Monday, September 10, 2012

 

July @ the Library!

Chambers County Library System – July, 2012

Another successful Summer Reading Program ended with a week of party events in mid-July.  This year’s program was a huge success with 28,870 books read in June and July as part of the Texas Reading Club, held at the three Chambers County libraries.  The annual program, which is open to children from the ages of pre-k through 5th grade ended in mid-July, with 1,100 children registering.  A total of 3,455 adults, teens, and children attended 40 programs held during this time.  Over 200 adults and teens enrolled in their own reading events, and read a total of 2,157 books. 

The Friends of CCLS also took advantage of the summer crowds by holding a 3-day Gently Used Book Sale at Anahuac and Mont Belvieu.  It was a huge success, and funds raised will be used to purchase additional programming supplies and equipment for the libraries.  The Friends also met during a special called meeting on the 11th to discuss ongoing plans for the Mont Belvieu library fundraising campaign.  Good things are in the works for the West Chambers Branch! 

At the beginning of the month, former classroom teacher turned professional chef Lori Hinze held a Cooking Program at each of the libraries.  Her “Book Cook” program incorporates skills such as literacy, math, and nutrition into her presentation.  Kids became chefs for the day while learning some cooking techniques they could use at home.  We had an overwhelming response and many requests to have her back.  I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Lori in the Fall!

The Anahuac staff continued on with more programs even after summer was finished.  Branch Librarian Aquilia De la Cruz and Teen Librarian LaShebia Haskin combined their talents to present a “Walk on Water” program where the “tween” age kids created sandals made from recycled 2-liter bottles.  The results were amazing and the kids had a blast. 

And a big thank you to everyone involved in helping the library get a permanent vehicle.  We haul over 1,000 items each month between the 3 libraries and it does quite a bit of wear and tear on our personal vehicles when you’re hauling such items as book sale books, equipment, furniture, sno-cone machines, DVDs, buckets of mail, etc.  The County Librarian makes weekly trips to the branches and we never have less than 5 big boxes to deliver.  It’s also used for outreach programs when our children and teen staff go to the local schools and day cares.  

A budget hearing was held at the end of July for the library.  Each year we make notes on items or services we would like to add for the citizens of the county.  This year we’re asking for language and test prep databases, lease printers, additional programming money, and a couple of items we feel is warranted to continue the level of service our patrons have grown used to. We find out in a couple of months what we get, so we anxiously await until then. 
End of Summer Reading Party at Anahuac

Lori Hinze with Cook, Learn, Grown during her Book Cook program

Ronald McDonald visits the library!

Hannah-Kate enjoying her "new" recycled shoes!

Members of the Writers' Interest Group at Mont Belvieu


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