Calling all knitters & crocheters...
Have we got a great way for you to meet others and to learn new ideas and patterns.  If you are currently a knitter/crocheter you are welcome to meet with a group that gets together every other Tuesday. They started back up on January 6th and they will have met again this month on January 20th. Next month, they will meet Tuesday, February 3rd and the 17th from 7-8 p.m.   If you would like to learn to knit or crochet have we got the right people for the job.  We have 2 of the most caring & patient teachers, whom are so dedicated to helping you learn. So we offer a class for those who want to learn knitting and crocheting and we also offer a wonderful opportunity for those who already knit/crochet to come together to share ideas and conversation with others in our group.

The library offers scrapbookers a place to come together to share their ideas and their hobby. We have a scrapbooking group that shares their ideas and our wonderful teacher, Mary Pothast, is there to help you get started or to help spark an idea. She also brings various paper, stamps, scissors, punches, etc. for you to use. You may purchase and complete a page for $1.00. Come to create your albums or pages and hang out with others who enjoy doing the same thing you do- capturing those special moments and finding just the right way to accentuate them. They meet every other Tuesday also. Same dates as the Knitters/Crocheters but they meet from 7-9 p.m. So they will meet Tuesday, February 3rd and the 17th. Ages 10 and up are welcome to join these groups. 

Be sure to check out our website often for other Library Happenings. www.melbourne.lib.ia.us  We also have a news blog that you may subscribe to on our website and post comments. This is located on our homepage. We have one for the Young Adults also. Theirs is found on the Teen Tab, just click on the Teen Scene Blog. We try to keep these updated so you know what’s going on here at the library and other things for “your information.”  Until next time, Happy Reading!

My husband and I are expecting a new baby in February of 2009. I will be having a maternity leave as soon as baby comes so there will not be any children and teen programs at the library during my leave. (As I am the one who works with this age group.) I will try to keep you aware of when the programs will stop and then again when they will start back up. Please watch for advertising and you can always check our website www.melbourne.lib.ia.us I will be leaving you in good hands- Karen and Rita will help you the best they can with your library needs while I am away.   These girls are great and are ready to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to let them know what you need. 

     With the economy the way that it is this can be a very stressful time in life.  Your library cares about the hard times that you may be experiencing and want you to know we are here to help you find ways to deal with these difficult times.  Remember how much your library can help you out as you’ve decided to get rid of certain extras in your home. We have high speed internet here at the library, we have 6 public computers for you to use, we offer wireless internet for those that have access to laptops. Who says you still can’t check your email or chat online to family just like you did in your home? We provide this service for you for free. Please feel free to stop in during business hours to use our computers or wireless internet. 
     We also know that many of you have given up buying books, books on tape or CD, magazine subscriptions, movies, & even cable TV. We have a wide variety of books, audios, magazine subscriptions for men, women, & children; and movies. All of the above is free with a library card. We know that at times we won’t have what you are looking for, but please let us know so that we can get you what you want- that’s why we’re here. We participate in the Interlibrary Loan program and we can borrow from many libraries in the state to get you what you need. For the most part, this service is free of charge to you.  

Children need education and entertainment and it’s important for it to be free.  We have many board games, learning kits, busy bags, & activities & programs that they can come participate in. We have:
Kids' First is our after school program for children who are in kindergarten on up. We meet every Tuesday from 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. We have stories, games, crafts, and a snack is provided.
Story hour is for 3, 4, & 5 yr. olds who are in preschool and this meets Tuesdays from 11:30-12:30 p.m. We have stories, games, finger plays, flannel boards, crafts, snack & drink.
“Teen Scene” is for the young adults- 10 yrs. on up.   We have that meets every 3^rd Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. We will have our Christmas Party this Wednesday. December 17. They will have a merry time with their friends playing our Christmas games! 

For the adults we have:
Scrapbooking: meets every other Tuesday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m. They will not meet till after the New Year.
Knitting/Crocheting Class/Group meet every other Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. If you are just starting out or would enjoy working with a group stop in. They will not meet till after the New Year.
Karen’s Coffee Clatch meets every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. for coffee, tea, friendship and fun. Stop in any time to join this friendly group.   If you have suggestions for other programs or activities please let us know.

Wednesday, November 19 from 7-8 p.m. come join us for the Teen Scene. We will be having some “Thanksgiving Tomfoolery”.  This is for 5^th graders on up. Come to the library to laugh and to strut your stuff! Hope to see you turkeys there! Gobble! Gobble!

"Knitting & Crocheting Class/Group"- We offer a class for those who want to learn knitting and crocheting.  We also offer a wonderful opportunity for those who already knit/crochet to come together to share ideas and conversation with others in our group.

"Scrapbooking"- The library offers scrapbookers a place to come together to share their ideas and their hobby.  We have a scrapbooking group that shares their ideas and our wonderful teacher, Mary Pothast, is there to help you get started or to help spark an idea.  She also brings various paper, stamps, scissors, punches, etc. for you to use. You may purchase and complete a page for $1.00.  Come to create your albums or pages and hang out with others who enjoy doing the same thing you do- capturing those special moments and finding just the right way to accentuate them.  This group will start Tuesday, September 16th from 7-9 p.m. and then will meet every other Tuesday after that.  For 10 yr. olds on up.

"Teen Scene"- Teen Scene is a program for 5th graders on up. We meet for activities, games, crafts, food and fun.  We meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month for a different program each time.  We will meet this Wednesday, September 17 from 7-8 p.m.  This program will be a game night.  We will have computer games, games on-line, plug n plays, board games, DDR, and even laser tag!  Bring your friends in for a great time and a little competition!! Many of the new games we have purchased were made possible by a special grant from the Martha Ellen Tye Foundation.  Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to provide great fun for the tweens and teens of the Melbourne area!

The "Teen Scene" will be held on Wednesday, April 16 from 7-8 p.m.  This program is for our young adults in the community.  If you are at least 10 yrs. old then you may come hang out with us here at the library.  We will be doing "Recycling Fun"  this month.  The gals will be learning how to make shiny paper beads, folded treasure boxes, and coffee filter butterflies.  The guys will be creating rotocopters, paper airplanes, and God's Eyes.  Then we will have a blast playing some great games with recyclables. 

Games @ Your Library

Have we got game? 
Yes, we got games and we want you to bring your friends out for a night of gaming at the library.  The more the merrier, right?  Also you will be able to give your input on what games the library will be purchasing next.  Be sure to be there so that your voice will be heard!  Have you got game? 
Are you up for a little competition? 
Well- BRING IT!!

Calling all readers ...We are looking for volunteers to come in during "Read Me Week"  Monday, Februrary 25 through Friday, February 29 from 4 - 4:45 p.m. daily to read to younger individuals.  We are also looking for those children who would love to be read to during this time.  So if you have younger brothers and sisters, neices and nephews, bring them in also.    Stop in to sign up for either a volunteer reader or sign up to be read to. You may sign up by contacting Tina or Ramona, by phone or email also.  Come in and find a reading buddy and open up the wonderful world of books!  For more info...

Teen Scene is a program for 5th graders on up. We meet for activities, games, crafts, food and fun.
     There will not be any "organized events" at the party. Basically, this will be an opportunity to meet people, network, find people who may share some of the same interests or hobbies you do and have fun!  You are more than welcome to bring your own friends to party with, but be sure to mingle to associate and meet others.  
     If there isn't much mingling going on we will assign you a friend- and by the end of the night you will be able to share with the group at least 3 things that you learned about this new friend!   
     There will be complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres for all.  February is "International Friendship Month" and holds a very special day of the month- a day of love- Valentine's Day!  Come join us to celebrate in friendship and love!
For More Info...

We will be having a "Game Night" here at the library on Wednesday, November 21 from 7-8 p.m.  We will be playing computer games, games on-line, plug n' plays, board games and DDR.  There will be a snack and drink provided.  Bring your friends in for a great time and to have some competition!  Get your game on!!