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....