Wednesday, January 17, 2001
|
Wednesday, January 17, 2001 |
| Fayette
County Library set to kick off another successful year By MICHAEL
BOYLAN The Fayette County Public Library celebrated its fourth anniversary Saturday, Jan. 13. In the four years since its inception, the library has introduced new readers to the joy of reading, while playing an important cultural and educational role to all Fayette County residents. In the past year, the library has continued its programs, such as its Summer Reading Club and Baby Time and Tot Time programs, while launching new programs that entertain and bring the community closer together. The Summer Reading Club had 1,500 members last year, including 136 teenagers and 404 adults. There were two programs each week, open to the public and free of charge, thanks to funds raised by the Friends of the Fayette County Library. The programs included storytellers, musicians, magicians, ventriloquists, clowns and theater groups. Prizes were handed out each week to children 2-11 who come to the library each week. The club reads for enjoyment, instead of for time, and books read to a child count as if the child has read them. The Summer Reading Club will start up again at the end of the school year and will run until August. Also offered during the summer is the Character First program in which children learn different character values and morals. The program is special because local teenagers and the children themselves will help lead others in the group through the lessons. Another program to get children interested in the library at a young age is the Babes and Tot programs. On an average week, 100-150 children from birth to 4 years old come in for story time. The Babes and Tots programs give babies and their parents or care givers an opportunity to learn and play together. The group is separated between walking babies and non-walking babies and each program develops language and motor skills development. Babes and Tots story time will start up again Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. Terrific Tuesdays story time for children 2-4 will start up again Jan. 30. The program will run from 10-11 a.m. The library also offers Spanish classes for children and adults, Internet classes for beginners and advanced users, classes on using Word 97 and Excel 97, adult literacy courses, academic enrichment courses for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. The classes are offered free to the public and the library's patrons. The library also has fun days, including the Back to School Family Fun Day, the Library Founders Day celebration, the Babes and Tots program picnic and several stand-alone nights featuring musical, theatrical and dance performances. One such performance was the Blended Heritage program, which celebrated the arts and diversity in Fayette County. Dr. Ferrol Sams, featured speaker, recited poetry and humorous stories. Other performers included Donna Maye from Magdalena Maury School of Dance, violinist Raymond Lindhol and poetry from Bernard Welmaker and Juanita Morris. Chris Snell, the director of the library, performed dramatic monologues. There was also an "Evening In Black," a black tie affair which celebrated the grand piano that was donated to the library by Friends of the Fayette County Public Library. Many local musicians performed at the event and Collin Kelley wrote a poem for the dedication of the piano. There were many free concerts over the months as well, including performances from Polynesian dancers, a Celtic pianist, ballroom dancers and many talented musicians. Many of these programs would not be possible without the help of The Friends of the Fayette County Public Library, a nonprofit, volunteer organization composed of members interested in enriching the quality of the library resources and services. The group formed in March 1985 with 15 interested citizens and now has more than 200 members that raise funds through book sales, note cards featuring scenes of Fayetteville and literary mugs faturing pictures of authors and famous quotes. The group meets fourth Wednesdays in the Dorothea Redwine Meeting Room of the library at 7 p.m. Membership is open to interested parties. In 2001, the library looks forward to communicating its programs and services on a Web site, as well as servicing the needs of all the citizens of Fayette County. If you are a Fayette County resident, the library is there for you. If you are interested in any of these programs or would like to learn more about the library, phone 770-461-8841. |
