Programs Galore!

Need something to do during April? The library has you covered.

On the 16^th and 23^rd the library continues its Film Series with Annie Hall and Airplane!, respectively. Beginning at 5:30 in the Main Meeting Room at the Main Branch, come enjoy a classic film for free!

Want to learn to use a computer, find a job, or use the library? Our computer classes are as follows:

April 20^th, 4 PM: Facebook – Learn to use the top social networking site on the internet!

April 16^th and 20^th 6 PM: Job Hunting Skills – Learn to create resumes and find using online resources.

April 27^th 4 PM: Library Secrets Revealed – Unsure how to use our website and catalog? You will be amazed at what you can learn by taking this class!

April 28^th 4 PM: Computer Basics – If you find computers difficult to use you will not after taking this course!

On Tuesday, April 21^st remember the heroic Anne Frank in the film Anne Frank: Life of a Young Girl in the Main Meeting Room at the Main Library.

Have children? Both the Main and Wesmark branches have Storytime. Call the Wesmark branch at 803-469-8110 or the Main branch at 803-773-7273 for more information.

On April 29^th at 10 AM representatives from Kuder Journey will be here to show you how to use their website to help guide you in starting a new career. Sign up at the Reference Desk or call 803-773-7273.

As always, we appreciate your support of the library. Thank you.

We Have Much In Store For You!

The Spring and Summer looks to be an exciting time here at the Sumter County Library. We are receiving great new books for all of you to checkout and enjoy. Here are a few new non-fiction titles available from the Main Branch:

The New Book of Lists by David Wallechinsky and Amy Wallace.

Do you love random information about anything in the world? This exciting book has hundreds of lists on various topics including music, movies, art, pop culture, history and other subjects. Fill your brain with all the lists you can handle!

Decoding the Heavens by Jo Marchant.

Lying in a museum are two pieces of cardboard in the glass case. That’s what it looks like, at least. On closer inspection the pieces of cardboard are actually wheels and calculating devices dating back 2000 years ago. The Antikythera Mechanism is a two millennia old ancient computer from Greece which remains one of the world’s most intriguing mysteries.

The Carolinas, Georgia, and the South presented by Lonely Planet Travel Guides.

With the economy in such a slump, affordable and interesting travel is at a premium. With over 65 itineraries throughout the South this book will give you ideas for fun and interesting trips in our region of the country without breaking the bank!

Cloris: My Autobiography by Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman has been a Hollywood and entertainment staple for around 60 years. With her latest appearance on Dancing With the Stars, Leachman has experienced a career resurgence over the past couple of years. Read about her life experiences in this exclusive look on a lasting legend.

In addition to new titles, the library has a wealth of classes, programs and information. Beginning April 2^nd, the Main Library will begin its 2009 Film Series. We will show classic films based on three topics: 20^th century comedies, books as good as the movies and musicals. For a complete listing visit our website and click Library Programs.

From April to June we are offering computer classes on Facebook.com, basic computer skills, using the library and job hunting skills. To sign up, visit our Main branch or call 773-7273.

If you own a small business, it is valuable for you to understand how taxes affect your business. At the library we have a wealth of tax information for your business. Please stop by the Main branch and ask one of our friendly reference librarians about our resources.

Come and visit your library to see what we have to offer and we would love to hear feedback about what you would like to see happen here in the future!

-Ford Simmons, Reference Librarian, Main branch

Upcoming Events

As part of our continuing effort to provide a variety of programs for the community, the Sumter County Library will be offering both a new round of computer classes as well as a new installment of our popular film series. You can find details on dates and times by clicking the Library Programs link on our homepage. While you are exploring the Library website, make sure and check the flickr link. It will show you many pictures taken during Library events. Don't forget to check our monthly calendar as well. Plans are currently underway to change both the look and address of the Library website, so keep checking back.
Our Children's Department, in addition to regular storytimes and movie showings, is planning a program for this spring based on the annual Day of the Child/Day of the Book (El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros) celebration. They also have many activities planned for this years Summer Reading Program - details will be available in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead to the fall, the 4th Annual Forrest Ray 5K is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. The much anticipated Friends of the Library Book Sale should be taking place in November.
We have a couple of efforts that are ongoing. In partnership with the City of Sumter, the Library is sponsoring the Classic Movie nights at the Opera House. These are held on the second Friday of each month with showtime at 7:00 pm. The Library has also been providing book reviews penned by staff members for the Sunday Item. These reviews highlight parts of our varied collection - so make sure and look for us in the Item.
Robert Harden

The new year is bringing with it some very cold weather, a few snow flurries (which pushed the Library's opening time back an hour one day this past week), a new president, and other changes. Every year presents its own particular brand of change and challenges to be met. One of the challenges your public library will be meeting this year, along with everyone else, are the difficult economic times we find ourselves facing. We will be doing all we can to offer the best programs and services we can with the resources we have available.
One of our greatest resources are the people who help out and partner with the Sumter County Library. Our Friends group continues to be one of the mainstays of our support. They recently purchased some equipment for the Library that we would not have been able to obtain otherwise. Among other items, they purchased a document camera that has greatly enhanced storytime programs at the Library. The Friends have also pledged their help with Library programming and this years Summer Reading Program.
We also have many other friends who show their support through monetary contributions. The Library recently received generous donations from the Wal-Mart Foundation and the GFWC Bicentennial Woman's Club of Sumter. These kind and timely gifts will be used to purchase materials for our Children's Department. We have also partnered with the City of Sumter for Classic Movie Nights at the Opera House. Movies are shown on the big screen the second Friday of each month at 7:00 pm. North by Northwest, the Maltese Falcon, Stagecoach and a Night at the Opera are a few upcoming attractions.
The Library hopes to offer a variety of unique programs this year. Our Children's Department is planning a very special program for Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 31st. We plan to have a "dragon" powered by nine people inside. Call the Library for further details. Our present round of computer classes will be winding up next month. We currently plan on offering another series in the fall. In the meantime, the Shepherd's Center is holding computer classes at the Library on Thursday mornings. We hope to begin another round in our Film Series later in the Spring and the Wesmark Book Club continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month. For further information on the Book Club, call 469-8110.
The Library was fortunate to be able to purchase new computers for our Children's Department last year. Along with the new computers, new software programs have been installed. Our youngest patrons have been enjoying several of the JumpStart series, Spelling and Math Blaster, Grammar Made EZ, My First Amazing Science Explorer, Learn About Dinosaurs, and Reader Rabbit among others. We were also able to purchase Early Literacy Stations in both English and Spanish. These computers will have an assortment of fun and educational games and programs for children. The Library was able to purchase these Literacy Stations through a Library Services and Technology Act grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the South Carolina State Library.
Finally, your Sumter County Library greatly appreciates the support we receive from the community and especially from the Friends of the Library. Please consider joining if you haven't already. Applications are available at each Library location and can also be printed out from the Library website. And BTW, keep checking back at our website - we have a few changes we hope to be implementing soon. Change and challenges - your local Library plans to make the best we can of both.
Robert Harden - Director

Forrest Ray 5K 2008 - a great success

The Third Annual Forrest Ray 5K Run/Walk was held this past Saturday, October 11th and was a great success. We had 148 runners and walkers brave the wet, breezy conditions to help support and raise money for our Library. The overall winner, for the third year in a row, was Trey Parker of Wilson Hall. His fellow Barron, Joshua Jennings finished second, and Reid Schwartz was third. Wilson Hall took the school participation plaque, and the Military Squadron/Unit participation plaque went to the 609 ACOMS/AFCENT A60. A complete list of the winners in each category as well as the times for all those who tied a chip to their shoelace can be found at strictlyrunning.com or by clicking on the link on the Library website homepage. Check out our FlickR account as well – also accessible from the Library homepage. There are some great pictures from this year’s race. I had the opportunity to participate in this years 5K and finished 63rd. I’ve got some work to do to prepare for next year. Go ahead and mark it on your calendars – Saturday, October 10th, 2009 @ 9:00 am at the Downtown Library.
Despite the weather, everyone seemed to have a good time. We at the Library are particularly appreciative of the support by all those who participate and volunteer. Very special thanks go out to our presenting sponsor, SAFE Credit Union. We’d also like to thank our other sponsors, Adams Outdoor, BiLo Charities, Body By Sue, Central Carolina Technical College, Chick-Fil-A, 1895 Inn Savannah, Friends of the Sumter County Library, Kiwanis Club of Sumter, Logistics Officer Association, Piggly Wiggly, Sumter County Active Lifestyles, Sumter Packaging, Thompson Industrial, and the YMCA.
Special thanks go out to all the volunteers who help this event come together each year. Thanks to the members of the race committee who meet throughout the spring, summer and early fall to make sure every T is crossed and every I dotted. Thanks to Girl Scout Troops 2586 and 2250 for being at the water stations and cheering on the runners – their enthusiasm and high sprits contribute to the race every year. The USC Fire Ants softball teams have helped out the last couple of years – taking on the very important task of helping direct runners and walkers on the race route. Sumter City and County Law Enforcement helped direct traffic – many, many thanks for your support. Palmer Memorial Chapel provided covering – especially appreciated on a rainy day. The Friends of the Library also helped out in many ways – filling race bags (with help from the Girl Scouts!), taking care of intersections, and helping out in many different ways before and during the race. The staff of the Sumter County Library deserves a special hand for going above and beyond their regular responsibilities to collect coupons, distribute posters, put together displays, serve on the race committee, and come in on their day off to volunteer for race day.
Many different people and organizations helped out by providing materials for the “goody” bags we have for participants in the 5K. We received items from our local Armed Services Recruiters, Sumter County Active Lifestyles, and Runner’s World. Coupons were donated by Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Zaxby’s, Chick-Fil-A, Tranquil Journey Health & Wellness Spa, Best of Season’s, Brick Street Coffee Break, Mr. P’s Car Wash, Foo Garden, Twin Dragon, Angels Mexican Restaurant, Special Teas on Main, Hibachi Grill, Hardees, Osaka, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Busters, Palmetto Subs and Waffle House. We were able to raffle items donated by Baker’s Sweets, Mary Ann’s Deli, Ryan’s, and the Tuomey Foundation.
Special mention needs to be made of the Sumter Riding Club – the Sumter Easy Riders and Sumter Chain Gang for putting on a 30 mile charity ride in conjunction with the 5K. Thanks for helping support the Library!
Money raised from this year’s Forrest Ray 5K will continue the vision Forrest Ray had for our Library to provide the best possible services and programs we can in the best possible facilities. This year we will use the funds raised to purchase materials for our Children’s Department at all Library locations. The Forrest Ray 5K is a great community event, a great event for the Library, and this year it is helping to lend a hand to the youngest members of our community.
Again – thanks for helping your Library.
Robert Harden - Library Director

Fall Library Happenings

There are many special activities and programs coming up at your Library during the next few weeks and months. First and foremost is the running of the third annual Forrest Ray 5K Run/Walk Celebration. This event will be held on October 11, 2008 at the Main Library @ 111 N. Harvin Street. This year’s route will begin and end at the Downtown Library, winding through downtown Sumter and several historic neighborhoods. A map of the route and registration details are available on the Library website @ www.midnet.sc.edu/sumtercls. You can also register at http://www.ymcasumter.org/ or http://www.strictlyrunning.com/ . Registration on race day will begin at 8:00 am and the start time for the 5K is 9:00 am.

Fundraisers are an important way for the Library to raise money to support programs and services. Money raised from this year’s 5K will be used to purchase materials for Children’s Services. Our Children’s collection recently received a boost from a donation made by the Junior Welfare League of Sumter. Their generous contribution has allowed us to place many new titles on the shelves. We are also fortunate to receive frequent donations of children’s books from the Kiwanis.

Our Friends’ group is very active and are an invaluable help to the Library. We were recently able to purchase a Document Camera with help from the Friends. Our Children’s Librarians are very excited about this acquisition, and are looking forward to enhancing their Storytime presentations with this device.

Speaking of the Friends, the Annual Book Sale is scheduled for early November. Thursday, November 6th will be the Friends Preview Night (memberships will be available at the door for those who would like to join) and continue through November 7th, 8th, and 9th. The second weekend of the sale will be on November 14th, 15th, and 16th. We will be at the Sumter Mall again this year. Buy early and buy often. Not only will you be supporting the Friends, you will find excellent books and other items at prices that can’t be beat.

We have a film series that will begin on Tuesday, September 23rd. This falls series is entitled “Not Just for Baby Boomers – If you’ve only seen it on TV, you haven’t really seen it”. These will be shown on every other Tuesday (Election Day excepted) through December 16th. The series kicks off with A Hard Days Night, and other movies scheduled are A Streetcar Named Desire (Marlon Brando (Stella!) made his mark with this film, but it’s Vivien Leigh’s Blanche DuBois that is one of the finest performances in movie history), Dial M for Murder, Rocky (Adrian!) Harold and Maude, and Pocket Full of Miracles. Show time is 5:30 pm in the Downtown Meeting Room.

There is also a Teen Movie Night scheduled for Thursday, October 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. This is being presented in conjunction with Chestnut Oaks and Bates Middle Schools.

The South Carolina Bar has been offering a series of clinics on legal issues. There are two remaining – Wills, Estates & Probate on September 25th and Real Estate Issues on October 2nd. Each session begins at 6:00 pm at the Downtown Library in the Main Meeting Room.

Carl Winters “The Kalimba King” will be performing at the Downtown Library on Saturday, September 27th, 3:30 pm. A kalimba is a thumb piano fashioned from African gourds. The Kalimba King will put on a fifty minute program featuring spirituals, Civil Rights/Freedom songs, jazz, and blues.

Our Wesmark Branch Library has recently begun a Book Club. They meet the first Sunday of every month at the Wesmark Library from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for October 5th, and Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay is the book that will be featured. The Last Promise by Richard Paul Evans will be discussed on November 2nd, and The Covenant by Naomi Ragen on December 7th.

The Wesmark Branch has also scheduled a Halloween program for October 31st and a special program featuring “Benjamin Franklin” on November 10th at 6:30. The Downtown Library is planning a program on the subject of South Carolina Native Americans for Saturday, November 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and a “Read Along and Sing Along with Santa” for Saturday, December 6th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Please call the Library at 773-7273 (Downtown) 469-8110 (Wesmark) or 775-7132 (South Sumter) for more information on any of these events.

Robert Harden

Summer Reading Program

No flu shot is needed to Catch the Reading Bug -- the theme of this year's Summer Vacation Reading program. Designed for children ages 3 - 12 years of age, an Early Bird Sign-up will be on Thursday, May 22 during our SC-ETV's Meet & Greet Clifford the Big Red Dog event from 10 am - 12 noon at the Downtown Main Library. If unable to attend, registration officially will begin on June 4 at all branches, and the annual program will run through August 6.The purpose of Summer Vacation Reading is twofold -- to retain the skills from one school year to the next, and to instill a lifelong love of reading. For ten books read, participating children will receive a prize, and for twenty books read, children will receive a Reading Certificate of accomplishment. Many mini specials are planned throughout the nine weeks of the program; so please register and follow along with the Calendar of Events which comes with the registration packet. Happy summer reading!
Karen Edgar