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.
  

JOIN THE CIRCLE OF KNOWLEDGE @ YOUR LIBRARY: Celebrate National Library Week at the Racine Public Library, April 13-19

It's National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide - and the perfect time to discover how you can join the circle of knowledge @ your library.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is celebrating National Library Week in several ways. All events are free and open to the public.

• Children ages 11 and younger are invited to participate in the Culver's drawing contest throughout the month of April. Drawing sheets may be picked up from the Youth Services Department at the Racine Public Library. Children are encouraged to draw book characters they would like to meet at the library. Every child who completes a drawing will receive a "Be Our Guest" coupon for a free single scoop of frozen custard from Culver's and be entered into a random drawing to win additional prizes from Culver's, including a kickball and mini lantern. Drawings will be displayed at the Racine Public Library through the month of April.
  
  
• The annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale is being held Friday, April 11 from 3-5pm (Members only); Saturday, April 12 from 1-5pm; and Sunday, April 13 from 2-5pm.
  
  
• The Eloquent Author School of Writing will host a writers' workshop entitled "Time to Write: No Excuses!" on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is suggested; call 262.636.9217.
  
  
• Join fellow poetry enthusiasts at JavaVino Wine and Coffee Shop, 424 Main St., on Thursday, April 17 from 7-9 p.m. for the library's monthly Poetry Roundtable.
  
  
• Award-winning Poet and Authoer David Kherdian will be the featured guest at a poetry reading and informal reception at the library on Friday, April 18 from 4-6 p.m. The author will be signing books and his books will be available for purchase.
  
  
• Families with children ages 3-8 are invited Saturday Stories, a family story and craft event at JavaVino Coffee shop on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  
  
• The Racine Public Library Foundation Emily Lee Awards Lunch will be held on Sunday, April 20 at the Racine Marriott, at 1pm. Tickets are $35 each; tables of 8 are $250. Contact Jessica MacPhail, 262.636.9252, for more information.
  

"Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform their communities," says Jessica MacPhail, Library Director. "At our library, people of all backgrounds can come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, to do research with the assistance of a trained professional, to find good books to read, to get a job or to find homework help, or to search the Internet for information."

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

For more information, visit the Racine Public Library at 75 Seventh Street; call 262.636.9217, or visit the online library at www.racinelibrary.info.

April 13 - April 19: Celebrate Reading During National Library Week

Culver's Sponsors Drawing Event in Partnership with Racine Public Library

In celebration of National Library Week, April 13-19, the Racine Public Library will join the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation and the Culver's restaurant in Racine in the "Join the Circle of Knowledge" drawing campaign for children 11 and under. This is the twelfth straight year local Culver's restaurants in Wisconsin have sponsored this event, which encourages children to read and celebrates their favorite book characters.

Children can enter the drawing event by picking up drawing sheets from the Youth Services Department at the Racine Public Library beginning April 1. Children are encouraged to draw book characters they would like to meet at the library. Every child who completes a drawing will receive a "Be Our Guest" coupon for a free single scoop of frozen custard from Culver's and be entered into a random drawing to win additional prizes from Culver's, including a kickball and mini lantern. Drawings will be displayed at the Racine Public Library through the month of April.

"Books expose children to worlds both real and imaginary," said Culver's representative, Mary Schluter. "In today's video game society, any time we can encourage a child to read and explore their imagination, we want to make that effort. The National Library Week provides all of us with an important reminder of the positive role a story plays in shaping young minds and developing reading and language skills."

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. For more information about Wisconsin libraries, go to www.wisconsinlibraries.org. More information about your local library's resources and programs is available at www.racinelibrary.info.

Culver's restaurants are independently owned and operated in more than 370 locations. With the opening of Culver's first restaurants in Arizona, guests will be able to enjoy their favorites in 17 states across the nation. The owner/operator concept has been a cornerstone
of growth for Culver's since the first location opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin, on July 18, 1984. Culver's invests deeply in partnerships and programs, including its VIP scholarship program, Culver's Cares™ charitable program and countless other franchise-driven local efforts. Culver's is the recipient of numerous industry and community awards, including the 2006 IFMA Silver Plate Award. For more information on Culver's locations, promotional programs, menu selections and other areas of interest, visit www.culvers.com.

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