 |
|
Welcome to Pasadena Public Library
Greetings!
With the coming of June, we have not only the heat of summer weather upon us, but the beginning of our fabulous Summer Reading Program. If you haven't read a good book lately or are just hungry for the terrific rewards that come to those who participate, our Summer Reading Program is a great experience for the entire family. Whether you are going on a vacation, taking the kids away for a few days or just staying inside to avoid the heat, the Summer Reading Program has something for you. You can even take a vacation by reading a good book. Did you know that you can travel to faraway lands like Tibet, and China and Chile for free? It's as easy as getting a book about those or any other great places -- you'll be transported around the world or back in time, without ever leaving home! In fact, many people have asked me what I like to read, and historical novels or novels of place (books in which the location of the story is a key element of the story itself) are usually where my interests fall. One of my favorites is a series of crime novels by the American author Donna Leon, who writes about her fictional character, Commissario Guido Burnetti, a master detective on the police force in Venice, Italy. The author has lived in Venice for over 25 years, working first as a lecturer in English Literature, then as a professor at an American military base, and now concentrates on writing novels. You can check out her latest novels here at the Pasadena Library; I highly recommend them. Whether you are familiar with Venice or have never known anything about the Most Serene Republic, you will be fascinated by the books' urbanity and charm. In addition to our Summer Reading Program, we have another great event coming up: the Friends of the Library are having their first book sale in the Central Library meeting room on Saturday, June 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please stop by and find some books! By doing so, you'll be helping the library, finding some great bargains and making your house look very cool. As you walk into the Central library, you may notice some differences. You are now greeted by selections of some of our most popular materials, right up front. We are trying to make finding interesting new materials easy and save you some steps in the process; no more long walks to find new or great reads on the back shelves. We are also looking at ways to increase the amount of DVDs we have available and the amount of printed materials in Spanish and other languages of our community within our collection. Like every organization, we know that the library can be improved to better serve the community, and I want you to know that we are working on those improvements. Over the next year, you will see some of the results of our efforts. But one of the things we often overlook is the wonderful work done by our current staff and our predecessors. This month of June, I have asked that some baskets be set aside at the circulation desk and the children's area for you to let our staff know what they are doing right and what you like about our library. Please share your thoughts. This is called "appreciative inquiry," and we will be using your comments about the good things we are able to do, to help plan our course of action into the future. Help us take this first step, and let the staff and administration know what you LIKE about the library and the work they are doing. You don't need to sign your name; just give us your thoughts. I look forward to seeing you at the many events and programs we have coming up in the next several weeks, as well as hearing your appreciative comments in the course of the next month. Thomas C. Simiele Library Director |
|
|
|
|
Summer Reading - June Special Events
Registration begins Monday, June 11!
Thursday, June 7 at 3:00 p.m.
Mystery Theatre: "Death On the Nile"
Thursday, June 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Mystery Theatre: "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"
Thursday, June 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Mystery Theatre: "Sherlock Holmes"
Tuesday, June 26 at 3:00 p.m.
Special Performance: Mariachi Emperadores De Mexico*
Thursday, June 28 at 3:00 p.m.
Mystery Theatre: "The Pink Panther Strikes Again"
Friday, June 29 at 3:00 p.m.
Special Performance:Colonial Oaks Silver Bells*
Free popcorn and water will be provided to everyone attending the Mystery Theatre film showings, which will be held on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. in the Central Library Meeting Room. For the two special musical performances scheduled in June, guests can enjoy complimentary punch, cookies and other refreshments. These performances will take place in the Adult Reading Room area of the Central Library. For any additional information, please contact Lucy Turoff (Public Services) at 713-475-4984 or Judy Dean (Adult Outreach) at 713-475-4991. 
Tuesday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m. Djembe Drumming (west african drumming and dance) Tuesday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday Theater (new PG-13 DVD release) Tuesday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. Mad Science (science experiments program) 
Monday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Kids Flick Movie Wednesday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. Marsha's Petting Zoo Friday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m. Story time with Miss Ginger and Argyle Monday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m. Kids Flick Movie Wednesday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m. Saving My Planet Friday, June 29 at 2:00 p.m. Story time with Miss Ginger and Argyle If you would like more information on the Summer Reading Program, please call 713-477-0276 or visit www.ppltx.net For the complete Summer Reading Program Schedules, click the following links: Children's Summer Reading Program,Teen Summer Reading Program |
|
STAYCATIONS
Summer vacations are a great way for families to travel together making memories, but a recent trend called staycations is a way for families to make those memories in the comfort of their own home.
Staycations have been a rising trend due to economic restraints. But, "staying in" does not mean that the family cannot still explore local attractions. A true staycation allows for families to travel no more than 100 miles (one way) to their destination, according to The Great American Staycation by Matt Wixon. In addition to defining the "staycation", Wixon's book provides a lot of tips for finding great deals in your area and planning your ideal staycation.
Interested in planning your own family staycation? Check out Day Trips from Houston: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler by Laura Nathan-Garner. This book features a variety of destinations that fit the staycation definition. Additionally, the book directs the traveler to local diners and shops along the way to your destination to maximize your day.
For the more outdoor adventure family staycation, check out Easy Hikes Close to Home: Houston by Laurie Roddy. The book not only describes several great hiking adventures, it provides a breakdown of the trails with information about distance, scenery, trail traffic, and wheelchair accessibility.
If your family is looking for some local oddities to visit on their staycation, check out Texas Curiosities by John Kelso. Although this book is not exclusive to the Houston area, it does divide the state into eight sections making it easier to locate local attractions. Texas Curiosities features such attractions as The Beer Can House and The National Museum of Funeral History both in Houston, and Super Gator Tours in Orange, Texas. For additional travel guide titles, click here.
Finally, if your family is looking for some free entertainment this summer, check out the Summer Reading Program at the Pasadena Public Library. The reading program is open to people of all ages. Additionally, there will be special programs each week, like family-friendly movies, guest speakers, magicians, and storytellers. It is the perfect way to enjoy a family staycation.
|
|
|
 |
 |
Book Club Banter
"This will never be a civilized country until we expend more money for books than we do for chewing gum."
--Elbert Hubbard-
Summer is upon us! That means children are out of school and thoughts of sun, sandy beaches, water sports and maybe even summer vacations begin. But with gas approaching the $4.00 per gallon mark, it may be time to start considering all the books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, exhibits and programs available for FREE at your Pasadena Public Library. Check out our fine "Mementos Of D-Day, June 6, 1944" exhibit that is here at the Central Library through July, and scope out the large display cases at the Central and Fairmont branch libraries that are STUFFED with marvelous prizes that can be won by children, teens and even adults who participate in our three Summer Reading Clubs. Be sure to mark your calendars for our Friends of the Pasadena Public Library Book Sale on Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., where all sorts of gently used books and videos will go for bargain prices. You can enjoy their special summertime "nickel candy" as well.
The Fairmont Branch Library's First Monday Book Club will be reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and will meet on Monday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Fairmont Library. Come and delve into the dark side of the "Jazz Age" as the members discuss golden boy/dark horse Jay Gatsby and the hard lesson that he doesn't live to learn about--being very careful what you wish for.
The Central Library's Tea-Time Mystery Book Club will read Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen, and will be meeting on Monday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Central Library. Coffee, orange tea, orange juice and delicious summer treats will be served as the group follows the adventures of truly dumped (as in overboard a cruise liner) heiress Joey Perrone, as she and her rescuer Mick Stranahan (a VERY retired police detective) go all out to settle the score with her worthless (and murderous) husband Chaz (the most incompetent marine biologist in Florida's history).
Contact William Simpson (First Monday) at the Fairmont Branch Library 281-998-1095 x15 or Lucy Turoff (Tea-Time Mystery) 713-475-4984 for more information regarding these two book clubs.
|
|
Staff Spotlight
NAME: Ginger Heaton TITLE: Children's Library and Outreach Services RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE LIBRARY: My job is so much fun. I meet all the boys and girls visiting the Pasadena library. We share great stories, create awesome art projects and find answers to interesting questions. My special friend "Argyle' (he is a puppet but he thinks he is a real dog) and I also visit Pasadena schools and day care centers with special songs and stories. My favorite responsibility is the planning of the Summer Reading Program. Registration begins the week of June 11 & starting on June 18, we will have will have Movies every Monday, Special Programs every Wed. and Story Time every Friday. Everything starts at 2:00 p.m. Come in, register, read and win prizes. You will also be exercising your brain so it will become stronger and smarter... WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: I once rode an elephant in Thailand. Elephants are very tall and you sway back and forth when you are riding one. They are fun to ride. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S AUTHORS: My favorite children's author is David Shannon, author of the 'No! David!' books & Jane Yolen, author of 'The Devil's Arithmetic' and other wonderful stories. LAST CHILDREN'S BOOK I READ WAS: Bright Path by Don Brown. It is the true story of the the great American sports hero, Native American athlete, Jim Thorpe. He is considered one of the greatest natural athletes of all time. He didn't even have good running shoes but he was still able to be a champion. WHY I LOVE THE LIBRARY: I love the library because I can find answers to all the questions I have and it is just fun to look at all the books and magazines. I also love the fact that I may borrow books and magazines for free as long as I take care of everything and return it on time. When I was a little girl my family traveled a lot. Each time we moved to a new city one of the first places we visited was the library. My mother always told me 'when you have a library card you know you are home.' Getting a library card and meeting the librarians made me feel happy about moving to a new home. |
|
