Have you ever thought about starting a reading group. Here at the library we get questions about it all the time. Unfortunately, we don't have the staff to conduct one ourselves. We do however try to keep our eyes out for anything that would be helpful. I was sent an email today about a new website specifically for reading groups. The author was asking me to take a peek at it and share the information with others if I thought it seemed helpful. Well, it did. There are tips on how to start, conduct, and purchase items for reading groups. There are even free online courses and guides to provide you with what you need to make informed decisions. I believe this will be a helpful tool to those who would like to start a reading group. Check it out and let me know what you think. http://litlovers.com/ Are there any other sites you think would be helpful?

Family Fun Time - Up Up and Away Interactive Science Show

The Auburndale Library is hosting another Family Fun Time event on January 31, 2008 from 3:30-4:30. This unique event will be located at the Auburndale Woman's Club across the street from the library. Up Up and Away Interactive Science Show is a science-themed show designed to amaze and entertain young audiences. It is designed for ages 5-12, but can be fun for the whole family. Afterward, children will be given the chance to conduct their own science experiment! Come join us for this wonderful event!

New Young Adult Section!!

We are in the process of creating a young adult non-fiction section at the library. I have ordered a bunch of items for it, but I am not a young adult and I don't presume to know what teenagers today want. You could really help us out. If there is a non-fiction book that we have, or one you wish we had, that you think would be great for our new section just let me know. You could make this section the best in the library just by letting me know what you think. Don't have titles, but like certain subjects or authors, that's great too. Any input is welcome. Make a difference at your library!

I am also looking to improve the fiction young adult section. If you have any suggestions, they are greatly appreciated.

December Family Fun Time

Thursday, Dec.13th from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm will be Family Fun Time at the Auburndale Library. This event is FREE and is appropriate for ages 3 - 11. Come decorate cookies and make ornaments, necklaces, and gift bags. Enjoy our beautiful decorations while you make your own and get into the Christmas spirit. So come see us and enjoy this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Just to bust the Thanksgiving myth and maybe help some of you with your next trivia game, no the tryptophan in turkey does not make you sleepy. Purified tryptophan is a mild sleep-inducing agent, but it does not function well as part of a meal. Eating foods containing it may cause blood levels of the amino acid to rise, but not enough will get to the brain to make you sleepy. Tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein to make you sleepy. The fact is that soybeans even have a higher concentration of tryptophan than turkey does. Plain old overeating alone can make you sleepy. It takes lots of energy to digest a large meal. When your stomach is full, blood is directed away from your other organs, including your nervous system, to your digestive system. This will make you feel tired, especially if the meal was high in fats and carbohydrates. There are other reasons you will get tired after a Thanksgiving meal, but I will leave you to research that yourself.
I hope you all enjoy your meals. When your laying down to take your nap or snoozing at half-time, take a moment to think about what you are thankful for, even if it is just that you have a full stomach. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Movie Update

The outdoor movie was great! It started to rain and we thought we would have to cancel, but at the last minute it quit. About 80 people showed up and enjoyed the popcorn, drinks, and movie. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. If you attended it, I would love to hear your input.

Reading is Fundamental (RIF)

This is a really great website. Check out the RIF Reading Planet. Right now they are featuring the Reading Planet Powwow. There is a "Story Tent", "Food and Games Table", and "Dance Circle". November is National American Indian Heritage Month so check it out at http://www.rif.org . One section is for ages 0-5. The other is for ages 6-15. There are also a lot of interesting items for parents and educators.

The site is FREE and includes:

Reading Activity Calendars
Read Along Stories for Kids
Spanish-Language Resources
Literacy Games
Printable Parent Guides
Booklists
e-Cards
Web Resources
Activities
Lesson Plans
Seasonal Ideas