Story Times Next Week!

Just a reminder that we will celebrate Valentine's Day all next week in our story times. Snacks are provided but children are asked to bring valentine cards to exchange with our story time friends. As part of our craft, we will decorate bags to collect our valentines. See you there for a fun time!

Book Drive!

Spring is around the corner...yes, it's really true! And if that means your thoughts turn to Spring cleaning, then won't you consider helping us out in the children's department? We are in need of gently used children's books to give away this summer as summer reading prizes. Therefore, we will have a book drive the week of February 28th. This is for children's books ranging from board books on up to teen titles. Bring your gently used book donations to the children's department and place them in the donation bin. Thanks so much!!

Coming Soon!

Join us March 1, 2011 as we kick off Read Across America day! This will be a fun night of games, stories and snacks. You might even win a cake in our Dr. Seuss cake walk! Invite your friends and family for this fun event.

New at the Library

Tell the Truth, B. B. Wolf by Judy Sierra
When he is invited to share his story at the local library, the Big Bad Wolf comes face to face with the way he treated the three little pigs. Realizing he had once been a big bully towards them, he offers to make amends.








Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
This 2011 Caldecott Honor book tells the hilarious story of Papa Chicken reading a bedtime story to his little red chicken. He has only just begun to tell the tale when little chick interrupts to tell the story in her own words.

Free Friday Flick!

Join us this Friday for a movie and refreshments! We are showing a Christmas favorite at 10 am in the community room. School is out so why not come to the library and watch a movie!

January/February Schedules

January/February schedules are now available in the children's department. Pick one up today!

Vote for your favorite!!

Stop by the children's department during the next week to vote for your favorite Christmas movie. The winning movie will be shown in the library's community room on December 17th at 10 am. Refreshments provided. This is the first day school is out for the holidays so please come spend it with us and watch a great movie!

Your movie choices are: Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, and The Santa Clause. Vote for your favorite today!!

Polar Express Storytime

Join us December 14th at 7 pm for a special evening storytime. We will read The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and enjoy cookies and cocoa. This program is for families with children ages 3 and up. Reservations are required. Please call 256-353-2993 ext 122 or email children@decatur.lib.al.us to reserve a spot. The first 50 children to arrive will receive a conductor's cap.

November/December Storytime Calendars

The November/December storytime calendars are now available in the children's department. Come by and get yours today!

Pint-Sized Post

The latest edition of The Pint-Sized Post is available for pick-up in the children's department. This is a newsletter both you and your preschooler will enjoy. It has suggested readings, snack & game ideas, and a list of coming attractions.

Trick-or-Treat

Today is the last day for trick-or-treating at the library with our storytime children. We love this time and look forward to it every year. It is so much fun to see the little ones in costume!

Things to do with the family in Decatur Alabama

We get asked alot for a list of things for families to do in Decatur. Here are just some suggestions. Some are seasonal and of course it is always good to call in advance!


For Free:

Wheeler Wildlife Refuge: Coming from Decatur: It's really close! Just take Highway 67 (Point Mallard Parkway) to the east. It's about 2 miles from the intersection of Hwy 31 and Hwy 67. Turn right--museum, walking trails, observatory

Cooks Natural Science Museum: 412 13th St SE Decatur AL, Mon-Sat 9 am-12 pm & 1 pm-5pm, Sun 2 pm-5 pm--collection of butterflies, shells, coral, stone, animals--very nice exhibit

Carnegie Visual Arts Center: 207 Church St NE 256-341-0562 Wed-Fri 11am-6 pm (open until 8 pm every third Thurs) Sat 11am-4pm

Petco, PetSmart

Morgan County Farmer’s Market: 211 1st Ave SE

Rhodes Ferry Park: Harborview & Market St, waterfront playground, picnic area, walking trails, train passes by

Delano Park: 6th ave & Gordon Dr playground, picnic area, walking trail, splash pad

Wilson Morgan Park: Beltline & Sandlin Rd, wooden playground, picnic areas, tennis court, softball, walking trail

Gin House Branch Farm: 1579 Bethel Rd S Decatur, AL 35603 http://www.ghbf.com/ for info

Reeves Peach Farm: 447 Hwy 36E Hartselle, AL 256-773-9479 strawberries, pumpkins, tomatoes

McDonald’s Play Place: Priceville, Hwy 67

Dairy Queen Play Place: Hartselle, Hwy 31
Chick-Fil-A: Beltline Rd

And of course don't forget storytimes at our library. Check out our website for a calendar of events--www.decatur.lib.al.us

Admission Charged:

AMF River City Bowl 3117 Highway 31 S Decatur, AL 35603 256-353-3162

Carmike 8 607 14 Street SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-350-0935

Regal Cinema 8 1801 Beltline Road SW Decatur, AL 35601256-355-6622

Funland Golf Course 401 14th Street SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-355-9849

Golf Shores Mini Golf 2015 Westmead Street SW Decatur, AL 35601 256-350-8711

Skate Castle: 256-355-0561 Play-n-Stay on Wednesday mornings, $3 admission--roller racers, bounce house, music & games

Point Mallard: Ice Rink open year round 256-341–4915 $6 General Admission $2 skate rental
Aquatics: GENERAL ADMISSION:Children (Ages 5 - 11) $11.00Adults ( 12 and 61)
$16.00Seniors (62+) $11.00Children 4 and under FREE

This is just a small list. Be sure to check out the visitor bureau website for more information: http://www.decaturcvb.org/ and also look at: http://www.decaturmorgancounty.com/

If you know of any places to add to this list or if any information listed here needs to be changed, please let us know!!

Bad News for Outlaws by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Bad News for Outlaws: the Remarkable Life of Bass Reaves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson--winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. This book tells the story of the legendary marshal who was born a slave and later commited his life to bringing outlaws to justice. He was feared and revered by those who knew of him and even took on the task of bringing his own son to justice. He helped tame the indian territory and ended his career on the police force of Muskogee, Oklahoma. This book reads very much like a tall tale but the events are true and tells an amazing story of a little known hero of the old west.

New @ Your Library

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood--Have you ever thought about the fact that there are different kinds of quiet? Quiet in the comfort of the presence of a friend, quiet when little sister is sleeping, snowfall quiet, and so on....The drawings are as gentle as the phrases of this book and just make you want to settle in and spend some quiet time pondering the pages of this book.

The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson--Follow the farmer as he feeds the farm animals and find out why the cow loves cookies. Nice rhyming text and repetition. Have a glass of milk and some cookies nearby as you read this one!!

Teddy Bear Sleepover

Special thanks to all those who attended our Teddy Bear Sleepover. We had so much fun planning and carrying out this event. We sang and danced with our stuffed animals and listened to a couple of bedtime stories while enjoying a bedtime snack. The children tucked their animals into bed and ended the night with a fun little goodnight song. The next day they promptly picked up their little stuffed friends and took home a souvenir of all the fun teddy bear adventures the stuffed animals went on once the library closed.

Upcoming Program

Teddy Bear Sleepover

September 14, 2010

7 pm-8 pm

Children can come dressed in pajamas and bring a stuffed animal. We will have songs, stories and a bedtime snack. The stuffed animals will stay at the library overnight for a special sleepover. Be sure to pick up your friend after 12 pm the next day along with a special souvenir.

This program will appeal to preschool through second grade but all are welcome to attend.

Pre-register for this program by emailing or calling the children's department.

256-353-2993 ext 122 or children@decatur.lib.al.us

Storytime Calendars

Storytime calendars are ready and can be picked up in the children's department at any time. We are looking forward to another great year!! Click on the picture to see just some of the fun things we have going on for this Fall!

End of Summer Reading Luau

Just a reminder to join us Thursday, July 29 at Rhodes Ferry Park for our finale to the summer reading program. The event will last from 10 am to 12 pm. We will have refreshments, a bouncy house, and some relay games. The winners of the four $25 Walmart gift cards will be announced at this event. You do not have to be present to win. Hope to see you there!!

Moonshot, the Flight of Apollo 11

New to the library.......

Moonshot, the Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca is an exciting story of the first landing on the moon. This nonfiction book is told in storybook style with fantastic drawings and easy enough for young readers to understand. It has details that capture the excitement and strangeness of that new experience.....a wonderful read that will appeal to both children and adults.

Pint-Sized Post

The latest edition of the Pint-Sized Post is now available at the library. This is designed specifically for you and your little ones with craft ideas, recipes, songs and poetry. Come by and get your copy today!!

Princess Books

Who doesn't like a good princess story?? We've added a couple of new books which are sure to be your little princess' favorite.

The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton: A story about believing in yourself and showing your "inner sparkle."

Princess Says Goodnight by Naomi Howland: Being a princess is so much fun---even when preparing for bedtime. This little princess receives the royal treatment as she says goodnight to her family.

Whatcha Reading??

I just finished reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and what an exciting adventure story as we follow young Jim Hawkins as he leaves his seaside village to take to the high seas and then to search for buried treasure on Treasure Island. He meets some most interesting characters along the way such as an old seaman named Billy Bones, Black Dog and of course Long John Silver himself. The search is on for the treasure buried by long dead Captain Flint, "the bloodthirstiest buccaneer that ever lived," and along the way young Jim learns some things about himself and his fellow crew members. It is a coming of age sort of story and filled with adventure. In this story, Stevenson gives us our popular perception of pirates with treasure maps where x marks the spot to the buried treasure, and the one-legged pirate with a parrot on his shoulder.

So, what are you reading? Stop by the desk sometime and let me know of the stories you've read and liked. I'd love to hear about them and also any stories you think we should add to the collection at our library.

Recommended reading:

Anything by Richard Peck. He is one of my favorites and I especially love his Long Way from Chicago, A Year Down Yonder, and A Season of Gifts--three books in which we meet his wonderful character, Mrs. Dowdle. Mrs. Dowdle is the grandmotherly type with lots of spunk and gumption. Just hilariously funny and heartfelt all at the same time.

Also, I'm a big fan of Vivian Vande Velde. Her books have kind of a spooky element about them and two of my favorites that we have are Stolen and Curses, inc.

You might like to listen to The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick which is about a boy who runs off to try to rescue his brother who has been sold into service in the Civil War--another lighthearted adventure in which Homer tries to be truthful about the retelling of such events, being the chronic fibber that he is.

Upcoming events

Please join us this Thursday as we dabble in sand art. Sounds messy, huh? Well maybe not too bad. Our order of the colored sand came in last week and I have to say it is so pretty in all the vibrant colors of red, yellow, purple, green, blue and so on. Then on July 12, the Aquadome will send a couple of their lifeguards out to talk to us about water safety. We will also see a demonstration on how to properly wear a life vest and if time permits, we will play a "fishing for books" game. Hope to see you there!!

In Full Swing of Summer

Ahhh.....has it really been since May that I've updated this blog?! The summer has been very busy with all the activities here at the library. Thanks to all who have come out and been a part of our programs. I hope you've had a good time.

We are now collecting reading logs and will do so until 4 pm on July 22. Lots of you have already come by and picked up your prize bags and free books. Remember, you do not have to be present to win one of the $25 gift cards that will be given out the day of the luau. Should your name be drawn, we will contact you. But we do hope to see you at the luau on the 29th of this month.

Lastly, I'd like to leave you with a couple of pictures from one of our latest programs. Wasn't it wonderful to have magician Archie Wade and Merlin the rabbit with us just recently? I do believe a good time was had by all.

Summer Reading Schedules

Summer reading schedules are available now. Please notice that the reading program is slightly different this year. Registration begins June 1. On June 14, we will kick off our programming by welcoming the McWane center as they present their wet-n-wild program in the community room. Visit their site to learn more about the McWane Centerhttp://www.mcwane.org/.

Summer Reading Program

Registration for the summer reading program begins June 1. Calendars are now available in the children's department. Make a splash at your library by reading for prizes and by participating in some fun, free programs.

Rumblewick's Diaries

Rumblewick is Haggy Aggy's right-hand cat, contractually bound to shape her into the best witch she can be. The problem? Haggy Aggy is a most unwitchy witch, and she has no interest in boiling frogs--she wants to be a STAR!

This cute series is new to the library and is written by Hiawyn Oram. Enjoy these titles today:

Rumblewick's diary-My unwilling witch gets a makeover
Rumblewick's diary-My unwilling witch goes to ballet school

Rumblewick's diary-My unwilling witch sleeps over

Rumblewick's diary-My unwilling witch starts a girl band

Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham

This is a fictionalized story loosely based on true events which took place in 1930's Gee's Bend, Alabama. Irene Latham, an Alabama author, does a very nice job of setting the scene and drawing the picture of young Ludelphia. Ludelphia must find help for her sick mother and so she embarks on a journey that changes her life.

Also included in this story is a small hint at the rich history of quiltmaking in the south and namely of Gee's Bend. A history which leads to traveling exhibits throughout the nation and U.S. commerative postage stamps bearing images of Gee's Bend quilts.

New Picture Books @ Your Library

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

A little boy brightens the city around him by tending a garden that

spreads throughout the city.

The Goodnight Train by June Sobel

Perfect for reading at bedtime as your little one settles in for the night. The goodnight train is headed back to the station and all is peaceful and still at the end of the book.

Golidilicious by Victioria Kann

This is a follow-up to the popular Pinkalicious and Purplicious books by this author. A little girl and her brother play with her imaginary gold-horned unicorn that can float on water, fly, and turn herself into a fairy princess

Pint-Sized Post

The next time you're in the library check out our new newsletter for little ones--The Pint-Sized Post. This newsletter is just for you and your little one with games and activities you can do together. The Pint-Sized Post will be published each quarter so stay on the lookout for this.

Here is a sample page:

Tom Sawyer Puppet Show

Thanks to all who came out for our puppet show on Saturday. Mrs. Doris and I had a great time putting on that little show and it was so good to see your smiling faces. Please join us the last week of April for our campout storytime right here in the children's department. The evening will be complete with a campfire and fun stories!! Please register before this event. It will be April 27 at 7 pm.

New @ Your Library

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

To the Maasai, a cow represents life and so when the small village in a corner of Kenya finds out about the events of September 11, 2001, the village offers up a gift of 14 cows for America, a gift that offers peace and hope.

It is a story of compassion, a story of humanity. It is a story of a people who reached out to those in need. To me, the most profound line in the book is, "14 cows for America....because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort."

Beautifully written story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Stolen

Stolen by Vivian Vande Velde is a captivating read for upper elementary school aged children and up. One can't help but get wrapped up in the story from the very start. A witch has stolen a young child and six years later the child reappears with no memories of the witch or of her past life. Her family attempts to settle in to a normal life again but there is doubt of the child's true identity. This book has so many twists and turns that surely M. Night Shyamalan would be intrigued. The ending falls into place like a puzzle finally coming together. Great read!!

Storytimes for the Month of March

Today in Book Babies the little ones dug for buried treasure. I don't know which was more fun...finding the buried treasure or playing with the shredded paper in which the treasure was hidden! Our puppet pirate friend, Captain Jack, was there to introduce us to his pet bird named Polly, and we rowed our boats across the sea singing sea shanties along the way.

This week the threes, fours, and five year olds learned why pirates don't usually babysit when we read Pirates Don't Change Diapers by Melinda Long. We practiced our very best arghs and made hooks for our hands....just like a real pirate!

We have many more fun activities planned for the rest of March as we continue to focus our storytimes on events pulled from the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. If you know a little one who likes to sing, dance, and listen to great stories, bring him on down to the library for a fun time. Our storytimes are at 1:30 pm on Mondays, 10 am on Tuesdays and 10 am for Book Babies on Wednesdays.

The Big Read!

Once again the Decatur Public Library is full swing in the events of the Big Read program. This time we are joined by the whole state of Alabama as we all focus our minds on one book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

Please take a look at the calendar posted on the children's page of the library's website. You will see that March will be a very busy month with a classical guitarist, a puppet show, and Benjamin Franklin....oh wait! How'd he get in there with the Big Read stuff. Well, he might have been before Twain's time but he was no stranger to tomfoolery which is one of our themes for the storytimes in March. All storytimes in March will be based on events pulled from Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The themes we chose are: Big River, Pirates, School Days, Caving, and Tomfoolery.

We will end our Big Read event by throwing a Campout Storytime on April 27, 2010. This storytime will take place at 7 pm and will last about an hour. Youngsters are invited to bring their sleeping bags and flashlights to enjoy stories and songs while we "camp out" in the library.

Hey! Check out this creative bulletin board Mrs. Doris put together for the children's department. Pretty fun! Come by and see this one in person!!

Happy Holidays!!

The month of December has been a busy time for the children's department. Our pajama storytime on the 8th was a great success!! I do believe everyone had a good time with our Gingerbread Boy themed party. We plan to host another pajama storytime in the Spring. Be on the lookout for the time and date of this event.

The River City Clarinet Choir helped us get in the spirit of the season by playing Christmas music in the children's department on the 14th. There were around 15 clarinetists ranging in all ages and skill levels. They lined up along the Easy Reader section and played beautiful music for all to enjoy.

The rest of that week was spent partying with our Storytime children! What fun we had listening to stories like Santa's Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene and making our Santa faces and reindeer.

Also, this month Lindy Smith with PACT has come in during some of our storytimes to share ideas and strategies on parenting. She will be back again in January with more ideas for us. Mark your calendars for 10 am on January 12, 19, and 26 and again on February 2. She will conduct her seminar for the parents while I share stories with the children.

This week has been more relaxed and has given us a chance to catch up on ordering new material for the children's department. A couple of titles to look forward to in the future will be Not Last Night But the Night Before by Colin McNaughton and Day Is Done by Peter Yarrow.

So with all that said, now is the time for us to wish you all a Happy Holiday! Enjoy spending time with family and friends and maybe stop by to pick up a book or two....or three or four to read for the holidays!

Holiday Music in the Children's Department

Join us at 7 pm on December 14th for holiday music and refreshments in the children's department. The River City Clarinet Choir will give a 30 minute performance. Come enjoy the music and delight in the beautiful christmas decorations at the library. While you are here, check out some movies and books to help you and your family get in the spirit of the holiday.

Cards for Soldiers

Stop by the children's department and join us in supporting our men and women in uniform by making a holiday card. Be sure to write a message inside of thanks.

These cards will be taken to the local office of U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith who will assist in distributing the cards to soldiers recovering from battle and stationed away from their families.

Can't make it in to the building? Thanks to the people at Xerox, you can complete a postcard online which will be printed and sent at no cost to yourself. http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Upcoming Program!!

Mark your calendars for the Pajama Storytime event taking place December 8th at 7 p.m. Although you may be dressed for bed, you won't fall asleep with all the exciting stories, rhymes and songs in this storytime for the whole family. This program will appeal to preschoolers through second graders but all are welcome to attend. Milk and cookies will be served!! Please call 256-353-2993 ext 122 to reserve your spot or email children@decatur.lib.al.us

Just a reminder of our 39 Clues Scavenger Hunt coming up this weekend. Pick up your clue sheet at 7 pm Friday night. You have all weekend to find the things on the sheet. Come back Monday night at 7 pm for our wrap-up party. Be sure to bring your loot with you. The family with the most points wins a prize.

Happy Halloween!!

This week has been so much fun with all our storytime children in to trick-or-treat around the library. You all looked terrific in your costumes and we wish you the very Happiest Halloween!!

Just a few of the great Halloween picture books that can be found in the children's department:

Clifford's first Halloween / Norman Bridwell
Scary, scary Halloween / Eve Bunting
Pumpkin day, pumpkin night / by Anne Rockwell
Boo! / by Robert Munsch
Boo! It's Halloween / by Wendy Watson
A creepy countdown / by Charlotte Huck
Curse of the werewuff / adapted by David Lewman
Halloween monster / by Catherine Stock
Mouse's first Halloween / Lauren Thompson
Pumpkin heads! / Wendell Minor

Just In Time for Halloween

Look for these fabulous DVD titles that are new to the Children's Department:

Goosebumps. The scarecrow walks at midnight
Goosebumps. Shocker on Shock Street
Goosebumps. Return of the mummy
Goosebumps. One day at HorrorLand
Goosebumps. A night in Terror Tower

The Magician's Elephant

From the author of The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie comes the tale of ten-year-old orphan Peter Augustus Duchene who encounters a fortune teller in the marketplace one day and she tells him that his sister, who is presumed dead, is in fact alive, he embarks on a remarkable series of adventures as he desperately tries to find her.

Parent Time During Story Time

PACT (Parents and Children Together) has volunteered to present some short programs during the time that your child is in Story Time here at the library. They will cover topics that will be of use to parents and other adults as well. The mini classes are free and open to the public. They will be held in the back part of the children's department, near the windows during the Tuesday morning (10 am) story time.

Week 1: Building a Strong Family
Week 2: Managing Stress
Week 3: Magic Minutes for your Marriage
Week 4: Healthy Conflict Resolution

Adults involved in healthy, happy relationships have better parenting skills. If you would be interested in these mini classes, please call us at 256-353-2993 ext 122

Spooky....

Things are getting a little spooky around the library today. Just look what greeted me as I rounded the corner on my way to cataloging....





Yes, the broom is standing by itself. It has been standing there for about two hours now. I wonder how long it will last....

Historical Fiction Picture Books

This is a list of just a few historical fiction picture books that can be found in the Decatur Public Library. Unless otherwise noted these books can be found in the Easy Reader section of the children's department:

A is for Abigail Adams: an almanac of amazing American women/Lynne Cheney j 973 che
Three young pilgrims/ Cheryl Harness
Nettie's trip South/ Ann Turner JF Tur
Only Opal: the diary of a young girl/ by Opal Whiteley J 813 WHI
The farm summer 1942/ by Donald Hall
Amber on the mountain/ Tony Johnston
The bear that heard crying/ Natalie Kinsey-Warnock E Kin
The bobbin girl/ emily arnold McCully
Take me out to the ballgame J 796.357 BUR
How to make an apple pie and see the world/ Marjorie Priceman
The cloudmakers/ by James Rumford
Prairie Primer: A to Z/ by Caroline Stutson
Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers/ written and illustrated by Karen Winnick
Coming on home soon/ Jacqueline Woodson
The floating house/ by Scott Russell Sanders
Giants in the land/ Diana Appelbaum J 634.9 APP
Aurora means dawn/ by Scott Russell Sanders
Follow the Drinking Gourd/ story and pictures by Jeanette Winter
A new coat for Anna/ by Harriet Ziefert
Smoky Night/ written by Eve Bunting
The Wall/ by Eve Bunting
Working Cotton/ written by Sherley Anne Williams

Multicultural Picture Books

This is a list of just a few multicultural picture books that can be found in the Decatur Public Library. Unless otherwise noted these books can be found in the Easy Reader section of the children's department:

MULTICULTURAL PICTURE BOOKS
This is the way we go to school : a book about children around the world / Edith Baer J 629.04 BAE
Abuela / by Arthur Dorros
A country far away / story by Nigel Gray
The day of Ahmed's secret / Florence Parry Heide
Tomás and the library lady / Pat Mora
Dear Juno / by Soyung Pak
"More more more" said the baby : 3 love stories / Vera B. Williams
A picture book of Anne Frank / David A. Adler JB FRANK
Peppe the lamplighter / by Elisa Bartone
How many days to America? : a Thanksgiving story / by Eve Bunting
The butterfly / by Patricia Polacco
The keeping quilt / by Patricia Polacco
Aunt Harriet's underground railroad in the sky / Faith Ringgold
Grandfather's journey / written and illustrated by Allen Say
Too many tamales / Gary Soto
Happy to be nappy / Bell Hooks
Yo! Yes? / Chris Raschka
Amazing Grace / by Mary Hoffman
Molly's pilgrim / by Barbara Cohen
The ugly vegetables / Grace Lin
Uptown / Bryan Collier
Mirandy and Brother Wind / by Patricia C. McKissack
Tea with milk / by Allen Say
Coolies / by Yin
Dream wolf / story and illustrations by Paul Goble
Knots on a counting rope / by Bill Martin
A horse called Starfire / by Betty D. Boegehold
Dumpling soup / by Jama Kim Rattigan

Accelerated Reader

Some schools have posted their AR lists online. Here is a list of links. Hope this helps. If you find a link that doesn't work or know of a link that has been left off this list, please let me know:


Austinville: **No list available at website

Banks-Caddell: Uses Renaissance Place web based program. Contact school for more info.

Frances Nungester: Uses Renaissance Place web based program. Contact school for more info.

Julian Harris: web based list to search your title: http://www.dcs.edu/webpages/JHarris/acceleratedreader.cfm

Chestnut Grove: http://www.dcs.edu/webpages/cgrove/library.cfm

Eastwood: No longer participates in the AR program

Ben Davis: http://www.dcs.edu/webpages/jpatterson/news.cfm

Leon Sheffield: http://www.dcs.edu/webpages/bbronaugh/ar.cfm

Somerville Road: **No list available at website

Walter Jackson: **No list available at website

West Decatur: **No list available at website

Woodmeade: **No list available at website

Brookhaven Middle School: **No list available at website

Cedar Ridge Middle School: http://www.dcs.edu/webpages/CLibrary/accelerated_reader.cfm

Oak Park Middle School: **No list available at website

**Some of the schools with no list available at website are no longer using AR, or are using a web based program. Contact your school for more information.

Globe-Trotters!

Don't cry for me Argentina!! Okay, I've had this song running through my head all week as I prepare for our Globe-Trotters class coming up this Thursday at 4 pm. Join us as we learn a little about Argentina's history and culture. We may even sample a sweet snack famous in that region.

http://rivercityreadersforkids.blogspot.com/2009/08/globe-trotters-begins-sept10th.html

Upcoming Program in November

Even if you've read this series or not this scavenger hunt is sure to be loads of fun for you and your family. (click on image for larger view)

Game Night

Thanks to those who attended our recent game night for elementary schoolers and their parents. We look forward to hosting this event again in the future!

Great Books for Preschoolers

Wondering what to read with your preschooler? Here is a short list of great titles offered to you by the Decatur Public Library:

Old black fly / Jim Aylesworth
Abuela / by Arthur Dorros
Olivia / written and illustrated by Ian Falconer
Lilly's purple plastic purse / by Kevin Henkes
The seals on the bus / by Lenny Hort
Zin! zin! zin! : a violin / by Lloyd Moss
Bitter bananas / by Isaac Olaleye
Yo! Yes? / Chris Raschka
Where the wild things are / story and pictures by Maurice Sendak
Rain / written and illustrated by Manya Stojic
Seven blind mice / Ed Young J 398.245 YOU
The three pigs / David Wiesner
The napping house / Audrey Wood
Caps for sale : a tale of a peddler, some monkeys, and their monkey business / story and pictures by Esphyr Slobodkina
Good dog, Carl / by Alexandra Day
Good night, Gorilla / Peggy Rathmann
Jamberry / story and pictures by Bruce Degen
The little engine that could / retold by Watty Piper
Owen / Kevin Henkes
The rainbow fish / Marcus Pfister
Swimmy / by Leo Lionni