Celebrate National Library Week, April 12 - 18!

In celebration of National Library Week, April 12-18, the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a number of programs for people of all ages.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) to promote public access to quality library and information services.

• Culver's Drawing Event
  For the 13th year, local Culver's restaurants in Wisconsin are sponsoring the "World's Connect @ Your Library" drawing campaign for children 11 and under. The event, co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Library Association, encourages children to read and celebrate their favorite book character. Children can enter the event by picking up a drawing sheet from the Children's Department at the Racine Public Library beginning April 12. Children are encouraged to create a colorful drawing of a book character they would like to meet at the library.
  
  Every child who completes a drawing will receive a coupon for a free single scoop of frozen custard from Culver's and will be entered into a random drawing to win additional Culver's prizes. Drawings will be displayed at the library throughout the month of April. All drawings must be submitted by April 30, 2009. Coupons are available while quantities last.
  
  
• Ruff Readers
  Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 minutes reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs during the spring session of Ruff Readers. These gentle animals provide a relaxed and fun way for kids to practice reading. Sessions are available on Mondays from 4-5:30p.m., Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Children who read three times during a season will have a personal message from their reading partner sent to their teachers and to their homes. The child and reading dog's picture will also be hung in the library's Ruff Readers Gallery.
  
  Reading spots are available on a first-come, first served basis; or may also be reserved by calling Youth Services at 262.636.9245. The spring session runs from April-June 2009.
  
  
• TeenSpace
  Teens ages 11-17 are invited to attend the next meeting of TeenSpace, a gathering held twice a month featuring group discussion, art activities, board and video gaming, refreshments, and special guests. The next meeting of TeenSpace will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 1:30-3:30. This month's gathering will focus on scheduling upcoming teen events, planning a summer community service project, and will feature a presentation on Teen Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships with Shani Kyle of SafeStart. Registration is not necessary, but questions may be directed to Becky Spika at 262.619.2571.
  
  
• Introduction to Genealogy Research
  The library will offer an introduction to genealogy research on Monday, April 13 from 6-8 p.m. led by Debbie Menk, a successful hobby genealogist with over 30 years of experience. In her discussion she will cover how to get started on your own family tree, including what to look for in your research, where to begin, how to stay organized, how to use the tools available to you, and what kind of costs/common stumbling blocks you may come across. This program is free and no registration is necessary; seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
  
  
• Financial Information Series: Navigating the Current Market Turmoil
  The library is pleased to host two informational seminars presented by financial advisor Michael Turner about investing and investments in this current tumultuous economic situation. The first in the series will be held Tuesday, April 14 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and will discuss the recent volatile events that have transpired in the capital market, and ideas for protecting individual investors. The programs are free and registration is recommended. Contact Adult Services at 262.636.9217.
  
  Please consider attending the second seminar on Tuesday, April 28 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for Michael Turner's presentation on the Human Investor, a discussion of the emotional tendencies the average person experiences when considering the capital markets, how they can affect decisions, and what individuals can do to overcome these tendencies.
  
  
• Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
  The annual Friend's Spring Book Sale, held at the Racine Public Library, will feature a members-only preview event on Friday, April 17 from 2-4 p.m. The general public is invited to attend the book sale on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, April 19 from 1-4 p.m.
  
  The Friends of the Library are advocates for the Racine Public Library, speaking at public budget hearings, urging adequate funding, and promoting library value to the community. Several fund-raising events are held throughout the year, including book sales and the annual Breakfast with the Authors in November. All proceeds go to fund library programs and collection materials. The Friends have provided funds for successful programs such as Preschool Storytime, Battle of the Books, and the annual Summer Reading Challenge; and for such items as computer equipment, TTY printers for the hearing impaired, and large print books.
  
  For more information on how to become a member of the Friends of the Library, contact the library at 262.636.9170.