Ark Valley News - From the library

From the library
By Janice Sharp, director
Last Updated: August 24, 2017

Next week's eclipse is an ‘exciting time'

This is an exciting time to be in this area of the United States. We'll be able to observe the first solar eclipse that has been visible to us in many years. The last I could recall was Feb. 26, 1979, which was the same day we moved into our house in Valley Center.

How time flies. As I write this, we are completing plans for our family hot dog cookout Aug. 14 at McLaughlin Park, followed by a program from the Kansas Cosmosphere about the eclipse and the stars. We have over 150 people who have placed reservations for our event. We're thrilled to have so many interested and attending.

We also have an event planned for Aug. 21 for people to observe the eclipse as it takes place. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until about 2:45 p.m. The peak of the eclipse will be about 1:05 p.m., so plan to bring your lawn chair and we'll provide the special glasses to observe the eclipse.

We received a grant to provide the special glasses that we can hand out when people attend a program. We will hand out glasses tonight at the Cosmosphere program and again Aug. 21 for the actual eclipse. Join us for this free event.

During this time, we'll have activities for any children attending, as well as snacks for everyone.

In addition to snacks, we will be serving hot dogs to those who come to view the eclipse.

Children will start back to school this week on Aug. 17. We all need to be watchful when driving for kids on their way to and from schools.

Our story times will begin Sept. 12 for kids up to 2 years old. The Wednesday and Thursday story times will be for any child up to age 5. All story times will begin at 10:30 a.m. Since parents stay with their children, we will not require prior registration.

If you're participating in our adult reading challenge, you have until Aug. 31 to turn in your reading logs. The suggested reading was for participants to read books with the title or author's last name coinciding with the letters of Build A Better World. We'll have prizes for those completing the challenge.

We continue to receive donations for our new community facility. As we come nearer to our goal, please consider giving. Any funds received after we reach our goal will be used for library furnishings, such as chairs for comfortable seating and tables. If you have a particular area you would like to donate toward, please let your wishes be known with your donation.

Upcoming events

Aug. 17 — First day of school

Aug. 21 — Solar eclipse activities begin at 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 22 — Library Board meeting

Aug. 29 — Friends meeting

Sept. 2 & 5 — Closed for Labor Day holiday