Reedsburg Public Library ~~~~ 370 Vine Street Reedsburg WI |
|||||||
The Inside Story @ Your Library (Aug 19)
Friends of the Library held another successful book sale over Reediculous Day Weekend. Thanks to every one who volunteered at the sale and visit the sale. The proceeds will help the Friends of the Library in their purchases of DVDs and audio books this year. Mark your calendar for our next one October 29-31. When you are cleaning, remember the library before throwing away books, CDs and DVDs in good used condition.
The Web is in constant flux. Most websites get updated on a weekly, daily or even hourly basis, and a lot of good stuff gets thrown out to make way for the new. Wouldn’t it be great if you could go back in time to see that a given website looked like last month, last year or even 10 years ago. Well Sherman, what you need is the Wayback Machine (www.waybackmachine.org). This is a cool directory that stores cached copies of other websites throughout history. Enter any URL and you’ll get a list of cached pages dating back to 1996, if the site was actually around back then. It’s really something to see how CNN.com was reporting the events of September 11, 2001. Ten different versions are stored, from various times during the day.
The Friends of the Library are starting to receive items for their Fall Auction (October 4-16). This is a great time to get started on your Christmas shopping with casino packages, celebrity items and more. We have just received a signed Paula Deen cookbook added to our signed book collection, which includes the popular Betty White. Items will be on display starting in September.
The Hall of Fame baseball player, Iron Man Cal Ripken Jr was born fifty years ago on August 24, 1960. We have a six DVD collection of baseball game broadcasts. These are a tribute to his on-field success from his six-hit game and the power of his three-homerun stunner to postseason performances, All-Star Game accolades and the night he overtook the all-time consecutive games played streak.
Remember that we are looking for donations, of old and new local organizations cookbooks of the Reedsburg area, to add to our local history collection. They are an important documentation of our heritage. Cookbooks have sometimes been passed down from generation to generation. Having these books in our local collection will be a way of connecting to the history of Reedsburg and the many past family kitchens. So far we have added Holy Family Church 75th Cookbook, Ironton-LaValle School Cookbook, South School, Pineview School, St. Peter’s 1983 cookbook and 1993 Lands End employees cookbook. We are really looking for an early 1990s LaValle Swimming Pool Fundraiser Cookbook.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (Aug 12)
One of the special collections at the library is the local history collection. We are a collector of histories, photos, and articles on not only Reedsburg but also local communities like LaValle, Loganville, Rock Springs, and Ironton. With the LaValle annual celebration last weekend, we wanted to shine the spotlight on a rare item in our collection, an issue of the LaValle Weekly. One of 4 papers that were printed in LaValle, this one was published 1941-43. Many think that LaValle was named because of the French term the “valley” but the June 4, 1941 issue has a different story. H.E. Blank’s local column talked about his interview with Peter LaValle whose father founded LaValle. He stated that his father, Martin LaValle was born in 1835 in Stevens Point. He studied civil engineering and became a federal surveyor. In order to maintain communication with the Surveying Department of the government, it was necessary to give a locality a name where he was working. So he called it the LaValle Government Post. Martin LaValle founder was an Irishman and not French and was a father of three sons. His son, Peter, was only five when his father died and they were living near Missoula, Montana at that time. Victor lives in Idaho and Markus in Colorado. None of the LaValle brothers had any offspring. So the family name LaValle was doomed with the passing of the three sons of the founder. And now you know the rest of the story… The library welcomes donations of family histories, local histories, and photographs for its collection. For more information contact the library.
Annie Oakley was born on August 13, 1860 in rural Ohio, one hundred and fifty-years ago. She was the first female celebrity to come out of the American West-between 1885 and 1905. She is best known for starring in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. She made a name for herself as an athlete and a record-breaking sports shooter. Bring this modern-minded woman into your life with “Bull’s-Eye” a photobiography of Annie Oakley by Sue Macy. “The Colonel and Little Missie: Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, and the Beginnings of Superstardom in America” by Larry McMurty doesn’t sidestep myth and history, but is an entertaining book on two legendary icons on the Old West. She was one of the star attractions of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show for 17 years.
Libraries are instrumental in shaping the quality of life in our communities, and capturing and sharing these personal stories is a way to capitalize on the goodwill libraries generate. This will be especially important as we progress through the difficult economic times that are plaguing libraries across the country. These stories have the potential to dramatically reinforce public attitudes toward libraries. Visit the link on our web site “Libraries For Real Life!” which reinforces the reality that today’s public libraries are vibrant, dynamic community resources that meet the information, education, and recreational needs of residents of all ages. Sharing your story is critical to the continued success of our vital community institution.
Some of our summer programs have ended but there are still activities going on through the month of August. Check the calendar on our website www.reedsburglibrary.org for the most up to date list of activities still meeting this month. Or you can just call and we’ll tell you what we have going on.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (Aug 5)
Bargain hunters and Book Lovers take note! The Friends of the Reedsburg Library will be holding a fundraising sale of hundreds of adult and children fiction and non-fiction books in hardcover and paperback. The Reediculous Days Book Sale is Friday and Saturday August 6 & 7 during regular library hours. Funds raised will be used to purchase DVD sets and audio books. If you have books you would like to donate bring them to the library anytime through out the year.
Wisconsin celebrates its rural heritage at the state’s most popular and most historic annual event, the state fair. It features numerous midways, stages and hundreds of animals from August 5-15. Well you may enjoy mini donuts, and batter-fried cheese curds in Wisconsin, but did you know they were invented at the Minnesota State Fair? Now all the fun of being at a fair can be enjoyed with “Minnesota State Fair: an illustrated history” by Kathryn Koutsky. If you can’t make to the top of the Ferris wheel at a state fair, we have books on Ferris wheels, country life on the farm and recipe books for cream puffs, mini donuts and batter-fried cheese curds.
On August 6, 1945 (sixty-five years ago), the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, instantly killing 70,000 people. Three days later, a second bomb struck Nagasaki, killing another 40,000. On the 65th anniversary of the bombings, several books explore this military decision and the people behind it. American Prometheus by Kai Bird is a rich sympathetic portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, hero, patriot and “Father of the Atomic Bomb” who remains a key figure in 20-century American history. Stephane Groueff’s Manhattan Project, the untold story of the making of the atomic bomb has a non-technical narrative of the actual making of the first atomic bomb with an accent on the personal cases of the participants and the industrial companies that built it. The American b-29 bomber the Enola Gay which dropped the atomic bomb is in the National Air and Space Museum collection. This is one of the 34 legendary World War II aircraft in the new book “In the Cockpit 2 planes of Smithsonian” which provides close-up access to the instrument panels, controls, and crew stations.
Twenty-years ago Iraqi invaded Kuwait and President George H.W. Bush ordered a military buildup on August 7, 1990. This would be called Desert Shield. Check out our display of books and videos on the Gulf War of 1991 which ended in an overwhelming victory for the allied coalition forces.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (July 29)
LIBRARY'S TOP 10 TIPS FOR A GREAT SUMMER!
1. Read our column for the latest on library services and fun, family events!
2. Register for Summer Reading Programs and keep reading all summer!
3. Borrow paperbacks for the beach, cottage or campground.
4. Read at least one "classic" book that you have always meant to read.
5. Borrow videos or DVDs for those long rainy days.
6. Get audio books for those long car or plane rides.
7. Find out what's on your student's reading list. You can borrow copies at the Library. (I guarantee that the choice is better now than it will be the last week in August!)
8. Going on vacation? Check out novels and non-fiction titles that will provide background on your vacation destination. Our librarians are happy to make suggestions!
9. Don't forget the Library also has lots of guidebooks, travel magazines, and maps.
10. Have fun, enjoy yourself, and relax!
July 28th is the 65th birthday of cartoonist Jim Davis, his character “Garfield” is featured in many books and videos here at the library. We have a signed Jim Davis 8x10 of Garfield picture that will be featured in our Library Auction. The popular library auction will be held on October 4-16. This is a great time to get started on your Christmas shopping with casino packages, celebrity items and unique Packers items. Donations of items are accepted and will be on display after Labor Day.
Author J.K. Rowling gave her fictional character Harry Potter July 31st for a birthday, the same as her own. He is 11 years old in the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and made his film debut in 2001. Happy 45th Birthday to author J.K. Rowling! We have the collection of Harry Potter books and films. If you haven’t read or watched them you should, they are riveting reading.
Seventy-five years ago, one invention changed the way people read books forever. On July 30, 1935, Penguin book publishers introduced the first modern paperback book. Sir Allen Lane’s “Ariel the Life of Shelley” has the distinction of being the first of its kind, sparking a trend that would ultimately help make books more accessible and less expensive. We will have many different paperbacks at our Book Sale in August. Our Reedikulous Days Book Sale will be Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th. As usual we will have adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover and paperback. Funds raised will benefit the library collection. Book donations are accepted any time at the library. Friends of the Library members can get in a day early with preview night on Thursday, August 5th from 6-7 PM. Become a member to get this first look.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (July 22)
This summer we have been “Making a Splash” as children and adults have set sail with activities and chances to win prizes. Did you know adults can read or listen to seven books and have their form entered for a chance to win prizes at the end of the program in August. A complete calendar of events can be found on our library home page. Speaking of making a splash did you hear about the story of LaValle resident Thomas Maycroft? He was born in England and came to America at the age of 23. On his journey to America the vessel on which he was traveling, a ship called “Atlantic” was wrecked when it struck a rock near Halifax and most of the passengers lost their lives. You can read an account of the accident in the Reedsburg Free Press September 23, 1926. The article tells how he cling to the sides of the wreak holding on to ropes and how they were rescued by some fisherman.
Make plans to join us on Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th for our Reedikulous Days Book Sale. As usual we have adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover and paperback. Funds raised will benefit the library collection. Book donations are accepted any time at the library. Friends of the Library members can get in a day early with preview night on Thursday, August 5th from 6-7 PM. Become a member to get this first look.
Last week one of baseball leaders passed away, New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner. He earned seven World Series titles and 11 pennants during his ownership. His larger-than-life outbursts transcended sports and made him a pop culture figure whose firings were parodied in commercials and on the TV comedy “Seinfeld”. Even Jerry Seinfeld said “Who else could be a memorable character on a television show without actually appearing on the show? That’s how huge a force of personality he was”. Peter Golenbock wrote “George the Poor Little Rich Boy who built the Yankee Empire” and Bill Madden wrote “Steinbrenner the last lion of Baseball”, both books are available via LINKcat. We have the 1977 World Series on DVD with all six games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (That was the season when George took advantage of the new free-agency rules and got Reggie Jackson.) Reggie’s five home runs in the series broke a 15-year Yankee championship drought. We also have the 2007 ESPN miniseries “The Bronx is Burning” which also looked at George Steinbrenner and the Yankees during 1977.
We have received many wonderful comments about our historic area photo collection now online for public viewing. Our collection of over 5,000 historic images is from Reedsburg, LaValle, Loganville, Rock Springs, Plain and Ironton area. A link to the collection is on our web page and a special thanks to Paul Schonfeld and Sauk County UW Extension, Arts and Culture Committee.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (July 15)
We are happy to host author Terese Allen at the library on Tuesday, July 20th at 7 PM. Wisconsin has an food tradition that reflects the richness of an ethnically and agriculturally diverse region. Learn stories behind some of this states favorite food and recipes like cream puffs, Hmong egg rolls and fish boils. This program is part of series of speakers this season at the library in partnership with Friends of the Library and the Worm Farm Gallery.
Are you buying a new washing machine and want to know more about these front-loading types and see which one has the best repair record? We have Consumer Reports the magazine, but if you don’t want to visit the library, you can now access Consumer Reports via our web site. You can read the same articles you’d see in the print issue, complete with rankings and graphs. (If you are not at the library you will need to enter your library card number. If you don’t have a card bring an ID and stop in to get one.) Let us know if having this available has been useful for you.
Harper Lee’s evocative novel of tomboy Scout Finch coming of age in a Depression-era Alabama town was published July 11, 1960- fifty years ago. A bestseller almost immediately, it received a Pulitzer Prize on May 1, 1961. Librarians voted it the best novel of the 20th century. We have copies available in hardcover, paperback, audio and the classic motion picture.
Twenty years ago on July 12th Northern Exposure started as an eight episode replacement series on CBS. It returned for seven more episodes in the spring of 1991. That first season, we meet Dr. Joel Fleischman; an urban New York yuppie that consents to four years of rural servitude after Alaska pays his medical school tuition. Cicely, Alaska is a delightful place to visit, even if it’s only for an hour at a time. We have all the seasons of Northern Exposure on DVD; also in our collection is a Rob Morrow book of photographs called “Northern Exposures”.
We have just added to our collection “Green Travel Guide to Southern Wisconsin” an environmentally and socially responsible travel guide by Pat Dillon. This guide surveys the best green restaurants, lodgings, shops, and activities southern Wisconsin has to offer. Dine at independent, locally owned eateries that serve up delicious fare grown and raised by farmers right down the road. Overnight at peaceful inns that sponsor workshops on topics ranging from cheesemaking to sustainability. Scour markets that sell locally foraged mushrooms, berries, and syrups as well as arts and crafts created by local artisans. Bicycle through southern Wisconsin, stopping at small-scale farms where travelers are not only welcome but encouraged to visit. If you are looking to discover even more of Wisconsin, don’t forget we have many guide books and Discover Wisconsin epsiodes on DVD. That will take you down the most scenic alternative routes, revealing the natural beauty and people of the Badger State.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (July 8)
Last week Dick Clark, the legendary host of “American Bandstand” was honored at the 2010 Daytime Emmys. Ryan Seacreast and other stars gave a touching tribute. Simon Cowell said, “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand did more for music than any other show.” If you want to learn more about Dick Clark, we have his 1976 memoir “Rock, Roll & Remember” and his mystery novel “Murder on Tour” a rock ‘n’ roll mystery. Our music CD collection includes some of the music hits from the American Bandstand Show that was on the air for almost forty years.
One of the dynamic duos on ABC television from 1966 to 1968 is celebrating his 60th birthday on July 6th. Bert John Gervis Jr best known as Burt Ward played Robin on television and the theatrical spin-off “Batman”. He wrote the tell-all autobiography “Boy Wonder: My life in Tights”, which describes his life at the time that he played Robin. Also check out our Dynamic Duos fiction display including such duos as Jesse Stone & Sunny Randall, Elvis Cole and Joe Pike and Stephanie Plum & Lulu. Do you have a favorite duo?
Gary Coleman passed away after a long illness at the end of May. Do you remember when he visited the Reedsburg area? The October 14, 1982 Reedsburg Times Press headline was “TV Star Visits Area”: “NBC television star Gary Coleman, who stars in “Different Strokes” was in the area this past weekend. Gary and his father, Willy are neighbors in Zion, IL to Roger and Joyce Spencer and their son Jason, who also have a home on Lake Redstone. The Coleman’s came up to Lake Redstone this weekend to visit their neighbors. On Saturday they visited the Wounded Knee tavern in Lime Ridge, where Gary was photographed playing a video game.”
Visit our library web site and let your fingers do the talking with the Sauk County 2010 Budget Survey. This is your opportunity to let Sauk County government officials know which programs and services are important to you.
The Friends of the Library are starting to get items for their popular Library Auction. Mark your calendar for October 4-16. This is a great time to get started on your Christmas shopping with casino packages, celebrity items and unique Packers items. One of the historic items is an NFC Championship game program signed by Brett Favre; this was his last game as a member of the Green Bay Packers. Donations of items are accepted. We will start to display the items after Labor Day.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (July 1)
On July 4th we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with picnics, parades and fireworks. But the first 4th of July celebration in Reedsburg happened July 4th, 1849. The following account is quoted from Merton Krug’s “History of Reedsburg and the Upper Baraboo Valley”.
“The first thing that was done in way of preparing for the day, was to raise a liberty pole, regretting very much that they had no flag to fly. While the men pondered gravely the women resolved that the village should not pass a flagless Fourth, and set their wits to work to devise a plan to get sufficient material for the Star Spangled Banner. The men wore blue denim and so did many of the women, but this, after much wear, was not very blue, so it was put upon a white background. The men wore buckskin reinforcements on seats and knees, and to economize as well as to get pieces that were of a brighter blue, the women cut out denim patches under the buckskin and made them into stars. A woman’s undergarment furnished a square of white and some stripes, while by a little shortening of the men’s shirts some red strips were obtained.
When the flag was completed, and before attaching it to the pole, the women determined to confide the secret of their achievement to a young man whom they all highly admired. “Horace Croswell was the ladies’ man at that time and the general confidante. They spread the flag before him. He looked at it skeptically. “That won’t do” he immediately declared, glancing at the six-pointed stars. No doubt his admiration for the women’s resourcefulness was immense. Yet he chose to tell them of their mistake, so it could be corrected without any of the other men learning of it. “The national flag” he continued, “has only five points!” The stars were all ripped off; and as there was no material with which to make new ones one point of each was cut off, and the others twisted into place. Then the millwright’s daughter, Miss Agnes McClung, embroidered on a piece of cloth this charming couplet: “The Star Spangled Banner, long may it wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave”. This was stitched to the flag and the work was pronounced complete. Such is the story of the first flag unfurled over present site of the city of Reedsburg, July 4, 1849.”
They combined their possessions to form quite an array of food that no one person could have provided. A program followed the meal and after that boards were put down for dancing. This was the first dance held in Reedsburg. When settlers spoke of the dance years later they said, “It was the most enjoyable 4th of July they ever spent.”
The Library will be open our normal hours July 3rd and 5th, but closed Sunday July 4th.
We have lots of programs left this summer be sure to check out our schedule of summer events, in the Parks & Recreation Brochure, our Summer Library Program brochure or online at www.reedsburglibrary.org.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (June 24)
Thanks to the Friends of the Library for the donation that made it possible for us to add many more episodes of Discover Wisconsin to our DVD collection. It is one of the longest-running tourism shows in the country. This weekly show is dedicated to Wisconsin tourism showcasing our many great vacation treasures. From Hayward to Viroqua and ice cream to wine our new collection will make you want to discover your own backyard, here in Wisconsin.
The Rock Springs School had their last school day of school. Did you know that the first school in Ableman (Rock Springs) was in 1856? Col. Ableman built the log cabin and Miss Maria Welton was the first schoolteacher. Later the school was located in a frame building on the corner of River and Maple Streets. That building was torn down and later replaced by a water station. In 1900, Rock Springs Elementary School was built on a hill overlooking the town. At the time it was built, the town was thriving as the result of several quarries located nearby. In 1921, an addition was made to the school. There were four classrooms in the old school, accommodating kindergarten through eighth grade and two in the new addition for ninth and tenth grade. The junior and senior years of high school were held in Reedsburg. In 1972, $500,000 was allocated from Reedsburg Area School District to construct the present building. Discover more about Sauk County Schools with the book “Good Old Golden Rule Days” a history of Sauk County country schools. Also take look at remaining one-room schools in Doug Ohman’s “Schoolhouses of Minnesota”. This book is filled with 120 color photographs with tales on the evolution of lunch pails, consolidation of rural schools, profiles of bullies and teachers’ pets and more.
Did you know that June 25th marks the anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn? Often referred to as Custer’s Last Stand, it is where George Custer and the 256 men under his command lost their lives in the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Learn more from acclaimed historian Dee Brown in the book “Showdown at Little Big Horn”, including events through the eyes and ears of the participants from both sides. “They Died With Custer” by Douglas Scott is about the archaeological reclamation of the battlefield site of the Little Big Horn. A military archeologist (Scott), a forensic archeologist (Conner), and a forensics anthropologist (Willey) combined talents to preserve and identify the material evidence of the events that took place there after a wildfire stripped the scene of vegetation and exposed the site to erosive processes and human curiosity. There is also a new bestseller by Nathaniel Philbrick, “The Last Stand”. It looks at Custer, Sitting Bull and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Ahoy readers! Set sail for the Reedsburg Public Library as we are making a Splash. We have activities for children of all ages. Adults can read or listen to seven books and get a free book bag (while supplies last). Then their form will be entered for a chance to win more prizes at the end of the program in August. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for their sponsoring of this program. Complete calendar of events can be found on our library home page
The Inside Story @ Your Library (June 17)
June is Turkey Lovers Month, National Soul Food Month, but here in Wisconsin it’s Dairy Month. Since 1937, June has been set aside as a time to pay tribute to the vital role milk and dairy products play in the American diet and the outstanding contribution of America’s dairy farmers. We are celebrating here in Reedsburg this week with “Butterfest”. The history of Reedsburg butter dates back to 1887. This is when the Prairie du Sac Creamery purchased a site for a plant here in Reedsburg. The story of Reedsburg butter is interesting. Did you know in 1895 the creamery was making a total of 40,000 pounds of butter? After a fire destroyed it a new plant was built across from the depot at South Park and Railroad Streets. It became one of the largest and best arranged in the state. In 1902 it had 120 regular patrons who delivered their milk daily to the Reedsburg Creamery. Their total output that year was 300,000 pounds of butter. This plant was purchased by Dolly Madison and also produced ice cream and bottled milk. Butter was also produced on South Pine Street at the Nestle Building now the Foremost Farms Plant. This is the plant where 50 million pounds of butter a year were produced in the early seventies and the reason that each year we celebrate “Butterfest”. The library's local history files include a folder of articles on Reedsburg's rich history with butter. We have just order a new book in celebration of this special month “Great Big Cheese Cookbook” which is a compendium of recipes from over 60 world class chefs, featuring more than 300 classic and modern cheesy delights.
The library is in need of a 2003 and a 2005 Reedsburg High School yearbook. If you have one you would like to donate or sell, please contact Sue at the library.
Helen Thomas retired last week, she was a fixture at the White House as a female journalist who has covered presidents since 1960. Also the author of five books including “Thanks for the Memories Mr. President: Wit and Wisdom From the Front Row at the White House” and the 1999 memoir “Front Row at the White House: My Life and Times”. She served for 57 years as a correspondent from the Eisenhower to the Obama administration. She is best remembered for her “Thank You Mr. President” comment like she used in the movie “Dave”. Also she was the only member of the White House Press Corps to have her own seat in the White House Briefing Room. All other seats are assigned to media outlets, rather than specific people.
At the Library, our summer program is called “Make a Splash-Read”. Thirty-five years ago a splash hit the movie screen, Jaws opened on June 20, 1975. This thriller film was directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the Peter Benchley’s novel. It is regarded as one the greatest films of all times, we will be showing it at the library on Friday, July 30 during our Friday Movie series.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (June 10)
Last Tuesday the former First Lady Barbara Bush celebrated her 85th birthday. She is the author of a couple books that look at her White House and post White House years. Remember her first book “Millie’s Book” that in 1992 spent 23 weeks on the bestseller list. We have it as the Bush’s dog Millie describes a day in the life of George HW Bush and family discussing morning briefings, deliberations in the Oval Office, and short breaks for squirrel hunting.
Listening to a Milwaukee Brewers game the last month has been different without Bob Uecker. The former big league ballplayer and Hall of Fame broadcaster is one of the funniest men. To relive some of many great laughs and Brewers memories try “Bob Uecker Mr. Baseball” on CD. This tribute is a mix of his Brewers radio highlights along with some hilarious moments of his entertainment career. Did you also know that Bob Uecker is the author of “Catcher in the Wry” a book about his baseball career including his World Series season with the St. Louis Cardinals. Enjoy these while Bob is recovering from his surgery. Baseball in Wisconsin is not the same without him.
Did you know that the VCR was introduced thirty-five years ago on June 7,1975. The Sony Corporation released its videocassette recorder, the Betamax, which sold for $995. Eventually, another VCR format, VHS proved more successful and Sony stopped making the Betamax. We still have some films available on the VHS format and a growing collection on DVD. (Sorry no Betamax versions although I think I still have some at home.)
The Summer Library Program kicked off to a great start with a large number of kids, teens and adults registrations. Complete information about activities and the June Calendar of Events is available on our web site. Remember even grown-ups can have fun with our adult reading program this summer. “Make a Splash” is running through August. Read or listen to seven books and receive a blue book bag, while supply lasts. Your form will also be entered in the drawing for a chance to win prizes at the end of the program. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for your support in the Adult Reading Program.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (June 3)
The Friends of the Library have recently donated to the library’s growing collection of Playaway audio items. June is audio book month, so this is a great time to discover what Playaways are. A Playaway is the simplest way to listen to an audio book. They are an MP3 player that comes preloaded with one book and takes one regular AAA battery to play. We even have rechargeable batteries you can check out, so you can start listening as soon as you get to your earphones. (Our supply of batteries is limited and it is one way you can help us stretch our budget dollars by using your own batteries. The less batteries we have to buy the more Playaways we can buy.) You just simply plug in earphones and enjoy. Playaways allow bookmark insertions to remember where you stopped listening and you can adjust the speed of the narrator’s voice. They work with most headphones, speakers or car adapters. Our collection includes novels, biographies, learning a language, business and best sellers. Playaways are available for 4-week check out and are also available from other libraries via LINKcat. For a list of titles available in Playaway format, search LINKcat using the keyword Playaway.
Well at this time of the year, our favorite television shows go out with a season finale or final episode. The shows “Lost, “Law & Order” and “24” are ending. Do you wonder how they all began; we have available in our LINK system of libraries the first season of the shows. These will help you answer your questions about how did they get on the island or who is Jack Bauer. Our LINK system includes materials at over fifty libraries in the South Central Library System.
The Summer Library Program has begun with a large number of kids, teens and adults registering this week. Complete information about activities and the June Calendar of Events are available on our web site. Remember even grow-ups can have fun with our adult reading program this summer. Adults can read or listen to seven books and receive a blue “Make a Splash” book bag, while supply lasts. Your form will also be entered in the prize drawing at the summer.
On our web site you will find a link to the Sauk County Budget Survey for 2011. The Sauk County Finance Committee is looking again this year for input on the importance of programs and services provided by the county (like your library). Take time to respond to the survey. If you don’t have a computer at home come into the library to use the ones here.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (May 27)
Thursday, May 27th we will be turning our community room into a Computer Training Lab. Library staff will be available to answer questions or provide assistance as you work. This is a great opportunity to work on your resume, start an e-mail account, fill out a job application online or just explore the Internet and get answers to your questions as they come up. Seats are 1st come and all are welcome from 1-3 pm.
Summer Library hours start this weekend (Memorial Day Weekend).
Summer hours are: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-8 pm, Friday 8:30 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-1 pm, Sunday Closed. The library will be closed on Memorial Day, May 31st, to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us. Our book return will be open, which is located on the Locust Street side of the building. Remember LINKcat should be available on our web site to request and renew materials during the holiday weekend.
Every Memorial Day, Americans remember the debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans. On this important day, communities across our Nation stop to remember and to honor the great sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. Through the course of our Nation's history, more than 41 million Americans have served the cause of freedom and more than a million have died in its name. On this noble American holiday, we solemnly pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our Nation. We honor those generations and individuals who fought for liberty and in defiance of tyranny that this unique experiment in self-government might long endure.
Our display case this month looks at War Memorials across the globe, one of those memorials is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This memorial in Washington is made of polished black granite it reflects not only the veterans name but also the expressions of the visitors and the landscape. As you touch a name on the wall, you can’t help but think of the sacrifice made, the life that was lost and the family that was left behind. Three Reedsburg’s soldiers Cpl. Thomas Klemp, PFC. Michael Prothero, and Pvt. Jerome Schuett gave their lives in Vietnam. Our local history archives collection includes rubbings of there names from the Vietnam Memorial. All war memorials across our country serve as a silent reminder of all the Americans who died in war. The Reedsburg Public Library closes each year on Memorial Day. They do this to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us.
Did you know that more public libraries offer free meeting rooms than there are conference centers, convention facilities and auditoriums combined? Every day 225,000 people use library meeting rooms at a retail value of $11 million. That’s $3.2 bullion annually (based on 286 business days per year). Yes we offer a Conference Room and a larger Community Room for meetings during and after library hours. We also have study rooms available during library hours for one on one discussion. Policy and applications for the Conference and Community Room are available on our web site.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (May 20)
Did you know that every day, Americans borrow 2.1 million DVDs from libraries, and we spend over $22 million for DVD rentals at outlets like Netfix and Redbox vending machines. Library DVDs are free and most DVDs checkout for at least seven days.
Thirty years ago, May 18, 1980 a major eruption happened in southwestern Washington. Mount St. Helens blew steam and ash more than 11 miles into the sky. Our display case in the lobby is featuring many jars of ash and even a damaged leaf from the 1980 eruption. We have just added Frank Gohlke’s book “Mount St. Helens” which is a collection of photographs of terrain around the volcano from 1981 until 1990 as you will see slow regrowth in the dramatic selections of photographs. Also we have books about visiting the site today and videos of the eruption that happened thirty years ago.
May is Wisconsin’s Archeology Month, check out our display of books about archeology and archeology sites across the world. Did you know Sauk County has three unique sites, Yellow Thunder Memorial, Man Mound and the Hulbert Creek Garden Beds? The garden beds are located at the corner of County Road H and Birchwood Road. The site is three acres of approximately 1,000 year old Native American raised bed gardens. This site is managed by Sauk County Historical Society’s Archeological Committee which is chaired by Rob Nurre. Rob will be discussing this site and how the Native Americans grew their food here on Tuesday, August 17th. This program is just one of the many in partnership with the Worm Farm and in celebration of Smithsonian Key Ingredients program coming in October.
Are you looking forward to the summer and making a splash @ your library during our summer reading program. The summer reading program is for everyone-not just kids. Starting June 1, children, teens and adults can all make some waves and make a splash while reading. A complete calendar of programs and events can be found on our web site and paper copies of the brochure are now available at the library and will be coming home via schools soon.
Remember that we are looking for donations of old and new local organizations cookbooks of the Reedsburg area, to our local history collection. They are an important documentation of our heritage. Cookbooks have sometimes been passed down from generation to generation. Having these books in our local collection will be a way of connecting to the history of Reedsburg and the many past families kitchens. Thank you so far for the donation of Holy Family Church 75th Cookbook, Ironton-LaValle School Cookbook, South School, Pineview School, St. Peter’s 1983 cookbook and 1993 Lands End employees cookbook.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (May 13)
Happy Children’s Book Week! This is an annual event sponsored by the Children’s Book Council to encourage the enjoyment of reading for young people. We kicked off this special week last Saturday when we had a visit from Curious George. You can find pictures of this special 2nd Saturday library program on our library web page.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 27th as we will have our community room set up as a Computer Training Lab. Library staff will be available to answer questions or provide assistance as you work. This is a great opportunity to work on your resume, start an e-mail account, fill out a job application online or just explore the Internet and get answers to your questions as they come up. Seats are 1st come and all are welcome on Thursday, May 27th from 1-3 pm.
Minnesota is where the Mississippi River begins, where the world’s coldest temperature was recorded, and where you can “shop’ til you drop” at the world’s largest shopping mall, Mall of America. Minnesota has been called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and between the lakes are abundant prairies, rolling hills, northern forests, the shoreline of Lake Superior and the canoe area at the Boundary Waters. State history includes many stories: those of Native Americans, French-Canadians, iron miners, lumbermen, lighthouse keepers and hardy pioneers from Germany, Scandinavia and Central Europe. There’s Mississippi River lore and stories about Paul Bunyan, a mythical lumberjack of huge size and strength and his companion, Babe the Blue Ox. On May 11, 1858 Minnesota joined the Union as the 32nd state. We have many wonderful books about Minnesota like “How to Talk Minnesotan” by Howard Mohr, and “Six feet under” a graveyard guide to Minnesota by Stew Thornley. We also have books like “Minnesota State Fair” and “Cabins of Minnesota”. . Check out a book and read about Minnesota the star to the north.
Happy 85th Birthday to Yogi Berra, widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history. He was born May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri and is the author of four books. We have his 2003 memoir “Ten Rings” which collects a lifetime of stories of his ten championship seasons. His ten championship rings are more than any other player of the 20th century. Check out our display of baseball books by and about some legends of the field. Coming soon are books about Hank Aaron and American League MVP Joe Mauer.
Are you planning your summer activities and don't want to miss our summer program events? Now available on our web site is a complete list of events and information on the summer library program. Our program has activities for all ages. Registration for Children and teens starts the week of June 8. Adult program starts June 1st.
Have you had a chance to look over our Free Rental Cart? Has it been your “lucky day” to find a bestseller or newly released DVD? These items have a 7 day checkout and 30¢/day overdue fee but a great chance to find an item with a very long waiting list.
The Inside Story @ Your Library (May 6)
It’s springtime and we can help you with all of your projects. From planting a garden, landscaping your yard and even organizing your closets, we have books that can help. Rhubarb is a great springtime tradition for some of us. You may only have it in pies, bars and other desserts, but we can help you explore new ways of using it. Theresa Millang’s “Joy of Rhubarb” is a versatile cookbook of this spring delight. Also if you want to know more including it’s history try Sandi Vitt’s “Rhubarb: More Then Just Pies”.
Are you Googling and browsing for all the wrong answers? Ask someone who can find the right answers 24/7 at the “Ask us a question” button on the bottom of our web page. AskAway is a statewide virtual reference project and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by academic and public librarians around the country. This service is provided through an online chat. Questions can also be submitted through email. Just click the “Ask us a question” button on our homepage and “AskAway”.
Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40 highly acclaimed children’s books. He was a four-time Caldecott Honor Winner for “Inch by Inch”, “Frederick”, “Swimmy”, and “Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse”. We have many of his books including his first “Little Blue and Little Yellow” which was published in 1959. He was born May 5, 1910 one hundred years ago in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Sixty-five years ago (May 8, 1945) was V-E Day. Victory in Europe Day commemorates the unconditional surrender of Germany to Allied Forces, ending WWII in Europe. If you want to learn more about World War II, check out some items from our display. We also have a large collection of non-fiction and fiction books on the subject from home life in Sauk County to the battlefront. Our nation honors the World War II era with the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. It is one of the war memorials featured in our display case this month.
Make sure you plan to join us at the library for our 2nd Saturday Program on Saturday, May 8th at 10:30 am. We will have a special guest joining us “Curious George”. He is the protagonist of a series of popular children’s books by the same name, written by Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey. The books feature a curious monkey named George, who is brought from his home in Africa by the Man with the Yellow Hat to live with him in a big city. Around the world, the adventures of Curious George have been translated in many languages. Curious George will be here Saturday, May 8th from 10:30 am -11:30 am.