The Cabbages are Coming!

It's official.  The cabbages will be ready for adoption on Thursday, May 30.  Currently we have about 150 plants being fostered at a local greenhouse awaiting there new summer home.  We are inviting everyone to Dig In and adopt one of these special, Bonnie Plants Mega Cabbages. 

You can grow them in the garden. You can grow them in a pot. 

The suggested adoption fee is $2 or a comparable non-perishable food donation.  All proceeds will benefit the Amherst Food Pantry.

Dig in and take part then in our Cabbage Contest.  Bring in a photo of you and your special cabbage before August 10.  We will have a random drawing of all photos submitted to win a grand prize.  

Fair weather for the Fair!

Has six weeks gone by already?  Our annual Summer Reading Fair takes place Thursday, July 12, from 6 - 8 p.m. on the library lawn.  The weather promises to be ideal. 

We'll have games, prizes, and lots of fun lined up including a Jump House hosted by the Rakar family, a stiltwalker will be on hand as well as face painting and even cotton candy provided by Hidden Acres Cotton Candy Concessions.  The Amherst Fire Department will be on hand.

Everyone is welcome as we wrap up our Dream BIG summer program.  We have the best families and participants who take part in our reading program each year.  A big thank you to everyone who has participated in our programming, storytimes, workshops, and craft days.  We hope you've had as much fun as we've had.

We'll still continue to hand out reading log prizes as long as supplies last so continue to fill out your logs and bring them to the library's Reference Desk.

The wait is over!

The 9th Annual Amherst Scavenger Hunt is now available at the library. 

Pick up an entry form at the library and identify each of the twenty-five photos taken in downtown Amherst. All photos were taken within easy walking distance of the library so there’s no need to worry about the price of gas.  You can also download and print a copy here.

Last day to turn in completed forms to be eligible for our grand prize drawing is Saturday, August 18.

Take me to your leader

Craft day today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Drop by the library.  It's an alien invasion!

We're making puppets using socks or paper bags.  Have some strange socks laying around without a mate?  Bring them along.  You can always find a friend at the library.

There's never a fee for crafts but we continue to take donations for the Amherst Food Pantry. 

See you at the library.

What's your dream?

Dream BIG has been the theme for the library's summer reading program.  We've had BIG programs, BIG audiences, BIG craft days with hundreds of participants and some BIG donations made to our partner, the Amherst Food Pantry.  But what are you doing to fulfill the directive to Dream BIG?

For one participant in our teen reading program it was going on an underwater expedition. Trigger fish, giant sea turtles and even the occasional sea cucumber at home in the sparkling blue water made for a very interesting trip. 

I've only seen sea cucumbers on a restaurant menu, and then never a good choice.  The sea cucumber can live up to ten years and collects food off the ocean floor, sweeping up algae and small aquatic animals with its foot like tentacles. 

But wait...what's Alex pointing to?  What's that large grey form silently speeding toward the divers?  The ocean is silent but the rush of oxygen through the hose and the sound of your increased heartbeat pulsing in your ears means the approach of one 400 pound underwater predator. 

What's your dream? 

Tell us your dream or better yet send us a photo.  Many dreams begin at the library.  For Alex it was here that the story began.

Up, up and away....AGAIN

It was just one year ago that Matt Jergens entertained the people of Amherst with his amazing juggling performance.  Matt has been busy at conferences, festivals, and workshops, sharing the art of juggling and entertaining the crowds.

Today he'll be at the Main Street Community Center, 255 Park Avenue in downtown Amherst, to entertain as part of the library's summer reading program.  Everyone is welcome to join us at 2 p.m. for the program.  But don't leave after it's over.  Matt will be teaching a juggling workshop after the program.  Last year he showed us that all's it takes is a little practice as kids of all ages learned the fundamentals with an array of colorful scarves, balls, plates, and all types of equipment.

This is the summer of Dream Big and if you ever dreamed of juggling, performing magic, or becoming an artist then we've got a class for you.  Thursday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. is Magic 101 here at the library with Professor Zap and we've just signed on for a four part Drawing 101 series with local artist Mike Leuszler beginning in July.

Hundreds have already signed up for summer reading and are registered for our prize raffles.  Remember our summer reading fair takes place Thursday,  July 12, from 6 - 8 p.m. on the library lawn. 

Field Trip to Outer Space

Today's the day that Sky Dome rolls into town for our big virtual field trip of the universe.  Join us at St Joe's School Gym where shows will begin promptly at noon, 1, 2, 4, and 5 p.m.  Each show lasts about 45 minutes and will be of interest to those in kindergarten up through adults.  Entrance will be on a first come basis and be prepared to sit on the floor inside the large dome. 

For safety reasons no entrance to the dome will be allowed once the show has begun. Plan on arriving at least 10 - 15 minutes before the scheduled show time.  Use door "D" when entering the school building. 

Drawing 101

We've just signed on local artist Mike Leuszler for a new series of drawing workshops we're calling Drawing 101.  This four part series is perfect for anyone who enjoys drawing or would like to learn some basic techniques to become better with the pencil and sketch pad. 


The first class will go over some basics and then we'll go on to do some specialty classes.  Come to one class or come to them all.  "A lot of times a parent or grandparent will bring the student and we find that they are as interested in the classes as the kids," said Leuszler.  "This time we'd like to have everyone join us and enjoy the classes together with a friend or family member.  Art is not limited to a certain age."


We're opening this to all ages so make it a family event and join us at the library.  Classes begin at 1 p.m. and the schedule is as follows:


Tuesday, July 31           Basic Drawing Techniques

Thursday, August 2       Land of Oz Characters (Here's where you can get creative!)

Tuesday, August 7        Faces (Let's face it...we all have trouble drawing eyes, noses, and mouths)

Thursday, August 9      Fantasy Characters  - if you can dream it, you can draw it.  Fairies, and zombies, and giants...Oh my!

Professor Zap and his accomplice, Ron Price, entertained last night at Magic 101, an introduction to the series of magic workshops that take place beginning June 28 here at the library.  Zap shared some valuable information on performing magic and delighted the crowd with his mind reading skills.

The magic workshops are geared to students in grades 4 through students of life up to age 104.  "We did a similar series of workshops in Cleveland this year", said Zap.  Some of our best students were grandparents and retired folks who had some time now to take up a new hobby."  After the workshops are finished we may try and schedule a show where all new magicians can showcase a trick. 


Today is craft day at the library.  We're making DreamScapes using scratch art paper and other materials.  Remember craft days are Wednesdays through July 11.  The craft area is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drop by and join the fun.  Never a need to register, never a fee.  Of course you could bring a donation for the Amherst Food Pantry.  Next week's craft....we'll figure it out by then.

Super Hero Drawing Workshop

Get the pencils out!  The Amherst Public Library will host a Drawing Workshop with local artist Mike Leuszler as part of the Dream Big Summer Reading Program. 

Students in grades 4 and up will learn techniques for creating their own larger-than-life Super Hero characters when the class meets on Monday, June 18 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the library. Of course the class is free but consider bringing in a non-perishable item for the Amherst Food Pantry.

The stage is set

It's a cloudy day inside the Amherst Public Library as the stage is set for another Summer Reading program.  We've had over 200 kids sign up in the first two days and more have signed up in our online program.


We are partnering this year with the Amherst Food Pantry.  For every food item you donate we'll credit you with 15 minutes on your reading log.  Remember we give out prizes for 5, 10 and 15 hours of reading. 


The calendar is loaded with programs.  In June we have Matt Jergens performing his comedy juggling act and teaching a juggling workshop.  Professor Zap will be giving a show demonstrating some of the tricks you can learn in his Magic 101 monthly workshops.  Mike Leuszler will be here to give a drawing workshop.  And mark your calendar for the Sky Dome planetarium when it visits on Thursday, June 21. 


Check out our online calendar or stop by the library and pick one up when you register for summer reading.

Prize-a-rama

Everyones been asking about our prizes for this year's Dream BIG summer reading program.  When you register at the library beginning June 4 you'll get a removable tattoo with our mascot Sid the Wonder Dog pictured. 

Keep track of the time you spend reading, or being read to, and you'll earn a prize for 5, 10, and 15 hours of reading.  We've got several styles of silicone bracelets including several colors and even a glow in the dark version for the first prize level.  Keep reading and you can take home some bubbles and even a cool silver backpack!

Remember for each prize level you reach you get another ticket to enter into our drawing.  July 12 we'll draw out names (last year we drew 100 kids' names) and those lucky winners will get their choice of a variety of prizes we'll have piled up on tables in our special "Prize Central" location.

Look for news coming soon about some great programs we'll have this summer including a Juggling workshop, craft Wednesdays, and Magic 101.  Time is ticking away....we are just days away from a great summer of fun.

Dream Big

This year we're dreaming BIG.  There's nothing you can't do, especially when you team up with the Amherst Public Library. If you are age 4 or 104, we have a program for you.  Look for registration to begin here at the library on June 4 or choose our early bird on-line registration beginning Memorial Day weekend.  Calendars of events will be available beginning June 4.


Prizes, crafts, and fun...the countdown continues to a summer of fun.
See you at the library.

New Year, New Books

We're quickly approaching a new year which means time to flip another calendar page and also time to flip over a page in a new book.  If you didn't get that book you wanted for Christmas check out our catalogue or browse our new book display for current titles and new reads.

If you recently took possession of a new ereader or downloaded a Kindle or Nook ap for your computer or tablet then check out some of the great ebooks available at the  library.  As always, bring your device to the library's reference desk if you need any help getting started or browsing available books.  We've helped quite a few people get comfortable with their new device and hey....we want to try it out, too.

Last week we helped a gentleman with his new Kindle Fire to show him how to change network settings to use the library's wireless.  And make sure you take part in our Winter Reading program and maybe you'll be the lucky person who will take home a new Kindle Touch.

Making a list, checking it twice

The holiday season is upon us and our new winter reading program is set to begin.  We've been checking off our list of things to get done before we start and most of the details are completed and we're ready to go.  We have some small prizes, like earbuds, pencils, and hot chocolate, for reading and reviewing books as well as two grand prizes that someone will take home next February.

The Mermaid's Tale in downtown Amherst has donated a Vera Bradley set, Blue Lagoon, that would be perfect to win for yourself or as a gift.  You'll also have the option of entering your name in a raffle to win a new Kindle Touch.  Imagine downloading books wirelessly and taking advantage of the latest reading technology.

We will have paper forms available at the library's Reference Desk for you to log your reading and enter our contest or sign up now to manage your account online and print off your completion certificates to be entered to win. Online is the best way to take part and check out other people's reviews, track your reading on your smartphone, and maybe pick up a suggestion for a new book or author.

If only my Christmas shopping was all done!

Winter Reading

Usually about this time of year the great state of Ohio sends me a giant manual listing out details of their upcoming summer reading program.  While this is a thick and heavy package, the book is at least three inches thick, I've never found it a particularly useful  tool and have taken to using it mostly for a bookend or to add to our recycle bin. 

But when the monumental volume appeared this year, thoughts of next summer's programming was too far in the future to even comprehend but why wait.  Why not a simpler form of summer reading available....in the winter?! Eureka.

So look for our first ever Winter Reading program.  The program is being put together and will be availalbe exclusively online.  Read six books and submit a short book review on each one and you'll be able to print off a certificate for a prize bag that you can pick up here at the library's reference desk.  Your certificate will also be entered into a drawing for a special grand prize to be announced soon (think Vera Bradley and maybe something with a touch screen).

Winter months are the perfect time to warm up with a good book and hopefully add a little fun to your reading by checking out reviews and book suggestions by fellow readers.  There has to be some benefit in enduring another Ohio winter....

Winning Weekend

It was a "sweet" weekend with our library community room filled with more than 800 cupcakes when the judges, Tim Kiedrowski and Maggie Notley Gross, came to judge our first ever Amherst Cupcake Wars.The grand prize winner was Angela Bak, who took the first golden spatula with her recipe for Coconut Almond Cupcakes. Angela also won a patriotic cupcake cookie jar, free donuts from Kiedrowski's and some free cupcakes from Sweets By Maggie.

Two other golden spatulas went to Michelle Kissane for her Treasure Chest Cupcakes and Renee Bennett for her Banana Split Cupcakes.

Honorable mentions were awarded to
Susan Sailer's Panda Cupcakes and the baking duo of
Mackenzie Tyson and Marley Biczykowski  for their Thin Mint Cupcakes.

Terri Belush won a free birthday cake from Kiedrowski's when her name was drawn from all the raffle entries.  Mackenzie Tyson and Marley Biczykowski had their ticket drawn and won a free party for six at Sweets By Maggie.

Thirty five people entered our cupcake contest.  When the crumbs cleared on Saturday after the bake sale we had raised just over $400 for the Amherst Food Pantry. Nancy Burls, Coordinator for the Amherst Food Pantry, congratulated everyone on their fundraising efforts. 

"The library really goes all out to help support the work of our local food pantry", said Nancy.  "This cash donation allows us to buy gift cards that can be used for produce and fresh items like eggs, milk and fresh vegetables."  

Every single cupcake found a home last Saturday and thanks to the baking, and eating efforts of our library community, we all came together for a great cause, and had a lot of fun at the same time.  Thanks to our judges who spent more than two hours deliberating over which cupcakes deserved the top honors.  It was a very, very hard job.  Congratulations to everyone who helped make the day extra special.

CUPCAKE MANIA

Cupcakes have started arriving at the Amherst Public Library where Amherst Cupcake Wars is well underway.  Everyone who enters fills out a registration form which acts as your entry into a drawing for a free birthday cake from Kiedrowski's Simply Delicious Bakery or a party at Sweets By Maggie.


If you're not baking cupcakes then plan on eating them.  Saturday at 10 a.m. our Bake Sale opens where you can see the winners of the coveted Golden Spatula awards as well as purchase cupcakes to take home, or just eat.


All the proceeds go to the Amherst Food Pantry.  Tim Kiedrowski and Maggie Notley Gross will be our judges this evening! Let the competition begin....where's my fork?

Countdown to Cupcake Wars

Everyone who attended the Cupcake Demo last week with Chef Maggie Notley from Sweets By Maggie got some great ideas for Cupcake Wars.  Maggie demonstrated how to make a fondant rose just using your hands, no special tools.  Buttercream roses are a thing of the past now that we can all fashion flowers in bright vibrant colors. 

Even the cupcakes were special as Maggie got into the whole retro historical theme and brought in 60 tie dyed cupcakes, all red, and blue.  We also learned how to make ganache and home made caramel.  Did you know that when Hershey first started his candy empire, caramel was one of the first candies he produced way before chocolate was even in the picture?

Once the pastry bags full of buttercream came out it got pretty quiet in the room as everyone concentrated on the perfect swirl.  Each participant took home a recipe for Amherst Bicentennial Caramel and hopefully some great ideas for Cupcake Wars.

Have a minimum of two dozen cupcakes at the library before 5 p.m. this Friday, July 8.  Judging takes place after closing and winners will be announced during the bake sale on Saturday, July 9.  Remember all the proceeds benefit the local Amherst Food Pantry. 

Up in the air with Matt Jergens

There were a lot of things up in the air yesterday when the Amherst Public Library hosted comedian juggler Matt Jergens as part of the library's summer reading program.  The air was not only filled with a bowling ball, scarves, balls and even raw eggs, but the air in the room filled with laughs and an almost electric current of fun that ran through each person there and transformed some of us into kids again.

Matt was juggling outside the building as people scurried to park and get to the show.  Inside the music began and everyone took their seats, some kids wondering if they had sat too close, as bowling balls and even a seven foot unicyle came on stage.  Volunteers helped out and after the show everyone got a hands on juggling lesson.

"The best part of my day is being able to pass on a love of juggling to the audience," said Matt.  "Seeing that look of amazement on someone's face during that 'ah-ha' moment when it clicks that they are juggling is priceless." 

Matt travels throughout the east coast, and wherever juggling is needed, performing at resorts, festivals, and business venues.  "This was a great show," exclaimed one grandmother who was busy juggling scarves during the workshop.  "You have to have him back again."

I think she's definitely right about that.