Wednesday, September 17, 2008

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!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

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.....

Monday, September 8, 2008

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!!!


Thursday, September 4, 2008

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.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

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.

Monday, August 25, 2008

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!