Seekonk Public Library News 3.3
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
A monthly newsletter about the Seekonk Public Library
http://www.seekonkpl.org
news@seekonkpl.org

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Greetings from the Director, Sharon St. Hilaire

One of the most important roles for a public library is to promote 
literacy. When I arrived in Seekonk 20+ years ago, there was no formal
children's program. There were no storyhours or reading programs. The
very first grant I wrote was called Emphasis Children. The basic
premise was if you provide it, they will come and they did. Promoting 
literacy does not mean boring. Our Youth Services staff try to integrate
fun and literacy. Our hope is our children will have so much fun, they
won't mind the fact that they are learning and reading.
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Meet Sharon Clarke
Youth Services Librarian

WHAT I DO:  As a Youth Services Librarian you will find me assisting
students with their research projects, helping parents find the right
book for their reluctant reader, selecting books to support a teacher's
lesson plan and leading story times that introduce the magic and joy of 
reading to young children.  Overall, I actively promote and teach the
importance of early literacy skills, library skills and reading for 
pleasure.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have a Bachelor's Degree from URI and am
pursuing my Masters Degree in Library Science from the same school.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:  At work my accomplishments include creating a
Lapsit Story time for babies that focuses on language-building play,
devising a booklet to assist children in using our on-line catalog,
and compiling a complete reference guide for local families who
are interested in home schooling.

PERSONAL INFO:  I live in Seekonk with my husband, our three daughters
and our 5 (!) cats.  Before working at the Seekonk Library, I owned
and operated a retail shop, The Shaker Shop of Wickford, located in 
Wickford, Rhode Island.  Nowadays during the week, I homeschool two 
of my children, volunteer with Seekonk's Our Children's Little
Theater and in my spare time I like to relax with a stack of great
children's books! 

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LIBRARY STATISTICS: January 2004

Items borrowed 23,006  
Children's programs 19    Attendance 312 
Reference Questions: 986 
  
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March 2004 Program Highlights


CHESS CLUB is scheduled on the following dates:
Wednesday March 3rd, 10th & 24th from 4pm to 5pm
Tuesday March 16th & 30th from 4pm to 5pm

STAMP CLUB will be meeting Saturday March 6th & 20th from 2pm to 3pm

MOVIES are scheduled every Friday between 3pm & 5pm 

MAKING ART with Sharlot McEnery continues on March 20th & 27th 2pm to 3:30pm

KIDS ONLY READING CLUB will be Celebrating St. Patrick's Day,
Wednesday, March 17th at 3:45pm

PARENT-CHILD BOOK CLUB moderated by Mary & Abby Forget will
be meeting Monday Night, March 15th at 6:30pm

FAMILY NIGHT - REPTILES: TALES OR FACTS - March 22nd at 6:30pm
Mary Isaac back by popular demand will captivate you with turtles,
lizards, snakes and alligators.  Sponsored by Friends of Seekonk Library

ADULT PROGRAM - Suffering from the Sugar Blues?  Come join June Condon
Holistic Health Counselor on Wednesday, March 24th 6:30pm to 8:00pm
to answer questions why are you constantly craving sweets and how to
gain control without willpower or deprivation.

COMPUTER CLASSES are still on going.  Registration is required.

Times available on our website www.seekonkpl.org