March Madness

March seems to have come in like a lion this year, but we're hoping that Spring is right around the corner (today's due date: March 29th!). March is also when we observe St. Patrick's Day, and basketball fans start filling out their brackets for the NCAA basketball tournaments, or "March Madness."  Here at the Wells Public Library we have a couple of programs to entertain, inform, and help you get through the last gasp of winter.

On March 19th at 4:00 p.m. children ages 5 - 9 are invited to attend our "March Madness Storytime."  Devin has planned a fun event involving sports stories and a sports-themed craft. Devin and Kayla are also featuring some of our children's books in our first "March Madness Match Up."  Come in anytime between March 19th and April 8th and select a book in order to determine the favorite book in the children's room. 

For those interested in Irish culture we invite you to "The World of Mary O'Connell" on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m.  Historian Erin I. Bishop, PhD will share the story of Daniel O'Connell, a young Irish barrister and politician, and his distant cousin, Mary O'Connell.  In 1800 the two began a clandestine correspondence that led to their marriage two years later, jeopardizing Daniel's inheritance.  Erin will explore through their story an intimate portrait of one woman and her family, providing us with a panoramic view of the fascinating social and domestic life of the 19th century Irish Catholic middle class.  Although I have an avid interest in history, I don't know much about Irish history, so I'm really looking forward to this program.

As always, these programs are free of charge, and are made possible by the Friends of the Wells Public Library (the Mary O'Connell program is co-sponsored with Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education).  Registration is not necessary.

Summer Reading

Summer has always been a special time at libraries.  With the kids out of school we try our best to keep them reading during vacation to help them maintain their literacy skills.  That's why most libraries offer some sort of summer reading program - it's a way to add a little bit of fun while encouraging them to continue reading.  Our Summer Reading Clubs have started, and Devin and Kayla have a lot of fun activities planned for our children and teens. 

We also thought that this summer we would give adults a chance to have bit of fun while reading this summer, so we're offering a summer reading program for them as well. And because we know life doesn't always slow down for adults during the summer, we've made it as simple as possible.  Here's what you do:

• The next time you're in the library, stop by the check-out desk and pick up a "Between the Covers" Reading Log. 
• Take it home, read 5 books between now and August 16th, and record the titles and authors on the log, along with a rating of 1 to 5 stars. 
•  Return the log to the library, and you'll be entered into a drawing to be held at the end of the summer. 
• Prizes include gift cards from Maine Diner, Mike's Clam Shack, Joshua's, and more.
• Only one entry per person, please.

As reading logs are returned, we'll create a list of the summer's 5 star books.

Don't know what to read?  Check out one of the Suggested Reading Lists at the library, visit one of the sites listed  on our website, check out one of the Summer Reading lists here, or as always, ask a librarian.

Have a great summer, and we'll see you at the library.