Tuesday, May 09, 2017
Chambers County
Library System – April, 2017
April started off with a birthday celebration to mark the
one year anniversary of the Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library. We opened our doors one year ago on April 11,
2016. To celebrate, we had local
authors, movies, and refreshments.
Members of the Friends of CCLS operated the bookstore, welcomed the
public, and opened several new Friends memberships. Over 100 people stopped by to wish us well,
and for those who hadn’t seen the library, they were treated to a tour by the
staff.
The Friends met on the 6th for their first
quarterly meeting of the year. Instead
of discussing a year’s worth of material at the annual meeting, it was decided
to hold shorter meetings throughout the year.
This has proven successful with more participation and ideas from Board
members. Fundraising events are in the
works for the fall.
In programming news, the branches held after school Easter
parties for the little ones with egg hunts and visits from the Easter Bunny
himself. The Juanita Hargraves Memorial
Branch in Winnie held an adult craft program on macramé on the 18th,
Storytime and Babygarten continued at the branches, with movie nights, craft
club, and book clubs rounding out the month.
Some special programs included an “LOL Comedy Night” at
Anahuac. Several self-proclaimed
comedians shared a joke or two with the group.
April 30th marked the 21st
anniversary of The Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book
Day). Libraries across the state hold
programs for children and families to celebrate reading, and to emphasize the
importance of literacy for children of all cultures and backgrounds. Staff
member Aquilia De la Cruz held a bilingual program reading the book, Biblioburro
written by Jeanette Winter. Families
enjoyed crafts, games and refreshments.
Teen programs at Anahuac
included Anime club, and a Library Cosplay Café program on the 29th. Teens gathered to watch anime, play
videogames, and attend a cosplay competition.
Mont Belvieu teens also continue their anime club meetings each
month.
Staff members Annie Vass and
Aquilia de la Cruz attended a United Way Community Initiatives Committee
meeting to report on tutorials for the 2016-17 school year. After school tutorials have been in place for
the past several years at Anahuac for students in need of extra help in subject
areas of math and reading. Many of the
kids in attendance have transportation needs, which is provided by the
Sheriff’s Office. Volunteer tutors give
their time each week to help middle school students with their homework
needs. The program has proven to be
successful, with many of the kids advancing their grades each six weeks.
The Chambers County Historical
Commission held a Historical Marker dedication ceremony in Smith Point on the
29th. Smith Point Community
Church was honored for their 100+ year history of serving as a church and
school in Chambers County. Over 100
people gathered to celebrate the occasion, along with a speech from pastor
Michael Graves and music from the Swamp Angel Brass Band from Liberty.
And finally, GED prep classes
continue at each of the Chambers County Libraries. Classes will continue at Anahuac and Mont
Belvieu during the summer. Registration
dates and times will be available soon.
