Building update teaser

We have layouts of the proposed new building, exterior elevations as well as interior. The next step is to get them to the CAD engineer and have the 3D color images done.....and that will happen before the end of the year.

Want to see what is in store for Liberty Hill? It is extremely exciting - a library that is almost 10 times the size we currently are. A gathering place with a coffee shop (or maybe a franchised food vendor???). A safe hang out for teens with video gaming and guitar hero competitions. A young child's place for beginner classes. A technology center to learn in.

If you can imagine it, we will be it.

Libraries have changed over the years. They are no longer the quiet places we all remember. Now we are hearing tag lines of "NO SHUSHING ALLOWED". Which means - no, libraries are no longer quiet. Cell phones are used with respect to others, open mic nights and coffee bars are standard. Libraries have become the gathering place of communities, the place to see and be seen and just "hang out."

We are striving to be the HEART OF THE HILL as our tag line says. Come check us out today, we're making changes and looking forward to your input on what you want YOUR library to be.

Gaming at your library

Games in the library? Why????

In the 21st century, libraries are about much more than books. In fact, libraries work very hard to provide patrons of all ages wtih a rich and current menu of CDs and DVDs as well as electronic and online resources. Video and board game resources and programs at the library actually complement these existing services. Featuring this new gaming media helps the library expand its reach while meeting community expectations.

Saturday, November 15 is the first National Gaming Day @ your library. Join us between 10 am and 3 pm as we play PICTUREKA! a new game from Hasbro, along with classic favorites like chess, checkers, and chinese checkers.

Book Bag update.....Nick & Norah

Last night I read Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn. I really enjoyed this book, even though not a teenager. It takes a very honest look at teens without all-out crudeness. The kids don't drink, or do drugs, but they are kids - originals, trying to figure out who they are. Very real portrayals of relationships in this day and age (spoken as a mother of teenagers). I read the book in one evening as it was so enjoyable. Definitely recommend this one to older teens.

I'm currently reading Suite Scarlett and The Space Between Before and After. And then....Dewey is waiting on my night stand.

This weeks book bag

Young adults, you have GOT to come into the library. We just ordered a bunch of great new books. I'm taking home Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan as well as Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson. I'll let you know in a couple of days what I think. They both were featured books on ReaderGirlz last week so that should be a great endorsement for them.

Haven't been to ReaderGirlz? CHECK IT OUT! Click on the link there. If you're intrigued, talk to me. I'd love to create our own ReaderGirlz of Liberty Hill group.

Sandy's Bookbag

What is in my bookbag this week?

Sisters Choice by Emilie Richards is currently on my nightstand. Here's a summary..."Hoping to prove to her sister, Kendra, that she deserves absolution for her past mistakes, Jamie Dunkirk agrees to be a surrogate for Kendra and her husband, and when she moves to their riverside property, a new relationship with Cash Rosslyn and his grandmother has a profound impact as she struggles with her pregnancy and a cancer diagnosis."

This was a good book about relationships, sisters in particular. A bit predictable about what was going to happen, but a nice book. Worth a read if you'd like something light and fast.

I recently read Duma Key by Stephen King. Many people have raved about it, but it just wasn't my kind of book. It's a thick one and I kept thinking it could end soon and I'd notice I still had a third of the book to go. Just my opinion, if you like Stephen King, try it.

How the States Got Their Shapes by Mark Stein was also in my bookbag this last week. I really enjoyed the facts and details about the oddities of the states. Yes, very detailed, to the nth degree, but enjoyable.

It's Teen Read Week!

It's teen read week October 13 - 17. Readergirlz is one of my favorite sites for wonderful books. Be sure to click on the above because this week, they will behaving nightly chats about the books shown. If you haven't read them, stop by the library, we just got the majority of them in today!

For the guys, check out my links to the left, I've got some great recommended teen reading lists. If you haven't read Deadline by Chris Crutcher, I'd recommend it. VERY good.

Website full of information....did you know.....

Have you really checked out the library website? On the left navigation bar you will see "online resources." Go ahead, click on it. Now, see "local links?" Click that one too. Sports team information and website, things to do in Liberty Hill, links to other businesses, organizations.

New to LH or a long time resident, we're hoping you will take the time and scour our site and find all the gems for you to use. Want a personal tour? Give us a call or stop in!

Brisingr

For all you fans of the Inheritance Cycle books (Eragon, Eldest), Christopher Paohlini's third book in the series is to be released on Saturday, September 20. Brisingr is the title of the third installment. Stop by the library and take "The Inheritance Quiz" if you are a fan. When you complete the quiz, we have a reward for you.....

Books I'm reading

Figure I've got to update what I've been reading.  Since my last post on that subject, I've read:

Memoirs of a Geisha - LOVED IT!  Like this, try Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

The Shack - can't say I was crazy about it.  Just okay.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry - amazingly I'd not read this, but a good story about the holocaust.

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl - Young adult novel - worth a read, I did like this one, a good story about friendship.

Currently, I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.  I'm not far, but I'm very intrigued at this point.  It has compelling elements  - dogs (which I love) and a main character who can not speak but can hear, who breeds, raises and trains dogs.  I'll keep you posted on it.

By the way, I did finish The 19th Wife.  Started out kind of confusing - it's basically two stories woven together.  It is an intriguing subject (polygamy) and reading the history of it and how it does still exist today was quite interesting.  Now remember, this is a fiction book, but a lot of accurate historical information is in the story.

Library Card Sign Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Liberty Hill Public Library wants to make sure that your child has the smartest card of all – a library card. 

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. 

A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together.  Forty-four percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason. 

Stop by the Liberty Hill Public Library and sign up for your card, it's free.  We have the latest best sellers, a current teen department, Bluebonnet books, AR books, VHS and DVDs, high speed computers, WIFI and more......all for FREE!!!

Proposed library space

What do you think of this? Wes Griffin of Griffin + Jacobson Architects has presented the library with a floor plan for 20,650 square feet - 10 times the size we are now!

By the way - don't pay attention to the furniture in the pic, that's for visuals. The layout of the space is what's important. The furniture company has the space layout and is working on the actual interior proposal at this time.

Did you notice the word "coffee" on there? We're chatting about having at least coffee available, but wouldn't a little bakery be nice? Hmmmm. Talks are ensuing.

A new library is coming.....

It truly is becoming a reality, a new library in Liberty Hill. In the two years I've been at the library, it's been amazing to watch the membership and the circulation triple. People are moving into Liberty Hill as well as long time residents discovering the library for the first time.

Some of the new things you will be seeing in a new building:

• More computers - minimum of 10 general access, childrens filtered computer, teen dedicated computers.
• Teen area with comfy seating for hanging out and low tables for game playing and workign on projects.
• Larger childrens area with dedicated story time area and a kids restroom.
  
• Meeting rooms - both large and small.
• Coffee.

Those are just some teasers of what is coming. Stay tuned for more details!

Be sure to keep an eye on the "Watch us grow" area of our website.

School days......

Back to school, it's great to get the kids back into a routine. Me too, for that matter. Did you know that all the school libraries and the public library support each other? We have some excitement coming up this year for the community, keep your eyes open to learn more about our One Town/One Book Community Read. I'll blog more on it later.

So, just how does the public library support the schools when each school has a library of its own? Well, we've worked for the past few years trying to develop relationships with the schools, meeting with administration at the district level, principals, teachers and librarians. Remember, we are YOUR library. We're free, public, yours. We've encouraged teachers to contact us when they have projects or assignments. We're happy to pull materials that will support the things students are working on.

I know the 7th grade in Mrs. Chisms class will have a Texas project before long. We'll have books for that available. In May, the fourth grade does a wild flower project. Indian projects, famous Americans, the Pyramids. All we need is a heads up and we'll have a display, but know that the items are always available.

AR Reading......we've got our books labeled. Sometimes favorite books get LONG waiting lists. Remember the public library to help alleviate that wait. The majority of our Juvenile collection has the AR level and points on the spine. We also have a link to the AR information on our website.

Bluebonnet Reading.....all 20 books are available at the Public Library. Many of the kids have been reading them all summer, they've really gotten a jump on this program!

LoneStar Award and TAYSHAS Award books - these are award winners in the State of Texas for Junior High and High Schoolers. As you enter the library, the first corner shelf at the circulation desk houses all these items. Just looking for a good read? Be assured these books will supply it.

Now, back to One Book/One Community. John Grogan has written a book that has been on many award lists, Marley and Me. He has also put out a young readers version, Marley, a Dog Like no Other, and a picture book Bad Dog, Marley,version. This is the book that has been chosen for our first Community Read. What has made this even more special is that the movie version will be released on Christmas day.

What would happen if everyone in Liberty Hill read the same book? If book clubs all read the same book? Imagine standing in line at the post office and someone asking what you thought of Marley and Me. Conversations could be struck up anywhere, a sense of community built, and all are shown the love of reading and what reading can open up in each life. The schools will be introducing the books these first weeks of school.

There will be a big community celebration on Sunday, September 28 from 2 - 4 pm at Foundation Park. In attendance will be many of the local rescue groups, Harley the LH Police dog, Barnes & Noble with all three books available, Austin Dog Alliance, dog trainers that will be scheduling local basic obedience courses, and MUCH MORE! Mark your calendar for some FUN!

What Generous Members We Have

Liberty Hill is full of generous people, and I think of particular library members that are blessing the entire community with their donations to the library. Now I'm not revealing names, but Mrs. "X" donates HUNDREDS of DVDs to us, pristine condition, viewed once or twice. We have Mrs. "X1" that donates box loads of new books as in hardback, released within the month books. These are just two of many.

Yes, the library does accept donations. The items need to be in excellent condition and with a rather recent publishing date (5 years). If we can not use a donation, it is given to our Friends for our ongoing Book Bundle Sale, proceeds of which benefit the Library.

Thanks again, Liberty Hill, we're proud to be here.

Just received....NYT number one book....

See that post below showing what books we have on the NYT booklist? Well, today the book in the numero uno spot will hit the LHPL shelves. Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva is being processed and should be available for circulation by the end of the day, Wednesday, August 20.

Books I'm Reading

Reading is a passion for me, obviously. I've often got multiple books going and it's a common thing that I read a book a day......at least. Today I finished A Rip In Heaven by Jeanine Cummings. This is a true account of an extended family and the horrific events they endured. Most memorable is what can happen in the justice system. A great true crime read, highly recommended.

I also just finished The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller. I am so not into politics so the title put me off at first, but so many library members raved about how good the book was that I tried it. READ IT!!! I truly enjoyed it, a great read and really not about political workings.

While I'm on wifely topics, I am currently reading The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. This one is about polygamy. It's a fiction work about the 19th wife of Brigham Young. I've only just started, so as I progress I'll update my thoughts, but so far, I'd recommend it. The writing flows well and draws me in. Intriguing topic as well.

Did you notice the hyperlinks in color above? Be sure to click on them, they'll take you to further information. Throughout my blog I will be adding hyperlinks, taking you to various web 2.0 tools available for your use in the library and at home. Don't hesitate to ask questions about them, along with books, these tools are something I'm passionate about! Stay tuned.....

Fine-free Week

School is starting, time to clean out under the beds, in the car, the front closet. Rest assured that if you find any books belonging to the Liberty Hill Public Library, you can return them during the week of August 24 - 30 WITH NO LATE FEES! No questions asked, we're pleased to have the items back. Take advantage of it!

Did you know that......

Did you know that your Liberty Hill Public Library has the best sellers? Yes, we're small, but we order weekly. Our readers like the latest books from the NYTimes best seller list, and we provide them! From the most current NYTimes here are the books from the top ten that are already circulating in the LH Public Library.

2. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
3. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
4. Tribute by Nora Roberts
5. The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
6. Sail by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
8. Into the Fire by JA Jance
9. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

Check out our new blog!

Our new blog links to the homepage of our website, so if you're on our website, please check out our blog, and vice versa!

Checkers Tournament

Carlos conducted the first LH Public Library checkers tournament. What a turnout! Sixteen Liberty Hill kids, aged 4 - 17 showed up to test their skills. They started the tournament playing best two out of three games. The winners then went on to single elimination rounds.

Our winners:
1st place Colby LaDuque
2nd place Riley LaDuque
3rd place Lydia Clarke

Winners each received their choice of a free book from our prize cart.

The Start of Something New

Technology is becoming an important part of libraries. You will see 2.0 applications start to appear on our website. Today, it is all about collaborating on information, it's a two way street. We encourage you to send us your feedback and join us as we jump in to this digital age.

Watch as we add blogs, social bookmarking applications, YouTube videos, slideshows and MUCH MORE to our web presence.

Ready, set.......JUMP!!!