South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library column - September 25, 2009

By Carol Jones

Photo of Brent and Colleen Bailey with son Ryan at their home in East Texas. Taken by brother-in-law Scott Smith.

Ryan Bailey personal appearance at Open House for the Disabled

On Friday afternoon, September 25, attend the book sale and then come inside the library where you can meet 5-year-old Ryan Bailey and his mother, Colleen. A bright, outgoing youngster with Down syndrome, Ryan not only reads but he also memorizes and recently recited the 23rd Psalm at the College Park Church of God.

Keys to Access - Windows to the World open house is from 2 to 4 when the Freedom Scientific representative will be on hand to explain and demonstrate the new Onyx magnifying camera and SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance). These marvelous machines designed to facilitate reading for the visually impaired are now available free of charge at Freedom Public Library.

Colleen Bailey will be happy to talk with you and sign books. She will read an essay from the book, Gifts 2 - How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World, to which she is a contributing author. Published by Woodbine House, this special collection heralds the approaching Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October). For book details, go to www.woodbinehouse.com

Skill Builders: Adaptive Toy Materials will also be on display and sign language interpreters will be available.

Fall Book Sale in progress

The Friends 3-day Fall Book Sale runs Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, September 26. If you haven't yet gone, there are plenty of bargains available and, of course, special offers on both Friday and Saturday.

While you're there, pick up a Friends application and become a member who actively supports our Freedom Public Library. Forms will be available at the sale and inside the library.

Arts & Crafts Tuesdays

Don’t forget the October Arts & Crafts show presented by the Friends of Freedom Public Library. All four Tuesday afternoons from about 3 to 7 p.m. are scheduled to bring you the best the library’s display groups have to offer. Don’t miss it!

Computer Classes

Registration for November classes begins Monday, October 5. The two-part sessions are popular and will continue into November. If you didn’t get the chance to sign up for September/October, here’s another opportunity. The two-part sessions: Computer Basics and Introduction to the Internet, must be completed in two consecutive weeks. Classes will be held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. Call or stop at the Reference Desk and sign up. Seating in the computer lab is limited. Walk-ins will be accepted but only if there are cancellations or no-shows.

2nd Annual Pajamas and Books for Bedtime

Last year, this community’s response to the need for pajamas and books was remarkable. Over 1400 pairs of pajamas and over 1000 books were collected by the Freedom library branch.

The need is ongoing. This year, the Success By 6 Initiative, in partnership with the Marion County Public Library System, will be collecting and distributing Pajamas and Books to children during the holiday season.

All donated pj’s must be new/store bought; books can be new or gently used. Needed are both boys and girls pj’s in sizes from infant to adolescent, and books for children of all ages, infants through 18.

Please bring your donations to the library’s main desk before December 1, 2009.

Book Club Selection

The next book under discussion by the Freedom Book Club on Friday, October 16, at 1 p.m. will be A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel . During their meeting’s second half, discussion will continue with Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. For information about the group, contact Lee Staiger at leestaiger@embarqmail.com