May 23, 2013

Dig Into Reading with Library Summer Reading Programs

Readers of all ages will explore all things underground this summer as McPherson Public Library presents “Dig Into Reading” during their summer library program.  The library is offering special reading programs for three different age groups – and each of them has a cool and refreshing theme.

“Dig Into Reading” is the theme for the highly-popular children’s summer program.  Kids will learn about caves, fossils, gardening and gnomes during exciting programs scheduled all summer.  Join us this summer for special performers, arts and crafts, family programs, puppets, book clubs, to list a few of the activities. 


Kids can pick up a summer “dig it” log and read books all summer long to earn prizes. Parents of children 3 and under can join the Rubber Ducky Club and have fun with words and books this summer.

To register children for regularly scheduled summer programs, visit the library, call 245-2570, or register online by visiting the library web site at www.macpl.org and selecting the Children’s Programs option.

Special performers for children this summer include storyteller Indiana Bones, Wild Goose Chase Puppet Theater, Mad Science of Kansas City, comedy team Laughing Matters and Clement McCrae marionettes.
Teens are encouraged to participate in “Beneath the Surface,” from May 31-August 12.  

Teens are invited to come to the Library and read for prizes as well as take part in special events offered throughout the summer.
Special events for teens this summer include a MuVChat night, self-defense, Yoga and Smoothies, and book clubs. No registration is required for teen programs.

“Groundbreaking Reads” is the theme of the adult summer reading program.  Starting May 28th, adult readers are encouraged to explore different areas of the library’s collection and record their progress to receive prizes.  In addition, special events for adults are scheduled throughout the summer including a poetry walk, a reading marathon, a historic walking tour, a book discussion group, and more.  Stop by the library to join the summer reading fun!

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May 17, 2013

Summer Reading Program Opening Event May 31 in Wickersham Park

Readers of all ages will explore all things underground this summer as McPherson Public Library presents “Dig Into Reading” during their summer library program.    

The Library will kick-off the summer reading program on Friday, May 31st from 11:00-1:30.  All ages are invited to join us at Wickersham Park for an afternoon of fun and excitement.

Starting off the opening program will be children’s singer Heidi Swedburg. We will be digging summer reading along with Heidi and her ukulele from 11:00-11:45.

The hamburger and hot dog feed (3.00 per plate) will follow Heidi at 11:45-12:30.

Next up will be comedian/juggler Richard Holmgren from Salina, KS, the Flying Debris Show. Families will enjoy watching Richard juggle anything from twinkies to fire in this exciting free show from 12:30-1:30.

Families can also sign-up for the summer reading program at this event.  Kids can pick up a summer “Dig It” log and read books all summer long to earn prizes. Parents of children 3 and under can join the Rubber Ducky Club and have fun with words and books this summer.

To register children for regularly scheduled summer programs, visit the library or call them at 245-2570.

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May 15, 2013

McPherson Historical Business Database Now Available

McPherson has a rich business and industrial history, and researching that history is now much easier, thanks to a new resource created by the McPherson Public Library.  The McPherson Historical Business Database includes information about businesses, industries, and professionals beginning with Harrison Bowker’s general store in 1872.  The database may be searched by name, business type, and street address. 

Library service desk staff created the database, which currently has over 3,500 entries, using information found in city directories, telephone books, early newspapers, gazetteers, atlases, and Sanborn fire insurance maps.  Additional data from The Linn Peterson Collection and the archives of local historian David Nigh brought the Historical Business Database to a new level.   Research and input work has taken approximately three years.

The new resource joins the  MPL Obituary Index, which currently has over 30,000 records, and the McPherson Photo Album, which has more than 1,500 historic images of McPherson and the county.  All are accessible via the library website.

The new McPherson Historical Business Database may be found on the library website at www.macpl.org.  Click on the Local History & Genealogy option on the homepage and then on the link for the MPL Historical Business Database.

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April 29, 2013

May is Food for Fines Month

The McPherson Public Library has designated May as Food for Fines month.  Throughout this month, patrons may pay their library fines with canned goods or packaged food.  Each food item equals up to $1.00 toward the payment of any fine.

All items go to the McPherson County Food Bank.  During May, the library will also accept any donations of food for the Food Bank.

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April 9, 2013

Public Library to Celebrate National Library Week

The McPherson Public Library will celebrate National Library Week from April 15 through April 19 with the theme “Communities Matter at Your Library”. Libraries across America observe the annual event by highlighting the many ways in which they benefit and enrich the lives of people of all ages in their communities.  
 
The library staff  have planned many activities that week and throughout the month.   The library continues a long-standing tradition on Wednesday, April 17, which is Coffee & Cookie Day.  The public is encouraged to stop by the library meeting room from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. that day and enjoy coffee and cookies.

On Friday, April 19, the library will hold a sale of audiobooks on cassette.  As cassette players are becoming sparse, and circulation of audiobooks in cassette format has dwindled, the library has withdrawn those titles from their collection and is selling them to patrons.  Almost 300 audiobooks will be available for the public to purchase at $2 each.  The sale will run throughout the weekend.

And also during National Library Week, the library will announce the winners of the bookmark contest.  Over the past few weeks, children and teens have been creating original artwork for bookmarks and submitting them to the library.  There will be one winner for each grade level. 

In keeping with this year’s National Library Week theme focusing on communities, the library staff will have bins at the library where the public may place donations of needed items for Mt. Hope Sanctuary, Omega House, and the Humane Society. 

Items needed by the organizations are: Mt. Hope Sanctuary: paper towels, toilet paper, AA batteries, baby monitors (new or used), Trash bags (18 gal.), lawn and leaf bags, and robes.  Omega House:  bleach, toilet paper, paper roll towels, tall kitchen trash bags, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Q-tips, and shampoo.  Humane Society:  scoopable cat litter, bleach, paper plates, Friskies canned food, and Meow Mix bagged food.

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