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!!