The Kyle Fire Depart-ment came to the library on Splash Day to give children fire safety tips and stayed to cool the kids down with a water hose. (Courtesy photos)

Norma Mercado (right) used a spider puppet while reciting There’s a Spider on the Floor to children attending Kyle Community Library story time. Norma was assisted by Kirsten Barbee (left) and Emily Mazanec (middle).

Check it out
by CONNIE BROOKS

Norma Mercado, Kyle Community Library’s beloved “Miss Norma,” is leaving the library to become Creedmoor Elementary

School’s “community liaison.” The staff and patrons of Kyle Community Library wish her well in her new position.

Norma became the storyteller at the Kyle Community Library on September 11, 2006. Before coming to the Kyle Library, Norma spent seven years as a family advocate for Head Start, where she did story times to give the Head Start teachers a much needed break.

In the fall of 2006, there was only one story time per week, instead of the three per week currently hosted by the library. Norma fondly remembers how Bill Mears, former library director, told her to plan for 20 children to attend that first story time, and only six came. This is quite a contrast to the present. Norma now plans for a hundred children to attend the three weekly story times, which include a story time in both English and Spanish on Friday mornings.

Adults, both patrons and staff members, also will miss Norma. Norma routinely goes the extra mile to help people and is famous for her mischievous sense of humor. Even when the line at the circulation desk is long and lots of people are vying for her attention, she always remains cheerful.

Norma’s last day of work at the Kyle Community Library will be Thursday, July 22—wrap-up day for the summer reading program. So come to the big party for the prize drawings, pizza, snow cones, moonwalk, face painting and train rides, but don’t forget to say goodbye to Norma.

Goodbye, Norma! Thanks for everything and good luck in your next job.

Over 200 children and adults crowded into the library on July 1 to see “Jungle Jim” Klinger’s traveling exhibit of reptiles, amphibians and arthropods with live snakes, frogs, toads, lizards, scorpions and tarantulas. Jim’s pet tarantula “Rosie” climbed up his shirt while he explained that she could live up to 30 years, but a male of her species has a short two year life span. We also learned that the horseshoe crab, called the “living dinosaur” because of 500-million-year-old fossils, has blue blood used in modern medicine. Jim’s slithery friends, the hit of the show, included a milk snake, green vine snake, pine snake, ball python, boa constrictor, king snake and a non-poisonous reptile that eats other snakes and is even immune to rattlesnake venom.

The library’s July science programs also include a presentation by Austin Arachnological Services about spiders and their kin, as well as a class on “acids and bases,” where third to fifth graders will experiment with chemical reactions of various household liquids. On July 22 Buda’s very own Caplin Rous (“rodent of unusual size”), a capybara from South America, will return for a wildlife lesson by owner Melanie Typaldos, and patrons will get an opportunity to pet and feed this 100 lb. giant hamster look-alike. A big thank you goes to the staff and volunteers who make the library a fun place for lifelong learning. To learn more call 295-5899 or check out news & events at www.buda.lib.tx.us.

The Kyle Community Library is bustling this summer – and not just because of its popular Summer Reading Program. The library is now open fifty hours a week instead of forty-eight, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Mondays instead of 11-5. If the number of people at the library is a way to gauge satisfaction, then patrons certainly seem to appreciate the two extra hours. Internet speeds are also about three times faster, making people’s computer experience at the library more pleasurable.

Planning for the new library building continues at a brisk pace. The design/ build team of BLGY Architecture and Raymond Construction have been working with the Library Building Committee and John Gillum, the library consultant, to refine the interior layout of the building.

In the meantime, many people are enjoying the special programs offered through the Summer Reading Program. Children and adults are welcome to develop their origami skills at a workshop taught by library staffer Teresa Montalvo at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 8. And we’ll hope for sunny weather at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 18 for Splash Day, when fire engines from the Kyle Fire Department will park in front of the library and cool off young library patrons with their fire hoses.

You won’t want to miss the Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up party, either. The party will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 22 with the raffle of the main prizes. Many people have been donating books and small toys; it is our hope that there will be enough for every child present to receive a consolation prize. (If your child has outgrown some toys or books that are still in excellent condition, we can always use more consolation prizes.) Wrap-Up Day promises to be great fun for all with pizza, snow cones, a moonwalk, small train rides and face painting.

It’s still not too late to sign up for Kyle Library’s Summer Reading Program. Every book read can be redeemed for a raffle ticket, and it only takes one ticket to win!

Mayor Lucy Johnson reads stories to a packed room at the kickoff party for the Kyle Community Library’s summer reading program. (Courtesy photo)

Check it out
by CONNIE BROOKS

The highlight of the kickoff party for the Kyle Community Library’s summer reading program was when Mayor Lucy Johnson read two stories to a packed room of attentive children.

People lined up waiting for the library to open on Wednesday, June 16. Children and the adults accompanying them followed train tacks made out of blue painter’s tape into the library’s community room to hear the mayor read. The tracks were part of this year’s summer reading theme, Catch the Reading Express.

Mayor Johnson read two books illustrated by her friend and former classmate Julian Hector. The first book, The Little Matador, was both written and illustrated by Mr. Hector. Laura Godwin wrote the second, which was entitled This is the Firefighter.

During the question and answer period following the stories, the mayor fielded incisive questions from Kyle’s younger citizens reflecting their real-world issues and concerns. To the question “Where did you learn to read?,” Mayor Johnson replied that she learned to read at school here in Kyle, just as members of her audience were. She also was asked how she picked the books she had just read to them.

Then everyone went outside to break a piñata that looked like Thomas the Tank Engine. In addition to candy from the piñata, partygoers munched on cookies from the Texas Pie Co. and sipped cups of punch.

Before and after story time, many people signed up for the summer reading program and checked out books. Many new books were put out for the first time, and most were checked out within the first hour. The usually crowded shelves of picture books have lots of room now, thanks to all the books being circulated. This is an excellent way to deal with the library’s crowded book shelves!

As of June 16, 1,125 people had signed up for the summer reading program, but we want more to participate—both children and adults. There are many raffle prize options for children, and adults can try their luck at winning one of two $25 Visa gift cards. Come to the Kyle Library, attend the fabulous programs we’ve arranged, read books and help us break last year’s record of 1,957 program participants!

Last Thursday, June 3, Buda’s downtown park pavilion was filled with nearly 200 children and adults. It was Buda Library’s kick off for the summer reading program. This year’s theme is Catch the Reading Express.

The program included entertainment by dance students, a clown making balloon animals, face painting and, of course, train rides around the park.

The crowd quickly became a sea of yellow as the Friends of the Buda Public Library handed out t-shirts for all the children in the reading program. The shirts were printed with the Reading Express train on the front and a list of the many sponsors of the program on the back. The bright yellow shirts were provided free of charge for all the young readers. Adults made a donation to the Friends for their shirts which were so popular they had to reorder additional quantities. The shirts are now available at the library when the children sign up for the reading program. The adult tees will be there too.

The library tells us that the reading program has gotten off to a “flying start” or should we say, “off on a fast track.” There have already been lots of sign-ups for the title log for the pre-reader/listener group (up to second graders), where parents are reading to the youngest ones.

The young readers in the second to seventh grade can choose to do title or time logs, tracking the number of minutes they read. The teen readers from seventh grade up do time logs. The library reports that some of the teen readers are already turning in their logs for reading they have done since school ended.

The summer readers are excited about reading and looking forward to the many prizes to be given out at the reward ceremony at the end of summer. The library and the Friends of the Buda Public Library want to encourage more enrollments for the program. It is never too late to sign up and get “on track” to the world that awaits the reader.

Want more Library information? Call us at 295-5899 or email librarian@budalibrary.org.

The Kyle Community Library’s spectacular summer reading program kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16. Children and adults who sign up for the program will receive gifts generously provided by Pedernales Electric (while supplies last). Mayor Lucy Johnson will read a story, and cookies and beverages will be provided.

The summer reading program’s six weeks are packed with exciting events: two magic shows by Cody Fisher; a puppet show; perennial favorite “The Bug Man”; an origami workshop by library staffer Teresa Montalvo; a clown show by Bonzo Crunch; Splash Day, courtesy of the Kyle Fire Department; and two yo-yo shows called “Whirled on a String.” The program will conclude with a wrap-up party and prize raffle on Thursday, July 22.

Readers will receive raffle tickets based on the number of books they read (or have read to them, in the case of young children). The many prizes include Kyle Pool passes, Schlitterbahn tickets, bicycles, a skateboard and an iPod. The prizes serve as incentives for children to read during the summer and to maintain or improve their reading skills. There will be a separate raffle for adults, as an incentive to model reading and appreciation of libraries for the children in their lives.

Story times will feature fabulous themes and will continue on the usual schedule: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and noon, and Fridays (bilingual) at 10:30 a.m. Every Friday from 1-3 p.m., the library’s community room will become a gaming scene, with everything from board games to Wii games for children aged 8-12 invited to participate. The 13-plus set can indulge in gaming from 3-5 p.m.

For more detailed information about the summer reading program, come by the Kyle Community Library and pick up a brochure. It will be an important summertime addition to the information displayed on your refrigerator.

June 3 is the last day of school in Hays CISD, and children will scatter like a covey of quail when the last bell rings. The old song, “No more teachers, no more books,” could not be farther from the truth if you talk to the staff at the Buda Public Library.

On the evening of June 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Buda City Park, the library will host the kick-off for its Summer Reading Program. Children from kindergarten through middle school can complete reading logs of the books that they finish during the summer months. On August 12, prizes will be awarded for the young people who challenged themselves to read during the summer.

Think of the literary characters that await your child’s imagination this summer. Everyone from “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Chicken Little” to Anne Frank and Percy Jackson will be on hand at the library. Storytimes on Tuesday and Wednesday encourage children to listen and imagine. Inventive Science Clubs invite young people to explore and think.

Of course, summer is the perfect respite from the structure of academic learning. The days of June and July and early August hold lots of time for family activities and vacations, swimming and catching fireflies in mason jars at twilight. All of that is for the good. However, the single best preparation for the next school year is some quiet time with books – on the couch, in the hammock or snuggled up next to Mom or Dad.

Want more library information?  Call us at 295-5899 or email librarian@budalibrary.org.

Summer fun will begin at the Kyle Community Library even before the June 16 kickoff party for the summer reading program. Bonzo Crunch, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Ambassador of Laughter, will perform at the library on Monday, June 7 at noon and promote the program “Reading with Ringling Bros.!”

Children from ages two to twelve can earn a free circus ticket to any Ringling Bros. performance in the area by bringing a list of five books they have read (or that were read to them) to the performance. Children within the two to twelve age range should enroll with the library staff, who will give children everything needed to qualify for the free tickets. Children also will receive bookmarks, clown noses, puzzles and coloring sheets. For more information on the program, visit www.ReadingwithRingling.com.

Also, come by the Kyle Library at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16 to sign up for the summer reading program and receive sign-up gifts provided by the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PEC). Mayor Lucy Johnson will be a special story time guest and cookies and drinks will be provided.

Be sure to circle Wednesday, June 16 on your calendar as the kick-off day for the Kyle Library’s exciting reading program, Catch the Reading Express!

On April 21 downtown Buda was business as usual, but unbeknownst to many, it was a day of celebration and a day of sadness. Marjorie Martinez retired after nearly 21 years of service to the Buda Public Library and the City of Buda.

Marjorie Martinez always knew in her heart what she wanted to do with her life, which was to work with people and broaden their literacy. A graduate of the University of Texas, Marjorie obtained her Master of Library and Information Science.

The growth of the Buda Library is a tribute to her efforts and talents. Many of those who were lucky enough to watch the growth and popularity of the library and the services it has provided know how fortunate we were to have Marjorie at the helm. She led the library into the 21st century through her acceptance and promotion of technology as a pathway to information.

Aside from her library career, Marjorie and her husband Enrique have three married sons and seven grandchildren.

Marjorie’s success with family and career are indicative of the spirit and dedication which she has devoted to the Buda community and surrounding Hays County.

The services which the library now provides for both young and old are a result of public awareness which Marjorie saw as a dream come true. She worked tirelessly to promote literacy and lifelong learning.

We will all remember this fine lady for her remarkable accomplishments and wish her well in her retirement years. If you would like to send a thank you note wishing her well, please drop it off at the Library front desk, or send it to Buda Library, P.O. Box 608, Buda, TX 78610, Attention: Melinda or email budalibrary@budalibrary.org.

Bob Straub, a frequent patron of the Kyle Community Library, wrote the following review of one of the new bestsellers available at the library. Stop by and check it out!

Once again, Vince Flynn demonstrates that he is on top of what happens in the world of espionage, covert action and counterintelligence. He is a master of intrigue and suspense. Pursuit of Honor is a continuation of Flynn’s last number-one bestseller, Extreme Measures. In the last novel, a plot is hatched to destroy the CIA counterintelligence agency. The culprits are a group of Muslims being led by the “Lion of al-Qaeda.” In Extreme Measures, the counterintelligence office is besieged by this radical Muslim group. Three of the terrorists escape, including the “Lion of al-Qaeda.”

Mitch Rapp is the head operative for the CIA. The President of the United States asks Mitch to apprehend and bring to justice the three remaining al-Qaeda terrorists. First, he has to identify who and where they are.

The terrorists realize they are being pursued and wreak havoc on two innocent neighborhoods as they try to escape the claws of justice. The endgame becomes intriguing when all parties descend on Washington, D.C., the site of the original slaughter. Hallowed grounds become a battlefield, and good must conquer evil for the nation to stay its course.

Vince Flynn is at the top of his game. His knowledge of the workings of national intelligence makes Pursuit of Honor seem as though you are reading today’s headlines.

To readers who enjoy both Vince Lynn and Brad Thor novels, I highly recommend Pursuit of Honor.