Library News and Notes: Back to school, back to the library

The library will be closed Monday for observance of the Labor Day holiday.September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. With 28,946 cardholders (5,934 youth and 23,012 adults over 18), more folks have and use library cards than those who have fishing and hunting licenses (6,084 combined) and even those who are registered voters (19,569). While these 2011 numbers demonstrate that the library is a busy place, there is an ongoing effort to improve. The library continues to make sure every student has a library card. Since the library card initiative was completed, Youth Services Director Amber Sady has visited schools and made sure to add kindergartners and new students. As a result of a grant, she also has visited third-grade classrooms to teach these young learners how to use the online tutoring program, BrainFuse. With schools now in session, vacations coming to an end and new routines falling into place, sign up for a library card and enjoy all of the free online and site benefits available with the smartest card around.Mind-Body Connection:Mental Wellness SeriesCounseling therapists Jeffrey Davis and Kristopher Komarek continue their monthly series at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, in the library auditorium. This month’s topic, “Structure and Routine,” focuses on the benefits, sanity for parents and a sense of safety and security for children with regular schedules and procedures. Studies from the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning show: “Schedules and routines influence children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. Predictable and consistent schedules in preschool classrooms help children feel secure and comfortable. Also, schedules and routines help children understand the expectations of the environment and reduce the frequency of behavior problems, such as tantrums and acts of aggression. Consistent routines are an effective tool that parents can use to prepare their children for life.” These local counselors provide insight and techniques to make life at home and at school function more smoothly.Bookmasters-ToastmastersBook Club The Book Club has selected Lake Tahoe author Todd Borg’s debut novel, “Tahoe Deathfall,” as its September read. Borg includes many recognizable locations, from Emerald Bay to Incline Village and Mount Rose. This series features Owen McKenna, a private investigator, and his Harlequin Great Dane, Spot. In this novel, McKenna investigates the death of a 6-year old girl. Eight years after the “accident,” her twin sister hires him to make sure the death was not a murder. The Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in the library auditorium.Ongoing eventsFor those interested in history, writing and publishing, two programs are available. The History Research Group meets at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept.15, and the Sierra Publishers and Writers Group, with Pat Cuellar, meets at 2 p.m. the same day. Check this out and enjoy a delightful day of research and writing. Family Story Time is held at 10:15 and 10:45 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Admission is free and tickets are available at the youth desk. Seating is limited to 30 and it is almost always full, so get there early.The Lego Club meets from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, Sept. 8. Sign up at the youth desk. This very popular program had 65 participants last month, including many dads and granddads.