Activities in the Children's Department

Summer Reading Round-Up: The official summer reading programs for children, teens and adults have come to a close. However, there are a few dates to note.
The last day to turn in reading logs, G.R.A.B. slips, A.R.K.S. logs and receive a free book for completing the summer reading requirements is Friday, August 3.
The final day to spend book bucks at the library store is Tuesday, August 21.
Thanks to all of the sponsors and supporters of the library’s summer reading programs. A complete list appears as an insert in this newsletter.

Teacher Packs: Teachers may request a Teacher Pack beginning Monday, August 6. The teacher pack program is a timesaving device that the Children’s Department offers to B-N teachers. Per a teacher’s request, library staff will choose a selection of books for use in the classroom. The program offers extended checkout of books, with Unit 5 schools also eligible for delivery of materials.

Partners in Reading: Registration for the popular “Partners in Reading” program begins Tuesday, August 21, for both children and college students. The program matches elementary school students with a college student ‘reading partner.’ The two meet weekly at the library throughout the semester, concentrating on learning about the library and improvement of reading skills. Registration for children will end September 17, and the first week of PIR starts September 24.

For more information about these and other activities, call the Children’s Department,
454-4668.

Milner Library to Host Lincoln Exhibit

Illinois State University Milner Library will host “Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation” from August 23 – October 5, 2007. The traveling exhibit includes in panel reproductions of rare historical documents, period photographs, cartoon, and memorabilia, which re-examine Lincoln’s views on slavery and his evolving approach to emancipation during the Civil War.

The exhibit hours are: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday, noon-5pm. For additional information, or to schedule a group tour, contact Toni Tucker, 438-7402.

Normal Public Library is one of several community partners for “Forever Free.” In addition to the exhibit, a number of lectures and community activities are being offered. Normal Public Library will host a “Freedom Poetry Slam/Open Mic” event on Sunday, September 16, at 1:30 p.m. Teens and adults are invited to share their original poetry on the topics of freedom, the African-American experience, journeys, and equality. RHINO Poetry Forum is co-sponsoring the event.

Brochures that list all of the lectures and community activities (including a lecture by Doris Kerns Goodwin!) are available at Normal Public Library – stop by and pick one up today!

Hobby Show Participants Needed

Normal Public Library is seeking participants for its 2nd Annual Hobby Show on Saturday, September 8, from 1-3 p.m. Please contact Mary Lou Lawson, 452-1757, if you have a hobby that you would like to display. Model trains, scrapbooking, card collecting, woodworking, crafts, stamps, coins, miniature books, needlework…the possibilities are endless! The program is free and open to the public; no items will be sold.

Additional Library Parking Available
Through August 8

Library patrons are able to park in the parking lot at the corner of Fell and Mulberry through August 8, 2007. After August 8, the lot will revert to private parking for apartment residents. The lot is to be entered/ exited from Fell Avenue.

Movie Matinee for Adults at NPL

NPL’s Movie Matinee series continues this month at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 16. The featured film is a 1994 remake about Spanky, Buckwheat, Darla, Alfalfa and the gang, with special appearances by Whoopi Goldberg and Mel Brooks. Bring a friend and enjoy the afternoon – free, and snacks provided!

NPL Reading Group Schedule

All old and new reading group members are invited to join in monthly book discussions at Normal Public Library. The group meets on the last Tuesday of the month, in the Small Group Study Room on the second floor. Upcoming dates and titles include:
August 28, 9:30 a.m.: Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
September 25, 9:30 a.m.: Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
Questions? Contact Mary Lou Lawson at 452-1757.

Teen Advisory Council Activities

NPL’s Teen Advisory Council will meet August 9 & 23 at 4 p.m. A card game tournament is scheduled for the 9th; on the 23rd, there will be a scavenger hunt in the library. All teens in grades 7-12 are welcome, and snacks will be served. For more information, contact Linda Hutchins at 452-1757.

Receive This Newsletter via E-Mail

If you would prefer to receive the Normal Public Library newsletter as an e-mail rather than in the mail, please do the following: send your e-mail address to Mari McKeeth, Lud19@hotmail.com

Please indicate “library newsletter” in the subject line, so that your message won’t be deleted as junk mail. Once you have done this, future newsletters will be e-mailed to the address you have sent.

If you don’t want to have an e-mailed newsletter – do nothing! We will only e-mail to those who request the option. If we don’t hear from you, you’ll continue to receive the newsletter in the mail.

Donate Your Used Books

The Friends of NPL are happy to accept donations of used book throughout the year.
Bring them to the library marked ‘for the Friends book sale’.