Summer Reading Prizes

Our Books: A Treasure! prize window is filled and waiting for our first weekly drawing on Monday, July 17th. We will draw two winners from each team, and the winners may pick any prize from the bottom three shelves. We will also be drawing one winner from our 4Rs group; this winner will pick from the top shelf. To be eligible to win a prize, you need to be registered for Summer Reading, so visit the Library ASAP! Once registered, you will be able to enter the drawing with one ticket for each library visit, one additional for attending any of our programs, and two for turning in a Time Tracker. To be fair to others, once you have won a prize, we ask that you not enter for subsequent drawings. Of course, you would still be eligible to earn a prize by completing one of our Bingo cards. It's definitely time to choose a book and get reading!

Perennial Planter Update III

In the month since our last update, the perennials have grown so well that the pot is no longer visible! The sedum is asserting itself, and we're looking forward to seeing it bloom next.

Johnny Who? We have our own pirate!

While the national news is focusing quite a bit of attention on that other pirate this week, at our Library we're busy preparing for a visit from our very own pirate, Moreland the Magician. At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11th, David Moreland will present his "Books: A Treasure!" magic program, followed, after a short break, by a 20-minute magic workshop. We'll all be able to learn a bit of pirate magic!

Moreland has worked as a professional actor and magician for almost twenty years. Before moving to Ithaca in 2002, he lived in Los Angeles for six years. "I worked as a children's magician on the weekends, doing three or four private birthday parties, and pursued film and television acting work during the week," he says. In all, Moreland has appeared in over forty films and television series, including Legally Blonde, Seinfeld, Friends, Will & Grace, The X Files, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Practice, and Donnie Darko. For three seasons, he played Ted Danson's obnoxious next-door neighbor Mr. Grenquist on Becker.

Scheduled to perform his show at over 40 libraries in New York State this summer, Moreland says he finds special satisfaction in promoting summer reading. "I spent many summer days as a child at the Elma Public Library. I would walk a mile there from home and read about magic and theatre for hours at a time. It's a great pleasure to share my love of reading with children."

It is our pleasure to be able to offer this program to Sodus families. While Moreland's program is geared to children ages 4 - 10, all ages are welcome (I thoroughly enjoyed the small - and hysterical! - sampling of the program which we librarians were treated to at a March workshop.) Registration is not required for any of the programs during our six-week Books: A Treasure!, and they are all offered free of charge. Registration is required to participate in our reading clubs, weekly prize drawings, and Bingo games. Come on down to the Library and join in on the fun!

Summer Reading Registration Began Today

Registration for our six-week Summer Reading Program, Books: A Treasure!, started today. Stop by any day this week to join a reading team, have your treasure chest added to the Readers' Wall of Fame, and to be included in all the fun we have planned. Teams are divided into age groups: The Ruby Team is for children from preschool through Kindergarten, the Diamond Team is 1st grade - 3rd grade, the Emerald Team is 4th grade - 6th grade, and the Sapphire Team is 7th grade - 9th grade. Programs are scheduled for each age group, sometimes in combination, for a six-week period starting Sunday, July 9th, the day when we all officially start reading. Team members will enter weekly prize drawings by filling out prize tickets: one for each library visit, one for each program attended, and two for turning in a Time Tracker (tracking minutes read each week). There are also Reading, Family, and Vacation Bingo games to play, making prizes available both by winning a drawing or by earning one "the old-fashioned way." Don't feel left out if you're beyond 9th grade; 10th graders up through any age adult are invited to join our 4R's program - Read a book, fill out a Reader's Recommendation form, and fill out a Raffle ticket for your own weekly prize drawing. Make sure to stop by the Library soon - you don't want to miss the Treasure!

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."
~ Erma Bombeck

Register For Summer Reading

This is the week! Come in to the Library starting at noon on Wednesday, July 5th, and register for six weeks of fun, books, and prizes. We've planned activities for every age group, and are looking forward to seeing more people participate than we've ever had. When you come in to register, you'll receive all of the information you'll need to participate, but if you'd like a sneak preview of what's coming, click on our Calendar of Events.

Library Closing

The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th, in celebration of Independence Day. We will reopen at noon on Wednesday, July 5th. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Announcing: Wireless Hotspot

Bring those laptops down to the Library - we now have wireless access. Sit at a table, on one of our comfy couches, or even on the new bench in our front yard! When you open your browser, click on "OWWL." You will then be prompted for your library card number and your pin - if you've forgotten your pin, or didn't realize that you have one, come see us at the desk.

Things to remember (from the OWWL Wireless Welcome page):

This is a publicly accessible wireless network. Data that you send may be viewable by other people on the network.

When transmitting sensitive information such as credit card numbers, make sure you are using SSL or another form of end-to-end connection encryption. If you're not sure how to do this, then we would recommend not using the connection for things like online shopping or banking.

Although you are using your own computer, you must still abide by this library's acceptable use policy.

We hope that you enjoy this new service - feedback is always welcomed.

Sunday's Program

Antje Dirksen-Post read her short story and shared memories about her childhood in post-World War II Germany.

Congratulations to our Sodus Graduates!

We're so proud of you and wish you all the best and brightest of futures!

Sunday Program Reminder

What would it be like to leave everything familiar and move to another country across the ocean? Bring your school-aged children to the Library at 3 p.m. Sunday to hear Antje Dirksen-Post's memories of leaving Germany as a child and coming to America. They'll be treated to a reading of her autobiographical short story, and hear about the importance of recording their own memories. I look forward to seeing you there!

Successful Paperback Sale

It was announced at today's Friends meeting that our first "Just Paperbacks" sale brought in $315.06 - the result of the efforts of a great many workers. Thanks to all who made this possible.

June Friends' Meeting

The Friends of the Sodus Free Library will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, in the Library's meeting room. All are welcome to join us!

Today's Books-Sandwiched-In

These book club ladies did a wonderful job today, sharing the history of their group and some of their favorite titles with all of us. They have also compiled a list of all the books their club has read. If you were unable to attend today's luncheon, stop by the Library for a copy of their list - it's loaded with great suggestions for that next read!

Writing & Remembering Focus of Upcoming Children's Program

Children will learn the importance of preserving their memories in our next Community Reader program. Library Trustee Antje Dirksen-Post will read her published short story, Soup with Dumplings, and discuss the immigrant experience from a child's perspective. Antje's story is a memoir of her childhood, and is sure to be enjoyed by all school-aged children. Registration is not necessary for this free program, which will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 25th.

June Books-Sandwiched-In

Need some help choosing that next great book to read? Call or stop by the Library to sign up for our June 19th Books-Sandwiched-In; reservations are required. This month's luncheon will feature reviews of Sodus book club member's favorite books, plus a short history of the club. The cost for lunch is $3, and includes a sandwich, chips, coffee or tea, and homemade pie. The doors to the lunch room open at 11:45 a.m., but come early (the Library opens at 10 a.m.) and browse through some of our new books. See you there!

Father's Day Closing

The Library will be closed on Sunday, June 18th, in honor of Father's Day, and will reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 19th.

June Board Meeting

The June meeting of the Sodus Free Library Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 15th. Because the "Just Paperbacks" sale will be in the meeting room, the Board will meet in the Ruth Mills Room for this month only. All Board meetings are open to the public.

1st Annual "Just Paperbacks" Sale

Do you have a passion for paperbacks? Tote a pile home to take on vacation, to the beach, on the airplane or boat ride, under a shade tree, or just to curl up in a rocking chair on your front porch. We have literally thousands of paperbacks to sell - they will be 25 cents each, or a baker's dozen (13) for $3. During the sale, you may purchase one of our new canvas tote bags for $10 (normally they cost $8) and fill it with as many paperbacks as you can fit inside. The sale starts at noon on Thursday, June 15th, and continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Saturday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) will be $1 bag day. Plan to stop by for some great bargains!

Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Announced

The Boston-Globe Horn Book Awards for Excellence in Children's Literature have been announced, and the 2006 winners are Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Lois Ehlert's Leaf Man, and Faith McNulty's If You Decide To Go To The Moon. Click here for more information and to see which titles were named as honor books. Call or stop by the library to place an OWWL Hold on any of these wonderful children's books.

Reminder

Remember - tonight's program on how to prevent identity theft starts at 7 p.m.

Quote for the Day

"TV. If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they will have with twenty-six. Open your child's imagination. Open a book." ~Anonymous

New DVDs

New DVD titles we have added to our collection include The Family Stone, Nanny McPhee, Munich, Mrs. Henderson Presents, Hoodwinked, Transamerica, Last Holiday, and Rumor Has It. The newest nonfiction DVD (which checks out for 21 days) is Bobby Flay's 3-disc Boy Meets Grill set. Access your OWWL account online to place a hold on any of these titles, or, if you prefer, call or stop by the Library and we'll do it for you.

Perennial Planter Update II

The recent spell of heat and humidity has wilted some of us, but the plants in our perennial container have absolutely loved it!

Internet "Social" Sites

Are you worried about your children spending time on the Internet? There are so many wonderful sites they can visit for fun, information, or relaxation. However, as with anything else, problems are always considered more newsworthy. There have been many articles in print and on TV recently concerning social sites such as myspace.com. The Federal Trade Commission has some good safety tips to observe when visiting and/or posting on these sites; click here to visit their page. Please make sure that your children and teenagers observe these simple rules and "surf" safely.

Library Closing

The Library will be closed Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day weekend. We will reopen at noon on Tuesday, May 30. Our online catalog is available 24/7 for renewals, account checks, or the placing of holds.

May Friends Meeting

The Friends of the Sodus Free Library will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 25th, in the Library's meeting room. All are invited to join us as we discuss plans for our 1st annual "Just Paperbacks" sale.

New Book Club Starting

As part of working toward their Girl Scout Silver Awards, Jessica Jonasse and Ana Abkarian are starting a book club for girls aged 12 to 14. We hope to read one book a month, with the first being Heir Apparent by Vivan VandeVelde. Stop by the check-out desk to sign up.

Monday's Books-Sandwiched-In

Bill Bolling presented us with many facts about identity theft, and provided several tips on how to avoid it during our Monday Books-Sandwiched-In. Just a reminder: if you would like to hear the topic covered in more depth, or if you were unable to attend the noontime program, Bill will return at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6th, for an encore presentation. Call 483-9292 or stop by the Library for more information.

Proposition 3 Passed

Thank you to the 340 Sodus residents who voted "Yes" for Proposition 3, approving $56,000 for our Library. This funding is a vital part of our budget, and we are pleased that so many people recognize the Library's value.

Annual School Vote

The Sodus Central School District annual budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 16th, from noon to 9 p.m. in the High School lobby. Proposition 3 reads: "Shall a levy of $56,000 on the taxable property of Sodus Central School District as a contribution to the Sodus Free Library for its maintenance and support be approved?" If you have any questions regarding this proposition, please leave a comment here, or contact me or one of our Trustees by phone or email.

Upcoming Children's Program

"All About Ducks," the next program in our Community Reader Series, will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 18th. Dynalec's Greg Cuvelier will be reading The Wide World of Suzie Mallard by Hazel J. Hutchins, and will also share some of his knowledge about ducks with the children. In addition, we'll have stories, activities, and refreshments. Registration is welcomed, but not required for this free program. Be sure to bring your children to the Library for this fun program!


Mike Garlock has generously
loaned some of his duck decoys
and specimens for our display case.

Pick Up A Library Book Bag

Keep all of your checked-out items together in one of our new book bags. Our Friends group started selling these sturdy totes today; the cost is $8 each. Stop by the desk soon - at this price, we expect them to go fast!

May Books-Sandwiched-In

The Friends of the Sodus Free Library will host a timely Books-Sandwiched-In on Monday, May 15th. William R. Bolling, Risk Management Specialist for WCTA Federal Credit Union (and retired long-time Library Trustee and President) will give a presentation on preventing identity theft. Lunch, which includes a sandwich, beverage, and a slice of homemade pie, starts at noon; the cost is $3 per person. Doors to the lunch room will open at 11:45, so come early and check out some of our new books and DVDs. Space is limited, so stop by, email, or call today to make your reservation. If your schedule does not permit you to come for lunch, mark your calendar for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6th, when this program will be repeated. Reservations will not be required for the evening program.

Perennial Planter Update

The container of perennials planted for us by Christine Sanguedolce at the April Books-Sandwiched-In is growing by leaps and bounds.

Closed for Mother's Day

The Library will be closed on Sunday, May 14th, in honor of Mother's Day.

May Board of Trustees Meeting

The monthly Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 11th, in the Library's meeting room. The public is welcome at all Board meetings.

Pictures From Shipwreck Program

At last Thursday's program, local author Susan Peterson Gateley discussed shipwrecks and rescues and also signed books for enthusiastic attendees.

Monday's Books-Sandwiched-In

Chris Sanguedolce demonstrated how she plants perennials in containers for an enthusiastic audience at Monday's luncheon. We'll be taking photos periodically of the planter over the next months to see how it progresses. Thanks to Chris for an inspiring talk, and to Grandpa's Nursery and Garden Center for the plants.

We're Closed

The Library is closed today, Saturday, and Sunday for the Easter weekend. Our online catalog is still available if you need to check due dates, renew materials, or place a title on hold. We will reopen on Monday, April 17, at 10 a.m.

Head Start Fun

Head Start families created beautiful Spring flowers and listened to stories during their library visit.

This little one curled up in a comfy corner with a good book.

Quote for National Library Week

"The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library"
~ Malcolm Forbes

Meeting Postponed

Due to scheduling conflicts, the special Board meeting which was to take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 6th, has been postponed.

Upcoming Meet the Author Program

Susan Peterson Gateley will present a program and readings on Lake Ontario shipwrecks and rescues at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 20th. The program is based on Peterson Gateley's most recent book, Ariadne's Death: Tales of Heroism and Tragedy on Lake Ontario.

Shipwrecks, the result of bad luck, bad management, or some combination of the two, were an all too common event on Lake Ontario in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the tragic ends of several family-owned cargo schooners of the 19th century, to the improbable outcome of a fishing trip on Lake Ontario taken in 2002, Gateley's newest book chronicles a variety of maritime disasters, acts of heroism and near misses. The book program will include an account of the unfortunate end of the schooner Ariadne, destroyed by winter gales at the lake's east end, and the sad tale of the Belle Sheridan, owned and manned by the McSherry family. All but one were lost in the great gale of 1880. Steamers, too, were at risk, as the story of the Quinte's end by fire and the Lady of the Lakes' close call show. Gateley will end the program on a lighter note with a couple of really close calls that ended well - including the heroic beer cooler's tale!

Gateley plans to have copies of the new book available for purchase and signing the night of the program. We're looking forward to filling the meeting room with fans of Susan's books.

April Books-Sandwiched-In

Join us at noon on Monday, April 17th, for a timely presentation on Planting Perennials in Containers by gardener Christine Sanguedolche. As before, $3 covers the cost of the program and lunch, which consists of sandwiches, beverage, and homemade pie. As registration is limited, be sure to stop by the Library to sign up for this program ... and get ready to plant!

Board of Trustees Meetings

There will be a special meeting of the Sodus Free Library's Board of Trustees at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 6th in the Library's meeting room. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss fundraising plans. The regular monthly meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 13th. All Board meetings are open to the public.

Month of the Young Child

To celebrate April as the Month of the Young Child, children from Sodus Head Start classes, Sodus Early Head Start, Sodus Preschool, and Sodus Cooperative Nursery School have made a striking rainbow of hands for our display case.

The display also features the building blocks which lead to reading. To further encourage and assist parents in learning how to use these building blocks, Head Start's Amy Thatcher will be presenting a Growing a Reader workshop at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, in the Library's meeting room. We'll have stories and snacks for the children while parents are presented with practical, enthusiastic ways to encourage a love of books and reading. SallyAnn Danforth will present a similar program to parents of infants and toddlers at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18. While these programs are targeting Head Start families, the Library will repeat both in the future for all who would like to attend.

Women's History Month

In addition to checking out the books in our Women's History Month displays, click here to connect to a list of sources recommended by the Library of Congress.

Quote for the Day

"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves."
Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, August 7, 1991

Today's Books-Sandwiched-In

We all had a great time today listening to Stephen Heald recount the amazing adventures of Alice Ramsey as she drove across the country.



Stephen and his wife, Pamela, demonstrated the functional, protective clothing worn while driving those early automobiles.

2006 Book Sense Book of the Year Awards

The winners of the 2006 Book Sense Book of the Year Awards have been announced. "Independent booksellers have chosen to honor these handselling favorites from among a wide array of interesting, unique, and thought-provoking titles sold in their stores during the past year," said ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz. Click here for the complete list of award winners, and stop by or call the Library to place any of these titles on Hold.

Every Genius Knows

Every genius knows that the Library is *the* place to be!

To make your own Einstein picture, click here and enjoy.

Irish Storytime Pictures

These pictures are from Monday's special storytime with Colleen McCarty. We listened to Irish stories, were treated to goodie baskets made by Pauline Baker, and had a visit from a leprechaun!

Sodus Citizen of the Year

The Sodus Chamber of Commerce announced today that Joe Schell is this year's Citizen of the Year.

An email from the Chamber states, "Joe is the Director of Operations at S.T.A.C. (Sodus Town Ambulance Corp) as well as one of the founding members in 1971. He continues to train new members as well as maintaining the skills of the other members. He also works for the Wayne County ALS Fly Car and travels all of Wayne County to answer the call of duty. He has saved countless lives and his quiet demeanor comforts all around him during very scary times. Joe's reputation of going above and beyond has earned him this well-deserved recognition." All of us at the Sodus Free Library add our congratulations to Joe for this honor.

For information on attending the Citizen of the Year Banquet on April 7th, contact the Sodus Chamber at 315-398-8473 or email your inquiry to chamber14551@yahoo.com.

March Books-Sandwiched-In

Stop by the Library this week to sign up for the March 20th Books-Sandwiched-In. The luncheon will feature Stephen Heald, lifelong Sodus resident and antique car hobbyist, reviewing Alice's Drive by Alice Ramsey. Ramsey was the first woman to drive an automobile across the United States, proving "without doubt that America's burgeoning love affair with the new-fangled horseless carriage and the open road applied equally to both sexes. Alice's Drive puts us in the front seat of her brand new Maxwell DA to join in her grand and historic adventure" - quote from Dayton Duncan, author of Horatio's Drive. The luncheon starts at noon; the cost of $3 covers sandwiches, beverage, and homemade pie.

Irish Folklore Storytime

Colleen McCarty will be sharing stories on Irish folklore at a special Storytime at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 13th. Children of all ages are welcome.

Friends' Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Friends of the Sodus Free Library will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 16th, in the Library's meeting room. Officers for the coming year will be elected at that time, and annual membership dues will be collected. We would love to add several new members. Come join us!

Oscar Night

How exciting that someone from "just down the road" won an Oscar at last night's 78th annual Academy Awards! Click here to find a complete list of winners at the official Oscar website. We already own several of the nominated movies, and will be purchasing more as they become available. Stop by or call the Library to put any of the titles on hold.

New Children's Choice Award Announced

Children in grades 3 through 6 are encouraged to nominate their favorite book for a 3 Apples Book Award. Developed to encourage the joy of reading for pleasure and to give the children of our State the opportunity to participate in honoring their favorites, this New York State Children's Choice Award is based solely on their nominations and votes. Children can pick up nomination forms from Mrs. Olson, Sodus Primary Librarian, or Mrs. VanKouwenberg, Sodus Intermediate Librarian. The completed forms (one nomination per child) can be dropped off at either of the school libraries or at the Sodus Free Library.

The Youth Services and School Library Media Sections of the New York Library Association will announce the top nominees, and children will be reading those titles over the Summer. They will then be allowed to vote for their favorite of the group, with the winner of the first 3 Apples Award being announced next February.

There are so many excellent children's books available. We hope that your children visit our libraries soon to vote for their favorites.