One World, Many Stories

Registration for our 2011 Summer Reading Program begins Thursday, June 2! Come by the library on or after June 2 to pick up a packet and register kids for the Program. More information about the Program:

Children Ages 5-11
Events Thursdays at 1:30PM - advance tickets required!

June 9 - Kickoff with Magician Tim Sonefelt
June 16 - Zelnick the Magician
June 23 - Bruce Weaver Puppets
June 30 - Sharks, Tails & Teeth with Ripley's Aquarium
July 7 - Horry County Fire Department
July 7 - Last day to turn in completed Reading Logs & get tickets for Awards Day
July 14 - Awards Day for children who turned in a completed Reading Log by July 7.

Reading Log for ages 5-11: Record and add up time spent reading. When you reach 10 hours or more, turn in your log by July 7 to receive a reading medal.


Children Ages 3 & 4
Events Tuesdays at 11:00AM

June 7 - Bird stories with Red Robin
June 14 - Cow stories with the Chick-fil-a cow
June 21 - Bat stories with Celebrations Theatre
June 28 - Police stories with Sgt. Kegler
July 5 - Bear stories with Ms. Kim & Ms. Ameka
July 5 - Last day to turn in completed Reading Logs & get tickets for Awards Day
July 12 - Library stories with Ms. Darby and Ms. Ameka; Awards Day

Reading Log for ages 0-4: Read or listen to stories. Parents may list titles and record time reading. When you reach 10 hours or more, turn in your log by July 5 to receive a reading certificate.


Teens Ages 12-17
Read for at least 10 hours and complete three book reports of one page each. Turn them in by Thursday, July 14 to get tickets to the Awards Day party on Thursday, July 21 at 1:30PM. Everyone who turns in the completed Reading Log and 3 book reports will receive a certificate and medal.

Other notes: for all ages, please print your name clearly in the reading logs and book reports, so that we know what to put on your certificate.

Also, due to overcrowding and safety concerns, all programs at 1:30 on Thursdays are ticketed events. Parents and caregivers may pick up tickets to the following week's program after they drop off their child at the program. Due to overcrowding, no strollers are permitted in the meeting room or hallway during the program.

Have questions? Call or email us as listed at the top of the page. Hope to see you in the library soon!

Privacy in the news

It seems like a new story about privacy violations appears every day. We've found out that:

• Apple iPhones and iPads constantly track your location -- and then store the information on your device in a file anyone can easily open. (And it's not just Apple devices.)




• The information you post on Facebook is stored indefinitely and sold to advertisers. (Note: this article is from last year, but Facebook's privacy issues remain.)




• Even if you don't use Facebook or an iPhone, your personal information can become less than personal even after shopping at the grocery store.

Your information is out there in some quantity whether you like it or not. But the good news is that you have the ability to take charge of your own privacy. Visit privacyrevolution.org for more details.

And be sure to join us next Tuesday, May 3, at 6:00pm for a presentation on privacy today. It's necessary information if you use a computer, have a phone, work at a job, or have a bank account!
-Alan

Adult Summer Reading Program

Have you entered the Adult Summer Reading drawing yet?
If not, be sure to pick up your Tic-Tac-Toe entry form at Socastee Library today and enter to win! All you need to do is fill in three across, three down, or three diagonally, and write your name and a contact phone number on the form. Just cut out the form and drop it in the entry jar at the library's main desk for your chance to win great prizes such as tickets to Le Grand Cirque, Carolina Opry, movies, and gourmet reading lover's baskets. Last chance to enter is Saturday, August 14, 2010. You must be age 18 or older to win. ~Sharon

Computers for Beginners

Calling computer novices! This Thursday, June 10, Computers 101 will be taught from 6:00-7:00PM in the computer lab. The class is first-come, first-served, and there is no signup.

If you're reading this blog, you may already have basic computer knowledge, but this is a great opportunity for your friend/neighbor/relative who would love to use the computer but has no idea how to get started. See you there!

Family Movie

Looking for a way to beat the heat (and/or the rain, if it's anything like today)? Join us this Saturday, May 29, at 10:30 for our monthly Free Family Movie.

We will be showing Aliens in the Attic. Watch as the Pearson kids try to save their vacation home from a group of invading aliens!

Get to Work!

Do you know anyone who's looking for work? Could your own resume use some modernizing or redesigning? Join us next Wednesday, May 19, at 1:00PM to Get to Work.

Get to Work @ Your Library is a program for job-seekers. You can use our computer lab to fill out online job applications, work on your resume, browse job listings, file for unemployment, and do anything else job-related. Librarians and volunteers will be available to help with any of the above. If you don't need any help, you can just use the computers for your job search.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 215-4700 or just ask at the desk. See you there!

Get to Work @ Your Library

First and third Wednesdays, every month

1:00-4:00PM

Socastee Library's computer lab

One More Stop!

This coming Thursday, at 12:00 noon, we will host our final Cultural Safari of the year. We'll be touring France's Provence region and the French Riviera. It's sure to be a beautiful, relaxing trip.

Cultural Safari will resume in January 2011. In the meantime, all are welcome to join one of our four bookclubs. (See the online calendar here.) And watch this space for upcoming details about our Adult Summer Reading Program.

Finally, if your wanderlust can't wait until next January, why not take a trip yourself?

-Alan

Free Gardening Workshop-All About Orchids

Oncidium Splendidum...Rhynchostylis coelestes...try saying that 10 times fast!

Did you know that there are over 20,ooo species of orchids and that they come in every color combination that you can think of? And, contrary to popular belief a black orchid does not exist.

You can find out more amazing facts and everything else you can possibly think of about this flower by joining us on Thursday, April 1st at 11 a.m. at the Socastee Library. This free gardening workshop will feature guest speaker, Ralph Billeter and he'll be here to answer your questions. He will also have many of his own personal orchids on display.

Can't make the workshop, then be sure to check out some of the following books about orchids:

"300 Orchids: Species, Hybrids, and Varieties in Cultivation" by Jane Boosey
"Easy Orchids: Simple Secrets for Glorious Gardens-Indoors and Out" by Mimi Luebbermann
"Growing & Displaying Orchids" by Wilma Rittershausen
"Growing Orchids is Fun" by Albert P. Hollingsworth
"Miniature Orchids" by Steven A. Frowine
"Orchid Fever" by Eric Hansen

The Socastee Library Garden Club would love to have you as a member! Join them for their monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 1st. Share tips with fellow gardening enthusiasts and help make the gardens of your library beautiful!

-Kim

Upcoming Destinations

We had a great time touring China today in Cultural Safari. The program for this year ends in April, so be sure to accompany us on our next few destinations!

• Thursday, March 18, we'll celebrate a belated St. Patrick's Day by touring West Ireland with Rick Steves.
• Thursday, March 25, special guest Debi McKenzie will give a presentation on "Laughing Away Stress.
• Thursday, April 8, saxophonist Shenole Latimer will be here to explain "What's All That Jazz About?"
• Thursday, April 15, we'll visit Athens and the Peloponnese, and
• Thursday, April 22, we'll have our last Safari of the year in beautiful Provence.

All Cultural Safaris meet from 12:00 noon to 1:00PM. Ask a library staff member if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

-Alan

Computer Classes & Tips

Computer classes continue in March! We are offering Computers 101 and 102, so it's a great opportunity to get a refresher. And if you have a friend who needs the basics, be sure to let them know that March is a a good month to get started. We will continue in April with another session of Computers 101 and a class on Microsoft Word.

• Computers 101 - Introduction to Computers: Wednesday, March 10, 1:00-2:00PM. Learn the basics of Windows and the parts of the computer. No experience required! There is no signup, and the class is first-come, first-served.
• Computers 102 - Files and Folders: Monday, March 22, 10:15-11:30AM. This class goes into more detail about using a computer, including creating, saving, and printing files. You must sign up for this class on or after March 1.

Also, did you know that the library offers books about computers? Click the following links to see books about computer basics, using Facebook, email, and webpage design.

-Alan

Live Music & Much More at the Library!

Well, just a few more days left in February and do you know what that means? You still have time to come in during Library Lovers' Month to enter our drawing for our gift basket giveaway. "How do I enter," you ask. Simple, for every three books you check out, you'll receive one ticket entry into the drawing for the gift basket. The more you check out, the more entries you'll have! If you are our lucky winner you will be notified on March 1st to pick up the basket filled with a library lover's dream...books, candles, chocolates, lotions, and yes, even a Socastee Library tote bag!

What's more to love about your Socastee Library this month...

On Thursday, February 25th, Socastee Library will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Day. Join us for live music with accomplished pianist, Mike "Crazy Fingers" Floyd. He will entertain you from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Also stop by between 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for some sweet treats, as our way of thanking you for your patronage.

Be sure to check out some of our books about libraries and librarians and fill out one of our paper hearts telling us why you love your library!

Yes, Virginia, there is a lot going on at the public library!

-Kim

New Destinations and Library Lovers

We had a great time visiting Bulgaria in today's Cultural Safari. Be sure to join us next Thursday, 2/18, as we tour Alaska, and 2/25 as we visit the Alps of Austria and Italy. We meet at noon on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of the month, January-April. Cultural Safari is the easiest way to travel!

Also, February is Library Lovers' Month. Every three books you check out gives you a chance to win a wonderful Library Lover gift basket. And each Friday morning in February we have fresh-roasted Cashua Coffee and cookies for our patrons. Don't miss out!

Teen Program

It’s “Twilight” Time

A program for Teens

Teens, join us in the Socastee Library Meeting Room on Tuesday evening, February 9, 2010, for the romantic and suspenseful story of Bella and Edward .

Movie is based on the novel by Stephanie Meyer. Rated PG-13.

5:30 – 6:00 (Photo Op) photos taken with stand-up characters from the movie – bring your camera!

Play a game of movie-related trivia.

6:00 – 7:30 – Movie, refreshments, door prize

Call the library -843-215-4700 for more information and to sign-up for this program.

Linda

Upcoming Computer Classes

Here are the computer classes offered in February:

• Friday, February 12, 1:00-2:00PM, we will be offering Internet 301: Introduction to the Internet. You'll be able to learn the history of the Internet, the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web, and how to surf the web safely.


• Thursday, February 18, 10:15-11:30AM, we will be offering Computers 101: Introduction to Computers. In this class, you will learn about the parts of the computer, including the CPU, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. You will also learn how the basics of Microsoft’s Windows operating system.


• Wednesday, February 24, 6:00-7:00PM, we will be offering Computers 104: Maintaining Your Computer. You'll learn how to extend the life of your computer and keep it running smoothly. This class explains easy computer maintenance and includes tips for upgrading and recommendations for free software.

Signup for these classes begins Monday, February 1st. See you there!

-Alan

Art display - Picture knitting

Socastee Library's favorite textile artist is returning! This is the third year that we've exhibited works by Picture Knitter Mayan Ward. Mayan knits portraits, landscapes, and conceptual works, and we are proud to show an all-new collection for the next three months.

The exhibit will be available for viewing in a week, beginning Thursday, January 28. In the meantime, you can enjoy Mayan's work at http://www.pictureknitting.com/.

New storytimes!

This year there are a couple of changes in children's program times.

• Preschool Storytime, for children ages 3-5, now meets Tuesdays at 11:00AM.
• Baby Funtime, for babies up to 24 months, now meets the first and third Wednesdays at 11:30AM.

Although the times have changed, Preschool Storytime and Baby Funtime are still the same wonderful programs of songs, stories, and crafts that so many parents and children enjoy. Other HCML libraries have also changed Storytime dates and times, so check our online calendar for a complete listing.

-Alan

Cultural Safari returns!

The long-awaited Cultural Safari is finally back, beginning Thursday, January 14, at 12:00 noon. Bring a bag lunch or enjoy our sweets and coffee as we journey around the globe.

Next Thursday we kick off with New York: First City of the World. This program "explores the dramatic, inspiring, and fast paced culture & history of New York," as told "through the eyes of its artists, poets, architects, and most notable citizens." Then on January 21 and 28 we continue with Rome and India.

Cultural Safari meets from 12:00-1:00PM on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays of the month, January-April. This year we'll visit some unexplored destinations and try some different things along the way, so we hope you'll join us!

-Alan

Local Holiday Events

A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together. -Garrison Keillor

If you still have time after attending all of Socastee Library's programs, there's still a lot to do along the Grand Strand over the next few weeks:

• The Sun News has a Christmas Countdown list here, with upcoming events.
• If you feel like travelling, Sciway.net has a statewide list of events.
• Check out WMBF's Holiday Helper, with all sorts of information about the season...
• ...and WPDE has a list of holiday parades in the area.
• There are also lists of events from the cities of Myrtle Beach and Conway.

For a full list of HCML's December programs, click here.

-Alan

Holiday Book Clubs

Before the holidays kick into high gear, take a little time off to enjoy one of our fun and relaxing Holiday Book Clubs.

Monday, December 14, at 6:00PM, we will be discussing The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry. The book is a nostalgic, insouciant crowd-pleaser describing a Christmas pageant gone awry in 1960.

Wednesday, December 16, at 1:30PM, we will be discussing The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore, which Publisher's Weekly says " is enough to make even the most cynical Scrooge guffaw."

Check at the Circulation Desk for copies of either book, and check our online calendar for more events!

-Alan

Computers 101

If you or someone you know need a refresher course in computer basics, mark your calendar for one of our upcoming Computers 101 sessions:

• Saturday, October 24, 1:00-2:00PM
• Tuesday, November 17, 10:15-11:15AM

Each class lasts about an hour. We discuss the parts of the computer and the basics of how to use Windows. For Computers 101 only, there is no signup required, and the class is first-come, first-served.

If you have any questions, stop by or call 843-215-4700. Hope to see you there!

-Alan