Story Time...What's the Big Deal?

Next week we will begin a new series of Story time programs for kids ages 2-5. I spend approximately 40% of my time either prepping or presenting programs for kids. Why so much time? Let's look and see what the benefits are.

As a children's librarian I believe that reading is necessary for success as well as reaching one's potential. We teach young children to read because it is easier for them to develop this skill at an early age. The consequences of not being able to read are devastating. Did you know that 60% of all prisoners in the U.S. justice system are illiterate and that poor literacy skills have been linked to depression in children as young at age 10? So, what does that have to do with Story time? Programs at the library are designed to promote reading and the love of books. Great programs at the library bring people in and once they are in the building they are 75% more likely to use other services that the library offers.

Programs at the library, like Story time, promote a sense of community. Programs turn a solitary activity of reading into a group activity. It helps socialize children into the community and helps parents feel less isolated from other parents. We can show kids that reading is fun, we can form good reading habits and teach them how a library works. This sets them up to be successful library users in the future. Story time is not just about books but engages children in language and stories as well.  At the library, especially during Story time, we see the social effect of reading. Reading is a way to combat overexposure of media that often promotes violence, bad use of language and poor morals. Attending a program at the library can help a child develop a sense of structure and an awareness of rules and routine setting them up for success when they enter formal school environments.

You may ask the question, "Aren't teachers at school teaching kids how to read?" Well yes, they are teaching the mechanics of reading, but the reality is that most teachers cannot spend enough time with a child to engage them in literature.  It is the libraries' job to promote the love of reading and books.

There is still time to register your child for one of our Story time sessions. Classes available are Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. or you can attend one of our drop-in programs which we hold every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You don't need a library card to attend any of our classes.  For more information about these and other programs at the library, call us at 435-723-5850 or visit our web page at www.bcpl.lib.ut.us

Michele Schumann
Children's Librarian

Book Chat for Writers Set for Next Week

15 Jan. 2013 at 7 p.m. - Book Chat - The Writing and Critique Group...  Copies of the book are still available!   The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide: How to Give and Receive Feedback, Self-Edit, and Make Revisions By Levine, Becky   2010-01 - Writers Digest Books 9781582976068 CHECK CATALOG   Trying to Finish Your Book? There's Strength in Numbers Whether you're trying to revise your novel or polish up an article to pitch to magazines, it pays to have a few sets of eyes look over your work. But, how can you be sure you're getting an unbiased and objective opinion? …More

2012 Computer Classes

It's time for us to start thinking about what computer classes we should schedule for the new year and we'd like your input.

We have a poll on the sidebar of our blog if you'd like to give us an idea of what you'd like to see taught. You may choose as many topics as you'd like.

If there's anything you're interested seeing on our list of classes that is not currently there, please put your suggestion in a comment to this post.  We'd love to hear from you!

Free Family Fun: Dr. Seuss Stories Performed by Duffy Hudson

Come enjoy and afternoon with Dr. Seuss. Bring the kids for a fun filled performance!


To see a complete list of live performances at the library this summer, please visit our Live Performances page.

Lisa Mangum to Speak at Library

Lisa Mangum - "Find Your Voice: Opening the Door to Your Imagination"
19 April 2011

Join us Tuesday, 19 April 2011 at 7 p.m. for Lisa Mangum's presentation, "Finding Your Voice: Opening the Door to Your Imagination", a 45-minute presentation on sparking creativity, finding good ideas, and understanding the basic building blocks of writing a novel (characters, conflict, plot, and developing your voice as an author). As an example, she discusses the writing process she used to write The Hourglass Door and The Golden Spiral, the first two books in a trilogy featuring the love story between Abby, a senior in high school, and Dante, an Italian foreign-exchange student who has been sent forward in time through a time machine crafted by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci.

Lisa Mangum has loved and worked with books ever since elementary school, when she volunteered at the school library during recess. Her first paying job was shelving books at the Sandy Library. She worked for five years at Waldenbooks while she attended the University of Utah, graduating with honors with a degree in English. An avid reader of all genres, she has worked in the publishing department for Deseret Book since 1997.

Besides books, Lisa loves movies, sunsets, spending time with her family, trips to Disneyland, and vanilla ice cream topped with fresh raspberries. She lives in Taylorsville, Utah, with her husband, Tracy. She is the author of The Hourglass Door (which was named the 2009 YA Book of the Year by ForeWord Reviews) and The Golden Spiral. The final book in the trilogy, The Forgotten Locket, will be released May 2011. This author is provided by the Utah Humanities Council.

RSVP to Read at Open Mic Night @ BCPL's Writing Group

Don't forget to RSVP for Open Mic Night by 3 December 2010! That's this Friday!

December 7th at 7 p. m. is Open Mic Night. Join us in saying farewell to 2010 by coming to Open Mic Night and sharing part of something you've been writing during the year or you can come to listen to the readings.

If you would like to read, please RSVP to Elizabeth, 723-5850 or elizabeth.bcpl@yahoo.com (subject: open mic), by 3 December 2010. At the time you sign-up you should provide your e-mail address or phone number and, if you are planning on having someone else do the reading for you, the reader's name. Individual readings should be no longer than 7 minutes* (about 3-4 double spaced pages).

*Times may be shortened or lengthened based on how many participants would like to read.

Refreshments will be served.A covered drink is permitted during this program.

Meanderings

No one has written on the blog since I did last week so I feel pressure to get something written today. I would never earn big money for writing my own blog like some people have. I become brain dead and can think of nothing to write sometimes - like tonight. So things that are on my mind right now are: Wasn't that a long line to vote yesterday? I am glad it was long, that means people cared enough to vote (even if they canceled out my vote). All this tea-party stuff, I don't really understand it myself (Guess I'd better do some research :)

When or when are those roofers going to come and look at the roof over the children's department? How long do we have to have the books off the shelf? Are they going to wait until it downpours again or are we even on their list? Why do we have holes everywhere in our ceilings? One in the back room, another in the YP section - don't these construction people care?

Working on the outside sign today - lots going on at the library this month; you need to look under library programs on our web page. We have both the adult book group and the parent and child book group tomorrow night - both are great programs with lots of fun discussion. Next Tuesday we have a weight loss and diet program presented by Dr. Shippee, DPM, Alpine Orthopedic Specialists which starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2010, we have Utah Quilter's Designs found Around the World presented by Julia Pope which starts at 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 18, 2010, we have - The Galapagos: A Natural History presented by Sam Zeveloff, Ph.D., Chair of Zoology, Weber State University.

Come and support a program.

Susan

How to Make and Keep a Critique Group

On 21 September 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Josi Kilpack will present “How to Make and Keep a Critique Group” at the Brigham City Library’s writing group. Kilpack’s presentation will include a demonstration on how to give and take critique.

Josi S. Kilpack grew up hating to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Her most recent novel, Key Lime Pie, is the fourth book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, four children, one dog and varying number of chickens. For more information about Josi, you can visit her website at www.josiskilpack.com or her blog at www.josikilpack.blogspot.com.

The Brigham City Library is located at 26 East Forest Street. For more information about this program please call Elizabeth, 435-723-5850.

Performance at the Brigham City Library - Duddy Hudson plays "Einstein"

Join us Thursday, 15 July 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to see Duffy Hudson perform the monologue

Einstein

in the Large programming room at the Brigham City Library.

See below for more details or call Sue, 435-723-5850.

Writing Group Meets in the Carnegie Again Starting Tuesday!

On 6 July 2010 at 7:00 p.m. the Brigham City Library Writing Group will meet for a Writing Night/Critique Night.

Now that the Carnegie building is open again we'll be meeting in the basement and we will have a little more room to spread out and have quiet writing time. If your not sure where the writing group meets in the basement, just ask for directions at the circulation desk on your way into the library. We'll also have signs posted to help you find the right room.

Options include:

Writing Prompt, your own project, or sign-up for a critiquing group. Bring your own writing supplies.

To sign-up for a critiquing group please e-mail: elizabeth.bcpl@yahoo.com; phone: 723-5850 - ask for Elizabeth)

Remember - You do not need to sign-up for the other two writing groups - Just come and write!

Editor to Speak at Local Writing Group

Liesel Autrey, Marketing Director and Editor at WiDo Publishing, will be the speaker at the Brigham City Library’s writing group on Tuesday, 20 April 2010 at 7 p.m. Autrey will discuss the future of publishing, what editors are looking for, marketing your book after publication, and how to know when your manuscript is ready to submit. Autrey will be accompanied by William Prusso, author of Ghost Waves.

Participants may bring up to three chapters of their manuscript to submit to Autrey that evening. All submissions to WiDo should include a SASE.

Liesel Autrey has worked for WiDo Publishing for three years as the Marketing Director and an editor. She earned her bachelors degree at Utah State University in marketing and textiles. She has been writing since she learned how to string words together, and has been freelance editing almost as long. She also worked as a newspaper reporter for the Valley Journals. But her true love lies in fiction and publishing, and giving the world books she believes in.

The Brigham City Library is located at 26 East Forest Street. For more information about this program please call Elizabeth, 435-723-5850.

Editor to Speak at Local Writing Group

Liesel Autrey, Marketing Director and Editor at WiDo Publishing, will be the speaker at the Brigham City Library’s writing group on Tuesday, 20 April 2010 at 7 p.m. Autrey will discuss the future of publishing, what editors are looking for, marketing your book after publication, and how to know when your manuscript is ready to submit. Autrey will be accompanied by William Prusso, author of Ghost Waves.

Participants may bring up to three chapters of their manuscript to submit to Autrey that evening. All submissions to WiDo should include a SASE.

Liesel Autrey has worked for WiDo Publishing for three years as the Marketing Director and an editor. She earned her bachelors degree at Utah State University in marketing and textiles. She has been writing since she learned how to string words together, and has been freelance editing almost as long. She also worked as a newspaper reporter for the Valley Journals. But her true love lies in fiction and publishing, and giving the world books she believes in.

The Brigham City Library is located at 26 East Forest Street. For more information about this program please call Elizabeth, 435-723-5850.

Open Mic Night for the Writing Group - Join Now!

Join us on Tuesday, 1 December 2009 at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Night at the writing group.

Say farewell to 2009 by coming to Open Mic Night and sharing part of something you've been writing during the year. Individual readings should be no longer than 7 minutes* (about 3-4 double spaced pages, 12 pt. font). If you would like to read, please RSVP to Elizabeth, 723-5850.

The program will be held in the study/reading corner on the main level of the library due to construction work on the Carnegie building.

*Times may be shortened or lengthened based on how many participants would like to read. Please be prepared to shorten your pieces if needed.

Open Mic Night at BCPL's Writing Group

Join us on 1 December 2009 at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Night at the writing group.

Say farewell to 2009 by coming to Open Mic Night and sharing part of something you've been writing during the year. Individual readings should be no longer than 7 minutes* (about 3-4 double spaced pages, 12 pt. font). If you would like to read, please RSVP to Elizabeth, 723-5850 or elizabeth.bcpl@yahoo.com.

The program will be held in the study/reading corner on the main level of the library due to construction work on the Carnegie building.

*Times may be shortened or lengthened based on how many participants would like to read. Please be prepared to shorten your pieces if needed.

Open Mic Night for BCPL's Writing Group

Join us on 1 December 2009 at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Night at the writing group.

Say farewell to 2009 by coming to Open Mic Night and sharing part of something you've been writing during the year. Individual readings should be no longer than 7 minutes* (about 3-4 double spaced pages, 12 pt. font). If you would like to read, please RSVP to Elizabeth, 723-5850.

The program will be held in the study/reading corner on the main level of the library due to construction work on the Carnegie building.

*Times may be shortened or lengthened based on how many participants would like to read. Please be prepared to shorten your pieces if needed.

Super Saturday Write-In

November is National Novel Writing Month and what better way to get it off to a good start then by spending the day writing!

Join us for a Super Saturday Write-In to kick off National Novel Writing Month

Date: 7 November 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. (come and go as you need to)
Place: Brigham City Library

Come and go as you please on Saturday, but find some time during the day to spend writing at the library. (Please bring your own writing supplies – pencil/paper, laptop, etc. – these will not be provided by the library.)

Now is a great time to set some special writing goals for yourself. What will you accomplish during National Novel Writing Month?

Super Saturday Write-In

November is National Novel Writing Month and what better way to get it off to a good start then by spending the day writing!

Join us for a Super Saturday Write-In to kick off National Novel Writing Month

Date: 7 November 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. (come and go as you need to)
Place: Brigham City Library

Come and go as you please on Saturday, but find some time during the day to spend writing at the library. (Please bring your own writing supplies – pencil/paper, laptop, etc. – these will not be provided by the library.)

Now is a great time to set some special writing goals for yourself. What will you accomplish during National Novel Writing Month?

Book Discussion Tonight - Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

On 5 May 2009 at 7 o'clock p.m. the BCPL Writing Group will meet to discuss Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King.

So before you send that manuscript off to and editor or an agent, take a look at this book and see how it can help you and your story.

Come and join us as we talk about writing and editing. Don't worry if you didn't get a chance to read the book, you can still come and participate. Maybe you'll get a few helpful hints as the group members discuss the techniques recommended by Browne and King.

For more information about the discussion or the writing group please call Elizabeth, 723-5850.

Book Discussion - Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

On 5 May 2009 at 7 o'clock p.m. the BCPL Writing Group will meet to discuss Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King.

So before you send that manuscript off to and editor or an agent, take a look at this book and see how it can help you and your story.

Come and join us as we talk about writing and editing. Don't worry if you didn't get a chance to read the book, you can still come and participate. Maybe you'll get a few helpful hints as the group members discuss the techniques recommended by Browne and King.

For more information about the discussion or the writing group please call Elizabeth, 723-5850.

Book Discussion - Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

On 5 May 2009 at 7 o'clock p.m. the BCPL Writing Group will meet to discuss Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King.

So before you send that manuscript off to and editor or an agent, take a look at this book and see how it can help you and your story.

Come and join us as we talk about writing and editing. Don't worry if you didn't get a chance to read the book, you can still come and participate. Maybe you'll get a few helpful hints as the group members discuss the techniques recommended by Browne and King.

For more information about the discussion or the writing group please call Elizabeth, 723-5850.