Exciting times at our county library

A night dedicated to fresh flowers will be held at the library on Monday June 29th at 6:30. Please, bring a vase, your fresh flowers, or use flowers provided by the library as Shelly Burrows from The Shoppe teaches us how to create amazing arrangements in the latest styles for any occasion. Call me at 864-3104 to sign up.

On Monday July 6 the library will host a unique program for us to learn more about the ancient art of fiber spinning from three internationally recognized authorities. The presenters will discuss their efforts to preserve rare sheep breeds, their award-winning judging, and, of course, spinning utilizing their on-going collection of fibers which numbers almost 50 distinct breeds. One of which is the Ryeland sheep which has a 500-year history in England and has a special use in the Houses of Parliament in London.

This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone from those with even the most casual interest in fiber spinning as a hobby to the more serious student of the form. On that note, a limited number of fiber sample packs will be made available for purchase. The packs will include wools from Portland, Hebridean, and Manx sheep. There will also be a small amount of Angora rabbit fibers for sale after the presentation.

One Book Wyoming has recently begun for 2015. The featured author is award winning writer/photographer/rancher Cat Urbigkit. The idea of One Book Wyoming is to get the entire Wyoming community to read and discuss her books which center on ranch life and the relationship between guardian animals and their flocks. Hot Springs County Library has started circulating a number of copies of her books. The books are also available online as audiobooks and eBooks at gowyld.net. Keep in mind on October 13 the author will be visiting Thermopolis to discuss her life and works.

We have recently made a number of large orders for audio and printed books in both regular and large print. There are westerns, fiction, non-fiction, and mysteries to suit nearly every taste so please stop in to see what we are now offering. In addition to reading materials the library also offers equipment for check-out. We have slide and film projectors, screens, as well as a laptop computer for test taking or for accessing the Legal Clinic. If you need to make a presentation at work or wish to show home movies or slides we are able to offer assistance.

Sue in Youth Services has recently completed a project designed to assist beginning readers. She created a new YR (Young Reader) section. It is meant for young people pre-kindergarten to around first grade as they learn to recognize words as they venture into reading on their own. It will serve as a handy resource for kids to go to when they are starting to read but are not quite ready to transition to chapter books and other more advanced reading. It is also helpful in that it will keep students reading over their summer break.

It is an exciting time at the library. Please, pick up something for yourself then join us for the various community events we have planned. The most exciting of which must be retired Special Forces Soldier Dana Bowman parachuting onto the football field near the library at 11 a.m. on July 17. This will be free for everyone to attend. It is to celebrate the culmination of Sue’s summer reading program, “Every Hero Has a Story,” which kids can still sign-up for. Sergeant Bowman lost both of his legs while training as part of the U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights. I’d say that is a hero with a valuable story to share.

As always, good reading,

Russ Ferree