Summertime and the Living is "Crazy"

We certainly know it is summertime at the library. The weather may not be typical summer for Connecticut, (not that I am complaining) but the libraries are still buzzing with activity.

We are a week into summer reading. We have renewed friendships with families we usually only see in the summer and seen the many children we see year around. In fact, it feels like we have seen every child in Ledyard, but I am sure there are a few yet to show up. The popular lunch and a movie was so crowded it was standing room only and the concession stand was bare. The teens have learned to knit and made very creative items with duct tape. The sidewalk chalk drawing contest was even able to avoid the rain drops. All that and Family Game Night and it's only the first week!

Before the library is closed for the holiday weekend, we will have another lunch and movie (Tale of Despereaux), a collection of lego buildings and art displays and teens will be designing altered art projects.

The summer is crammed with amazing activities. Be sure to check them out and keep us going "crazy."

Twitter, Facebook and beyond

Social networking seems to be the buzz word these days. If you are not on facebook, my space, twitter, linkedin, flickr or any other of the multitude of social networking sites, you are behind the times.

Your library certainly doesn't want to be out of the loop. We have been fighting that image of the prim lady with the bun, sitting in her dark, stodgy room with her finger to her lips for way too many years. So we are all about social networking. It started with this blog, nearly two years ago. Although we probably haven't acquired too many followers, part of that being my fault, since the blogs don't flow on a regular schedule. We will continue to blog, however, we are also moving on to Twitter. The library now has a twitter account at www.twitter.com/ledyardpublib. If you are currently on twitter, just choose to follow us. If you have yet to discover the joy of tweeting, check us out. If you are our 100th follower, you will win a library totebag.

Teen coordinator, Andrea Buka, has also set up a facebook account to keep teens informed of the programs at the libraries. If you have a facebook account, sign up for Ledyard Libraries Teen Program.

Since we hear that everyone is social networking, we assume you will be following us soon!

Did You See Us in the Memorial Day Parade?

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the command performance by the Ledyard Public Libraries ensemble in the Ledyard Memorial Day parade. It was a lovely day, much enjoyed by a large contingent of library staff members and friends of the library. Thank you to the Ledyard Lions Club for continuing to organize the parade every year.

I hope you didn't miss the yellow bin ladies, as they strutted their stuff, in an original routine designed by Sheila Jordan. Stop by the libraries to see the pictures if you weren't able to attend or want to be reminded. Staff participating in the parade included Sheila, Marilyn Baseler, Marty Hubbard, Nancy Brewer, Kathy Bruckner, Mary Ellen Osborne, Andrea Buka, Jackie Bacon, Kim Pendleton and Adam Strickland. Family members Butch Jordan, Bob Harris, Kayla and Tyler Pendleton, as well as, Jennifer, Sharon, Anna and Rachael Finlayson and Sharon Butler also marched.

The Ledyard Public Libraries were happy to be part of this community effort and look forward to next year.

Summer is Almost Here!

How did this happen? I missed May altogether. Actually I have been loving this spring weather and the increased activity at the library. Two sure signs that it is June, however, have arrived at the Gales Ferry Library. The Yale rowers have arrived (with Harvard soon to follow I assume) and it is time for the Gales Ferry Book Sale.

We all enjoy the two weeks or so that the library is full of tall young men from the Ivy League colleges. For those of you that are unfamiliar with a long standing Gales Ferry tradition, the Yale/Harvard Regatta takes place on the Thames River on the second Saturday of June. In years gone by, it was a time for viewing by train and the banks of the Thames crowded with spectators. Crowds have dwindled, but there is always time to start a new tradition and enjoy the race.

Starting this Thursday, June 4, stop by the Gales Ferry Library for the Ledyard Library Friends Book Sale. This annual event, is a great time to stock your shelves with inexpensive finds. There is a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, paperbacks, and miscellaneous media items for both adults and children. Prices start at $2 for hardcover and $1 for paperback and go down over the weekend. Even better bargains will be available the week after. Every book you buy benefits the libraries and you!

Summer reading is almost here, so stay tuned.