December Newsletter

October construction progress...

Call to Artists for new Crown Point Library

The Crown Point Community Library is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from interested and qualified artists to integrate art into the new Crown Point Community Library.

This art project is for a suspended artwork from the second floor. The artwork will be visible from the second floor lobby as well as, viewable from below, in library entrance lobby.

This RFQ/Regional Call to Artists will result in a short list of approximately two-three semi-finalists, who will each receive a stipend of $500 for travel to visit the project site, development of final proposals and making a presentation to the selection committee and Library Board of Trustees.

Call to artist details are available at www.crownpointlibrary.org/Regional-Call-to-Artists.html or contact Laura Clemons at 663-0270 or email at lclemons@crownpointlibrary.org

New Library Construction Progess

Young Reader Book Club

A Young Reader Book Club was recently created in September of 2011 for children in grades 4-6. The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at the Crown Point Library and is facilitated by the children’s librarian, Paula Newcom.

Here are the upcoming titles:
• Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. - Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
• Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. – Angus and Sadie by Cynthia Voigt

Books will be available at the Circulation Desk at the Crown Point Library for checkout. For more information please contact Paula Newcom at 663-0270.

Celebrate the joy of shared reading

October is National Reading Group month, and the Crown Point Community Library offers several book discussion groups for adults and school age children. Whether you're a reading group member, parent, teacher, farmer or business owner, get involved in a book discussion group and celebrate the joy of shared reading.

The Crown Point Community Library has two day time book discussion groups: the “3rd Monday at 1” is a self named group that meets the third Monday of every month at the Crown Point Library at 1:00 p.m.; a group also meets at the Winfield Branch Library on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. A new evening book discussion group will begin in October on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. These book groups are facilitated by our Special Services Librarian, Barb Houk. Houk has been facilitating these reading groups for the last twelve years. “It’s the best part of my job!” said Barb Houk. “But the groups are successful because of the readers. Each one brings her own experiences to the book, and it is that diversity that makes the discussions so interesting. The group members also like that it expands our reading experiences, as the selections are often out of our usual book choices.”

A Young Reader Book Club was recently created in September of 2011 for children in grades 4-6. The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. and the Crown Point Library and is facilitated by the children’s librarian, Paula Newcom.

Members, past, present and new are welcome to join a book group at any time. Books will be available at the Circulation Desk for checkout.

Here are the upcoming titles:
Young Reader Book Club: Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. - Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. – Angus and Sadie by Cynthia Voigt

Winfield Branch Library Book Group: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Tuesday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m. – The Help by Kathryn Stockett

“3rd Monday at 1” Book Group: Monday, October 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.– A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Monday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. – Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Evenings at Crown Point Book Group: Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. – Sarah’s Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay
Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. – Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

For more information about our book groups and other programs please visit us online at www.crownpointlibrary.org

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - Learning ABC's at the Library!

The Crown Point Community Library has launched its fall story time programs with a “letter” theme. Children, participating in the Pre-School Pals story time program, gathered around the tree house to hear letter-themed stories and created a pair of “super- letter- finder” binoculars.

We encourage all parents to get their children involved with our library story time programs. Our programs do more than just encourage “a love of reading.” They offer opportunities for children to develop literacy skills and allow them to participate in activities that enrich the child’s reading experience. Once children are introduced to the library they not only read books, they spend time with books; they browse in the stacks, listen to stories read aloud, as well as use the computer and attend programs. These activities encourage parents to become involved in their child’s reading.

Visit the library today and sign up for a story time program. We have designed four story time programs for all ages: Book Babies is for babies from birth to two years of age and last about 20 minutes; Tot-Time is for children between two and four years of age and last about 30 minutes; Little Listeners is for children four and six years of age and last about 30-45 minutes and Pre-School Pals is for children between three and six years of age and last about 30 minutes. Most of our story time programs require a parent or adult caregiver participation (for Little Listeners parent/caregiver must remain in library) and in addition to stories read aloud children also play games, sing songs and make crafts.

Programs are offered at the Winfield Branch on Tuesdays, September 13 and 20 and at the Crown Point Library on Wednesdays, September 14 and 21, Thursdays, September 15 and 22 and Fridays, September 16 and 23. Registration is required. For more information and a complete schedule of programs please call Paula at 663-0270 or sign up online at http://www.crownpointlibrary.org/.


Denise Krapf, youth services staff, helps story time participants assemble their “super letter finder” binoculars.

From left, Piper LaFrance, Gaby Thorn, Denise Krapf, Tanner Rawls (Sharon Thom) and Abigail Betts.

Pre-School Pals participants gathered around the tree house at the Crown Point Library on September 1 to hear letter-themed stories.

Tanner Rawls, attended Pre-School Pals with his grandmother, Sharon. He is adding letter stickers to his binoculars.

Construction Progress

New! Youth Book Discussion Group

Young Reader Book Club
Do you love to read? Want to talk about books? Meet new friends? Join the Crown Point Library’s young reader book club.This book discussion group is for children in gardes 4-6. The group will meet on the first Thursday of the month from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

September 1, 2011: Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary by Candace Fleming.

October 6, 2011: Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Books will be available at the Circulation Desk for checkout.
Call Paula at 663-0270 to sign up or for more information.

New Building update

Things are moving along at the new site. Steel will arrive early September...check back for more updates and photos!

Start Reading Now for the Crown Point Library Book Discussion Group

The Crown Point Community Library’s “3rd Monday at 1” Book Discussion Group meets on the first Monday of the
month from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in the library board room of the Crown Point Community Library, 214 S. Court Street. Read the book and join us for a lively discussion.

Following are the titles that will be discussed in the next two months:
September 19: The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
October 17: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, by Betty Smith


Ask for the books at the Circulation Desk. New members are always welcome! For more information, please visit www.crownpointlibrary.org or call Barb Houk at 663-0270.

Library Launches Gift Campaign

Library Launches Gift Campaign As Construction Begins
By the end of summer reading next year we should see exterior touches being finished on the new Crown Point Community Library. Crews have been preparing the ground for the foundation, which will be poured in August. The demolition of the Homann Karate Do building is just about complete and the next phase will be to install the structural steel to form the building. By end of 2011 the building should be enclosed so the interior work can begin.

This is an exciting time for all of us and many of our patrons have asked how they can show their support of the new library. A gift campaign to purchase a few “extras” began shortly after our groundbreaking on June 1. There are some special enhancements we would like to incorporate into the new building such as interior artwork, special furniture, landscaping the outdoor public access area and signage. Your contributions will help to ensure that the new library will preserve the past and build on the future, leaving a legacy for generations to come.


On July 29, 2011, we received our first donation from Lenora Festa. Festa is a library user and longtime member of the Crown Point Library book discussion group. “A community is only as good as its library,” said Festa. She talked more with Barb Houk, special services librarian and said “ I hope that everyone in Crown Point will donate something . . . people don’t realize that libraries are much more than just books.” We would like to acknowledge gifts given before the launch of our gift campaign from: Friends of the Crown Point Library, Kappa Kappa Kappa, Gamma Theta Chapter and the Susan E. Vieweg Memorial.
(From left: Barb Houk, Lenora Festa, Lynn Frank - Library Director)

We are inviting everyone to join our gift campaign to make the new library a special place. Even the youngest children can have their names added to the gift registry by donating a very small amount. With your help, we will be able to go above and beyond to enhance the interiors and enrich the exterior environment. The gift campaign brochure, with complete details and a donor form is available at both libraries. For more information about the new library or the gift campaign please contact LYNN FRANK at 663-0270.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of something special...the new Crown Point Community Library!

Adult Summer Reading Reviews

"Novel Destinations" is coming to an end. Readers were asked to submit book reviews, here are four titles that received the "5 Star" rating.

Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke [reviewed by Emily Gibson]
"I really enjoy Joanne Fluke. The recipes are so delicious. I can not wait to try these cupcakes. I look forward to following Hannah on another murder mystery, and learning more about her and her family.

Once Upon A Time, There Was You by Elizabeth Berg [reviewed by Shari Zavala]
"Great story about relationships, I really felt like I knew the characters and left with that feeling of whay are they doing now. Great read-hard to put down! Good message about life.

High Five by Janet Evanovich [reviewed by Liz Vesich]
"This book will have you laughing out loud. A great thriller with non-stop action. The crazy cast of characters keep you entertained and guessing right to the end."

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain [reviewed by Virginia Wagner]
"Loved this book! The Paris Wife transports you to another place and time - Paris in the 1920's. It captures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley."

New Library Building Update

In June:

• Fencing went up and they have trenched aournd the perimeter of the site to catch any construction run-off.



• The city water department is putting in the new drainage system what will be located under the parking lot.



• Demolition should begin around June 27.
  
  

In July:

• Ground is being prepared for the foundation that will be poured mid July



• Complete demolition of the Homann Karate Do building

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge."--Tyrian Lannister in A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin.

Summer Reading is here!

We captured our first Summer Reading participant! Candi Niksch signed up her son Parker (age 3) for "One World, Many Stories" the theme for our 2011 Summer Reading Club. The program runs through July 29. For more information and to sign up for activities, visit the website at http://www.crownpointlibrary.org/

New Library Progress

June 1--The fencing is up, and they have trenched around the perimeter of the site to catch the runoff. The city water department will be putting in a new drainage system for the parking lot and the new building lot. The karate building should be empty in 10 day, so demolition can begin around the 27th. Meanwhile, if you have driven by the site you will have noticed that the land has been cleared and preparations are underway.

The floor plans for the 1st and second floors of the new library are displayed at Crown Point Library. Also on display is the plaque from the groundbreaking.

Keep watching for more exciting progress!!!

Summer Reading for All

Have you signed up for summer reading programs at the Crown Point or Winfield Library?

Check out the information for kids, teens and adults at our website:

http://crownpointlibrary.org/

New Crown Point Library Groundbreaking

Check out the pictures from the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

https://picasaweb.google.com/crownpointlibrary/Groundbreaking_612011#

10 Most Powerful Women Authors

http://blogs.forbes.com/avrildavid/2011/06/06/the-10-most-powerful-women-authors/

Do you agree?

Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 1, 2011

new library building updates....


On May 4th, the City Council voted unanimously to approve a variance of use to construct the new Crown Point Library at 122 N. Main St.

On Monday, May 9th, the Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to award the construction bids.




The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m. The new 46,750 square-foot facility, scheduled to open in January, 2013, will feature a children's program room, large community meeting rooms, teen space, WiFi, study rooms, quiet reading areas for adults, an internet cafe, outdoor activity spaces and adequate space for library events, technology and for expanding the library collection.

Please join us as we celebrate this significant step in our journey to building a new library for our growing community.

Teen Volunteers!

Although it is the end of March, the Youth Services department is already preparing for its Summer Reading Club program. With over 1,000 participants every summer, our program continues to be successful due to the wonderful assistance we get from our teen volunteers. While preparing the materials to do our next Teen Volunteer Call Out we met up Lauren Arena, a summer reading teen volunteer for the past six years and asked to talk about her past volunteering experience.

CPCL: Why did you decide to be a summer reading teen volunteer?

LA: I was going into middle school when I got my first application towards the end of summer. One of the reasons I had decided to take the job was that I felt I needed to gain a sense of responsibility for myself. After all, I was getting older and I would eventually have a job after middle school. I also enjoy visiting to the library. It is a very good place to check out books and offers great resources for projects. It’s a quiet and laid back place but with plenty of activities offered.

CPCL: What value or benefit do you feel you received from the program?

LA: Throughout my experiences volunteering at the library, I have gained knowledge about the work world. You have to know when to act professional versus when to loosen up in order to effectively communicate with co-workers and leaders. Sometimes you may want to talk with a friend, family member, or neighbor but you have to know when the appropriate time for such is. Patrons always come first. Make sure you help the patron in anyway you can and never attempt to give direction is you are unsure. There are also rules that you are expected to follow and enforce. Library property should be treated with respect. Prizes should be distributed honestly and equally.

CPCL: What was your favorite part of volunteering?

LA: My favorite part of volunteering was handing out prizes to patrons. I enjoyed checking their reading progress and documenting it for them to see. Children, especially, are always happy to see how far they have come along and enjoy the privileges they get with each next step. Several participants aim for the big finale at the end of the summer.

CPCL: What was your least favorite part of volunteering?

LA: My least favorite part of volunteering comes near the last three or four weeks of the program. The lines get longer and the card box gets fuller. Patrons are trying to get their progress checked so they can verify their prices and privileges early. Sometimes it is hard to organize new members with those who are already in the program. I am not good with mental math, so I sometimes feel pressure to move faster when there is a line of people.

CPCL: What do you like to do for fun?

LA: One of my favorite hobbies is reading. Whenever I have spare time, I like to relax with a good book for a couple of hours. Volunteering is a hobby for me as well. I have volunteered at the Courthouse for holiday events such as Breakfast with Santa or Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. I am a member of the Teen Advisory Board at the Crown Point Library, and I have also been involved in book clubs. I listen to music all the time.

CPCL: Do you have a favorite book or author?

LA: I don’t really have a favorite type of book; I will read anything pretty much. It’s just a matter of obtaining a book that looks interesting. I do like novels about main characters that change significantly throughout the story. I have read several books by Barbara Parks, Andrew Clemens, and Jerry Spinelli. These authors write series or write books that all have similar themes.

CPCL: In ten words or less, tell me how your friends would describe you?

LA: I have rocky beginnings, but I take them with humor.

CPCL: Would you recommend the teen volunteer program to other students?

LA: I would definitely recommend other students getting involved in this program. For those who aren’t so sure about manual labor or moving around a lot, the Summer Reading Program is for you. Working conditions are comfortable, and breaks may be taken. Volunteers usually work side-by-side. Volunteers are on top of the program and are able to explain things to patrons. Volunteers are given the option of working days and times. The hours worked would be helpful to those who are looking for community service.

CPCL: What are your plans after graduating high school?

LA: I wish to attend a school that is close to home for four years. I want to get a degree in education and be involved in clubs and volunteer opportunities. Getting a job on campus would be nice, too.

Teens going into the 7th grade or above are encouraged to apply for a teen volunteer position for the 2011 Summer Reading Club program. Applications will be available, at both libraries, on May 2. For more information please contact Paula Newcom at 219-663-0270.

Library closing at 5 p.m. today

LIBRARY CLOSING AT 5:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Due to street closings for the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the library will be inaccessible in the evening.

Friends of the Library Meetings

The Friends of the Crown Point Library will be meeting next Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. They are in the process of re-energizing their organization and encourage all community members to attend and get involved.

Beginning this month, they have alternated their meeting times to accomodate all of their members. Every other meeting will take place in the evening. Here is an updated schedule:
2011 Meetings
March 8 - 7:00 p.m.
April 12 - 10:00 a.m.
May 10 - 7:00 p.m.
June 14 - 10:00 a.m.
July - No meeting
August - No meeting
September 13 - 7:00 p.m.
October 11 - 10:00 a.m.
November 8 - 7:00 p.m.
December 13 - 10:00 a.m.


The next few meetings will be important as the annual spring book sale and upcoming bus trips are being planned. Elections also need to be held for new Board members. All board positions are up for re-election this year, so please mark your calendars.
There are four officers (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary) and three elected directors that make up the executive board of this organization. Elected positions serve a term of one year period but will not exceed three years successively.

Duties of the officers: President - presides at all meetings, appoints all committees, keeps order, makes parliamentary
decisions, votes as any other member in a ballot vote, represents the Friends at the library and community events; Vice-President - assists the President in planning important organizational
business, assists in preparing and distributing the agenda, acts as an aide to the President and assumes the leadership role of the organization in the absence of the President; Treasurer - acts as the custodian of all funds, receives, distributes and records all funds, fees and dues, gives an itemized report of receipts and expenditures at business meetings; Secretary - records the
business of all meetings, keeps minutes and reads them at
meetings, acts as custodian of records and papers and sends
correspondence out on behalf of organization. The three
directors plan the upcoming book sales, bus trips and other activities, arrange volunteers for library programs and events.


For more information email the Friends at CPCLfriends@gmail.com or contact Laura Clemons, Library staff liason at 663-0270.

Artist displays at the Crown Point Library

This month our display case is filled with the artwork created by Richard Neal. Neal creates beautiful items made from wooden clothespins. He began creating in 2001, working out of his studio located in the basement of his home. Currently he does not sell his items but is working on establishing an art gallery where they will be available for purchase. Please stop by and take a look at his display of collectibles. If you would like more information about Richard Neal, he can be reached at 219-805-5585.

Interested in displaying your artwork or collection? Contact Laura Clemons at lclemons@crownpointlibrary.org for details.

Friends of the Crown Point Library

Despite the snow storm, 15 people attended the membership open house held by the Friends of the Crown Point Community Library on Tuesday, January 11. The open house was held to introduce the community to the Friends organization and to recruit membership.

The Friends currently have over 250 members, however only a handful of those members are active. The organization is looking to stimulate its members to becoming more active in planning activities, volunteering and attending monthly meetings.

Some of the things the Friends do include fundraising activities such as the annual book sales, the continuous book sale, and basket raffles. They also sponsor and volunteer at special events such as Ernie Pyle, Grant Fitch’s Silly Santa Stories, and Chicago Bus Trips, and they support library programs, such as the Summer Reading Club, Teen Volunteer program and more.

The Friends meet monthly on the second Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Due to many requests, they will begin to alternate their meeting time to the evening, to accommodate all members. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m. in the board room at the Crown Point Library.

In May of 2011 we will break ground for the new Crown Point Community Library. The Friends will be involved in many new activities to enhance library services as well as encourage the community to use the library. We invite all members to begin attending meetings and find out how they can get involved with their library!

For more information about the Friends Organization you may call the library at 219-663-0270 or email CPCLfriends@gmail.com

To join the Friends, complete the membership form located at the Circulation Desk or on the back page of the library newsletter and return to: Friends of the Crown Point Library, 214 S. Court Street, Crown Point, IN 46307.

RAISING A BOOK BABY

From the day of their birth, babies are developing skills that they will need to be successful in school and in life. The more words a child hears by age two, the larger his vocabulary will grow. So, the more you talk and read to your child, the more vocabulary words he can absorb.

Ayden, age 2 enjoys finger rhymes.

The Crown Point Community Library offers a story time event designed especially for our youngest patrons. "Book Babies" is for babies from birth to 30 months. All children participate with a parent or adult caregiver. The story time lasts approximately twenty minutes and includes age appropriate stories, finger rhymes, and songs. Class size is limited to ten children.

The single most important way for children to develop the knowledge they need to become successful readers is for you to read aloud to them often, beginning when they are babies.

Although babies don't understand the story that you read, reading together gives them the chance to learn about language. You don't have to be an excellent reader for your child to enjoy reading aloud together. The experience of being with you and enjoying the sound of your voice helps your baby develop a lifelong love of reading.

Here are a few tips on how to read to your baby:

• Pick a quiet time, such as just before you put your baby to bed. Read with the baby in your lap or snuggled next to you, so that he feels close and safe.


• At first, read for no more than a few minutes at a time. Make reading a quiet and comfortable time that your child looks forward to.
  
• Say or read to your child nursery rhymes or other verses that have strong rhythms and repeated patterns of sound. Vary your tone of voice, make funny faces, and sing lullabies. Play games like "peek-a-boo" and "patty-cake."
  
• Give your baby sturdy board books to look at, touch, and hold.
  
• Talk to your baby often. Answer their coos and gurgles. Repeat the sounds and smile back.


• Play simple talking and touching games with your baby. Ask, "where's your nose?" Then touch baby's nose and say playfully, "there's your nose!" Do this several times; then switch to an ear or tummy.
  
• Point to and name familiar objects. By hearing something named over and over, your baby learns to connect the word with its meaning. For example, "here's your blanket, your very favorite blanket. It is a nice, soft blanket."


• Show your children that you read, too. Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable with your own reading ability. It's the reading that counts. When your children see that reading is important to you, it will be important to them.
  
• Visit the library often. Crown Point and Winfield libraries issue cards to infants. Check out board books, nursery rhymes, and videos. Sign up for the story time programs at the library.

What should I read?

When choosing books for your baby, look for:

• Bright and familiar pictures
  
• Words and features that invite participation (touch and feel and pop-up books)
  
• Rhythms and rhymes
  
• Sturdy pages made of cardboard, plastic, or washable cloth
  
• Books that are the right size and shape for your infant to handle

For more suggestions, visit the Youth Services department at the Crown Point Library or Winfield Branch Library.

Kyan, age 1, sits on grandma's lap while listening to Miss Denise tell a story about snow.

February Book Babies Story Time Events:

At the Crown Point Library:

Wednesdays, February 9, 16 & 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Thursdays, February 10, 17, & 24 at 11:15 a.m.

Fridays, February 11, 18, & 25 at 9:30 a.m.

At the Winfield Branch Library:

Mondays, February 8, 15, & 22 at 10:30 a.m.

To sign up for a story time event, please register at the library the event will take place or online at www.lakenetnwi.net/member/crownpointlibrary/ or call the Crown Point Library at 663-0270 or the Winfield Branch Library at 662-4039.