Kentucky Library News Digest - Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

The Kentucky Library News Digest is a collection of articles from newspapers and other sources pertaining to Kentucky libraries and topics of interest to the library community. For more information about the Digest, contact Jimmie Epling, editor, at jimmie.epling@ky.gov.

Library wraps up fiscal year with major activity increase (Clarke County Public Library Board meeting report. The library had an increase of 108 percent in adult paperback fiction activity for the 2004-05 fiscal year, which is comparable with national publishing trends. In keeping with other trends, the library has begun purchasing 85 percent of its film collection on DVD rather than VHS in order to build the collection and keep interest high. Overall, circulation and reference at the library during the past fiscal year increased by .02 percent. Reference activity increased by 55 percent, Internet use increased by 30 percent, Dial-A-Story went up by 28 percent and overall Bookmobile circulation increased by 13 percent. Library programs: 1) Local historian and author Harry Enoch will discuss his book, "In Search of Morgan's Station," which deals with the 1793 Shawnee and Cherokee Indian raid on the settlement ; 2) The library will host Treasures of the Clark County Public Library History Room, with reference librarian Andy Gary. Participants will examine some of the more curious and rare volumes in the local history room and Gary also will highlight some of the library's Internet databases designed to assist genealogists and other researchers.; 3) The Anchor Medical & National Diabetes Education Program for Clark County residents diagnosed with diabetes.; 4) a quilling program, where participants can learn more about the intricate but simple-technique paper art form and start and finish their own quilled piece to take home in two hours.; 5) Thursday Book Lunch.; 6) Friends of the Library book sale.; 7) As part of the annual Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival, the library will host a local history week lecture series.; 8) "Sears Catalog Houses" with Jerry Cecil.; 9) Dr. Wallace Guerrant will portray his ancestor, Dr. Edward O. Guerrant, Presbyterian evangelist and physician to the Appalachian Mountain poor.; 10) "Agrarian Families of Clark County" with Lara Early.)

Whooo? 'Great Horned Owls' at library to be bird trail's latest addition (The bird sculpture trail in downtown Henderson is expanding again, and this time it's a symbol of wisdom and inquisitiveness that will join the nine other bronze works that are based on the paintings of John James Audubon. The Henderson County Public Library will place the "Great Horned Owls" right in front of the library's flag pole on Washington Street in a project funded by the Henderson County Library Foundation Board.)

Area stores plan Potter parties (Louisville Free Public Library programs: 1)What: A reading from the new book, potion-making, crafts and Potter-themed games for all ages. Louisville Free Public Library.; 2) What: Hat-decorating (bring your own hat to decorate with supplies from the library while you listen to a reading from the new book). For ages 9 to 14. Highlands-Shelby Park Branch Library.; 3) What: Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt. Players will draw on Harry Potter knowledge to find clues throughout the library. Bon Air Regional Library.)

IF YOU GO: 'Potter' parties (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Lexington party spots. Lexington Public Library, Eagle Creek Branch. For ages 7 and older.)

Local author to sign books at Laurel Library (Local author Jan Sparkman has a new collection of short stories available and will be at the Laurel County Public Library for a reading and booksigning. Silk and Steel: Stories of Strong Women was recently published by Wind Publications. It contains 10 short stories featuring an assortment of women-some strong, some a little eccentric, some both.)

Pottermania brews on eve of release (As with previously released Potter books, many stores have created "book parties" and other events to allow children and adults to immerse themselves in Harry's world — if only for a few hours. Chelle Tabor, library technician in charge of programming at the Hardin County Public Library in Radcliff, said she thinks the attraction is mainly attributed to the writer.)

Hometown hoedown: Summer reading ends with Western-style fun (More than 400 people gathered Friday evening at Chaney’s Dairy Barn to celebrate the end of the Bowling Green Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Kids and parents enjoyed free ice cream, hay rides, cornfield mazes and live music from the Farewell Drifters to bring an end to this year’s theme, Reading Roundup. The library holds a celebration every year to commemorate the end of the Summer Reading Program, which requires kids to read for 20 minutes a day, five days a week, for five weeks. More than 3,700 people participated this year.)

Library to raze building for new branch (The Boone County Library Board is getting set to demolish the old Flicks Food building to make way for the county's newest and largest branch. First, the board has to have the Flick's building inspected for asbestos before it starts the bidding process for the demolition. Construction could start as early as late fall. When the branch is completed it will become the largest library in the system that currently has four branches. The 75,000-square-foot facility would cost at least $12.5 million - which is all the money the library board has in its capital projects fund.)

Librarians Applaud ‘Potter’ for Encouraging Kids to Read (Comments from library staff at Calloway County Public Library, Marshall County Public Library, and McCracken County Public Library.)

‘Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds': Library summer program promotes reading (Young readers have read books telling of magical times of dragons, knights and wizards as part of the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library's summer reading program. The library's activities are part of a nationwide summer reading program designed to help young students maintain their reading skills while on vacation. Thirty-two states are participating in the program, according to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives Web site. The program's theme is "Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds."

Wait for sixth Harry Potter book ends with midnight release parties (It is possible to check the book out at the Richmond or Berea locations of the Madison County Public Library beginning Monday. However, there is a waiting list. The libraries have available 16 hardcover copies, along with audiocassette and compact disc versions of the book, more than twice the initial order for the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" two years ago.)

College Info Road Show' set July 29 ("The College Info Road Show" will be at the Greenup County Public Library to assist local high school juniors and seniors with career and financial aid planning. The service is an outreach program of the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, an agency that administers grants, loans, scholarships and work study programs to help students pay for college and technical training.)

Fans held captive by Harry's return (At the witching hour, Michele Bottoms cracked the cover of the "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and began to read. Wide-eyed fans sat around her wingback chair in the reading room at the Boyle County Public Library. Even the stuffed owl that sits in the window seemed to be at full attention. As Bottoms read about the apparent miraculous return of Voldemort, some of the parents listened and some looked listless as the hour hand drew nearer to 1 a.m. The library's Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library hosted 40 kids and their parents from 11 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday to celebrate the release of J.K. Rowling's newest Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." As the children arrived and were greeted by members of the board and librarians dressed in witch and wizard costumes, they were told to wait on the stairs.)

WOMEN HAVE THEIR SAY AT PLAY FESTIVAL (Artists Collaborative Theatre Inc. has announced the first Kentucky Women's Playwright Festival. The festival features a month of plays written by Kentucky women, "talkbacks" with cast and crew after each performance, and "Meet the Playwright Teas" at the public library on Main Street in Elkhorn City.)

Community Calendar: Week of July 17 (Boone County Public Library programs: 1) Florence Branch. What would you do if you found a strange egg in your backyard? Celebrate unusual and magical pets of all shapes and sizes with stories and games.; 2) Cross Stitch for Beginners. Walton Branch. Learn the basics of cross-stitch in this two-part class. $12 materials fee.; 3) The Basics of Feng Shui. Lents Branch. Anita Owens, president of Feng Shui Guild of Cincinnati, explains the basic concepts of Feng Shui and how this Chinese study of our living environment can benefit you.)

Community Calendar: Week of July 17 (Campbell County Public Library programs: 1) Make it, Take it Craft. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch.

Come and make a fun craft. Especially for ages 6 to 11.; 2) Chess Night. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. Did you know chess was invented during the Middle Ages as a combat-strategy-learning exercise? Do you like to play? We will break out the boards and swap some pieces for fun. A chess set will be given away as a door prize. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.; 3) Anime Film Fest. Newport. Join us for a movie fest watching great anime, for Ages 11 to 18.; 4) Weekly Movie. Newport Branch. Come and watch a movie with us! We will show a popular children's movie. Especially for ages 6 through11.; 5) Teen Book Chat Café. Cold Spring Branch. Bring your favorite book or books to share and discuss.; 6) Story Teller Mary Hamilton. Cold Spring Branch. Renowned storyteller Mary Hamilton will enchant you with spellbinding tales of dragons, dreams and daring deeds.)

Kenton branch is Ky.'s busiest: 3-year-old site has drive-through (Just shy of its third birthday, the state-of-the-art Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Public Library is once again breaking records. During fiscal year 2004, the branch had the highest circulation of any public library branch in Kentucky, with more than 1 million items checked out, according to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. More people visited the Erlanger branch than any other branch in Kentucky. The 34,000-square-foot library on Kenton Lands Road had 492,415 visitors. In recent years, the Erlanger branch has set statewide circulation records, but this is the first time the library has circulated more than 1 million items. The circulation for fiscal year 2004 - the most recent total available - was 1,026,868, an increase of 11 percent over a year earlier. While many users of the Kenton County Public Library system are checking out compact discs and DVDs, they're also reading books. In fiscal year 2004, the library system's print circulation was up 6 percent from a year earlier.)

Harry's party (Wal-Mart, Kroger East, Poor Richard's Books and the Paul Sawyier Public Library all hosted parties to help ring in the release of J.K. Rowling's sixth Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.")

Business Update - 07/18/2005 (Community Hospice and the Social Security Administration will host a workshop at the Greenup County Library to offer information on new Medicare prescription drug coverage, and on living wills and advanced directives.)

A new look for library: Local business helping with facility's image (The Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library will get a makeover this fall. With the help of a local business, the library will have a better impression on both patrons and visitors. The Potting Shed located on Canton Pike will donate supplies and time to replant much of the landscape around the library. The whole project will be free to the library, but Anne Cayce, owner of Potting Shed, said the entire cost for the project will be between $4,000 to $10,000. The city funds the library $160,000 each year. Most of this money goes to daily operation. About $4,000 goes to books.)

Rowling dreads end of 'Potter' era (J.K. Rowling, whose literary creation Harry Potter has drawn millions of fans of all ages worldwide, is filled with dread at the thought of ending her popular series when the seventh and final edition is released.)

'CSI at Your Library' (Learn what really goes on in the fascinating world of forensic investigations when real CSI professionals offer insights and answer questions at the Louisville Free Public Library. The differences between Hollywood's version and the real world's might surprise you. The programs, which are geared for teenagers, touch on the science of CSI, the important role of the medical examiner, race and gender issues and the particulars of "cybercrime." "CSI at Your Library" started yesterday and continues through Saturday at various branches. Speakers will discuss such careers as FBI agents, forensic experts, homicide detectives, and medical examiners.)

Morgan County Book Signing (The Morgan County Public Library will be hosting a book signing on July 30th. Over twenty authors will be present to sign and sell their books. Refreshments will be served, everyone is invited to attend. For more information call 606 743 4151 or e-mail michaelgriffitts@mcplmail.uky.edu.)

ALLEY OFFERS FREE BOWLING FOR CHARITY (Strike Zone Lanes is using free bowling to support major non-profit programs. Programs benefiting from Strike Zone's free-bowling offers include the Jessamine County Public Library, Jessamine County YMCA, plus D.A.R.E. programs in southern Fayette and Jessamine schools. More than 600 participants in the Jessamine County Public Library's Summer Reading Program received letters from Strike Zone granting each a free bowling party for up to ten guests.)

BOOK SALE (The Friends of the Paris-Bourbon County Library will sponsor a used-book sale the last weekend in July to raise money for projects at the-library.)

RADIO READING SERVICE FOR THE BLIND IS LOSING ITS SPACE AT UK: VOLUNTEER NON-PROFIT SAYS IT CAN'T AFFORD RENT AT A NEW SITE (After 15 years of rent-free, utility-cost-free work, Central Kentucky Radio Eye, a non-profit, received a letter last week from the University of Kentucky's King Library giving it three months to vacate its office on the third floor and it doesn't know where to go. In a statement, UK said it would work with Radio Eye to find a suitable space, but "exceptional" growth in enrollment, research and academic programs means it can't stay in its current office. It broadcasts readings to about 1,500 Central Kentuckians with disabilities, mostly visual impairments. Since it was founded by UK Professor Al Crabb in 1990, the service has used WUKY-91.3 FM's signal to broadcast volunteer readings of the Herald-Leader, The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Time, Ebony and other publications to specialized radios 24 hours a day. Two hours of programming also are available on the Lexington Public Library's cable television channel 20. With its $35,000 annual budget -- made up of fund-raising dollars and pledges from some listeners -- the organization survives on donations and the work of 130 volunteers.)

Daviess County library is holding garage sale Friday (The Daviess County Public Library is having a garage sale -- but no books will be among the bargains. A few of the items priced to sell include discarded furniture, equipment, fixtures, Christmas decorations, posters and the ever popular "odds and ends.")

Nancy Drew mysteries mark 75th year (Girl detective Nancy Drew just turned 75, but she doesn't look a day over 18. And if her fans —and her publishers —have anything to say about it, she'll stay that way.)

Library board revises 'spruce-up' plan (Officials with the Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Library have revised their original plan to spruce up the library's second floor meeting space.

Calendar (Cynthiana-Harrison County Public Library announcements: 1) Come to the Fair for all who have participated in the Dragons, Dreams, and Daring Deeds Summer Reading Program will at the Cynthiana-Harrison County Public Library. Admission by coupon only in the community room from 6-7 p.m.; 2) The Cynthiana-Harrison County Public Library Bookmobile will not be in service July 25-29 due to the driver's vacation.; 3) Toddler Tales for grades 2-5.)

UK SAYS IT WILL HELP RADIO EYE FIND HOME: SERVICE FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STILL ON EDGE (University of Kentucky officials said yesterday they'll help Central Kentucky Radio Eye find a home -- they just don't know where, when or how.

The radio reading service, which broadcasts news for people with visual impairments, received a letter last week telling it to vacate its King Library studios in three months. The space is needed for academics and research because of increasing enrollment, university officials said. But the non-profit-doesn't have the money for moving, rent or utilities.)

PBS chief to address future of public TV (PBS president Pat Mitchell will speak at the Main Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library on "The Future of Public Television" and take questions afterward.)

Kids get creative: with paint and junk (Jessamine County Public Library put on its first-ever Art Day for elementary school age children on July 12 right outside the library's building in an adjacent parking lot. About 500 people showed up.)

House to Take Up Patriot Act Extension (The House of Representatives is set to open debate Thursday on the future of the USA Patriot Act. The House vote on whether to extend the government's counterterrorism powers will be the first time either chamber of Congress has considered the act as a whole since it was passed by wide margins just weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks. Officials expect daylong debate on the House floor on Thursday, with a vote probably Friday. The Senate must still consider competing versions of its own. The House appears likely to make main parts of the act permanent, but in what form remains unclear. The Rules Committee decided to include 20 of 47 offered amendments in the bill that the House will consider. Nine of the amendments were offered by Republicans and six by Democrats; the remaining five were bipartisan. The committee refused to include an amendment to prevent the Justice Department from obtaining library and bookstore records, as well as several other amendments to force reconsideration of certain Patriot Act provisions in 4 years instead of 10, as is proposed in the final bill sent to the House.)

Books capture kids' imaginations (When Lucy Buchwald was hired on as the supervisory librarian at Barr Memorial Library on Fort Knox last October, one of the things she began concentrating on was youth readership. The library hosted its first full-fledged summer reading program beginning June 1, which will culminate with an ice cream social Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. in the Leaders Club. Children up to age 13 have been recording the amount of time they have read, or been read to, over the summer, with the minimum time being 10 hours.)

Homemakers host party to promote 150-year birthday cookbook (The Rowan County Homemakers Association hosted a Tasting Party this week at the Rowan County Public Library to promote its cookbook celebrating the county's 150-year history. As their way of contributing to Rowan County's Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2006, the homemakers put together a cookbook featuring just under 500 recipes. The recipes are a mix of modern and old recipes that have been in the homemakers' families for decades.)

Library Happenings (The College Info Road Show will be spending the day at the Greenup County Public Library. The Read Show provides access to career, financial aid, and educational information.)

Unseen Hands: Women Printers, Binders and Book Designers (This exhibit documents how "women have been involved in printing

and the making of books ever since these crafts were first developed." Offers a brief introduction about women in book printing from the 15th through 20th centuries and four ways to browse the collection: by image (the "thumbnail gallery"), name, occupation, and date. From Princeton University Library, Graphic Arts Collection.)

The Official U.S. Time (Accurate to within 1 second. Pick a time zone in the United States or its territories. The official U.S. government time is

displayed in large, easy-to-read numerals, along with the coordinated universal time and a world map displaying where the sun is shining. "Time Exhibits" provides information about Daylight Saving Time, calendars, clocks, watches, timekeeping, and more. From the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)and the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO).

House votes to extend Patriot Act (The House of Representatives voted to extend indefinitely the anti-terrorist USA Patriot Act, while limiting to 10 years two provisions of the law that have become linchpins in the ongoing congressional debate: allowing federal agents to use roving wiretaps and to search library and medical records. By a 257-171 margin, lawmakers agreed to renew key provisions of the Patriot Act that were set to expire at the end of this year. One amendment, passed 402-26, would require the FBI director to personally approve any request for library or bookstore records. Another successful amendment calls for a 20-year jail term for an attack against a rail or mass-transit vehicle; a 30-year sentence if the vehicle carries nuclear material; and life imprisonment - with the possibility of the death penalty - if anyone is killed in such an attack.)

THE CASE OF THE VANISHING STONE: STONE DISPLAY, CARVED BY 25 CHILDREN, DISAPPEARS FROM A LEXINGTON LIBRARY (A 10-inch by 15-inch stone carving created by 25 children on July 12 as part of a summer reading program activity at the Northside Branch library was stolen. The six branches of the Lexington Library paid stone carvers Albert Nelson and his wife Penny, of Louisville, about $200 each to visit their library and teach the youngsters some tricks of the carving trade. The children at Northside spent two hours on their block, which read "IMAGINE" and featured a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. They displayed the artwork in a small garden, just outside the library's front door.)

Parents learn to improve lives (Step Together And Reach Success (STARS) program within Skilltrain, the Kentucky Adult Education provider for Daviess County at Owensboro Community & Technical College's Frederica Street campus employs four levels of support to help individuals reach their literacy goals: adult's education, child's education, parent and child time together and parenting resources. Parents who finish STARS also can earn a computer. Allen and the participants track the time spent at home and with instructors working on the 40 steps. Forty sounds like a lot of steps, but many are easily attainable such as getting a Daviess County Public Library card, Allen said. Free bus passes are provided for participants who may need transportation to the library.)

Library Leader Questions Patriot Act (Michael Gorman, British-born librarian and president of the American Library Association, has one word for the USA Patriot Act's so-called library clause -- ``Kafkaesque.'' “It's very reminiscent of the '50s and the 'red scare' where people showed up at libraries trying to find which political books professors had read, because they were going to be put on a communist list or something.” In a move to add civil liberty safeguards, it also passed an amendment requiring the director of the FBI to personally approve all requests for library or bookstore records. Despite the Justice Department's contention that the Patriot Act has not been used to seek personal data about library users, librarians said in a survey that law enforcement had sought that information at least 268 times since 2001.)

Community Calendar: Week of July 24 (Campbell County Public Library programs: 1) Make it, Take it Craft. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch.; 2) Movie Night. Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch. We'll show an appropriate teen movie that has knights or a Middle Ages theme. Snacks will be provided. For ages 11 and up.; 3) Weekly Movie. Cold Spring Branch. Come and watch a movie with us! We will show a popular children's movie every Friday this summer; especially for ages 6 to 11.)

Community Calendar: Week of July 24 (Boone County Public Library programs: 1) Paper Fantasies (all ages) Lents and Florence Branch.

Join Jonathan Heart, Cincinnati's origami wizard, for hands-on, fast-paced fun with zany audience participation. No registration needed.; 2) Knitting Socks. Scheben Branch. Learn the elements of creating turns and shapes as you make a large sample. Bring a skein of knitting worsted and a set of #7 or #8 double pointed needles.)

KDLA has hired Kathy Siry to be the new Bluegrass Regional Consultant. She has an MLS from the University of Kentucky and over 18 years of library experience in Kentucky and Ohio. She has served as a Branch Manager for the Clermont County Public Library in Ohio and as Head of Conservation, Binding and Processing at the University of Cincinnati. She will start on July 27. It has also hired Charlotte McIntosh to be the new Northern Kentucky Regional Consultant. Charlotte has an MLS from the University of Kentucky and also has over 18 years of library work experience. She comes to us from the University of Tennessee, where she established and currently oversees the West Tennessee Office for the Tennessee Newspaper Project. She will start on August 1. The will both be based in the regional office located in Jessamine County.

21 NAMED TO JUDICIAL CONDUCT PANEL (Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert announced yesterday that 21 persons have agreed to serve on the first Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee in Kentucky. The independent panel, chaired by former state appellate judge Tony Wilhoit, is to encourage ethical campaign behavior in judicial races. The panel includes Marie Liang, director of the McCracken County Public Library.)

THE KID ZONE: Fun stuff for the family (Lexington Public Library programs: 1) Dragon Stories. 10 a.m. today. For ages 3 to 5. Northside Branch.; 2) Secrets of Handwriting Analysis. For ages 13 and older. Eagle Creek Branch.; 3) Make a Fragrant Pomander. For ages 8 and older. Northside Branch.; 4) Magical Storytime. Central Library.; 5) Library Puppeteers presents Pondlarker. Eagle Creek Branch.; 6) King Arthur Stories and Activities. Northside Branch.; 7) The Kooky world of Komix. For ages 8 and older. Village Branch.; 8) Knighting Day. Tates Creek Branch.; 9) Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party with Klutz E. Klown. Eagle Creek Branch.; 10) Children's Movie. For ages 5 and older. Northside Branch.; 11) G'Day Jackeroos and Jilleroos. Central Library.)

Summer reading finale Thursday (Boyd County Public Library's summer reading program ends with the READaissance Fair. Participants of the six-week program will be treated to attractions such as a wandering magician and a water balloon catapult, games such as Pin the Flame on the Dragon and a bean bag toss, and activities such as bracelet-making and face painting. Participants can win "Castle Cash," which they can use to buy medieval merchandise. Ohio University Southern professor Bob Culp, also known as Mr. Science, will perform a variety of experiments starting at 5:15 p.m. In case of rain, the event will be held inside the library. "Dragons, Deeds and Daring Deeds" was the theme of summer reading program for children through eighth grade; teens participated in "Joust Read." Both programs wrapped up last week. There were 200 participants.)

Casey library wins autographed Harry Potter book (Children's librarian Elizabeth Roy at the Casey County Public Library won a signed copy of the new "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling of Edinburgh, Scotland by entering a contest on the Scholastic.Com Web site. Casey County library was one of several libraries across the nation that won an autographed book. The Potter book with a signed bookplate from Rowling will be mailed to the local library, the only library in Kentucky to win one.)

Casey library plans yard sale (Casey County Public Library will hold a naked (no clothing) yard sale.)

Judge sentences woman to read to kids (BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- A judge ordered a young mother convicted in a drug case to spend 200 hours at the library reading to her children or listening to them read to her. Wood County Common Pleas Judge Alan Mayberry said he got the idea after talking with his wife, an elementary schoolteacher, about the number of parents who don't read to their children. The Wood County District Public Library in this northwest Ohio town, said her staff will help pick out appropriate books.)

North Branch, Hardin County Public Library, August Calendar (1) August 10. Nancy Renick of the Speed Art Museum of Louisville

will present a slide show featuring the highlights of the museum’s collection.; 2 August 15. Bariatric Surgery Support Group, weight loss support group.; 3) August 17. Lunch at the Library. Bring your lunch and your parent or grandparent to celebrate the world of Roald Dahl

and take a trip “of pure imagination” with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.; 4) August 23. Learn the art of knitting! Barbara Cross of the Hardin County Extension Homemakers, a Master Volunteer, will be on hand to advise and instruct those in their projects and teach the basics.)

Learning from trash talk : BG unveils trash-can character to teach kids the benefits of recycling (Unveiled Monday by the city of Bowling Green and Operation P.R.I.D.E., Stanley the Trash Can is a life-sized trash can mascot designed to teach children about the dangers of littering and the benefits of recycling. Stanley made his first appearance in front of a small crowd gathered at the Depot Branch of the Bowling Green Public Library, drawing applause from onlookers.)

Children's Book Author Woolley Dies at 100 (Catherine Woolley, who wrote 87 children's books under her name and the pen name Jane Thayer, has died at age 100. Her first book, ''I Like Trains,'' was published in 1944; her last, ''Writing for Children,'' in 1989.)

Patriot Act: Security measure still has its flaws (Editorial. The House recently made 14 of the Patriot Act's expiring provisions permanent and extended two others. The House also failed to fix the act's "library provision," which allows agents to subpoena library and other records solely on the claim they are relevant to national security or a terrorism investigation. Lawmakers extended the provision for 10 years and claimed to provide greater safeguards by passing an amendment requiring that all future searches be personally approved by the director of the FBI. The important issue for us with the library provision, however, has been that while the Patriot Act requires a court order for a subpoena, judges have to accept the "relevance" claim at face value. The House tried to curb this overreach with an amendment that does indeed allow such warrants to be challenged in court. But the amendment also set conditions that make it almost impossible for a defendant to prevail.)

Librarian wins signed Harry Potter book (An autographed copy of the new Harry Potter book is on its way to Casey County Public Library. Elizabeth Roy, a Casey County Public Librarian, won a signed copy of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by entering a contest on the Internet.)

State's kids face 'perfect storm': Kentucky tumbles to 42nd among states (Kentucky ranks 42nd nationally on the most recent KIDS COUNT survey -- its lowest ranking since the Annie E. Casey Foundation began publishing the survey 16 years ago. The latest version shows the state slipped in six of the 10 indicators. They include childhood and teen death rates, childhood poverty, children with low birth weights and percentage of children in single-family households. The state did improve in the percentage of teen birth rates and teens who are high school dropouts. It remained unchanged in infant mortality rate and percentage of teens not in school and not working.)

Strike Zone Lanes gives free bowling to support YMCA, D.A.R.E., library (This summer, Strike Zone Lanes is using free bowling to support major non-profit programs and to demonstrate that bowling is a 12-month, life-long sport. More than 600 participants in the Jessamine County Public Library's Summer Reading Program received letters from Strike Zone granting each a free bowling party for up to 10 guests.)

National Sex Offender Public Registry ("Coordinated by the Department of Justice, [this website] is a cooperative effort between the state agencies hosting public sexual offender registries and the federal government. This website is a search tool allowing a user to submit a single national query to obtain information about sex offenders through a number of search options" combined with state(s), including name, ZIP code, and location. Searches include more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Includes Kentucky and Ohio.)

Revising Himself: Walt Whitman and "Leaves of Grass" (An exhibition from the Library of Congress American Treasures commemorating the publication of "Leaves of Grass" in 1855. It "traces the different occupations and preparations that led Whitman to become the author of 'Leaves of Grass,' as well as his subsequent evolution as a poet." Features a biography, with images of books, letters, manuscripts, photographs, and related items. Includes letters from individuals such as Oscar Wilde and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Web site will track Kentucky legislation (Voters will be able to track the bills and legislation moved through the Kentucky General Assembly using a new Web site being created by the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions. The site will contain voting records, plain language descriptions of proposed legislation, a place for residents to debate legislation and information about how to contact elected officials. The site will go live in October, so voters can read all of the prefiled bills. The nonpartisan Web site is called KentuckyVotes.org. A copy of the Legislative Record is on file at public libraries. It reports on the activity of Senate and House bills, but doesn't include individual votes. A free copy is provided to the libraries by the LRC. It is a reference document, and can't be checked out, but it can be reviewed during any library's hours. )

Area Happenings (Works by Virginia Robertson, through August, Boyle County Public Library. Sponsored by Gathering Artists.)

'Youthful Views' photo exhibit coming up (A photography exhibit by three Henderson photographers will open in the Rotunda Gallery at Henderson County Public Library. Presented by Ohio Valley Art League, "Youthful Views" will feature the work of Isaac Gadient, Lacey Peckenpaugh and Jessica McDaniel.)

East End: Happenings (Louisville Public Library programs: 1) Summer Reading Finale. St. Matthews/Eline (11 a.m. for preschoolers and 2 p.m. school age children), Crescent Hil, Bon Air, and Highlands/Shelby Park Branches.; 2) Introduction to Library Databases. St. Matthews/Eline Branch.; 3)Senior Tuesdays Healthy Lifestyle Series: Dispelling Myths About Alzheimer's Disease. Crescent Hill Branch.; 3) Dungeons and Dragons. Highlands/Shelby Park Branch. For ages 13-19.; 4) Internet Basics. Highlands/Shelby Park Branch.; 5) Coloring Craze. Bon Air Branch. For children ages 3 and older.; 6) Internet Basics Class. Jeffersontown Branch.; 7) A knitting program. Bon Air Branch.; 8) Megablock Madness. Bon Air Branch. For children ages 3 and older. Megabuilding with Megablocks.; 9) Mr. Mustache Magic Show. Jeffersontown Branch. For children of all ages.; 10) A musical program. Bon Air Branch. John Gage and his Ecuadorian partner, Fernando Moya will perform.; 11) A program on President Thomas Jefferson. Jeffersontown Branch. Speaker: history teacher Maurice Woods.; 12) Straw Painting Program. Bon Air Branch. Those attending will paint with straws. For ages 13-19.; 13) Swing Street Band and Ice Cream Social. Bon Air Branch. Enjoy an evening of musical entertainment. Sponsor: Bon Air Friends of the Library.; 14) An E-mail program. Bon Air Branch.) Louisville Courier-Journal. July 27, 2005

East County: Happenings (Louisville Public Library programs: 1) The Wall That Heals. Middletown Branch. Learn about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica coming to the branch in August. 2) Internet Basics. Middletown Branch.; 3)Westport Library Teen Group. Westport Branch. For ages 11-16.; 4) Zippo the Clown. Westport Branch. For all ages.; 5) Coloring Craze. Bon Air Branch. For ages 3 and older.; 6) Internet Basics Class.

City: Happenings (Louisville Public Library programs: 1) Bid Whist. Shawnee Branch. For adults only.; 2) Diary of Anne Frank: The Last Entry Anniversary. Shawnee Branch. For ages 12 and older.; 3) Dungeons and Dragons. Highlands/Shelby Park Branch. For ages 13-19.; 4) Financial Literacy Workshop. Main branch. Topic: "Using Credit and Getting It Right." The library is presenting this workshop in partnership with the Center for Women and Families.; 5) Summer Reading Finale programs, Highlands/Shelby Park Branch. For all ages., Portland Branch. Crafts, games, prizes and refreshments will be featured., Western Branch. Celebrate the end of summer reading with fun, games and prizes.; 6) Intermediate Microsoft Word. Main branch.; 7) Internet Basics. Highlands/Shelby Park Branch.; 8) Keyboarding Workshop. Main branch.;

9) Windows Basics. Shawnee Branch.; 10) Windows and Internet Basics. Western Branch.)

South End: Happenings (Louisville Public Library programs: 1) An Afternoon of Anime. Southwest Branch. For ages 11-19.; 2) Chocolate Checkers. Iroquois Branch. For ages 5 and older.; 3) Family Thursday. Fairdale Branch. Activity: games. For ages 11 and older.; 4) Friends of the Library meeting. Fairdale Branch.; 5) Palette Club of Kentucky Exhibit. Southwest Branch.; 6) A photograph exhibit, throughout August and September at Fairdale Branch. Photographs by Dale Ferguson will be displayed.; 7) Preserving What You Grow. Iroquois Branch. Learn how to can, freeze and dry the food that you grow.; 8) Summer Reading Finale programs: Fairdale Branch, Zippo the Clown and the River City Drum Corp will entertain. Iroquois Branch, crafts and storytelling with Suzi Schumann, and a celebration of the end of summer reading. Shively-Newman Branch, crafts, games, prizes and refreshments available. Southwest Branch, a reading parade finale with storyteller Thomas Freese. Turn in summer reading folders and collect prizes.; 9) Teen Craft. Iroquois Branch. For ages 11-18.; 10) Business cards with Microsoft Publisher. Iroquois Branch.; 11) Internet Basics. Iroquois Branch.; 12) Introduction to Computer Basics. Southwest Branch.)

Mid-County: Happenings (Louisville Public Library programs: 1) Horse Sense. Fern Creek Branch. For ages 5 and older. Learn about thoroughbreds with the experts from the Kentucky Derby Museum.; 2) Impressionism for Kids with the Speed Art Museum. Fern Creek Branch. The Speed Art Museum and the library are co-sponsoring the class for children ages 9-12.; 3) A photograph exhibit, throughout August and September at Fairdale Branch. Photographs by Dale Ferguson will be displayed.; 4) Summer Reading Finale programs: Bon Air Branch, The Blue Apple Players will lead the program with lively, interactive storytelling. Fern Creek Branch, The Terpsichore Dance Co. will entertain. Okolona.; 5) Wilderness Road Writers Group, Monday at Okolona. Call the branch for time and topic.)

Shively library is site for kids' painting class (Youth apprentices from the Speed Art Museum will teach children ages 9-12 at the Shively Newman branch of the Louisville Free Public Library about Claude Monet and other Impressionist painters. Participants will be encouraged to explore their own impressionistic talent.)

Spanish-language event comes to Iroquois Library (¿Hablas Espanol? A Spanish-language education group called Los Monitos ("The Little Monkeys") will present stories and songs in Spanish for children 4 and older at the Iroquois branch of the Louisville Free Public Library. The free program, which will include instruction in Spanish vocabulary, is designed both for youngsters who speak Spanish and for those who don't.) Louisville

Author, entertainer hosts library party (Growing up, the one rule everyone learns about the library is there has to be silence. However, for an hour Wednesday morning author, illustrator and entertainer Chris Rumble encouraged a group of kids to break the rule at the Calloway County Public Library. Rumble, known as the Reading Guitar Man, sang parodies of rock and roll classics such as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and The Monkees "I'm a Believer." The lyrics were all about reading trying to convey Rumble's message to everyone that reading is a cool thing to do.)

County considers digital software for records (Calloway County Fiscal Court is now considering the installation of digital software equipment that magistrates hope will help organize, store and provide faster access to a mountain of paperwork produced daily at the county clerk's office. Digital Records Management Inc., of Paducah, provides computer hardware and software that will provide "virtually unlimited" storage space for vital county records as well as allowing a more efficient way for deputy clerks or the public to search for and print copies of important documents. The system is now in use in Marshall, Trigg, Ballard and other counties as well as at the state level.)

After 23 years, building is too small (The open and attractive first-floor lobby of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

(KDLA) building is becoming cluttered and dismal as rows of tall metal shelves are being assembled to store large Braille books. The large wooden sculpture in the shape of Kentucky has been moved from its prominent place in the lobby to a temporary spot by a side wall near the front doors.)

Once a slur, now a source of pride (Dozens of Melungeon descendants gathered in Frankfort to shed the stigma that plagued their ancestors and try to grasp their mysterious heritage. The Melungeons have been described as a "tri-racial isolate," with a mixture of white, black and Native American ancestry. Others have claimed Portuguese and Turkish lineage. They often have olive skin, black hair and blue eyes, setting them apart from Scotch-Irish settlers in their native Appalachia. The group has been there for more than two centuries, enduring discrimination until recently. There are thought to be 50,000 to 100,000 Melungeons living in the United States today, still concentrated in

Union leader predicts more library activity (Some Ohio library workers - facing pay freezes, pay cuts and sometimes job losses as state money dwindles - are getting organized. Workers are organized at 26 of the state's 251 local library systems, according to the State Employment Relations Board. SEIU covers 13 of those systems, and a half dozen other unions share the remaining 13.)

Community Calendar: Week of July 31 (Boone County Public Library programs: 1) Crafters’ Exchange. Florence Branch. Work on crafts - half finished or brand new - and exchange ideas.; 2) Chinese Calligraphy. Walton Branch. Try your hand at Chinese calligraphy using a real Fude.; 3) From Garden to Kitchen. Scheben Library. Garden experts Rita Heikenfeld and Ron Wilson provide lots of ideas for using the flowers and herbs in your garden to create tasty, colorful meals and snacks.; 4) Beginners Scrapbooking. Florence Branch. A continuation of the July 14 program, but also open to first-timers.; 5) Novice Bridge. Scheben Branch Library. Novice and patient intermediate players meet to improve their skills twice a week for two hours..; 6) It's the Stars: Introduction to Astrology. Lents Branch. Your horoscope, or birth chart, is an astrological map for the moment you were born. Astrologer Sandra Seiber presents a practical guide for beginning Astrology students as well as those just interested in understanding their own horoscope.; 7) Visiting Graceland. Walton Branch. Watch a fascinating trip report from this rock 'n' roll landmark.)

Community Calendar: Week of July 31 (Kenton County Public Library programs: 1) Free Movies. Mary Ann Mongan Library. There will be morning movie and a teen night movie.; 2) Book Discussion. Mary Ann Mongan Library. Discuss books: Easter Island, My Sister's Keeper, Under the Banner of Heaven.; 3) Muggles Only. Scheben Branch Library. Discussion of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.")