A project that Library Director Eric Lashley and Children’s Services Coordinator Rosa Garcia had been working on for several months came to fruition early in June, just as the children’s summer programs began. They worked with local graphic designer Nick Ramos to create lightpost banners for the street lights on the library property. These beautifully simple and brightly colored banners-which are meant to appeal to kids but are so classy that they look good to adults, too-were made possible by gifts from long-time library users and supporters Doris and Bur Clifford and Dawn and T.R. Reid. Five different designs are now installed on the street lights along 8^th and 9^th Streets and in the parking lot. They’re worth going out of your way to see!

The staff of the Children’s Room usually take a breather during August and suspend storytime for a month. This year, though, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring in Dr. Kurunthottical (she calls herself Dr. K), of the Pearl Family Practice in Georgetown, to talk about the health and safety issues going to school presents.

Dr. K. will begin her presentation at 10:30 a.m., in the Children’s Room. The information she wants to share will be for kids and caregivers alike.  Cookies will be served and one of our balloon animal creators will be making critters for the kids to take home.

Another exciting children’s attraction moved, although not under its own power, into the library in June. A real two-seater classic open Jeep, sans all moving parts, is now waiting at the entrance of the Children’s Room to take interested parties on imaginative rides to anywhere in the world or beyond. This is another of Director Lashley’s projects, one that has been in the works since the new library opened. Chuck Croslin, the architect for our new building, donated the vehicle, in somewhat less than perfect condition, about a year ago.

The Jeep project captured the imagination of all who worked on it and the finished product reflects the pride they took in their work. During the past year, working when they had time between jobs, the crew at the City’s Vehicle Service Center drained all the fluids, removed the Jeep’s engine and transmission, modified the floor and removed the pedals, modified the suspension so that the body won’t bounce, and manufactured a hood. Then our good neighbors at David Collision Repair donated the finish body work, a camo paint job and interior upholstery. Finally, the figured out how to make the vehicle safe and accessible for children. To discourage kids from crawling under it they built an enclosed wooden deck that completely surrounds the Jeep; steps on one side make it easy for the kids to climb in. For the enthusiasm, dedication, and patience of the many individuals who worked on this project we are more grateful than we can say. Our village is taking very good care of our children. Now, it’s up to you to bring the kids in for a test drive!