Click on the picture to see the art that is on display throughout December. The students of New Market Elementary from Sophia provided the artwork.

Thanks for reading,
George

Library Holiday Hours

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the library will be closed Thursday, November 23, Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25. We will re-open at 9:00am on Monday the 27th.

Don't forget, you can always visit us online at www.randolphlibrary.org and you can check for books (and other material) and check on your account, as well. Your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.

Thanks for reading,

George

I can now understand why many people have left the leaves to the wind...

The Washington Post offered "sound" reasons to muffle the blower, a popular yard tool used this time of year. The decibles of sounds we hear were compared to the blower, which was listed at 74 decibles. One of the most painful is a jackhammer, registering at 130 decibels and a snowmobile's volume registers 100!

The design of some leaf blowers are being modified by their manufacturers to reduce the sound volume, which is similar to a vacuum cleaner at 70 decibles. Rice krispies came in at a whisper, registering 30 decibels!

The weather changes shouldn't keep you from the great selection of (garden) books that are available anytime of the year. Don't forget to peek in on the bird books for suggestions on their winter diet!

Now, where's my rake?? Carol

Live from the Booksale!

You cand see more at our Flickr page.

Thanks for reading,

George

Used Book Sale

Saturday, November 18, 9am-3pm

Friends Only Pre-View Sale
Friday, November 17, 5pm to 6pm

Thanks for reading,

George

Countdown!

From now until November 8 you can contribute text and videos to Yahoo, who is creating a virtual time capsule that will be opened on the company's 25th anniversary in 2020. Yahoo wants you to share a piece of your world--be a part of history! Copies will be offered to the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings archives in Washington. So far, 200 countries have contributed more than 70,000 submissions!

According to Saturday's news-record.com, Yahoo will be projecting images from Jemez, the Indian pueblo in New Mexico, for three nights beginning Wednesday.

Find out more at http://timecapsule.yahoo.com!Carol

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
Happy 40th Anniversary, Peanuts Gang!

For parents looking for a funnier, more hilarious way to celebrate Halloween, look for "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: The Making of a Television Classic" a Harper paperback album that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the classic animated show.

How many of us remember the TV show that premiered on October 27, 1966? When trick or treaters visit Linus and Sally in the pumpkin patch and laugh at Lucy's witch mask, it changes from a scowl to a big grin! The show was nominated for 3 Emmy's; the story includes all the "Peanuts" gang.

The book, by executive producer Lee Mendelson, includes original script, 150 illustrations of scenes from the show along with sheet music, commentaries from the child actors who provided the voices for the lovable characters, photos and reminiscences by the animator, Bill Melendez.

Get ready for a real treat! Happy Halloween!!
Carol

MySpace For Parents Workshops

The Library will be holding two workshops about MySpace in November at the Archdale and Asheboro Library.

With 100,000 million users and 230,000 new profiles added each day, MySpace is the single most-visited site online, and accounts for more than four percent of all U.S. Internet traffic. It’s a haven for teens, but attention to the negative aspects of this kind of online experience has raised concerns about the value of such “social networking” sites.

To illuminate the pros and cons of social networking online, the Randolph County Public Library will host a program entitled “MySpace for Parents” at the Archdale Public Library and at the Asheboro Public Library. The Archdale workshop will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 9, and the Asheboro edition will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 16.

At each program, participants will learn what MySpace is, how it is valuable, how kids are using it and what parents can do to make it a positive, productive and safe experience. Participants also will learn how libraries are using MySpace to reach out to teens.

So...stop on by...your's truly will be leading the event.

Thanks for reading,

George

Thursday, October 26. 7-8pm

Find Alien Encounters @ the Archdale Library

Refreshments

Spooky Stories

Games

Fun!

Children and aliens under 11 must be with an adult.

Thanks for reading,

George

p.s. The Snowballs were donated by Rick and Angie Peele. THANKS!

Early (Absentee) Voting at the Archdale Public Library.

The Randolph County Board of Elections will be holding early voting in our meeting room on the following dates:

Friday, 10/20; 10:00am-5:00pm

Monday-Friday, 10/23-11/27;10:00am-5:00pm

Monday-Friday, 10/30-11/3; 10:00am-5:00pm

Saturday, 11/4; 10:00am-1:00pm

If you have further questions, please contact the RC Board of Elections at 819-3900 (Archdale/Trinity toll free number).

You can also visit them online at their website.

Thanks for reading,

George

Author's Breakfast was fun, fun, fun!

Check out our Flickr page for shots of the breakfast. Also, thanks to Pamela King Cable for a mention in her blog Southern Fried Women.

We had interest in forming and sponsoring a writer's group. Any volunteers?

Thanks for reading,

George

3rd Annual Author Breakfast!
Saturday, October 7
9:30-12:30

Helen Goodman returns! Helen was one of our authors from last year's event. She has a new book that just came out, so we invited her back!

Toxic Waste: a Fonnie Beachum Mystery

She has two others and a fourth book coming in February 2007. During the breakfast, Helen will give out raffle tickets to win a copy of her forthcoming title!
Jess

Murder In Eden
Call us at 431-3811 to reserve a spot (free free free). A continental breakfast will be served.

Thanks for reading,

George

Rare Photo Found!

I was perusing the library's Flickr account and I came across a rare photo of Mr. Warren Dixon (and your's truly) at the Bush Hill Festival.

Click here to see the photograph.

Don't forget that Mr. dixon is one of 5 authors that will be appearing at the Author's Breakfast this Saturday. Call us at 431-3811 to make a reservation (it's free!) and get more info (also free).

Thanks for reading,

George

Au revoir!
Has anyone said goodbye to the kangaroos at the Australian Walkabout Exhibit in the NC Zoo?

According to last Sunday's Courier-Tribune, the 4 red kangaroos have been on loan from the Detroit Zoo since December, 2003. You may still visit the wallabies, Australian birds and reptiles at least till the end of October while work has begun to change this area into a children's learning and discovery center, a new transitional exhibit that is scheduled to open April 1, 2007.

If you were lucky to have visited you may have said adios, arrivederci or auf wiederschen--all common phrases used in European countries to say Bye Bye!

If you're planning a trip, don't find yourself tongue-tied while abroad, visit our library's catalog for language and conversation books, tapes and bilingual dictionaries.

Hasta luego!
Carol

3rd Annual Author's Breakfast

Saturday, October 7

9:30am to 12:30 pm

Warren Dixon, columnist for the Asheboro Courier-Tribune, will be one of our speakers for the breakfast.

We have two of Warren's books in our catalog:

Tarheel Hilarities
and
Holiday Hilarities

As for the lack of pictures for this post...apparently, Mr. Dixon is pretty reclusive. But I promise to take some candid shots of him eating and post them to our Flickr account.

Call us at 431-3811 to make a reservation. A Continental breakfast will be served. It is free.

Thanks for reading,

George

3rd Annual Authors Breakfast

Saturday, October 7th

9:30am to 12:30pm

Pamela King Cable will be one of our featured speakers this Saturday. You can find more information about her on her website.

Pamela also has a blog, Southern Fried Women.

Check on her book in our catalog.

I have heard Pamela speak about SFW (Southern Fried Women) and she is wonderful. Emotional, inspiring and heartfelt. You will enjoy it and long to hear more about her life and her stories.

Call 431-3811 to make a reservation (soace is limited). It is free and a continental breakfast will be provided. Time will be available to talk to the authors and purchase copies of their books.

Thanks for reading,

George

"Most reliable search tool could be your librarian"

I was excited to read this posting. It is something that that library profession has been discussing for years. It is by Elinor Mills, a staff writer at Cnet News.Com.

One of my favorite quotes from the article:
"There's a problem with information illiteracy among people. People find information online and don't question whether it's valid or not," said Chris Sherman, executive editor of industry blog site SearchEngineWatch.com. "I think that's where librarians are extremely important. They are trained to evaluate the quality of the information."

So...don't hesitate to give us a call or stop on by. We're here to help.

Thanks for reading,

George

3rd Annual Author Breakfast

Saturday, October 7, 2006

9:30-12:30

Clay Harvey will be one of our featured speakers. Not only has he written three novels but he has written articles for the High Point Enterprise and several gun/rifle magazines.

Clay's books are filled with suspense, intrigue and mystery. He also adds the human touch by developing well-liked and sympathetic characters.
Dwelling in the Gray

Whisper of Black

A Flash of Red

Don't forget to call us at 431-3811 to register. It is free, open to the public and a continental breakfast will be served. There will be time to chat with the authors and buy their works.

Thanks for reading,

George

3rd Annual Author's Breakfast

Saturday, October 7th, 2006

9:30-12:30

Join us for a continental breakfast and discussion with five local authors.

One of the authors is Pam Poland. She is a teacher in a local school and does a lot of her writing over the summer.

We have three of her books in the catalog. Her current title is Noody Hooper and the Juducullah Rock.

You can find out more information about Pam at her website.

Call us at 431-3811 to reserve a space. There is no charge to attend. The authors will have books available for purchase.

Stay tuned to this blog for more information about the other authors.

Thanks for reading,
George

Wireless!

The Archdale Public Library is proud to be one of the first wireless Internet hotspots in the Archdale - Trinity area.

We are providing free access to anyone with a laptop and wireless network card.

Come on down and surf to your heart's content!

Thanks for reading,
George

Do You Have Plans This Weekend--Yes or Noh?

The N.C. School of the Arts in Winston-Salem is the setting for the world premiere of "Pine Barrens", a Noh play. Theatre Nahgaku, an American-Japanese theater troupe, will perform, combining classical Japanese dance, chant, instruments, dramatic masks and elaborate costumes. Performances in an outdoor set are at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. Call 721-1945 for more info! Let's Go!

Have a great weekend! Carol

Sweet and Yummy...

Since it seems we prepare for holidays earlier and earlier,
I wasn't surprised to see a news article about candy as I get ready for our annual Halloween party here, October 26 at 7pm.

Tuesday's "Stuff for Kids" page in the News&Record offered a Candy through the Ages column. Apparently candy has been around since the cavemen located honey in beehives and that actual candy goes back 3,500 years with the Egyptians! American colonists probably offered boiled sugar candies during their holidays in the 1600's--by the mid 1800's nearly 400 candy factories existed in the U.S. Life Savers rolled out in 1920 but my favorite is candy corn, created in 1898...what's yours?
Carol

ALF at Bush Hill Festival

The Archdale Library Friends had a great time meeting people, talking about the Library and basking in the sun.

Check out our Bush Hill page on Flickr.

Thanks for reading,

George

START YOUR ENGINES! ...and ‘Race to the Library’ for your new library card

The green flag waved on September 5, so now’s the time to ‘Race to the Library’ for stock car memorabilia, author appearances and a chance to win the “Racing Library” featuring books autographed by racing legend Richard Petty.

The local Race to the Library, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is part of a statewide effort to promote library card registration called The Smartest Card: Get It. Use It.@ your library. Find out more!

Thanks for reading,
George

If you are a fan of Dav Pilkey's Dogzilla--pay attention!

The wait is over...All the world-wide godzilla fans should be
ecstatic to learn the 1954 film that introduced godzilla, "Gojira"
is now available for the first time in a two-disc set. The author
of "Godzilla on My Mind", University of Kansas Professor William
Tsutsui was happy to report. The disc set includes the U.S.
version of the 1956 film Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Walk, don't run to the nearest store. I've got a copy of Dogzilla
here and will be happy to share it with any library patron!
Carol

Raffle to Benefit ALF at Bush Hill

The Archdale Library Friends (ALF) will be taking donations for raffle tickets at the Bush Hill Festival on Saturday, September 9th.

Two of the items being raffled are a Raggedy Ann and Andy doll created by ALF member Iris Ellis.

Thanks for reading,

George

Bush Hill Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2006
9:-00am to 4:00pm

Join the library staff and ALF (Archdale Library Friends) at the annual Bush Hill Festival. ALF will have a booth next to the Writer's Block. They will be taking donations for several prizes and will be selling used books. There will also be information about the 3rd Annual Author's Breakfast and the upcoming book sale.

The Archdale Library will be closed for the Bush Hill Festival. You can still visit the Asheboro Library and Randleman Branch.

Thanks for reading (and attending Bush Hill),

George

Bugs Galore

As seen in Carol's previous post...

I added a copy of the program flyer to our Flickr account.

Thanks for reading,

George

The July/August issue of This Old House
(thisoldhouse.com/shortcuts) reported that when asked
what is the worst pest that readers had encountered,
5% said raccoons, 9% termites, 13% squirrels, 14% mice,
16% roaches, 17% ants and 26% said...neighbors!

On a more serious note, come by soon and check out
The Randolph Arts Guild who will visit and offer
a Children's Workshop--Bugs Galore!
For bug-loving children, ages 4-8.
Enjoy crafts and treats on Tuesday, Sept. 19
from 4:30-5:30pm.
Registration is required--Call 629-0399.
Carol

15 Websites that Changed the World.

I found this post at Stephen's Lighthouse. He re-posted it from the Guardian UK.

1. eBay
2. Wikipedia
3. Napster
4. YouTube
5. Blogger
6. Friends Reunited
7. Drudge Report
8. MySpace
9. Amazon
10. Slashdot
11. Salon
12. Craigslist
13. Google
14. Yahoo!
15. EasyJet

I've actually only used 8 of them. What about you?

Thanks for reading,
George

Tired of trying to keep up with all of the blogs that you read?

Try Bloglines.

It is a Web 2.0 program that tracks RSS feeds of most blogs and will compile the posts you have not read yet.

Don't forget to subscribe to this one...

Thanks for reading,
George

An Exciting Evening curled up with...a great DVD!

A weekly theater experience takes place in our living room
when we borrow from the library's DVD Collection.

We thought of the many children leaving their nests as they hurry
back to school when we viewed the highly-acclaimed
documentary, "The March of the Penguins".

It's hard to imagine the immense hardships these penguins
endure to insure the safety of their little chicks, huddled under
the protective fur of their fathers while the mothers march
70 miles to the sea and food.

All the while the father is waiting (up to four months)for
her return so that he may be released of his parental duties!

Good luck, little chicks--it's a hard world out there!

Now, I'm off to search our catalog for "empty nestors"!
Carol

Thanks!

Thanks for reading,

George

Do you Flickr?

We do.

Thanks for reading,

George

Don't forget to Fill the Bus to help CIS (Communities In Schools).

We have a cardboard box in the library that you can use to drop off school supplies to help kids with the upcoming school year. A lists of what is needed is available on the box or you can see the earlier post about it.

Since this is the tax-free weekend, it is a great opportunity to give back to the community...and to save a little green in the process.

Thanks for reading,
George

Musical, "Honk!"--Let's Go!

Whether you are 5 or 50, the family-fun musical "Honk!" has three performances left and from the great reviews it received, one we shouldn't miss. Held at the Odell Auditorium in Greensboro College, "Honk!" is a joint production of the Livestock Players, 3rd Stage Theatre Co. and the Greensboro Children's Theatre. Visit www.LivestockPlayers.com or www.news-record.com for the complete story.
Have a great weekend!
Carol

Congratulations Summer-Teen-Readers!

With over 40 teens registered for the Archdale Library's Summer Program Creature Features, two happy winners were announced when their names were selected from the raffle drawing on July 25.

Rebecca (pictured at top) won a Velocity skin care party from Sherry Somers with Mary Kay and Sage (pictured at bottom) won 2 Grasshopper Baseball tickets!

Congratulations!

Don't forget...the library has a great selection of Young Adult materials. Come in to visit and get a free library card with internet access for those 13 years and older!

Thanks for reading,

George

End of Season Party!

The Rolling Meadows K-9 Kennel joined us for a dog safety awareness presentation as part of our Summer Reading Program. Watermelon and lemonade were enjoyed by all. Certificates and prizes were handed out

The children were taught simple ways to be safe around dogs and how to act if approached by a strange dog.


Thanks for reading,

George

On July 25, The Charlotte Observer reported the death of an important benefactor and philanthropist, Daniel Stowe. His generosity created the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens with the land he donated in 1991 along with financial help he provided.

The gardens, in Gaston County, NC, attracts about 60,000 visitors annually. Stowe was inspired by such gardens as Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., the Botanic Gardens in Chicago and the Longwood Gardens near Wilmington, Del. Learn more about this great philanthropist at the Daniel Stowe Botanial Garden site (www.dsbg.org.) or through the archives section of the Charlotte Observer (www.charlotte.com).

Carol

UNC-TV to cut two shows...

No, your TV remote doesn't need fresh batteries!
Don't be surprised when you find "North Carolina Now" and "Legislative Week in Review", two UNC-TV shows, missing from your TV Guide...

Ending September 29, "North Carolina Now" has aired for the past 12 years. "Legislative Week in Review" will end after the current legislative session. The two public affairs shows have been canceled this year because of a budget shortfall, UNC-TV announced on Friday, July 14.

UNC-TV spokesman, Steve Volstad, said the budget cuts were necessary because state and private funds haven't grown with the station's costs.
Carol

Sheriff Slim Tells some Tall "Tales" for Summer Reading.

Sheriff Slim (who shall remain anonymous) entertained us last week with tall tales and lots of laughs. Don't forget that the Summer Reading Program runs through July.

Thanks for reading,
George

Fill the Bus!
School Starts Soon:
Communities In Schools of Randolph County Organizes 4th Annual "Fill The Bus" School Supply Drive

A pristine notebook filled with doodle-free composition books and a plastic case full of freshly sharpened pencils. For most of us, these items represent a nostalgic memory of the first day of another school year. Some students in our area, though, lack these basic educational essentials. For them, the start of another school year means anxiety and embarrassment as they arrive for class without the tools for learning. Teachers try to help, but they cannot bear the entire burden.

To meet this need, Communities In Schools of Randolph County (CISRC) is sponsoring its fourth annual “Fill the Bus” school supply drive July 17 – August 11, 2006.

George Taylor, branch manager for Randolph County Public Library's Archdale Branch was one of the first in the community to receive his collection box for these supplies. He said, “It’s a great time for folks to visit the library, drop off some school supplies, then pick up a great summer read." Collection boxes are also located in the following area businesses and churches:

• Archdale Rec Center
• Archdale-Trinity News office
• Archdale United Methodist Church
• Communities In Schools office at John Lawrence Elementary
• Domino’s Pizza – Hillsville
• First Citizen’s Bank - Archdale
• First National Bank – Archdale, Bush Hill, Trinity
• Gospel Baptist Church
• Lowe’s Foods – Archdale
• LSB the Bank – Archdale
• Marlboro Friends Meeting
• McDonald’s – Archdale
• Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting
• Trindale Community Church
• Trinity United Methodist Church
  

Students most often require: book bags (no wheels), 3-ring binders, wide-ruled notebook paper, pencils, pens (black, blue, or red ink), subject dividers, colored pencils, highlighters, crayons, glue sticks, pencil bags, pencil boxes, composition books (one, three, or five subject), student scissors, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, 3-prong folders (any color), erasers, Play-Doh (for kindergarteners), markers (thin or broad tipped), marbled composition books, clipboards, Elmer’s glue, and index cards (3 x 5 and 4 x 6). Monetary donations are also accepted and can be sent to the CISRC office at 6068 Suits Road, Archdale, NC.

Communities in Schools of Randolph County is a non-profit organization that helps young people stay in school, successfully learn, and prepare for life by connecting needed community resources with schools. In August and September 2005, CISRC, with the help of individuals and businesses in our community, provided school supplies to over 150 students. This number represented a 45% increase in assistance over the previous year.

While the cornerstone of the CIS program is one-on-one mentoring, the Randolph County organization provided a variety of student based programs in 2005-2006 and is planning the following for the upcoming school year:

Celebration in Song Music Camp: Students receive one hour of music instruction each week in this after-school camp. These young performers showcase their talents in various events throughout the year, including the Archdale Christmas parade, Christmas in Trinity, and Dinnertainment.

Transitions: Various programs designed to keep middle and high school students involved in school. These programs include:
Success 101
Attendance Incentives
Job Shadowing
Girls And Power (GAP)
High Jump to High School
Adopt A School: This program pairs churches with schools to enhance the education of children and provide support for school staff. Our current school/church partnerships are:
Archdale Elementary School – Archdale United Methodist Church
John Lawrence Elementary School – Mount Vernon United Methodist Church
Trindale Elementary School – Trindale Community Church
Trinity Elementary School – Trinity Memorial United Methodist Church
Trinity High School – Archdale Friends Meeting and Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting
Partnerships are still available with Archdale-Trinity Middle School, Braxton Craven Middle School, and Hopewell Elementary School.

For more information or to volunteer, contact: Sandi Norman, Communities in Schools of Randolph County, 6068 Suits Road, Archdale, NC 27263; phone: 336-434-0008; e-mail: cisrc@randolph.k12.nc.us

Thanks for reading,

George

Merriam-Webster offers new Entries!

According to the Springfield, Massachusettes dictionary publisher, Merriam-Webster's lexicographers have been very busy searching through national newspapers, entertainment magazines, trade journals and web sites for new words and phrases.

The latest edition offers definitions for about 100 new words. Some of the interesting additions are unibrow, soul patch, mouse potato and empty suit. A formal definition to one of the Internet's most recognizable names, Google, was also offered.

My husband will be amused to find he owns a "soul patch"!

Have a great weekend!
Carol

Aaargh!

There be pirate books...for the little buccaneers!

First off, we have two titles in a new series about a young Captain Jack Sparrow...before he was a captain. The first one is the Coming Storm.
The story of Jack Sparrow starts here! Teenage stowaway Jack Sparrow has assembled a motley crew and they’re on the quest of a lifetime. Their goal: to locate and procure the legendary Sword of Cortés, which will grant them unimaginable power. But will this ragtag team of adventurers survive their first mission or will they succumb to the power of the sea, vicious pirates, ancient curses, and the stormy threat of nature itself?

The second title is the Siren Song.

Captain Jack Sparrow’s ship, the Barnacle, and its up-till-now unshakable crew have suddenly fallen under a sinister spell. While continuing on their quest for the storied Sword of Cortés, the crew is attacked by a monstrous sea creature and then finds its shipmates entranced by an ethereal song and each of them attempts to take the Barnacle in a different direction-and away from the sword’s supposed location. Only Jack seems unaffected by the strange song, but can he both subdue his crew and defeat the mysterious force behind the dark spell?

For the slightly older crowd, we do have the junior novelization of the film, Pirates of the Caribbean : dead man's chest.

Thanks for reading,

Scurvy George

Need help keeping up with your library material? Check out Library Elf. I have been using this service for about a month and it is easy to use and reliable. You can set up Library Elf to e-mail you for overdues and holds. The overdues can be set up for three days prior (you can change this at any time) and hold notices can be set up to remind you daily.

This is a third-party service provider and has no relation to us. Overdue notices are a courtesy only; you are responsible for overdue material and fines whether you receive notification or not.

Thanks for reading,

George

A/T Area Reading Lists Available Online.

We have created a page on our website for AR (advanced reader) lists that parents and students can use to find reading level appropriate books to read over the summer.

The links are on the Randolph County School website. If you print the lists at home, don't forget to check out catalog and request the titles before you visit us.

You can view the AR Lists by visiting this link: http://www.randolphlibrary.org/readinglist.html

Call us if you have questions. 431-3811

Thanks for reading,
George

Happy Birthday, Dum-Dum!

Every children's librarian knows to keep a roll of saran wrap handy for all the lollipops and suckers that try to make their way into the library....

The News & Record recently announced another birthday celebration--
(we may need an oxygen tank soon, with all these candles to blow out!).
A 100th birthday shout-out to Spangler Candy Company, maker of Saf-T-Pops, marshmallow peanuts and the ubiquitous Dum-Dum. To celebrate, the company is re-releasing bananna and coconut-pineapple Dum-Dums and introducing cherry cola and pink lemonade. YUMMY! It's also looking for unsung heroes who "make life sweeter". For details go to www.dumdumpops.com.
Now, where's the saran wrap???
Carol

The Stuffed Dog Show...

...was a huge success.

Awards were given out for the cuddliest, smallest, largest and most unique. Even though the rain stopped the K-9 demo from Rolling meadows Kennel, plenty of kids and their stuffed pooches came out for the show. We have rescheduled Kennel demo for the end of July.

Don't forget to stop in, register for the Summer Reading Program, get a prize each week and enjoy some great books.

Thanks for reading,

George

Going to the Dogs!

As you can see, the first bulletin board is filling up with dog bones from all of the kids that have signed up for the Summer Reading Program. For a listing of programs, check out our online calendar.

You can sign-up anytime. Don't forget to come in every week to get a prize and enter the Guess the Goldfish contest.

Thanks for reading,

George

All-A-Flutter at the Library...

Tim Pless from All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm in High Point gave a program about butterflies to a packed house. Over 85 kids, parents and caregivers showed up for the informational and entertaining program. Do you know how to tell the difference between a male and female monarch butterfly? If not, you should have attended the program.

Don't forget to stop by and register for the Summer Reading Program, pick up a schedule of events and enjoy some great summer reads.

Thanks for reading,

George

Summer Reading is Here!

Don't forget to stop by and register for our Summer Reading Program Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales. We have weekly programs for school-aged children, a teen program and a 10:30 storytime on Thursdays for the pre-school crowd.

When you come in to register, you get to put your name on a bone and add it to one of our bulletin boards. Here is a shot of one of them after only two days. Last year we had over 500 kids register and participate.

Lots of animal related programs will be offered and we promise to have lots of animal books on display.

Thanks for reading,

George

Congratulations go to Saryn Hooks, a 14 year old from West Alexander Middle School in Taylorsville, NC, for placing 3rd in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Contest held on Thursday, June 1!

The Associated Press reported that the first girl since 1999 to win the 2006 national spelling title is Katharine Close, an eighth-grader at the H.W. Mountz School in Spring Lake, NJ, who successfully spelled the work "ursprache".
Carol

Fox8 WGHP in the house!

Brad Jones and Cindy Farmer from Fox8 spent some time here yesterday taping a promo for their summer Read to Win program.

It was great to see the behind the scenes of taping a 30 second promo.

Thanks for reading,

George

Running Alongside the Bandwagon...

We have two new titles at the Archdale Public Library that talk about Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.

Walking the Da Vinci Code in Paris by Peter Caine is a travel-style look at all of the Parisian spots made famous by the novel. Maps, pictures, drawings and art reproductions embellish the work. Perfect for the virtual tourist. It is divided into eight areas based on the novel. Mr. Caine does discuss the inaccuracies of the geography in the book, but he also defends the work as compelling fiction.



Beyond the Da Vinci Code is a beautiful tome--unauthorized, of course--that deals with the novel and what inspired it. Artwork appears on almost every page. What is different about this titles is that is doesn't just lambast Dan Brown. Ms. Duchane takes a more academic approach and looks at how Dan Brown put the Da Vinci Code together--where he was right and where he may have just wanted to tell a great story.


Thanks for reading,

George

Get ready to purchase tickets for the Claude Monet Exhibit, which will take place at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh this fall. The May 22 Courier-Tribune Newspaper reports that tickets can be purchased this summer for the "Monet in Normandy" Exhibit, showing October 15 through January 14, 2007. Log onto their site, ncartmuseum.org for more info!

Special Thanks!

I want to give thanks to all of the volunteers that helped with the Hot Dog Sale on Saturday.

Rick and Angie Peele, Barry Crowder and Teresa Taylor provided the hot dogs, buns, fixin's, sodas and chips. Rick, Angie and Teresa spent the time cooking and serving all of the people that came out to enjoy the sale. Andy Hunt did a phenomenal job helping with the set up and he provided some wonderful banjo music during the sale.

Everyone had a great time. It was amazing to see the community come out to support ALF.

Thanks for reading,
George

Live from the Book Sale!

Here is a shot of the crowds at the opening of the ALF Book Sale.

Thanks for reading,

George

7 Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly

This is definitely not an Oprah pick. But I still liked it. Action-adventure, cliffhanger, Indiana Jones-ish...very intriguing.

We follow Jack West as he pursues an ancient treasure that holds the key to world domination. In a race with Europeans and Americans (Jack is an Aussie), we follow our hero and his crew to each of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. Traps, betrayals and oracles keep Jack and the reader on their toes. Once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down.

Similar reads? Maybe Crichton (he is brainier), Dan Brown (too controversial) or Cussler (too macho).

Reilly deals with some Dan Brownish issues (like the Da Vinci Code), but not in as much detail or controversy. A lot of maps and illustrations are part of the novel, which really help the reader follow the action.

I give this book 7 thumbs up!

Thanks for reading,
George

Podcasting 101.

We have two new books at the Archdale Public Library which might be of interest.

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Podcasting by George Colombo.



and Podcasting Hacks by Jack Herrington.


Podcasting Hacks is for the more advanced user but both offer perls of wisdom for the newbie.

Thanks for reading,
George

Hot Dog Sale! (at the library?)

Don't forget about the book sale/hot dog sale this Saturday (May 20th). The booksale will run from 9-3 and the hot dogs will go from 11 until we run out.

ALF members Barry Crowder and Rick and Angie Peele will be providing the hot dogs, buns and grill. Hot dogs will go for $1.00. Soda, chips and water will go for .50 each.

Don't forget to stop by and support ALF.

Thanks for reading,
George

P.S. There will be a Friends Only Preview Sale from 5-6 on Friday, May 19th. You can join at the door. There is a five book maximum.

More Art from Archdale, Trindale and Trinity Elementary.









Thanks for reading,
George

I can't wait to see the next issue of the Rolling Stone Magazine--
this will be their 1000th issue! The Live! section of the Friday, May 5th edition of the News & Record reported that Rolling Stone's cover, which cost nearly $1 million to produce, will have a 3D Cover! Happy Birthday, Rolling Stone!
Have a great weekend!
Carol

Art from Archdale, Trindale and Trinity Elementary









Ms. Wright, art teacher from Archdale, Trindale and Trinity elementary schools shares some of her students work with us during May.

Stop by.

Thanks for reading,
George

NORTH CAROLINA CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD PROGRAM 2006 winners!

James Rosinia, the Youth Services Consultant with the State Library
of North Carolina announced the NORTH CAROLINA CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD PROGRAM 2006 winners!

My Lucky Day, written and illustrated by Keiko Kasza is the winner of the Picture Book category and Togo, written and illustrated by Robert J. Blake, was the winner of the Junior Book category.

Over 150,000 votes were cast by children in the state of North Carolina. My Lucky Day won with 22,124 of the 126,490 votes cast in the Picture Book category. Togo won with 4,767 of the 24,202 votes cast in the Junior Book category.

Almost 500 school and public libraries across the state of North Carolina voted in the North Carolina Children’s Book Award Program this year.

The North Carolina Children’s Book Award Program is a children’s choice award program sponsored by the school and public librarians in North Carolina designed to introduce children to current children’s literature and to instill a love of reading.

The list of titles nominated for the 2007 North Carolina Children’s Book Award Program will be announced in mid-May. Nominated titles will be highlighted at the October 2006 NCSLMA Conference and at other workshops throughout North Carolina.

For further details, visit www.bookhive.org/nccba.For further information, please contact Lisa Tucker at fooster5@aol.com or Sally Baron at sbaron@co.wake.nc.us.

Carol

...And Still More Art from John Lawrence Elementary Polar bears and penguins...oh my!

Thanks for reading,

George

In the April issue of the magazine, Our State, the 2006 NC Festival of the Book is described--all events are free and open to the public.
Held at Duke University and throughout Durham, April 26-30, a series of world-class writers will be featured. Check out more through www.ncbook.org for complete festival details.
Carol