Summer Reading Program 2009

It's Summer Reading Program time again, and this year we have exciting new programs for families as well as for teens. Everyone is invited to various events including nature, magic, music, and even a Recycled Fashion Show! Teens are urged to attend the Urban Art program, an anime movie night, and fun with tie-dying. Sign up for this year's SRP begins Monday June 15th!

Movie Madness at Aram Public Library

Rainy afternoons mean curling up with a good book, and they also mean checking out the latest in family cinema fun. Recently, Aram Public Library installed a projector screen at the vicinity of the circulation desk, and plans are in the works for family movie nights on a monthly basis. Join us this summer for foreign film nights, anime movie nights, family movie nights, and even a showing of the new Twilight movie!

Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

Set in a world torn apart, where man enslaves his fellow man and freedom remains elusive, The Power of One is the moving story of one young man's search for the love that binds friends, the passion that binds lovers, and the realization that it takes only one to change the world. A weak and friendless boy growing up in South Africa during World War II, Peekay turns to two older men, one black and one white, to show him how to find the courage to dream, to succeed, to triumph over a world when all seems lost, and to inspire him to summon up the most irrersistible force of all: the Power of One.

It is hard for me to find words to describe this book. I can't remember a book that I felt so invested in the character AND loved the writing. I also can't remember the last time I read a book that made me cry more than once. It was a beautiful coming of age tale that I was sad to see end and I can't stop thinking about it. If you are interested in reading more Bryce Courtenay, I suggest the next book in the series--Tandia--Katrina

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaing guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small, quiet house in an even smaller town, is an apple tree that is rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary people who tend it. This book is definitely reminsicent of Practical Magic in plotline. But the author creates an amazing atmosphere, and while the basics of the plot may be the same, the details are entirely new and lovely. The aunt Evanelle is an absolutely fascinating character...not to mention the wonderful apple tree who wants to share in all the experiences. Garden Spells makes magic beautifully mundane...a part of these women's everyday life. Enchanting and heartfelt, this captivating novel is sure to cast a spell with a style all its own. Very highly recommended.

May Library Events

Tiny Tots Time – Tuesday, May 5 at 10 a.m.
Babies and their caregivers are invited to the library for an hour of activities that focus on language enrichment and preliteracy skills. For ages 0-2. After May 5, Tiny Tots will be taking a break. Summer activities for babies begin June 16.

Preschool Story Time – Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m.
Preschoolers and their caregivers participate in an hour of stories, songs and other activities. For ages 2-5. This is the last session of preschool story time until summer. Preschool Story Time resumes on June 19.

Barns of Walworth County – Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
Frank Landi will explore the architectural history of barns and will focus on the barns of Walworth County. He will also discuss the art of silos, windmills and farm machinery.

Exercise for Your Health - Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m.
Dr. Brock Belcher discusses the benefits of various types of exercise and helps you decide what exercise is best for you. Topics include why the body craves exercise, how to fit exercise into a busy life, and ergonomics.

Soapmaking – Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m.
Make a wonderful gift for Mothers Day . . . or any day! For ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by caregivers. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Your Finances in a Changing Economy –
Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Dana Esser, Associate Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, discusses handling your investments in today’s economy. A question and answer period follows her presentation.

Library Board Meeting - Thursday, May 14 at 4 p.m.

Book Discussion – Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
This month’s title is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Born without the ability to speak, Edgar Sawtelle grows up on a Wisconsin farm where his parents breed and train dogs. Shortly after the arrival of his uncle, Edgar’s father dies unexpectedly. When Edgar tries to prove his father was murdered, his plan backfires and he flees into the wilderness with three young dogs who follow him. Anyone who has read the book is welcome to attend.

Library Closed for Memorial Day – May 25.

Library Lock-In: Teen Movie Night – Friday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Tonight’s film is for teens in grade 6 and up. We’ll be showing Twilight (Rated PG-13, 122 minutes). Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. When she meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen--a vampire--her life takes a thrilling and terrifying romantic turn. This event takes place after the library closes. Doors will be open from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Children’s Book Week May 11-17
One hallmark of Children's Book Week is the only national child-selected book awards program: the Children's Choice Book Awards. The awards celebrate books, authors, and illustrators that capture the interest and imaginations of kids and teens. Visit www.bookweekonline.com to see the list of finalists and to vote for your favorites.

Library programs are free of charge and open to the public.
Contact the library at 262-728-3111 (TDD 262-728-2620) for more information.

LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.