I have to begin with a personal note. I apologize for not writing the past couple of weeks. My father had a stroke and passed away on Memorial Day. His funeral was last Friday in Cedar Rapids. Dad would have been 91 this Thursday. My father taught me so much. My values of respect, tolerance, fairness, love of family, free speech, and public service all come from his example. I will miss arguing politics with him and talking about books. In his later years, he was a voracious reader who loved espionage novels and savored every new book by David Baldacci. It's been a difficult time softened by gathering together with our extended family.
On the library front, summer reading began May 29th. We are busy signing up children and adults for Dream Big-Read which is our 2012 theme. Staff has planned a host of programs for all ages. The kick-off event is Incredible Bats this Friday, June 8th. Check our website (http://www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us)/ for three opportunities to see, touch, and learn about Egyptian fruit bats.
In June we will have a magic show, music with Darrell House, and learn about nocturnal animals with Jenny from the Dubuque County Conservation Department. There are movie showings every 3rd Thursday and Friday as well as several storytimes each week. Tween programs are scheduled throughout the summer for students who have completed 5th grade. Come pick up a summer reading brochure when you sign up for the Read @ Home program and put all these events on your summer calendar. Remember it is important to keep your child reading over the summer. Studies show that students can lose up to half a year of progress over the summer if they don't continue to read.
You may have noticed a new face behind the desk at our Holy Cross branch. Sam Sporer, long-time library courier and local resident, is filling in for Bea Ellerbach who had knee surgery on May 24th. Bea is doing well with her physical therapy but it will be a while before she is back in action. Sam is having a great time serving customers in Holy Cross. She started just in time for summer reading! Stop by, say hello and wish her well.
School is out, but in Farley the Drexler Middle School branch of the Dubuque County Library is still open for business. The library is open 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday; 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, and 9-3 on Saturday. It is a gorgeous facility and we want everyone in Farley to come by and sign up for a library card. Maggie will be there every afternoon and mornings you will see Elisha, Jill, and Danielle there to serve you.
I am excited that our library continues to improve and grow. We have added to our electronic resources with new databases available through our website. Check out Legal Forms for all the documents you may need for real estate transactions, adoption, estate planning, etc. The database is specific to Iowa and has sample forms included to help you see how to complete the form. We also added several language programs through PowerSpeak Languages. For you antique collectors out there, we added Price It! to help you research current prices for an endless variety of collectibles. All of these resources are available from our website and are yours to use with your Dubuque County Library card.
Speaking of growing, last night I attended the Municipal Building Committee meeting in Asbury. The City of Asbury is planning a new community center complex that will include City Hall, police, and the library!! The community center will be adjacent to Asbury Park with adequate parking and outdoor leisure space for reading, community concerts, and markets. The building will substantially increase our square footage and provide common space for library programming. Think of it, a wonderful room for storytimes, book discussions, film showings, etc. I will continue to give you updates as the planning continues.
School is out and summer has begun. The library is ready to help you have a great summer. See you at the Library!
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