SMCitizen column, August 14, 2009

Freedom Public Library
By Carol Jones
for August 14th issue

The Ultimate Showdown Champion!

Erin Arnold’s creation of The Ultimate Showdown challenge for the summer FLYP program became a roaring success.

The game started in June with a total of 64 fictional characters arranged on a bracket grid. Each week, to the squeals and shouts of participants, the choices narrowed down.

At the finale the youngsters grew passionate about their favorite character and each voter gave a speech to rival any politician’s. Basing their selection on Heart, Smarts, Originality, Game Changer, and the all important Coolness Bonus, --plus, he has a job-- the winner emerged: SpongeBob Squarepants. Congratulations, SpongeBob!

And well done, Erin. What a great game!

Summer Read winners

During June and July, the Marion County Public Library System conducted a summer reading program for library patrons of all ages. The requirements to become eligible for prizes were simple: participate in any of the library’s programs or check out a book, then fill out a ticket and drop it in the box.

Headquarters counted nearly 28,000 entries county-wide. From the 9 libraries and 2 bookmobiles in Marion County, 48 winners were drawn. Of those 48, 10 were from Freedom Public Library: 4 children, 2 teens, and 4 adults.

Two of the happy winners are shown here. Kadeem Wheatle won a Wii and his brother, Malik, won a gift bag full of fun items from Baker & Taylor, the library’s book supplier.

Heather’s Hi-Lites

SUMMER PROGRAMS
Thanks to all of you, our summer reading program at the Freedom Public Library was a HUGE success! Each of our 24 programs celebrated the creative arts, music, visual art, dance, drama, literature, and vaudevillian variety. We are so grateful to The Friends of Freedom Public Library for their generous financial support, providing us with art supplies, movies, refreshments, and fabulous props. And hooray for the 1200 people who joined us! You all possess astonishing talent.

MIAMI DOLPHINS COLORING CONTEST
During the month of August the Marion County Public Library System is hosting a Miami Dolphins Coloring Contest for grades K thru 9. Entry forms are available at every branch and will be judged in three grade levels: K thru 2, 3 thru 6, and 7 thru 9. The Miami Dolphins have provided three grand prizes. Pick up your coloring sheet at the Reference Desk at Freedom. We will be happy to answer any questions. Entries will be accepted and displayed in our library until the judging begins on September 1. Check out the amazing artists right here in your neighborhood!

Computer Classes

September brings the return of computer classes, starting with a beginner class offered in two parts: Computer Basics and Introduction to the Internet. These must be completed in two consecutive weeks. Classes will be held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. beginning September 17. Registration begins August 17 at the Reference Desk.

Book Club Selection

At their meeting on Friday, August 21, at 1 p.m., the book club will discuss Snow in August by Pete Hamill. After many months, the group finished their discussion of A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The second half of their meeting will now cover the first three chapters of Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. For information about the group, contact Lee Staiger at leestaiger@embarqmail.com

The Friends of the library

Please note, the Friends of Freedom Public Library meeting is cancelled for the month of August. Meetings will resume on the third Monday beginning September 21st at 10 a.m. Come and join us! We have great plans for the coming months, starting with the Book Sale on September 24, 25 and 26th. Call us to pick up your book donations:

- Kermit Clark for Oak Run, Palm Cay and Pine Run - 861-0353
- Casey Edkins for Marco Polo villages - 854-9972
- Carol Jones for On Top of the World communities - 873-8565
- Pat Babski for Sun Valley - 237-8214
- Carol Bristow for all others - 572-4259

Art and Photography

Bonnie Wallace, Oak Run’s Artist of the Month of August, has arranged an eye-catching exhibit of photo-art for patrons’ enjoyment. Bonnie and eleven artists from other locations will exhibit their creations in Dillard’s over the Labor Day weekend.

And don’t forget to visit The Shutterbugs’ photo lineup. Winners in the Masters category are on display this month.