Sterling Public Library Marvelous Monday Program April 21

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library will hold the Marvelous Monday program on Monday, April 21 at 6:30pm. The program will celebrate Earth Day with Dr. Seuss. Denise will read the Lorax and take a picture walk through several other books. The craft project for the evening will include Dr. Seuss’ Lorax.


The One Book 4 Colorado program in which all 4 year olds can get a free book continues through April 21st. Sterling Public Library staff will be at McDonalds on Thursday, April 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to read the book and hand it out to all 4 year olds. The book being given out this year is Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard. Children may also stop in the library during all library hours to pick up their book through April 21st.

Sterling Public Library Crafty Characters April 7

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library will have Crafty Characters on Monday, April 7 from 4-5pm.  This month the theme is “Bring on the Rain”.  The kids will be making rain sticks. 

Sterling Public Library is participating in One Book 4 Colorado program again this year.  This program gives each 4 year old a book to take home.  The event kicks off on April 7th and runs through April 21st.  The title of the book will be revealed on April 7th by Governor Hickenlooper and Lt. Governor Garcia.  To kick off the event Sterling Public Library will hold a special Story Time on April 7th at 6:30pm.  Kids of all ages can enjoy stories and a craft and 4 year olds will get to take home their book. On Thursday, April 17th Sterling Public Library will be at McDonalds in Sterling from 5-6pm. The Library will read the book and hand it out to 4 year olds.  McDonalds restaurants are a state wide sponsor of the event.

Book Signing September 3 at Sterling Public Library

***Press Release***

Thomas Watson will be at Sterling Public Library on Sept. 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a book signing.  Dr. Watson has written two books:  Baltho:  the Dog Who Owned a Man.  This is a fictionalized memoir of Tom and his first “therapy dog”.  His second book is titled Perversions, Originals and Redemptions in Paradise Lost.  Dr. Watson also writes poetry.

Dr Watson is an affiliate faculty member of Regis University’s College of Professional Studies in Denver. He has done postdoctoral work at Cambridge University, and was named a Research Fellow at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University.

Dr. Watson will have Melchior, his co-therapist dog with him when he visits the library.

Friday is the last day to turn in reading time at Sterling Public Library

Friday, July 26 is the last day to turn in your reading time at Sterling Public Library.  If you’ve been busy reading you’ll want to be sure and turn in time and have a chance to win the grand prizes. Anyone who completes 6 levels is eligible to attend the closing program on July 30^th.  Tickets for the closing program must be picked up by Saturday, July 27^th at 5:00 p.m.

Sterling Public Library Events - Week of July 22

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library’s Monday Dig Up Some Fun @ the Library program on July 22^nd is Dig Into Construction. During the program Denise will have some great construction stories. The craft for the afternoon will be making special little houses.

On Tuesday, July 23^rd at 3:00 p.m. Sterling Public Library will provide “Creating” as the Art Challenge. The group will be will be creating small construction projects. The Art Challenge is for kids age 10 to 15. Space in this program is limited to 24 and registration is required. Please register early for this program so we can accurately purchase items. You may call 522-2023 to register.

On Wednesday evening July 24^th at 7:00 p.m. we will watch our last summer movie. During the evening we will set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship.

On Thursday, July 25^th Denise will provide Toddle Time. The group will explore stories and use shapes to build a bulldozer. Toddle Time is for kids age 3 and under.

Sterling Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is nearing the end. You have a little over a week yet to keep reading and turn in your time. The last day to turn in reading time is July 26^th at 5:00 p.m. Those who have completed six levels of reading have earned the opportunity to attend our closing program. This year’s program has a pirate theme with lots of great activities planned. Those tickets must be picked up between July 20^th and July 27^th. We hope you have all had great adventures through books this summer and encourage you to keep reading.

Sterling Public Library Events - Week of July 8

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library’s Monday Dig Up Some Fun @ the Library program on July 8^th is Dig Into Food.  Denise has some creative demonstrations to share.  She will be creating things with food from each of our weekly programs.  There will be lots of fun ideas that kids can create on their own at another time.  To conclude we will share a treat.

 On Tuesday, July 9^th at 3:00 p.m. Sterling Public Library will provide “Eating” as the Art Challenge.  The group will be will be creating their own cool treat.   The Art Challenge is for kids age 10 to 15.  Space in this program is limited to 24 and registration is required. Please register early for this program so we can accurately purchase items.  You may call 522-2023 to register.

On Wednesday evening July 10^th at 7:00 p.m. we will explore books that have also been made into a movie.  After we look at a few of these books and movies, kids will complete a craft that is associated with one of the books.

On Thursday, July 11^th Connie will provide Toddle Time.  They will be exploring stories and enjoying a special treat..  Toddle Time is for kids age 3 and under.

Sterling Public Library has something for everyone.  On Thursday, July 18^th at 10:00 a.m. we will host Brunch, Books & Library B.S. (Best Sellers).  During the brunch library staff will discuss exciting things happening at the library and share some our favorite books with our guests.  We hope that our guests will also share some of their favorite books with us.  You must have a ticket to attend as space is limited to 50 for this program.  Tickets are free and can be picked up beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8^th.

The library staff hopes everyone is having a great summer.  There is still time to register for the summer reading and join in the fun   Reading for fun during the summer will help kids succeed in school next year.  Come see us at the library!

Sterling Public Library Events - Week of July 1

***Press Release***

On July 1st Sterling Public Library’s Monday Dig Up Some Fun @ the Library program is Dig Into Folklore and Fantasy.  Denise will share some wonderful folktales with the group.  The craft for the program will be stamping and will tie in with the book Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato.

On Tuesday, July 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Sterling Public Library will provide the Dig Deep Art Challenge for 10 to 15 year olds.  The group will learn the technique of faux stained glass.  The kids will have the opportunity to create a unique piece of art.  Space in this program is limited to 24 and registration is required. You may call 522-2023 to register.

The Sterling Public Library Summer Reading Program is a fun way to keep kids reading during the summer.  As they read they earn small incentives, the opportunity to attend the closing program and special prizes in the super reader levels.  Reading for fun during the summer will better prepare them school in the fall.  There is still lots of time to sign up so stop in and see us today.

Sterling Public Library Events - Week of 6/24

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library’s Monday Dig Up Some Fun @ the Library program on June 24^th is Dig Into Animal Tunnels.  Denise has some fun stories to share with everyone.  After stories we will be making picnic collages.  We are going to use a variety of craft techniques to create our collages.

 On Tuesday, June 25th at 3:00 p.m. Sterling Public Library will provide “Shadowing” as the Art Challenge.  The group will be exploring shadow silhouettes. Space in this program is limited to 24 and registration is required. You may call 522-2023 to register.

The library will show its second Wednesday movie on June 26^th at 7:00 p.m.  The movie is open to all ages.  Children under 8 must be accompanied by and adult over 18 years of age. The library will provide snacks.  You may bring your own drink.  For more information about the movie you may call the library at 522-2023.

On Thursday, June 27^th Connie will provide Toddle Time.  They will be listening to stories and making a collage.  Toddle Time is for kids age 3 and under.

If you haven’t signed up for Summer Reading yet, you may still do so.  Reading for fun is so beneficial to kids.  It helps them maintain the skills they learned the previous year and enter school ready to learn new ideas.  Signing up is free and the kids earn small prizes for each level they complete.

Upcoming Programs at Sterling Public Library

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library has a new program called Groundbreaking Snacks for teens.  The first program will be Thursday, June 6^th at 3:00 p.m.  This will be an informal program that gives teens a chance to meet and eat at the library.  Meet your friends at the library at 3:00 p.m. and have a snack as you talk about a book movie, video game or anything you want. 

Our Monday Dig Up Some Fun @ the Library program on June 10^th is Dig Into Rocks and Minerals.  Denise has some fun stories to share with everyone.  After stories we will be making pet rocks.  Be sure to join us and add a pet to your house.

 On Tuesday, June 11th at 3:00 p.m. Sterling Public Library will provide “Rocking” as the Art Challenge.  The group will be working on a “My Friends/Family Rock” project.   The Art Challenge is for kids age 10 to 15.  Space in this program is limited to 24 and registration is required. You may call 522-2023 to register.

The library will show its first movie on June 12^th at 7:00 p.m.  It will be a fun movie with lots of humor.  There is a simple plan to win a medal but soon everything is wrecked.  The movie is open to all ages.  Children under 8 must be accompanied by and adult over 18 years of age. The library will provide snacks.  You may bring your own drink. 

On Thursday, June 13^th Connie will provide Toddle Time.  They will be exploring stories and finishing by creating a pet rock.  Toddle Time is for kids age 3 and under.

The library staff hopes everyone is having a great summer.  If you haven’t registered for the Summer Reading Program yet, be sure to stop in and do so.  Summer is a great time to read for fun!

Upcoming Programs at Sterling Public Library

***Press Release***

Summer Reading is in full swing at Sterling Public Library.  We have lots of fun activities planned for kids of all ages this summer. 

Each Monday at 2:00 p.m. we will provide Dig Up Some Fun @ The Library.  During the programs we will dig into a different adventure each week.

During our first program on Monday June 3^rd we will dig into gardening.  We will make an unusual flower pot and insert our flowers.

We will again have special rewards for kids participating in the Monday programs and checking out a book. Each week that they attend one of the programs on Monday they will also receive part to the book worm.  It is not required that you attend every week, but come as often as you can.  Registration is not required. 

Each Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Sterling Public Library is again offering a special program for kids age 10 through 15 called Dig Deep Art Challenge.  This is an eight week program that focuses on different art techniques each week.  The program will last at least 1 hour.  These programs will be more in-depth than the usual programs offered during the summer, teaching them various skills and techniques needed to complete a project. You may attend any or all of the programs. You must register for each program individually.  Registration begins the Wednesday before the program.  You may call 522-2023 to register.  Classes are limited to 24.

The first Art Challenge will be on June 4^th.  During our first week we will be painting flower pots.  We will also learn a little bit about gardening as we plant vegetables outside in the courtyard and flowers in our new pots.

On Wednesday, June 5^th at 7:00 p.m. we will Dig into Books by focusing on book illustrator Scott Nash. Scott provided the artwork used for the Summer Reading Program.  The program will be fun for kids of all ages.  Denise will be sharing some of the books Scott has illustrated.  We will complete a craft related to one of Scott’s summertime books.

If you haven’t signed up and started reading, be sure to come to the library and get signed up.  As you keep track of the time you read Sterling Public Library books, you will be earning prizes and working toward attending the closing program.  Be sure to join us for a great summer!

Sterling Public Library Providing 2 Programs May 30

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library will provide two programs on Thursday, May 30^th.

Sterling Public Library is offering a special program for toddlers age 3 and under every other Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m.  The first Toddle Time program will be held on May 30^th.  The kids will enjoy stories and crafts centered around our Summer Reading theme – “Dig into Reading”.  The theme for this Thursday will be dirt.  Registration is not required so join us for great stories and lots of fun.

On May 30^th at 2:00 p.m. our program will be “The Dirt on Dirt.”  Kids of all ages are invited to this program.  Denise has some great stories and a fun craft to share as we begin a summer of digging into reading.

Sterling Public Library Summer Reading Program Kickoff May 28

***Press Release***

Join us for the Summer Reading Program kickoff on May 28th at 7 p.m. at the Sterling Public Library.  Ann Lincoln as a kooky cavewoman and her magical pets will encourage kids to “Dig into Reading”.

Imagine if you walked into your local library and saw a crazy cavewoman reading a magic book that looked like it might be on fire!  Now imagine that her rabbit suddenly appears out of nowhere and her pet dog is performing silly tricks.  Finally imagine that she starts to throw bowling balls over her head!  You won’t have to imagine if you come to the Sterling Public Library on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 PM for Ann Lincoln’s Dino Girl Show.  Ann’s juggling, magic and comedy performance will be a big part of the fun for this summer’s “Dig into Reading” theme.  The show is free and open to everyone.

“Dino Girl is one of my all time favorite characters to perform,” says Lincoln.  “I get to be someone completely wacky and so different from who I usually am and my imagination just runs wild!”  Ann says that she hopes that seeing a full-grown woman being so extremely creative and enthusiastic about a subject will inspire the kids to use the library’s resources to learn more about their favorite things.  To that end, Ann will provide a suggested reading list to all interested audience members after her performance.  She has included possible subjects from the show to explore further, some juvenile appropriate titles to check into and more than a dozen books that she herself read in order to prepare for that day’s entertainment.

“I firmly believe in the goal to keep children reading and learning all summer,” Ann enthuses.    “I feel very lucky to get to use my time, energy and talent toward that goal.  Children who join a summer reading program at their public library keep their brains stimulated and go back to school in the fall ready to learn more.  And that’s good for everyone!”

Ann Lincoln has been a full-time professional entertainer for nearly 30 years.   She will be performing at libraries all across Colorado (and beyond) this summer. 

Registration for Summer Reading Program at Sterling Public Library Starts May 20

***Press Release***

It’s time to register for the Summer Reading Program at Sterling Public Library.  The theme for this year’s program is “Dig Into Reading”.  Registration begins Monday, May 20, 2013 and continues through the summer. 

On Monday, May 20^th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the library will hold a Summer Reading Extravaganza.  During that time kids will be able to play a special game, create their own snack and register for the program.

Those signing up during the week of May 20^th may begin reading as soon as they register.  Reading time can be turned in beginning May 28^th at 6:00 p.m.  Reading materials need to be from Sterling Public Library.  This includes e-books and e-audios checked out from Across Colorado Digital Consortium.

 Anyone age 2 to 100+ may participate.  Participants will be divided into 6 groups according to age.  Each of the categories is designed with the age of the child in mind. 

Participants age 2 through grade 12 will get a prize for the first 6 levels of reading completed.  For each level completed participants are also entered in the drawing for grand prizes.  This year we have added some additional prizes that can be earned for levels 12 and 18.  As you turn in time you will learn more about these prizes.

Remember summer is a time for fun and reading should be an enjoyable part of your summer.  Reading for enjoyment can also help children maintain or improve skills.  Parents may also participate in the program and set a good example for your children.  We hope to see everyone reading this summer.

Sterling Public Library Holding Book Discussion May 30

***Press Release***

Do you enjoy discussing books?  Sterling Public Library has 2 more book discussions as a part of the Pushing the Limits program.  We will be discussing The Land of Painted Caves by Jean Auel on May 30^th at 7:00 p.m.  The library has purchased extra copies of the book for you to borrow.

The Land of Painted Caves is a story of people during the Ice Age.  It is the last of Jean Auel’s series but stands on its own.  Ayla is the main character and finds many creative ways to deal with daily life.

Sterling Public Library was one of 20 libraries across the nation to receive the grant.  The discussions are a way for us to explore ways for all of us to push the limits.  Pushing the Limits uses books and short videos to show how people push their own limits everyday and the way in which science is a part of that effort.

The discussions will be led by Sandy Van Dusen, Library Superintendent and Brenda Zink, Health, Science and Math Department Chair.  Brenda has always had a passion for learning and brings a great addition to the discussions.  The author and human interest videos bring an added piece for discussion as they make us think about things a little differently.

Our final discussion is June 25^th at 7:00 p.m. when we discuss Thunderstruck by Erik Larson.  Copies of the book are available now at the library.

Be sure to join us for an interesting evening as we explore ways to push the limits.  Refreshments will be served at each discussion.

Sterling Public Library offering "1000 Books Before Kindergarten"

Sterling Public Library is offering a new program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.  This new program encourages parents to read to their children.

Reading is such an essential building block in a child learning throughout their life that the library wanted to provide an opportunity to reinforce the importance of reading.

Research has found that the more children ages 0 – 5 hear books read to them, the more prepared they will be to learn to read when they reach kindergarten.  Reading aloud to children from the beginning creates the best environment for success in school.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program.  Simply register your child at Sterling Public Library.  Part of the registration includes getting a library card for your child. You will be given a packet with a log sheet for the first 100 books you and your child read.  The library has also included informational sheets for parents on pre-reading skills and early literacy practices.

Books can be read by anyone and count.  If you attend Story Time the books read each week can be logged or if you call Dial-a-Story this counts.  You can count a book more than once.  If your child has a favorite book that you read every night count it each time you read it.  You do not have to read library books, but we hope you will visit the library often to introduce your child to many books.

As the child completes each 100 books they will return to the library to record their success.  The child will receive a sticker to put on their log sheet for each level.  They will also be given a shape to put on the wall in the children’s area.  When a child completes 500 books they will receive a book bag provided by the Friends of the Library.  When they complete their 1000 books they will receive a book to keep which is provided by Kiwanis.  When the child has completed the 1000 books a picture of the child will be put on our Wall of Fame. 

The program is intended to be a fun time for both the child and parents.  Reading is a gift parents can give their children that will benefit them their whole lives.  For more information about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten visit or call Sterling Public Library at 522-2023.

"Pushing the Limits" Discussion Series starts March 26 at Sterling Public Library

Late last year Sterling Public Library received a grant for the program Pushing the Limits. Sterling was one of 20 libraries across the nation to receive the grant.  This program is a four part book discussion series.  Pushing the Limits brings together books and video featuring authors, scientists and everyday people who thrive on exploring the world.

Since the beginning of time, humans have imagined and achieved ways to push the boundaries of the physical world.  Today we want to be smarter and more aware of our surroundings, pushing the limits with new advances and technology.

The Pushing the Limits program will explore many ideas through discussions.  The discussions will be on the following books:

March 26^th at 7:00 p.m - When the Killing’s Done by T.C. Boyle – Nature

April 23^rd  at 7:00 p.m. – Arctic Drift by Clive Cussler – Survival

May 30^th at 7:00 p.m – The Land of Painted Caves  by Jean Auel – Knowledge

June 25^th at 7:00 p.m. – Thunderstruck by Erik Larson – Connection

The discussions will be led by Sandy Van Dusen, Library Superintendent and Brenda Zink, NCJ Science Instructor.  Brenda has always had a passion for teaching and learning and is looking forward to being a part of the discussions.  Each discussion will include a short video by the author of the book and a human interest story.

You may attend one or all of the discussions.  Each one will explore a different area.  The videos will add a new dimension to the discussions.  Refreshments will be served at each discussion.

This national program has been developed by a team of library professionals, scientists, and filmmakers.  The organizations include Dartmouth College, the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, the Califa Group (a California based library consortium), Dawson Media Group and the Oregon State University with generous funding from the National Science Foundation. 

Author Karen Leh to hold book signing Dec 12 at Sterling Public Library

Karen Leh, author of Dream of an Inland Sea will be at Sterling Public Library on Dec.
12th at 7:00 p.m. for a book signing.

Karen’s novel, Dream of an Inland Sea, set in northeastern Colorado and southwestern
Nebraska, follows an unusual young girl and her three brothers on an unlikely,
unchaparoned journey that brings together the children’s present and the deep past of
the landscape they inhabit.

Karen Leh is a Sterling native, the daughter of James and Ann Leh. After college, she
lived in New York City and worked as an editor at HarperCollins and Alfred A. Knopf.
In 1995, she graduated from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop—the oldest university
graduate fiction-writing program (famous alumni include Flannery O’Connor, Raymond
Carver, Allan Gurganus, John Irving, and Ann Patchett, among others). In Iowa, she
studied under Frank Conroy, Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson, and James Alan
McPherson. She returned to Colorado in 1997, worked briefly in magazine publishing,
and with her partner of seventeen years, became the mother of twin boys. They live
near Boulder, where Karen is currently studying to become a nurse and continuing to
write.

Sterling Public Library to show "The Bridge on the River Kwai" As Part of Northern Colorado Common Read

Sterling Public Library will be showing The Bridge on the River Kwai on October 2nd
at 7:00 p.m. The showing will kick off the events to celebrate the Northern Colorado
Common Read activities. As a part of this six week reading initiative centered around
the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand the library will be hosting many activities.
We encourage everyone in the community to read Unbroken and participate in the many
activities.

Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini. When the war began, the athlete became
an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight and time in Japanese
prisoner of war camps. We will provide the first book discussion of Unbroken on
October 9th at 7:00 p.m. Steve Cramer will lead the discussion. Steve has a huge interest
in the era and has read many other books on the topic.

Another part of the celebration includes our veterans. The library asks that any veteran
or family member bring in pictures of veterans to be displayed. Cheryl is working on
a program for Veteran’s Day and a part of the program will be the display of veteran’s
pictures. Pictures may be brought to the library now and will be displayed through Nov.
12, 2012.

Sterling Public Library To Participate In Northern Colorado Common Read

***Press Release***

Sterling Public Library is participating in the Northern Colorado Common Read.  This is a project in which we encourage everyone to read the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.  Unbroken tells the remarkable true life story of Louis Zamperini, a U.S. Olympic athlete and WWII B-24 bombardier. In 1943, Zamperini’s US Army Air Forces plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean. He survived 47 days in a life raft only to be picked up by the Japanese navy and taken as a prisoner of war. As a POW, Zamperini was tortured in Japan, for30 months, until the end of World War II.

Sterling Public Library and other libraries along the front range will be hosting special events that follow the theme of the book as well as several book discussions. 

As part of Sterling Public Library’s events we are asking people in the community to submit memories about life during World War II times.  These memories can be about participation in the war or what life was like here at home during that time.  We ask that you submit your memories in writing by Sept 5^th.  You may bring your memories to the library, email them to library@sterlingcolo.com or mail them to Sterling Public Library, P.O. Box 4000, Sterling, CO  80751.  If you need assistance getting your memories on paper, please call the library at 522-2023 and let us know.  The library will put the memories into booklet form and make them available for a minimal cost.

There will be more information out soon on the many activities that will take place from October 1 – November 12, 2012.  We hope you will participate in this project by submitting your stories of war times. 

Fort Morgan Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program

***Press Release***

Summer Reading Program 2012

Fort Morgan Public Library & Museum Services

CALLING ALL DREAMERS!

Fort Morgan Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program

Readers of all ages will explore the night this summer as Fort Morgan Public Library presents “Dream Big – READ!” and “Own the Night” during the annual summer reading program. 

Activities will include programs about stargazing and moon lore, dreams and wishes, space exploration, nocturnal animals, a daytime pajama story time and more!  A special Saturday afternoon family program will feature The Amazing Arthur, a magician visiting from Lincoln, Neb.  He is sure to dazzle everyone with his amazing and mystifying tricks and will tie his performance into the love of READING! 

A “hoot” of a family program will take place at Jackson Lake with the park ranger leading those in attendance to learn about those nocturnal (night) animals. A campfire, s’mores and lots of glow in the dark “stuff” will be part of this evening spectacular program.

The 2012 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through young adult, with programs, prizes, story hours, a Friday movie, Bingo,  a reading club and more. Each registrant will receive a bag full of “goodies” on the first day their group meets.

Programs for preschool (ages 2-5) will be held on Tuesdays, grades K-3 (grade just completed) will be held on Wednesdays and programs for grades 4 and up will be held on Thursdays. All weekly programs will include a thematic story and an astronomical theme-related craft to take home.  All programs (unless announced prior to an event) will run from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Children’s Library.

Kids may begin registering ONLINE ONLY Monday, May 21, through Friday, June 8.  Log on to the city web site at www.cityoffortmorgan.com to register.  Online registrations will also be taken at FMPL for those without computer access.

For more information or questions, contact Cindy Frye, children’s librarian, at 970-542-4006 or visit the website.  All programs are FREE of charge.