Sumertime at the Library

The summer library program for children and teens is in full swing. We opened registration the day after school let out. We had more than 80 teens and 80 children register the very first day. I haven’t checked the numbers since. There just hasn’t been time; I can tell you that there are kids of all ages all over everywhere.
Every time I venture downstairs, the foyer has been transformed into a different country. So far, China, Egypt and Australia. Italy is coming up……everything is draped with vines and grapes for an authentic vineyard look. Children’s librarian, Sarah Evans, and her helpers have done amazing things this summer. Check out their Facebook page: Humboldt Library Kids. Be sure you watch the video of crocodile hunter Jonathan Schaffer- his down-under accent is perfect!
When the children “visit” Peru on June 28, we are going to have a real live llama on the library lawn. If you have always wanted to meet one, stop by on the 28th at 10:00 am.
June 16 is our Humboldt Reads! dinner and book discussion. We’ve read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It’s a look at civil rights from a different point of view. If you haven’t read it, we still have plenty of copies. It’s worth your time.
The July Humboldt Reads! selection is Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I haven’t reqd it yet, but several people have told me how well written it is. One of those people is Darlene McKimmey. Darlene and I occasionally have completely opposite views when we read the same book. It will be interesting to find out if we agree on this one. When we don’t agree, it makes for lively conversation.
June 18 is the Humboldt Area Arts Festival at John Brown Park. From what I understand, restoration work on the park fountain is almost finished. I can’t wait to see it working again. Park fountains just say “summer to me.” As always, at the festival there will be many artists’ booths, music most of the day, good food available and lots of activities for kids. Every year the library sponsors a kids’ activity. The first year we painted with our feet. Believe me; I learned a lesson that year. Since then, our art activity has focused on the making of a bookmark---in some not-very-messy art medium. We’ve used rubber stamps, markers, stickers, glitter, etc.
This year we are being really kind to the library staff. We’ve engaged the services of a caricature artist. Duane Murray, library director at the Alexander, Iowa Public Library will be available under the children’s tent to do a sketch of the kids. Stop by and say “hi”, and watch him draw!