39 Clues: The end is near...

Do you like adventure, danger, and suspense? If the answer is yes, and you haven't already, try reading the 39 Clues series.

Amy and Dan Cahill have to choose between one million dollars or the first clue to solving a massive family mystery. They choose the clue and embark on an exciting adventure filled with deceitful and villainous family members who want the secret for themselves!

This is a fast paced adventure from beginning to end; well almost to the end…book 10-Into the Gauntlet, the last book of the series, comes out August 31!

As if that isn't enough, there is a live chat with the authors of all ten books on the same day. You have Access Granted where you can submit your questions to the authors prior to the webcast-your questions might really be answered! You can view the webcast live at 4:00pm on Tuesday, August 31.

You can access the Evergreen catalog through our website http://www.zionsville.lib.in.us/ See if the books are available and check them out today!

Tennis Anyone?

The U.S. Open starts August 31 in New York. Stop by the Library for biographies of this year’s top-seeded men, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

And, in case you missed it, check out Open, Andre Agassi’s bestselling autobiography. Even if you don’t like tennis, you’ll love this story about the “bad boy” from Las Vegas. Forced to play tennis as a child by his dictatorial father, Agassi grows up HATING the sport. (By his own admission, he still hates tennis.) Open overflows with spirit and heart and humor. Who would have guessed Agassi wore a hair piece?

For those who want to watch the 2010 matches, live streaming video of all sessions is available at http://www.usopen.org/.

Welcome Miss Elizabeth!

We are so excited to have a new librarian working with us: Miss Elizabeth joined us over the summer and is a perfect addition to our team!

Elizabeth has completed work on her Library Science degree at IUPUI and is sharing some terrific ideas to help us with our collection, reference skills, and programming. She also has worked at libraries in Carmel and Greenwood. We are learning so much from her!

Her favorite books include Little Women and the Little House series so it's no surprise that she is planning an American Girl party. Be watching for the signups!

Here she is, enjoying her first Toddler Time.

Welcome, Miss Elizabeth!

Storyline Online

Looking for a quick bedtime story or quiet afternoon reading activity? Check out Storyline Online where you can hear and watch authors and other famous people read way cool picture books. To join the fun follow the link below!

Storyline Online

tags: stories storytelling books reading authors audio storyline

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Sock Hop

We got all shook up over stories, games, and snacks at our Sock Hop to help raise money for Relay for Life. There was a small crowd, but that did not stop us from having a big time-what a great time for a great cause!

Record Crowd at the 2010 Birthday Party Carnival

Record Crowd at the 2010 Birthday Party Carnival
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

The weather was perfect for a Birthday Party Carnival!

We extend a big " THANK YOU" to those who volunteered to come and make our event extra special this year!

Zionsville Fire Department

Zionsville Police

TheraPets

Einterz Sheep

Foster Chick Care Veterans

Teen Volunteers

Percussionists Matt Harris and Chris Hodgson

The Mock Newbery Committee of Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library

The Mock Newbery Committee of Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, originally uploaded by librarian.laura.

Who Would Have Imagined ...?

Who Would Have Imagined ...?, originally uploaded by librarian.laura.

Who would have imagined an eight year old child's desire to "read all the Newberys before I reach middle school" would open so many doors and enriching experiences?

We had a great turnout for our first Mock Newbery Committee meeting at the library!

Laura presented a fantastic PowerPoint about the criteria for selecting a Newbery award winning book and a bit of the history behind the award. She answered questions and gave away books that were given to her by publishers and authors at the 2010 ALA National Convention that she was invited to in June.

She is a kind and genuine young lady sharing her enthusiasm for books and their authors, with her new friends that she meets almost every day. Reading all these books together and talking about them in December will surely create a lasting bond and common experience for years to come.

We are proud of you Laura and thankful you have the support of your family that keeps your feet on the ground while you reach for the clouds!

End of Summer Reading Carnival

This Friday, August 6! 5:30-7:00pm! Join us for our End of Summer Reading Carnival! (It also serves as the library's birthday celebration--we turn 48 this year!)

There will be a bounce* house, a mini petting zoo, a police car, a fire truck, our TheraPets dogs, face painting, balloon animals, a special musician, and more!

Stop by our Welcome Table to claim your free tickets and popcorn! Stop by our Food Table and take advantage of Miss Hussey's Meal Deal: a hot dog and a drink for only $1.25!

Great fun will be had by all! We look forward to seeing you!

*Please note that due to crowds, children will be limited to one trip to the bounce house.

Illustrations Over Time

Similar to a retweet, here’s a fun re-post. In a blog post earlier this year, Robin at the Seattle Public Library highlighted an interesting phenomenon - though today’s beloved picture book characters may be the same as yesterday’s, they may not look the same! Check out this interesting and thought provoking post “Extreme Makeover: Picture Book Characters Edition” for an eye-opening read :).

Boats and Bananas with Curious George

That curious little monkey gets into some crazy situations!

Last week, we read Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey. George not only gets a new bike; he rides it into a whole bunch of mischief. Just like George in our story, we made our own paper boats!

We also did the "Monkey Pokey" and played a game of "Which Monkey Has the Banana?"

To top it off, we pretended we were monkeys and ate frozen banana pops drizzled with chocolate. Yum!

Afternoon on the Amazon

Afternoon on the Amazon
Originally uploaded by MissJulieM

We took a trip to the Amazon-and what an amazing adventure that was! The Amazon is filled with exotic and bazaar animals, new and interesting plants, and lots of rain, of course.

If you are interested in traveling to the rainforest, check out Afternoon on
the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne--Jack and Annie have an exciting journey through the amazing rainforest!