Stroller Central

School's out and Summer Reading Program activities are in full gear. Check out our kids' page for all the latest events, resources, games and more. We've switched our activities calendar to an embedded Google calendar for easier viewing.

http://www.flatheadcountylibrary.org/kids.htm

Working Smarter

Main Library Circulation staff, Julie, Joann, Sharon, Lisa, and Kat gather around their hero Mr. Brett. Brett has configured the automated library system to print out hold slips for self-service holds. We used to handwrite each slip, which was time consuming and sometimes not so tidy. Now, the self-service holds have easy-to-read labels for our customers. "Circ loves Brett!" is the rousing cheer.

After Brett worked his magic, Kat streamlined processes in the backroom so that all holds immediately go to the self-service shelf, making it easier for our customers to quickly get requested materials. Theses are just two examples of our fantastic Flathead County Library staff members working smarter to benefit our communities.

Oprah's Summer Reading Calendar

Need help finding some good reads for the summer? Check out the summer reading calendar on Oprah's website. She even has a bookmark checklist you can print out to keep track of what you've read.

Six days and counting....

Summer vacation is right around the corner for a lot of the kids and teens in the valley and that means we are getting ready to launch the 2009 Summer Reading Program. You can visit any of our libraries to register, beginning next Monday, June 15. If you have any creative juices flowing, this summer's program will be perfect for you! "Be Creative @ your library" is the theme for children and the teen theme is "Express Yourself @ your library." After you read enough to get a prize, extra hours will go toward our Readers to the Rescue program. This year we will be supporting an organization in the valley called "Human Therapy on Horseback" .


In addition to tracking the amount of reading you do, we will also offer many programs this summer. You can pick up a schedule at your library or check out the summer reading link on our website. Just go to the Kids page of the library website, click on "Summer Reading", and then click on the "Programs" or "Teens" link. In addition to activities like painting, dancing, and playing with clay, we will have a program about a form of storytelling from Japan called kamishibai. There will be some special guests popping in once in a while, too. Teens will get a chance to practice their origami skills or see who is the Guitar Hero champion! There will be lots of things going for kids of all ages so please join us!

Digital Camera Class

Day after Father's Day Camera Extravaganza! Come to our digital camera class on June 22nd at 6:00 pm in the basement meeting room of the Main Library in Kalispell. We will go over helpful tips and necessary knowledge. This will be a hands-on class, please bring your camera with you. If you don't have one yet but want to learn more about them- this class is for you, as well!

We are also teaching another round of computer classes- sign up or send a friend. Any questions can be posted here or contact Brett directly at 758.5814.

Bringing home the hardware!

Two of our most dedicated volunteers, Jenni and Dennis, recently came home with a combined 5 medals from the Special Olympics Montana 2009 State Summer Games. Jenni competed in swimming events and Dennis competed in bicycling events.

We thank them for all their efforts in the library and congratulate them on their athletic achievements! Keep up the great work!

We have added a Return on Investment Calculator on our home page that allows patrons to calculate the value of the library to them individually. The library receives $1.49 per capita per month to operate. With increasing economic difficulties, it just makes sense to borrow instead of buy books, movies and electronic resources. C'mon in, our computers and wifi are free.