Liberty Hill Public Library

SSsssssnnnaaakkkeeesss???????

2011-05-16T12:37:00.002-05:00

Snakes in a library? Well, not yet, but they ARE scheduled to appear for storytime on Wednesday, May 25 at 10:30 am. Don't miss out as Daemon and his handler, Mitchell, join us for a slithering good time full of stories and snakey crafts. If you are brave, I'm hoping you will touch Daemon for me....and maybe hold my hand to give ME courage to touch him????

Archaeology Club at LH Public Library

2011-05-11T16:03:00.000-05:00

Join me....three stories DOWN in the earth to dig up goodies that are hundreds if not THOUSANDS of years old. We will have a special event on Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 pm discussing Native Americans/Arrowheads in this area. At this time we will be talking about the digs that we have the opportunity to be a part of. We will be creating field trips.....bring your family and join us!

If the interest is high enough, we may plan something on a Saturday in June....so if you have any kind of desire to join us, please let me know! At this writing it looks like we have eight people interested.....

The Library is YOURS!

2011-05-10T11:15:00.003-05:00

Your local public library, did you know there is one in Liberty Hill? Located inside Lions Foundation Park your public library provides FREE services to you. We have the latest best sellers, DVD's and books on CD for your commute....and yes, that free was not a typo.

We just started a FREE beginning computer class. I'm very impressed with our instructor and would encourage anyone needing help learning computer basics to join us, it's not too late to start. They will be held on Mondays at 6:30 pm in the library. Registration is required so that we might have a computer set up and waiting for you.

May 25 is going to be an exciting day when the snakes make their way to the library. Our Wednesday storytime will be all about snakes and we have special guest Daemon the snake coming. Rumor has it his handler, Mitchell will let you touch Daemon. Are you brave enough?

Summer reading will run throughout the summer and we will reward everyone, children through adults. Thursday nights at 6:30 pm throughout the month of June will be filled with Children's Reading Club programs.

Thursday July 7 we have a program for the entire community, Archaeology in Texas. We have an active dig site that is not too far away and we will be starting an archaeology club and going on digs, three stories down into the earth, where they have been unearthing items 1200 years old! Let Sandy know your interest so you can be added to our email group about field trips we will be going on.

Wednesday, July 13 at 10:30 am will be Safety Day at the Liberty Hill Public Library. Join our Liberty Hill Fire Department and Police Department as we present a special program for the kids in our community. Preschools and day cares welcome, please call ahead so that we can plan for the larger groups!

Other teasers: classes on string games (think cats cradle and Jacob's ladder), paper airplane folding, Wii tournaments.....

Let me throw out some ideas and see what response I get.....I'd like to see the library partner with the community more. We are here for you, to support you, provide services. How about some activities for senior citizens in the community? I'm thinking some Wii gaming, maybe a grandparent/grandchild Wii bowling competition, Senior basic computer classes, traveling lending library. We are YOUR library, let us know what it is you'd like to see.

And....know that we are accessible to you. Visit our website at www.lhpl.org (soon to be redesigned), follow us on Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/LibertyHillPublicLibrary), read our blogs.

Lots of fun summer activities

2011-04-29T10:10:00.004-05:00

It has been so busy at the library lately, lots of that self-imposed. We're gearing up for summer and not only does that mean Summer Reading, but many opportunities for the library to help fill your summer with activities.

Coming this summer a partial list:

Summer reading - runs all summer long, all it requires is you read and record your reading, stop in and get rewarded.

Summer reading special programs Thursdays at 6:30 pm
*June 9 - Digging for Dinosaurs
*June 16 - Big Equipment Petting Zoo
*June 23 - Joe McDermott performance
*June 30 - Beach Party

Native Americans & Arrowheads Program Thurday July 7 6:30 pm ALL AGES

Annual Checkers Tournament Saturday July 9 11:00 am

Beach Reads Book Discussion Group Sunday July 17 3 - 5 pm

Archaeology Digs - ALL AGES Dates TBA throughout the summer

Safety Day - Date TBA but will be a Wednesday at 10:30 am - Join the LH Fire Department, LH Police Department and the LH Library as we present a special storytime event/safety day!

Beach Read Book Club....

2011-04-08T16:33:00.003-05:00

Mothers & Daughters by Rae Meadows
…beach read book club…

Hosted by the Liberty Hill Public Library

Discussion date: Sunday, July 17 3 pm – 5 pm

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
First, sign up to join our discussion. There is no purpose for signing up other than letting us know how many to expect, how much chocolate to buy, and how hard we need to push to get this book moving through the readers. Actually, buying your own copy might be easier, but we do have a copy in the library. All I can ask is that if you borrow our copy, please be conscientious that there is a whole crew of book lovers waiting for it, so read it expediently and bring it back for the next bibliophile.

Second, read the book. Make notes. Read summaries and reviews. Ok, so that was said on the assumption you are planning ahead and reading the LHPL copy of the book in advance. If you have your own copy, write in it. I know, I know sacrilegious right? NO WAY! I write in all my books that I own….how they affected me, thoughts and revelations I have while reading, definitions if I had to look a word up.

Third, show up. We all plan ahead and have things come up. If it’s important to you to forge these new bonds with other book lovers, write it on your calendar and make it a priority. We all need time for us, and (assuming here) many of us are busy moms. Say yes to yourself. You ARE worth it. Come and let us pamper you with some good company, drinks and chocolate…and who knows what else. Taking care of you will only help you in taking care of others and make you better equipped to do that….and sometimes just a little piece of time that is just for your own indulgence is what it takes. Let this be your indulgence.

A rich and luminous novel about three generations of women in one family: the love they share, the dreams they refuse to surrender, and the secrets they hold.

Samantha is lost in the joys of new motherhood --- the softness of her 8-month-old daughter's skin, the lovely weight of her child in her arms --- but in trading her artistic dreams to care for her child, Sam worries she's lost something of herself. And she is still mourning another loss: her mother, Iris, died just one year ago.

When a box of Iris's belongings arrives on Sam's doorstep, she discovers links to pieces of her family history but is puzzled by much of the information the box contains. She learns that her grandmother Violet left New York City as an eleven-year-old girl, traveling by herself to the Midwest in search of a better life. But what was Violet's real reason for leaving? And how could she have made that trip alone at such a tender age?

In confronting secrets from her family's past, Sam comes to terms with deep secrets from her own. Moving back and forth in time between the stories of Sam, Violet, and Iris, Mothers and Daughters is the spellbinding tale of three remarkable women connected across a century by the complex wonder of motherhood.

Summer Reading 2011

2011-04-08T14:42:00.003-05:00

Yes, Summer Reading plans are underway and this year’s theme is Dig Up a Good Book. Registration forms will be sent home through the schools in mid-May and also be available online and at the library starting April 20. Sponsored in part by Texas State Library and Archives Commission. We are looking for more sponsors so that our programs can be all that we can possibly offer.

For kids through incoming sixth graders, our formal program will be:

Thursdays at 6:30 pm

June 9: Digging for Dinosaurs
June 16: Big Equipment Petting Zoo
June 23: JOE McDERMOTT performance
June 30: Beach Party

We are also planning a couple Family Night in the Park Thursdays with special events, July 7 and 21, details to be released.

As usual, we will be welcoming everyone to participate in summer reading, simply by…….READING! We will have reading logs to record your reading accomplishments over the summer, with prizes for all ages; kids, teens and adults.

Throughout the summer, we will be continuing our regularly scheduled storytime for all ages of children, Wednesdays at 10:30 am.

More sneak peeks at plans……..a “beach read” book club, art and craft classes for all ages, our annual checkers tournament, kids classes on fun things like “Jacob’s Ladder” and other string games, paper airplane folding, origami. THE place to be……@your library.

What the library is all about

2011-04-01T12:04:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful afternoon....Thursday after school, the kids are flooding into the library. Suddenly I notice we have 10 teenaged boys in the library, all different groups represented, but hanging out none-the-less. I have a checkers set ... think BIG ... set out on a table and I'm constantly amazed how many people sit down and play. People that don't know each other.

Case in point. Two high school friends playing checkers. A young boy standing there watching them, obviously thinks the older boys are pretty cool. When the game is over, he asks if he can play. Some chair shuffling ensues, and the younger boy figures out who he is playing against.....and the game begins.

I was very impressed watching these teens play with the younger boy.....the could have creamed him, but they seemed to be having fun, let him learn a bit, didn't take the obvious "wipe you out" moves. Eventually the younger boys mom walked up and stood there with her mouth open, amazed at what she saw. It did the heart good for everyone witnessing this interaction. THIS is what the Liberty Hill Public Library is about.....community building.

Can you tell I absolutely LOVE what I do?

Day One....Poetry Month

2011-03-31T19:47:00.003-05:00

INVITATION

If you are a dreamer, come in.
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer . . .
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire,
For we have some flax golden tales to spin.
Come in! Come in!

Shel Silverstein Where the Sidewalk Ends

You will find this outside the front door to the library in honor of National Poetry Month. Come draw on our sidewalks or write your own poem!!!!

April is National Poetry Month

2011-03-28T14:36:00.002-05:00

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.

Join us at the Liberty Hill Public Library as we celebrate poetry month. To kick this fantastic month off, I will be taking chalk to the sidewalk and putting poems on our walkways weekly. Stop by and illustrate the poem for us or write one on the ground yourself.

April 14 is Poem in you Pocket day. We are making it exceptionally simple. Stop by the library and pick up your poem. We have a variety already printed that you can slip in your pocket to share with others.

Our front door will feature a poem each day. At our circulation desk, we will have copies of that poem for you to take, if you like.

We have some incredible books of poems that are just plain fun for any age. One of the newest is a 2011 Bluebonnet book called Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse. "A collection of short poems which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature."

Stop on by and pick up a poem or visit our website at www.lhpl.org and download your own calendar.

Summer Reading Plans Underway...donations needed

2011-02-28T16:15:00.002-06:00

The Liberty Hill Public Library is in the planning stages of our Summer Reading Program and is seeking help! Our theme this year is “Dig up a good book!”

One program we are planning is a LARGE EQUIPMENT PETTING ZOO….this means the BIG trucks. We are looking for people who have the large trucks to bring them to the library for the program, let the kids explore the trucks, and answer the kids questions. If you have access or own a piece of large equipment we would LOVE to hear from you.

Due to drastically decreased revenue over the past years, we have no funding for summer reading this year and are asking for donations to make it happen. If you are willing to give of your time, money, talents or goods, we would love to hear from you.

Our WISH LIST for the program :

Large equipment as listed above
Summer Reading Volunteers that LOVE working with kids and are enthusiastic
Craft talent - to do samples of crafts, paint library doors, lead crafts
Donations of snacks/drinks for programs
Coupon/prize donations from local businesses
Craft supplies, list will be available in library
Monetary donations to run program

If you haven’t been by the library lately, we invite you to stop in. Remember, we are your FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, there is no cost to join and you might just be surprised at what we have for you. Come in and pick up the latest book releases, a Wii game to try out, the hottest box office movies. Yes, FREE!

Chalk it up to the library.....

2011-02-18T12:41:00.008-06:00

Storytime this last week, beautiful weather, a bucketful of chalk. Miss Sandy CANNOT resist mixing those all together. Here you see what happened when the chalk bucket was grabbed and the kiddos rounded up and herded outside. Miss Sandy poses Gage on the ground and proceeds to outline him so that he can create his own person. Not to be outdone, Gage then proclaims it's HIS turn and has to outline Miss Sandy on the ground as well.

You just NEVER know what is in store, don't miss storytimes on Wednesdays at 10:30 am.

Library Member EXTRORDINAIRE!!!

2011-02-10T15:11:00.003-06:00

Look at that....Donnie Caseltine in a Liberty Hill Public Library t-shirt in Washington, DC. Way to go Donnie! Proudly showing support and promoting Liberty Hill even on vacation.

Gotta love a library member like that.....

.....thanks to his wonderful wife Stacey for telling....oops I mean....I heard it from a little bird :)

Faeriewalker Series.....

2011-02-10T14:04:00.002-06:00

April found a new series we all need to watch.....Faeriewalker. Click on the link above to go to the author's website, or better yet.....come in and chat with us. We have the first two in the series, they are hitching a ride home with April tomorrow, so ask her what she thinks about her new discovery! I'm dying to hear, I always need a new read.

Proposed Budget in Texas Nearly Zeros Out Key State Library Funds

2011-02-02T12:12:00.000-06:00

Very concerned....Liberty Hill....you like your TexShare cards? Borrowing books from other libraries via Interlibrary loan? We receive an annual grant from the state which is a BIG part of budget....we'd say bye-bye to it. HELP!! Ask us how.

Proposed Budget in Texas Nearly Zeros Out Key State Library Funds

NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

2011-01-27T15:13:00.002-06:00

Stop by the library Friday afternoon, January 28 and be the first to see the new additions. There's already waiting lists going on some of them, so get in line! Three favorites....

Life by Keith Richards....yes that rocker of the Rolling Stones that is so near and dear to librarians hearts. If you are a Keith or Stones fan, get in line behind me for this one. On the best seller lists, this is sure to be popular.

Oh, and here's why he's extra dear to my heart.... "When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equaliser." ~Keith Richards

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card. "Card's newest series opener can't decide whether it's a thought experiment featuring a nifty magic system, a YA urban fantasy, or a series of fantasy interludes, so it settles for performing all three tasks satisfactorily, if not spectacularly." ~Publishers Weekly

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz "Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series."

What's at the Library?

2011-01-25T12:39:00.003-06:00

Resources

Resources available at the library, such as books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, games, computers, Internet access and more

Books

Libraries carry many categories of books such as fiction, nonfiction and reference. Believe it or not, we keep current on the popular best seller lists. Try us and see, if you don't find what you like, let us know and we'll get it!

Movies

Save money and cut down on errand time by picking up your weekend movie at your local library. We carry an assortment of DVDs for entertainment and education.

Bond with your children while watching blockbusters like Iron Man. Pick up that documentary you have been meaning to watch. Whether you want informative films such as Iron Jawed Angels, or foreign films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, libraries are a great place to look for them.

Music

Assorted genres of music can be found at libraries, from the latest album by Taylor Swift to Broadway hits. Many libraries offer eclectic music collections that span much of music’s history. Find out more about your local library’s music collection by visiting one near you.

Reference Librarians

Reference librarians not only know the library like the palm of their hands, they also have a wide knowledge of authors, technology and more. If you need help finding a book or category, or want a book recommendation, ask a readers advisory librarian.

Computers/Printers/ Copiers

If you don’t have a computer, copier or printer at home, you can able to access these technologies at your local library. Whether you want to print out a grocery list, send an e-mail or print out documents, libraries may have the resources to help.

Internet

Most libraries offer free Internet access. You can use your local library’s Internet to job hunt on sites such as CareerBuilder or Craigslist, check music venues or find show times for movies. The Internet is a great resource for finding information for school or business projects. If you don’t have an Internet connection at home, take advantage of this resource at a library near you.

Feel the heat, catch the FEVER!

2011-01-21T11:09:00.002-06:00

The latest is here....Karen Marie Moning's latest, Shadowfever, is available for reserve! Yes, reserve list only at this point if you want to read it. Call me, email me, stop in, go online. Do what you have to do to get in line! Check out the widget link at right for more info on this series. I also have some blog entries that tell more about this series and others like it if you happen to be a fan of Twilight, House of Night or Vampire Academy and are looking for more authors....

It's the place to be....

2010-12-29T14:34:00.002-06:00

April and I are here daily and we see busy. Today? Not quite sure what it was but we both were commenting that it was an extraordinary day in the library. People were just kind of all over....at one point there were 18 people that I counted, but what was so amazing about it, is that just about everything that could be used, was being used.

Computers were full, the tables had people on laptops and having meetings, negotiating contracts. The plush chairs had people reading the newspapers. Kids were browsing the children's department. My absolute favorite? This picture....a teen settled in on the floor (barefoot!) and browsing books while listening to her music through headphones.

All the while, April and I are checking out books and faxing, working on orders, covering books. It's an awesome place to work and apparently "the" happening place.

Scholastic Warehouse sale today....

2010-12-15T11:39:00.002-06:00

In a little bit here I'm heading off to the Scholastic Warehouse sale. I've not been before but I'm hoping that there are things other than paperbacks. I want to grab some wonderful books that will hold up in the library and enhance the collection a bit more and this may be an awesome opportunity to do so!

When I get back, I'll post a picture of what I bring home to live in the LH Library......
......to be continued

Library Funding

2010-12-06T16:35:00.003-06:00

First....let me tell you that this is pretty much a repost of an old blog from a few years ago. It's pertinent information and I thought it merited another airing.

It is through donations that the library was established. It is through donations that the library will continue to flourish. As many in Liberty Hill are aware, the funding for the Library is entirely through sales tax revenue (NOT property taxes) that is generated by the businesses within our district boundaries (which follow the ISD boundaries). this means that of the 8.25% sales tax you pay when shopping in Liberty Hill, that .25% comes back to fund your public library. We are not a city, county or state library, so our funding is not through those sources, only through the sales tax revenue generated in Liberty Hill and various grants or donations received.

My reason for telling you this? To promote Liberty Hill! Each time you shop locally, rather than running to Georgetown, Leander or Cedar Park, you are supporting your library. As you can guess, sales are down due to this lovely economy and our income at the library has suffered. The library needs your help. Keeping sales within Liberty Hill will help. Donations of current book titles that we do not have will help. Cash donations always help us add to our collection. You can make a donation on our website through PayPal. Keeping your library open and offering the recent materials you want is our focus.

If you haven't been to the library, pull into Lions Foundation park and head for the building in the back. We'd love to meet you and introduce you to our vast collection of DVD's, books and audiobooks on CD, as well as our current releases....all just waiting to go home with you.

You'd be surprised how much your little local library has to offer. The lastest books form the best seller lists, free WiFi, high speed computers, advanced technology for accessing the library from your home, and personal service with a smile. Come on in, we're here to serve you!

Hanging out at the library

2010-11-30T16:04:00.002-06:00

4 pm at the LH Public Library. Do you picture the library as a spot the teens hang out? If not, stop by and check it out! It is very typical on any given afternoon, to see a group of teens gathered around the computers, groups wandering the aisles chatting about books, the back corner full of seated teens discussing a book. Laptops galore, weather permitting the picnic tables are full. Indoor tables full.....doing homework or again, on laptops. Teen sitting on the floor, back against the book case, earphones running from iPod to ears.....texting on their phone.

Yes....its happening @your library!

On vacation.....

2010-11-28T11:58:00.002-06:00

Been a long time since a blog post, but amazingly, I've been on vacation. Miss April is at the library, holding down the fort and giving me such a luxury. Please say a big thank you to her when you are in, I am looking forward to coming back refreshed and excited on Monday.

Kind of bittersweet to leave time off.....I'm getting spoiled by not working and doing only what I want to when I want to. BUT.....I absolutely love and adore what I do, so I'm excited to come back and see what awaits me, to delve back into library life in our sweet town.

I've been missing you all.....come see me!

Computer classes coming to the library!

2010-11-19T12:07:00.001-06:00

The Liberty Hill Public Library has been selected to participate in the Digital Literacy Corps program in 2011 due to a grant from the Central Texas Library System. What this means for our community is that in 2011, we will be offering some basic computer skill classes for FREE to our members. Enrollment will be limited due to computer availability, so keep your eyes open for the date announcement.

Classes will include computer basics, internet basics, and email basics.

Follow us to STORYTIME!!!!

2010-11-17T11:41:00.003-06:00

Miss April has jumped into the storytime role quickly and is doing a fantastic job with all our fun little friends. Following the brother/sister storytime, they were handed frames so they could draw pictures of themselves with their own sibling/s. Come sing, dance and play with us! Wednesdays at 10:30 am!!!

My Storytime Kids

2010-10-27T12:45:00.002-05:00

So, how can you NOT love your job when you have little ones like these screaming your name out, running to you and jumping into your arms with a big ole hug? This phenomenal brother and sister, along with their mom, come to storytime religiously. They are so appreciative of what we do and offer, constantly bringing cards, flowers, and most of all....love.

I've watched them blossom...from very quiet and shy, barely able to look at me....to these joyous children, singing, dancing, laughing, chattering, hugging.

Truly....I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I do.

NEW KIDS BOOKS!!!

2010-10-26T13:34:00.002-05:00

NEW ARRIVALS FOR KIDS!!! Available Friday afternoon, October 29 are these new releases, NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

ART & MAX by David Weisner is a new release whose artwork is not to be missed. Click on the link above to get more info and see samples from inside the book. While you are at it, check out Wiesner's other books.

CHICKEN LITTLE by Rebecca Emberley, illustrated by Ed Emberley This brightly colored book retells the wonderful traditional tale of Chicken Little and the "sky is falling!" So many kids today don't know this story and I've made it a personal mission to introduce them to the traditional, classic and folktales that have been handed down over the years.

ZERO by Kathryn Otoshi is a follow up to her enormously popular ONE. Emphasizing numbers and counting, ZERO also helps children to accept who they are in all ways. While you are at it, check out what ONE is all about.

Freedom - Oprah pick available as of Friday 10/15

2010-10-13T09:22:00.002-05:00

FREEDOM by Jonathan Franzen is the latest pick of Oprah's Book Club. It will be available for check out Friday afternoon. See what the buzz is about!

Walk on over

2010-09-27T12:59:00.005-05:00

So, the Liberty Hill Public Library is in Lions Foundation Park. There is a path around the park that is oh.....I don't know 0.7 or 0.8 miles for one loop. Each morning as I come to work I see people walking; friends meeting up, someone taking their baby for a stroll, a man and his dog. And what about me? Yes, just back from taking a lunch break, on the walking path. Two times around.

So, library+ walking path = ????? Walk on over to the library and check out our books on walking. We have a few and even a walking/running guide as well as a guide for the beginning runner. All are rather new additions to our collection, spurred, yes you know it...by that walking path that I watch daily from my window and have started frequenting.

Banned Book Week coming.....

2010-09-15T14:05:00.004-05:00

From the ALA banned book site: "Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States."

Stop by the library, all our displays have what have been deemed "banned" or "challenged" books. Yes, those culprits of mind corruption such as Black Beauty, Lord of the Flies, Brave New World, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gone With the Wind.......just to touch the very tippy top of the iceberg. Check out the link above, stop in the library, educate yourself.

WHY have these books been challenged and removed from some shelves? Who has the right to tell you what you can and can't read? (can't resist but my answer is absolutely NO ONE). If the book offends you, move on. How would you like someone going through the library picking out books they personally deemed unsuitable to find they were picking out your favorite books and removing them from the shelves?

I have personally found that often, those challenging a book have not even read it. When one brave soul decided to read what the mysterious "they" were touting as being an absolutely terrible book that should be banned, I challenged her and told her to come talk to me after she'd read it. Was I proud of her for coming back and telling me she'd actually read the book. THAT was half the battle. What her opinion was, that wasn't my interest, just that she'd read the book and made her own decision. Turns out she said the book fulfilled nothing the naysayers were proclaiming and she suspected the majority had not read the book either and were judging on a misquote.

Regardless of your opinion on the subject matter of the book, reading it gives you the knowledge of what is inside and how others think. It does not mean you agree, it means you have educated yourself. That is my personal goal during "Banned Book Week" - to encourage people to educate themselves by reading and to realize that our library will hold all sides of the topic.

DRACULA

2010-09-08T15:24:00.003-05:00

The Candlewick Press edition has been enormously popular and it is a very beautiful edition. Our latest copy of DRACULA is a pared down version, approximately one-tenth the length for a younger audience. This has been released by Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick....so it sports phenomenal style. You have to come by, see the book, touch it, fall in love with it. The images all by themselves are worth checking it out for. Nicky Raven did a phenomenal job of reworking the story and taking liberties to suit it toward a younger audience. This is one of those books that make me want to open the doors and yell in a bullhorn to get people to come look at. See for yourself.

Have you been in the library lately?

2010-08-31T12:32:00.003-05:00

Just a few of the books in our new book section. Did you know that we stay up to date with the NYT and LATimes best seller lists?

Additions to the Vampire craze series list....

2010-08-19T18:01:00.005-05:00

The Blue Bloods Series by Melissa de la Cruz
Book 6, Bloody Valentine, is due out in December 2010. Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Tantalize Series by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Book three, Blessed, due out in February 2011. Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her hybrid-werewolf first love threatens to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. And just as she and her uncle are about to debut Austin’s red hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef.

Can Quincie transform the new hire into a culinary dark lord before opening night? Will Henry Johnson be able to wow the crowd in fake fangs, a cheap cape, and red contact lenses? Or is there more to this earnest fresh face than meets the eye?

As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything?

For those of you into vampires, fae, wolves.......

2010-08-19T16:19:00.011-05:00

First it was an interest in Twilight. Soon that branched out as about 10 of us started looking for other series to read. As time went on, we all seemed to find a different series and in talking with people, I'd start recommending what someone else had told me about and reading them myself. SOON.....we have a group of 10 of us reading through a bunch of fantastic series that are out there. I'd like to share them with you and add to this list as I discover more....

House of N ight Series by PC Cast and Kristin Cast
So far the series is seven books ... book number 8, Awakened, due out in January 2011. The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do.

The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
Book six, Last Sacrifice, is due out December 2010. Two races of vampires walk our world. One, the Moroi, are alive and wield elemental magical. The other, the Strigoi, are undead and evil--feeding on the innocent to survive. Rose Hathaway--a half-vampire with poor impulse control--is training to be a bodyguard for a Moroi princess. Learning to decapitate and stake is hard enough, but Rose's real danger may lie in an illicit romance with one of her instructors...

The Immortals Series by Alyson Noel.
Book five, Night Star, is expected in November 2010. Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. But everything changes when she meets Damen...

Fallen Series by Lauren Kate.
Two books in this new series, I have no further information on future installments. An intensely addictive story about fallen angels and forbidden love.

Wolves of Mercy Falls Series by Maggie Stiefvater.
Two books in this new series, again I have no information at this time about future books. For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

The MacKayla Lane Series by Karen Marie Moning.
DEFINITELY more adult than the previous books and dealing with adult issues is Karen Marie Monings "fever series" as I call them. Book five, Shadowfever, is due out January 2011. You might also want to drop by the sidhe seers website.....official website of the books. "My philosphy is pretty simple-any day nobody’s
trying to kill me is a good day in my book. I haven’t had many good days lately." - MacKayla Lane's Diary

Summer Reading Underway

2010-07-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

The 2010 summer reading program is well underway. Last night Joe McDermott visited the LHPL and did his usual awesome show that had kids dancing and parents singing along. Wednesday mornings bring us our 10:30 am story time/summer reading program open to all ages. Joe's show was sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts and IDM Builders.

Be sure to keep a log of your reading and bring it back throughout the summer, you don't have to wait til the end! We have lots of goodies waiting for you, dinners, ice cream, books and sooooo much more! Our sponsors for summer reading this year are:

Texas State Library and Archives Commission
PEC
Dahlia Cafe
Chick-fil-A
Domino's Pizza
Shane T. White Team
Dollar General
Smokey Mo's
Jardin Corona
Tina's Cottage
Texas Commission on the Arts
Blue Moon Video
Austin Steam Train Association
Donut Palace
IDM Builders
Sonic
Margarita's

Summer AP books available

2010-05-28T13:38:00.002-05:00

We have created our annual SUMMER AP READING display. Partnering with LHHS, we have all the AP Summer Reading books available for check out. These books are in HIGH demand so some special terms are associated with them.....

AP Books:
Only one AP item can be checked out at a time.
Check out period is one week.
One renewal allowed if no one is waiting for the book
Late fees are expesive at $1.00 per day....be on time!

**due to the number of people trying to access these books, these rules are enforced**

2010/2011 BLUEBONNET BOOKS are here!

2010-05-04T14:45:00.001-05:00

Kids can get a jump start on reading the Bluebonnet Books over the summer. We have all the books from the upcoming list and they are all labeled. Once school is out, we will create a special display featuring the Bluebonnets.....so that YOU can get a jump on your reading!

MORE DVD's!!!!

2010-03-22T13:14:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh, that wonderful, wonderful family that has donated HUNDREDS of DVD's, many unopened, as well as HUNDREDS of brand new books. They've struck again, bringing in 101 DVD's. Give us a few days, that's a lot of processing and computer input but hopefully before Easter all will be on the shelves.

The Chickens are coming!!!

2010-03-15T11:43:00.002-05:00

JOIN US FOR CHICKEN STORY TIME!!!

Wednesdsay, April 7 * 10:30 am
Join the Miss Sandy and Kristopher's chickens for story time!
We'll be meeting outside in front of the library with our fine feathered friends
for a fun morning of chicken stories and playing.
Be prepared to pet the peeps!!!

The library has ..... CHANGED!!!

2010-03-08T10:58:00.002-06:00

If you've been in the library lately, you've noticed lots of books stacked around, being moved, reorganized, and reworked. I'm sure we'll confuse you all for a bit with our changes, but honestly, the library will be a bit more user friendly. We've rearranged the childrens department so that all picture books are within arms reach for the little ones. The young adult section has been expanded to allow some much needed space and room for growth. I personally think that the non-fiction section of young adult is a lot more accessible. Here's hoping more find the wonderful books in non-fiction that have been in hiding.

I think we've touched every single book in the adult non-fiction section lately. We've laid the books that are too large to stand on their backs, spines exposed so that people can see them and possibly use them once they can see the titles. We've expanded this section to be the perimeter of the room, so books are spread out a bit more and exposed, hopefully easier to find as well.

The entire fiction collection for adults has been reworked, again exposing those hidden gems we have and adding lots of goodies that you've been looking for.

And as for MOVIES??? We have had some absolutely incredibly generous donations which have made me cry! The generosity of people has been overwhelming. One family donated over 100 DVDs, over half of which have never been opened. They also have brought in hundreds of brand new books, best sellers. Others are sharing their books on CD collection with us, increasing our collection greatly. As a result, these two sections have LOADS of new titles just waiting for you to find them. The easiest way to see what is new? In our catalog at the top is an a button that says WHATS HOT. Click this and you can choose what new items you'd like to look at and how recently they were added. Since many of the items that are new are circulating, if you see a title you want and it's out (indicated by red highlighting), we can reserve it for you and call when it is returned.

Constant changes, exciting updates. Check us out!

ResumeMaker available to patrons at NO COST

2010-01-27T11:48:00.003-06:00

Newest addition to the LHPL? RESUMEMAKER!!! Provided free of charge to our members, the Texas Library and Archives Commission, Central Texas Library System and the Alamo Area Library System have partnered to bring ResumeMaker to our library and patrons. Click the logo below to register and get started for FREE!!!

Job Finder
	» Search Job Openings
	» View Saved Jobs
	» Job Finder Gadget

Career Tools
	» Watch Career Videos
	» Federal Forms and Resources
	» Career Guide to Industries*
	» Occupational Outlook Handbook*
	» Join Professional Network

Technology in your library

2010-01-22T16:35:00.002-06:00

The future of libraries is changing; technology is having a big impact on what we thought of as “that quiet book place.” The Liberty Hill Public Library is fortunate to have recently been awarded a grant for a Texas Workforce Commission workstation. Sometime during February or March, we will be receiving a fully outfitted computer from the TWC that will be dedicated to job seekers. This spring, libraries across the state will be joining together for classes on revamping computer use policies, giving job seekers and those taking online classes priority to computer use.

Our local Central Texas Library System has partnered with two other systems to bring ResumeMaker to the Liberty Hill Public Library and our patrons. Links are being added to our website and to all access point so that this software can be accessed from within the library or from your home.

Our local library system has also listened to requests the LHPL and other libraries have submitted regarding a need for beginning computer classes. In approximately 7 months, we will be seeing classes such as “Computers for Beginners” being unveiled within the Liberty Hill community. Our four computers will be utilized and our regional system will be bringing in laptops and instructors so that we may maximize exposure to the class. Dates are not yet set, but be assured that the classes will be FREE to all participants. Once local staff has been trained to teach, these will become ongoing classes.

Currently, our staff is participating in a learning program called “23 Things”. It is a program dealing with web 2.0 technologies that are in use today and enveloping us in the use of them. Web 2.0 includes such things as blogging, avatars, flickr, virtual worlds, twitter and many of the mashups in existence. The internet is now a two way street, not just for information reading, but for users to build and be a part of. Ask us for help, you might be surprised how up-to-date we are on technology knowledge!

The Liberty Hill Public Library is involved in social networking and other technologies, believe it or not! Follow us on:
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liberty-Hill-TX/Liberty-Hill-Public-Library/61011038795?ref=nf
Twitter http://twitter.com/LHPL
delicious http://delicious.com/lhpl for reference help
Sandy has a blog located at http://lhpl.blogspot.com/
Susan’s blog is at http://theheartofthehill.blogspot.com/
LHPL website at www.lhpl.org has links to all on the front page.
Oh, by the way, we also have a chat window you can contact us through for immediate answers, again located on our website.

One very simple piece of technology you need to know if you have a computer.....you can access your library account online. Again, head to our website and midway down the page you will see in red, “YOUR ACCOUNT.” Click this link and follow directions to log into your account. You now have the ability to browse our catalog, review books, read reviews, renew and reserve books, among other things. We will soon be adding the option to pre-reserve books by the most popular authors.

Keep your eyes open. Technology changes fast and we are staying at the forefront. As we’ve been reading in the library journals, we as library staff must embrace and use this technology or be left behind. We look forward to helping you in any way we can. Remember, we are YOUR free community library. Come check us out!

Library and Donations......what a combo!

2009-12-19T12:47:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning at the Liberty Hill Public Library, two lovely people walk in carrying boxes. “Merry Christmas,” exclaims the gentleman. Merry Christmas indeed! Kay and Jim Baker had come with two large boxes of audio books on CD for donation to the library. I can not express the feeling in my heart over their generosity; I can only hope my words said half of what I felt. Their generous donation of 89 audio books has given the library a much needed boost in that particular collection area. With 183A and Parmer open, we are seeing many members who commute into Austin come looking for materials to listen to while driving.

It is through donations that the library was established. It is through donations that the library will continue to flourish. As many in Liberty Hill are aware, the funding for the Library is entirely through sales tax revenue generated by the businesses within our district boundaries (which follow the ISD boundaries). This means that of that 8.25% sales tax you pay shopping within the LHISD boundaries, that .25% comes back to fund your public library. We are not a city, county or state associated library, so no funding comes from any of those sources, only the sales tax revenue and any grants and donations received.

Our website (www.lhpl.org) will soon have a page dedicated to our growing donation programs. While the library gratefully accepts donations of books, there are other methods of donating if you desire.

Memorial and Celebratory Donations: Consider honoring someone special. Congratulate a graduate, honor an anniversary, thank a co-worker, or present a memorial. The Library accepts monetary donations for the purchase of Library materials to honor the memory of individuals or celebrate a special occasion. Bookplates are placed in the materials acknowledging the honoree and the donor. Notification is sent to the memorial family or the honoree, and the opportunity to reserve the material for the first viewing when the item has been received and processed.

Adopt an Author: Yes, you can “adopt” one or more of your favorite authors! To adopt, you agree to sponsor the purchase of one copy of each title by that author for a year. We will purchase the books for you at cost (usually a 40% discount), accepting reimbursement upon arrival. For adopting an author, you get the privilege of being first to check out each of your author’s books. Each adopted book will have a bookplate with your name.

Consider how you would like to support your local library. Oh, a last note. As the Bakers left the library, they asked me if they could take the empty boxes home with them. “To refill them and bring them back to you again.” Liberty Hill, your support is awesome. We are so blessed by your generosity. Come by your library and see what we have for you.

What's in my Book Bag?

2009-10-14T12:10:00.006-05:00

Lately I've been reading through the House of Night Series, geared toward young adults. For fans of vampire books and Twilight, here's a series you may enjoy. Currently a series of six, book seven will be released shortly......join me reading this one!

Where does the Library Funding come from????

2009-09-24T19:29:00.000-05:00

The economic times are hitting everyone hard, even your local public library. Computer use at the library has doubled in the past year, which is a good thing. HOWEVER, it has doubled due to the increasing numbers of people looking for jobs. The library has free high speed internet for your use. If you have a laptop, you can use the free Wi-Fi service. The Wi-Fi is available daily until 11:00 pm so that even if the library is closed, please feel free to sit at a picnic table or in your car and jump on the internet.

People often ask how the Liberty Hill Public Library is funded, where our money comes from. The paper seems to be a good place to share this information with our rapidly growing community. About seven years ago a group of citizens proposed a bond issue to create a library district, which follows the Liberty Hill ISD boundaries. The proposal was for ¼ percent sales tax, which passed. What this means is that ¼ of a percent of all SALES taxes collected within the Library District boundaries (which follow the ISD boundaries) is returned to the Liberty Hill Public Library. This is where our operating funds come from. We are not funded through property taxes, nor are we a part of the Liberty Hill city or Williamson county. We are a completely independent entity in that sense.

My reason for telling you this? To promote Liberty Hill! Each time you shop locally, rather than running to Georgetown or Cedar Park, you are supporting your library. As you can guess, sales are down recently and as a result, our income has suffered. The library needs your help. Keeping sales within Liberty Hill will help. Current book donations will help. Check out our website (www.lhpl.org) and make a donation through PayPal. We are planning a larger library for the future, but keeping our current library operating is our current focus.

If you haven’t been to the library, pull into Foundation Park and head for the building at the back. We’d love to meet you and introduce you to all our DVDs and current book releases, just waiting to go home with you. Do you commute to work? Our audio book collection has been touted as “one of the best around,” pick up something to listen to on your commute.

Support your Liberty Hill Public Library. We are here to support you in any way we can.

LH Library supports our schools

2009-08-19T15:19:00.002-05:00

As the school year nears, it's time to remind all you Liberty Hill-billies that your public library supports your schools. We realize each school has it's own library, but we still are able supplement and help out. The elementary students annually participate in the Bluebonnet Reading program. As your public library, we have all the Bluebonnet books and they are labelled as such and on a special display. We hope to help more children read more of these items by having them available.

Junior High students encounter the LoneStar reading list, all titles which can be found in your public library as well, again, labelled.

We also support the schools by having the AR reading levels and points on our books. This will aid you and your child in picking out books they can test on and in reading at appropriate levels.

Starting Wednesday, September 2, story time resumes. We will be meeting at our usual 10:30 am on Wednesdays in the library. All are welcome to join us as we spend time in September talking about books, libraries and school.

Remember, we are here for YOU. Suggestions are more than welcome and if you haven't been in to visit lately, PLEASE DO!!!

Library Changes

2009-08-12T16:30:00.002-05:00

As most of you know, Lynda McClain has retired as Director of the LH Library. I am currently serving as Interim Director as I finish my Masters Degree in Library Science, at which point I will assume the Directors Role.

All this means that we now have a new staff member to introduce you to if you haven't already met her. Susan Rozmiarek joined the library staff almost six months ago on a part time basis. Slipping effortlessly into her new duties made Susan an easy choice to fill the role of Library Assistant on a full time basis.

As we go through these staff transitions, we hope to remain a smooth running operation. As always, stop on in with book suggestions, to use the computer or just to get caught up on the local news. We love knowing all of you and seeing your smiling faces!

New online features

2009-07-22T15:44:00.003-05:00

The online catalog for the LH Public Library has been enhanced. Pictures of the book covers have been added, along with reviews, annotations and more information. Just click on the links to see the information.

Did you know you can search the Georgetown Public Library catalog while searching ours? Do your initial search. Once results come up you can check the MODIFY box and then check on Georgetown and APPLY. Then conduct searches. The first column indicates if the book is in Liberty Hill, the second column, Georgetown.

Now, how do you check those books out of Georgetown......have a TexShare card? Once you have had your LH card for 90 days and have established a history of on time returns, you are eligible for a free TexShare Card. Taking the TexShare and your LH card to a participating library (around here everyone participates) will enable you to receive that library's card AT NO COST. Usually you pay a non-resident fee, not with the TexShare.

Just stop by the library and pick yours up!

The House of Night Series

2009-07-14T12:08:00.002-05:00

I'm behind, I just finished reading Marked by PD Cast & Kristin Cast. The first of the House of Night Series, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as will fans of Twilight, I believe. Check out the website above and get a taste for this series.....book six coming in October.

New Movies at LH Library

2009-06-18T14:06:00.001-05:00

Check out our shelves....the two newest movie titles available on DVD are Benjamin Button and Something about Harvey.

If you are browsing our catalog online, did you know that if you hit that "what's hot" button, you can see items that have been added in the last month. Have you tried it yet?

Jungle Jim coming to the LH Public Library

2009-06-10T12:30:00.005-05:00

Jungle Jim will be joining us at the library for our Summer Reading Kick Off, "CATCH THE READING BUG". What a perfect start....centipedes, millipedes, Madagascar hissing cockroaches....and MANY MORE!!!

Join us Thursday, June 18
6:30 pm
In the Pavilion by the Library

The Midnighters is here!

2009-06-09T16:07:00.003-05:00

The Midnighters series by Scott Westerfeld is now at the Library. Stop by and check it out or go to our site online at LH Public Library and reserve it for yourself.

The Luxe Series for Young Adults is available now!

2009-05-20T16:06:00.002-05:00

The Luxe Series has arrived, courtesy of Dana Clark who made the donation. This Young Adult series will appeal to those who like the Vampire Diaries, Twilight, Gossip Girls. We have the first three in the series; Luxe, Rumors, Envy. Book four is due out in October 2009.

Click on the link above to check out their website.

Michael Moore's take on librarians

2009-05-20T16:02:00.003-05:00

In the Austin American Statesman for May 19, 2009 was an article about school libraries. The opening quite I LOVE:

'(Librarians) are subversive. You think they're just sitting there at the desk, all quiet and everything. They're like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn't mess with them.' -Michael Moore

Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith

2009-05-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

Eternal Trailer

Summer Reading

2009-04-29T16:08:00.002-05:00

Register Online for Summer Reading Yes that is right! At the LH Public Library, we really are on the cutting edge of technology. For the second year, you can register for Summer Reading in the middle of the night in your jammies. I'll even send you a confirmation......but not in the middle of the night, sorry, that's my time. ;)

Our theme this year is "Catch the Reading Bug" for the kids, "Metamorphosis" for the teens, and for adults it's leaning toward "What's the Buzz". Any suggestions on adult program titles?

Keep an eye out for more info on events.

Vegetable Plants at the Library

2009-03-31T13:04:00.003-05:00

Stop by the Library to pick up vegetable plants for your garden. Yes, you read that right. Local organic gardener, Lisa Cousins, has generously agreed to have her plants and flower seedballs for sale inside the Library.

There are dozens of varieties of tomatoes, peppers, squash and more. Plants are just $2.50 each, with a portion of each sale going back to the library for our building project. Seedballs are $5.50 per dozen, easy to just toss!

Come in soon.....plants are sure to go fast at these prices!

What's in my book bag

2009-01-27T10:47:00.003-06:00

First, I apologize for not blogging more often (Kylie). I have heard about it, so I guess someone is reading this. Renewed commitment to all of you. Second, keep in mind that I'm also working on my masters and not reading as much. We have a new employee that will be jumping on here and sharing blog time with me, so the frequency of postings WILL increase.

Now.....inside that bookbag.....drum roll please.......Boys That Bite by Marianne Manusci. This is aimed at young adults. Identical twin sisters, sophomores in high school, are extremely different in everything but their looks. One twin has signed her soul to a vampire and in a confusing situation, the wrong sister is bitten and is turning into a vampire. The premise of the book is good, however the quality of the writing is not on the level of the Twilight books or Tantalize. Very "sophomoric". While an enjoyable story line I think much more could have been done with the book. I'm neutral on recommending this one.

I don't think you want to hear comments on my text books for school so I'll refrain from sharing wtih you, but I am sneaking in Mercies by Toni Morrison for a review next.

2009

2009-01-07T13:42:00.002-06:00

As the new year has started, the library is looking forward to much excitement.

Story time has resumed at 10:30 am every Wednesday.
Summer Reading plans are underway. A new library building is in the works.
Books arrive weekly.

So much is happening at our library, if you haven't been in recently, stop by. We have elevation and interior renderings of the proposed building and plenty of reading materials, of course!

Building update teaser

2008-11-26T09:53:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-04T10:38:00.004-06:00

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

2008-10-22T21:21:00.006-05:00

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

2008-10-19T15:18:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-10-13T13:22:00.002-05:00

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.....

2008-09-17T14:20:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-10T13:58:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-08T12:23:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-08T12:12:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-04T15:33:00.002-05:00

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.....

2008-08-28T12:32:00.002-05:00

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......

2008-08-25T10:45:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-20T13:30:00.002-05:00

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....

2008-08-20T01:42:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-20T01:20:00.004-05:00

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

2008-08-19T23:04:00.002-05:00

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......

2008-08-06T19:28:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-07-30T14:55:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-29T13:32:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-12T13:01:00.004-05:00

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!!!