Summer Reading Program: The Final Countdown

We're less than a week away from the start of the Summer Reading Program!  May has been crazy busy for us as we make the final preparations for the program.  Cassie and I, along with Janet and Joyce from the Youth Services Department, have been visiting schools all over the county to get kids, teens, and adults pumped up for Summer Reading.  It's always great to see everyone during these visits (yes, we recognize a lot of you because you come to the library so much!).

On top of the visits, we also have to prepare ALL THE THINGS to be sent out to our branches.  From posters to prizes, there are several things each branch needs to be ready for summer.  We also want the branch staff to have all of their materials ahead of time so they can be familiar with what's going on during the summer and can ask any last minute questions.

Then there's the decorating.....

 Team Curie vs. Team Einstein Adult Reading Program

 All decked out in Mad Scientist finery

 Ms. Janet, Queen of the Bulletin Board, Strikes Again!

 And again.....

 Finally got her to stop at board #3.  

Story Laboratory (formerly called the Story Corner)

The fun all begins on June 1st!  Be sure to stop by your local branch to find out about all of the great things happening at the library this summer.

Alyssa

Summer Tunes

Most people think of books when they think of the library, but did you know you can get music, too?  Through our Freegal download service, library patrons can download five free songs per week to your computer or portable device. The songs are yours to keep and never expire.  We don't have access to every song on the radio, but there are about 7 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. In total the collection is comprised of music from over 28,000 labels with music that originates in over 80 countries. There is no software to download, and there are no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.  To get started, visit the Library's web page, http://morg.lib.in.us and click on the Freegal logo. 

Here are just a few of the hot new summer albums you can enjoy using Freegal: 

Xscape is the second posthumous album of previously unreleased tracks by Michael Jackson.  It consists of eight songs from the Jackson vaults, each updated with new instrumentation and arrangements from star producers like Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins that still retain Jackson’s essence and integrity, creating the best music you’ve never heard.  Dubbed the King of Pop, Michael Jackson transformed the face of pop music and popular culture. He released the best-selling album in history, Thriller, in 1982. He died unexpectedly in 2009.

 

Corazón is the twenty-second studio album by Santana, and features collaborations with various singers like Gloria Estefan, Ziggy Marley, Pitbull and Cindy Blackman. Guitarist Carlos Santana formed the Santana Blues Band in 1966 San Francisco.  With their highly original blend of Latin-infused rock, jazz, blues, salsa and African rhythms, the band—which quickly became known simply as Santana—gained an immediate following on the San Francisco club scene and led to a memorable performance at Woodstock in 1969. Throughout the following decades, Santana released a string of successful albums.  As the band's personnel changed frequently, Santana (the band) came to be associated almost exclusively with Carlos Santana himself and his psychedelic guitar riffs.
 

Welcome to the New is the eighth studio album from Christian rock band MercyMe.  It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Album chart, selling 26,000 copies in its first week. MercyMe, consisting of vocalist Bart Millard, keyboardist James Bryson, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul was founded in Greenville, Texas in 1994.  The group first gained mainstream recognition with the crossover single, "I Can Only Imagine" which elevated their debut album, Almost There, to double platinum certification. Since then, the group has had 13 consecutive top 5 singles on the Billboard Christian Songs chart, with 7 of them reaching No. 1. MercyMe has won 8 Dove Awards and has had numerous Grammy Award nominations.

Thinking About Summer

As I contemplate summer there are a number of things I would like to accomplish.  And guess what?  The library is the perfect place to help me plan my summer.  Books and other items in the library can help you plan yours, too. 

First up is a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN.  I have already placed a specific book on hold through Evergreen and received a Fodor's travel guide about that part of our great nation.  Other books about interesting destinations in Indiana and beyond can be found in the library. (914 - 919.931)

Until the upcoming trip, I find that my home could stand a lot more organization.  So once again to the shelves of our wonderful library to find books filled with ideas. (640 and/or 648.8)

But all work and no play will make the summer rather unpleasant so for a little entertainment, I need only go as far as the DVD room directly behind the main desk.  There's also a wonderful collection of children's movies in the children's area.  I watch my e-mail for the library's Wowbrary newsletter for the latest videos.  From there I can place a hold on the newest movies.  If we have your e-mail address, you should be getting Wowbrary, too.  If not, don't hesitate to come in and have us update your library record to include your e-mail address.

Being a couch potato all summer wouldn't be such a good idea, so I need to get up and get moving.  Of course, we have exercise DVDs, but there are also many wonderful books about various sports activities.  Books about sports can be found in the 790s.  It's a great place to browse for inspiration to get you up and active.  Another great form of exercise is gardening and those books can be found in the 635s.

While exercise is great, eating right most of the time would be a good idea as well.  Books about special diets can be found starting with 613.25.  However, I don't plan to overlook the cookbooks in the 641.5 and beyond section.  Sometimes these cookbooks are written to go along with a specific diet. 

Two of my favorite things to do are making things (arts and crafts) and playing games.  This summer is sure to offer lots of time for those endeavors.  Once again the 700s are the place to visit in the library.  Arts and crafts start at 745.5 and continue on through 746.9.  For more fun, books about games start at 790 and continue through 790.9. 

Last but certainly not least on my list of things to do this summer is to just read for pleasure.  While I'm choosing some pleasure reading, I can sign up for the adult summer reading game starting on June 1st.  I hope you will, too.  And if you are interested in any of the types of books mentioned in this blog and can't seem to find them, just ask.  We're all here to help you find those books you wish to read.