2006 Bronson Library Corner Archives
The Library Corner
January 12th 2006
By Carole and Pat
The new year 2006 is well under way and our staff hopes that one of your New Year's resolutions was to make frequent visits to the library and take advantage of our many services. We have acquired a great number of new books in the past few weeks. Our library of videos and DVDs is continuing to grow and our bank of computers are constantly being upgraded with new software and programs. We are constantly seeking new and challenging books and activities for our beginning and younger readers. Please stop in soon and look around and just say hello.
One of our patrons, Don Carpenter of Bronson, has graciously allowed us to place part of his collection of vintage farm machinery in our showcase. The pieces include several John Deere tractors, a pickup truck from the 1957 era and other items of farm equipment. Don has been amassing his array for nearly 20 years. He has cleaned and refurbished the items and meticulously painted and detailed each piece to its original condition. Please stop in today and view this display. It is sure to bring back memories to many of our visitors.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their first meeting of 2006 on Tuesday, January 19th at 4:00 PM in the conference room in the basement of the Library. Plans for the spring landscape cleanup and children's programs will be on the agenda.
New Books at your library:
The Christmas Angel by Thomas Kincade The spirit of the season is spreading through Cape Light as the residents prepare to celebrate the joy of the holidays when town mayor Emily receives an unexpected and precious Christmas gift. She finds a baby tucked away in a decorative cradle set up outside the church. Having put her own child up for adoption may years ago, Emily believes that she was meant to raise this baby as her own, but her husband does not want the responsibility of raising a child. Emily must come to terms with her duty to her family, her own feelings of regret, loss, and what her heart truly desires.
Robert Tanenbaum's newest novel, Irresistible Impulse, is an electrifying blend of courtroom confrontation and street-level action, filled with psychological suspense and penetrating personal drama. Tanenbaum is the epitome of gripping legal fiction.
In Close Case Alafair Burke, once a Portland, Oregon county prosecutor, delivers a politically charged, gritty thriller when her heroine Deputy D.A. Samantha Kincaid is called to the scene of the brutal murder of a well known investigative reporter. Usually, DAs and cops play well together, but now, something goes awry. A cop kills a young mother. A suspect claims police brutality. A confession is deemed inadmissible. Is there a fix in?
Bad Desire by Gary Devon is a riveting piece of storytelling. A novel of psychological suspense which tells the deep and compelling story of the dark side of love and the ferocity of passion.
With a host of literary honors and awards, Ursula K. LeGuin has long been a mainstay of science fiction and fantasy. But of all of her 19 novels and 100+ short stories, she is perhaps best known for her Earthsea series. We are pleased to add The Earthsea Trilogy to our collection here at the library. It contains A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore.
Texas Vendetta by Elmer Kelton is a thoughtful, realistic portrayal of the West in which carefully drawn characters—not gun play—drive the action. If there were to be an heir to the Louis l'Amour legacy, some say that Elmer Kelton would fill the bill.
Tombstone, the Arizona town of morbid name and violent memories, has found an author who is as much interested in facts as in legend. This book is gaudy, noisy, full of shouting, gunfire, and facts. John Myers has done a splendid job of research and writing.
"To add a library to a house is to give the house a soul." —Cicero
The Library Corner
January 19th 2006
By Carole and Pat
This week was the final week before head librarian Carole Maddox's well-earned retirement. She has been busy this week teaching the ropes and turning the reins over to our new head librarian, Lynelle Eash. Lynnell has been with the library serving at Algansee and Sherwood. She is well trained in library operations and the transfer has gone very smoothly. We urge our many patrons to stop in and greet Lynnell. Carole will leave us on Friday. We are all going to miss her smiling face and helping hand. Carole said that it will take some time before she will realize that she can go shopping or visiting her grandchildren and family on other days than Monday, her only day off these many years. She promises to visit the library often and keep in contact with her many friends and admirers. Good luck Carole and God bless you.
New Videos at your library
Valiant—The whole world is looking for a hero and it's up to a little pigeon named Valiant to step up and bravely serve his country. Stunning animation and an action-packed story loaded with laughs from the producer of Shrek and Shrek 2.
The Retrievers—a heartwarming story about how Pilot the golden retriever and her puppies teach a family some big lessons about love, life, family and what's truly important.
Batman (Volume 1): Training For Power—A triple treat of stories introducing Batman to three of his worst enemies, Joker, Penguin, and Bane. Each story pushes Batman's skills and awesome new gadgets to the limits! (Volume 2) The Man Who Would Be A Bat—A dog, a cat, and a crook confound Batman in 3 thrilling episodes. Secrets Of The Caped Crusader. Defending the streets of Gotham City, Batman stands as a beacon of justice, a crusader for good and a one-man crime fighting force in these four fabulous adventures.
Everyone loves the magic of Mary Poppins, the timeless Disney classic.
Charlotte's Web—The timeless children's story comes to life in this colorful animated musical that encourages youngsters to laugh and sing as they learn about friendship, trust and love.
New JUVENILE BOOKS:
Come check out Johnathan Rand's newest Michigan Chiller, Ausable Alligators.
Soccer Star—Oscar is excited when he is chosen for the local soccer team, but the date of the first game is on the same day as a special family party. His mom says he can't play. How can this problem be solved? A good read for ages 8-10.
JE BOOKS (pre-reader - early reader):
The Legend Of The Old Man Of The Mountain—The legend of Chief Pemigewasset whose love and devotion to his wife are honored in his profile on a mountainside.
Hidden Cherries—Did you know that Traverse City, Michigan, is the 'Cherry Capital of the World? This book celebrates the National Cherry Festival held in Traverse City every July and "is overflowing with cherries red and cherries round, find 100 Mr. Cherries to fill the cherry pound."
Grandpa's Fishin' Friend—Spend a warm, sunny afternoon with Grandpa and his favorite fishin' friend as they search for a fish they call Albert Einstein "'cause he's smart. He knows our game."
I Wanna Go To Grandma's House—A charming story of a young girl's day spent with grandma, baking cookies, splashing in the pool, and walking in the garden, written in rhyme in the first person of a child.
Grandma's Treasure Chest—What can be found in Grandma's treasure chest? Emeralds? Rubies? Silver? Gold? Or maybe things that money can't buy.
From our microfilm archive: January 19th, 1917 Bronson Journal:
New addition to Douglas and Rudd Mfg plant being rushed. Coal shortage in Bronson.
The Library Corner
January 26th 2006
With Lynnell and Pat
On Wednesday, January 18th, a group of Girl Scouts visited our library. The youngsters were led by Marlise Taylor and Sharon McMeen. Don Brown told the girls about Japan and pointed to an authentic Korean national dress donated to our library by Vivian Slisher many years ago. The scouts made Origami items and looked up more information about Japan in our reference section. The girls will share their findings with other groups studying different countries and will report their findings at a Tea Time gathering in LaGrange, Indiana on February 18th. The Scouts also used our computers to find data on the Girl Scouts using the Internet. Girls attending the event were Jessica Vargas Patton, Abby Ashbrook, Shawna McGarry, Sarah McMeen, Nancy Hoover, Ashley Padgett, Alexa Sandahl, Brandi Woods, Tamra Martin, Torei Kulpinski, Mattie Noble Cassidi Beauregard, Mikayla Johnson and Destiny Blizzard.
Due to the above program, several of the girl's parents came and signed up their children for new library cards. A great time was had by all and many intend to make frequent use of our library. As a reminder, it is necessary for parents to sign registration cards giving permission for their children to check out materials from the library. All registration applications must be filled out and signed at the library. Cards cannot be taken home to be signed. Give your child the gift of using all the services of your library. Reading is FUNdamental!!
Your library is always searching for new programs for our young patrons. One program in the works requires items that can't readily be purchased. There is a need for 2-and-3/4-inch jar lids like those found on pickle, jam, sauces, etc., glass jars and also a need for Altoid mint tins. If you have such items and wish to donate them, Please call the library at 517-369-3785.
"My books are very few, but then the world is before me—a library open to all—from which poverty of purse cannot exclude me—in which the meanest and most paltry volume is sure to furnish something to amuse, if not to instruct and improve." —Letter to George Johnson, January 1824
The Library Corner
February 2nd 2006
With Lynnell and Pat
Starting February 7, 2006, your library will be open at new hours. Closed Mondays, open Tuesday 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 10:30 to 6:00 PM, Thursday 10:30 to 5:00 PM, Friday 10:30 to 4:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 until 12:00 Noon. We will no longer be open until 7:00 on Tuesday and will now be open til 6:00 PM on Wednesday.
Sherwood Library hours will be changing as of February 7th. New hours will be Tuesday 3:00 - 6:00, Thursday 3:00 - 6:00, and Saturday 9:00 - 12:00. We hope the change to 6:00 will allow more people getting off work at 5:00 to come use the library.
On Friday, February 10th, your library will hold a Preschool Storytime. from 11:00 to 11:45 AM for children ages 3 to 5. Please call the library at 517-369-3785 to register to attend.
Bronson Schools will be closed on February 17th. The Bronson Library will be showing the Disney movie Valiant for children 5 to 12 years old. There will be two screenings: One at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Those youngsters wanting to attend must stop at the library or call 517-369 3785 to register before the day of the show. They may bring a blanket and pillow if they wish. Popcorn and a drink will be served.
February 24th the American Girl Club will meet 4:00 to 5:00 PM for ages 7 to 12. Please register to attend.
Boys, girls and parents: Please read The Library Corner in The Bronson Journal every week for more scheduled programs and events planned for future weeks.
Your library now has some state and federal income tax forms and booklets for local taxpayers. We can also print some forms from the Internet at a nominal cost. Tax forms and instructions in Spanish are available at http://www.irs.gov/espanol.
The Friends of the Bronson Library are currently contacting architects and contractors wishing to submit plans and estimates for improvements to our building. They are hoping to add an accessible rest room and an elevator or lift to aid all our patrons who cannot navigate our steep staircases. The members are investigating methods of funding the additions. The Bronson Public Library building is an historical edifice. In the last several decades, Bronson has seen most of our old familiar buildings and landmarks torn down and destroyed. Please help the Friends restore and save this last vestige of Bronson's heritage. Join the Friends of the Library today and help in this worthy cause.
From our microfilm archives: The Bronson Journal, February 3, 1905, Page 1:
The new gasoline fire engine satisfactorily passed it's trial run. The first fire it was called upon to fight occurred about 12:30 Monday, Oct. 13, 1905.
The Library Corner
February 9th 2006
With Lynnell and Pat
Your Bronson library had a very good start for 2006. The circulation for January was 656 items checked out. That is an increase of 272 over January, 2005. We had 966 people visit the library during January and 369 people used our computers.
Dan Rinehart brought in a beautiful flag that his grandmother crocheted. We plan to display it during the month in honor of Presidents Day.
Reminder to patrons: If your library card shows an expired date on it, don't throw it away. The card is probably still good. You just need to bring it to the library, update any new information (address, phone, etc.) and the card will be renewed for another three years.
The Bronson Library is now open until 6:00 PM on both Tuesday and Wednesday
The Bronson Library calendar of events, February, 2006:
Preschool Story Time, Friday February 10, 11:00-11:45 AM for ages 3-5 We will be making a special valentine for each child to take home. Please register to attend.
Bronson Schools will be closed on February 17th. The Bronson Library will be showing the Disney movie "Valiant" for children 5 to 12 years old. There will be two screenings: One at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Those youngsters wanting to attend must stop at the library or call 369-3785 to register before the day of the show. They may bring a blanket and pillow if they wish. Popcorn and a drink will be served.
February 21st: Bronson Friends of the Library meeting, 4:00 PM.
February 24th: the American Girl Club will meet 4:00 to 5:00 PM for ages 7 to 12. Please register to attend.
Sherwood Library News:
American Girl Club: February 9 6:00-7:00 for ages 8-12. Please register to attend. Phone 517-741-7976
Story Hour: February 11 10:00-11:00 Ages 6-11.
The Sherwood Library will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-6:00 and Saturday 9:00-12:00.
Sherwood stats for the month of January 2006. Circulation was 521 which is up 317 from last year. 223 people visited the library and 98 used the computers.
New books at your library:
There's Magic In Your Name —This book contains over 17,000 names.
In Style Weddings —The future bride will find this handsome volume brimming with good advice to help prepare for her magical day.
Mr. Murder by Laura Van Wormer gives us a look at world of TV broadcasting.
Judith Kelman's The Obsession, a powerhouse of a thriller that hooks you from the first page.
Speak Of The Devil —Richard Hawke's first novel.
The Hunt Club, By John Lescroart, is a novel you will not want to put down.
Death Dance by Linda Fairstein captures all the thrills of the New York stage.
Sunstroke by Jesse Kellerman, a most exciting new voice in crime fiction.
Capitol Murder by William Barnhardt captures the reality of criminal defense.
Justice Rider by Chuck Norris. Special Forces, Texas style.
NON FICTION
Being Martha —The inside story of Martha Stewart by her dear friend, Lloyd Allen.
Japanese Women Don't Get Old Or Fat —What if there were a land where people lived longer than anyplace else on earth.
Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty, a book full of fabulous advice, from the practical to the whimsical, that is worth its weight in lasagna.
Smart And Simple Financial Strategies For Busy People —the class book for practical financial advice, written with clarity and style.
We received a donation of 13 Louis L'Amour books on tape and they are on the shelf ready for checkout.
"Tis well to borrow from the good and great; 'Tis wise to learn; 'tis God-like to create!" —The Library, John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887)
The Library Corner
February 16th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Our favorite Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow on February 2nd and predicted six more weeks of winter! What better time to snuggle up with a good book and stay out of the cold ?? The staff has been busy acquiring many new and best selling fiction and non-fiction editions that are now on our shelves awaiting your check out. You will find a list of selections later in this article. Please read this column each week in the Bronson Journal for more new items and events at your library.
It's tax time once again. Your library carries a few of the most requested tax forms and booklets and we also want to let our patrons know they can visit the Internal Revenue Service Website at http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html to obtain forms electronically. They may also request specific IRS forms or booklets by calling 1-800-829-3637 and having them sent right to their home.
Preschool story time was held on February 10. Blue's Valentine's Day" and A Perfect Day for It were read and then valentine picture frames, in the shape of a cupcake, were made and a picture of the child was placed in it to be given to someone they love. We also looked at several Valentine Day books that are available for checkout at the library.
February Reminders: Bronson Schools will be closed on February 17th. The Bronson Library will be showing the Disney movie Valiant for children 5 to 12 years old. There will be two screenings: One at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 to 4:00 PM.. Those youngsters wanting to attend must stop at the library or call 517-369-3785 to register before the day of the show. They may bring a blanket and pillow if they wish. Popcorn and a drink will be served.
February 24th the American Girl Club will meet 4:00 to 5:00 PM for ages 7 to 12. Please register to attend.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their monthly meeting at 4:00PM Tuesday, February 21th in the basement meeting room at the library. Further plans for a handicap restroom and an elevator/lift will be the main topic of discussion. We welcome and encourage all public suggestions and comments on the projects. Please plan to attend and become acquainted with the Friends and learn of their efforts to aid and promote our local Library.
The Branch District Library Board Meeting will be held Monday, February 20 at 6:00 in the meeting room of the Central Library in Coldwater. The public is welcome to attend.
Sherwood Library News:
Do you have old blue jeans laying around and don't know what to do with them?? Come to an adult workshop where Sharon Robbins will demonstrate how to make a denim raggedy quilt. The workshop will be held February 21 from 6:30-7:30 PM . Please call 517-741-7976 or e-mail sherwood@branchdistrictlibrary.org to register to attend.
New Books at your library:
Grape Expectations —14th in the series of Pennsylvania Dutch mysteries featuring Mennonite hotel owner Magdalena Yoder. Delicious recipes are tucked between the chapters.
Memory In Death by J.D. Robb. New York City's police lieutenant Eve Dallas receives a visit from her former foster mother, the woman who took her in after 9 yr. old Eve had killed her abusive father. Now this woman wants $2,000,000.00 to keep Eve's past secret.
Forever Odd, featuring Dean Koontz's famous Odd Thomas, who has the ability to see, feel, and talk to the dead.
Sunflower by R. P. Evans. Christine goes to work at an orphanage in Peru called El Girasol, the Sunflower, after her fiance calls off their wedding one week before the marriage. She winds up in the Amazon jungle where she must confront her deepest fears and learn to trust again.
Anyone But You — a rollicking romance by Jennifer Cruise. It hits the jackpot!
The Aristocrat by Catherine Coulter. A classic romance about an unlikely pair who discover the surprising things that they have in common.
Juvenile: Criss Cross —Debbie wishes that something would happen, something different; something good, something soon … Come check out this Newberry Medal Winner for 2006, donated to the library in memory of John Ule.
Western: Lone Star Rising, a trilogy of the first three stories of Elmer Kelton's series about the formation of the Texas Rangers.
From our microfilm archives: The Bronson Journal, February 17, 1905:
A new tubular well has been constructed at the Branch County farm and the same provides an inexhaustible supply of water. The well was drilled to a depth of 200 feet. Improvement cost $300.00.
The Library Corner
February 23rd 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Monday, February 20th was Presidents Day. In keeping with that theme, your library is featuring items concerning our country's leaders. The staff has filled our showcase with papers, photos and memorabilia about our American Presidents. There are many reference books on our shelves for those wanting more facts about those who have served our country so well since its very beginning.
Hanging proudly over our reception desk is a beautiful hand-knitted American Flag. The flag was painstakingly knitted by Ina Mae Rinehart almost 40 years ago. "Old Glory" was presented to former President Lyndon Johnson and for many years was displayed at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. We wish to thank Ina Mae's grandson, Dan Rinehart, for allowing us to display this precious and historic relic and part of our heritage. We also must express our thanks to Carl Ransbottom for the delicate job of hanging the flag. We urge everyone to stop in soon and view this beautiful emblem of The United States of America.
On Friday, February 17th, twenty eight youngsters attended the showing of the Disney movie Valiant. They all enjoyed the film and were treated to popcorn and a drink. Lynnell thrilled the kids by bringing a three day old baby goat to the show. The baby was born on February 14th and will be appropriately named Valentine. We plan to show more films in the future. Please check this column each week in the Bronson Journal for further movies and events.
New at your library:
Lovers and Players by Jackie Collins
The Ghost Orchid by Ellis Brook
Blindfold Game by Dana Stabenow
Love Smart by Dr. Phil McGraw.
"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading." —Logan Pearsall Smith
The Library Corner
March 2nd 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
February has been another good month at your library. Attendance is up and circulation has improved again. Preschool story time, the Disney movie Valiant, the American Girls Club and Presidents week were well received. Our computers were kept busy and folks stopped in to pick up state and federal tax forms and view the Ina Mae Rinehart American Flag. We look forward to offering our patrons new programs and services. Please stop in soon and tell us what you would like to see added to your library to better serve you.
March is Reading Month. Can we read 100,000 pages during the month of March? Count any pages you read during the month and let us know the total by the end of the month. Come on, if we all work at it, we can do it!!!!
From our microfirm archives: The Bronson Journal, March 5, 1920:
Local news: Large numbers of autos are passing through Bronson going westward - mostly Studebakers.
(Research by Ruth Bidwell and Elaine Woodcox)
The Library Corner
March 9th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
March is coming in like a lion! Our February circulation was up over 2005 and the first week of this month has been very active. The staff has been busy designing new and exciting programs and events for 2006. We have printed flyers listing upcoming events through June. You can pick one up at the library or look for the small yellow papers at a number of locations around the city.
The first meeting of the Bronson Library American Girl Club was held on February 24th with six girls attending. The Samantha books were discussed and each girl sewed a heart-shaped sachet filled with rose petal potpourri. The next meeting will be March 24th and we will be looking at the Kaya books. Call the library and register to attend.
We need your help to get 30,000 pages read during the month of March. So far we already have four people signed up to help us and have turned in 741pages read. Just read and then turn those numbers in at the library. We will let you know each week how close we are to meeting our goal.
Friday March 10 will be preschool storytime from 11 to 11:45 AM. We will read "Bed Hogs" and have piggie crafts. Valentine the goat plans on making an appearance that day too. Please call the library to register.
New Titles:
Adult Fiction: Death of a Dreamer by M. C. Beaton
Old Wine Shades by Martha Grimes
Quilter's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
Men of the Saddle Series by Lori Copeland
Adult Nonfiction: The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner
Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat by Naomi Moriyama
P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden
Children's: Geronimo Stilton Series
The Teacher's Funeral by Richard Peck
"No place affords a more striking conviction of the vanity of human hopes than a public library." —Dr. Samuel Johnson
The Library Corner
March 16th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
We are happy to report we had another great month in February. Items checked out were up by 230. Patrons visiting the library were up by 197 and computer use was up by 270 over February 2005. Compared to a year ago at this time, the Bronson Library circulation is up 37%. Thanks to one and all for your support.
Last Friday, fourteen children and moms gathered for the "Michigan Reads Preschool Storytime." The storytime centered around the book Bed Hogs by Kelly DiPucchio. The children heard facts about pigs, learned a piggie finger play and then each child colored a pig that will be displayed at the library for several weeks. After all that, cookies were served and then Valentine, our baby goat, made a guest appearance. One little boy ran and got his crayons and said he wanted to color the "doggie," but Valentine was able to run faster than he could!
Many library patrons have had difficulty in knowing just when our library is open and have come to the door only to find we were closed. To help solve this problem, the two lights on the posts next to the main entrance will be lighted during regular library hours.
March is reading month. Please don't forget we are working towards the 100,000 pages to be read this month. As of March 9th, we have had 11,548 pages reported. You may call, e-mail or stop in and let us know how many pages you have read.
Friday March 17 will be our jigsaw puzzle day from 10:30-3:30. Come for half an hour or come for the whole day and join us in putting puzzles together.
March 17th, we will be holding our first book discussion of Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini starting at 4:00 p.m. The second discussion will be March 31 at 6:00 p.m. The Bronson Library has five copies of the book in circulation and a copy of it on tape.
Saturday March 18th, we will hold our first Adult Workshop: Creating Mosaic Stepping Stones. You must be at least 12 to attend so please register. The workshop runs from 9:00AM -12:00.
Monday March 20th Branch District Library Board Meeting in Coldwater 6:00PM.
The next meeting of The Friends of the Library will be held at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, March 21st in the basement meeting room of the library. The main topic of the session will report on progress of library renovations. The public is always welcome to attend.
"The dissemination of knowledge is one of the cornerstones of civilization." —John F. Budd
The Library Corner
March 23rd 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Spring finally arrived on Monday and soon our landscaping will start to spring up and bloom. We look forward to seeing our outdoor benches getting good use. For all those who have laptop or notebook computers with wireless capabilities, your library offers free high speed internet service in the library and surrounding grounds. Ask our staff for further information.
The library held it's first jigsaw puzzle day on Friday and twenty one children and adults came during the day and helped put puzzles together. A big thank you to Danny Schwartz, Gayle Clover, Leo and Jan Lehman and Pat Rothrock for donating all the puzzles.
St. Mary's School and Anderson Elementary School visited our library last week to help celebrate "March is Reading Month." They heard stories, took a tour of the library and some got to meet Valentine, our little goat mascot. More classes from Anderson School will be visiting during the next several weeks. We are very glad to see the boys and girls and hope they will visit often.
The pages read numbers continue to climb as we try to reach the 100,000 mark. As of Friday 37,496 pages have been turned in by our patrons.
Friday March 24th will be Preschool Storytime 11:00-11:45 for youngsters ages 3-5. Please call the library and register. Also on Friday the American Girl Club will be meeting again at 4:00.PM. We will be looking at the Kaya books. Call and register.
Saturday March 25 we will have a story hour for ages 6-12. The theme is Owl Puke: what is it and why are we touching it. We will be dissecting owl pellets and learning some fascinating facts about owls. Did you know there is even a book titled Owl Puke? We will be looking at it on Saturday. Register to attend and come join the fun or come and be grossed out!
April 1st, we will hold a balloon launch to kick off National Library Week. Corduroy Bear will be here to help hand out balloons. We will begin at 9:30AM and launch the balloons at 10:00. Lets see who can travel the farthest.
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read!" —Groucho Marx
The Library Corner
March 30th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
A brave and curious group gathered Saturday to find out what the Owl Puke Story hour was all about. First, some owl facts were presented, then everyone was given an owl pellet to dissect. At first, some were hesitant but by the end of the program everyone had joined in and soon they wanted a second pellet to take a look at. As pellets were carefully pulled apart, they could identify the animal that had been eaten by the skull found inside. Most of the pellets were rodents but there was at least one bird in the group. Some owls had been greedy and two skulls were found in one pellet. Everyone learned some fascinating and yucky facts about owls! The youngsters thought it was a hoot!
Our American Girl Club met Friday afternoon and looked at the Kaya series of books. Kaya was from the Nez Perce Indian tribe and we learned that her full name meant "She Who Arranges Rocks." Each girl stitched together a medicine pouch to take home with them.
Our showcase at the library is filled with mystery items. Among the things on display are: volcanic ash from the Mt. St. Helens eruption, sharks teeth, sea glass or mermaids tears, a horseshoe crab and many other rare specimens. Come in soon and take a look to see if you can identify the strange and unique pieces.
We continue to climb towards our goal of 100,000 pages for March is Reading Month. As of Saturday we have 64,886 pages turned in. Lets reach that goal and go beyond! If you haven't reported your count, please do so today!
We will be holding our final Preschool Storytime Friday March 31st at 11:00-11:45 for ages 3-5. The next storytime session will start at the end of April. We will be reading the book Bed Hogs and maybe getting a visit from a little bed hog.
Friday, March 31st, we will also hold our final book discussion on The Kite Runner. The group will meet at 6:00 p.m. We hope you will come and join us.
Don't forget the balloon launch on April 1st to kick off National Library Week. We will start filling balloons at 9:30 and launch them at 10:00. Corduroy Bear will be here to help and pose for pictures too.
Stevens Puppets will be performing Rumpelstiltskin at the library on April 6th at 1:00 and again at 3:00. Please register to attend.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will attend a joint meeting with other Friends groups in the Branch District Library system on April 18th at 5:00 PM. The meeting is being hosted by the Friends of the Algansee Library. Watch this column for further details.
"Choose an author as you would a friend." —Wentworth Dillon
The Library Corner
April 6th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Congratulations and a big thank you to everyone who helped with our "March is Reading Month" page count. The final count was a whopping 139,963 pages! We know quite a few of the pages turned in were from library books because our circulation count for the month of March more than doubled from last years. So again, great job everyone.
Not only was the circulation up for the month but the attendance was up and computer use was also higher than a year ago. We had thirteen classes from St. Mary's and Anderson Elementary schools visit the library for tours and stories. Many of those children came back with parents to get a library card and check out a few books and movies.
We held our final "Bed Hogs" preschool storytime last Friday. The children were surprised to find a three week old piglet waiting for them when they arrived. Thank you Alicia Martin for bringing the little guy in. After he went back home to his momma, everyone settled down to hear the stories Bed Hogs and Can You Make a Piggie Giggle? The next preschool storytime sessions will begin at the end of April.
Saturday, a nice size group gathered for the balloon launch to kick off "National Library Week." Each person filled out a card with their name and then attached the card to a balloon. Corduroy Bear was there greeting people coming to the library and waving at people driving by. (Thank you Hannah Weiss). At 10:15 we all went out to the parking lot and released the balloons. Not one of them snagged in a tree and within a minute they were all out of sight heading towards Ohio. Now we will wait and see if any of the cards are returned.
Thursday April 6th, Stevens Puppets will be here to perform "Rumpelstiltskin." Please remember to register to attend as space will be limited. Performances will be at 1:00 and 3:00. Light refreshments will also be served by our Friends group.For a preview, visit www.stevenspuppets.com.
April 6th, at 6:00 P.M. the Coldwater branch library will host a special presentation by Michigan State University Professor of International Relations, Norman Graham on the geopolitical context of The Kite Runner. Everyone is invited to attend.
"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin.
The Library Corner
April 13th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
National Library Week has come and gone for another year. The library was visited by over 250 people during the week. We had a nice turnout for the Stevens Puppets performance last Thursday. The children and adults enjoyed the story of Rumpelstiltskin and then puppeteer Bob Walls brought the marionettes out so everyone could get a closeup look at them. He explained how they work and told some of the history behind Stevens Puppets. After the show cookies and drink were served by the Friends of the Bronson Library.
The library will be closed April 14 for Good Friday.
Saturday April 15, Audrey Hostetler will be here teaching an adult workshop on basket making. The class will run from 9:00-12:00 noon. Each person attending will take home their beautiful handmade basket just in time for the Easter bunny to fill. Please call the library at 517-369-3785 or email the Library at bronson@branchdistrictlibrary.org to register.
The Branch District Library Board will be holding their monthly meeting in Coldwater on Monday April 17 at 6:00. The public is welcome to attend.
On Tuesday April 18th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. the Friends of the Algansee Library will be hosting the 4th annual Branch County Friends meeting. The theme will be "Getting Back to Basics" and will be held at the Pine Ridge Bible Church. If you would like more information about our Bronson Friends group please stop by the library and pick up a flyer.
April 24-30 is "Turn Off Your TV Week." This is an exciting opportunity for children and adults to experience life without television. Instead of watching TV, try: reading (of course), go on a walk, play a board game, try a new craft, give the dog a bath, play hide and seek or visit your neighbors. Over the next couple of weeks we will be giving more ideas of things to do if you decide to turn off your TV.
Have you started spring cleaning? Have you found books and videos that you no longer want or have room for? We have a place for you to donate them. The Bronson Friends will be holding their annual spring book sale on May 20th, the same day as the citywide garage sales. The money raised from projects like the book sale go towards promoting the library and its programs.
From our microfilm Archives: The Bronson Journal, April 13, 1917: `
"Mail for Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria or Turkey cannot be accepted at the post office now."
The Library Corner
April 20th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Spring has arrived and it's wonderful to see the new leaves starting on the trees and all the flowers blooming. Baby animals are being born (more goats) and everyone is busy busy. We hope you can find time to stop by the library and check out some of the new nonfiction titles we have added over the past couple months. Here are some great titles for spring projects: Bulbs: How to select, grow and enjoy by George Harmon Scott, Complete Guide to Landscaping, Patios and Walkways 1-2-3 by John Holms, Home Improvement 101 by Jerri Farris, Kids' Places to Play by Jeanne Huber and A Treehouse of Your Own by John Harris. These are just a few titles available at our library.
Saturday was our first adult workshop and everyone had a fun time creating beautiful baskets to take home. We thank Audrey Hostetler for teaching the workshop. Next month we will be making hypertufa pots. The name alone will make you want to attend just to find what the pots are made of.
The American Girl Club meeting scheduled for April 21st has been postponed until next Friday April 28th. If you are interested in attending, please call the library at 517-369-3785 to register.
Don't forget April 24-30 is "National Turn-off Your TV Week." Here are a few more ideas of things to do instead of watching TV. Invite the neighbors over for ice cream, start sorting and have a garage sale during Bronson's city-wide sales coming up on Saturday, May 20th, visit relatives, work on your 4-H project, fly a kite, catch up on needed sleep or read a newspaper. Stop by the library for a list of 101 ideas of things to do or make your own list and see how many you can accomplish during the week.
"In a library we are surrounded by many hundreds of dear friends imprisoned by an enchanter in paper and leathern boxes" —Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The Library Corner
April 27th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Nine members of the Friends of the Bronson Library attended a joint meeting of all the Friends groups in the Branch District Library area. The Algansee Friends hosted the event at the Pine Ridge Church on Ray-Quincy road. A lively exchange of ideas and plans for the upcoming year, recruiting new members and fund raising were primary topics. Branch District Library Director Bruce Mills agreed to host the 2007 joint meeting in Coldwater. After the meeting, the guests were treated to a wonderful array of snacks and each were given a gift assortment of coffee and teas.
Good news, we have had two tags from our balloon launch returned to us. Michayla Broom's balloon was found west of Bryan Ohio on April 8. Mary Garver wrote: "My husband found your card in our back yard. We live west of Bryan, OH, in the country. We were at Bronson school years ago for a Christian group who came to sing. Hope you have a nice spring. Reading is good!" The second card was Kadie Chappell's and it was found along the toll Road on April 13. Colleen Hoover wrote: "Just to inform you that one of our crew found your balloon! at the 153 mile marker west bound on the Indiana Toll Road. Have a great day." It was wonderful of these folks to take the time to respond and share in our National Library Week celebration.
We will be starting our preschool storytime again. It will run on Fridays for the next four weeks. This Friday, April 28th, we will be learning about seeds and plants. This is a program for ages 3-5 and runs from 11:00-11:45. Please be sure to call to register at 517-369-3785.
The American Girl Club will be meeting Friday, April 28th at 4:00. We will be looking at the Josefina books. Please register to attend.
Did anyone take the opportunity to turn off the TV this week? Please let us know what you accomplished instead of watching television and we will list some of the activities here in the Library Corner.
Don't forget the Friends of the Bronson Library will be holding their annual spring book sale on May 20th during the city wide garage sale. If you have books, videos or DVDs you would like to donate just bring them to the library.
New books at your library:
If you like the Beverly Lewis books, try works by author Wanda Brunstetter.
Adult Non-fiction:
The Women of Windsor by Catherine Whitney
American Chopper: Radical Rides by Carrie Holcomb
Look Great, Feel Great by Joyce Meyer
Children's Non-fiction:
Buggin' with Rudd by Carrie Holcomb
Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real by Carrie Holcomb
Hot Cars, Cool Rides by Martin Padgett
Monster Nation, Jr. by Carrie Holcomb
DVD's:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
"Words are the voice of the heart." —Confucius
The Library Corner
May 4th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Here we are starting May already. This will be a month of school tours, book sales, graduations and getting all set-up for our Summer Reading Club. We held our preschool storytime last Friday and talked about seeds and gardening. Each child planted bean seeds and now they get to check each week to see if their plant has come up yet. We also made May Day baskets for the children to take home and surprise someone with on May 1st. Our next storytime will be Friday, May 5th at 11:00.
Our American Girl Club met for the monthly meeting and we discussed the Josephina books. The girls were able to find Mexico and New Mexico on the globe and then they sat down and each girl painted a small terra cotta pot. The final club meeting (until September) will be on May 19th and we will be looking at the Addy books. Anyone interested in attending can register just by contacting the library.
Saturday May 13 will be an Adult Workshop starting at 9:00. Please be sure to register.
A reminder that the Sherwood Library will be holding a huge book sale on May 13th, starting at 8:00 and the Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their book sale on May 20th during the city wide garage sales. Of course, books can be purchased every day at our library. We hope you can attend and find some great deals on books.
New Fiction books at our library:
The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard
Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark
Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith
A Mammoth Murder by Bill Crider
Nonfiction:
A G-man's Life by Mark Felt
50 ways to Relieve Heartburn, Reflux and Ulcers by M. Sara Rosenthal
From our microfilm archives: The Bronson Journal, May 4, 1906:
30,820 pieces of mail handled by the Post Office in April.
Research by Ruth Bidwell and Elaine Woodcox.
The Library Corner
May 11th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Preschool storytime was held last week and it was all about flowers. We read a book about flowers and then took a closer look at a bouquet of lilacs, tulips, daffodils, violets and lilies of the valley. The children looked at the different shapes and colors and smelled each one to see which they liked best. We took a walk outside around the library and found flowering trees, bleeding hearts (one little girl said they look like ladies with fancy hair), tiny tiny johnny jump-ups and the ever popular dandelion. We made bright and cheery flower faces to hang on the wall of the children's room. The children also checked their beans that they planted last week and found that several have sprouted, we'll see how far they get this week. The next preschool storytime will be Friday, May 12 from 11:00 to 11:45 and we will be learning about colors. Still plenty of room for more boys and girls!
The adult workshop of Hypertufa pots has been canceled due to lack of registration. We will try it again in the fall.
The Branch District Library Board will be meeting Monday May 15th at the Algansee Branch Library. The meeting starts at 6:00 and the public is invited to attend.
May 19th will be the final American Girl Club Meeting for the spring. We will be looking at the Addy books. The meeting will start at 4:00 PM. Please register to attend. We will start the club again in September.
Michigan Week is May 20-26th. The Bronson Library will be presenting a program by Escanaba based Songwriter-Storyteller, Bill Jamerson who will perform a musical program of songs and stories about the Upper Peninsula. The program is titled "They Came By Ship" and will start at 7:00 p.m. on Tues. May 23rd. There will be songs and stories for people of all ages.
Be sure to mark you calendars for two big book sales coming soon. May 13th will be the Sherwood Library book sale and May 20th will be the Bronson Library book sale being held during the city wide garage sales.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their May meeting on Tuesday May 16th at 4:00 PM in the library meeting room.. Election of officers will be on the agenda along with several important items of interest. Please come and join us. Your comments and ideas are important to us.
"Books and newspapers had instant replay long before TV!" —Unknown
The Library Corner
May 25th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
If you didn't get a chance to stop by our book sale last Saturday, we have good news. The book sale will continue all this week and will end on Saturday May 27 at 12:00. There are still hundreds of books including fiction, non fiction, how to books, etc. to choose from. Many are in like new condition. Paper backs are 25 cents each, hard covers are 50 cents and a bag full is $2 and we furnish the bags.
As summer approaches we want to remind any Branch County resident planning on traveling in Michigan this year to apply for a Michicard. The Michicard will allow you to checkout items from any of the 307 participating libraries in the state. Just stop in the library for more information and to register for this handy little card.
We completed our preschool storytime session last Friday with silly stories, playing musical instruments and having popcorn and a drink. The American Girl Club finished up their spring session with a pizza party. Watch for the summer schedule to see what programs will be available in June.
The Summer Reading Club will begin June 8th and Valentine, the goat will be back that day to help sign children up for the club. Come in and see how much she has grown! Boys and girls will be hearing more about the summer reading club in the next couple weeks with visits to the library or the librarian coming to their school. Don't forget we will also be having Teen and Adults Reading Clubs this year. Check this column every week in the Bronson Journal for further updates and programs.
James Knowles of Shipshewana, Indiana donated a set of the books Cemeteries of Steuben County. These will be added to our genealogy section.
The Quincy Library is having a Book Sale, Friday, June 2nd from 9:00 to 5:PM and Saturday, June 3rd from 9:00 til Noon. Paperbacks are 10 cents and hard covers are 25 cents each.
The Library Corner
June 1st 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Our May 23rd program "They Came by Ship" was a great success. Author and song writer, Bill Jamerson kept the large audience enraptured with songs and stories about the early days of iron ore miners in Michigan’s upper peninsula. Each succeeding episode brought rounds of applause from the guests. He met with many from the group and discussed their interests. We look forward to bringing more programs like this to your library.
"Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales." Our summer reading club will be starting on June 8th and boys and girls may register anytime from the 8th until July 1st. Valentine the goat will be at the library all day to greet her old friends and help get them get signed up. Stop by the library and view the showcase full of prizes to be given out in weekly drawings. This year we will also offer a Teen Reading Club "Creature Feature" and an Adult Reading Club "Amazing Animals, Amazing Books". For more information on any of these programs please contact the library at 517-369-3785.
Tuesdays during the summer we will have a noon movie which will feature some sort of animal. The movies will start June 13th and all ages are invited to attend. You may bring a sack lunch, enjoy the air conditioning and watch a fun movie. The first week we will show Hoodwinked, June 20th will be Chicken Little and June 27th will be Dreamer.
Starting June 15th and running each Thursday after that, we will have crafts for the children to make. They may come to the library anytime between 11:00AM and 1:00 and make a special craft of the week. On Fridays, starting June 23rd, we will have a four week session of preschool storytimes for ages 3 to5 years.
Our library still has a large number of books for sale including many from other branch libraries. We will continue our book sale for the next two weeks. Stop in soon and add to your own personal collection.
Avis Blasi has donated a very special book in loving memory of her husband Louis Blasi. The volume titled Living When a Loved One Has Died by Earl A. Grollman will carry Mr. Blasi's name and will become a permanent addition to our library shelves. Anyone wishing to honor and remember a loved one or friend in this manner may call the library for details.
Quincy Library News: Quincy's Book Sale will be Friday, June 2nd, 9 to 5 and Saturday, June 3rd, 9 til noon. Paperbacks are 10 cents, and hard covers are 25 cents each. The. Ronald McDonald Magic Show will be held Wednesday, June 14 at 1:30 PM at the library. Come join the fun!
"One sure window into a person's soul is his reading list." &emdash;Mary B.W.Tabor
The Library Corner
June 8th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
SSummer is off to a great start with our reading club registration starting June 8th. Boys and girls, don't forget you can stop by on the 8th and visit with Valentine the goat while you sign up for the club. You will receive bookmarks, a door hanger and a copy of The Pet Scoop, a newspaper by, for, and about pets with paws, claws, scales, and tails. Teens and adults may also register for their clubs. Registration will go through July 1st.
June 13th, we will be showing the movie Hoodwinked. This will be shown at noon and you may bring a sack lunch or snack to enjoy. This animated version of the children's classic picks up where Little Red Riding Hood left off, with the animals of the woods investigating a "domestic disturbance" at Granny's house. Furry and feathered animal cops are checking into charges of breaking and entering, disturbing the peace and intent to eat in this fun spin on a classic tale.
June 15th, we will have craft tables set up so children may come anytime between 11:00 and 1:00 and work on different projects. There will be projects for 5- to 12-year-olds.
We've had folks ask what our summer hours will be and we want to remind everyone that the hours stay the same year round. Tuesday 12:00-6:00, Wednesday 10:30-6:00, Thursday 10:30-5:00, Friday 10:30-4:00 and Saturday 9:00-12:00. The globes on the posts at the main entrance will be lighted during all normal library hours.
Our circulation for May was 949 items checked out which is up 449 from last year. 1172 people visited the library during the month and there were 316 folks who used our computers.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 20th at 4:00 PM in the conference room at the library. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend!
The Bronson Library still has a good assortment of books and items for sale. Stop in today and take home a whole bag of books foronly $2.00 while they last!!
Ronald McDonald's Magic show will appear at the Quincy Library at 1:30 PM on June 14th. Don't miss the fun!!
The Library Corner
June 15th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
The library has been a very busy place this past week. We had more than 80 people sign-up for the Summer Reading Club in the first three days and hope to raise that number even higher this week. Remember, this year there are clubs for all ages so be sure to stop in for more information and to join the fun.
Tuesday, June 20th, we will be showing Chicken Little as our noon movie. Don't forget, you may bring a sack lunch of snacks to eat during the movie. We want to let people know that the basement can be very cool during these shows so you might want to bring a sweater or even a blanket along to keep you comfortable.
Thursdays are Craft Days from 11:00-1:00.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their June meeting on Tuesday, the 20th at 4:00PM at the library. Everyone is welcome!!
New Books - Adult Fiction:
Killer Dreams by Iris Johansen; The Saboteurs by W.E.B. Griffin; Blue Screen by Robert B. Parker; The Husband by Dean Koontz; Beach Road by James Patterson; The Englisher by Beverly Lewis; House by Frank Peretti
Young Adults:
The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
New DVD's:
Glory Road; Doogal; Like Mike 2 Streetball; Hoodwinked; Barbie Diaries
"Don't join the book burners. Don't think you are going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. Don't be afraid to go to your library and read every book." —Dwight D. Eisenhower
The Library Corner
June 22nd 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Children and parents gathered last week for our first noontime movie. Several enjoyed their lunches while they watched the show. The next movie will be held on June 27th and we will be showing Dreamer. The movie will start at noon and the front door will be open at 11:45 for those attending this program. Come join the fun!
We had a good turnout for the craft time program. Boys and girls may come anytime between 11:00 and 1:00 and make one, two or three different craft projects. During the first session, children could make a twirling snake, a finger puppet ladybug and a pet picture frame. Projects coming up will be a toilet paper tube bull, a sun catcher and an animal collage.
Preschool storytime will start June 23rd and run for four weeks on Fridays from 11:00-11:45. This program is for children 3 to 5 years of age.
Mark your calendars for a special program coming up on July 6th when Joel Tacey will be here to perform "Reading Rocks." Watch for more information about this in next week's column in the Bronson Journal.
Our Summer Reading Club continues to grow and we encourage everyone who has already signed up to keep reading. Children in the reading club put their names in for a weekly drawing each time they read 100 pages. Winners of the first weekly drawing were: Ages 1- 4 Isaac Grate, Ages 5-7 Brittany Padgett, Ages 8-10 Chantel Avery and Ages 11-12 Samantha McMillen. Each of these children will get to pick a prize from our showcase.
From our micro-film archives: Bronson Journal, June 22, 1906:
Maple trees are being stripped of foliage by an insect.
The Library Corner
June 29th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
We are nearing the half-way point of our Summer Reading Program, and there is still time to join if you haven't signed up. This week's winners in the 100-pages drawing were: Ben Thomas Grate (Ages 1- 4), Kaitlyn Scott (Ages 5-7), Christopher Padgett (Ages 8-10) and Emanuel Smith (Ages 11-12). Each of these children may pick a prize from our showcase.
We had a great turnout for crafts last Thursday, when forty-six people showed up to be creative. Several of the animal collages the children created are on display in the library. Craft time is every Thursday between 11:00 and 1:00PM
Preschool storytime will be held Friday, June 30, from 11:00-11:45.
July 4th our library will be closed to celebrate Independence Day so we won't have a movie that day. Our next noon movie will be on July 11th and we will show Babe. Come watch the show. You may bring a sack lunch to eat.
On July 11 we will have an evening showing of the DVD From Moccasins to Main Street: A Journey Down the Old Chicago Road. This is a wonderful program covering the sites along route 12 from Sturgis to Detroit and then west to Chicago. The program will start at 7:00PM and last one hour.
July 6th will be a very special program, "Reading Rocks," with Joel Tacey performing. Joel shares some of his favorite tricks, jokes, gadgets, and talents that he discovered through his years of reading. Come be a part of the show and see why reading rocks! The program will be from 5:00 to 6:00 on Thursday and space is limited, so first-come first-seats. You can check out Joel on the Internet at http://www.joeltacey.com
New Books: Adult fiction:
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury
Dear to Me by Wanda Brunstetter
Prey for a Miracle by Aimee and David Thurlo
The Wrong Hostage by Elizabeth Lowell
Young Adult:
The Sabatini Prophecy by Thomas L. Blair
Septimus Heap: Flyte by Angie Sage
"Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all." —Henry David Thoreau
The Library Corner
July 6th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Branch District Library System are partnering to help set the direction for transportation decisions and investments through 2030. From June 26th through July 21st, patrons accessing the Internet through the library's computers will be encouraged to complete a brief on-line questionnaire to help MDOT update its long range transportation plan Called "MI Transportation Plan" (pronounced "My"). The new plan will support MDOT's efforts to create a transportation system that is intelligent, inclusive, integrated, international, and socially, environmentally, and economically responsible.
Through the Library of Michigan (part of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries), regional library cooperatives and local libraries, MDOT is hoping to gather thousands of opinions from the public to plan a future transportation system that is responsive to the needs of all transportation users, especially those who walk, bike and ride buses.
The on-line questionnaire will be available through any Internet connections, 24-hours a day on the MI Transportation Plan website at www.Michigan.gov/slrp. This is the first of three, four-week sessions that MDOT will conduct during the next 10 months to involve the public in its planning process.
Special Program: Joel Tacey will be at the Bronson Public Library on July 6 from 5:00- 6:00 PM presenting the program "Reading Rocks."
Preschool Storytime: Friday July 7th and 14th for ages 3-5 11:00-11:45.
Noon movie: July 11th. We will be showing the movie Babe. Those attending may bring a sack lunch or snacks to eat during the movie.
Also on July 11th at 7:00 p.m. we will be showing the movie From Moccasins to Main Street.
Special Program at the Sherwood Library: July 13th, Jim Merrill will be "Balloon Sculpting" from 9:00-10:00 A.M.
Winners in the 100-pages drawing this week were: Aricin Smith (Ages 1- 4), Ashton Wronikowski (Ages 5-7), Vanessa Ford (Ages 8-10), and Belle Gose (Ages 11-12).
New Books: Fiction:
Coming Out by Danielle Steel
Cover of Night by Linda Howard
Leave A Candle Burning by Lori Wick
Sandcastles by LuAnne Rice
Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
The Library Corner
July 13th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Last Thursday a group of all ages gathered for a wonderful performance by juggler Joel Tacey. Joel amazed us all with his juggling, balloon tricks and humor. Several children took part in the performance and the audience provided the "oohs" and "aahs."
Brittany Hutchins won the "guess how many goldfish crackers" contest. Her guess was 555 and the actually number was 544. We had nearly 100 guesses submitted. Brittany wins a whole box of goldfish crackers.
Winners in this weeks 100 pages were: Ages 1- 4 Dilea Reyes, Ages 4-7 Christy Gillespie, Ages 8-10 Bresa Arias and Ages 11-12 Brittaine Arias. Each of these children may pick a prize from the showcase.
Here we are in the middle of July, the summer is going by quickly at the library. We have one more craft time planned for July 13 from 11:00-1:00. Boys and girls may come anytime during those two hours and work on some special crafts. Our final preschool storytime will be on July 14th at 11:00 for ages 3-5. We have two more noon movies scheduled, one for July 18th when we will show Milo and Otis and July 25th when we have the animated version of 101 Dalmatians.
Summer Reading Club will be ending July 25th and all reading records, children, teens and adult, must be turned in then. The Summer Reading Club awards party will be Saturday July 29th at 10:30 AM.
The Branch District Library Board will be holding their monthly meeting on Monday July 17th. This meeting will be held at the Union Township Library at 6:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend.
The Bronson Friends of the Library will hold a meeting on Tuesday July 18th at 4:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public and comments and suggestions are welcome and encouraged.
The Bronson Public Library will be closed on Saturday July 22 for the Polish Festival.
The Library Corner
July 27th 2006
By Lynnell and Pat
Our Summer Reading Club ended on Tuesday July 25th and we will be holding the awards party on Saturday July 29th at 10:30 AM. Everyone is welcome to attend the party but only those who completed the program and turned in their reading logs to the library will receive awards.
Winners in the 100-pages drawing for this week are: Michael Barkman (Ages 1-4)), Tim Ryan (Ages 5-7), Chris Arroyo (Ages 8-10), and Ashley Padgett (Ages 11-12).
There are dozens and dozens of color photos posted in the area around the main desk. The display is a pictorial of many of the events and programs from this spring and summer. We urge all boys and girls to stop in and find yourselves and your friends and all parents to join in and see what great things your children have accomplished.
The Friends of the Bronson Library held their monthly meeting on Tuesday July 18th. The Friends will hold a book sale during the Heritage Route 12 Garage Sale on Saturday August 12 from 7:00AM to 4:00PM.. The group decided to hold their next meeting at 5:00 PM on August 15th in an effort to allow more folks who work to attend the sessions. If the move is effective, the time change will be permanent. Plans are moving forward with the handicap access and restrooms additions and funding and grants are being explored. New members are needed to help carry on our goals. Why not join us today.
New Books at your library:
Adult Fiction:
Shiver by Lisa Jackson
Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Andrea Kane
The Rapture by Tim LaHaye
Under the Northern Lights by Tracie Peterson
Full Scoop by Janet Evanovich
Dead Watch by John Sandford
Young Adults:
Pendragon series by D.J. MacHale
The Five Ancestors series by Jeff Stone
Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever by James Patterson
"If we encounter a man of great intellect, we should ask him what books he reads. —Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The Library Corner
August 3rd 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
The Summer Reading Club ended with a well attended party last Saturday. Sixty-three children, parents and grandparents gathered for the awards presentation and refreshments. The library held three different reading clubs this year, one for children, one for teens and one for adults. We had 120 children join and 60 completed their contracts. Those children had contracted to read a total of 941 books during the summer and ended up reading over 2000 books! Each child received a book bag filled with passes to the 4-H fair, a coupon for a free McDonald's Happy Meal, ice cream cone coupon from Fine & Fancy Park Place, coloring book, door hanger, bookmarks, and a mini poster.
The Teen Club had fifteen sign up and four completed the program. The teens had to earn 1500 points and the four teens who finished earned a total of 12,831 points. The teens received movie passes and an ice-cream cone coupon.
The Adult Club had twenty-seven sign up and eighteen completed the program. The adults had to earn 1500 points and those who finished had a total of 82,955 points. Each adult received a coupon from Taylor's Books and More and an ice-cream cone coupon.
This year we also had a grand prize drawing for the different age groups. Ages 1-4 was Ben Thomas Grate, ages 5-7 was Christy Gillespie, ages 8-10 was Mattie Noble and ages 11-12 was Ashley Padgett. They each received a gift certificate from Meijer Stores. The teen winner was Masie Friedel who won passes to Adventure Zone and Pizza Hut. The adult winner was Sandra Morris and she won movie passes and gift certificates from Los Tequilas.
Anyone who completed the program and turned their reading logs in but were unable to attend the party may pick up their prizes at the library during regular hours.
We must give a huge Thank You to our Friends of the Bronson Library for all their help and support of the summer programs.
The Library Corner
August 10th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold a huge book sale in conjunction with the Heritage Trail Route 12 Garage Sales on August 12th from 7;00 AM to 4:00 PM.. The sale will be located at the City Park at the corner of Chicago and North Matteson Streets in Bronson. Paperback books are 25 cents each and hard covers are 50 cents. A bag of books of your selection will be priced at $2.00. Bags will be furnished by the Friends. This is an excellent time to add to your personal collection. If you wish, we will hold your purchase for later pickup after you visit the many other sales being held throughout downtown Bronson For further details on the Heritage Trail Route 12 Garage Sales go to http://www.discover-michigan.com/.
During the month of July your library circulated 1681 items, up 924 from last year. We had 1388 people visit the library and 447 used our computers.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their monthly meeting at 5:00 PM on Tuesday August 15th in the basement meeting room of the library. This later hour should allow more members time to attend. The public is always welcome to attend and learn of the many new programs and projects being planned.
New Books at your library:
Adult Fiction:
Angel Falls by Nora Roberts
A Promise for Ellie by Lauraine Snelling
Adult Nonfiction: Express Lane Meals by Rachael Ray
The Cars of the Fast and the Furious by Eddie Paul
House Calls and Hitching Posts: Stories from Dr. Elton Lehman's Career Among the Amish by Dorcas Sharp Hoover
If I am Found Dead: Michigan Voices from the Civil War by David Poremba
Tall Trees, Tall People: A Family's Struggle to Stand While Virgin Timber Falls by Rex Southwell
"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home: but unlike charity, it should end there." —Claire Booth Luce
The Library Corner
August 15th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
In keeping with the Heritage Trail Route 12 Garage Sales, the Friends of the Bronson Library held a large book sale on Saturday, August 12th. The event was located at the City Park next to Ron's barbershop. The sale was very successful and the proceeds will be used to fund programs and materials for our area youngsters. The sale was set up and manned by Lynnell and Jim Eash, Carole Maddox, Gayle Clover, Norma Whitcomb, Jan Bidwell, Jane Ann Brown, Don Brown, Ray Smith, Chris Martin, Alicia Martin, Steph and Mick Davis, Ashley Padgett, Carl and Gloria Sharp, Ellen Shoun, Elaine Woodcox, and Jeanne Unterkircher. A very special thanks to Carl Ransbottom for transporting the tables and equipment to and from the sale. Items not sold will be offered at the "Make-a-Difference Day" sale in October.
The Friends of the Bronson Library held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 15th. The main topic of discussion was the progress of the project to make our library handicap accessible to all the folks in the Bronson area. A feasibility study is in progress and means of funding thru grants and endowments are being investigated. This can be accomplished without affecting the Historical Landmark status of our precious symbol of Bronson's past and future treasure. The session was held at 5:00 PM to enable those who work late to attend. As always, the public is urged and heartily welcome to attend.
"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books." —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Library Corner
August 24th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
You may have noticed that August has been a quiet month for activities here at the library. We leave August open for everyone to enjoy the 4-H fair and a last chance for family vacations before school starts. Once we get into September though, the fun starts again.
Some of the plans on the schedule so far are preschool story times, story hours, American Girl Club, Magic Tree House Club (boys and girls), start a Jr. Friends of the Bronson Library, adult workshops, movies, special speakers and computer classes. If everything goes according to plan we hope to have the schedules printed and ready to hand out by the end of August. Keep in mind too that activities will be added that didn't make it onto the printed list so keep watching in the library and here in the Library Corner in the Bronson Journal and we will try to keep everyone informed.
If you or someone you know would like to check out library materials but can't climb all those stairs or just can't come into the library please let us know. We have volunteers in our Friends group who will deliver and return materials for those who are homebound. If you need large print books, books on tape, you like westerns or inspirational fiction, let us know and we will see what we can find for you. Just call the library 369-3785 or e-mail us at bronson@branchdistrictlibrary.org and let us know what we can do to get the items to you.
Now that School has started, our bank of computers will be more accessible during the morning and early afternoon hours. If you haven't used our units or experienced high speed Internet, stop in soon and see what we have to offer. We can print your information and scan photos or documents. Those who have laptops or notebooks with wireless abilities can access the Internet at no charge in or near vicinity of our building.
The Branch District Library Board met at the Bronson Library Monday, August 21. All the branches in the district were represented along with a number of guests. The Friends of the Bronson Library provided cookies and drinks following the business meeting.
"There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts." —Charles Dickens
The Library Corner
August 31st 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Questions? The library gets them every day. Sometimes we know the answer, sometimes we know where to find the answer, and sometimes we have to do some research to get the answer. Once in a while we get a question or request that stumps us. We decided to ask you, the community for a little help.
About a month ago a gentleman e-mailed the library and was wondering if we had old police logs. We don't and after checking with the local police department found out they don't have logs from as far back as he needed. I checked the Bronson Journal from 1974-1976 but there weren't any police reports in them either. He told us he grew up in Bronson and around the summer of 1975, he and a group of other children went to a baseball field or park a block or two from his aunt's house on Corey St. They all saw something strange flying in the air and they also saw a Bronson police car following it. Does anyone remember hearing of this incident or any more to the story? If you do please contact the library and we will forward the information to him and post it in this column.
The American Girl Club will be starting again on September 15th at 4:00. Ages 7-12 should register to attend. Our first meeting we will be talking about Felicity, a young lady from 1774. We will be making mop caps to take home. If you would like to read up on Felicity before the meeting come to the library and check out one of her books. In October we will talk about Molly, in November Kirsten and in December there will be a Christmas tea party here at the library. This will give you a chance to read about each of these girls before the meeting if you wish. We are also looking for 2 1/2 inch wooden spools to teach the girls how to spool knit. If you have any of these and you would like to donate them to the library, we would surely appreciate it.
We still get requests for the Bronson Library hours. We are closed Sunday and Monday. Normal hours are: Tuesday, 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM, Wednesday, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday, 10:30 to 5:00 PM, Friday.10:30 to 4:00 PM and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The globes at the main entrance will always be lit during Library Hours. Please call 369 3785 for further information.
"There is no such thing as a moral or immoral book. Books are either well written or badly written. That is all." Oscar Wilde
The Library Corner
September 7th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Preschool storytime will be held on Fridays starting September 15th and ending October 27th. Each program will be from 11:00 -11:30. This fall, stories will be about leaves, apples, pumpkins, Johnny Appleseed, and Halloween. We will also have a craft to go along with our stories. Please register to attend.
American Girl Club will meet Friday September 15th at 4:00PM. Ages 8 -12 are welcome to attend and please register. We will be talking about Felicity and making mop caps to take home.
Story Hour will be Saturday, September 16th from 10:00-11:00. We will be reading silly stories such as Underwear, Meanwhile Back At The Ranch, and several others. We'll also make wrestling clothespins. Please call 369-3785 or e-mail the library at bronson@branchdistrictlibrary.org to attend.
The end of the month report for the library looks very good.. We had 1,337 people come in, 569 computer users and checked out 1607 items during the month of August. Don't forget, if you don't find it on the shelves here at Bronson, be sure to ask at the desk because we can request items from other libraries in our system and even all over the state. We will try our best to find what you are looking for!
Roald Dahl, author of many well known children's books was born on September 13th, 1916. Stop by the library Wednesday to check out one of his books and pick up a bit of chocolate in honor of his birthday and one of his most famous stories, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Some of his other stories you might remember are BFG, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, The Twits, and many others. His 1943 book, The Gremlins, is being released again this month.
On July 11th we showed the documentary From Moccasins to Main Street. The program is a wonderful journey covering sites and history along Route 12 from Sturgis east to Detroit and west from Sturgis to the state line. Many who missed the showing have asked to see it and we are pleased to report that we have a DVD of the saga that can be checked out and viewed at home. Visit or call the library at 369-3785 to reserve the DVD.
"I have lost all sense of home, having moved about so much. It means to me now- only that place where the books are kept." —John Steinbeck
The Library Corner
September 14th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Stop by the library and take a close look at the 203 dogs we have visiting us. We keep them safely locked up in the showcase because we don't have time to cleanup after that many dogs! This is one of my many collections started years ago. A friend of mine loved the 101 Dalmatians and had decided to buy them at garage sales and such, but she passed away before the next summer sales even started. I decided to collect them in memory of my friend and co-worker Karen Long. Now, when I get to display them, they always remind me of her and the wonderful work she did with children. I invite you to come see them, each one is different, and enjoy.
Preschool storytime will be held Friday, September 15th, from 11:00-11:30 and also September 22nd and 29th. This storytime is for ages 3-5 and we ask that you register to attend.
Our first American Girl Club of the fall will be held Friday September 15th at 4:00. Ages 8-12 please register to attend.
Story Hour will be Saturday September 16th from 10:00-11:00 for ages 5-12. We will be reading silly stories and making wrestling clothespins. Please register to attend.
The Branch District Library Board will hold their September meeting at the Quincy Branch on September 18th at 6:00.
We are starting a new club for boys and girls here at Bronson. The club will be "The Magic Treehouse Club" based on the popular children's books of the same name. At this first meeting we will talk about Jack and Annie and the first three books in this series. There will be a craft class and refreshments. The program will be from 6:30-7:30 for ages 8-12. Please register to attend.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday September 19th at 5:00. Please come join our group.
"It is with books as it is with men—a very small number play a great part; the rest are lost in the multitude." —Voltaire
The Library Corner
September 21st 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
If you visited the Bronson Library over the summer you probably met Frasier the Frog. Frasier now has a beautiful 10 gallon tank to swim in thanks to Jessie Clark from Algansee. Frasier is an African Clawed Frog. This frog is a very social animal and appears quite intelligent. When we walk by the tank he will swim from one end to the other to watch where we go and if people are standing close by but not paying any attention to him he will start to sing. Sometimes it even looks like he is performing a water ballet as he leaps from the bottom of the tank to the top. Come to the library soon and take a look at Frasier.
This week we will have preschool storytime on Friday September 22nd from 11:00-11:30 for ages 3 -5. Please register to attend.
The Algansee and Sherwood Branches will be taking black walnuts again this year. They are doing this as a fund raiser for those branches. If you have walnuts already bagged you may call Jan at the Algansee Library (517-639-9830) or Lynnell at Sherwood Library (517-741-7976) or here at Bronson (517-369-3785) and we will stop by to get the bags or you may drop off bags at any of these libraries. We'll keep you updated in this column on how well the walnut drive is going.
The Friends of the Bronson Library held their September meeting at 5:00 PM Tuesday. It is hoped the later meeting time will allow more members and guests to attend. The main item on the agenda was a report on the feasibility study on the proposed addition to the building. The plans include moving the main entrance to the west side of the building. The Matteson Street entrance will also be available. An elevator type lift would be installed to aid our handicapped and older patrons gain access to the library. Stairs to the basement and main floor are also planned from the west entrance. Two handicap restrooms may also be considered. Methods to fund the proposed renovation are being discussed and investigated. Watch this column in future issues of the Bronson Journal or plan to attend the next meeting of the Friends on October 17th. at 5:00PM.
"Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends." —S. Weir Mitchell
The Library Corner
October 5th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
The month of October will be filled with several programs for everyone to enjoy. Preschool storytime will be held Friday October 6th, 20th and 27th from 11:00-11:30 for ages 3-5. This Friday we will be reading The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything and working on a scarecrow project.
October 15-21st is Teen Read Week, a week set aside to look at young adult books. Our Young Adult section continues to grow as more people are using it. Don't forget we can borrow books from the other branches, so if you don't find what you want on the YA shelves, please ask at the desk and we will request it for you.
October 17th, The Magic Treehouse Club will meet from 6:30 -7:30 for ages 8 -12. Register to attend.
October 20th, The American Girl Club will be looking at the Molly books and making cornhusk dolls. This program runs from 4:00-5:00 for ages 8 -12. Register to attend.
October 21st will be a computer class "The Best of Free Software". This class will be from 9:30-11:30 AM. and space is limited so please register to attend.
October 28th, we will have a Halloween Party Story Hour. Come in costume and have fun. This will be 10:00-11:00 on Saturday morning and you must register to attend.
You may register for any of these activities by calling the library at 369-3785 or e-mail to bronson@branchdistrictlibrary.org.
Don't forget the Sherwood and Algansee Branches are collecting black walnuts as a fund raising project. We have at least two big trailer loads to take this week and as you have probably noticed there are walnuts everywhere. We look at it like money on the ground! Let us know if you have bags to be picked up. We really appreciate your participation in this project. Contact Jan at Algansee 517-639-9830 or Lynnell at Sherwood 517-741-7976 or Bronson 517-369-3785.
"To limit the press is to insult a nation; to prohibit reading of certain books is to declare the inhabitants to be either fools or slaves." —Claude Adrien Helvetius
The Library Corner
October 19th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
The library has received a beautiful painting, "My Rose Garden", painted and donated by Velma Wilbur. Mrs. Wilbur told us she didn't start painting until she was in her seventies. She has a real talent and many wonderful paintings. We are very pleased she thought of the library.
This week, October 15-21st, has been Teen Read Week, a week set aside to look at young adult books. Our Young Adult section continues to grow as more readers are using it. Don't forget, we can borrow books from the other branches, so if you don't find what you want on the YA shelves, please ask at the desk and we will request it for you. If you have recommendations for this section of our library, please let us know and as money becomes available, we'll try to purchase what we can.
October 20th will be our next American Girl Club. We will be looking at the Molly books and making homemade hula skirts just like Molly and her friends made for their Halloween. The program will be from 4:00 -5:00 for ages 8 -12. Please call and register to attend.
October 21st will be our first computer class "The Best of Free Software". The class will be from 9:30-11:30 AM. and space is limited, so please register to attend.
We have two more Preschool storytimes scheduled for October. On Friday, October 20th, we will have our regular program from 11:00-11:30 and October 27th will be our Preschool Halloween Party so children should come dressed in costume. These are for ages 3-5 and please register to attend.
Saturday, October 28th, we will have a Story Hour/Halloween Party for ages 6-12. Come dressed in costume and have fun from 10:00-11:00 AM. Please register to attend.
The new magazines have started to arrive and we have added the following titles to our collection: Nickelodeon, Your Big Backyard, Teen People, Girls' Life, Birds and Blooms, Family Tree, Taste of Home, Creating Keepsakes, Farm and Ranch, and Hot Rod. Save buying a subscription and the clutter of what to do with the magazine once you have read it by coming to the library and checking a magazine out. They are loaned out for two weeks and you may take up to five at a time.
"A wicked book is wickeder because it cannot repent." —English Proverb
The Library Corner
October 26th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
This week we hope to be crawling with ghosts and goblins as Halloween approaches. Friday October 27th will be our Preschool Storytime. So far we have heard that Tinkerbell, Buzz Lightyear, a cowboy, a bunny rabbit, a wicked witch and a couple of others will be attending the program. We start at 11:00 and hope you will come in costume and join us. We will have stories, fingerplays and refreshments.
On Saturday, October 28th, we will have a Halloween Party for ages 5-12. Come in costume and enjoy some spooky stories by Jonathan Rand, refreshments and a costume contest. The program will be from 10:00-11:00. Please register so we will have an idea how many to expect.
November 4th will be an Adult Workshop from 9:30 -10:30. Come and learn how to make some simple but unique Christmas ornaments. You must be at least 12 to attend and please register so we have an idea how many to plan for.
October 28th, The Bronson Women's Club will hold a "Make a Difference Day" sale at the Family Dollar Store featuring a variety of baked goods, plants, books, puzzles and miscellaneous items. The sale will run from 9:00 AM to1:00 PM.. All proceeds will be used to purchase books and materials for the library..
Sherwood and Algansee Libraries are still going nuts and report that they have raised a little over $1500.00 so far with their black walnut project. This has been a wonderful year for the walnuts and so it will be a wonderful year for these two branches. They will continue to take walnuts until October 31 and a big thank you to everyone who has contributed so far! If you have walnuts to donate, please call us at 517 369 3785.
All parents who have young drivers or those just learning to drive should read Crash Proof Your Kids by Timothy Smith. This eye opening book is a must for parents and youngsters. The volume is available in our system. The author is the son of Ray and Harriet Smith of Bronson.
"A bad book owes to many trees a forest of apologies." —Patrick Lewis
The Library Corner
November 2nd 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Saturday, October 28th, The Bronson Woman's Club held their annual "Make a Difference Day" bake sale. The event was a roaring success with over $500.00 raised to purchase books and materials for our library. We all owe a great big "Thank You" to Brenda and all the Bronson Family Dollar folks and customers who helped make the event a hit again this year. Family Dollar made an area available for the sale. We must also show our gratitude to Doris Kehoe and all the Friends of the Library members for manning the event as well as all those who attended and supported the sale.
Two Halloween parties were held at our the library last week and everyone had a fun time. The basement was decorated with dropping spiders, flying bats, skeletons and pumpkins. We had stories, played games and were served refreshments. The Scott family handed out little ghost suckers they made and each child took a sucker and a mini decorated pumpkin home. The older children listened to Jonathan Rand's "Creepy Campfire Chillers" story, "The Ghost of Wolf Lake".
Saturday, November 4th, will be an Adult Workshop from 9:30 - 10:30. You must be at least 12 to attend and please register so we may have an idea how many folks to plan for.
Friday, November 10th, we will be showing the movie Cars at 1:00.PM. You may bring a snack and drink to enjoy during the movie.
Saturday November 11th will be Story Hour from 10:00-11:00 for ages 5-12. It is also Mickey Mouse's birthday, so please come celebrate with us.
The Library Corner
November 9th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Stop at the library and check out our showcase. For the next couple of weeks local Artist Susan Venia, will be displaying some of her beautiful pictures of personalized portraits she has created. Susan is also currently illustrating a children's book..
An Adult Workshop was held last Saturday and participants were shown how to marbleize glass ornaments and create a snowman out of a used light bulb. The next Adult Workshop, "Be Creative with your Computer", will be held on December 2nd. Plan to attend and learn of gifts you can create with your computer.
Friday November 10th will be a movie day. The show will start at 1:00 P.M. and you may bring snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie. We will be showing the newly released Disney movie Cars.
Saturday November 11th, we will celebrate Mickey Mouse's birthday at our monthly Story Hour. The program will be from 10:00-11:00 for ages 6 -12. Please register to attend.
American Girl Club will be meeting on November 17th at 4:00. Please register to attend.
The Friends of the Bronson Library will hold their last meeting of 2006 on Tuesday, November 21st at 5:00 P.M. in the basement meeting room at the library. The renovation committee has been very busy and will report on their progress at this session. Plans and programs for the new year 2007 will be reviewed and suggestions will be heartily welcomed. Please plan to attend and bring a friend.
The Library Corner
November 16th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Two fun events were held last week here at the library. On Friday, because there was only a half day of school, we held a movie afternoon. The group that gathered enjoyed a great family movie, some snacks and door prizes. Our next afternoon movie day will be during Christmas break in December. Saturday we held a story hour where the children heard Patricia Polacco's newest books, "Something About Hensley's" and "Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare". The last half hour was a birthday party for Mickey Mouse. We made a toilet paper tube Mickey Mouse, had some yummy cupcakes and everyone got balloons to take home.
November is filled with author birthdays. Why not check out a book or two by these authors to remember them and their wonderful works. November 24th, Frances Hodgson Burnett, November 25th, Charles Schulz, November 29th, Louisa May Alcott and C. S. Lewis, November 30th, Mark Twain and Lucy Maud Montgomery.
November 12-18th is Children's Book Week. Come in and check out a stack of children's books, even if you are an adult, and enjoy them. There are some wonderful and colorful books to see.
Friday November 17th will be the American Girl Club meeting at 4:00. Ages 8 -12. Please register by Thursday the 16th to attend.
Monday November 20th, Branch District Library Board Meeting will be held at the Coldwater Branch at 6:00 PM. The public is always welcome.
Tuesday November 21st, The Friends of the Bronson Library will be meeting at 5:00 PM in the basement meeting room. New members are always welcome.
November 23rd and 24th the library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
From our Micro-film archives, The Bronson Journal, November 12, 1920:
The Whipple School burned to the ground. The only thing that could be saved was the dictionary.
Research by Ruth Bidwell and Elaine Woodcox
The Library Corner
November 23rd 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Twenty five girls met for the American Girl Club last Friday afternoon at our library. The girls made Christmas wreaths, decorating them with bows, berries and ornaments. They all turned out beautifully and everyone did a great job. We read a little about how Christmas was celebrated by the early settlers during the 1850's, then refreshments were served and the program ended. Next month we will be having our Christmas Tea.. This will be on December 15th at 4:00. Please be sure to register so we know how many to prepare for.
Preschool storytime starts again on December 1st. This is for ages 3 -5 and please register to attend.
Saturday, December 2nd we will hold an Adult Workshop, "Be Creative With Your Computer". The workshop will be from 9:30-11:30
Our library showcase is now inhabited with hundreds of turtles. The collection was loaned to the library by Sue VanVolkom, formally of Bronson. She has amassed the pieces over several decades. Stop in soon and view this display.
Sherwood and Algansee Libraries want to thank everyone who helped pick up walnuts this year. This was the biggest year we have had so far with a total of 13,791 pounds of walnuts delivered to the hullers that brought in $1,627.84 to be divided between the two libraries. The money will go towards new materials and programs for these branches. Thank you again for making this a very successful year.
All parents who have young drivers or those just learning to drive should read "Crash Proof Your Kids" by Timothy Smith. This eye opening book is a must for parents and youngsters. The volume is available in our system. The author is the son of Ray and Harriet Smith of Bronson.
"Two forces are successfully influencing the education of an cultivated man: art and science. Both are united in the book." &emdash;Maksim Gorky (1868-1936)
The Library Corner
November 30th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
December 1st, we will start a six week program of preschool storytime for children ages 3 to5. The programs will be held at 11:00 on Fridays. Please register to attend.
An Adult Workshop will be held Saturday, December 2nd from 9:30-11:30. The topic will cover "Be Creative With Your Computer." Please contact the library for more information on this workshop and others to be held next year.
Loranetta Diebel has donated several Christmas books filled with great craft ideas, decorations and recipes. These are on the shelf ready to be checked out.
The Friends committee for the library renovation has been assessing the need for our library plans. Our library building is the only facility in our area that is not handicapped accessible! Their investigation of the Bronson area has shown that there is vital need including children and adults with wheelchairs, a large number of elderly patrons, young mothers with babies along with others who have difficulty navigating the stairways to our library. We welcome the public's input and ideas to help carry out the needed changes. Please stop in or contact the library at 517 369 3785 with your thoughts and suggestions.
"He is wise who knows the sources of knowledge - where it is written and where it is to be found." &emdash;A.A. Hodge
The Library Corner
December 7th 2006
By Lynnell Eash, Branch Manager
Last Friday at Preschool storytime, a group of children helped decorate a little Christmas tree which will be up for all our storytime sessions this month. Afterwards, they put cotton balls on a Santa Face and we practiced our HoHoHo. They shared what they hope to receive for Christmas and we listened to a couple stories including Nutty's Christmas. This week on Friday December 8th, we will be talking about gingerbread boys and girls. The program starts at 11:00 and is for ages 3-5. Please call the library at 369 3785 to register.
Saturday, December 9th, from 10:00-11:00 we will have a storytime for children ages 6-12. They will get to make a couple of Christmas ornaments to take home. Please register.
December 15th will be our American Girl Christmas Tea. The program will be from 4:00-5:00 for ages 8-12 and those attending may invite an adult to come with them. Please register by December 13th so we will know how many to plan for.
The Friends of the Bronson Library are holding an ongoing yard sale in the basement of the library. There is an array of useful and attractive items to choose from. You may select an item and make a donation of your choice. There is always a book sale at the library with many of the volumes in like new condition. Paperbacks are 25 cents each and hard covers go for 50 cents each and a bagful can be had for $2.00. Any one wishing to donate items to the yard sale can phone the library at 517 369 3785. Our thanks to Don Brown and Jeanne Unterkircher for setting up the display.
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends: they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers." &emdash;Charles W. Eliot
