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!