"What can I read this summer?"   Our staff has great ideas for you! Scroll down to see some new staff favorites for summer 2012.

            Last week I picked up Chris Cleave's new novel Gold, -- perfect to read during the summer Olympics.   Published in July, this is the story of two Olympic bike racers over the years.   Zoe and Kate participate in the 2012 London Olympics as part of the plot, but their stories go far deeper than bike-racing.   Cleave is the author of Little Bee (2009).

Several hundred people came to the "Brews for Books" fundraiser on the last Saturday of July. Over 30 local and West Coast breweries set  up tasting booths in the huge tent behind the library, and food vendors offered pulled pork, barbecue, crab cakes, and more.   Thanks to our Capital Development Committee for planning all the details of this summer fundraiser.

July has been really busy, and our collaboration for family literacy programs with Keystone Opportunity Center has brought dozens of new families into the library. In the Children's Room, over 50 kids come each week for Lunch Bunch storytime - and even more for all the other programs during the week.   Job-seekers are using computer workstations to learn to use the Internet and apply for jobs. Everyone is finding something good to read.   The library is a community treasure. Enjoy it!

 --Linda Beck, Director

  Three of our supporting municipalities have voted "yes" to increasing library funding $10/year per person. Three are still looking at their budget for 2013. YOU can speak up in favor of library funding when you attend your borough council or township supervisors meeting. The library needs your support!

    Borough and township meetings coming up:
            Souderton     Monday, August 6  --  7:30 pm
            Telford          Monday, August 6  -- 7:30 pm
            Upper Salford     Tuesday, August 14  -- 7:30 pm
     Thanks for supporting the library!

On Saturday, July 28th IVPL held its third annual BREWS FOR BOOKS. The event welcomed 400 attendees who sampled 30 West and East Coast beers.  North Penn Beverage provided several West Coast beers; local brewers, such as Free Will, Weyerbacher, Round Guys, Prism and Forest and Main, represented East Coast beers.

Attendees enthusiastically voted for their favorite home brewers.  Keystone Home Brew Supply provided gift certificates for first, second and third place winners:

First Place: Nathan Kohner of Green Lane, PA
Beer Name: Poor Yorik's Golden Shower / Beer Style: Hefeweissen
Second Place: Jeff Coleman of Perkasie, PA
Beer Name: Deserted Island / Beer Style: Coconut Stout
Third Place: Seth Marshall of Lansdale, PA
Beer Name: Tall Tale Ale / Beer Style: Belgian Wit

The rain didn't dampen the festivities in the tented event: live music, a raffle, cigars, food and presentations by Joe Sixpack and Keystone Homebrew Supply. Fest attendees and brewers were enthusiastic about the event and are already planning on attending next year's fest.

The Indian Valley Library Capital Development Committee would like to thank our sponsors: North Penn Beverage, Molly Maguires, Jesse's BBQ, Hawkeye's Country Tavern, East End Ale House, Keystone Homebrew Supply, Landis Supermarkets, and Origlio Wholesale Beer Distributor.  Kudos also go to volunteers from Telford's Trinity Church.  

To view photos of the fest, visit at http://www.facebook.com/IVPLBrewsforBooks.

Taught by Darryl Smith (adjunct professor of English, Muhlenberg College and former teacher, SAHS)

Tuesdays in September, 7-8:30 pm

Week I (Tues, September 4): Idiolects, Dialects and Languages 

Week 2 (Tues, September 11): Death of Languages 

Week 3 (Tues, September 18): Living Dialects 

Week 4 (Tues, September 25): The Future of English

More details in September's newsletter. Welcome to new learners AND those who came to the spring workshops. September workshops will include new material. Come and learn!  

Register by calling the Reference Desk, 215-723-9109.

Wednesday, September 5, 7 pm
*Note the new date.*

Learn about Monarch Butterflies in this presentation by Dave and Audrey Harding, members of Monarch Watch, an educational outreach program sponsored by the University Of Kansas.

In addition to showing live monarch butterflies and caterpillars, this presentation will include footage of the Hardings' visit to the monarch sanctuaries in Central Mexico, where they saw firsthand millions of monarchs filling the air with their flashing wings.  Adults and children of all ages are invited to attend.

Once again, the Adult Summer Reading Club is underway -- and, still, no meetings, no obligations.  Read whatever you want at your own rate, and sign a short review form (look for the display near the Reference Desk).

Once a week, we'll have a drawing for a prize. No need to register first. Choose from fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, whatever suits you.

Join us for lunchtime programs on genealogy: bring a brown-bag lunch if you like.

The following Saturdays from 11am to 12:15pm:

August 11: Ellis Island or Bust???: What to do if your ancestor didn't come through Ellis Island.

September 1: Which War, When?: Getting information from an ancestor's military records (and finding out if they served).

October 20: Eroding the Brick Walls: Ways to think around your dead ends.

Meet in the PA Room or the computer lab (depending on the topic).

Register at the Reference Desk or via email:  mporter@ivpl.org.
Free and open to everyone.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lounge upon.  The library will provide the popcorn!

Fridays at Dusk (times below)

 August 3, 8:30 pm: Ghost in the Invisible Bikini Eric Von Zipper returns!  1966, NR, 82 min.

August 17, 8:00 pm: Dr. Strangelove
Kubrick classic!  1964, PG, 95 min.

September 7, 7:30 pm: MST3K: Manos Hands of Fate 
Join in the heckling! 1965, NR, 97 min.

September 14, 7:15 pm: Snow White and the 3 Stooges
Snow What on ice skates!  1961, PG, 107 min.

SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE!
September 21, 7:00 pm: King Kong vs Godzilla 1962, NR, 82 min. and Godzilla vs Biollante 1989, PG, 105 min.
More Japanese mayhem!

It's a Dickens of a Day!

Saturday, Sept 8, Noon - 2 pm 

Meet 14 local authors as you enjoy your own brown-bag lunch and try a bowl of gruel made here at IVPL.

Come early (10 am) to see a Dickens film and stay later (2:30 pm) to watch another film based on novels by one of the finest writers of English life. Enter the drawing for a Byers Choice Dickens character.

Local authors participating are Jack Althouse, Millie Janzen Balzer, Bernard F. Blanche, James R. Fox, Joan Hartenstine-Lemon, Dawn Ruth Nelson, Valerie Owens, Carol B. Polis, Christine Schmidt, Dorothy Shelly, Doug Shupinski, Paul Stankus, Brett Wallach, and Phoebe Wilcox.  

Meet Liz Moore, Author of Heft

Sunday, Sept 16 3:30 pm      

Meet Liz Moore, author of the new novel Heft, published by Norton this spring.   The theme of Heft could be "All the lonely people!" You'll meet them -and you'll want to know them-Arthur, a former college  professor, now vastly overweight and living a reclusive life in his Brooklyn apartment; Charlene, his former student whose life as she transmits it stretches the truth; and her son Kel, 17, who takes more care of his mother than she of him. It takes courage to confront new feelings; Moore explores these with compassion. Ms Moore teaches English at Holy Family University.

Meet Alan Elyshevitz, Author 

Sunday, Sept 23 2:00 pm      

Alan Elyshevitz, professor of English at Montgomery County Community College, is the author of The Widows and Orphans Fund, an eclectic collection of stories crossing American cultures, places, ideals.   His fiction has been published in Antietam Review, Briar Cliff Review, and others, and he's been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.     

New writers will be encouraged by Mr. Elyshevitz' account of the writing process and being published. Just as in Heft (above), characters in this collection strive for connection - with one another and their places in the world. Great food for thought.

Wednesday, August 15, 7-8 pm

Even Silence has an End: My six years of captivity in the Colombian Jungle, by Ingrid Betancourt, 2010.    

Betancourt, a presidential candidate in Colombia's 2002 election, was taken captive by terrorists.  This book describes her attempts to escape, the alliances and divisions among prisoners and captors, how she maintained her sanity, how she survived the physical challenges.

This book discussion is for adults or older teens. Please sign up at the reference desk if you plan to attend.

IVPL's Monday Morning Book Club meets the second Monday of every month at 10 am. We'll read books from IVPL's Book-Club-in-a-Bag.

This month we'll discuss Darkness Visible by William Styron. Please register for the book club by calling the Reference Desk 215-723-9109 or email lbeck@ivpl.org.

This book discussion returns on October 4 with Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens.

Book discussions occur from 7:00-8:30 pm on the first Thursday of every month from October through May.
There is no fee, but please register to reserve your space.

Wednesday, August 8, 2:30 - 4:00 pm 

Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley    

Interested in discussing mystery, murder, and intrigue? This group meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 2:30 - 4:00 pm. Limited copies of each book are available at the library. Call the Reference Desk to register. Check the website for future book selections.

Tuesday, August 21, 6:30 pm

Watch a movie on our big screen, and stay after to discuss it with other movie fans. Movie titles will be posted in the library.

Sunday, August 5, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Tuesday, August 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am

These are one-and-a-half hour, informal conversations that anyone is welcome to join.  Discussion topics emerge from the interest of the participants.  

Poets and poetry lovers are invited to Forgotten Voices meetings, held on the first Saturday of each month at 1 pm at the library. 

The group has been meeting at the library for more than 20 years and is led by Joanne Leva, creator of the Montgomery County Poet Laureate program.  You can share poetry that you've written, read poetry that you love, or simply listen to poetry read by others. Guest speakers are sometimes invited.

Wednesday, August 8, 7:00 pm

If you are turning 65 in 2012, or are over 65 and have questions, this Medicare program is for you.

APPRISE counselor Roy Jannenga can explain what you need to know about Medicare, which will pay more than 80% of your healthcare costs. Learn about insurance programs available to pay some of the rest.  

APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help older Pennsylvanians with Medicare.  

Always wanted to write something but weren't sure where to begin? Or are you already working on a novel, short story, or memoir? Join the IVPL Writer's Group!

Join us on Sunday, August 19 at 2:00 pm.

We will meet once a month to share work, give and receive feedback, and talk about writing. For more information, go to the Writer's Group webpage, or contact the group at ivpl-writers-group@googlegroups.com.

 Suggestions from Library Staff

Besides Gold (above), check out these new titles:

    Love, Life, and Elephants: an African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick. Published in May, this is the story of two Brits who moved to Kenya to be wardens of a huge Kenyan national park. For fans of James Herriott, Out of Africa, adventure, and real romance. "What's not to like?!" (Marilyn Derstine, reference)

            Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series.   This series has been extremely popular, "almost addictive."   Also, for those interested in literary England: Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde.   (Jennifer Shank, reference--currently at home with new twins)      

           Maisie Dobbs series (mysteries) by Jacqueline Winspear.   These titles combine the charm of Downton Abbey, the detective intrigue of Sherlock Holmes, and wartime romance all in one.   (Lindy Janson, Children's Room)

            The Man Who Quit Money by Mark Sandeen, who decided to get along (and thrive) without money, difficult to do in 2012.   Also, Planetwalker by John Francis, about the environmental impact of the San Francisco oil spill in 1971. Francis not only gave up cars and driving; he gave up speaking for 17 years.   (Deb Faulkner, librarian)

            Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox, about a 14-year-old girl's swimming obsession, which took her around the world. Also, Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall, one of many mysteries in  a series which is light and fun, good for the beach, set in India.   (Tanya Fischer, admin assistant)

            Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis.   Think of these two Hugo Award-winning books as one giant tome - a little slow to start, but once it gets going, "whiz bang! You can't put it down!"   Oxford historians from the year 2060 time travel back to WW II England. Time travel never goes according to plan. Full of twists and turns, fantastic characters, breathtaking action.     (Melanie Ford, librarian)

            The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie by Wendy McClure.   For fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder.   (Cheryl Cherry, reference) .

We challenged you to contribute one or two lines to a mystery based on one of the Mysteries of Harris Burdick posters. Here's your story.

Summer Reading Challenge

June 1-August 31

Think you can read longer than Mrs. Sara this summer or more books than Mrs. Janson? If so, join our Summer Reading Challenge by signing up to log your books online (ivpl.org) and whoever reads more minutes than Mrs. Sara will be invited to a special ice cream party in September. To qualify for the party, all logging of minutes must be done through our online program. Paper copies will not be accepted.  Keep up to date on Mrs. Sara and Mrs. Janson by checking out Mrs. Sara's blog www.mssaramakingnoise.wordpress.com and by following IVPLKids on Twitter.

Go a Little Batty Evening Encore

Wednesday, August 1, 7 pm
Join Stellaluna and her friends at the library tonight. We will learn about bats and make a bat craft.

Wish Upon a Star
Thursday, August 2, 11 am
Put your dreams on stars and we will post them on our
wall so all our library friends will see what we are wishing.

Flashlight Night
Wednesday, August 8, 7 pm
Bring your flashlight to the library tonight and we will
have stories by flashlight.

When I Grow Up Bingo
Thursday, August 9, 11 am
Dream about your future. What would you like to be when you grow up? You might see yourself on our bingo cards and win a prize.

Follow Your Dreams
Wednesday, August 15, 7 pm
Dream about your future and listen to stories about grown-up helpers. See if you spot them on your bingo card and win a prize.

Dream Big Night Hike
Friday, August 17, 8 pm
Wear comfortable clothes, sturdy old shoes, and bug spray. Bring a flashlight and we will explore the library gardens at night. Roll or stroll around the walking path. Who knows what adventures we may find.

Summer Reading Challenge

 June 1-August 31  

Think you can read longer than Mrs. Sara this summer or more books than Mrs. Janson? If so, join our Summer Reading Challenge by signing up to log your books online (ivpl.org). Whoever reads more minutes that Mrs. Sara will be invited to a special ice cream party in September. To qualify for the party, all logging of minutes must be done through our online program. Paper copies will not be accepted.  Keep up to date on Mrs. Sara and Mrs. Janson by checking out Mrs. Sara's blog www.mssaramakingnoise.wordpress.com and by following IVPLKids on Twitter.

Whoooooo Done It?
Wednesday, August 1, 7 pm
Help us solve our library mystery.

What are your big dreams?
Thursday, August 2, 11 am -
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Find out about some dream jobs from grown ups who have them and see if they match up with yours. You might even find a new dream of your own.

Dreamers Book Club
Friday, August 3, 1 pm
For Children who have completed grades 2 and 3.
Bring a brown bag lunch, munch and discuss  The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Catling. Drinks and dessert provided. Please have read The Chocolate Touch by August 3 and be ready to discuss it and make a take home craft from the story. Check with Mrs. Sara for copies of the book. Please sign up for this program by emailing sfigueroa@ivpl or calling 215-723-9109 ext.112.

Dream Big Lego Style
Tuesday, August 7, 11am-2 pm
Come to the library to build in our 3-hour LEGO competition.  You will
have to build something from your wildest dreams! Judges will choose
a winner who will be notified by phone the next day. Pizza will be
served to all children who arrive and sign in by 11:15am.

Jazz Night
Thursday, August 9, 7 pm
Go back in time to the Harlem Renaissance. Join us for art, music,
literature and fun. Learn about the Harlem Renaissance and how it
affects us today. Feeling brave? Bring your own poem to share.

Movie Makers Film Festival
Friday, August 10, 7 pm
Bring your family and friends to see what the Movie Makers Club has been working on all summer long.

Nightmare Week: Spooky Stories
Monday, August 13, 7 pm
It's Nightmare Week! Only the brave should join us to hear some
"spooky-ish" stories and fun!

Crafters Club: Monster Masks
Tuesday, August 14, 11 am
Nightmare week continues with this creepy craft. Create the monster of your nightmares and take it home to scare the monster in your closet away!

Brain Quest Caravan
Thursday, August 16, 6 pm
Think you know your trivia? Test your knowledge with Brain Quest.

Dare-to-Dream Book Club
Friday, August 17, 1 pm
For children who have complete grades 3-6. Bring your brown bag lunch to discuss the book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Drinks and
dessert will be provided. We will eat and discuss the book and create
something special from the book. Please have read Number the Stars
before Friday, August 17. Check with Mrs. Sara for copies of the
book. Please sign up for this program by emailing sfigueroa@ivpl
or calling 215-723-9109 ext.112

Dream Big Night Hike
Friday, August 17, 8 pm
Wear comfortable clothes, sturdy old shoes, and bugspray. Bring a
flashlight and we will explore the library gardens at night. Roll or
stroll around the walking path. Who knows what adventures we
may find.

13th Annual Writing Contest
Become an author and enter our 13th Annual Summer Book
Contest. Use your imagination to entertain us with a great
story. Authors will be treated to a pizza party on Tuesday,
August 14 at 6:30 p.m. and their families and friends may join
us for the awards presentation at 7:00 pm.

Entries for the book contest were due on Sunday, July 29.

Bedtime Stories

Every Wednesday evening at 7 pm through August 15. Turn off the TV and log off the computer! Use your imagination and enjoy an evening of stories and finger plays. Wear your PJs and bring the whole family. No registration required.

IVPL Kids Happenings on Twitter 

Want to find out the latest happenings in the Children's Room? Can't remember when story time starts?  Want to participate in fun contests that can win your child free books? Then follow Indian Valley Public Library Kid's Room on twitter @IVPLKids.   

Beginning June 1.

Reading  pays off  w/ us.  For every book you read this summer, fill out and enter a book review (located at the reference desk). Each week your reviews will be entered to win a prize.

Starry Night Mural
July 29-Aug 4
Color in a piece of our mural. At the end of the week we will put them all together and make something abstract.   

Book Review Binder
Aug 5- Aug 11
Fill out a book review and add it to our binder. We'll keep the binder in the YA Room for future reference.
 
Lullaby to your life
Aug 12- Aug 17
Stop in the YA Room and fill out a song play list that would be the soundtrack to your life. We'll display the lists for the rest of the summer.

Gaming Club  
Monday, August 6. Meet at 6:30 pm in the Community Room.
 

Join us to play our newest Wii games!

Bring some of your favorites and your controller!

Snacks provided! Email Ms Sara @ sfigueroa@ivpl.org for more info.

Join the Teen Advisory Board
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a group that meets every other month to plan teen programs and suggest books and other materials for the library. Join us for a meeting to hang out, get involved, and be part of your library. Fill out the online application on the Teen Page of the website if you are interested in joining.

 

Suggestions for programs? Email Ms. Sara at  sfigueroa@ivpl.org.

Every Monday afternoon at 3:00 pm in Study Room 1.

Bring your projects, ideas, knitting needles, and friends. Hot drinks, snacks, and good company guaranteed. Knitting consultations and coaching available.

Meets every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm in one of our study rooms.

Join others who love to crochet!

Support
the Library

Make donations payable to Indian Valley Public Library.
Send or drop off donations to 100 E. Church Avenue, Telford, PA 18969.

That's all for now. See you next month!

Indian Valley Public Library