The highlight of this year’s Georgetown Reads! program will be Steven Saylor’s appearance on June 11 to discuss his book, A Twist at the End. This year’s community read combines mystery (the plot turns on a series of murders that actually happened), history (lots of information about late-19th century Austin), and romance. Before writing this book, Saylor had written a well-received series of mysteries set in ancient Rome. Writing about Austin allowed him to draw on personal experience and his interest in the time and people he brings to life in A Twist at the End.

Saylor will speak at 7:00 p.m. on June 11, in the Hewlett Room of the library. He will entertain questions from the audience after his presentation. For more information, contact Richard Groves, adult services librarian, at 931-7620.

The Georgetown Public Library’s summer reading program for children (through age 12) is in full swing and will continue until August 2. Each week there are special performers on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, a craft program on Tuesday morning, and occasional storytimes or performances on Thursday mornings. Children must be at least seven to participate in the craft activities, but other events and performances are open to all ages. For a complete schedule of activities, see the Kids Only! section of the library’s website.

The main purpose of the summer program is to encourage kids to read. Registering for the Texas Book Club and keeping track of the books they read will make kids eligible for incentive prizes and the grand prizes at the end of the summer. However, it is not necessary to be registered in the book club or be a member of the library to attend any of the summer events. Bring your summer visitors and join the fun.

The children’s and teens’ summer reading programs begin the first week in June. This means that you may arrive at your usual mid-morning time, expecting a quiet cup of coffee and a leisurely ramble through the stacks, and instead find the parking lot full and the library vibrating with activity. If you don’t enjoy giving your legs a stretch with a longer walk from your parking space, and if you prefer a quieter library, consider these suggestions:

• if you must come in the morning, plan to be here by 9:00;

• mid-afternoons are usually quieter and the parking lot less crowded than during the 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. time period; evenings also tend to be quieter;

• there are no special children’s programs on Mondays or Fridays;

• you may park in the grass lot at the corner of 8th Street and MLK.

The library staff is happy that our summer programs for the kids are so well received. As reading for pleasure becomes less and less common, we’re doing our part to engender a love of reading in the next generation. Please try to recall your own happy childhood library experiences and, at the same time, remember that “times are different now.” We encourage quiet voices but whispers are not required.

On June 6 and 7, more than sixty pieces of sculpture will be placed in the library for a month-long display. This is the first time the Texas Society of Sculptors (TSOS) has chosen a library for this annual show and we’re pleased and flattered to think that they consider our building an appropriate location. Staff members have been working with Dar Richardson, who is in charge of the show, for several months to make sure the artworks will be safe and secure while providing an enjoyable experience for the many people who pass through our doors.

Smaller pieces will be displayed on pedestals but many of the sculptures are large and free-standing. Most will be on the second floor, on the bridge and in the open aisles of the adult stacks. However, there will be a small group on pedestals in the children’s room, because the planners thought the kids would be intrigued by these particular works, and there will be others in the lobby and areas near the circulation desk

We want everyone to enjoy this great opportunity to see the work of artists from central Texas. Please remember, though, that no matter how sturdily built a piece may appear to be, it should not be handled. Use this sculpture show as a way to teach your children about how some things are only meant to be looked at, not explored physically. These works belong to the artists, not to the library, and therefore must be treated differently than the materials we lend and the playthings in the children’s room.

On Sunday, June 15, from 3 to 6 p.m., the TSOS will hold an opening reception in the library’s Hewlett Room to which the public is invited. This is your opportunity to meet the artists and to talk with them about their work.

The following Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m., again in the Hewlett Room, three artists will demonstrate working in three media–stone, wax, and clay. After having seen the pieces on display, you’ll be able to see exactly how some of them began and learn about how painstaking and time-consuming the artistic process is.

The TSOS show will be at the library until June 29.