Stair Public Library

FANTASY VILLAGE RETURNS

Leftover Halloween candy lying around? Stale cereal plaguing the cupboards? Food donations from the salty to the sweet are sought to help facilitate the library’s upcoming “gingerbread” house-making program, “Fantasy Village.” Unwanted candy, cereals, pretzels and crackers are welcome decorations.
Those interested in participating in this season’s Fantasy Village are encouraged to register. To sign up, simply call the library or stop in during normal operating hours. Houses cannot be guaranteed for those without a registration.
Construction is scheduled Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-school storytime attendees will create their houses Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 during regular storytime hours.

PICK A STAR

The Morenci Kiwanis Club’s Wishing Tree project is underway. This year stars representing 102 families are available at the library, First Federal Bank, and United Bank and Trust.
To be a sponsor, sign up at any of the three locations. Blue stars represent family wishes and yellow stars represent individual children, with clothing sizes and a wish list included.
The deadline for donations is by noon on December 9, 2011 at the First Federal Bank. Families will be able to pick up their gifts on December 16, 2011.

STATE PARK PASSES AVAILABLE

Park & Read is still available. Stair patrons can check out a one-day state park pass for any of Michigan’s 98 state parks or various recreation areas, normally a $6 fee. Once checked out, the pass is good for one week, though it is only good for a one-time use. The program is sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Library of Michigan.
Those interested in doing some serious reading can check out any of the 71 state parks that have hammocks available for Park & Read users.

GRANT AWARDED FOR LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS

The Reinhardt Library Fund of Midland, Mich. recently awarded Stair a $25,000 grant. The grant will be used to create a new teen area, install new carpeting, replace several book shelves and media racks with new and mobile shelf units, and install display panels in the rear foyer to hold brochures and other materials of public interest.
Robert C. Reinhardt worked in research and marketing at Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan for 30 years. He valued education and reading and believed library resources should be available to everyone. Reinhardt died in 2008.

PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME

PRIME TIME® is a six-week program of reading, discussion, and storytelling for families of non-active library users. The program features award-winning children’s literature to stimulate discussion about humanities themes and issues encountered in everyday life.
PRIME TIME®: • Bonds families around the act of reading and learning together; • Reinforces the role of family; • Encourages parents and children to read and discuss the humanities topics raised in the books; • Helps parents and children become active library users; and • Highlights the importance of the library in local community and daily life.
PRIME TIME is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays from Sept. 29 through Nov. 10 (No session Oct. 20 due to Parent-Teacher conferences.).
Families may only attend if they are registered in advance.
PRIME TIME® at Stair is made possible through a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council and is offered in cooperation with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Library Association, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation - W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and additional corporate and private sponsors.

AUTHOR SKYPING EVENT

The first ever Skype conversation with an author is slated to also kick off the first scheduled author chat of the year. Novelist Heather Gudenkauf will chat with the Stair Evening Book Club via Skype, which will allow participants to see each other instead of just hear one another – think of it as telephoning Jetson’s style.
Gudenkauf is the author of “The Weight of Silence,” the club’s August discussion book. Copies are available now at the circulation desk. The chat is scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2011 at the library.

BOOKMARK CONTEST WINNERS NAMED

Eight youth who submitted their contest entries through Stair were awarded honors in the 2011 Lenawee County Library Bookmark contest. Larkyn Swimmer took home Best-Of-County for the third and fourth-grade division.
Winners received an invitation and tickets to the special Bookmark Contest Awards Presentation on March 19, 2011 at the HOPE Community Center, where they were presented with copies of their winning bookmark and a certificate of recognition. A special prize was awarded to the four winners who received a Best-Of-County award.
Additional winners from Stair include Evan Mansfield, Kyla Molitierno, Makayla Schultz, Cierra Sullins, Carsyn Varga, William Webster, and Walker Whitehouse.

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Registration is now open for Stair’s Summer Reading Program, which will focus on a national theme, “One World, Many Stories.” Children in preschool through sixth-grade are welcome to participate. Older children are invited to be VolunTeens, working on Wednesdays for 2 to 4 hours per week with some optional program sessions on Mondays. Sign up at the library or call during regular business hours to register. Children can join throughout the summer, but early registration helps with our planning.
Summer Reading sessions will begin June 15, 2011 and continue through July 27, 2011. No session is scheduled on July 6th. Students will divvy into several groups, each with its own unique meeting time on June 15, 2011 and July 27, 2011. All other Wednesdays will meet at the same time for entertainment. Please see below for this season’s Summer Reading Program Schedule.
On June 15, 2011 and July 27, 2011 students will meet at the following times according to the grade they will enter in the fall:
10:30 a.m. – Preschoolers
12 p.m. – Kindergarten and First-grade students
1:30 p.m. – Second and Third-grade students
3 p.m. – Fourth through Sixth-grade students
All other Wednesdays will observe the following schedule, with participants meeting at 1 p.m. for the following special entertainment, “Drummin’ Around the World!”:
June 22 – Storyteller La’Ron Williams: Music-spiced storytelling with award-winning storyteller La’Ron Williams and his drums!
June 29 – Marimbamania: Marimbas, xylophones and drums (Oh my!) when the Marimbaman comes to town!
July 13 – Gratitude Steel Drum Band: Music from the Caribbean, Africa, and Hawaii. Hula hooping and other kinds of hands-on fun!
July 20 – Drummunity: Everyone gets to be a drummer when Lori Fithian brings drums from all around the world!

STAIR PROGRAM TO BE FEATURED AT ANNUAL AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

Library Director Colleen Leddy will travel to this year’s American Library Association’s Annual Conference in New Orleans, where Stair’s “Picturing New York…in a tiny Midwest town” program will be one of five featured at the convention.
The program was originally hosted in November of 2011 and was part of 30 libraries across the country that won a $2,000 grant for the Picturing America art poster collection. Leddy will travel to the event with Morenci Area High School art teacher Kym Ries who was instrumental in creating the unique idea behind the program. Recipients will also receive a $1,500 stipend to cover attendance and travel costs.

AUTHOR PATRICK JONES TO SPEAK

Author Patrick Jones, who’s well known for both his work as a teen librarian and his books, will speak at the library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2011.
Jones has authored six books in the teen and young adult genres, which he will discuss on Saturday. His presentation will also include sharing experiences in the writing process.
Borders Books of Toledo will be onsite with copies of his books for sale. A book signing is scheduled following the presentation.
The program is sponsored by the Stair Teen Book Club. It is open to the public, free to attend, and no registration is required. Refreshments will be served.

NEW PLAYAWAY READERS AVAILABLE

Anyone who enjoys listening to recorded books may want to check out the library’s new Playaway readers. The devices allow users to play a recorded book without the hassle of messing with CDs or tapes or their playing technologies. The books are self-contained in as an audio-player all-in-one fashion and feature convenient chapter buttons and playing controls.
Currently, the library owns the following classics in Playaway format:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“My Antonia” by Willa Cather
“Hamlet” and “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
“The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
“1984” by George Orwell
If interest is shown additional works may be purchased.

PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME

A free six-week family reading program kicked off Sept. 23. Families with children aged six to 12 years old participate in a reading, discussion, and storytelling program. Participants enjoy dinner, door prizes, and reading and discussing the featured books’ topics. A storyteller and discussion leader guide the group through topics including fairness, greed, courage, dreams, and cleverness. A pre-school program for younger siblings ages 3 to 5 meets at the same time.
PRIME TIME is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning September 23, 2010 through November 4, 2010. (No session on Thursday, October 14, 2010, due to Parent-Teacher conferences.)
The program is designed to reinforce the role of family, promote bonding, encourage parents and children to read and discuss various topics, and to assist parents and children as they learn how to choose books and become active library patrons. There is no fee to participate. PRIME TIME at Stair is made possible through a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council.

PICTURING AMERICA RETURNS

Picturing America returns to Stair this November with “Picturing New York…in a tiny Midwest town.”
Program events are scheduled on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the following times:
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Socialize Bronx-style with a few New York-inspired games during National Gaming Day festivities at the library.
2 p.m.: Hear young adult author Ned Vizzini discuss New York influences (including the Brooklyn Bridge) on his novel, "It's Kind of a Funny Story," now a major motion picture by Focus Films and showing in theaters around the country.
4 to 6 p.m.: Hear New York tunes by the Paul Keller Jazz Trio.
6 p.m.: Visit the Grand Opening of the New York, New York Art Show featuring Picturing America art posters and works by Morenci High School students inspired by the posters. The art will be on display in the library and annex through December 2010.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Visit the Art Museum store for a souvenir.
This program was made possible by a grant from the American Library Association.

TEEN READ-A-THON

Pledge forms are now available for teens interested in participating in the annual Teen Read-a-Thon. This year students will ask sponsors to donate canned goods for every hour they read during the program. Teens can contact Mrs. Kruger at the middle school or Volunteer Club Advisor Ms. Hojnacki at the high school for forms or more information. This year’s pledges will benefit the Morenci Food Bank.
The Teen Read-a-Thon is scheduled Saturday, October 16, 2010 from noon until 4 p.m. at Stair.

SCIENCE WHEELING INTO STAIR

The Impression Five Science Center of Lansing will bring “Science on Wheels” to this week’s summer reading program. Children will still meet at their regularly scheduled times, but will have the additional excitement of a hands-on workshop exploring aquifers. Pre-schoolers will create their own biosphere.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Families can also be accommodated to participate if the regularly scheduled meeting times are inconvenient. For more information, contact the library during its regularly scheduled business hours.

FREE DARI-ETTE SLUSHIES FOR SUMMER READERS

SEEKING MOTIVATED TEENS

Students interested in helping run the annual Summer Reading Program at Stair Public Library are encouraged to pick up an application. To be eligible, students should be entering the seventh through twelfth grades and be available to attend an orientation program at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2010. Completed applications must include a parent’s signature and be submitted by June 2, 2010.
Students who are chosen to help library staff run programs are known as Volunteens. They assist staff by aiding preparation, cleaning-up, serving snacks, and other general tasks. Volunteens are asked to volunteer two to four hours per week during storytimes and optional Mondays at 1 p.m. to help prepare for upcoming sessions.
The program launches Wednesday, June 16, 2010 and continues through the end of July. This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is “Make a Splash! Read!” and will include various entertainment, crafts, and lots of fun!

MICHIGAN NOTABLE BOOK AUTHOR TO SPEAK MAY 20 @ 7 p.m.

BOOK DISCUSSION

This month’s book discussion will include a phone chat with author Susan Wittig Albert.
Attendees who wish to participate in the phone conversation are encouraged to read any of Albert’s works. Her most recent work is a brand-new historical mystery series, “The Darling Dahlias.” Other series by Albert include “The Robin Paige Victorian-Edwardian Mysteries” co-authored with Bill Albert, and “The China Bayles Herbal Mysteries” series, and “The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter” series.
The event is scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2010, in the annex.

BANANA SLUG STRING BAND TO PERFORM SUNDAY

Old and young alike can groove to the sounds of the Banana Slug String Band at 3 p.m. this Sunday, May 16, 2010, at the library. The band hails from California, and two of its four members will be performing.
Its repertoire is family-friendly and includes rockin’ boogies, folk songs, gospel, blues and reggae. The performance is a kick-off for this year’s Summer Reading Program, which will follow the state-wide theme “Make a Splash! Read!,” as much of the band’s award-winning CDs include water-related songs.
No reservations are necessary to attend.

BEGINNING GENEALOGY

In preparation for Michigan Notable Book author Steve Luxenberg’s visit, the library will host “Researching Your Family Roots.” Genealogy guru Nancy Brockhoff-Dzierzawski will lead a program targeting beginners in the field and will offer tips on getting started and how to take advantage of various online resources. The program will conclude with a question and answer period and refreshments will be served.
The program is scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, 2010 in the annex.

SELECT YOUR FEAST FARE

Interested attendees are invited to choose an entreé for a Vietnamese-inspired potluck. A sign-up sheet is available at the library’s circulation desk, to help avoid duplication.
Recipes are available at the library in several Vietnamese cookbooks. However, attendees are encouraged to bring any Vietnamese dish they desire, or choose a dish from the book “Stealing Buddha’s Dinner” by Bich Minh Nguyen whose book will be discussed later in the evening.
The potluck is planned at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010.
Following the potluck, Carman Curton, Adrian College English professor and specialist in Asian American literature, will lead the special book discussion of “Stealing Buddha’s Dinner” at 7 p.m. Curton will also provide a short talk on “Food, Frontier Mythology and the American Dream” preceding the book discussion.

LIBRARY SELECTED TO HOST EXHIBIT

The Michigan Humanities Council has selected the library to take part in the traveling exhibit, "Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan."
The exhibit complements "Stealing Buddha's Dinner," by Bich Minh Nguyen. The book describes Nguyen's experiences as a Vietnamese immigrant growing up in Grand Rapids.
Activities are planned to correlate with the exhibit, including book discussions, a Vietnamese food potluck dinner, and an art exhibit. A speakerphone chat with a memoirist is also a possibility.

“PICTURING AMERICA” ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED

The library will observe the study and understanding of America’s history and founding principles in a month-long “Picturing America” tribute. The collection of books and art posters is a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities in an effort to promote the education of American history. Several events are scheduled in correspondence to the project including:
3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2010 – “A Toast to Nat King Cole,” performed by the Paul Keller Trio of the Paul Keller Orchestra. The latter has previously played on shows including “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” the “Tavis Smiley” show, and the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” During the event’s intermission local resident Bob Dister will provide a reading of “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010 – Join Cari Wolfe of Michigan State University’s Kresge Art Museum for a discussion of “Picturing America.”
6:30 p.m. on Thursday March 25, 2010 – John Norder, a Michigan State professor of anthropology, will lead a forum on Native American culture in the Great Lakes area.

COMMUNITY GAME DAY ANNOUNCED

Take a break at the library—a game break.
Morenci students have a mid-winter break a week from Friday, and they—and their friends, families, neighbors and fellow community members—are invited to take that break at Stair Public Library.
A Community Game Day is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, when a wide variety of games for all ages will be set up throughout the library and Liz Stella Annex.
“Everyone in the community is welcome to participate,” said director Colleen Leddy. “Just show up and we’ll get you in on a game.”
Refreshments will be available during the event as well as door prizes.

SHOW OFF YOUR ARTISTIC TALENTS

Area teens are invited to participate an Artist Trading Card exchange.
Cards will be traded among teenagers throughout Michigan, as other state libraries join forces in the program.
Cards can be made at home, but participants are encouraged to design their projects during Studio Hours in the Liz Stella Annex. Studio Hours are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 from 3 to 7 p.m.

LOCAL STUDENT WINS SCHOLARSHIP, DONATION FOR STAIR

Congratulations to Braylon Stover! His mother, Laura, submitted a sweepstakes coupon during Stair Public Library's Summer Reading Program of 2009 and was rewarded with a $1,500 scholarship. The monies were a joint effort from the Library of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Education Savings Programs and the Michigan Education Trust. Braylon was one of six recipients of the program.
In addition to his scholarship winnings, Braylon's attendance at Stair's Summer Reading Program garnered the library a $1,000 grant.

UNWANTED CUPBOARD GOODS SOUGHT FOR FANTASY VILLAGE

Old Halloween candy? Ancient box of cereal in the pantry? Stair Public Library is asking for donations from the salty to the sweet for its annual Fantasy Village program. Cookies, cereal, crackers, pretzels, candy and more will be used for children to create gingerbread houses that will be on display throughout the holidays.
Construction is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at the library. Children who wish to participate should contact the library to enroll in the project. Pre-school-aged children will make their projects during the regularly scheduled pre-school story time on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.

RED HATTERS GEAR UP FOR MUSEUM TRIP

Morenci Millinery Mavens of the Red Hat Society are invited to sign up for a day of culture and fun in Toledo.
The mavens will visit the Toledo Museum of Art's "Chihuly Toledo! Glass Works by Dale Chihuly from the TMA Collection" exhibit. Additional exhibits at the museum include "Storybook Stars: award winning Illustrations from the Mazza Collection" featuring children's book illustrations; "LitGraphic: The world of the Graphic Novel," and "Word Play."
The event is scheduled Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. A carpool will leave the library parking lot at 10 a.m. Admission for the museum is free, though lunch is also on the schedule.
Interested participants can sign up to attend at the circulation desk at Stair Public Library through Tuesday, Nov. 17.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULED FOR SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 24: ZUMBA FOR KIDS! Jamie Dilworth will demonstrate a fitness system based on Latin & international music. (Attend at regular session times except 5th & 6th graders will attend at 1:30 p.m.)
Everyone meets at 1 p.m. on the following dates for these activities:
July 1: HARMONICA HOUNDS! The Harmonica Hounds of Slipped Disc Productions will teach all groups how to play. Activity will include a free harmonica for all participants!
July 15: FIDDLERS RESTRUNG! Saline students play bluegrass, Celtic fiddle, popular folk & Appalachian step-dancing.
July 29: GEMINI CONCERT! Twins Laz & Sandor lead rousing sing-alongs, folk tales, & music from around the world.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Here's the recipe for the delicious dessert that was instrumental in Elizabeth Berg's decision to visit the library for a Reading, Q&A and Book Signing June 20:

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Serves 10-12

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Grease a 9 by 13 dish
See Toffee Sauce recipe below

Pudding:
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 cups pitted dates, roughly chopped
2 cups boiling water

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar

2 medium eggs
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. vanilla

Pour water over dates and soda and let stand.
Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale in color.
Gradually stir eggs, flour, and baking powder into the butter.
Stir dates with liquid into butter/flour mixture and add vanilla.
Pour into greased pan.
Bake for 35 minutes until risen and firm to the touch. Make toffee sauce.

Toffee Sauce
1/2 cup butter
1 cup soft brown sugar
8 oz. whipping cream

Boil the butter, sugar and cream together for 2 minutes and pour over the pudding to be served later. Or, spoon sauce over the warm pudding just prior to serving. Best served warm.

AWARD WINNING NOVELIST ELIZABETH BERG TO HOST BOOK READING AT STAIR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 3 p.m.
Elizabeth will discuss and read from her recently released novel, "Home Safe," and will also be available for book signings. Waldenbooks will sell Elizabeth's books at the library during the event. To preorder Elizabeth's books, contact the library at 458-6510 by June 6th.
The program is funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Visit Elizabeth online at the link below for a treasure trove of information on her lifestyle and career.

ANNOUNCING PRE-GAME EVENTS FOR FOOTBALL FESTIVITIES

A Tailgate Party will commence activities at 2 p.m. behind the library in the parking lot. Those who plan to grill are welcome to come earlier for set-up. The Morenci High School Band will play "Hail to the Victors" and other Michigan tunes, and if an Ohio band participates, OSU fans will delight to the notes of the "Buckeye Battle Cry."
A Pre-Game show is scheduled to follow the party at 2:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Morenci's new football coach, Tom Saylor, and University of Michigan football player Zac Johnson.
Have another suggestion for this event? Contact Stair Public Library during business hours at 458-6510. All suggestions are welcome.

Stair Public Library

W H A T ' S H A P P E N I N G ?

FANTASY VILLAGE RETURNS

PICK A STAR

BOOK DISCUSSION

TALK @ TWO ON THURSDAYS

STAIR TEEN BOOK CLUB

Mrs. Kruger's Blog

BABY & TODDLER TIME RESUMES

PRE-SCHOOL STORYTIME STARTUP DATE CHANGED

BEAT THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES WITH STAIR’S DVD COLLECTION

STATE PARK PASSES AVAILABLE

FEDERAL AND STATE TAX FORMS

GRANT AWARDED FOR LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS