Library News and Notes: Good health and good reads at the library

Everybody loves a bargain, and bargains abound at the latest Friends of the Library Book Sale.

The Friends have reorganized the Browser's Corner and have received an unprecedented number of book donations, so the choices and the prices of items will provide hours of summer and back-to-school reading. All hardcover books are $1, paperbacks 50-cents, and children's books are 25-cents. Members can get a head start at the preview from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday in the library auditorium.

The book sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Proceeds go to the Friends of the Library to help provide support to the library in the form of books, technology equipment and sponsorship of the Summer Reading Program which served more than 800 children and teens this summer.

Mental Wellness Series

Two local counseling specialists will begin a monthly series on mental wellness, with a program entitled "Don't Do That! Do What I Say!"

Kristopher Komarek, master of social work and Jeffrey Davis, master of social work and licensed clinical social worker, will discuss how a child's behavior is learned and will spotlight children from birth to 12 years of age.

Komarek has worked with children, adolescents and families for more than 20 years, and he has extensive experience in the juvenile justice system. Davis, who specializes in individual, couples and family psychotherapy, has more than 30 years of experience. The program will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, in the auditorium and is free.

BookMasters-Toastmasters

Book Club

The BookMasters' read of choice in August is, "Survivors Club: The Secrets and Sciences that Could Save Your Life" by Ben Sherwood. The book focuses on what it takes to survive catastrophic events and the character traits survivors seem to possess. The book also explores the nature of survival, mental and physical resilience, ways everyone can tap into his/her natural instincts, and offers some surprising, interesting information. The Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 in the library auditorium.

Ongoing Programming

For families with younger children, the regularly scheduled story-time programs offer stories, songs and rhymes and last approximately 20 minutes. Afterward, children and parents are encouraged to check out books to read at home. It is not uncommon to see young readers leave the library with 10 or more books, DVDs, PlayAway devices, or CDs. Story Time is held at 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday in the Children's Room and is limited to 30 children and parents.

The library offers two well-attended programs on Saturday, Aug. 18.

The LEGO Club runs from 10 a.m. until noon and encourages budding young designers and engineers to use the LEGO kits available at the library to follow directions or create something completely unique.

The program is limited to the first 50 who sign up and is almost always full.

Love on a Leash, the therapy dog/bunny program, allows children to read to, pet and visit with these specially trained animals in a relaxed, non-threatening setting. Children receive a free book after the reading part of the program.