Aubrey Area Library

2010-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Scarecrow Trail Contest Winners

Traditional Category

Sheryl Crow and Her Gourd Punkins

10014 Pinecrest Drive

Providence Village

Whimsical Category

Nolan vs A-Rod

816 Fairmeadow

Krugerville

People's Choice - Tie

PaPa and Grandma

800 Squires Lane

Krugerville

Handy Man

202 S Main

Aubrey, TX 76227

2010-10-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Scarecrow Trail

Join the Fun on the first Scarecrow Trail!

Build and display a scarecrow in your front yard or at your place of business.

$10 Individual/Family/School Group; $25 Business/Club/Organization;

$100 reward to the winner of each category: Traditional or Whimsical
Contest is open to anyone within the Aubrey Area (76227 mailing).

Pick up an entry form and contest rules at the Library or go to http://www.aubreytx.net/library
Sponsored by Area Friends of the Aubrey Library

2010-09-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

2010-09-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Library Schedule Changes

Effective October 5, 2010, the Aubrey Area Library will be closed on Fridays. The new schedule will be:

Sunday, Monday: Closed

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 10 am - 3 pm

2010-09-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Story Time Returns!

Wednesdays at 11:00 am beginning October 5, 2010.

Stories, Songs, Puppets, Crafts...Join Us! Ages 3 - 6.

October 5 - Bake me a Cookie

October 13 - Anansi Tales

October 20 - It's Pumpkin Time!

October 27 - Halloween Fun! (wear your costume)

2010-08-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Story Time and Toddler Time Postponed
Story Time and Toddler Time were scheduled to resume in September but both programs have been postponed until October. Follow our blog or Facebook page for the new start date and time!

2010-08-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Pet Talent Contest

11:45 a.m. on October 2 at the Peanut Festival Stage

Enter one category for $5 or all categories for $20

Cash prizes for first place in each category

PointBank 20th Annual Charity Golf Classic

Help support your Library by playing in the 20th Annual PointBank Charity Golf Classic on Saturday, September 18 at Cowboys Golf Club. All proceeds benefit Denton County Libraries.

Readers Today...Leaders Tomorrow.

For more information go to www.POINTBank.com or call 940-686-7000.

2010-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Besides being Friday the 13th tomorrow, it is also "National Blame Someone Else Day". Two excellent reasons for staying in with a good book.

2010-08-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

"What Do YOU See" Photo Contest

Take a look around the Aubrey Area and show us what YOU see.

Amateur Photographers of all ages, grab your camera and start clicking. Entry Fee $2 Per Photo.

Entry deadline September 1, 2010.

Winning photo will be picked by the festival crowd at the

25th Annual Aubrey Peanut Festival, October 2, 2010.

Entry forms and model releases available at the Aubrey Area Library or at:

Peanut Festival Photo Contest

2010-08-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

PEANUT PEDAL 2010

Join us for the first ever Peanut Pedal, riding 25 miles in celebration of the 25th Annual Aubrey Peanut Festival on Saturday, October 2, 2010

Pre-registration July 1st - August 31st - $25/person
Registration September 1 - September 30 - $40/person
All riders must register by September 30th

All Proceeds go to Aubrey Area Library

2010-07-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading Art Contest

Here are some of the entries for the Aubrey Area Library Summer Reading Art Contest. Art will be judged by local artists and prizes will be awarded for each age category. It's not too late to submit your artwork!

The contest ends July 20th.

2010-07-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Pajama Story Time With L.L. Bear...
STORIES FROM ALASKA
Thursday, July 15 @ 7pm - Ages 4-7
Get cool in the library! Bring your pillow and favorite stuffed animal for fun stories and special bedtime treats!

The Mad Scientist Returns

2010-07-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Atomic Aja entertained a most enthusiastic and energetic group of eager listeners at our Tuesday, June 29th Summer Reading Program. From demonstrations of molecule movement in solids, liquids, and gases, to a visual display of water absorbing crystals, to an exciting and engaging demonstration of audio amplification, Atomic Aja educated a crowd of nearly 200. The science books fairly flew out of the library after the show!

Join us next Tuesday, July 6th, at 11:00 am for The Creature Teacher Summer Reading Program.

jmh/kg

2010-06-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

Join the Aubrey Book Club!

Local Author, Lynette Theisen, will be the featured author at the June 30 Aubrey Book Club meeting. She will be discussing the writing and publishing of her new book, Through the Night. Through the Night is the book club's reading selection for July and everyone is looking forward to hearing about her experiences in the book publishing world. After her presentation, the book club members will be discussing their June selection, Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall. New members are always welcome. The book club meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Aubrey Area Library. Hope to see you there!

Last Day

2010-05-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Faithful Followers,

I am writing my last blog of this momentous trip 33,000 feet above the earth…now that’s a trip in itself! Even Bears have to marvel at the technology available to us! I am cruising along above the clouds with my fellow airline passengers, thinking about my last day on the ship.

Waking up on a bed that was moving from side to side and up and down, made me sit up and look outside the balcony window…powerful waves, from 10 to 12 feet high were crashing against the ship! Our ship was headed into 40 knot winds! And, I had a hard time moving my legs in a straight line. All I could do was sway from side to side and hang on to the railing in the hallway. My tummy felt a bit queasy, and I wondered how long this would last. Maybe I should go back to bed.

I took a deep breath and told myself to continue with my very important appointment of the day. I was invited to tour the ship’s galley with my four traveling friends. This was my opportunity to see where and how all the food is prepared for both the passengers and the crew. How do you cook for 2,800 folks?

This ship loaded 13 tons of food for our cruise! That’s 26,000 pounds! All the food is stored in an area the size of a football field, and when it’s time to prepare and cook, they use 5 kitchens! There were 7,000 pizzas, 1,000 pounds of pasta, 15,000 pounds of shrimp and almost 5,000 hamburgers…along with pounds and pounds of apples, bananas, melons… Eggs? 48,000. Milk? 900 gallons.

They had a huge grocery bill, too. It cost $350,000 for all the food.

The entire food service staff work long hours to prepare hundreds of meals each day, and then the waiters have to serve it quickly and efficiently, while it is hot. Just think of all the dishes, silverware, glasses, and pots and pans that have to be scrubbed and sanitized in very hot water. The staff is very careful to keep their hands washed while cooking and serving the food. I personally wash my paws with warm soapy water while I sing the Alphabet Song. I learned that from Gretchen.

My travel friends and I all enjoyed (too much!!) the appetizing food. Thank you Carnival ship Spirit! Now I need to get back to just blueberries,

Saying good bye to all the helpers on the ship who cleaned our cabin twice a day, who cooked for us and served us, who entertained us with music and funny shows was a wee bit sad. But, I have all my pictures (1,000) to help me remember each day and my adventures.

Traveling with my good friends, meeting new friends along the way, sharing experiences and fun times will give me sweet dreams for MANY nights to come.

I hope you will visit me back in the library and see my collection of travel pins. We will all be ready for reading adventures this summer as we CATCH THE READING EXPRESS!

Bear Hugs to All,

L.L. Bear

Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets

June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music

June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns

July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals

July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad

July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories

July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Catch Me in Ketchikan!

2010-05-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends…

My day ended with a BIG party on the ship…but wait, I need to start at the beginning of the day! It was a bit gray and drizzly as we docked in Ketchikan, in Southeast Alaska, but that did not stop us from getting off the ship.

Ketchikan is known for its abundance of totem poles. The totem poles were carved from tall trees by the indigenous people to illustrate the stories of their families, or clans. Just like an artist would illustrate a book with colorful pictures, so the totem poles carvers would create richly carved animals that told a story. Each one is different and interesting as you learn about its background.

We walked and walked around Ketchikan, which is a perfect way to meet other travelers and to meet the people (and animals!) who live here. Many people have never met a Traveling Bear, and they stop to ask about me. I am only too eager to fill them in about my life as a curious traveling learner in the world. People want to take my picture; of course I oblige them, and remind them to keep eyes and ears tuned to the beauty and wonder of God’s world.

One fellow I met was PRETTY tall! He was a polar bear, who was invited to permanently live in one of the shops here. Can you see how small I am in comparison to him!

The Husky or Malamute is the guard dog in the same shop, and he was so curious about me…he wanted to chew my ears and paws…but in a very friendly way. I liked him, but I also like my ears and paws!!

In a little park, I had a chance to see three birds that live here. The bald eagle had been shot, and now she is being cared for and is recovering. She DID NOT want me to get near her, because she did not know me. But the hawk and the owl thought I was ok.

Red Tailed Hawk

Screech Owl

I thought it would be fun to take home one of the little Russian dolls that nest inside each other. The tiniest doll fits inside a larger doll and she fits inside the next larger one, and so on until you have just the largest doll! The Russian people have a history here, and so you can see Russian churches and shops with many brightly colored items from Russia.

Along our shopping route, we came to a shop called Ketchi-Candies. It was another opportunity to find a present, and to meet the girls who help make all those hand-dipped chocolates.

Our tour led us to another wonderful place to find out more about Alaska, The Discovery Place. Each section had informative displays of wildlife and how the first peoples lived in this vast land. Do you see the salmon strips drying on the racks? They dried the salmon so they could keep it over the winter for food.

I keep learning each day, but sometimes I just stop and have a good time laughing or singing. That’s what I did at the end of the day. The ship’s entertainers had a REALLY big show with costumes, music, singing and dancing. What fun!

Tomorrow will be my last day at sea and soon I’ll be back in the Aubrey Area Library, eager to see familiar people. In the meantime, I’m relaxing with a few books about Alaska.

See Y’all Soon,

L.L.Bear

Don't Forget to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Alaska’s Capital

2010-05-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, Juneau!

Our ship is entering Juneau’s harbor, and the early rising Saturday sun is highlighting those magnificent mountains! What a grand way to start the day.

The dock was close to town, so we ambled over to the Alaska State Museum to learn more about the history of this state, which is larger than California and Texas combined! This carved Totem is a Beaver Pole, which was once at the entrance of a Native lodge, or home.

I was excited to see a replica of an eagle’s nest in this museum! Eagles construct their nests in large, older trees, in very high areas. They add to their nests each year, and some nests can be as big as a pick-up truck! Eagles live in this part of Alaska, so I hope to see a real one.

I learned how important ships were in the early days of explorers to Alaska. Here is a model of a ship with 5 masts! It must have gone really fast when the wind caught all those sails.

Did you know that the United State bought Alaska from Russia? The Russians first explored the Aleutian Islands and had settlements there. But in 1859 we purchased the Alaskan territory for 7.2 million dollars. Alaska became our 49th state in 1959. We saw the pen that President Eisenhower used to sign the statehood bill.

Since there are MANY rainy days in Juneau, everyone was out to enjoy the sunshine at the Maritime Festival. Juneau can only be reached by plane or ship, and most people either have a small float plane or a boat. The Maritime Festival was all about how and why the sea is important to Juneau people.

The Coast Guard showed how they rescue people from danger in the water. Fishermen were demonstrating how to prepare fish for grilling.

I met a young naval officer from the J.F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier! I remember the trip I took on that ship with some other friends.

I was surprised to see the Juneau Public Library, right next to the wharf. It is the top level of a big parking garage! The only way the Juneau people would approve of and pay for a parking garage in this location, was to put the library on top!! Yeah for the library!!

Until Next Time…

L.L. Bear

Don't Forget to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Catch the Train

2010-05-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

I woke up in Skagway on Friday morning…early Friday, because the sun was already bright at 4:17 am! I thought cruises were supposed to be restful!

No matter, I was eager to walk the short distance from the ship into town, after my blueberry pancake breakfast. Much of the old Skagway, from the Gold Rush days is still here, with some restoration.

My first visit was to the National Park Service Museum. The Park Rangers gave me a special badge, and made me a “junior ranger.” They know how much I love the wilderness, and like my old buddy, Smokey the Bear, I want to protect the forests, waters, and the mountains from waste and damage.

The museum had great exhibits about the Klondike Gold Rush. Hundreds of men came to get rich, but their lives were extremely difficult. They each had to have enough provisions for a whole year; each person had to somehow haul 2,000 pounds of supplies to his destination in Dawson. That meant going up a mountain, down the mountain to a lake, making a raft and floating down the river to reach the Klondike gold fields. Many men and their pack horses or mules never made it.

Time to catch the train! We boarded the train, pulled by Steam Engine 73, for our 54 mile roundtrip up the railway. Because the Gold Rush route was so difficult, the government decided to build a railway up the mountain to the pass. 35,000 men worked to build that train track! It was so dangerously high and challenging, that many men quit, and more had to be hired. Finally after 2 years, from 1898-1900, it was complete. This narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

But what a ride it is! The track is on the edge of the mountain, and it goes up and up to 3,000 feet. We went over a trestle bridge and through 2 tunnels, and marveled at the grandeur of each vista! Mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls! Chug, chug, chug…just like The Little Engine That Could saying, “I think I can, I think I can…” until we reached the Pass.

The snow at the top of the Pass was 6 to 8 feet thick and just now beginning to melt.

Since our trip was the first trip of this season, for the steam engine, a traditional toast was made to honor the men who built this railway:

     “We have camped by mountains and river.

We have talked and told yarns together.

We have broken bread at this table,

And roughed it in all sorts of weather.

So let us drink to our brother,

Good luck and a life in clover.

Good health and wealth, and a loving wife,

And good rest when life is over.”

Michael J. Heney 1899

After returning from our train adventure, we strolled over to the Skagway Library for a brief visit. They have a wonderful collection of children’s books about Alaska. I really liked the story How Alaska Got Its Flag. A 13 year old native boy entered the state flag design contest and his design won!

This was a day to remember!

Your Ranger Bear friend,

L.L. Bear

PS. All this talk about trains reminds me to remind you to:

Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Tracy Arm Cruising

2010-05-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

The sun woke me up at 4:26 am! Days are lengthening, and we set our clock back another hour…so when it is 8 am in Texas, it is 5 am in Alaska. I was eager to get up, because we had a great day of sailing ahead.

We all bundled up and headed to the top deck for a hot breakfast, porridge and blueberries for me, and readied ourselves with cameras and binoculars. Michelle, the Naturalist, prepared us to look for eagles, sea lions, bears, moose, and lots of other smaller creatures. She gave us information about different kinds of glaciers and how they are formed, for we could expect to see a large glacier at the end of Tracy Arm…one of the waterways in this area.

The day was clear and crispy cold…just what we wanted to have in Alaska! Not one sight was disappointing. The Alaskan range loomed bold and craggy, covered with snow, while the lower mountains displayed stately, verdant conifers. The ship slowly and quietly made its way through the Arm, so as not to disturb the wildlife. I was happy to learn that this area has been designated a Protected Wilderness land; nothing but nature itself can ever change it. My animal friends will always have a home here.

Sea lions were floating along on some icebergs…good thing they are well-insulated for these icy temperatures! There were also some eagles perched on an iceberg! Some people saw a mother bear and her cubs…how could I have missed that?!

Here are some photos of the glacier as we get closer. The boat next to it helps you to see how large the glacier is!

I am continuing to marvel at God’s beautifully magnificent creation!

Tonight’s sunset at 9:16 pm was awash with color!

Until Tomorrow,

L.L. Bear

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets

June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music

June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns

July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals

July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad

July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories

July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Cruising in the Pacific

2010-05-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Library Followers

We’re on our way, leaving the Port of Seattle, for the waters of our largest state, Alaska! The ship loomed gigantic as we drove up to the dock. She (ships are called “she”) has 12 decks and carries 2,000 passengers. I was really excited as we boarded. I had to tell them that I DID NOT have a runny nose, nor did I have a FEVER, so I DID NOT have to see the ship’s doctor!

From Deck 5 I could watch the workers load all the baggage and the containers of food for our voyage. The cranes lifted hundreds of pounds at a time as they transferred it from the dock to the ship.

Before we could “sail away” all the passengers had to muster…gather at certain places on the decks and learn what to do in case of an emergency. I am so glad they have enough smaller boats on this large ship for us to use if we need to.

We walked through the ship from bow to stern, top to bottom, to survey our home for the next week. Everything we need is here…restaurants, play areas, resting places (lounges), entertaining areas (theaters), a chapel, a LIBRARY!!, shops, a swimming pool…BRRRRR. I will have plenty to keep me busy.

Our stateroom has its own balcony and chairs, so I can sit outside and watch for whales with my binoculars. I have my own fur coat to add extra warmth…but it is still pretty cold as the ship moves through the ocean. Last week, this ship passed though pods of whales migrating north to Alaska to feed, and 300 humpback whales were spotted!!! I need to look for a “puff of smoke” above the water, that is the whale exhaling water from his blow hole. Each whale is as long as a schoolbus and weighs 90,000 pounds!!

The lady naturalist onboard told us all about the trip, the names of the different bays , straights, and arms of water, and the animals we should watch for. Of course, I KNOW all about the different bears in Alaska…the black bears and the brown bears. I’m sure you can look them up in a book or on the internet.

Well, back to my whale watching! I’ll keep you posted!

Your Traveling Reporter.

L.L. Bear

PS!!! Whales have been spotted!!! Do you see the pectoral fin (side fin) in this photo? WOW!!! AND porpoises, too…right outside our balcony!

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets

June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music

June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns

July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals

July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad

July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories

July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Back in the USA

2010-05-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Everyone!

It's almost time to cuddle under my quilt for sweet dreams, but I've got to share my day in Seattle, Washington with you!

I met 2 new traveling companions this morning at the Seattle airport. Were they ever thrilled to finally meet me, for they had been reading my messages. I always love "bear hugs" and we became instant friends.

We were all hungry, so we headed to the wharf for some salmon chowder in a bread bowl...mmmm... salmon. Is there any tastier treat than salmon?

Whoops! I thought that was "Granny Bear" when I jumped up into her strong, gentle paws. Her smile in seeing me was comforting, but I had to apologize for my enthusiasm. My Granny used to love to read stories to me, and that's when I decided I had to somehow get a library card so I could always have a book to keep me company.

We traveled up and down so many streets before we discoved the Market on Pike and First Avenue. Wowie! Is that ever a fun place! I found so much healthy and organic food to nibble on...like freshly picked berries.

Can you believe how how much salmon is available here?? I didn't even have to get my paws wet and cold in the icy, fast, flowing streams in the mountains. All I had to do is point to the ones I wanted! Oh, yes, I did have to pay money for these.

You can find all kinds of things to buy here, from food to things people wear. But, after an hour of trudging down the aisles, I found an easier way to get around. It's a pedicab!

No one can leave Seattle without seeing the famous Space Needle. There are three elevators that take you to the top; but, I guess I'll have to wait until another time to zip to the top. Oh, well...

Now it is time for those dreams, dreams of cruising on a big ship to Alaska..

Night, night...

L.L. Bear

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

The 7th Day

2010-05-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

One week of traveling and I have seen so much, learned so much and met so many new friends who want to know what I am doing so far from Texas! I tell them that my mission is to share what I see and learn as I travel, with friends back home. What has this new day shown me?

Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver was built on an extinct volcano and on land that was a basalt quarry. Today, people ( and Bears!) come from all over to enjoy the beauty of its gardens. It took many years to plant and care for all the trees, shrubs, and flowers.

The Japanese Gardens on the grounds of The University of British Columbia also draw visitors who stroll about. Who is that handsome Bear next to the stone pagoda?!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the places and moments that take our breath away."

Happy Birthday to a special friend!!

L.L. Bear

L.L. Bear sez: Don't Forget to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets

June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music

June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns

July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals

July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad

July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories

July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

To Vancouver

2010-05-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! I'm Back!

Brandywine Falls was on my list of places to see! A short walk throught the forest led me to a splendid view of the falls, suddenly spouting out directly from a cliff and cascading 230 feet down into a lake at the bottom of a steep walled canyon! " Please hold on tightly, so I don't end up swirling around down there," I pleaded to my traveling companions. "I need to complete my travel plans for the library!"

The morning in the forest brought back memories of my growing up in the forests of Maine. All was quietly beautiful, with the sun sending streams of light through the leafy branches. Velvety moss covered every rock, stump, and fallen branch, as if a blanket had been gently laid down. Our eyes were the only witnesses to this serene perfection. I do miss my forests!!

Back to the road...and what did we see??? One of my Bear Buddies came out of the woods to the road to greet me! Hey, Buddy, great to see you! You have grown and I know you must be hungry, but we've got to move on to Vancouver!

Vancouver is the biggest city in Canada, and people love it here. It has tall buildings but also mountains and water, parks and flowers. People are outside as much as they can be, riding bikes, walking, enjoying the clean air.

Vancouver has so many creative people, and I thought I would remind all the creative children and adults who come to the library, that this summer we are having an art contest...so here are some ideas I found at the Circle Craft, an artist's co-op in Vancouver on Granville Island! Get thinking so we have MANY participants!!

Bears sewn from recycled fur coats...more new friends for me!

Pottery...(bowls for porridge)

Carved wooden platters and bowls and boxes

Colorful paintings and drawings

Fun puppets

Until Later...L.L. Bear

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Snow in May!

2010-05-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

After seeing so many snowboarders and skiiers take the lift to the top of Blackcomb Mountain, I decided to go see what all those folks were doing. Two Aussie fellows wanted to meet me...and I wanted a close-up view of their awesome snow boards. Thanks, guys!

We all got on the gondola right on the Whistler Village Square, and went way up to another station where we transferred to a ski lift that took us even higher! I had to sit very still so I wouldn't rock the lift. However, I did wave to everyone I passed on the way.

Another new friend, ready to ski, greeted me, and told me how much fun she was having, skiing in the middle of May. I think she wanted me to go shussing down the mountains with her!

I looked all around, and saw more rugged, snow covered mountains surrounding me. I wanted to romp and roll in the snow, lie down in it and just stare at the spectacular beauty of the stately fir trees, pristine snow, and the clear azure sky. What joy we find in just observing God's handiwork.

Can you find the three skiiers in the picture? They seem really tiny compared to the majestic trees.

Before we returned, I had to make a "snow bear" to remind all the mountain people that L.L. Bear was here!

Tomorrow, we'll be on the road to Vancouver, to see the sights in a Big City!

Au Revoir,

L.L. Bear

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

On the Road Again

2010-05-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

The early arrival of Mr.Sun and the chiming clock tower in Whistler got me up...ready for another adventurous day! In the car and on the Sea to Sky Highway, south to Squamish, to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park we went. No wonder this drive is one of the most scenic in the world!! The Squamish and Lilwat peoples have names and stories for all of these magnificent mountain peaks.

I am catching the railroading fever, riding trains and touring train cars of the past. Remember, that we will all be "Catching the Reading Express" in June and July at the library!

I learned how hard the 'old timers' worked to build the rails, to construct and maintain the railbeds and the trains to keep them running across Canada, up, down, and through the mountains. Wow! That was work! They would also pick up the mail at each stop along the track and sort the mail into big bags in the mailcar, and drop off the bags at other stops among the route.

Being in all these trains reminded me of stories I would hear when I lived in Mrs. Herbst's classroom. The Boxcar Children was a favorite of mine. Real boxcars are pretty big; big enough for even a mama bear, papa bear and their cubs!

Back in my room, in my jammies, I'm ready for dreams about being the first Bear Train Engineer!

L.L. Bear

L.L. Bear sez: Remember to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Seeing Whistler

2010-05-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings to my library followers!

An early morning stroll took me to the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre (British spelling...) where I spent several hours learning about the native peoples of this region. Can you spot me on the carved totem at the entrance? The carved figures were used to mark territories and the raised hands welcome visitors to the Centre. A carved silver tip grizzly (yes!) on the door was the protector of the Lilwat people, and a carved salmon represents sharing. I loved to learn that! While the building was being constructed a mother bear and her cub walked all around it! No wonder I felt so comfortable here.

The original peoples took great care (and still do) to use only what they needed from the land. Nothing was wasted. The great cedar trees provided wood for canoe travel, for longhouses, cooking fires; bark for weaving sleeping mats, clothing, and baskets; roots for ropes and baskets. They hunted and fished and gathered plants. They expressed gratitude for all that was provided.

Have you heard of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police? I met some Royal Canadian Mounted Police BEARS! We are now best buddies! They are showing me the Canadian flag with the red maple leaf.

I had to visit the local Whistler Library...and surprise! I met a new BEAR friend there! He sends his greetings to everyone in Aubrey. He's bigger than I am, but we got along, and shared some of our favorite books. I saw lots of new books, and books that we have in our own library. This is a beautiful new library made of native wood and stone, with tall and wide windows so everyone inside can see the trees and mountains.

The sun sets around 10 at night...and then I am ready for my soft pillow...it's been a fun day. ZZZZZZZZ

Your Friend,

L.L. Bear

Don't forget to Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Canada, Oh Canada!

2010-05-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Good Monday Morning from Whistler, Canada!

This Bear from Texas loves sunny weather, and so it is in Whistler! Cool and bright with signs of Spring in this mountain village...daffodils and tulips are nodding their cheery heads in the breezes. Snow is still to be seen on the mountains and I bet my bear friends are beginning to wake up in their cozy hibernating dens. They must have rumbly tummies and are ready to prowl about for munchies.

In fact, I saw a sign at the local bus stop that warned my human friends to be aware of black bears that live everywhere here in Whistler! Humans may not feed those bears...but they may continue to feed me!

My plane trip from DFW was spectacular! As we flew over southern Colorado, a magnificent view of the snow-covered Rocky Mountain ridges kept my nose pressed to the window. Wow! The view of Mt. Ranier as we prepared to land in Seattle gave me big goose bumps of excitement! It was a perfect day to fly.

My travel friends buckled me into a car for the next leg of our trip...a seven hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver to Whistler. I did have to stop once in awhile to stretch my Bear legs and to see a few sights. My very favorite part was the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler...each curve of the road revealed more beauty of high peaked forested mountains meeting deep blue lakes. I so wanted to get out and climb the mountainsides and just look at God's majestic creation.

What do you think of this enormously gigantic ore truck?? It is in front of the British Columbia Museum of Mining, a former copper mine. Some of my library friends who check out truck books would LOVE this one. A very special friend of mine, Ryan, would really want to sit in this truck!

What more could a Bear want than mountains, cool weather, deep green forests, and good ttravel companions? Maybe a full tummy and a soft pillow! What a great day it was...

I wonder what this new day has for me?

Love to all,

L.L. Bear

2010-05-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

L. L. Bear Prepares for Canada & Alaska

Hi library friends! Since our summer reading program is "Catch the Reading Express," I began thinking about catching a plane, train, ship...and traveling again! I love being in the library, surrounded by all the books I'd ever want to read and meeting lots of new friends, but I also missed traveling all over the world seeing places I have been reading about.

I decided to pack my gear and go to Canada and Alaska...to perhaps see some of my relatives, the Kodiak bears. They are experts at catching salmon, and I haven't tasted any salmon in a long time.

It's still snowing in Whistler, British Columbia, where I'll be for a few days. That's where the Winter Olympics were held this year. I have my parka and snowshoes ready for some outdoor exploring. Find Whistler on a map, and follow my newest adventures. You might even find books on Alaska, Canada, bears, the Olympics, or even trains...I'll be taking a train trip high in the Canadian Rocky Mountains!

I'll be in touch with you on every leg of my journey!

L.L.Bear

Fun Summer Activities at the Library!

Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets

June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music

June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns

July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals

July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad

July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories

July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

2010-05-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

Fun Summer Activities at the Library!

Catch the Reading Express

...this summer at the Aubrey Area Library! Get onboard for fun programs and great books with our Summer Reading Program!

Tuesdays @ 11 am....June 8 thru July 20

June 8 - Catch the Reading Express with Maggie and Puppets
June 15 - Dan Gibson, Stories and Banjo Music
June 22 - Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales
June 29 - The Mad Scientist Returns
July 6 - Creature Teacher and Animals
July 13 - Brett Roberts, the Magic Reading Railroad
July 20 - Tom McDermott, Music and Stories
July 27 - Ice Cream Party for Readers...Ticket Event

Book a Trip on the 30/30 Reading Express

2010 Adult Teen Summer Reading Club

Your goal is to read 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Time also counts if you listen to audio books. Turn in a ticket each time you reach 10 days and you will have three chances to win fabulous prizes!
Drawings will be on July 27, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Aubrey Area Library.

Summer Reading Art Contest

You are encouraged to draw, paint, build, sculpt, use recycled materials, sew, make a collage, a diorama, a mobile - whatever suits your fancy...just BE CREATIVE! Let your creativity be inspired by what you read this summer!
Art will be judged by age categories: Ages 3-5, 6-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17 & Adult
Judges are local artists and prizes will be awarded for each age category.
Please pick up an Artist Registration Form at the Aubrey Area Library Circulation Desk and submit your artwork by July 20th.

Local author Lynnette Theisen signs copies of her book, THROUGH THE NIGHT, at the library

2010-04-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Local author Lynette Theisen signs copies of her book, THROUGH THE NIGHT, at the Library.

2010-04-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

2010-04-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

The winners of the Aubrey Area Library National Library Week Movie Trivia Contest were announced Saturday, April 17. The lucky patrons were Judy Newton, Julie White and Heather Brender. In order to be eligible for the drawing, the entrants had to answer all of the trivia questions correctly. Congratulations winners!

Judy Newton

Julie White

Heather Brender

2010-04-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

April 11 - 17 is National Library Week. To celebrate the event, Aubrey Area Library is sponsoring a Movie Trivia Contest. Answer all the movie trivia questions correctly and your name will be entered into a drawing for fun prizes! You may pick up your Movie Trivia Questions at the Library beginning Tuesday, April 13. The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 17 at 2:30 pm. Good Luck and thank you for supporting the Aubrey Area Library!

2010-03-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Trivia Night is a Huge Success!
The Aubrey Area Library hosted the annual Trivia Night last Saturday, March 13. Eight teams turned out to vie for the 1st place title. Library Director, Kathy Gilson acted as emcee for the night. Library Board Member Phillip Moore and volunteer Mathew Brooks took turns reading the questions to the teams. Keeping up the grading and scoring for the teams were Library Board Members Deborah Goin, Larry Fisher and volunteer Kae Fisher. By the end of the night, Point Blank came up with the most answers and won first place. There was a tie for second place between Dog-gone and Brain Drain. After the tie-breaking round, Brain Drain won second place and Dog-gone was in third. All three placing teams generously donated their prize money back to the Library. It was a great fund-raising night of food, fun and heavy thinking. Thanks to everyone who participated in this event.

Library Board Member Phillip Moore (center) Volunteer Mathew Brooks (left) and Library Director, Kathy Gilson.

Library Board Member Deborah Goin measures for 50/50 tickets. Half of the money earned in sales went to the Library and half to the wining ticket holder.

Library Board Chair Larry Fisher and Kae Fisher

1st Place Team - Point Blank

2nd Place Team - Brain Drain

3rd Place Team - Doggone

Other Participating Teams

Sassafras

Cross Roads R Us

"Q"

Foghord Leghorn & the Spring Chickens

Madhatters

Montessori Planetary Creations

2010-03-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

The children from Montessori Preschool have been busy creating their own versions of the solar system. The creations are on display in the children's area of the Library. On you next visit to the Library, be sure and take a look at all of the colorful designs.

2010-03-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

Teddy Bear Picnic

Story Time February 24, 2010

Mrs. Herbst held the children's attention during her Teddy Bear Stories.

Even the Library's Giant Teddy Bear seemed to be listening closely!

Everyone brought their Teddy Bears from home to join in the fun!

The kids were inching closer and closer to Mrs. Herbst to hear all of the Teddy Bear Stories.

The Teddy Bear March! After listening to stories, the children and their Teddy Bears marched around the room.

2010-01-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

The Finished Masterpiece!

The PossibiliTree was "unveiled" at a public reception hosted by the library on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

Artist Linka Behn signs the project

(with the help of her grandson.)

Thank you to everyone in the community who participated in this project to make it such a huge success! And a big thank you to Linka for having the vision to create this masterpiece in our program room! The PossibiliTree will be an inspiration to young and old for years to come!

2009-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Public Unveiling Scheduled!

The final touches are being added to the Possibili-Tree. Artist, Linka Behn, will add the details and the "artist" leaves to the Possibili-Tree over the next couple of weeks. The public unveiling will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come and see the completed Possibili-Tree!

Catherine Nipe had a good time working on the Possibili-Tree

Library Staff enjoy their Holiday Luncheon in front of the Possibili-Tree and

Wish you all a Wonderful Christmas!

2009-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Look How Far We've Come!
We're getting closer but there is still time for you to participate before the tree is complete. We'll be open through December 23 for you to come in and help finish the Possibili-Tree.

Early and Mid November 2009

December 8 and December 15, 2009

Mandy & Jason Leslie add their "leaves"

Robyn & Chad Leslie work on the Possibili-Tree

Even the toddlers participated -

Tiffannie Greenway with Jackson
and Chad Leslie with Thorne

2009-12-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Almost There!

The PossibiliTree is really starting to come together thanks to everyone's efforts. If you want to add any finishing touches or make your special mark, make plans to come in before Christmas as the library will be closed from December 24th through January 4.

2009-11-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

Our PossibiliTree Keeps Growing,

and Growing,

and Growing!

Come and be a part of this
awesome project!

The PossibiliTree

Councilmember Bill Coffey adds his "leaves"

Diana gets creative

Library Board Chair Larry Fisher and his family

from the East Coast work on the PossibilTree

Eli and Ramses get the hard to reach places

2009-11-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

The PossibiliTree is Growing!

Have you been by the Library to add your creative touch? It only takes a few minutes to add some "leaves" to our tree. Come in any time during regular Library hours, or join our artist, Linka Behn, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 or Saturdays from 12:00 to 2:00. Don't miss out on this fun opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

2009-11-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Library Sponsored Chamber Mixer at the PossibiliTree!

Aubrey Area Library and Aubrey Community Pharmacy teamed up to sponsor the Chamber Mixer which gave Chamber Members an opportunity to add their mark to our PossibiliTree wall. Even Girl Scout Troop 380 joined in on the fun! Artisit Linka Behn is at the Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 and Saturdays from 12:00 until 2:00 or come by anytime during regular Library hours and add your touch! The goal is to have the tree completed by Thanksgiving and reveal the finished PossibiliTree in January, 2010. Don't miss out on the fun! The PossibiliTree is waiting for you to come in and add your artistic talent.

The PossibiliTree Wall before the Mixer.

2009-11-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Come on in to the Library and see how the PossibiliTree is growing! Just take a look at all the people in this community coming together to create such an awesome collage!

Aubrey City Council Member Jim Brown adds his touch!

Aubrey Mayor Hammett and Council Member Frances Carter are inspired!

Library Board Member Myra West

Library Board Secretary Faye Siano and Vice Chair Phil Moore

Pat Ragsdale (above) and Lena Pennington (below) get their creative juices flowing.

Artisit Linka Behn

Noon - Thursday - Oct 29!

2009-10-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to begin work on this beautiful collage - a real work of the entire community - Our PossibiliTree! This collage is being built by the entire community on the wall of the children's / program room.

Come make your mark in November 2009 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 - 7:00 and Saturdays Noon - 2:00 pm. Staff and artists will be on hand to help you add your special touch. Below are some pictures. Check back daily to see the progress.

The Community Creation is growing and progressing very nicely.

ZooNiversity Class at the Library works on the Possibili - Tree

2009-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Thursday Morning - Computer Class Gets in on the Action!

2009-10-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Book Club Contributes!

2009-10-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

After Book Club Wednesday Night - members enjoyed being creative!

PossibiliTree Update

2009-10-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Check out the progress on our PossibiliTree!

Mother Goose even stopped by to leave her mark on the PossibiliTree!

Welcome to our PossibiliTree!

2009-10-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

We are very excited to begin work on this community project. It is a beautiful collage - a real work of the entire community. Come make your mark Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 - 7:00 and Saturdays Noon - 2:00 pm. Staff and artists will be on hand to help you add your touch to this community collage. Below are some pictures. Check back daily to see the progress.

Deep in the Heart of Texas - Summer Reading Club - Begins JUNE 2nd @ 11:00

2009-05-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Children do not have to attend the programs to participate in Reading Club fun!

Sign up to read during June and July! By completing reading logs you can turn your log into prizes!

Come to our opening Summer Reading Program on Tuesday, June 2,@ 11:00 a.m. and hear our own Texas Tom tell his Tall Tales!

NEW THIS SUMMER!! FAMILY STORY TIME
Thursday, June 25 Thursday, July 23 Thursday, August 13
Families are welcome from 7-8 pm to hear stories & eat popcorn!!

On Becoming a Reader
by Jan Herbst, Children's Ambassador, Aubrey Area Library

Along with our Summer Reading Program, our library will be emphasizing and encouraging reading. From several decades of research on how children learn to read, we know that children can begin the learning process from the day they are born.

Children begin to learn about spoken language when they hear those that surround them talking, laughing, and singing, and when they respond to the sounds of their world. They begin to understand written language as adults read stories to them and as they see adults reading books, magazines, and newspapers.

Early experiences with spoken and written language set the stage for children to become competent readers and writers.

By the time children reach the age of one, they recognize some speech sounds. They know which sounds make words important to them, and they begin to imitate those sounds. They learn this by listening to those around them. If they do not hear a lot of talk and are not encouraged to talk themselves, they can have difficulty learning to read.

By reading with children, we can help them develop print awareness. We show them how to hold a book right-side up. We turn the pages one at a time. We read from left to right, top to bottom. Knowing about books and print and how they are used is print awareness.

Children who know about print understand that the words they speak and hear are related to the print they see in their environment.
Reading aloud to children has been recognized as the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for success in reading. Children learn new words, learn about the world and begin to make the connections between spoken and written language.

L.L. Bear Goes to the Farm

2008-09-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
There's a Big Red Barn in the Children's Story Room, with horses, goats, sheep, and ducks, just like in the book Margaret Wise Brown wrote! The Olympics are over, so all the displays from China are gone. Now I can pack away my Emperor's hat, find a good straw hat to go with my denim overalls, and get ready for a whole new bunch of stories and activities that relate to the farm!

Since I grew up in the woods of Maine, I missed out on life on the farm. Even though I spent many years living in Mrs. Herbst's classroom and traveling around the world, I never spent any time on a real farm. I am so excited that now I can learn about food that is grown on a farm, animals that live on a farm, machinery that is used to help the farmers, and see the seasons change. Maybe I can help pick apples and find the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern!

On Saturday, October 4th, there will be a big Peanut Festival here in Aubrey. Many years ago there were big peanut farms because the soil around Aubrey is sandy, perfect for growing peanuts! But, gradually the peanut farms were sold to horse ranchers. They like the sandy soil, too, as a good cushion for their horses hooves. People still like to remember the "Old Days" and have an all day celebration to honor their heritage! There will be a parade, a pet show, all kinds of food and craft booths, games for kids, music, fun contests...Wow! I hope there will be hot roasted peanuts to eat!

I hope you will join me for Toddler Time on Tuesdays at 10:15 or for Story Time on Wednesdays at 11:15. I know our time together will be special as we hear lots of stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, move to music, and for the older children do crafts or do some easy "cooking." I can bearly wait to meet you!!!

Your friend and buddy,

L.L. Bear

The Great Wall of China!

2008-08-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

(also introducing our new mascot L.L. Bear!)

L.L. Bear welcomed the children into the story room to see the "Great Wall of China," painted especially for the Olympics! Bear is wearing a little hat he bought while traveling around China. His special hat reminds him of the emperors that ruled over China. We have a display of artifacts to accompany all the wonderful story books and informational books about China. Bear will have his photo album of China for all to see. We hope you will visit and peruse the exhibit...and stay for story time!

This week the children heard the classic tale of Five Chinese Brothers, by Claire Bishop. This amusing tale highlights the gifts of each brother and demonstrates how they cleverly used their gifts to preserve each other.

We tied in some basic geography...continents, countries, oceans...so the children will become familiar with our world as they watch the Olympics.
Each child made an "Olympic torch" and then participated in some active, fun games! Olympic gold medals (gold-foil wrapped chocolate coins on red yarn necklaces!) were awarded to all our winners!

Next Week: more stories, songs, rhymes, crafts, and Olympic games! We'll learn more about China along with learning some Chinese words and phrases.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

2008-07-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

No screaming, but we did applaud for all the library friends who accomplished their reading goals for the summer! Those who turned in their reading logs were honored before their parents, grandparents and friends with reading certificates and coupons for free goodies. Everyone enjoyed ice cream sundaes...mmm, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, peanuts, gummi bears and M&Ms!

Over 900 books were read by those who participated. All the children who checked out books and read them, or had others read to them were the winners! Think of all the new adventures they heard or all the new vocabulary words that were introduced to them! Think of all the new ideas or new places they learned about through those books. Think about all the funny stories or amusing characters that they will remember! If you read to your child, think about the precious time you and your child spent with each other. Good picture books are rich with various artistic styles and art media that stimulate the creativity and imagination. And, if you are checking out your own books, think about the stellar example you are setting for those who see you immersed in your reading! Happy reading to one and to all!

Encourage your own children to write their own stories and get out the markers, watercolors, or crayons and encourage them to illustrate. Right brain, left brain...it's all being actively utilized!

Special thanks to Sonic for all the ice cream certificates; thanks to Judy Nelson at Lights-N-Motion for free admission certificates; thanks to Judge Darlene Witten for her donation for our Ice Cream Party; thanks to Dwight Mikkelson of Allstate for the bowling coupons. We appreciate your generosity in rewarding our young readers!

We leave our summer reading program, with some photos of a few of our favorite books along with our book companions...L.L. Bear, Cowboy Bear, and their buddies. ...see y'all on the trail to the library...

~JMH

We Welcome the Creature Teacher

2008-07-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

How many opportunities do we have to see, in person, 8 unusual animals from all over the world? Our library friends attending today's program, The Creature Teacher, had that opportunity! Robin Wheeler brought in mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, insects and a bird; she spent several minutes sharing information about each one.

The pygmy hedgehog was every bit as cute as author Jan Brett's illustrations in Hedgies Surprise! Did you know that the chinchilla has 80,000 hairs per square inch and that 300-400 chinchillas are used for one coat? The parrot has the intelligence of a 5 year old, and has the ability to mimic environmental sounds such as the "ding" of a microwave and knocking on a door.
A Hissing Cockroach does not have the same warm and fuzzy feel as a chinchilla, but we learned that cockroaches can live anywhere (!)...even in Antarctica and are capable of eating anything! How interesting to know that the Rose Haired Tarantula will eat her own molted skin! The Giant Black African Millipede does not have 1000 legs, but rather 200-300. This creature likes to stay very still underground for prolonged periods, during which time mold grows on its body. To keep the millipede healthy, microscopic mites live on his body and devour the mold! The last two animals were the chameleon, whose sphere-like eyes act independent of each other and the bearded dragon whose coloring is a perfect camouflage for his desert habitat.

As a special conclusion, the entire audience was invited up to gently touch the little chinchilla!

Our curiosities were piqued by all the intriguing information! Thank you Creature Teacher!

Congratulations to these readers who completed their reading logs: Aleksis, Kelly, Morgan, Kaitlynn, Alicia, Alex, and Abigail. We are so proud of all of you!!

Reading logs need to be turned in by Friday, July 25.

Next Week: Tuesday, July 29 @ 11:15...
Celebrate Reading with an Ice Cream Party!! We will pass out Reading Certificates.

jmh

Learn While Laughing with Brett Roberts

2008-07-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Brett Roberts likes to describe his show as a party, a celebration of reading! His energy and enthusiasm certainly entertained the crowd of 200 as they marveled at his magic tricks, laughed at his silly antics, and happily went along with his comedic actions. Mr. Roberts used a cleverly designed book worm puppet to review the basic elements of a story: characters, setting, plot, and conclusion. Throughout the entertaining, he continually referred to different books and encouraged the children to read, imagine, pretend, invent, create! It was a fun way to learn!

More of our library friends have completed reading logs! Congratulations to Ashlynn, Maddox, Cayden, Kylie, Jase,
Amelia, Eli, Audrey, Frida, Hannah, Breanna, Hayden, and Kelly.

Please remember to turn in your reading logs by Friday, July 25! We love to see all those books being checked out and read!!

Tuesday, July 22 @ 11:15: The Ceature Teacher brings several interesting animals

Tuesday, July 29 @ 11:15: Our last summer program...ice cream party and reading certificates

jmh

Stories and Music with Cowboy Chuck

2008-07-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Chuck strummed his guitar by his "campfire" as the children gathered around to hear his jokes, stories, and music. What a fun time everyone had, laughing over the antics of cows typing on old typewriters in the story, Click Clack, Moo, Moo, participating in creating a "pizza" over the campfire, or guessing which animal puppet would put in a surprise appearance! We learned a traditional cowboy song, Home on the Range, and sang some silly songs.

When it was time to bid farewell to Cowboy Chuck, he invited all his new friends to come up and strum the guitar and visit his puppets. Everyone had a great time!!

More of our library readers are completing their logs: Joseph, Elora, Hayden, Breanna, Jamie, Erika, Quincy, Hope, Amelia... Surely you will want to add your name to the list!

The last day to turn in logs will be Friday, July 25! Our Ice Cream and Certificate Party is July 29.

Next Week: Magician Brett Celebrates Stories!! Tuesday, July 15 @ 11:15

Texas Critters Visit the Library!

2008-07-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Heard Museum, our library friends were able to see and TOUCH visiting Texas critters. The three-toed box turtle generously kept his little head out (the better to see all the children), as the boys and girls gently touched his hard, plated shell. The salamander's ecologically sensitive skin alerts scientists to environmental changes. These amphibians are among those in the endangered category. But it was the albino corn snake that elicited the ooh's and aah's as he gracefully slithered around the handler's arm, sensing the environment with his tongue. Everyone lined up to touch the snake's dry, smooth scales. This was a first for many of our young friends...to feel a real, live snake!

Thank you Heard Musum for a valuable, interesting program!

Next Week: Tuesday, July 8

Cowboy Chuck and his guitar bring us fun and music!

Wednesday, July 2...

During our story time today we celebrated our country's birthday with the story of Betsy Ross and her contributions to our young country. We learned about our flag and the many changes it has gone through to be the flag we have today...50 stars and 13 stripes.

Everyone created a red, white and blue tri-corner hat, embellished with stars and feathers, to wear as we paraded to grand march music! All that marching whetted our appetites for cupcakes that we decorated with...what else!...red, white, and blue sprinkles and stars!

Yummy!

Happy Birthday to Madison who celebrates her birthday on July 4th!

jmh

Slappy and Monday Pay Us a Visit!

2008-06-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Popcorn, balloons, and clown noses were all part of the fun when Slappy and Monday, Ringling Brothers Circus clowns, entertained 200 children and adults today! Their humorous antics elicited laughter and great delight as the two clowns played off one another. They invited several children to participate by playing musical bells, while Slappy and Monday showcased their own musical talents by playing the concertina and the saw! We especially appreciate the encouragement the two entertainers gave to READING!!

Certificates for free admission to Lights-N-Motion were awarded to five attendees. Thank you to owner Judy Nelson for her generous contributions to our Summer Reading Program.

~jmh

Next Week: Heard Museum: Texas Critters

Tuesday, July 1 @ 11:15 am

The Science of Spin

2008-06-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

A rainy morning brought 120 library friends to learn about and enjoy yo-yos and spin tops! Valerie Oliver, one of the foremost yo-yo champions, captivated her audience with a dazzling display of virtuosity with this classic toy. In addition to the tricks she performed, she gave a brief history of the yo-yo and explained the laws of physics that applied to each display. Children and adults alike expressed amazement as Mrs. Oliver spun, flippped, and twirled her yo-yos with practiced dexterity. It was a program we will not soon forget!!

Five fortunate children received yo-yos from our weekly drawing! We predict many summer hours devoted to dribbling, spinning, flipping and twirling those yo-yos!

Next Week: Thursday, June 26 @ 10 am...Reading with the Ringling Brothers!

jmh

Week 2 - Sandy and Friends Puppets

2008-06-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Our second week of our Summer Reading Rodeo was as exciting as the first! Over 100 library friends attended and enjoyed a fun program with Sandy and her puppets. The fractured fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was a resounding hit with all the youngsters and their parents! Even the grandparents guffawed with the little ones!

Remember to keep reading all those wonderful books for your book logs! Congratulations to Amelia D. who has already finished 25 books! Who will be our next library friend to have accomplished that goal?

If you have not yet joined our Summer Reading Rodeo, stop in the library to pick up your free book bag and bookmarks.

See y'all next week, June 17th @11:15, when we'll host:

"Whirled on a String...Yo-yos & Spin Tops."

-JMH

Summer Reading Kick Off

2008-06-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales

The Aubrey Area Library Summer Reading Program is off to a fun, enthusiastic start!

About 80 children and 30 adults gathered as Jim Progar, dressed as Texas Tom, Teller of Tall Tales, related the story of The Contest at Cowlick. Texas Tom captivated his audience with the tale of a clever youngster who outwitted a group of bandits. Therese Progar then led the children in an energetic song to wrap up the program.

The children will participate in the Summer Reading Rodeo by tracking the books they choose to read over the summer or by tracking the minutes they read each day.

Each child received a book bag, book marks, and book logs. Each week throughout June and July, the library will host a special Summer Reading program to encourage our young readers.

Come and join us for an enriching summer on Tuesdays @11:15!

Traditional Story Times on Wednesdays @ 11:15.

-kg

Wow, A Whole Year

2008-03-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

I see that it has been a year since our last post...Stay tuned...we are going to be providing updates and introducing some of the fun stuff happening at your local library! kg

Summer Reading, Senior Events

2007-07-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, July is over already. We have finished our Summer Reading Program with over 384 children and parents attending the 6 weeks of special storytellers, an average of 64 each week. This year, we had a recent MLIS graduate, Elizabeth Williams, here to help us with the Summer Reading Program.
Our Senior Services program is being led by volunteer Allison Leslie. We have given her the title of "Senior Services Volunteer Coordinator." Thursday, August 2 we will host Bingo at followed by a free lunch for seniors at 12:00. 2 weeks later on Thursday, August 16 we will host a game day at 10:00 follwed by lunch at 12:00. Seniors must preregister by calling the library at 940-365-9162.
Till next time...kg

Bird In Library May 3lst

2007-05-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning, as I was going back to the work area of Library, I discovered a bird had somehow entered the Library! He had hit the large windows several times trying to find a way out. It reminded me of the Magpies in the Windex commercial. I tried to shoo him out after opening the back door, but he would not leave the window sill. I finally tried to pick him up and he actually let me hold him! Therefore, I was able to let him loose outside. You never know what will happen at the Library. -N. I.

National Library & Volunteer Week!

2007-03-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

National Library and Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries, librarians, library workers, volunteers and patrons that promote and support the library!

The Aubrey Area Library will be celebrating the week by having different theme days

Tuesday April 17-Friday April 20

And on Saturday April 21st we will host the Aubrey Volunteer Fair in the Community Center!

Tuesday-

TuesdayToppers

“Hats off to reading”

Wear your favorite or funniest hat to the library!

Wednesday-

Wormy Wednesday

“Worm your way into a good book”

Bring your handmade “bookworm” sock puppet and worm your way into the library!

Thursday-

Thumbprint Thursdays

“Bring out the character in you”

Do you have a favorite character in a book or movie? Dress-up and come as your favorite character to the library!

Friday-

Far-out Friday

“Books- a hair-raising experience”

Does your hair have a mind of its own? Show us your wackiest hairstyle!

Saturday-

The Volunteer Fair in the Community Center

Come check out the library’s volunteer booth and other organization’s booths
As we honor our volunteers and recruit new ones!
Are you ready to volunteer?

LAUGH, CHEER AND HAVE FUN!

Ask us for more information!!!!

News and Events!

2007-03-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hello patrons! The Aubrey Area Library has many fun and exciting events on the horizon, including our week-long National Library and Volunteer Week celebration, which will end with the Aubrey Volunteer Fair!

Detailed information including dates and times will be posted ASAP!

If you are a member of blogger.com feel free to leave us a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts.

This blog is another exciting way for you to interact with us- your library!

Stay tuned....

Friday, March 23, 2007

2007-03-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

This blog was started as an introduction to blogs for our beginning computer class here at the Aubrey Area Library. We are located in Horse Country USA in beautiful Aubrey, Texas. We are at 226 Countryside Drive, just off of Highway 377. Visitors will want to turn off of 377 at Sonic Drive In or First Security Bank. All of the library staff will be posting information so check back often or sign up for our rss feed. -Kathy