Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library, and Happy Banned Books Week! This annual event typically takes place during the last week of September and is a celebration of our freedom to choose what we read. Each year more books are added to the challenged and banned list for numerous reasons. We here at the library don’t believe in censorship but in every person’s right to free and open access to information. Everyone should have the chance to think critically for themselves about what they are choosing to read. How will you celebrate Banned Books Week?
Today marks the first day of our Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Decorate your pumpkin, real or fake, round or flat (on paper), and bring it to the library. We are accepting entries through October 28. Judging will take place on October 29 (contest participants will need to fill out an entry slip). We will be awarding prizes in the following age categories: 0-5, 6-11, 12-18, and 18+.
School’s out next Monday, October 4! For children grades 3-5 we’ll have Them Rattlin’ Bones at 10:30 a.m. We’ll be learning about our skeletal structures and completing activities involving skeletons, such as making casts for broken bones. Registration is required, so visit our website to reserve your child’s spot today.
Monday morning and afternoon we’ll also be hosting our October Teen Café. This month, teens grades 6-12 can stop by the Teen Spot from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a cup of coffee and to make some D.I.Y. De-Stress Kits (while supplies last).
For adults interested in learning how to get started brewing their own beer at home, we’ll be hosting Homebrew 101 on Thursday, October 7 at 6 p.m. Hobbyists Michael and Christy, who have 12 years of combined brewing experience between them, will give a starter demonstration and answer questions about crafting your own fermented flavors to enjoy at home.
Members of the Golden Belt Woodcarver’s Club are giving a free class to students 16+ beginning on Thursday nights in October. The class will run from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on October 7, 14, 21, and 28. Students will learn proper carving safety, how to choose carving tools, and how to make basic carving cuts. The class is currently full, but if you would like to be added to the waiting list in case of any vacancies or to show interest in future classes, visit our website to register.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and our website, greatbendpl.info, for updates on these and other upcoming programs. You can also message us on Facebook or email us at gbcirc@gmail.com. We can also be reached via phone at 620-792-2409.
By Haylee Huddleston, Teen Services librarian at the Great Bend Public Library.
