Check Out Our Library Robins!

Robin in the Library Tree, originally uploaded by librarian.laura.

Ms. Kelli looked outside one day and saw the most beautiful sight: a huge family of Robins eating berries from the tree outside Ms. Laura’s office.

This is a great time of year to feed the birds and try to identify them.

We will be looking for you all as you flock back into the library in January and feed on the abundance of books, DVD's, CD's, and more!

See you in 2010!

We wish you a Happy New Year!

PS.
A new January I Spy is ready for you!

PPS.
Sign up before January 31st for the Winter Reading Program:
"Go Bananas! Read to Me!"

PPPS.
Start working on your poster for the
“Reading is…” Poster Contest!
Jan. 4 – 31

Wrap It Up!

Wrap It Up
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

With Our Own Hands

Nothing says Merry Christmas like giving a gift wrapped in your own artwork! Check out the beautiful wrapping paper and gift bags hand decorated by our youngest, and most talented, library customers. What a mess! And what creative fun!

Readers Theater 2009!

Readers Theater
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

No “Bah Humbug”s Here!

Our Reader’s Theater Club performed an amazing version of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens at this year’s Holiday Stroll. Ten kids had the opportunity to use their voices to bring characters to life and practice their read-aloud, drama, and public speaking skills.

Dylan, who played Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present, said, “This was the best thing I’ve ever done!” His mom even took him to see the IRT production of “A Christmas Carol” because of his enthusiasm.

Watch for Reader’s Theater Club to resume later in the Spring. We’d love to have you join us!

"This is the BEST place to be!"

This is the BEST, originally uploaded by librarian.laura.

"I love this library!"

We have many visitors at the library this time of year just to see the train display. We hear enthusiastic voices when the train starts rolling down the track.

Have you stopped by to see the train display at the library? It is a beautiful sight for both the young and the old! Don’t forget to try the I-SPY…let’s see if you can find the cat!

The train will be on display until December 31, and runs at the following times…
Monday-Thursday: 10am-11am, 4pm-5pm, 7pm-8pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am-11am, 3pm-4pm
Sunday: 3pm-4pm

Polar Express PJ Party

Polar Express PJ Party, originally uploaded by librarian.laura.

All Aboard!

The Polar Express Pajama Party was a magical event! It really felt like Christmas when Mrs. Claus stopped by on Friday. Saturday we were so surprised—Santa came to the library!

What a special day. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Holiday Stroll Tree Tops

Tree Top, originally uploaded by librarian.laura.

Did you check out all of the tree tops at the Holiday Stroll?

We had a grand weekend, filled with great crafts, cool gifts, marionettes, movies, music, and more! The Grinch even stopped by, but we didn’t let him spoil our cheer.


Stop by the library to see all eleven trees before the New Year!

New Nonfiction Math Book Series

If you are between the ages 9-12, interested in numbers or you cannot find a use for them, check out this new series called Math Alive. It might increase your interest in using math to learn fascinating facts. Body Math, by Penny Dowdy, introduces interesting hands-on math activities. You can learn to calculate the chances a baby would have blue eyes using the Punnett square or learn more about Anthropometry, the study of the measurement of people.

Learn more ways to apply math to your everyday life in the other books in this new series.

Titles in this series include:

• Building Math
• Nature Math
• Science Math
• Transportation Math
• Travel Math
• Body Math

Registration Begins Soon for Winter Story Time!

WINTER - SESSION
January 11 - February 11, 2010
HMMPL cardholder registration begins 8:30 AM, Wed., Dec. 9. 09.
Open registration begins 8:30 AM, Wed., Dec. 16. 09.
All storytimes are held in the Mayfield Room.
BABY GAMES
(birth - 11 months)
Mondays - 11:30 - Noon
…………………………
WONDERFUL ONES
(12 - 23 months)
Tuesdays - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
Thursdays - 10:30 - 11 AM
…………………………
TERRIFIC TWOS
(24 - 35 months)
Tuesdays - 10:45 - 11:15 AM
Wednesdays - 10:45 - 11:15 AM
…………………………
TODDLER ZONE
(12 - 35 months)
Thursdays - 4:15 - 4:45 PM
…………………………
PRESCHOOL PALS
(3 - 4 year-olds)
Mondays - 10 - 10:30 AM
Tuesdays - 1 - 1:30 PM
Wednesdays - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
…………………………
BOOK BUDDIES
(5 - 6 year-olds)
Thursdays - 10 - 10:45 AM
Thursdays - 1 - 1:45 PM
…………………………
TWILIGHT TALES
(ages 3 - 6 with families)
Tuesdays - 6:30 - 7 PM
…………………………

Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread Houses
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Mosaic Magic

Mosaic Turkeys
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Turkey and pumpkin pictures were designed using a variety of dried beans. It takes patience to place individual beans in geometric patterns, but it can create a masterpiece treasured for years.

Indiana Author Visit! Peggy Archer

Peggy Archer
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Peggy Archer read her book, Turkey Surprise, as we celebrated the coming of Thanksgiving with stories, songs and a turkey craft. She shared how the artist created the pictures for the story and the process of publishing a book.

Perhaps she has inspired some budding authors in the crowd!

Heroes' Tree 2009

Hero Tree 2009
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Do you have a current military service member, veteran, or deceased service member in the family?

Many library customers and staff have honored their heros by adding ornaments to our Heroes' Tree. You are welcome to create one here at the library or bring one in to put on display until the end of December.

Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library is one of the more than 70 Indiana libraries honoring veterans and members of U.S. armed forces by participating in the Veterans Day Our Heroes' Tree program.


The Veterans Day Our Heroes' Tree program, sponsored by the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue, is a way to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by current service members, veterans and deceased service members.


More information is available at www.mfri.purdue.edu.

Monster Mash

Monster Mash
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

We weren’t afraid of monsters at our Monster Mash; in fact, we had a smashing good time!

Halloween costumes were aplenty for this fabulous event!

We read about some furry monsters, monster friends, and monster tricks; what a treat!

If you want to read some not so scary monster stories, check out these not so frightening books.

The Monster at the end of this Book by Jon Stone

I love you, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

Snarlyhissopus by Alan MacDonald

Pumpkin Decorating Pumpkin

Pumpkin Decorating Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

We had a great time decorating pumpkins! A little paint, sequins, feathers, ribbon, and stickers can create a spooky or fun loving pumpkin.

Spooky Spider

Spooky Spider
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Pumpkin Pageant

Pumpkin Pageant
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

It was a challenging summer for growing pumpkins. The program was cancelled due to only one registration.

Here are three late entries for the Home Grown Pumpkin Pageant. All winners!
I vote the dog pumpkin- "Most Lovable", the pink pumpkin- "Most Cuddly Soft", and the race car pumpkin- "Most Zippy!"

Maybe next year we will have more pumpkin growing success?

Mummies

Mummies 003
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Bog Mummies, Egyptian Mummies, Mystery Mummies, Chinchorro Mummies, Modern Mummies... These are just a few of the mummies we talked about in our library class about mummies. We made Shabti figures and our very own mummies painted in gold.

Fall Fun

Fall Fun (4)
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Fun was had by all. Hands were painted into glorious multi colored trees with fall leaves!

I Spy at the Library

I Spy at the Library
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Do you know how to find books, DVD's, books on CD, and more at the library?

Many times a year we have an I Spy in the Youth Services Department where anyone can learn how to locate new or different collections by playing this simple game. Parents enjoy following the children around and often say things like, "I learned something new! I did not know all the biographies were together on that shelf." At the end of the game the children collect a simple prize and put their name up on the display and wait to play again the next month.

The Second Session of Story Time Registers Soon!

Wonderful Ones Story Time
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

FALL II - SESSION
November 2 - December 4, 2009
HMMPL cardholder registration begins 8:30 AM, Wed., Oct. 14.
Open registration begins 8:30 AM, Wed., Oct. 21.
All storytimes are held in the Mayfield Room.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BABY GAMES
(birth - 11 months)
Thursdays - 11:30 - Noon
…………………………
WONDERFUL ONES
(12 - 23 months)
Tuesdays - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
Thursdays - 10:30 - 11 AM
…………………………
TERRIFIC TWOS
(24 - 35 months)
Tuesdays - 10:45 - 11:15 AM
Wednesdays - 10:45 - 11:15 AM
…………………………
TODDLER ZONE
(12 - 35 months)
Mondays - 4:15 - 4:45 PM
………………………… PRESCHOOL PALS
(3 - 4 year-olds)
Mondays - 10 - 10:30 AM
Tuesdays - 1 - 1:30 PM
Wednesdays - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
…………………………
BOOK BUDDIES
(5 - 6 year-olds)
Thursdays - 10 - 10:45 AM
Thursdays - 1 - 1:45 PM
…………………………
TWILIGHT TALES
(ages 3 - 6 with families)
Tuesdays - 6:30 - 7 PM
…………………………

Box Turtle Rescued from Construction Zone

Box Turtle Rescued from Construction Zone
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Look at this beautiful old box turtle one of our librarians rescued from the road. She was affraid all the construction trucks would squish him as they zipped down the road.

We called the naturalist, Therese at the Zion Nature Center, and she came to the library to bring him to the pond habit near the center. She said he may travel to find his old home but may find it nice near the pond. He is an old turtle and we hope he lives a long life away from the road!

We found several books about box turtles and identified that he was a boy and learned about his unique species. Did you know: Box turtles could live up to 100 years?

The Dancing Librarians 2009

Dancing Librarians 2009
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Fall Festival Parade!

Parade 2009
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

The parade marks the beginning of a new season of story times and programs. We promote the Boone County United We Read book. This year it is a nonfiction book called "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music" by Steve Lopez.

The librarians had fun marching to the beat of very different music... a cello, pots and pans, and a routine to the music with a one man band in Mary Poppins.

It was great seeing you all along the street. It seemed like the entire town was in the parade... hope you got enough candy!

Post Card Wall Summer 2009

Post Card Wall
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

What I Did Over Summer Vacation

Because our Summer Reading Program was “Book a Trip,” we asked you to send us postcards from places you visited. Here’s a sampling of the postcards you sent us:

• Chattanooga, TN
• Chicago, Illinois—The Field Museum, Harry Potter The Exhibition, The Alder Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium
• Florida—Disney
• Fort Wayne, IN—Science Central
• Lincoln City, IN—Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
• London, England
• Maine
• Marshall, IN—Turkey Run State Park
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—The Grand Strand
• Nebraska
• New York City, New York—Statue of Liberty
• Salt Lake City, Utah—The Great Salt Lake
• Santa Klaus, IN—HolidayWorld
• Tucson, Arizona—Biosphere 2
• Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin—Witches Gulch

Book Signing

Saturday, August 15th

10:00 - 10:45 AM

In the Youth Services Department

with author

Elsa Knight Bruno

Cash or Checks
Limited Signed Copies $18.00

Make checks payable to:
The Friends of the Library

Proceeds benefit
The Friends of the Library

Grand Prize Winner

Grand Prize Winner
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Congratulations to the Book a Trip Grand Prize raffle winner!

A special thanks goes out to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this special Summer Reading prize!

American Girl Knit-A-Long

American Girl Knit-A-Long
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

This summer’s American Girl knit-a-long (KAL) is over. Didn’t we just start?

We had fun this summer knitting a poncho, skirt, and hat for our American Girl dolls. Along the way we learned some new knitting skills and made some new friends.

There were a lot of laughs and giggles (and a few dropped stitches)!

Thanks to the girls and helpers who made it a fun experience.

Do you have any suggestions for another knitting class?

Kathy

Challenging Reads for Tweens

This morning while I was drinking my coffee and reading the morning newspaper, I came across an interesting article about a professional photographer. You know, that kind that comes to your house and takes pictures of you and your family, your pets…. Have any of you ever had your picture taken by a professional photographer? Well, apparently this guy, this photographer, was adding a twist to the photos he was taking. He was adding ghostly images to the background of the people he was taking pictures of. Can you believe that? And people thought he was actually capturing images of their dead family members! Of course it was all a hoax, but how would that make you feel if someone did that to your family? But…what if someone could capture images of dead family members in photographs…pretty creepy!

Title: The Seer of Shadows
Author: Avi
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Year: 2008

The Seer of Shadows by Avi is about a young boy named Horace who goes to work for just such a photographer named Mr. Middleditch. Horace is disappointed to find out part of his job is tricking people into believing ghosts are appearing in their family photos. Of course, Mr. Middleditch is making tons of money. Horace’s disappointment lengthens when he learns he won’t even be instructed on how to take photos or get to even use the camera. But he watches and learns, and one night when Mr. Middleditch is out, Horace sneaks into the office, takes out the camera, loads the slides, and takes a few photographs. Now this was around the time when cameras were just invented, so when Horace takes the slides out, he places them in a tub of solution for developing, and as he’s learning over watching the pictures take shape, his excitement turns to shock and horror as a ghostly image of a young girl appears! You’ll want to read this book with the lights on because Horace is The Seer of Shadows!

Title: The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gaiman
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Year: 2008

Now, if that’s a little too scary for you, you could read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Bod (B-O-D), which is short for Nobody, is a perfectly normal little boy. So what if his parents were murdered when he was a baby? So what if the murderer is hunting him down to finish the job? So what if he wanders into a graveyard and the ghostly inhabitants take it upon themselves to protect him from the man called Jack? So what if a kindly, ghostly couple adopt Bod and raise him as their son? That’s normal, right? And so what if Bod’s guardian is a vampire, one of his protectors a werewolf, and Bod grows up between the two worlds of the living and the dead? I guess you could say “Nobody’s Perfect.”

Dawn

Children's Librarian

Let us know if you would like more reviews like this one!

Carnival 2009

Carnival 2009 (15)
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

We had a great time at the End of Summer Carnival!

"Free tickets for a great big smile." The rain held off for most of our evening. Miss Julie held out through the rain for the last child wanting a balloon animal.

Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers and the Friends of the Library that help sponsor this free family event!

It has been a record breaking summer of reading in Youth Services!
We saw 1,486 children record 46,374 hours of reading during our eight week incentive program.

If you like statistics think about this....

The following are the average minutes per day read for each age group during the eight week summer reading program

Birth - 2nd Grade: 30 minutes a day

3rd Grade: 40 minutes a day

4th Grade: 45 minutes a day

5th Grade: 50 minutes a day

These are excellent results! Thanks for "Booking a Trip" to the library this summer!

We love you all!

End of Summer Carnival!

Birthday Party Carnival #47
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Help us celebrate the Library's 47th birthday and end of Summer Reading with carnival games, prizes and popcorn!

*Hot dogs and drinks will be available for purchase.

The future forcast for Friday Aug 07 is......
Mostly Sunny
Hi: 76° Lo: 70°
Mostly Sunny. High 76F and low 70F. Winds S at 9 mph.

Please register so that we know how many to plan for. It was lots of fun last year. Look for the library chickens, fire truck, police car, Therapy Dogs, face painting and more!

FALL I 2009 Storytimes

FALL I 2009 Storytimes
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Weekly Storytime at the library is a great way to meet new people, learn new songs and hear age appropriate stories.

Classes fill up VERY quickly! (Sometimes minutes) Class size is limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere and subject to staffing availability.

FALL I - SESSION
September 14 - October 15, 2009
HMMPL cardholder registration begins 8:30 AM, Wed., Aug. 26.
Open registration begins 8:30 AM, Wed., Sept. 2.
All storytimes are held in the Mayfield Room.

Use the link below to register or call the library at 317-873-8342.
http://www.zionsville.lib.in.us/lib0/eventcalendar.asp.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BABY GAMES
(birth - 11 months)
Thursdays - 11:30 - Noon
…………………………
WONDERFUL ONES
(12 - 23 months)
Tuesdays - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
Thursdays - 10:30 - 11 AM
…………………………
TERRIFIC TWOS
(24 - 35 months)
Tuesdays - 10:45 - 11:15 AM
Wednesdays - 10:45 - 11:15 AM
…………………………
TODDLER ZONE
(12 - 35 months)
Mondays - 4:15 - 4:45 PM
…………………………

PRESCHOOL PALS
(3 - 4 year-olds)
Mondays - 10 - 10:30 AM
Tuesdays - 1 - 1:30 PM
Wednesdays - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
…………………………
BOOK BUDDIES
(5 - 6 year-olds)
Thursdays - 10 - 10:45 AM
Thursdays - 1 - 1:45 PM
…………………………
TWILIGHT TALES
(ages 3 - 6 with families)
Tuesdays - 6:30 - 7 PM
…………………………

Vote for your favorite children's book!

Vote for your favorite children's book!
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Please take the time to vote for your favorite book this summer.

The favorites will be listed in our 2009 Summer Favorites. You could help others find something new to read.

Click on the picture if you would like to see close up the current top three in each category- Easy Book, Juvenile Fiction, or Beginning Fiction.

Grade 4 in First Place Week 6

Grade 4 in First Place Week 6
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

A curious 4th grader is excited to learn that his team has read more hours this summer!

The race can change the last two weeks of summer. August 8th is the final date to record hours read up to August 1st. We want to make sure everyone who has been on vacation can visit the library to record their hours.

The Grand Prize winner of a TRIP TO CARIBBEAN COVE HOTEL on Michigan Rd. will be announced at the Carnival August 7th.

Preschoolers will receive a raffle ticket every 25 hours read and Grade School students will receive a raffle ticket at 50 hours...then another one every 25 hours.

How are your classmates reading this summer?

How are your classmates reading this summer?
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

The summer reading program will continue until August 1st!

If you are on vacation through August 8th you can still report the hours you read up to August 1st. You may also pick up prizes while they last until August 8th.

See if you can figure out which group has read more on average this summer. Divide the number of hours by the number registered. One group has averaged reading 32+ hours the first six weeks. Tell a librarian if you know which one.

The first 10 people (including parents) to tell a Youth Reference Librarian will receive a box of chocolates :)
One family has recieved their box of chocolate. How about you?

Over 800 Youths Have Signed Up For Summer Reading!

SMENCILS
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

We are off to a great start this summer. Since June 4th (less than 2 weeks) over 800 children have picked up their 3 Hour Prize... A Compass Key Chain . It has been very busy!

If you click on the picture of the Smencils you will see other prizes we have in the Treasure Island Prize Room. Every five hours that you record you are able to choose a book or prizes as different levels.

See you soon!

My goal is to try to read all the books by Jules Verne this summer. I just finished Around the World in 80 Days. I found out they never did travel by balloon in the book. It was only mentioned as an idea. The movies created a different story.

What are your reading goals?

Geocaching at the Library!

Geocaching
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

We had a fun time on our Geocaching treasure hunt!

There are a lot of free programs at the library this summer. They fill up quick so try to register online the first day of registration. You can do it yourself at 8:30 AM.

*If you have Explorer 8 (the new upgrade) you may be having trouble on some websites...including ours. If so, let us know and we can assist you with registration.

Miss Julie Begins Summer Reading!

Miss Julie Begins Summer Reading!
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

Summer Reading began today!

Pick up your reading log or down load it and start recording your reading hours.

If you are one of the first 1,000 who record 3 hours you can pick up your cool compass key chain any time.

Try to read and record at least 5 hours by June 13th to enter our first weekly raffle. Every week that you record at least 5 hours you will have a raffle ticket for prizes drawn on Mondays.

Happy Reading!

Summer Reading Kick Off

Summer Reading Kick Off
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

It is time to register for Beach Blanket Bingo, Lego-Mania, Coconut Stampede. Sign up to learn how to Hula and use a Chinese Jump Rope!

There will be a lot of other fun activies at the library to kick off your summer!

Summer Reading Prizes and Program Display

SPR Window
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

The Youth Summer Reading Program: Book-A-Trip Display Window is located at the 5th Street Entrance. You can stop by and see new prizes that are on display.

Youth Services Summer Reading: Book-A-Trip

Youth Summer Reading – Book a Trip

Book a Trip, the Youth Summer Reading Program, begins Thurs., June 4 for children ages birth through entering 5th grade. Earn prizes as you read your way through the summer! Keep track of your time in a reading log — you can pick one up at the Library beginning June 4, or print one from our website.
Don’t forget our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Fri., June 5. Join us all day long for food and fun, luau style!

The first day to report hours is June 8. The first 1000 children who report at least 3 hours of reading will receive a Compass Key Chain! The prize store, Treasure Island, opens June 15. When you have completed your log, you will earn a chance to win the Grand Prize: a trip to Caribbean Cove Hotel in Indianapolis!

At the end of the summer, you are invited to the End-of-Summer Carnival on Fri., Aug. 7, from 5:30 – 7 PM. Join us for some carnival games and refreshments on the Fifth St. lawn and parking lot.