Chambers County Library

2011-05-09T13:42:00.008-04:00

Join us for a discussion of "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd
Library Book Club

May 23, 2011 @ 1:00 P.M.

2011-04-15T10:39:00.002-04:00

2011-03-03T15:35:00.018-05:00

FREE!

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day and to show our appreciation to our patrons the library would like for you to join us for a St. Patrick style:

PATRON APPRECIATION PANCAKE BREAKFAST!

Breakfast will be at the Bradshaw library on March 17, 2011 from 7 a.m. til 9:30 a.m. SEE YA THERE...!

FREE!

2011-03-03T14:13:00.006-05:00

The Bradshaw Library is now accepting labels from the Campbell soup can. Just drop the labels in the box with the above logo. They will be greatly appreciated. Mmm...Good!

New Card Making Class to Begin in March

2011-02-28T17:04:00.002-05:00

We are beginning a card making class on Friday, March 25th at 6:00 p.m., taught by Cathy Crosson. Come join in the fun and learn how to make unique one of a kind cards for any occasion. We will meet on the fourth Friday of each month. Give us a call here at the library to sign up! Hope to see you there!

Cathy Wright

2010-11-16T17:30:00.011-05:00

ANGEL TREE PROJECT

Please consider helping a local family in need have a brighter Christmas. These families are registered with the Valley Christian Service Center. Each tag on our tree represents one child, their age and three reqested gifts. Please return unwrapped gifts to the library by December 10th. Be sure to atttach the Angel Tree tag with the gifts to help us match the gifts with the correct family member number.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO SHOP?

Make a donation and our staff will shop for you

CHAMBERS COUNTY LIBRARY

2010-11-13T12:44:00.007-05:00

Lafayette Library Presents:

QUILT SHOW

SILENT AUCTION

Friday, December 10, 2010

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Quilt enthusiasts unite! Join us for a showing of diverse handmade quilts. Beginning Friday, December 3, you may view and bid on the beautiful "Trip Around the World" quilt made by the LaFayette Library Quilters group.

Silent Auction bids may be made in person or mailed to: LaFayette Pilot Public Library, 198 1st Street SE LaFayette, AL 36862 Minimum bid is $100. Minimum bid increment is $5.00. All proceeds go to the library for programming.

2010-11-13T10:42:00.007-05:00

2010 Joy of the Holiday Season
Art, Poster, Writing and Photography Contest
Sponsored by Chambers County Library

You are invited to join our celebration this holiday season by participating in our annual art, poster and short story contest for students, preschool – grade 12. This year, we are adding a photography contest. Students are invited to write stories, create original art, design posters and take photographs that celebrate the holiday season. We appreciate students, parents, and teachers taking time to participate in this annual event. This is one of our favorite contests to sponsor at the library. We look forward to reading your stories and seeing your art. Listed below are the guidelines for the contest. If you have questions please contact Kati Behrens at Bradshaw Library at 334 768-2161 or Betty Barrett at LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 334-864-0012.

Short Story Guidelines

Participants should create stories that encompass “the joy of the holiday season” theme.
Stories should be typed or written in black ink. Hint: If someone other than the author edits the story, please leave it as close to what the author intended. The original version MUST be submitted along with the edited version.

Stories should be neat in appearance. Stories with more than one page should be stapled or in a folder to prevent loss. Entries should have a cover sheet that includes: title of the story, student’s name, grade, teacher’s name, school, home phone number. Students are encouraged to illustrate their stories, but illustrations will not influence final judging.
Classes are encouraged to participate. If this is not a class assignment, individuals may submit their own entries. Teachers, please share the guidelines with interested students.

Although there isn’t a certain length for the stories, the entries should be well developed with recognizable characters and plot. **Hint: It usually requires more than one or two paragraphs to fully develop a story.

Please remind students that short stories are works of fiction and should not be written as essays.

Although stories can be inspired from actual events, they should not be a retelling of that event.

Stories should be written by individuals, not in groups or as a class.

The contest dates are November 8 - December 3. All entries must be
delivered to the library by 6:00 pm on Friday, December 3. No exceptions.

All entries should be picked up by Friday, January 7. After this date, all entries will be discarded.

Guidelines for Christmas Poster and Art Contest

The poster contest is for Preschool – grade 12. The art contest is for grades 2 - 12.

Entries in the poster category will be divided into two groups: Individual and Group (class or family).

Please be sure to state if your entry is an art entry or poster entry.

Entries may be submitted until 6:00 on Friday, December 3. Posters and art received early will be displayed at the library until Awards Day.

On the back of the posters and art, please put the child’s first and last names, grade, teacher’s name, school and home phone #. Groups submitting an entry should include a list of each child’s name who helped with the project.

All entries should be picked up by Friday, January 7. After this date, all entries
will be discarded.

Photography Guidelines

The photography contest is for grades 7 – 12, only.

Photos must adhere to the “Joy of the Season” theme.

Photos entered in the photography category must have been taken by the entrant only.
Photos may be Black and White or Color.

Photos must be between 5x7” and 8x10”.

Entries may not be framed; however they may be matted.

Each entrant may submit up to three photos.

Entries may be submitted until 6:00 on Friday, December 3. Photos received early will be displayed at the library until Awards Day.

Entrant’s first & last names, grade, school and home phone # should be on the back of the photo.

All entries should be picked up by Friday, January 7. After this date, all entrieswill be discarded.

2010-10-08T15:01:00.007-04:00

You can get a sample ballot and

at the library

Support your library

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

2010-10-08T11:29:00.006-04:00

Native American Artifacts

Display owned by
Freddie Kelley

Mr. Kelley of Lanett, Alabama has been collecting Indian artifacts for 36 years. He has found some pieces as nearby as West Point Lake in Georgia, Alabama and as far away as Tennessee, and Mississippi.
This collection includes adzes, ax or celt heads which were used for chopping. Gorgets were made from stone and worn as pendants for decoration. The bannerstone was used to weight a throwing stick.
There are many pipes including two pouch pipes. White clay pipes called trade pipes that British traded to the Native Americans. A red peace pipe made from catlinite, possibly brought to our area on a trade route circa 1880. A large tube pipe which connects in the center; this tube was used as a smoking pipe or medicine tube.
Many gamestones used as game pieces made from quartz or other types of rock.
Various points and arrowheads including a Clovis point which is between 8,000 and 10,000 years old. The black & white point found at West Point Lake.
The black bottle contained alcohol and was traded to the Native Americans by the Whites for animal hides. Last, but certainly not least showcased are the trade beads. Beads were a common and important trade item for the Native American since ancient times. Mr. Kelley continues to add his findings to this collection and does network with other collectors to buy and trade artifacts.

2010-10-08T10:31:00.004-04:00

Make your own

Spooktacular

Jack-o-lantern!

Attention 8 to 12 year-olds

It's Pumpkin Carving Time

Join the fun on Thursday, October 28th at 4 pm.

We will provide pumpkins, cutting tools and templates.

Pre-registration for parent and child is required.

Please go to the front desk to put your name on the list.

Space Is Limited!

2010-09-20T15:02:00.003-04:00

Custer’s Last Stand – The Battle of Little Bighorn

Indians Wars!

Bradshaw Library

Dates: October 4, 11, 18, and 25th
Time: 10:30 till noon.
Telephone: 334-768-2161

Date Night

2010-09-13T18:21:00.004-04:00

Bradshaw Library Hosting Date Night

September 25

College football, the World Series and “new must see tv” aren’t the only big events that arrive with fall. Bradshaw Library’s Date Night can now be added to the list. This year’s event themed A Night to Remember will be Saturday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. Couples and singles who want to enjoy a nice candlelit dinner are invited to join us in the Library Café. The evening will begin with appetizers followed by dinner served by our teen waiters. The meal will be a three-course offering of a dinner salad, an entrée of chicken or beef with vegetables and dessert. Dinner will be followed by the great new comedy starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell.
For those of you wondering, “What about the children”? We have the answer. Childcare will be provided for children ages 3 to 12 complete with fun activities and pizza for dinner.
As you can imagine, space is limited so reservations are required. Dinner reservations for couples are $8.00 and $5.00 for singles and childcare is $2.00 per child. Reservations must be made in person at Bradshaw Library or LaFayette Pilot Library by Wednesday, September 22.
For more information about Date Night, call Bradshaw Library at 334-768-2161 or LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 334-864-0012.

2010-09-13T17:36:00.009-04:00

Learn ASL (American Sign Language)

Chambers County Library

is proud to announce that
we will soon be re-starting ASL classes here.

When: Mondays from 6:30 P. M. to 7:30 P.M.
Taught by: Clayton and Diane Roberts
Requirements: Desire to learn a beautiful, fun, new language
Cost: FREE
Textbook: Signing Made Easy
Pre-registration required
Classes start on October 4, 2010

2010-09-03T14:25:00.006-04:00

Cooking School Show
Columbus Civic Center
Thursday, October 14
We will leave the library parking lot at 3:00 p.m.
Stop for dinner and travel to the Civic Center for the show
The show begins at 6:30
Cost $15 plus your dinner.

See Cathy for more information
Sign up at the Circulation Desk!

2010-09-01T13:46:00.000-04:00

Chambers County Library Wants You to Show
Your Library Card in September

Books aren’t the only bargain a library card can get you during national Library Card Sign-Up Month celebrated at the Chambers County Library in September. Several local merchants are partnering with the Chambers County Library to save library card holders money by taking part in a “Show Us Your Library Card” campaign.

Simply show your current library card at participating businesses and restaurants to receive a discount or free item. Be sure to visit the libraries in Valley or LaFayette for a complete list of merchants and discounts available. LaFayette, Lanett, West Point and Valley merchants supporting the library’s promotion include 555 Market Place, A Cut Above, All Star Computers, Allen’s Flowers, Ashlee’s Beauty Salon, Baldwin’s Building Material and Hardware, Buds ‘n Blossoms, Capital City Bank (Shawmut only), Chambley’s, Chicken Stop, Chuck’s BBQ, Coffee Break, Curves, Daniel’s Drive Inn, Dari Dee, Dave Shirley Photography, David’s Bar-B-Que, Designs R Us, GiGi’s Uptown Boutique, Hood’s Pharmacy, House of Flowers, Irish Bred Pub, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, Junk to Riches, KFC (Valley), Kenny Knox Tire Center, L & L Nails, LaFayette Barber Shop, The LaFayette Sun, LaFayette True Value Hardware, Little Caesar’s, Lowe’s Drug, The Mane Event, Merle Norman, Merl’s Diner, Milano’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Parker’s Grocery, Pearl’s Coffee Shop, Pro Nails, Quick Way Dry Cleaners, Roger’s Bar-B-Que, Roquemore’s Key & Safe, Sandy’s Service Center, Shucker’s in the Cove, Simple Life Creations, Strickland’s Texaco, Sue’s Chic, Sunshine Cleaners, Tag’s Gift Shop, Valley Community Center, Valley Pharmacy, The Valley Times News, West Point Tire Company and Whaley’s Upholstery. There is still time for other businesses to join the Show us Your Card Campaign. Simply call Bradshaw Library at 334-768-2161 or the LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 334-864-0012 and we will gladly add your business to our list.

Also, during the month of September, the first 100 library patrons to come in and sign up for a library card or renew a library card at the Bradshaw Library in Valley or at the LaFayette Pilot Public Library will receive a library book bag, a library t-shirt or a book while supplies last.

Library cards are free to anyone who resides or works in Chambers County, Alabama or West Point, Georgia. Your address will need to be verified by showing the library staff a driver’s license or a piece of mail. A parent or guardian’s signature is required for children under 16 to receive a card. Anyone who lives outside the library’s service area may get a library card for an annual fee of $5.00.

If you have lost your library card, the $2.00 replacement fee will be waived during September. Also, there is no charge if you would like to turn in the “older” orange paper card for our plastic version with an accompanying keychain card.

We are kicking the month off with an Ice Cream Bash on Thursday, September 2. Bring the family and enjoy ice cream and all the trimmings. The evening starts at 6:30. We will be recognizing the top schools participating by hosting a pizza party for the top class and their teacher will receive a $50.00 gift card for class supplies.

Library Card Sign-Up Month is a great time to discover all the wonderful services available at your public library. In addition to services, such as free public access to the internet, workshops, Cobb Memorial Archives for genealogical research and over 50,000 circulating volumes, Chambers County Library offers a variety of special programs and events. During September we will be celebrating with a visit from Dora & Diego, Lunch and Learn programs, a sewing machine exhibit, family game night and our very popular Date Night. September also marks the beginning of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.

For more information about the programs scheduled in September and throughout the year, please call Bradshaw Library at 768-2161 at or the LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 864-0012. You can also visit the libraries or the website at www.chamberscountylibrary.org click on the calendar or the blog for program details.

2010-08-26T13:36:00.002-04:00

Lunch N Learn

“Raising Teens – A Community Effort”

Presented by
Jonathan Herston, Joanne Kehoe & Donna Sauvigne
Of
The Circle of Care Center for Families
Thursday, September 9th
Lunch at 11:30 Program at 12:00

2010-08-26T11:06:00.013-04:00

You are invited to an
ICE CREAM BASH
With all the trimmings

At Bradshaw Library on
Thursday, September 2, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the start of the school year
bring the whole family and help
kick-off the library’s fall programs

THE CLASSROOM WITH THE MOST
STUDENTS ATTENDING WILL RECEIVE...

A pizza party hosted by the library for your classroom and your teacher will get a $50.00 gift card for classroom supplies

2010-08-24T12:56:00.003-04:00

Dora and Diego will be here for a party on 9/21 @4pm. Everyone welcome!

Chambers County Library Made a Splash! This Summer

2010-08-24T11:43:00.001-04:00

Chambers County Library offered readers of all ages the opportunity to enjoy good books and programs at the library this summer. Adult readers participated in the “Water Your Mind” Summer Reading Program. Teens were encouraged to “Make Waves at the Library,” and children were invited to “Make A Splash! Read.”

The summer fun culminated on Friday, July 23 with an afternoon reception for our adult readers highlighted by the grand prize drawing of grills provided by Knology and the Greater Valley Group. Young adult and children readers were presented with certificates at an evening Awards Night. The children who participated in the reading program and met their reading goals were recognized and enjoyed a pizza dinner with their invited guests. Following Awards Night, the summer library readers joined the community celebration hosted on the library’s front lawn. Families were invited to enjoy train rides, a giant slide, a water slide, freeze pops and tattoos.

A total of 341 readers read 13,266 books this summer at the Bradshaw and LaFayette Libraries. A total of 69 programs were offered for adults, children, families and teens at Bradshaw Library and LaFayette Pilot Public Library attended by 4,634 patrons.

“We are able to offer great programs to the families in our service area that rival programs at larger public libraries thanks to the generous support of local business sponsors and the Friends of Chambers County Library”, said Tabitha Truitt, Assistant Director. Program sponsors for the 2010 Summer Library Program were Friends of Chambers County Library, Alfa Insurance, BB & T Bank, Burger King, Chattahoochee Hospice, Chicken Stop, Chuck’s Bar-B-Que, Dari Dee, Donny Holley State Farm Insurance, Greater Valley Group, Hampton Inn & Suites, Knology, Little Caesars, McDonald’s, Papa Johns, Southern Harbor Resort & Marina, Sunny’s Homestyle Cooking, Taco Bell and the City of Valley. Thanks to these businesses for saying “yes,” and thanks for their commitment and support in providing library programs in our communities.

Summer Library participants enjoyed family movies, craft days and field trips to Green Gables Stables and a pool party at the City of Valley Community Center. Programs included music and an actor’s improv with professional actor and musician, Jim Aycock; juggling with Flow Circus; magic with Arthur Atsma; a one man show with local ventriloquist, Avery Jones; Wet and Wild Science with the McWane Center; exotic animals with Rick Rakestraw and Critter Junction; and Ken Panse the Reptile Wrangler.

Bradshaw Library’s summer play, Beauty Is a Beast, highlighted the talents of students in grades 4 through 8. The play, directed by Avery Jones featured the acting talents of A.J. Blackwell, Colby Cannon, Hannah Davis, Ansley Emfinger, Matthew Fulghum, Autumn Grant, Amani James, Zaria James, Stewart Massey, Kelan Mooney, Tori Roberts, Talia Shears and Jordyn White. The production team included costumer Marleigh Jones, Lisa Gaylor who created the stage backdrop, Robin Wagner, backstage crew and Joy Stewart on lighting and sound.
The summer isn’t the only time there is fun, exciting and innovative programs happening at your public library. The staff at Bradshaw Library and the LaFayette Pilot Library are busy planning the fall schedule which will included Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, story hour for preschool children on Tuesday mornings, Library Card Sign-up Month, a visit from Dora and Diego and our very popular Date Night at the library.

Visit Bradshaw Library or LaFayette Pilot Library to find out more about the special events planned for the fall. Patrons can also keep up with what is happening at the library by visiting our website at http://www.chamberscountylibrary.org.

Scrapbooking at the Library

2010-05-22T13:26:00.002-04:00

Last night we had a good time getting some scrapbooking done here at the library. There were thirteen scrapbookers that came and worked. If you like to scrapbook you are welcome to come and join us on the third Friday night of each month. Call me for more details.

Cathy Wright
334-768-2161

Big Read Lunch N Learn on Johnson Jones Hooper Scheduled for March 4

2010-02-11T07:28:00.002-05:00

Online registration is now available for the next Bradshaw Library Lunch N Learn. To register online, click here.

On March 4, 2010 at noon Dr. Bert Hitchcock will present "Johnson Jones Hooper." Dr. Bert Hitchcock, retired English professor at Auburn University, will speak about Johnson Jones Hooper who was the editor of the first newspaper in LaFayette, Alabama, The East Alabamian, which began publication in 1842.

Previously, Hooper had served as a census taker in 1840 for Tallapoosa County. In order to fill space in his fledgling newspaper, Hooper wrote a parody of his experiences that was reprinted in The Spirit of the Times, a national periodical. With the popular reception of the story, Hooper published Some Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs.

In the 1840s, Hooper was one of the nation's best known authors, and it is known that Mark Twain read the Suggs' stories. His camp meeting scene in Huckleberry Finn is suspiciously similar to Hooper's.

Read the online text of Some Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs.

Lunch N Learn programs begin at noon. Lunch is provided.

Register online or call (334)768-2161 to reserve your lunch.

This program is part of the Alabama Big Read. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

Four OLLI Courses Being Offered at the Library

2010-02-11T07:09:00.002-05:00

Chambers County Library is proud to announce our new partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University. The Greater Valley Area OLLI group is being formed now. OLLI membership is just a $10 annual fee and with the fee we are able to offer four classes.

Registration packets are available at both Bradshaw and LaFayette Libraries. You may also register via phone by calling the Auburn University Outreach Department at (334) 844-5100.

Four courses will be offered:

"Preparing for Your Financial Future" taught by Leavitt Sanders will begin Monday, February 15 at 10:15 a.m.
Class Description: Course includes an in-depth look at steps on developing estate plans, wills, trusts, living wills, and successful financial planning.

"Writing Our Memoirs: Remembering Our Lives" taught by Susie Cook will begin Tuesday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Class Description: Course offers guided instruction and writing time to get you started on meaningful writing. Everyone has a tale to tell, and no one has to be an expert. No text required. To read a recent article in Lee Magazine about this class, go to http://www.lee-magazine.com/e-edition/december-2009-january-2010.

"Introduction to Computers" taught by Richard Robinson will begin Wednesday, February 17 at 10:15 a.m. CLASS IS FULL
Class Description: Course is for those who are new to computers. The five sessions will provide hands on training in basic computer skills, email and the Internet. Priority is give to Chambers County and West Point, GA residents.

"Mark Twain and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", part of the exciting Big Read program, taught by Margaret Kouidis will begin Thursday, February 18 at 10:15 a.m.
Class Description: Join readers around the state and study Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as part of the statewide Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts. Revisit the classic tale about a boy growing up in the antebellum South, and learn about the life of author, Samuel Clemens. Text provided by Chambers County Library.

These four classes will be held at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library in Valley and are filled on a space available basis.

Please contact Mary Hamilton at Bradshaw Library via phone at (334)768-2161 or by email at maryhamilton@chamberscountylibrary.org for more detailed information.

Mark Twain Topic of Big Read Lunch N Learn

2010-02-11T06:57:00.003-05:00

Dr. Alan Gribben , professor of English at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) and co-founder of the Mark Twain Circle of America, spoke about Twain's impact as a writer with emphasis on two of his best-known works, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Dr. Gribben wrote the foreword to the NewSouth Books Big Read edition of Tom Sawyer that's currently being distributed across the state of Alabama as part of the Big Read.

Dr. Gribben shared with the lunch crowd of 95 that “people still read Twain today simply for the fact he had a remarkable life and wrote about everything he experienced. He started in his mid teens when he worked in a print shop and was still doing it on the day he died. His last request was for a pencil and some paper so he could write something.”

This program is part of the Alabama Big Read. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

Chambers County Library Hosts Big Read Kick-Off

2010-02-11T06:45:00.005-05:00

The Big Read Kick-Off held on January 14 at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library was a success. More than 100 people attended the event which was co-sponsored by the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce as a Business After Hours.

This program from the National Endowment for the Arts is designed to inspire more people to become readers. The book selected by Alabama libraries for this year's Big Read is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Malinda Powers, executive director of the West Point Visitors Center and Depot, came in full character as Tom's Aunt Polly and launched the event by reading the first pages of the book.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments prepared by LuAnne Berlin and received copies of the New South edition of the book. One lucky library patron was the winner of the $200 offered in the Chamber Cash drawing. To view more photos, please visit our Big Read photo gallery.

This program is part of the Alabama Big Read. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

SCRAPBOOKING

2010-01-20T17:40:00.003-05:00

I have had several people ask lately if we are still scrapbooking here at the library. Yes we are! We meet the 3rd Friday night of each month, anytime after 6:00 in the Lanier Meeting Rooms. The library furnishes snacks and drinks. If you would like to bring your dinner and eat while you are here that is fine. Bring your pictures and supplies and join in the fun. If you have questions you can call me at 334-768-2161.

Cathy Wright

Library Line Dancing

2009-12-22T17:34:00.003-05:00

If you missed the Library Line Dancing Elves at the library open house after the Valley wide Christmas Parade you missed a treat! We had spectators joining in for the fun. I have have many people since then ask about the class. We will resume Thursday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the library. Come join the fun....it is great exercise.

Cathy

Christmas Contest Guidelines

2009-11-03T13:52:00.002-05:00

2009 Joy of the Holiday Season
Art, Poster and Writing Contest
Sponsored by Chambers County Library

You are invited to join our celebration this holiday season by participating in our annual art, poster and short story contest for students, preschool – grade 12. Students are invited to write stories, create original art, and design posters that celebrate the holiday season. We appreciate students, parents, and teachers taking time to participate in this annual event. This is one of our favorite contests to sponsor at the library. We look forward to reading your stories and seeing your art and posters. Listed below are the guidelines for the contest. If you have questions please contact Kati Behrens or Tabitha Truitt at Bradshaw Library at 334 768-2161 or Betty Barrett at LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 334-864-0012.

Guidelines
1. Stories should be typed or written in black ink. *Hint: If someone other than the author edits the story, please leave it as close to what the author intended. The original version must be submitted along with the edited version.

2. Stories should be neat in appearance. Stories with more than one page
should be stapled or in a folder to prevent loss. Entries should have a cover
sheet that includes: title of the story, student’s name, grade, teacher’s name,
school, home phone number. Students are encouraged to illustrate their
stories, but illustrations will not influence final judging.

3. Classes are encouraged to participate. If this is not a class assignment,
individuals may submit their own entries. Teachers, please share the
guidelines with interested students.

4. Although there isn’t a certain length for the stories, the entries should be
well developed with recognizable characters and plot. **Hint: It usually requires
more than one or two paragraphs to fully develop a story.

5. Please remind students that short stories are works of fiction and should not
be written as essays.

6. Although stories can be inspired from actual events, they should not be
a retelling of that event.

7. Stories should be written by individuals, not in groups or as a class.

8. The contest dates are November 9 - December 4. All entries must be
delivered to the library by 6:00 pm on Friday, December 4.

Poster Contest and Art Contest
Participants should create posters or art that depict “the joy of the holiday season.” Any medium may be used to illustrate the posters and art. For example, pictures from magazines may be used, paint, glitter, crayons or items from nature. Be creative. Adults may help, but please let the children create their own posters and art. **Hint: Judges especially enjoy posters and art that come from the child’s own hand. So, try not to help too much. Below are the guidelines.

Guidelines for Christmas Poster and Art Contest
1. The poster contest is for Preschool – grade 12. The art contest is for grades
2 - 12.

2. Entries in the poster category will be divided into two groups: individual and
class or family.

3.Please be sure to state if your entry is an art entry or poster entry.

4. Entries may be submitted until 6:00 on Friday, December 4. Posters and
art received early will be displayed at the library until Awards Day.

5. On the back of the posters and art, please put the child’s first & last name, grade, teachers’ name, school and home phone #. Groups submitting an entry should include a list each child’s name that helped with the project.

6. All entries should be picked up by Tuesday, January 5. After this date
entries will be discarded.

Line Dancing at the Library

2009-10-27T15:49:00.002-04:00

This is the third week of Line dancing here at the library. It is going very well! The first week we had 18 and last week we had 23. If you are even a little interested in learning the steps to line dancing I encourage you to join us. It is great exercise and lots of fun.

Read the Library Newsletter Online

2009-09-29T13:01:00.004-04:00

Tabitha Truitt, Assistant Library Director, has been hard at work on the second issue of our library newsletter. To read the current issue of "New & Noteworthy at Chambers County Library," go to http://www.chamberscountylibrary.org/oct09news.pdf.

To register for progams at Bradshaw Library, please call (334) 768-2161. For programs offered at the LaFayette Pilot Public Library, please call (334) 864-0012.

Line Dancing

2009-09-29T12:27:00.002-04:00

Line Dancing begins Thursday, October 15 @ 6:00. Come join us here at the library for fun and exercise with Bob Ward, our instructor. It's fun and it's FREE!
Just give us a call at 334-768-2161 to sign up.

Cathy

LaFayette Summer Library Programs

2009-05-30T16:25:00.005-04:00

LaFayette Library Welcomes Summer

The Library welcomed Summer a little early this year. LaFayette Library entertained 112 children and parents on Saturday during the Summer Library Program Kick-off party. This year the theme, "Be Creative", was eveident in the new attractions offered during the two-hour celebration. Face painting drew a large crowd and the most popular requests were for Auburn and Alabama symbols. Also new to the party this year, were the Pony rides. The Slay family graciously brought several beautiful ponies and offered free rides to both the young, and the "not so young". The Butterfly Making table proved to be a truly creative addition to the Summer Kick-off this year. Children made butterflies from coffee filters and clothes pins. Of course, glitter and glue completed the beautiful crafts.

Children of all ages also delighted in the Giant slide, tossed rings for prizes in the Ring Toss game, and went "fishing" for prizes in the Fishin' Game. Popsicles were available to keep everyone cool during the outdoor fun. Inside the Library, children began to check out books to earn prizes and recognition in the Reading Program.

LaFayette Library will continue to offer fun, free summer programming through July. Highlights in the summer schedule include: Rick Rakestraw's Critter Junction, Aussie Jon, Learning Through Song, Create and Express Yourself Craft Day, field trips, and Jim Aycock's Mixed Up Music. Don't miss the fun. Summer schedules are now available.

Every Monday in June the Library will show movie classics for children as a part of the Monday Movie Madnessseries. Parents and children may come enjoy a great movie based on classic children's literature. Among the movies to be shown are: The Tales of Despereaux, Charlotte's Web, and Babe. The movies are free and a snack will be provided.

The library offers programs for teens and adults too. Every Tuesday in June the Library offers a teen only program. Movies, a Game Day, and a Teen Coffeehouse are scheduled for the Teen Summer program, Express Yourself. Teens may stop by the library to pick-up a summer schedule and learn about earning prizes by reading. Lunch N Learn, the noon-time Library series continues through July. On June 17, the Alabama Welcome Center will share information about little-known vacation spots right here in Alabama.

LaFayette Library offers services for everyone. Looking for something to do this summer? Attend an event, browse our collection, or just relax and read.
Stop by the library this summer and... Check it Out.

The Return of the Soap Lady

2009-05-08T16:49:00.003-04:00

LaFayette has truly embraced Sandra McLeroy and her homemade soaps. Ms. McLeroy, a welcomed speaker at LaFayette Library, will return on May 21 for Lunch N Learn.
Sandra McLeroy began making homemade soap out of a need to manage her child’s eczema. She learned through study that real soap, made from lye, was actually less damaging to skin than many other factory-made cleansers.

Learn how Sandra makes soap, what she puts into every bar and how different ingredients produce varied results. Come to the LaFayette Library on May 21 at 12 pm to have some good clean fun. Lunch is provided. Call 864-0012 to reserve your lunch today.

Be Creative! Summer Library Programs

2009-05-06T15:55:00.010-04:00

You are invited to Be Creative at the library this summer. The fun begins with our Kick-Off on Saturday, May 30, from 11 am to
1 pm. Enjoy a giant slide, pony rides, popcorn and games for free.

We will have exciting and fun programs every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in June. Watch a movie, make a craft, experience magicians,
musicians, comedians. Fiddlin’ Dan, the Mountain Man, Aussie John and his didgeridoo, critters and reptiles will be here, too! On Friday nights in July, join us for air-conditioned indoor movies. Field trips are part of the plan. All programs are free to attend and everyone is welcome.

We’ll end it all on July 24 for Awards Night.

Program schedules are available now at Bradshaw and LaFayette libraries.

Come join us for the fun!

Dr. Tranqui and Dr. Martin Present at Next Lunch N Learn

2009-05-06T08:11:00.001-04:00

Two local surgeons, Dr. Phil Tranqui and Dr. Patrick Martin, will be the featured speakers at the special Lunch and Learn program of the Bradshaw Library scheduled for Friday, May 8. Both doctors will speak on the latest techniques in the practice of surgery and will answer questions from program participants after speaking.

Dr. Tranqui was bron in Canada and earned a 4-year Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Biology followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He earned his Medical Doctor degree at the University of Ottawa followed by a 5-year residency in General Surgery.

Dr. Tranqui opened his practice with Lanier Health Services in July, 2006.

Dr. Martin completed his undergraduate studies at Auburn University and his medical school degtree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi followed by specialty training in trauma/sports at St. John's Hospital in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He recently completed a joint reconstruction fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona in 2007.

In making the announcment of the program, Chambers County Library Director Mary Hamilton stated that "We are so proud to offer such a program to our community. I'm sure we will have a good crowd anxious to learn about surgical techniques. Both Dr. Tranqui and Dr. Martin are well-known throughout this area as very competent surgeons. We look forward to hearing them and appreciate their willingness to be with us."

Registration is now underway. Please call the library at 768-2161 to reserve a complimentary lunch which will be served at 11:30 a.m. Presentations will begin at noon with a question and answer period to follow.

Free Professional Puppet Performance

2009-05-06T08:10:00.000-04:00

Bradshaw Library has announced the return performance of Atlanta Puppet Company.

Peter and Mary Ann Hart, master puppeteers, will be bringing their new show, "Animalympics," to the library. This free show will be presented on Thursday evening, May 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Peter Hart has long been regarded as one of the finest and most skillful professional puppeteers in the South. His exceptional talents have received praises from audiences at Walt Disney World / Epcot, the Georgia Governor's Mansion, Six Flags Over Georgia, Centennial Park, the 1996 Olympics and in Europe. He has performed as head puppeteer in over 70 different professional puppetry productions.

Mary Ann Hart, is a skilled professional performer whose talents include puppetry, mime, theatrical movement and circus arts. She is a certified instructor with the National Discipline Based Arts in Education Program (DBAE).

The Harts have also constructed and performed puppets for the Cartoon Network, Burger King, the Tourism Bureau of Quebec, Turner Broadcasting, the United Way, Coca Cola and other corporate clients.

As a special treat, following the show, audience members will be invited to make a puppet of their own to take home. Atlanta Puppet provides all the materials needed for this fun filled, hands-on craft activity.

Different colored heads and a variety of body shapes give young puppet makers an opportunity to express their creativity. In just minutes, a colorful creation can be made with no two puppets looking just alike.

Please note that although the evening is free, seating is limited, so it is necessary to call for reservations. The number is 334-768-2161.

Sacred Harp Music and the North Alabama Densons

2009-02-10T15:25:00.006-05:00

Sacred Harp music seems to be everywhere. This music is performed at Alabama folk life events, in concerts by college choirs and professional singers, and at Sacred Harp singings. To truly appreciate the strong, intense and archaic sound, one should become more familiar with Sacred Harp music and its Alabama connection.

LaFayette Library welcomes Ms. Frances Robb, an art historian and museum consultant, to the February session of Lunch n Learn. This presentation, offered through the Alabama Humanities Foundation’s Speaker of the House program, focuses on North Alabama and the Denson family that fostered this music from 1884.

The Alabama Humanities Foundation (AHF) strives to create and foster opportunities, through grants and AHF-conducted programs, for scholars and the public to interact and explore human values and meanings through the humanities.

Sacred Harp Music and the North Alabama Densons will begin at 12 noon on Thursday, February 26. A light lunch will be served. To register call 864-0012, email Monica Barber at monicabarber@chamberscountylibrary.org, or stop by the LaFayette Library today.

Improv at the Library

2009-01-28T13:41:00.003-05:00

At the 2008 Summer Improv Workshop, Avery Jones gives his interpretation of a flight attendant

instructing a plane load of chained-together convicts on how to exit the plane if it should crash into the ocean.

Improv?? At the Library?????

You bet! As part of our ongoing teen program, area teens are invited to an Actor’s Improvisation class given by Birmingham actor, Jim Aycock which will be offered on President’s Day, Monday, February 16^th at 10:00am at Bradshaw Library. Aycock will lead a group in acting exercises and share tips about working as a professional actor. The program will last all day and a performance will be given at 3:30 pm for parents and friends.

Jim Aycock trained as an actor at the University of Alabama and has worked professionally in L.A. as an actor and singer and currently performs his original music at venues throughout the Southeastern U.S. In addition to his music, Jim can also be heard as voice talent on national TV/radio commercials. He is an announcer for Subway and many others. He has had speaking parts in several motion pictures, including a featured role in Walt Disney's "Tom and Huck", as the defense lawyer. Aycock has produced music CDs, performed on television and the big screen in the feature film Tom and Huck.

Lunch will be served. Registration is free, but will be limited to 20. Participants must be at least 13 years old and under 19 years old. Please call the library at 334/768–2161 to reserve a spot in the class.

Scrapbooking with Cathy X 2

2009-01-20T16:49:00.002-05:00

If you love to scrapbook and just don't have the room or you need ideas and inspiration, then come join us. We began a scrapbook group Friday, January 16th here at H. Grady Bradshaw Library. It was great! We will meet once a month on the third Friday at 6:30 in the Lanier Room to share ideas and work on our books. If it sounds like something you would like to do, we would love to have you join us. Our next meeting will be Friday, February 20!

A list of basic supplies for beginners is listed below:

Scrapbook
Photo splits/adhesives/glue/tape-whichever you prefer
Scissors
Some type of tote or box to keep your supplies in
Acid free paper
Any type embellishments

If you have any questions call Cathy Wright at 334-768-2161 or Cathy Crosson at 706-518-2038.

Tai Chi Classes to Begin January 13 at Bradshaw Library

2009-01-05T09:17:00.001-05:00

Bradshaw Library in Valley will offer a beginning level six-week class in Tai Chi for Arthritis each Tuesday and Thursday, beginning January 13 through February 19 from 2 to 2:50 p.m. Jan Rose Stewart, M.S. in Wellness Management & Exercise Science, will teach the basics of this martial art.

Tai Chi is a flow of gentle movements designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, increase muscular strength and endurance, improve flexibility and balance and ones overall quality of life. Stewart is certified to teach the program created by Dr. Paul Lam of Australia and adapted by the Arthritis Foundation of the U.S.A.

The fee for the six-week session is $30.00. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Each class begins at 2 p.m. and lasts fifty minutes.

Call Bradshaw Library at 768-2161 to register. Registration deadline is January 12.

Home Schooler's Workshop

2008-12-19T17:15:00.003-05:00

Home schooled children ages 8 to 12 are invited to attend the first of five library workshops held at the LaFayette Library. The workshop will teach library and research skills. Workshop #1:“What’s in our Library” will begin at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 29. This one hour workshop is limited to 10 students. Please call 864-0012 to register.

Woodcraft Lunch N Learn at LaFayette Library

2008-11-12T16:45:00.002-05:00

Lunch N Learn at the LaFayette Library will be held on Thursday, November 20 at 12 noon. Mr. Leroy Jones will speak about and demonstrate his wonderful Woodcrafting skills. This free session includes lunch, so registration is required. Call 864-0012 today to reserve a space.

2008 "Joy of the Holiday Season" Art, Poster, and Writing Contest

2008-11-10T16:14:00.015-05:00

2008 Joy of the Holiday Season

Youth from preschool to grade 12 are invited to participate in Joy of the Holiday Season the annual art, poster and short story contest at Chambers County Library. Students are invited to write stories, create original art, and design posters that celebrate the holiday season. We appreciate students, parents, and teachers taking time to participate in this annual event. This is one of our favorite contests to sponsor at the library. We look forward to reading your stories and seeing your art and posters.

All entries must be submitted by December 5. Guidelines are printed below. Individuals, groups and classes are welcome to participate.

If you have questions please contact Tabitha Truitt or Kati Behrens at Bradshaw Library at 768-2161 or Betty Barrett or Monica Barber at LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 864-0012.

Guidelines: Writing Contest

1. Stories should be typed or written in black ink. *Hint: When editing the story, please leave it as close to what the author intended. You should submit the original version along with the edited version.

2. Stories should be neat in appearance. Stories with more than one page should be stapled or in a folder to prevent loss. Entries should have a cover sheet that includes: title of the story, student’s name, grade, teacher’s name, school, home phone number. Students are encouraged to illustrate their stories, but illustrations will not influence final judging.

3. Classes are encouraged to participate. If this is not a class assignment, individuals may submit their own entries. Teachers, please share the guidelines
with interested students.

4. Although, there isn’t a certain length for the stories, the entries should be well developed with recognizable characters and plot. **Hint: It usually requires more than one or two paragraphs to fully develop a story.

5. Please remind students that short stories are works of fiction and should not be written as essays.

6. Although stories can be inspired from actual events, they should not be a retelling of that event.

7. Stories should be written by individuals, not in groups or as a class.

8. The contest will be November 10 - December 5. All entries must be delivered to the library by 6:00pm on Friday, December 5. Pickup will not be available.

9. Awards will be presented during a special holiday party on Thursday, December 18 at 4:00pm(ET) at Bradshaw and 3:30 p.m.(CT) at LaFayette.
Guidelines: Christmas Poster and Art Contest

Participants should create posters or art that depict “the joy of the holiday season.” Any medium may be used to illustrate the posters and art. For example, pictures from magazines may be used, paint, glitter, crayons or items from nature. Be creative. Adults may help, but please let the children create their own posters and art. **Hint: Judges especially enjoy posters and art that come from the child’s own hand. So, try not to help too much. Below are the guidelines.

1. The poster contest is for Preschool – grade 12. The art contest is for grades 2 - 12.

2. Entries in the poster category will be divided into two groups: individual and class or family.

3. Posters should be at least size 11 x 17. Art should be at least size 8½ x 11. The theme of the poster should appear at the top.

4. Entries may be submitted until 6:00 on Friday, December 5. Posters and art received early will be displayed at the library until Awards Day.

5. Please put the child’s name, family name or class name, grade, teacher, school and home phone # on the back of the posters and art. Groups who submit an entry should include a list of each child’s name that helped with the project.

6. Awards will be presented during a special holiday party on Thursday, December 18 at 4:00pm(ET) at Bradshaw Library and 3:30 p.m.(CT) at LaFayette Library.

7. All entries should be picked up by December 30. After this date all entries will be discarded.

Tai Chi for Arthiritis at LaFayette Library

2008-09-09T12:48:00.009-04:00

LaFayette Library will offer a class in Tai Chi for Arthritis each Monday and Wednesday, beginning September 29. Jan Rose Stewart, M.S. in Wellness Management & Exercise Science, will teach the basics of this martial art. Ms. Stewart will be using a program created by Dr. Paul Lam of Australia and adapted by the Arthritis Foundation of U.S.A.

The fee for the six-week session is $30.00. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Each class begins at 10:00 am and lasts one hour.

Call Betty or Monica at 864-0012 to register for the class. Registration ends on September 26.

Tai Chi at LaFayette Library

2008-08-18T11:39:00.001-04:00

The topic of the next Lunch and Learn program at LaFayette Library will be the ancient art of Tai Chi as adapted for arthritis and stress relief. Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is an eminent form of martial art. Millions of people world-wide now practice it as an effective exercise for healthy mind and body. Jan Stewart will share information and give a demonstration.

Tai Chi is gentle, focusing on fluid, circular movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. If you have difficulty standing, Tai Chi can be done sitting in a chair. The basics are safe and easy to learn, and many have found relief from symptoms of arthritis and other chronic ailments within a short time.

Health Benefits associated with Tai Chi include: increased flexibility and muscle strength, improved body posture and balance, integration of body, mind, and spirit, increased flow of energy, and an improved quality of life

Jan Rose Stewart, M.S. in Wellness Management & Exercise Science, has been teaching mind/body disciplines for over thirty years. She is certified in Yoga, Tai Chi, and personal training.

Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice Tai Chi.

For more information, come to Lunch and Learn on Thursday, August 28, at 12:00 noon. Lunch will be served. Please call LaFayette Library at 864-0012 to register.

From Monet to Van Gogh: A History of Impressionism

2008-08-18T10:56:00.004-04:00

An 11 week brownbag course, "From Monet to Van Gogh: A History of Impressionism", will be held in the H. Grady Bradshaw Library each Wednesday beginning September 3 at noon . Professor Richard Brettell, of the University of Texas at Dallas, an internationally recognized authority on impressionism, will be the featured presenter on a 2 set DVD series provided by the Teaching Company's, The Great Courses..

A major focus of the course will be on the key painters of the Impressionist Movement: Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cezanne, Berthe Morisot, Gustave Caillebotte, Mary Cassat and Edgar Degas. Participants will also look at those artists whose work came out of the Movement: Paul Gaugin, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Latrec and the Nabis.

The careers of many of the artist will be discussed from their early exposure to art, their teachers, travels and later stylistic influences.

Two of the prominent Impressionist painters were women: Berthe Morisot and Maray Cassatt. Both will be discussed in their own right, first as artists and also as women - a fact which affected their approach to painting. Their presence in the Impressionist group added much to its reputation as a thoroughly modern movement.

Those who wish to register for the course may call the library at 768-2161. There is no charge.

The Dirt on Soap at LaFayette Library July24

2008-07-08T12:26:00.005-04:00

So What is the Dirt on Soap? Soap is soap, right? Wrong! All soaps are not alike. The LaFayette Library will welcome Sandra McLeroy, the Soap Lady, on July 24 for Lunch and Learn. This program provides information on how soap is made, which ingredients are best for the skin and the difference between milled soaps and cold-processed soaps. Learn how to pamper your skin. Come to the LaFayette Library on July 24 at 12 pm to have some good clean fun. Lunch is provided. Call 864-0012 to reserve your lunch.

Warriors of Middle Ages to Perform at Bradshaw Library

2008-07-03T09:27:00.004-04:00

Practically any child can tell you of the famous Knights of the Round Table and most will learn of the exploits of King Richard and the great crusaders; however, the formal training that led to the glory of these armored heroes remains largely overlooked today. A solution to this problem is on the horizon. With the cooperation of The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., an exhibition of how knights trained and battled will be held on the grounds of the H. Grady Bradshaw Library from one until four p.m. on August 23. There will be no charge for the event which be open for all ages and no registration is required.

In addition to armored fighters, calligraphers, costumers, dancers, fencers, heralds, etc. will be featured. Spectators will be allowed to mingle with the performers who will all be dressed in garb of the Middle Ages.

Drawn together by their common interest and enthusiasm for not just medieval history, but the most intricate workings of daily life in the millennium between the 6th and 16th centuries, members of the SCA find immense joy in reviving centuries of arts and crafts. Members of the organization, both men and women, create and wear armor made as authentically as possible to emulate the mail, boiled leather and plate steel used between the 10th and 15th centuries, and wield swords, spears, and axes made of rattan to simulate the balance and handling of the original weapons, without the lethal qualities.

Before being allowed to participate in this grand tradition, modern-day SCA combatants go through a rigorous training regimen and safety authorization process. Their equipment is inspected before the start of every event and they must maintain their skills through regular attendance at combat practices.

Be sure to mark the date on your calendar for the event. Bring the kids! They'll love it!

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Prince Madoc and the Welsh Indian Tribe

2008-07-02T15:07:00.013-04:00

An exciting Lunch and Learn program is scheduled for the H. Grady Bradshaw Library on July 24. Dr. Ronald Fritze, Dean and Professsor of History at Athens (Alabama) State University will give a presentation on Prince Madoc of Wales (England) and a legendary Welsh Indian tribe. History reportedly has it that Madoc not only visited America in 1170 but also that he and his followers assimilated into an Indian tribe in the area of the upper Missouri River. This tribe fuelled tales of fair-haired Indians, living in round huts and using round coracle-like boats, both of which were common in Wales but unheard of in America at the time. They also spoke a language similar to Welsh.

Prince Madoc and his brother, Regyd, sailed two ships from Wales in 1169 and landed in Mobile Bay, Alabama 322 years before Columbus is supposed to have discovered America! They liked the country so much that one of the ships returned to Wales to collect more adventurers. Ten small ships sailed in the bay in 1170 and proceeded up the great river systems, including the Coosa and Alabama, settling initially in the Georgia/Tennessee/Kentucky area where they built stone forts. They warred with the local Indian tribe, the Cherokees and after being defeated, departed the area never to return. Survivors of the conflict eventually sailed up the Missouri River and settled and integrated with a powerful tribe living on the banks of the Missouri called Mandans.

Is this a true story? Is it true that the first Europeans to visit America landed in Alabama? Is there really a blue-eyed, fair-haired tribe of Indians existing in America? Come and listen to Dr. Fritze and find out! Call the library at 334-768-2161 to register for the program today. A free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and Dr. Fritze's presentation will begin at noon. This promises to be one of the most popular Lunch and Learn programs presented by the Chambers County Library this year. A big turnout is anticipated.

Arrangements for the presentation have been made with the cooperation of the Alabama Humanities Foundation's Road Scholars program.

Possible Madison, Georgia Christmas Trip

2008-06-13T10:24:00.004-04:00

Madison, Georgia, known as one of the most beautiful cities between Charleston, South Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana, was spared by General William T. Sherman when he burned much of Georgia on his route to Savannah during the Civil War.

December 5 and December 6, the Morgan County, Georgia, Historical Sociery will present a "Holiday Tour of Historic Ante-bellum Homes" in Madison complete with Christmas indoor and outdoor decorations. This is always a beautiful event! If there is enough local interest, the library will schedule a trip to Madison on one of the two dates.

The tour of homes will begin at 5:00 p.m and conclude about 9:00 p.m. We will leave the Bradshaw Library parking lot at about 1:00 p.m., travel to Madison, rest up a bit and then take the tour. Afterwards, we will leave Madison at 9:00 p.m. and return to the library about midnight.

Cost for the trip will be approximately $35 and will include transportation and tickets for the tour. Participants may take their own food but numerous restaurants in the tour area will be open.

Please indicate your interest in taking the trip by signing up at the main desk of the Bradshaw Library. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE WILL DEFINITELY TAKE THE TRIP NOR DOES IT MEAN THAT ANYONE HAS A PLACE RESERVED. IF ENOUGH INTEREST IS SHOWN, WE WILL ANNOUNCE IT IN THE LOCAL PAPER AND ON THE LIBRARY BLOG.

THE $35 FEE IS AN ESTIMATE. IT MAY BE SLIGHTLY MORE OR SLIGHTLY LESS.

Thanks!

Library Travelers to visit Atlanta Cyclorama and Zoo

2008-05-23T11:15:00.003-04:00

The Chambers County Library Travelers will visit the Atlanta Cyclorama and Zoo on June 24. Cost for the trip, which is non-refundable and for adults only, is $35. The fee covers transportation and tickets to the Zoo and Cyclorama. Food services are available at the Zoo and individual or group picnic lunches are permissable. Registration is now underway and must be done in person. Telephone registration will not be permitted. A 49 passenger bus will be used and seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Among the Zoo's most notable holdings are three giant pandas, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and Mei Lan, on loan from China's Chengdu Zoo until 2009. Lun Lun gave birth to Mei Lan on September 6, 2006 after being the focus of a captive-breeding program for seven years.

The $4.5 million Ford African Rain Forest habitat is home to 24 western lowland gorillas, one of the two largest collections of the species in North America. Recently, one of the gorillas gave birth to twins, a very rare occurence among gorillas in general and extremely rare in captive ones.

Nowhere can the true drama of the Civil War battle of Atlanta be more appreciated than at the Cyclorama. Visitors step back to July 22, 1864 and experience the Battle of Atlanta. The heroism of soldiers fighting bravely for causes they believed in is brilliantly portrayed as the painting, foreground figures, music and narratives are combined.

The Cyclorama has been on display in Atlanta since 1893 and is the longest running show in the United States.

This is your opportunity to visit two of the South's most well-known attractions. Register today! The bus will leave the Bradshaw Library parking lot on the 24th at 8:00 a.m. and return about 6:00 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling the library at 334-768-2161.

Rheta Grimsley Johnson to Appear at Next Lunch N Learn

2008-05-08T13:28:00.006-04:00

Rheta Grimsley Johnson, nationally known reporter and columnist, will be the featured speaker at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library's June 12 Lunch and Learn program. She will review her latest book, Poor Man's Provence: Finding Myself in Cajun Louisiana.

Having covered the South for over three decades as a newspaper reporter and columnist, Johnson's reporting has won numerous awards including the Ernie Pyle Memorial Award for human interest reporting, 1983; the Headliner Award for commentary, 1985; and the American Society of Newspaper Editors' Distinguished Writing Award for commentary, 1982.

In 1986 Johnson was inducted into the Scripps Howard Newspapers Editorial Hall of Fame and in 1991 she was one of three finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Syndicated today by King Features, her column appears in about 50 papers nationwide. She is the author of several books, including America's Faces and Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz.

For more than a decade, the nationally syndicated columnist spent several months a year in southwest Louisiana, deep in the heart of Cajun country. Unlike many writers who have spent only a few days there, Rheta fell in love with the place, bought a second home and set in planting azaleas and deep roots. She wrote her latest novel based on her exciting experiences in the area. It's a book that is both a personal odyssey and good reporting, travelogue and memoir, funny and frank. Its setting is as exotic as it gets without a passport!

These days, much is labeled Cajun that is not, and the popularity of the unque culture's food, songs and dance has been a mixed blessing. The revival of French Louisiana's traditional music and cuisine often has been cheapend by counterfeits. Confused pilgrims sometimes look to New Orleans for a sampler planner of all things Cajun. Close, but no cigar. Poor Man's Provence defines what's what through lively characters and stories. Rheta shares what keeps her coming home to French Louisiana in anecdotes that are as crisply-written as they are tellingly true.

Mary Hamilton, Director of Chambers County Libraries, in announcing Johnson's impending visit, stated "We are indeed fortunate to have Rheta Grimsley Johnson to make this presentation. All of us are looking forward to hearing her review her latest book and we've been told it's her best . "

Call the Bradshaw Library at 768-2161 to regsiter for a free lunch which will be served at 11:30 a.m. Johnson's presentation will begin at noon. At the conclusion of her presentation she will be available to sell and autograph copies of her book.

Patron Appreciation Breakfast

2008-04-15T22:49:00.001-04:00

On Monday, April 14, the library staff prepared a breakfast of pancakes and sausage for more than 50 patrons. The Patron Appreciation Breakfast was the first special program to celebrate National Library Week. To view other photos of the breakfast, please visit the Patron Appreciation Photo Album. Pictured here are Cathy Wright, Circulation Manager, and library patrons, Bob and Jane Angus.

For National Library Week, the Library Annex will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Annex is located directly across the parking lot from the library main entrance. Most books range in price from $.25 to $1.00. All money raised will be donated to the Chambers County Relay for Life."

The Magic of Reading," a magic show performed by Russell Davis of Huntsville, AL, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Bradshaw Library. Russell will also present his program on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the LaFayette Pilot Public Library. Everyone is welcome and registration is not required.

Other special programs include a DVD educational series titled "The Genius of Michelangelo"which will be presented on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Please call the library at (334)768-2161 by Tuesday at 5 p.m. to reserve your lunch.

U.S. Air Force pilot, Captain Jamey Wright, will speak during our Lunch N Learn on Thursday at noon. Wright piloted a KC-10 refueling plan in Iraq. You may register online for this program by visiting the library's website at http://www.chamberscountylibrary.org/, and click on the calendar link.

National Library Week is also Free Fine Weekat Chambers County Library. Please look for any overdue library materials that may have fallen behind the couch or might be hidden in the closet.For additional information about library programs, call the library at (334) 768-2161 or visit the library website at http://www.chamberscountylibrary.org/. Click on the calendar link for upcoming programs.

Captain Jamey Wright to Speak at Library Lunch and Learn

2008-04-01T10:46:00.003-04:00

Did you ever wonder how it would feel to fly a 53,000 gallon jet fuel tanker around the world to "fill up" jet bombers from a height of 3 to 5 miles? How can this monster, which is longer than a football field and over five stories high, take off and stay airborne? Staggering and scarey, isn't it?

These questions, and many more, will be answered at the April 17 Bradshaw Library Lunch and Learn program which will feature a presentation by Captain Jamey Wright, a Shawmut native who was recently separated from Air Force active duty after flying numerous missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.

In August of 1999, Wright, the son of Jack and Cathy Wright, received his United States Air Force Commission on the day he was graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Aviation Management. In April of 2001, he was graduated from the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program at Columbus AFB, Ms. Afterwards he flew KC-10 Extenders from McGuire AFB, NJ and Travis Air Force Base, CA. globally while supporting ongoing missions in Afgahanistan and Iraq. The KC-10 is 590,000 pounds of muscle which provides global reach for the United States Air Force. Taking off with 53,000 gallons of fuel and 170,000 pounds of cargo, this aircraft enables worldwide presence in less than 24 hours.

In September of 2007, Captain Wright separated from Air Force active duty and is now a pilot for UPS where he flies MD-11s worldwide. He is a member of the Air Force Reserves at Dobbins AFB in Atlanta where he continues to fly KC-10s.

Captain Wright, his wife Jennifer and sons , Fischer and Parker, reside in LaGrange.

Registration is now underway for this exciting presentation and a large crowd is expected. If you want to make sure you have a free lunch and a place to sit, call the Bradshaw Library today at 334- 768-2161. Lunches will be served at 11:30 and the presentation will begin at noon.

Library Travelers to Visit Atlanta Aquarium and Coca Cola Museum

2008-03-28T09:28:00.004-04:00

Since the trip to the Atlanta Aquarium and the Coca Cola Museum was so popular earlier this month, another one has been scheduled for May 2.

Forty-eight seats are available on a chartered bus and will be filled on a first come first served basis. Cost for the trip is $47 which includes transportation and admission to the aquarium and museum. Travelers will lunch on their own. Food is available in the aquarium.

The bus will leave the Bradshaw Library at 8:00 a.m. and return before 6:00 p.m. on the scheduled date.

Those who wish to make the trip should come by the Bradshaw Library during its regular hours of operation and register. Don't delay. The bus will fill up in a hurry. Telephone registration will not be permitted and the registration fee is non-refundable. The library telephone number is 334-768-2161

This is another quality program for adults offered by the Chambers County Library. Additional trips are being scheduled.

Online Request Form Now Available

2008-03-24T00:03:00.003-04:00

Patrons can now request materials using an online submission form. The library staff will make every effort to order the requested material. If the item is not available, we will contact you via phone or email if your contact information is included with the submission. Please include as much information about the requested item as you can.

The form is available on the Chambers County Library website under "Library Highlights" and from the bar at the top of the page.

LaFayette Pilot Library Anniversary

2008-03-17T11:22:00.005-04:00

LaFayette Pilot Public Library celebrated 53 years of service in the LaFayette community on Friday, March 14. Patrons were invited to explore the history of the library beginning with the original Pilot Library that started in the county courthouse. News articles, pictures and other memoribilia traced the evolution of the Library to its present form. Patrons enjoyed refreshments and shared memories of the LaFayette Library.

Did you miss the fun...want to find out more? Visit the LaFayette Library today to view these historical artifacts.

Library Travelers to visit Andersonville Confederate Prison

2008-03-13T10:40:00.005-04:00

The Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia was the most infamous installation of its kind during the American Civil War. Camp Sumter, it's official name, was a 26 1/2 acre facility which opened in February 1864. Designed to accommodate 10,000 prisoners, it was surrounded by at 15-foot-high stockade and the largest number of prisoners held at one time was 32,000. 13,000 died from malnutrition, a wide range of diseases, overcrowding, poor sanitation and exposure. The prison ceased to exist in May 1865. Captain Henry A. Wirz, commander of the facility, was arrested, tried, convicted and hanged at the end of the war.

In 1910 the site was donated to the people of the United States by the Woman's Relief Corps. It was administered by the War Department and its successor, the Department of the Army until it was designated as a national historic site. Since July 1, 1971, it has been administered by the National Park Service.

Utilizing a chartered bus, the Library Travelers will visit Andersonville on April 4, leaving the library parking lot at 8:00 a.m and returning about 5:00 pm. Fee for the trip is $17 and is non-refundable. Travelers will be encouraged to take a picnic lunch since no food will be available on the premises. A Park Ranger will conduct a guided tour throughout the area. When the tour is finished, each traveler will be free to wander about the entire site. There is no entry fee to the site. Registration is now underway at the Bradshaw and LaFayette libraries. Seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Telephone registration is not allowed.

This is another quality adult program offered by the Chambers County Library. Telephone number is 334-768-2161.

Threat of Agroterroism on American Food Supply

2008-02-29T12:35:00.005-05:00

The Chambers County Libray will have a timely topic for its next Lunch and Learn program - the threat of agroterrorism on America's food supply.

Dr. Robert A. Norton, recipient of the 2004 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for his work in the areas of infrastructure protection and national security related to agriculture and the food supply, will be the featured speaker at the March 20 Lunch and Learn program of the H. Grady Bradshaw Library. His topic will be "The Threat of Agroterroism on the American Food Supply". He will be accompanied by FBI Agent Steve McCraney.

A professor at Auburn University, Dr. Norton, a veterinary microbioligist by training, was educated at Southern Illinois University where he received his B. S. and M. S. and the University of Arkansas, where he received his PH.D. He served in the U. S. Army Chemical Corps and with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Ft. Detrick, Maryland

Norton regularly conducts agricultural related intellingence briefings for law enforcement, intelligence and Congressional groups. In addition, he is a regular speaker at national and international scientific, intelligence and law enforcement meetings. He has frequently trained first responders in issues related to pandemic influenza and regularly conducts agricultural related intellingence briefings for law enforcement, intelligence and Congressional groups.

Registration for the presentation is now underway and may be done in person or by telephoning the library at 768-2161 during regular hours of operation. Registration is not required for those who do not wish to eat. They can just show up but whatever you do be sure to be at the library in plenty of time because a big crowd is expected for this "once in a lifetime" presentation. The free lunch will be served at 11:30 and Dr. Norton's presentation will begin at noon.

The Cat in the Hat and Miss Chatt Visit the Library

2008-02-28T10:45:00.002-05:00

Bradshaw Library will have two very special guests on Tuesday, March 4. Dr. Seuss’ mischievous Cat in the Hat and Miss Chattahoochee Valley, Mallory Hagen will join the library’s Read Across America Celebration.

The day’s festivities will begin with a visit from The Cat in the Hat at storytime on Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. for pictures and mischief. In the afternoon, the library will host a cake and coke party to officially welcome our special guests to the library.

Miss Chatt and the Cat will share stories and visit with library patrons from 3:00pm – 5:30pm. From 3:00pm – 3:45pm, children can make their own Cat in the Hat hat, while supplies last, with the library’s Teen Advisory Board. At 4:00pm, Miss Chatt and the Cat will share Dr. Seuss’ stories with the children.

The library will take free pictures for children who visit during this time. There will also be drawings for prizes. We hope the entire community will come out and welcome the The Cat in the Hat and Miss Chatt for their first official visit to Bradshaw Library.

The Genius of Michelangelo Course at Bradshaw Library

2008-02-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

With his career spanning the glories of Renaissance Florence and the discovery of a New World to the first stirrings of the Counter-Reformation, Michelangelo Buanarroti is one of the most recognized and well-documented artists of all time. Not only was he a painter and sculptor but an architect and poet as well.

Beginning February 27, the Bradshaw Library will conduct a 12 session "brownbag" study of Michelangelo as taught by Professor William E. Wallace, Washington University of St. Louis from 11:30 a.m. until 1:oo p.m. each Wednesday. Dr. Wallace is an internationally recognized authority on Michelangelo. He was one of a select group of scholars, curators and conservators from around the world invited to the Vatican to confer about the conservation of Michelangelo's frescos in the Sistine Chapel several years ago.

Among Michelangelo's works to be studied will be his world-famous PIETA, DAVID, MOSES and the SISTINE CHAPEL ceiling.

The course will be arranged as a chronological survey of Michelangelo's life, times and work. Each session will take up a significant aspect of the artist, as well as a consideration of his many famous and some lesser-known masterworks.

Participants are encouraged to bring their "brownbag" lunches with drinks furnished by the library. There is no fee but pre-registration is requested. Please call 768-2161 to register.

This is another of the many successful progams for adults being offered by the Chambers County Library.

2008-02-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

The Chambers County Library Travelers will visit the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta on March 4 and registration is now underway. Seats on the chartered bus will be fillled first come, first served. No telephone registration will be allowed.

Cost for the trip which includes transportation and tickets to the Aquarium and The World of Coca Cola is $47 and is non-refundable.

Those intending to take the trip may register at the Bradshaw Library during regular hours of operation.

The bus will leave from the Bradshaw Library parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and return about 6:00 p.m. on the 4th.

If additional information is needed, please call the library at 334-768-2161.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" Presentation

2008-01-22T11:27:00.000-05:00

An unabridged recorded disc set, valued at one hundred dollars and performed by noted television and movie actress Sissy Spacek , will be given to some lucky patron at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library's February 12 Lunch and Learn program. Featured speaker for the event will be noted author and lecturer Wayne Flynt who will review Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" one of the most popular works ever written by a Southern author. Lee is a resident of Monroeville, Alabama.

Flynt, one of the country's leading authorities on Harper Lee, is active in a number of professional organizations, six of which have honored him with their highest awards for service. He has lectured in numerous colleges and universities across the United States as well as Europe and Asia and of his books have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His presentation at the library will begin at 12:00 noon.

Those who wish to enjoy a free lunch prior to the presentation should call the library at 768-2161 and register
no later than February 11.

Wayne Flynt, Noted Author to Speak at Lunch and Learn

2008-01-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Wayne Flynt, Editor-in Chief of the new Online Encyclopedia of Alabama, will be the featured speaker at the February 12 Lunch and Learn program of the H. Grady Bradshaw Library.

He is the author of eleven books, including the Pulitizer Prize-nominated Poor But Proud:Alabama's Poor Whites. His most recent book, Alabama in the Twentieth Century, was awarded the 2004 Anne B. and James B. Mcmillan Prize. Also, in 2004, his book, Dixie's Forgotten People: The South's Poor Whites was re-issued. His books have won many awards, some multiple times, including the Lillian Smith Award for Non-Fiction, the Alabama Library Association Award for Non-Fiction, Outstanding Academic Book from the American Library Association, and the H. James F. Sulzby, Jr. Book Award. He is co-author of Alabama: A History of a Deep South State, which was also nominated for a Pulitzer Prise.

Flynt has been invited to lecture in universities across America as well as at Cambridge University, the University of Sussex, Queens University (northern Ireland), University of Vienna, University of Szechuan, China, in the Netherlands, Denmark, at a number of universities in India, and was research scholar for a semester at Hong Kong Baptist University. He also served a semester as Eudora Welty Visiting Scholar of Southern Studies at Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi.

Flynt has actively devoted his life to bringing the issues of history and poverty and their social impact to the forefront of the public's consciousness. He was educated at Samford University (A.B., 1961) and Florida State University (M.S., 1962; and Ph.D., 1965).

His topic for the luncheon presentation will be "Harper Lee and 'To Kill A Mockingbird". Registration
is required only for those who wish to eat prior to Flynt's talk which will begin at 12:00 noon.

Library Hosts Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

2008-01-12T08:34:00.000-05:00

The H. Grady Bradshaw Library in Valley, Alabama is sponsoring the Financial Peace University (FPU) course of nationally syndicated radio talk-show personality and personal financial expert Dave Ramsey.

Ramsey’s radio program The Dave Ramsey Show has been on the air for fifteen years and can be heard on over 325 radio stations across the country with an average of 3 million weekly listeners. In addition, Ramsey has recently joined the Fox Business Network (FBN) as the host of a primetime nightly program, which airs on the local Charter Communications digital cable network.

Orientation and classes will be held at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library, 3419 20th Avenue in Valley on Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 10:00am EST to 11:00am EST. Participants will become educated about how to reduce debt, adopt a budget, gain control of their finances and learn new behaviors around money. Registration will also be accepted at this time for the class beginning on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 3:00pm EST.

Orientation to and training in the 13 week course will be facilitated by the Valley’s own Valerie Smith, President/CEO of Affinity Financial Counseling in Auburn, AL, who is a Financial Peace certified counselor.

For additional information on the course, contact Mary Hamilton at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library at 334-768-2161 or via email at maryhamilton@chamberscountylibrary.org.

Chambers County Library Hosts APTV Workshop, Science Spectrum

2008-01-09T15:06:00.000-05:00

Bradshaw Library will host “Science Spectrum” an Alabama Public TV Ready to Learn Workshop for educators, parents and caregivers on Thursday, January 17. Participants in this free workshop will examine the important role science plays in all areas of a young child’s development. Using hands-on activities, children’s books, and viewing clips from PBS Kids’ programs, participants will learn ways to help children make, enjoy, and value science as a source of expression and creativity, and as tool for growth in language/literacy development.

Ready to Learn services help to prepare children for success in school through the reach of Public Broadcasting. Using educationally sound PBS Kids Programs, with accompanying Web and print content, RTL provides support, resources, and trainings to parents, childcare providers, and early education teachers.

Morning and afternoon workshops are scheduled. Each participant will receive a set of children’s books and there will be drawings for door prizes. Sessions are limited, so registration is required by Tuesday, January 15. Please call the library at 334-768-2161 to register or email tabithatruitt@chamberscountylibrary.org.

Dr. Ruth Crocker to Speak at Lunch and Learn

2007-12-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Dr. Ruth C. Crocker, Director of the Women's Studies Program at Auburn University, will be the featured speaker at the January 18 Lunch and Learn program at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library.

Dr. Crocker received her education at St. Anne's College, Oxford, England and at Purdue University where she did an M.A. and a Ph. D. in United States History. She was awarded an alumni professorship in 2001, received the Humanities Achievement Award in Auburn's College of Liberal Arts that same year, and in 2005 was recognized with the History Department's Phi Alpha Theta Robert Reid Outstanding Graduate Professor Award.

"Those Victorian Libbers - Another Look" will be the title of Crocker's presentation which will include a look at how far women have progresed since passage of the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment, the present status of women and how the future looks. She will spend a good deal of time on her latest book, "Mrs. Russell Sage: Women's Activism and Philanthropy in Gilded Age and Progressive Era America." The book has been referred to as "the story of a fabulously rich upstart who became one of the most influential philanthropists of her time", and, how Sage, "The wife of robber-baron Russell Sage ---- took on the mantle of active, reforming womanhood---."

Registraton is now underway for those who wish to receive a free sandwich and drink prior to the presentation. Food will be served at 11:30 with Dr. Crocker's presentation beginning at 12:00 noon. Telephone 768-2161 to register for the lunch. Registration is not required for those who do not plan to eat. A large crowd is expeccted.

Outstanding Speakers for Lunch and Learn

2007-12-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

Three distinguished speakers will kick off the new year Lunch and Learn program of the H. Grady Bradshaw Library.

On January 18, Dr. Ruth Crocker, Professor of History and Director of the Women's Studies Progam at Auburn University will speak on "Those Victorian Women's Libbers. Another Look." During her presentation Dr. Crocker will address the status of women in America prior to the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972, what their status is today, and, what it looks like for the future. (Although the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by Congress in 1972, it has not been ratified by the required number of states to become a law. Neither Alabama nor Georgia have ratified the amendment.) Her latest book, RUSSELL SAGE: WOMEN'S ACTIVISM AND PHILANTHROPY IN GILDED AGE AND PROGRESSIVE AMERICA, was published in 2006.

Dr. Crocker received undergraduate and M.A. degrees at St. Anne's College in Oxford, England and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Purdue University.

Wayne Flynt, author of 11 books, including the Pulitzer Prize-nominated POOR BUT PROUD:ALABAMA'S POOR WHITES, will speak on Harper Lee's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD on February 12. His most recent book, ALABAMA IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, was awrded the 2004 Anne B. and James B. McMillan Prize. His books have won many awards, some multiple times, including: the Lillian Smith Award for Non-Fiction, the Alabama Library Association Award for Non-Fiction, Outstanding Academic Book from the American Library Association, and the James F. Sulzby, Jr. Book Award. He is co-author of ALABAMA: A HISTORY OF A DEEP SOUTH STATE which was also nominted for a Pulitizer Prize. Currently he is Editor-in-Chief of the new online ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALABAMA.

Flynt has lectured at universites across America as well as Cambridge University, the University of Sussex, Queen's University (northern Ireland), University of Vienna, Universtiy of Szechuan, China, in the Netherlands, Denmark, at a number of universities in India, and was research scholar for a semester at Hong Kong Baptist University. He also served as Eudora Welty Visiting Scholar of Southern Studies at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.

Then, to give the program a real change of pace, Rick Humphrey, a 14-year veteran in the motorsports industry and the current president of the Talladega Superspeedway will be the featured speaker at the February 28 program. In addition to his duties at the Talladega Superspeedway, Humphrey serves as Executive Director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, is a member of the Alabama Sports Foundation Board, the Antique Talladega Board, the Alabama Travel Council Board, the American Red Cross Board, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation Board and the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame Board.

From 1994 to 1996, Humphrey worked in the NASCAR series sponsor R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Sports Marketing Enterprises as an assistant manager. While there he assisted with consumer events and promotions. During his tenure he also assisted with the media relations efforts for the company's NHRA, AMA, and hydroplane teams, as wellas its NASCAR programs. Prior to joining R.J. Reynolds, Humphrey served as a NASCAR public relations representative for Camp and Associates in Concord, N.C. He worked with the McDonald's Racing Team and drivers Jimmy Spencer and Hut Stricklin from 1993 - 1994 .

These are examples of the outstanding programs for adults which are being scheduled by the Chambers County Library for 2008. Be sure to mark your calendars for all three. Each program begins with a free sandwich and drink served at 11:30 a.m. and the featured speaker begins at 12:00 noon. You may register for all 3 programs the first week of January by calling 768-2161. If you don't want a free lunch you don't have to register. Just show up.

LaFayette's New Computer Policy Working

2007-12-11T18:09:00.000-05:00

Miss Monica and Miss Betty are happy to report that our computers are now being used more and more for homework and job-related projects from 3-5 in the afternoon. The atmosphere has changed from My Space frenzy to serious study. Several patrons have commented on the improvement resulting from the change in policy. Today both of us were happily kept busy helping find information on nursing careers, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, song lyrics for a choral class, college application information, and more. If you have not visited the library recently in the afternoon, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Come take advantage of the technology and other resources available here with library staff eager to help!

LaFayette Library- Free Holiday Pack for kids

2007-12-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect gift for a child this season? A library card is the gift that keeps on giving. A library card provides access to more than just books. A library card opens the door to year-round entertainment and a wealth of information.

Beginning December 3, parents who get a first library card for their child will receive a free holiday pack. Each holiday pack includes a Chambers County Library card and other holiday treats in a festive gift bag. They make great stocking stuffers and are absolutely free! Help build a community of readers - let your children check out books using their own library cards.

This offer is available at LaFayette Library only. Parents who do not have valid library cards must show a picture I.D. and proof of current address. Offer ends December 20.

Joy of the Holiday Season Contest Guidelines

2007-11-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

You are invited to join our celebration this holiday season by participating in our annual art, poster and short story contest for students, preschool – grade 12. Students are invited to write stories, create original art, and design posters that celebrate the holiday season. We appreciate students, parents, and teachers taking time to participate in this annual event. This is one of our favorite contests to sponsor at the library. We look forward to reading your stories and seeing your art and posters. Listed below are the guidelines for the contest. If you have questions please contact Tabitha Truitt or Kati Behrens at Bradshaw Library at 768-2161 or Betty Barrett or Monica Barber at LaFayette Pilot Public Library at 864-0012.

Guidelines for Writing Contest
1. Stories should be typed or written in black ink. *Hint: If someone other than the author edits the story, please leave it as close to what the author intended. The original version must be submitted along with the edited version.

2. Stories should be neat in appearance. Stories with more than one page should be stapled or in a folder to prevent loss. Entries should have a cover sheet that includes: title of the story, student’s name, grade, teacher’s name, school, home phone number. Students are encouraged to illustrate their stories, but illustrations will not influence final judging.

3. Classes are encouraged to participate. If this is not a class assignment, individuals may submit their own entries. Teachers, please share the guidelines with interested students.

4. Although there isn’t a certain length for the stories, the entries should be well developed with recognizable characters and plot. **Hint: It usually requires more than one or two paragraphs to fully develop a story.

5. Please remind students that short stories are works of fiction and should not be written as essays.

6. Although stories can be inspired from actual events, they should not be a retelling of that event.

7. Stories should be written by individuals, not in groups or as a class.

8. The contest will be November 12 - December 11. All entries must be delivered to the library by 6:00pm on Tuesday, December 11. Pickup will not be available.

9. Awards will be presented on Tuesday, December 18 at 4:00pm at Bradshaw. LaFayette awards will be announced.

Poster Contest and Art Contest
Participants should create posters or art that depict “the joy of the holiday season.” Any medium may be used to illustrate the posters and art. For example, pictures from magazines may be used, paint, glitter, crayons or items from nature. Be creative. Adults may help, but please let the children create their own posters and art. **Hint: Judges especially enjoy posters and art that come from the child’s own hand. So, try not to help too much. Below are the guidelines.

Guidelines for Christmas Poster and Art Contest
1. The poster contest is for Preschool – grade 12. The art contest is for grades
2 - 12.

2. Entries in the poster category will be divided into two groups: individual and class or family.

3. Posters should be at least 11 x17. Art should be at least 81/2 x 11. The theme should appear at the top.

4. Entries may be submitted until 6:00 on Tuesday, December 11. Posters and art received early will be displayed at the library until Awards Day.

5. On the back of the posters and art, please put the child’s name, family name or class name, grade, teacher, school and home phone number. Groups submitting an entry should include a list each child’s name who helped with the project.

6. Awards will be presented Tuesday, December 18, at 4:00pm at Bradshaw. LaFayette Awards will be announced.

7. All entries should be picked up by Friday, December 28.
After this date they will be discarded.

Library Travelers Trip to Montgomery

2007-11-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Visiting the Governor's mansion beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations will be the highlight of the Chambers County Library Travelers visit to Montgomery on December 6.

In addition to visiting the mansion, the group will have the opportunity to visit Old Town Alabama, the State Capitol (also adorned with Christmas decorations), the Hank Williams Museum, the Montgomery Museum of Art and a host of other tourist attractions.

Seats are still available for the trip and the cost is $15 per seat.

The chartered bus will leave the Valley Recreation Complex parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and return about 6:30 p.m. Please call the Bradshaw Library at 768-2161 if additional information is needed.

December 6 Trip to Montgomery Schedule

2007-11-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

It will be a busy day for those who take the December 6 trip to Montgomery with the Chambers County Library Travelers.

The chartered bus will depart the Bradshaw Library at 9:00 a.m. EST on the 6th and arrive at the Montgomery Museum of Art at 10:30 a.m. EST for a one hour tour of the facility. After visting the museum, the travelers will have 3 hours of free time to see such sites as the Montgomery Historic District, the Hank Williams Museum, Old Alabama Town, the First White House of the Confederacy, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum and the Alabama State Capitol. The travelers will conclude the trip with a guided tour of the Governor's Mansion, which will be decked out in Christmas decorations, from 4:00p.m. until 5:00 p.m. EST. At the conclusion of the tour the bus will return to the Bradshaw Library arriving about 6:30 p.m. EST.

There are still a few seats available for the trip. Those who intend to take advantage of this special opportunity should drop by the Bradshaw Library as soon as possible to pay the $15 registration fee which includes transportation and the guided tour of the Montgomery Museum of Art. Any additional expenses , lunch, etc., must be picked up by each individual traveler.

New Patron Computer Regulation at LaFayette Pilot Public Library

2007-11-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

Beginning Monday, November 19, 2008, patron-access computers in the LaFayette Pilot Public Library will be reserved for school- and/or work-related projects from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Historic Montgomery/Governor's Mansion Trip

2007-11-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

The next Chambers County Library Travelers trip will be to Montgomery on December 6. Travelers will have the opportunity to visit numerous historic sites including the Hank Williams Museum, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Old Alabama Town, the Alabama Judicial Building, the Alabama State Capitol, the First White House of the Confederacy and the Civil Rights Museum. The trip will end with an escorted tour of the Governor's Mansion. There will be no fee charged for the tour.

The group will utilize trollies provided by the Montromery Area Visitor Center beginning and ending at the Historic Union Station. An all day pass wil cost only 50 cents. Riders may leave the trolley at any of the 27 sites they will see, spend as much time as they would like and reboard at no additional cost.

Cost for the trip is $12 which covers transportaion to and from Montgomery. Cost for riding the trollies, food, etc is not included.

Registration is now underway and must be done in person at the Bradshaw Library. No telephone registration. There will be a limit of 47 travelers registered and all seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Call the library at 768-2161 if additional information is needed.

Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain Lunch and Learn

2007-11-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

Who was Mark Twain? Was he simply an extension of Samuel Clemens' personality or was he just a character dreamed up by Clemens to serve as a facade for his fantasies? Whatever the case, Twain remains one of the world's most popular and widely-read authors.

The Chambers County Library has designated the week of November 26-30 as MARK TWAIN WEEK which will feature a presentation by Ellen Langford, one of the area's most well-known resources, on Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain, at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library's Lunch and Learn program on the 29th. She will devote much of her presentation to the "real Samuel Clemens".

A graduate of the University of Alabama majoring in speech , drama and English, Langford also studied at the University of Texas in El Paso and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She completed her graduate work at the University of North Alabama in Florence. Currently a resident of Auburn, she served as a teacher in the public schools of Alabama for 30 years specializing in student debate teams that travelled all over the United States including Harvard Universtiy, Chicago, California, Indiana, St. Louis, Colorado, Florida and Oklahoma. And, in a majority of cases, her teams finished in the upper echelon. In addition to her high school teaching experience, she has taught 3 courses on Samuel Clements/MarkTwain at the Auburn University Academy of Lifelong Learning.

In making the announcement of Langford's appearance, John Tidwell, Coordinator of Adult Activities of the Bradshaw Library, stated that "Ellen loves Samuel Clemens and will feaure comments about his little-known personal life and his greatest work, "The Adventures of Hucklberry Finn". We're fortunate to have her make this presentation. We've had some great ones in the past and hers will fall right in line with that group. Time will be left for questions and answers at the conclusion of her talk".

Call 768-2161 now to register for a free lunch which will be served shortly before Langford's presentation at noon. Those who do not wish to have lunch just have to show up. A large crowd is expected so sign up early!

Military Supply Drive

2007-10-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

The Chambers County Library Teen Advisory Board is hosting a military supply drive to support the troops overseas. Items needed include: tissue, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, sunscreen, men and women's shaving cream, writing tablets, pens, puzzle books, and disposable razors.

Items may be dropped off at Bradshaw or LaFayette Libraries from now until November 10.

If you do not have the time to shop, we will gladly accept cash donations and shop for you.

For more information call Kati at Bradshaw Library at (334) 768-2161.

--- Kati Behrens, Youth Program Coordinator

Great Artists of the Italian Renaissance Course

2007-10-16T10:40:00.000-04:00

"This course has enhanced my appreciation of great art". - Shirley Davis

"As an artist I have learrned how to use color to a greater degree". - Barbara Johnson

"I enjoy Professor (William) Kloss' explanation of detail in form and color". - Ann Davis

"We are fortunate that Bradshaw Library is offering courses of this calibre". - Florine Henderson

These are some of the comments expressed by those who attend weekly sessions of " Great Artists of the Italian Renaissance" in the H. Grady Bradshaw Library which are presented by Professor William Kloss, Independent Art Historian of the Smithsonian Institution. Each session is held on Wednesday from noon until about 1:30 p.m. There is no fee.

Topics already presented by Professor Kloss include Italy and the Renaissance, Brunelleschi and Ghilberti in Florence, Donatello and Luca della Robbia Masaccio, Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi and, Donatello and Padua.

Although 5 of the 11 scheduled sessions have already been held, anyone wishing to attend the last 6 should call John Tidwell, Adult Programs Coordinator, 334-768-2161 to register.

Lunch N Learn -- Legendary Tombstones Where the Dead Speak

2007-10-15T11:52:00.001-04:00

Dr. Alan Brown will share the story behind twelve legendary gravestones that reflect the history, values and folk beliefs of 19th and 20th century Alabama on Thursday, October 25 at noon at Bradshaw Library in Valley. The companion exhibit to Dr. Brown's program will be on display at Bradshaw Library beginning October 22.

Dr. Brown is a professor of English at the University of West Alabama. He has published and lectured extensively in the field of American Literature.

There is no cost to attend the program, but participants who would like to enjoy the free lunch provided by the library before the program should call and make reservations by Tuesday, October 23. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am EST. The program will begin at 12 pm EST.

---Mary Hamilton, Library Director

Lunch N Learn -- Converting Sawgrass to Ethanol!

2007-10-10T15:11:00.000-04:00

In his 2007 State of the Union address President George W. Bush advised that in the not-too-distant future cars and trucks would be powered by ethanol which was converted from sawgrass, a common grass found in the South and Southwest. President Bush's chief source of informatin on this subject was Dr. David Bransby, a Professor of Energy Crops and Bioenergy in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University . Dr. Bransby will be the featured speaker at the next Lunch and Learn program at the H. Grady Bradshaw Library on October 30 and a large crowd is expected.

Dr. Bransby has over 20 years of experience in the field of bioenergy and is a national leader in research on switchgrass. He has an international reputation for his work at Auburn. Author or co-author of over 300 technical publications, Dr. Bransby has attracted over $7 million in grant money to fund his research. He has been involved in both small and commercial scale projects, serves on the editorial boards of two international bioenergy journals and acts as a consultant for several private companies in the emerging cellulosic biofuel induestry.

John Tidwell, Adult Programs Coordinator for the Chambers County Library stated that "we are very fortunate to have the nation's number one source of information on the conversion of sawgrass and like materials to ethanol as our guest speaker. I was very pleased at how quickly he agreed to visit us . We are, of course, counting on a large turnout."

Registration is now underway for those who wish to enjoy a free lunch by calling the library 334-768-2161. Those who plan to attend without having lunch don't have to register, just show up. Lunch will be served at 11:30 and Dr. Bransby will begin speaking at 12:00 noon.

Library Travelers Trip to Birmingham Museum of Art

2007-10-10T10:51:00.001-04:00

There are still a few seats available for the Chambers County Library Travelers October 23 trip to see the POMPEII: TALES FROM AN ERUPTION exhibit at the Birmigham Museum of Art.

This exhibit is the largest collection of artifacts from Pompeii and environs to ever leave Italy and Birmingham is the only city in the southeast to host this landmark exhibition of nearly 500 objects - many of which have never left Italy - that offers a rare glimpse into life in the ancient world. Body casts, life-size marble statues, beautiful room-size frescoes, bronzes, mosaics, precious jewelry, table silver and gladiatorial armor tell the story of a highly sophisticated people as they tried to escape the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD. How they lived and died unfolds in what they carried with them and what they left behind.

The group will have a private guide throuhgout the tour which will begin at 1:00 p.m. CST. Lunch will be available in the museum prior to the tour's beginning.

Those interested in making the trip should call the Bradshaw Library at 334-768-2161 if more information is needed. Registration must be made in person and not by telephone. Only a few seats are available and they will be filled on a first come first served basis. The bus will leave the library parking lot at 8:00 a.m and return about 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Cost is $25 per person which includes transportation and admission.

--- John Tidwell, Adult Program Coordinator

Sister Wendy

2007-10-09T12:19:00.000-04:00

Sister Wendy receives two thumbs up!

The LaFayette Library has completed its exciting 8-part Lunch N Learn series, "The Beauty of Art". The series, featuring Sister Wendy Beckett, was an educational, entertaining odyssey through famous art through the ages. Sister Wendy, with a unique sense of humor, shared insight into the origin and history of many beautiful European works of art.

Thanks to every patron who participated. We had a blast, didn't we?

If you missed this event, keep an eye out for more adult programming coming to the LaFayette Library in November.

-- Monica Barber, Outreach Branch Manager

Library Travelers to Visit Pompeii Exhibit

2007-10-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

The Chambers County Library Travelers will be visiting the "Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption" exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art on October 23, 2007.

The cost is $25 which includes transportation and admission to the Museum. Lunch is on your own in the Museum cafeteria.

Seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Registration must be completed in person at the Bradshaw Library.

The bus will leave from the new parking lot addition at the Bradshaw Library at 8 am and return by 7:00 pm.

For more information, please contact the library.

--- John Tidwell, Adult Programming Coordinator

New Online Library Catalog

2007-10-09T09:50:00.001-04:00

The new Online Library Catalog is now available for searching at home. To place holds and renew items online, please stop by the library with your library card to receive a PIN number.

New Arrivals and Reading Lists
The new Online Library Catalog allows us to create lists of popular or recommended titles. We will be creating lists as time permits. Currently, you can view a list of our New Arrivals and Christian Fiction titles available at Bradshaw and LaFayette Libraries.

If you see a title you like, you can Reserve the Item with your library username and PIN number. We will call you when the item is ready for you to pick up.

For more information, please contact the Chambers County Library.

-- Mary Hamilton, Library Director