Have you entered the Adult Summer Reading Challenge at the Van Alstyne Library?  All you have to do is fill out the entry form with information about a book you have enjoyed reading and tell why you recommend it.  You may enter once per day, unless one of the books you are recommending is listed on the “We the People” book list – then you may enter twice. 

Two names will be drawn each month.  The first name drawn has a choice between an MP3 player and a bag of books.  The second winner chooses a bag of books, unless the first winner doesn’t want the MP3 player.  Then the second winner makes the choice between the books and the MP3 player.

The winners of our August Summer Reading Challenge are Christine Lutz and Diana Rutherford.  Christine recommends the book Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.  She says it “talks about inner strength – enlightens you to a time when some people were struggling just to survive and not be sold as cattle…  The hardships of being a slave, the hate of some, the kindness through the hate and how friendship can change how you feel in your soul.”  Our second winner, Diana Rutherford recommends Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson.  She says “It is inspirational and timely – almost unbelievable!” 

Our next Reading Challenge drawing will be September 20.  All names entered, except the winners, will remain in the drawing.  If you were a winner and you have entered more than once, you have another chance to win.  The Reading Challenge will continue through November.

From the Desk of DeAnna Willman: On August 20, we held our monthly Family Night at the Library.  Forty-two people enjoyed the magic and comedy of James Wand as he amazed us with his tricks.  The best part was all the audience participation that included many of the kids present.  Those who missed the show were missed by the rest of us.  We hope you can make it next month.  Our next Family Night at the Library will be September 17.   We will have a new time!  We will start at 6pm to accommodate many of our families who asked for an earlier start time.   So, mark your calendar for September 17, at 6pm, and plan to join us for an hour and half of family fun. 

Preschool story time will start up again on Wednesday, September 8, at 10:15am.  Congratulations to the Harris Family and the Plumlee Family for being the first two families to finish reading all 100 books together as a family in CLUB 100!  

They will each receive a free celebration party at Home Sweet Home Cafe and Treasures that will include the food and decorations for a proper celebration.  Congratulations!   I am so proud of all of our families who are participating in the club.  Watch for families wearing their CLUB 100 t-shirts and be sure to pat them on the back for the great work they are doing to ensure the success of their kids and to strengthen their family bonds. 

From the Desk of Judy Spence:  Peter Wilson read Not Like You by Deborah Davis.  In the book, a girl, Kayla, and her alcoholic mother pack up to start a “new chapter” of their life.  Trying to steer her mother clear of her binging habits, Kayla becomes trapped and tortured by hardships, both monetarily and emotionally.  Peter says he did not like the book but recommends it to “a 15- or 16-year-old with their own personal problems to overcome."  He learned from the book that “alcoholism isn’t one big fight.  It’s a daily struggle.”