SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

Calling all kids—the summer reading program for the little ones is just around the corner and something new and exciting is in the making for the older ones.   Sue Bennett, with help from Kathleen Terstegge, Sheldon Libey and Bobbie Hinkle, will again coordinate the “Little Readers” program for children between ages 3 to 6 years.  This summer they will “Sail Away With Books” and do neat things with stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts, snacks and prizes.

Can’t you just imagine the fun the kids will have as they “sail” in the bathtub, explore smally crawlies and “sail off” for an island adventure?  Better make plans to come and join the fun.

This program will be held Monday through Friday, June 18-22, 1:30—2:30 p.m. 

A new idea is being developed for the children from first through the sixth grade.  Starting on Wednesday, July 11, 3:00, people who make a living chasing tornados, “exploring Sponge Bob’s real home”,  shoeing horses, making quilts, painting signs, being a clown or a nutty science professor will show up to talk about their jobs or hobbies and to share a book with the kids.  Snacks and hands on activities will round out these sessions.  Be looking for exact dates and topics.  If there are adults out there who have an exciting or interesting job or hobby to share, just give us a call at the library and we’ll work you into the schedule.

Be sure to include these activities in your summer plans for kids and grandkids.

ITALIAN FUNDRAISER

Another exciting date to put on your calendar is Tuesday, July 24 when you will have a chance to “travel” to Italy with two young Texas school teachers via an evening with Carol Walt, author from Rising Star.  Carol will share her latest book, Dreaming in Italian at a fundraiser dinner to benefit our library.  A bountiful meal and laughter will highlight the evening, which will also include some element of surprise….if we know our Library Board!  Remember the “Miss Beulah” contest at the Dennis Gaines evening a couple years ago?  Who knows what might happen with Fabio!!

CHERRY SHULTS RETIRES

The call of a retired husband, travel opportunities, a darling granddaughter and too many “round to-its” to mention, have proven to be too enticing to our long time Library Director. Cherry Shults, who assumed the directorship of our Library from Billie Ruth Loving, has passed the torch to Linda Burns and is stepping back to pursue other interests.

The ten years with Cherry at the helm have been very productive and progressive. She brought the library boldly into the computer world in so many ways, not the least of which was computerizing the entire catalog system. That meant processing each of the nearly 13,000 books, attaching bar codes and learning to operate the circulation program. The circulation computer not only scans books in and out, but generates all kinds of reports necessary for the total operation of the library. There are now four patron Internet and computer stations; one of which is dedicated to genealogy research programs. Other benefits derived from technology have been access to the Interlibrary Loan Service, on-line training and the library website. The Learn About Program, started by Billie Ruth to meet the needs of the pre-schoolers, has been expanded by Cherry to incorporate the LapSit program for children too young for the LAP.

Connections beyond Cross Plains have continued to blossom with Cherry’s enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the Robert E. Howard holdings. She has developed a great rapport with all of the Howard scholars who either come here or contact her for help, as they work on his documents.

When asked about her favorite memory of her time with the library, Cherry laughed and commented, “Oh my, there are way too many to mention. But I would guess that all the friends I’ve made around the area and the state and even around the world will forever remain a special part of my cherished memories.”

A special reception will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2:00 - 4:00 in the Library for Cherry and Linda. Please come by for a time to “meet and greet” these wonderful ladies.

“RING OF FIRE" WINS AWARDS

The “Ring of Fire” project created by the Oral History Research students at University of Texas of the Permian Basin last year was recently awarded a first place award in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association competition. In addition, it won an “Award of Distinction” in the Communicator international competition. The project was a semester long assignment to tell the story of the December 27, 2005 fire through the compilation of interviews with local citizens. Tumbleweed Smith is the instructor of the class as well as the creator and host of “The Sound of Texas”. The CD is available for listening at the Library or via the Library website.