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Beach library sees a 14 percent increase in checkouts from May 2008

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Weekly Activities

>Preschool Story hour on Wednesday, July 1, at 10:30 a.m.

>We are closed for Independence Weekend on Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4.

>Summer Reading Program on Tuesday, July 7 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Activity Details

The Summer Reading Program has sessions for those ages 5 to 7 on Tuesday, July 7, at 9:30 a.m., and for those ages 10 & 11 at 11:00 a.m. that day. Pre-registration is necessary.

These two groups meet again on Tuesday, July 28.

Upcoming Activities

Summer Reading Program has sessions for those ages 8 & 9 on Tuesday, July 14, at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:00 a.m. for those ages 12 & 13. The same groups will meet again on Tuesday, August 4.

Bradbury

Ray Bradbury can reasonably be said to be one of America’s greatest creative geniuses. He’s an accomplished author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter, lecturer, poet and visionary.

Bradbury’s reputation as a science fiction writer became well established with the publication of The Martin Chronicles in 1950. The book describes man’s attempt to colonize Mars, the effects of colonization on the Martians, and the reaction to a massive nuclear war on Earth. These Chronicles reflected anxieties in the early 1950s: the threat of nuclear war and the fear of foreign political bodies.

Most of us are familiar with his “Farhenheit 451,” released in 1953, set in a future where a totalitarian government has banned the written word.

He still writes daily and occasionally lectures. He spoke at a CA library last week wherein he extols the important part that libraries have played in his own life. I listened to his talk on Youtube and one could easily grasp the pivotal role the public library played in his life from childhood on.

If you haven’t enjoyed Bradbury recently, consider his “Let All Kill Constance” (a novel from 2003, M BRA), or a new short story collection “One More for the Road” (BRA) or his 2009 “We’ll Always Have Paris” (BRA).

I’ll close with a thought Bradbury leaves us: “Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.”

Skateboarders

A group of males between ages 11 and 16 have been seen moving from site to site on the Beach. Their intention overall is to have something to do but their skateboarding leaves more damage behind than is necessary. Parents would be advised to inquire if their sons are part of this group. As a library we are highly supportive of youth using the library but do not find it wise or necessary to have taxpayers pick up the tab for damage from the skateboarding, or insensitivity to library users when the boys occupy front steps when the library is open.

We have photos of the males and are in the process of trying to locate who each is, with the intention of contacting parents/guardians. We will contact the sheriff for assistance in this matter if necessary.

We have skateboarders who use the library and are so courteous as to guard their boards and not intrude others so I don’t wish to slight this activity nor those who skateboard without damage to public or private property.

This particular group, whose home addresses and parents/guardians we are seeking, do need to grow in their awareness of respect for the Beach and others.

If you see skateboarders skating on and over steps, curbs and rails or on ramps at the library after hours, please call the police. It is trespassing and we don’t want further damage to the steps. There is a sign posted and electronic surveillance of activity.

Children & Books

Doreen Nagle who writes a “Parenting in a Nutshell” column in The News Press started her June 18 column with “Libraries Keep Children Busy During the Summer” and went on to say “Most of all, libraries are known for the plethora of books available to borrow and read under the shade of a tree in your own yard or at the beach. Books come in all sizes and reading levels-as well as interests.”

The Board and Increased Use of Library Materials

Board members had a productive monthly meeting this week. They work so well together, and it’s gratifying to see them deal with the very real challenges that are before us: on the one hand, there is a close scrutiny of the budget to see how we can best be responsive to the growing needs of library users and stretch dollars. During the month of May, 7,408 titles were checked out, a 14 percent increase over the same month last year. On the other hand, our desire to get started on construction remains active. It’s frustrating that a loan to get construction underway isn’t obtainable even after a long process. The Board looked at testimony of J. Ben Watkins, Director of Bond Finance for Florida who indicated in remarks to House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Services that neither the Federal Reserve nor the Dept of Treasury has provided any meaningful solutions to problems confronting state and local governments in our current market. He also pointed out such realities that liquidity providers (who support with letters of credit and standby purchase agreements) have left the market or are charging significantly higher rates than issuers can tolerate.

Library Hours

Don’t remember library hours? Call for information. When we are closed, a recorder gives the hours of operation, either on 765-8162 or on 765-8163. Except for holidays, which would be mentioned on the recorder, we are open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 to 5 p.m.; and Saturday 9 to 1 p.m. We look forward to seeing you.