Library Notes-August 18.
The Dr. Eugene Clark Library’s 2025 “Color Our World” Summer Reading Challenge Program sponsored by library, the city of Lockhart and the Friends of the Library ended July 24 with an awards ceremony and a pool party at the city park. This year 310 readers participated in the Summer Reading activities, and the Beanstalk program was again used to keep track of books and minutes, log activities and write reviews. Early readers (0-4) read a total of 1169 books while children, preteens, teens and adults logged in a total of 106,212 minutes of reading. Library Director Bertha Martinez and children’s coordinator Christine Moreno had an abundance of fun activities planned for the participants. Library events included a special Western Day with a trick roper, the Jurassic S.A. Dinosaur Experience, the Austin Reptile Show, a visit to the stars with the mobile Austin Planetarium, a Red, White, and Blue bicycle parade, a movie in the Clark building, and an 80’s Neon Party. To celebrate the Dr. Eugene Clark library’s 125th birthday on July 3, children and parents sang Happy Birthday to the library and were then treated to cake, hot dogs, and balloon creations by Jack Byrd. The top three readers in each category were awarded certificates and prizes. First place winners in each category were as follows: Early Literacy – Lucie Jimenez, Children’s (5-12) – Estrella Rodriguez, Teens (ages 13-17) – Sofia Rodriguez, and Adults – Danae Klingspore. The annual raffle drawing took place before the pool party. Prizes donated by local businesses such as board games, book sets, bicycles and a Roku TV were won by lucky summer reading participants.
Caldwell County Creatives held a very successful art show in the library’s historic Clark building on August 1 with all proceeds from sales benefitting the library. This was the group’s third annual art challenge and local artists were encouraged to create a piece of art based on one of the following challenges: Portrait of a Stranger, Connection, Invisible people, and Caldwell County. Photography, paintings, ceramics and sculpture were on display for the art show. Four String Animals provided musical entertainment. Local residents Sandy and Cheryl Dozier were instrumental in organizing the event.
The weekly preschool story hour led by children’s coordinator Christine Moreno resumes on Wednesday, September 10 at 10 am. A bilingual story time that uses both English and Spanish to present books, rhymes, and arts and crafts is offered the third Saturday of every month at 10 am. Homework Help and other after school programs will start up again in September.
More Books for Babies bags are now available. Each bag contains baby’s first board book, reading tips, and a card encouraging parents to sign up for baby’s first library card. This service is provided by the Friends of the Library.
Come and enjoy the fun at the Adult Crafts Night on the last Thursday of the month at 6pm. Each month interlibrary loan manager Clifton McCrury comes up with an interesting craft to create. All materials are provided by the library and the Friends of the Library. Adults Crafts Night will take a short break from October through December and start back up in the new year.
The Adult Book Club meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6-7pm and is led by children’s coordinator Christine Morena. Participants need to bring their favorite book or current read to share and discuss. A fun craft is included.
After a very successful 2024 Evening with the Authors which raised $10,000 for the library, the long-time event is taking a hiatus for 2025 with plans to return in 2026. Anyone interested in volunteering for the future event should contact Library Director Bertha Martinez or her assistant Jeanna Trejo.
Adult fiction and nonfiction books are located on the second floor. A few of the new adult books located on the second floor are: Loud and Clear, The Grateful Dead- Brain Anderson, A Different Kind of Power- Jacinda Ardern, Mark Twain- Ron Chernow, King of Ashes- SA Crosby, Voyager- Diana Gabaldon, River is Waiting- Wally Lamb, The Compound- Aisling Rawle, and The Emperor is Waiting- Ocean Vuong.
Directions for the Libby app which allows library patrons to borrow to E-books and audio books for free can be found at the circulation desk or online. Kanopy is allows you to stream thousands of films for free with your library card. Interested in learning a new language? Mango Languages offers 70 languages and is free with your library card.
Mobile wi-fi hotspots can be checked out for those who need internet access at home.
Computer classes led by Mark Diaz are available Monday – Friday from 11am – noon, and 2-3pm in the library’s second floor technology center. A list of classes can be found in the monthly News & Events found at the circulation desk.
The Clark building offers a quiet place to study, do research, or read a magazine. A wide selection of DVD’s, music CD’s, and audio books for check-out are located here. Computers are also available for use.
The Friends of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library is a non-profit community organization whose purpose is to promote and assist the library. New members are always welcome. The next meeting is September 16 at 6pm.
Information about local events and organizations, along with mail-in Voter-Registration cards can be found on the information table across from the circulation desk.
Please call the library at 512-398-3223, visit library’s website-http://www.clark-library-lockhart.org, or visit the Dr. Eugene Clark Library at 217 S. Main Street for more information.
Mary Eisenberg