device. Once you’ve done all that, you’ve got 14 days to check out one of the coolest devices around. (And don’t forget, late fees do apply!)

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For the latest events and happenings at the Library, check out our webpage at www.lmlibrary.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/lmlibrary.

Descent into the library and browse for a book

Monday marks President’s day.  It’s a federal holiday in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States.   He is often referred to as the Father of Our Country known for his love of the land and farming and not a proponent of war.  He was a distinguished general and commander in chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution. 

In the 1950s a committee was set up to attempt a generic day with the purpose not to honor any particular President but to honor the office of the Presidency. That was stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. So the holiday celebrates George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, observes the community, and honors veterans and Purple Heart recipients.

The library has a couple of newer books on Washington including “Washington: a life" by Ron Chernow, “General George Washington: a military life” by Edward G. Lengel, and “Arguably: essays” by Christopher Hitchens.

Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth President known for leading the country through the Civil War. He is famous for the Gettysburg Address.  The phrase “With malice toward none, with charity for all…” is inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. a phrase he used during his second inaugural address.

A couple of newer books on Lincoln include “The hour of peril: the secret plot to murder Lincoln before the Civil War” by Daniel Stashower, “”38 nooses: Lincoln, Little Crow, and the beginning of the frontier’s end” by Scott W. Berg, and “A. Lincoln: a biography” by Ronald C. White Jr.

This week the library will be closed on Monday and on Tuesday, February 19 at noon Library and Lunch will be meeting for “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks.  I haven’t finished the book yet so there might have been a bit of running the other night when a patron started chatting it up at the circulation desk in preparation of seeing the film that is currently out.

Book Chat will be meeting on Thursday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.  Come and chat up the books you are reading, what you have read recently, and discover what books have come into the library.  If you haven’t read one in a while stop by anyway!

Recipe Swap will be meeting on Monday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m.  We had a wonderful turnout last month with dessert, soup, and entrée recipes shared.  For the next meeting, bring a pink, green, or pancake inspired recipe in honor of Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, or Pancake Day respectively.

For the latest library programming take a peek at the library website or grab a newsletter from the circulation desk. Stay tuned and connected through our social media pages. If you have any questions or suggestions about books or programs don't hesitate to ask. See you at the library this month!

Fall into the library this February

Starting February 1 and running the week of Valentine's Day, the library will be having a heart promotion similar to the one we’ve done in years past. Patrons will be asked to share their favorite movie adapted from a book! Previously, we have had hearts on display as you walked through the entrance to the adult area with favorite books and what patrons loved about their library.

This week the library will be hosting our first Recipe Swap on Monday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. Come prepared to share a recent (or favorite) recipe.  Bring one copy of your recipe and copies will be made depending on how individuals come for the meeting. Hopefully once we get chatting, we can decide on thematic sessions (desserts, crockpot, appetizers, main dishes, etc.!) for future meetings.

On Thursday, February 7 at 4 p.m. there will be a session for middle schoolers (ages eight to thirteen) on Chinese New Year. We’ll have a sampler and craft.  A week later, there will be one for Valentine’s Day.

The next Library and Lunch will be held on Tuesday, February 19 at 12 p.m. The book chosen by the group is “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks.  More than likely we’ll have a chance to discuss favorite books, so if you haven’t read the book or don’t get an opportunity to do so, just bring yourself.

Children’s storytimes continue every week with Ms. Debbie. On Mondays, preschool storytime meets from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. for children ages 3, 4, and 5.  On Thursdays, toddler storytime meets from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. for children 19 months to 35 months. On Tuesdays, infant storytime meets from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. for little ones birth through 19 months.  There will be a special evening Valentine’s Day storytime on Thursday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Book Chat will meet on Thursday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. Come down to discuss what books you are currently reading and discover what new books have hit the shelves. If you haven’t read one in a while, stop by and discuss what book you absolutely adore!

While you're at the library, make sure to go on a blind date with a book. Grab a title that you wouldn't normally take off the shelf whether it is non-fiction, fantasy, science fiction, or mystery. Try something new.

For the latest library programming take a peek at the library website or grab a newsletter from the circulation desk. Stay tuned and connected through our social media pages. If you have any questions or suggestions about books or programs don't hesitate to ask. See you at the library this month!

Freading is Fundamental

In my last column, I told you that if you’re interested in downloading and checking out eBooks and audiobooks, you can do that on the Library Memorial Library website.

Downloadable audiobooks and e-books are available for checkout through the Kansas EZ Library; this includes OneClickdigital for audiobooks and 3M Cloud for eBooks.

The Kansas EZ Library has added another service for eBooks --- Freading.

Freading works a little differently way than the other library eBook services. It is more of a rental/subscription model, but it’s free. You don’t have to buy anything. It works on a token system.

Each patron using the service is allotted five tokens per week. The State Library pays Freading based on how many tokens are used (we don't pay for the tokens you do not use.) Freading then pays the publishers based on how many times each of their books were borrowed by patrons of all libraries using Freading.

Now here’s the real neat thing -- all books on Freading are always available. There are no holds. If there’s a book that you want to read, provided that you have enough tokens, you can download it immediately.

When logged in, the number of tokens you have used is shown in the upper right side on the Freading website. Unused tokens roll over for four weeks (based on when you first logged in to Freading), then your account is reset to zero, and a new five tokens are issued.

Books "cost" different numbers of tokens (four, two, or one), usually based on the age of the book.   This is always shown on the cover of the book in the upper left corner. Each book is on loan for 14 days.

You may "spend" your tokens however you wish.  You could get as many as five books with your five tokens each week if you wish to read books that are no longer new.  And if you run out of time while reading a book, most renewals are free or cost one token.

Probably, the biggest drawback with this site is that the selection will be limited. While you may not find many of the major publishers and authors on this site, there should be something from smaller publishers and lesser authors that may pique your interest. The bottom line is that Freading gives you another alternative to eBooks.

For more information on Freading and how to get started, go to http://www.kslib.info/digitalbooks/freading.html.

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Also in my last column, I told you that there was going to be a new addition to its eReader family. The Kindle Fire has arrived at the Liberal Memorial Library and is ready to be checked out.

If you’ve always wanted to see what a tablet can do, here’s your chance to find out first hand. Here’s a great opportunity to check out the wonders of what a tablet can do. You can surf the web, read a book, watch a video and do so much more.

All you have to do is come down to the circulation desk and ask for the Kindle Fire. Borrowers have to be at least 18 years old and sign a borrowing agreement adhering to the Library’s policies and terms for the device. Once you’ve done all that, you’ve got 14 days to check out one of the coolest devices around. (And don’t forget, late fees do apply!)

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We’ll be holding a Recipe Swap on Monday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. Here’s a chance to exchange recipes and ideas with your fellow home cooks. Come down and bring your favorite recipes and a sample if you like.

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Other happenings for the rest of this month:

Preschool storytimes:

January 28 from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Toddler storytimes:

January 24, & 31 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

Infant storytimes: January 22, & 29 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

Computer classes in English will meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and computer classes in Spanish will meet on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

The Library will be closed on Monday, January 21 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

There will be a Teen Pizza Party on Thursday, January 24 at 4 p.m.

For more information, come down to the Library or call us at 626-0180. You can also check out our webpage at www.lmlibrary.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/lmlibrary.

Roll into the library in the New Year

Happy New Year! The library has exciting programs in the works this year.

 The next Library and Lunch will be held on Tuesday, January 15 at 12 p.m. “A gift of hope” by Danielle Steel will be discussed. In this non-fiction work, Steel shows how she transformed the pain of losing her son into a campaign of service that enriched her life beyond what she could imagine.  For eleven years she took to the streets with a small team to help the homeless of San Francisco.

While you're at the library this year, make sure to go on a blind date with a book. Grab a title that you wouldn't normally take off the shelf whether it is non-fiction, fantasy, science fiction, or mystery. Try something new.

Book Chat will meet on Thursday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m. Come down to discuss what books you are currently reading and discover what new books have hit the shelves.

The Kansas Center for the Book pick this year is “Then We Came to the End: A Novel” by Joshua Ferris. The characters in this wickedly funny, big-hearted novel about life in the office cope with a downturn in the time-honored way: through gossip, secret romance, elaborate pranks, and increasingly frequent coffee breaks.  By day they compete for the best office furniture left behind and try to make sense of the mysterious pro-bono ad campaign that is their only remaining ‘work’.  The library will be having a special book discussion sometime this year. Stay tuned.

The Gardening Club resumes this month on Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. They meet every third Tuesday of the month.  Someone who has not come up with any New Year Resolutions this year is curious to hear the group’s suggestions on growing kitchen herbs.

A new program this month Recipe Swap will hold its first meet on Monday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. Join us at the library to share your favorite recipe with fellow cooks and bakers. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran to the kitchen world, come down and share your experiences with others who share your passion.

The next session for middle and high schoolers will be a Teen Pizza Party on Thursday, January 24 at 4 p.m. Stop by the library to hang out after school.

For the latest library programming take a peek at the library website or grab a newsletter from the circulation desk. Stay tuned and connected through our social media pages. If you have any questions or suggestions about books or programs don't hesitate to ask. Make a resolution to visit your library this year!

Check out digital and audio books

If you’re interested in downloading and checking out e-books and audiobooks, you can do that on the Library Memorial Library website.

Downloadable audiobooks and e-books are available for checkout through the Kansas EZ Library; this includes OneClickdigital for audiobooks and 3M Cloud for ebooks.

The books available in this collection are provided through a consortium including the State Library of Kansas and your local public library.

Downloadable audiobooks are available from OneClickdigital. Users must register online for an account before they can access the audiobook site.

There are more tutorials on the Kansas EZ Library site and under Help in OneClickdigital.
Downloadable e-books are available from 3M Cloud Library. Users must have a Kansas Library Card, which they can get at their local library.

There are mobile access and computer access tutorials on the Kansas EZ Library site. Their 3M help page offers troubleshooting advice.

To get started, go to the Library webpage at www.lmlibrary.org, look at the quick links section on the left side and click on Downloadable audiobook and e-book help. Follow the instructions on the page and you’ll be on your way in no time.

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If you haven’t experienced the world of e-books, you can check out one of our two e-readers. We have a Nook and Kobo. Both are just e-readers and not tablets. While you can’t surf the net, there are hundreds of books downloaded onto the readers. You can pick and choose from a varied selection and this should give you a quick introduction into the world of e-books.

And there is a rumor that a tablet may be appearing at the Library for check out in the near future. Keep your eyes and ears open for further details!

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The Library will be closed from Monday, December 24 to Wednesday, December 26. We’ll re-open for regular hours on Thursday, December 27 at 9 a.m.

We’ll also be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1.

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Here are events for January:

Preschool storytimes:
January 7, 14, & 28 from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Toddler storytimes:
January 10, 17, 24, & 31 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.
Infant storytimes: January 8, 15, 22, & 29 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

Computer classes in English will meet on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and computer classes in Spanish will meet on Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.
The library will be closed on Tuesday, January 1 for the New Year’s Day.

Make It and Take It Craft program on January 2 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Chess Club will meet on Thursdays, January 3 and 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Library and Lunch will meet on Tuesday, January 8 at noon for "A Gift of Hope” by Danielle Steel.

The Gardening Club will meet on Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Book Chat will meet on Thursday, January 17 at 4:30 p.m.

The library will be closed on Monday, January 21 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

There will be a Teen Pizza Party on Thursday, January 24 at 4 p.m.

The Library will be doing a Recipe Swap on Monday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m.

New Titles Abound @ Your Library

As this column is being typed, visions of gingerbread houses are dancing through the heads of over 50 children signed up for our Gingerbread House Decorating Event, which will be history by the time you read this column.  Those same visions are dancing through the heads of staff members who will mix about 25 batches of royal icing and put together those 50+ houses before the children arrive on Saturday morning.  As in past years, surely it will prove to be a good time indeed for all involved.  Our teen staff and teen volunteers are a huge help with this project and are greatly appreciated!

 Since the last writing of Kids’ Corner on November 11, some changes have taken place in the children’s library.  The desk is now manned from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.   Story times have changed as well.  Preschoolers now meet on Monday beginning at 11:15.  On Tuesday, infants come to story time at 11:15.  Toddlers have their story time at 11:15 on Thursday mornings.  Please stop by the library or check our website for the exact dates that each of these groups of youngsters meets. 

The display rack just inside the children’s area has been continuously stocked with Christmas books for the past several days.  These books, as well as any others that are on display, may be checked out.  A number of new chapter books and picture books have recently come into the library.  One of these books could possibly win the Caldecott or Newbery award this winter, so make sure you check out some of these new titles.  Here are a couple of the new chapter book titles.   The first is Cold Cereal by Adam Rex.  Fine print on the cover reads “there’s a little bit of magic in every box.” Inside the dust jacket is a chart like a typical nutrition label on food items.  It reads as follows:

That should be intriguing enough to attract some readers!  The next title is The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone.  This is the description provided by the publisher “A wounded girl and the boy who won’t give up on her.  Seventh grader Louise Terrace has a secret admirer.  He sends her notes when she needs cheering up, and draws chalk hearts on the sidewalk outside her apartment.  It should be the perfect romance…but somehow they never meet up.

 “It’s the same with gymnastics.  Louise is a natural champion.  She can do cartwheels all day long and even backflips on the balance beam.  She should be captain of the school team…but somehow it doesn’t work out.

 “There’s something holding Louise back, a family secret from the past so heart-breaking that it’s got her frozen inside.  And it’s going to take a miraculous spring to thaw her out again.”

 For the younger crowd, new to our collection is Hello! Hello! by Matthew Cordell.  In our techno-saturated society, a young lady finds a meaningful escape in the great outdoors.  Follow her on her escapades in the pages of this book.  Philip Stead’s newest, A Home for Bird is a cleverly written, wonderful story of friendship.  Do plan to stop by and check out these or other new titles on display in our in both the Easy book and J Fiction areas.

 In a never-ending quest to assist parents with valuable early literacy materials, Memorial Library is putting together 6 by 6 kits in line with the statewide initiative of the same name.  These colorful yellow and blue bags will contain a book and a suggestion card of activities to use with the book.     The kits are geared to three separate age groups—early talkers, talkers, and pre-readers.  Be watching for more information about availability of these resources in the very near future. 

 With Christmas fast approaching, plan to stop in and check out some materials, as the library will be closed December 24, 25, and 26.  Have a Merry Christmas and we’ll see you at Memorial Library!