Summertime Fizz Boom Reading Fun: LEGOs, Booksales and MORE

Summer is fast approaching and with it there's lots of planning going on at your library. Here's a preview:

The Summer Library Program registration is now open for ages from infant to 100!. Stop by the library today or call 608-375-5723 to learn more about the world of exciting and engaging programs we'll be offering this summer as part of "Fizz Boom Read!", Science summer fun at your library. All scheduled group programs for ages infant thru 5th grade take place Wednesday mornings beginning June 11th.  

NEEDED: LEGOS are one of the most fabulous teaching tools for STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Math) skills that we in library land can lay our hands on. From barnyards to robotics, almost anything can be built out of LEGOS. And kids can't keep their hands off of them. SO, for this summer's "FIZZ, BOOM, READ!!" library program, we're in *big*huge*please-help-us* need of LEGOS in all shapes and sizes. Our summer budget just doesn't stretch far enough to afford what we need. Whether you can donate a handful or a boxful, all will be greatly appreciated! THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Here's a preview of what can happen when you add LEGOS to LIBRARIES:::)) The Library in Lego Form (aka the absolute last post I will write about Lego librarians) | Mr. Library Dude http://ow.ly/wNSwh 

No LEGOS? If you're interested in helping out, please see our Wish List of other items on the "Summer Library Stuff" page. (Or you can just click that tab above). Thank YOU!

Annual Summer Booksale 

Mark your calendars now: Our Annual Big Summer Library Book sale will take place Thursday evening July 10th - Noon Saturday July 12th. Once again we have oodles of good, gently read books for both adults and children  that will be available at rock bottom prices! We are also looking for book sale volunteers! If you can lend a hand for an hour or an afternoon, every volunteer makes a big difference. if you're interested in helping out with this or other library events, please stop by or call to get signed up on our volunteer action list. many hands make light work !

the library is looking for a good home for some children's stationary  exercise equipment. if you think that you or your organization can make use of this equipment, please contact the library Director at 608-375-5723 for furthur details or to have a look at the items. 

Get the Hop on Summer Vacation Planning

Thinking about planning that summer getaway and hoping to get the best possible deal for your dollar? We have loads of travel guides, atlases, trip planners for destinations like Orlando and and other resources you can use to put together the best vacation getaway ever this summer. We can also help you navigate online travel planning and advisory websites and show you how to find out about train, plane and automobile travel, save money and preview your destination by town, hotel, restaurant or any other street address.
Among our resources, one of our newest discoveries, Hopper  can help you calculate the best deals, days and destinations for departure from your home location. Take a look at their "Ten Best Places to Go Camping with the Family in the US"  and discover some best kept secret places for outdoor adventures. Happy Spring,  let the season of summer adventures begin!  #travel, #summer #advisory

Celebrate Screen Free Week May 5th -11th: Why This Matters

Celebrate Screen Free Week May 5th -11th by taking the family outside. Here's a list of great free and low cost activities for kids of all ages to get outdoors and into the incredible, amazing world of Mother Nature. Stop by the library next week for a free, DIY or drop-in, screen free activity sheet or choose one just for you at: Nature Rocks .

Parents, to learn more about why screen free time matters for your children's and your family's well-being, here are a list of recommended resources:

http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/issues

American Academy of Pediatrics

Primrose Children's Resources

How to Limit Your Kid's Screen Time

"The risk of receiving an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis at age 7 increased with every hour of television watched at 1 and 3 years."  - See more at: Psychiatric Times

Adults, screen free time is for you too. Try getting away from Facebook, websurfing and TV for a week and notice the changes in your mood, energy and awareness. More about the negative impacts of long hours glued to the ____ (fill in the blank) screens that surround us everyday:

Sitting and Screen Time: Effects on Health and Well-Being

Psychology Today: Screen Time and Mental Health

Teens and Screens

Too Much TV 

More Spring Reading Resources

Wondering what to read next? Take a look at Goodreads' "listopia", a nifty set of recommended books by topic, interest levels, genre (mystery, romance, thriller, supernatural, fantasy, history, "must reads", "best unknown books" and more!) 
 Mysteries are the hands-down favorite fiction flavor, so here's a big scoop to start out your summer reading season: Mystery Book Lists http://ow.ly/wfmHk

April 24th is Poem In Your Pocket Day!

Hooray, it's Poem in Your Pocket Day! Carry a poem and read it to friends, listening and reading the fun never ends!
We're partnering with Timberlane Coffee today to bring you some spring poetry joy- pick up a pocket poem at the library, take it to Timberlane, read it to the fine folks there and get a FREE tasty treat! OR, pick up a poem at Timberlane, bring it to the library and read it to the librarians, and get a FREE library gift! Whichever way you approach it, there's lots to love about a poem in your pocket http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/406?utm_source=Poem+in+Your+Pocket+2013+Newsletter&utm_campaign=pocketday_blast&utm_medium=email

Cozy Mystery Season

Summer's almost here and with it a brand new crop of "Cozy Mystery" paperbacks will be arriving on the library's shelves. Are you a cozy mystery reader? Curious about cozy mysteries? Think quick, entertaining  reads (perfect for busy summer days!) with a touch of humor, clever who-dunnit detective work by civilian sleuths like Miss Marple or Father Brown,small town settings so the entire community can get involved and tongue-in-cheek titles such as "Dead White and Blue", "Peach Pies and Alibis", "Buried in a Bog", "Deep Fried Homicide", etc. These are often written as series or by theme (bakeshop, bookstore, knitting, garden club, Irish mysteries, supernatural, travel etc), so there's always something to read next. Curious? Click on over to:  http://www.cozy-mystery.com/ to learn more then stop by the library for a preview of this summer's collection- perfect for the pool, camping, cookout, travel or a lazy afternoon in the hammock!

Spring In the Air, Summer Around the Corner

With National Library Week underway, Easter ahead and summer vacation soon to arrive, your Boscobel library is gearing up to provide you with good things to read, do, listen to and enjoy as we shift into the busy days of summer.

The library’s Monday evening /Wednesday morning   spring  pre-k storytime wraps up this week with “Egg-cited for Easter”.  We’ll be taking a few weeks off afterwards to get ready for our big 2014 Summer  Library Program, “Fizz Boom Read!”, all about science, things that fly and go boom, amusing musical instruments, LEGO engineering, fossils and other exciting ideas that tie in with the STEM (Science, Technology, Math and Engineering) curriculum children now work through during the school year. Research in childhood learning shows that children who participate in literacy programs during summer break and who are read to early and often do better in school. We'd like to help give your children a summer head start!The Boscobel Library’s summer reading program is offered at no charge to children of all ages from infants through 6^th grade. Early registration is now open for all families, just stop by the library. Regular attendance is not required and all families and caregivers are welcome.

 Busy Teens and adults, we’ll have drop in weekly programs for you too: Book Bingo, Reader’s Secrets, Author Trivia and more. Also author talks, tech roundup rodeo and other informative and engaging programs. Full programming schedules and information will be available at the library beginning May 1^st.

Did you know that in addition to the many beautiful new books gracing our shelves, your library also offers more than 45,000 e-books for download to your digital device? From iPad to Kindle to Nook to tablet to smartphone, your library has free reading materials and videos available for download to any Internet connected device. We have  high speed Internet as well and will be running on fiber-optic by the end of July. All you need is your library card ! Not sure how this works? Our friendly staff is happy to show you the simple steps to get connected to your library e-book account and start reading today!

New On the Shelves

Books: The Paris Architect; Under Magnolia; Mimi Malloy at Last!; Redeployment by Phil McKay; The Fault in Our Stars; Divergent (trilogy); The 6th Extinction

DVD video: 12 Years a Slave; Nebraska;47 Ronin; The Book Thief; Grudge Match; Last Vegas; The Mighty Ducks; Frozen

The Boscobel Library Bookclub, Frieda’s Readers meets Tuesday, April 15^th at 7pm in the upstairs reading room. This month’s read is Janis Owen’s American Ghost, a historical fiction about a deep south tragedy steeped in love, violence and the racial tensions of the civil rights era that comes full circle to explore the meanings of redemption and forgiveness. “Inspired by Owens’s extensive research on a real lynching that occurred in the 1930s, American Ghost is a richly woven exploration of how the events of our past can haunt our present …An engrossing novel inspired by a true event about unresolved family history and racial tensions that threaten a Florida community.”

Spring Storytime, Movie Night, LEGOs and Youth Art, All @ Your Library!

Movie Night at Your Library, Thursday Feb 27th, 7:00 PM 
Join us at the library this Thursday, Feb 27th for an eye-opening adventure through the "different not less" world of autism. We''ll be showing an award winning movie about autism rights activist Temple Grandin's life. Everyone who is interested in learning more about autism and creative thinking, who teaches or whose life is touched by a friend, co-worker or family member on the autistic spectrum is encouraged to attend. Prepare to be amazed by the way this film brings Grandin's autistic point of view to life and dramatizes both her nerdy brilliance and terrifying challenges.
Declared autistic in the 1950's when such a diagnosis was typically treated by institutionalization, Grandin's mother refused to think of Temple as "less"and continued to pursue her daughter's education and development. Grandin encountered many mentors throughout her youth who recognized her unusual intelligence, need for "hands-on" learning activities and gift for visual thinking. Grandin went on to earn a PhD in animal sciences and became an internationally recognized expert on animal psychology and livestock facilities design. Approximately 70% of livestock processing facilities in the US utilize Grandin's "humane design" structures. All because she asked the bizarre question, "Why are they mooing?" and figured it out

 Grandin is recognized as the first autistic person to speak out about her way of "thinking in pictures" and the opportunities and challenges autism presents. She has published a number of best selling books (several are available for checkout at our library!) and is sought after as a public speaker and autism educator. She was included in the Time 100 list of the one hundred most influential people in the world in the "Heroes" category. The story of her life is a deeply inspiring, funny and eye-opening adventure that reveals how many different ways there can be to perceive the world. Rated PG this movie is highly recommended for anyone wishing to understand more about the "beautiful minds" of autism. This event is open to the general public and there's no charge to attend.

All Aboard!Spring Storytime Every Monday and Wednesday
 Your library's annual eight week Spring story-time for pre-k children, families and caregivers began this week. Storytime is now offered twice weekly through April 16th: Every Monday evening from 6:30 - 7:00 pm and Wednesday morning from 10:00 - 10:30, in the children's room at the library. Don't miss the fun, reading and activities for your little ones and play date time for parents and families afterwards. The kids will enjoy an interactive story, learning skills activity and take home crafts, books and DVDs related to each week's special theme. Spring themes include "Baking is F-U-N" , "Books of 3's" and "Daffy about Ducks". All children, families and caregivers are welcome. There's no cost to participate and regular attendance isn't required. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones @ the library.

  Announcing LEGO Science Club at Your Library!
Parents, bring your child to the Boscobel library and check out a children's book to join in our Lego builder's project: receive three LEGO pieces that your child can add to our "what in the world is it?" LEGO structure now under construction at the library. We are also looking for LEGO Angels: anyone willing to donate used LEGO pieces or funds to purchase more LEGOs for the Science Club, please stop by or call us at 375-5723. This is a new idea and community help with supplies to get it flying is very much appreciated!

Did you know? March is Youth Art Month
Beginning March 7th, the Boscobel Public Library will host the 57th annual Helen F Mears Art Contest and Exhibition of 7th and 8th grade student work, sponsored by the GFWC Boscobel Woman's Club. Students from both Boscobel and Wauzeka middle schools will be participating this year. This year's guest contest judges will be local artists Lorinda Larson-Dull and John Larsen. A public exhibit opening and awards reception will be held Friday, March 7th at 5:30 PM. Student artwork will remain on display in the library through the month of March. More details about the Mears Art exhibit will be included in upcoming library news columns, stay tuned!

Spring Into a Good Book, Movie or Storytime, Here!

State and Federal Tax Forms Now Available

Yes, all the paper tax forms have finally arrived at your library! We have a large selection of the most commonly used state and federal forms and instruction books. If you need a more specialized form, we can help you find it on the IRS website, IRS.gov and print out copies as needed (cost is $.20 cents/page to print). Also, if you don't have Internet at home but are comfortable with computers, you can use one of the library's public access machines to e-file your federal tax forms, saving both paper and postage by doing your taxes online.  

Spring Storytime  Mondays and Wednesdays beginning February 24th.

Hard as it still may be to believe, the end of winter's really not that far off (honest). Your library will begin welcoming the warmer season this month with our annual eight week Spring story-time for pre-k age children, families and caregivers. Library Storytime  is now offered mornings and evenings each week to help meet the schedules of busy parents:  Monday evening from 6:30 - 7:00 pm and Wednesday morning from 10:00 - 10:30. Don't miss the fun, reading and activities for your little ones and play date time for parents and families afterwards.  The kids will enjoy an interactive story, learning skills activity and take home crafts, books and DVDs related to each week's special theme. Spring themes include "Baking is F-U-N" , "Books of 3's" and "Daffy about Ducks". All children, families and caregivers are welcome. There's no cost to participate and regular attendance isn't required. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones @ the library. Questions? Call 375-5723.

Movie Night at Your Library, Thursday Feb 27th, 6:30 PM

February is national Autism Awareness Month. To recognize the "different, not less, often more" abilities and talents of all individuals on the autism spectrum, we'll be showing  an award-winning movie about  autism rights activist Temple Grandin's life. Declared autistic in the 1950's when such a diagnosis was typically treated by institutionalization, Grandin's Harvard educated mother refused to think of  Temple as "less"and continued to pursue her daughter's education and development. Grandin encountered many supportive mentors throughout her youth who recognized her unusual intelligence, need for "hands-on" learning activities and gift for visual thinking.  Grandin went on to earn a  PhD in animal sciences  and became an internationally recognized expert on animal psychology and livestock facilities design. Approximately 70% of livestock processing facilities in the US utilize Grandin's "humane design" structures. 

Grandin is widely regarded as the first person to speak out about being autistic, "thinking in pictures" and the opportunities and challenges autism presents.  She has published several best selling books and is sought after as a public speaker and autism educator. She was included in the Time 100 list of the one hundred most influential people in the world in the "Heroes" category.  The story of her life is a deeply inspiring, funny and eye-opening adventure that reveals how many different ways there can be to perceive the world. Rated PG this movie is highly recommended for anyone wishing to understand more about the "beautiful minds" of autism.  This event is open to the general public and there's no charge to attend. 

Did you know? Your Boscobel library cards gives you access to the shared collections of all thirty libraries in the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (Grant, Crawford, Richland, Lafayette and Iowa counties). with one card you can check out and return books to any of the libraries in our system, or have them sent to you here in Boscobel via the Interlibrary Loan delivery van! Next week: New titles, DVDs and e-book  training serminars. Stay tuned! 

Cures for Cabin Fever

Movie Night at Your Library, Thursday January 30^th, 6:30 PM

Short days and cold, cold weather got you down with a raging case of cabin fever? Escape to free movie night at the Boscobel Public Library,  this Thursday, January 30th at 6:30 PM in the library building's downstairs clubroom.  

While licensing restrictions prevent us from printing the actual title of our upcoming movie, we can tell you all about it:  we'll be showing a 1997 Academy Award winning drama by director Gus Van Zant (Promised Land, Restless, Drugstore Cowboy)  about a young, hot-headed, mathematical genius Will Hunting,(Matt Daemon), who works as a janitor at MIT. After MIT professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) stumps students with a challenging math formula on a hallway blackboard, Will anonymously leaves the correct solution.  When  he's discovered as its author, Will resists all attempts to  guide him to develop his talents. In spite of escalating  problems with the law, he's proud of his working-class street cred and scarred by old wounds, "he's a smart man who knows he's smart but pulls back from challenges because he was beaten down once too often as a child." Co-starring Robin Williams, Ben Affleck  and Minnie Driver, Williams gives one of his best performances of his career as Sean McGuire, a counselor with some scars of his own who is finally able to connect with Will and lead him to realize the potential of his life and mind. Powerful performances that are touching without being sentimental, the movie's rough exterior yields a wealth of positive inspiration. Rated R for strong language and adult situations. Monthly winter movie nights continue through April 24th. This event is open to the general public and there's no charge to attend. For more information, please contact the library, 375-5723. 

Spring Storytime  Mondays and Wedn.esdays beginning February 24th

Hard as it may be to believe this week, the beginning of  winter's end is really not that far away. We'll begin welcoming the warming season next month with our annual eight week Spring story-time for pre-k age children, families and caregivers. Library Storytime  is now offered mornings and evenings each week to help meet the schedules of busy parents:  Monday evening from 6:30 - 7:00 pm and Wednesday morning from 10:00 - 10:30. Don't miss the fun, reading and activities for your little ones and play date time for parents and families afterwards.  The kids will enjoy an interactive story, learning skills activity and take home crafts, books and DVDs related to each week's special theme. Spring themes include "Baking is F-U-N" , "Books of 3's" and "Daffy about Ducks". All children, families and caregivers are welcome. There's no cost to participate and regular attendance isn't required. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones @ the library.

Just For the Grown-Ups

In 2014 we're looking forward  to bringing more adult programming events to our library, as well as drop in fun and creative activities that you can enjoy during a quick visit. We'll be asking for public  feedback and ideas over the next several weeks so that we have a "good read" on what interests all of you the most. Guest speakers on a wide range of topics, artsy-craftsy fun workshops, technology petting zoos, author book talks, cookbook workshops, "makerspaces" and many other ideas are already percolating. We'd love to hear yours!  Watch this column for more information about how you can share your  feedback with us. We're preparing a quick survey form that will be available at the library  and online in the next week or so. Have an idea? Drop by and share it. Right now through the month of February you can grab and scorecard and join in our "Book Bingo" reader's challenge: try reading something completely different from your usual favorites. Fill in a bookish bingo card, five in a row wins a lovely prize. Stay tuned, there'll be plenty more to come @ your library in 2014. 

Season's Greetings! Smiles from 4K Carolers for All

A bunch of Santa's helpers stopped by the library last week to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To all of you our library friends, patrons and supporters we send the same warm wishes for peace & joy! Have a very merry, safe and happy holiday wherever you find yourself.
Holiday Library Hours will be as follows: we'll be closed Tue. Dec 24th & Wed., Dec. 25th; Open a half-day from 1-5pm on Tuesday, Dec 31st & closed on New Year's Day  Jan 1st. All other days we'll be open regular hours.

Join Us December 13th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm for Holiday Open House!