Dr. Eugene Clark Library Notes

By Mary Eisenberg

The Dr. Eugene Clark Library has had a busy summer. Along with hosting the summer reading club, a Scholastic book fair, Medicare information presentations, harp classes, songwriter nights and author events, it has also been a designated city cooling center and a site for the free summer lunch program for children 18 and under. 

The library’ s 2023 “All Together Now” Summer Reading Challenge Program sponsored by the library, the City of Lockhart and the Friends of the Library, ended July 21 with a pool party at City Park. This year, 294 readers logged a total of 1,402 books and 130,622 minutes read.

Library Director Bertha Martinez and youth services coordinator Christine Moreno had many fun activities planned for the participants. Library events included the Austin Reptile Show, a visit to the stars with the mobile Austin Planetarium, a very wet water day, a movie in the Clark Building and a Mad Science interactive show.

Mayor Lew White came to cut the cake for the Dr. Eugene Clark Library’s 123nd birthday celebration on July 6. Children and their parents sang Happy Birthday to the library and were treated to hot dogs, cake, ice cream, and balloon creations by Jack Byrd, along with music by a DJ.

The top three readers in each category were awarded certificates and prizes. First place winners in each category were as follows: Early Readers — Willa Moore, Children’s Readers (5-12) — Anna Brenda Manzano, Teens (ages 13-17) — Janette Manzano, and Adults — Rebecca Peña.

The annual raffle drawing took place online and prizes donated by local businesses including gift cards, book sets, tablets, sports equipment and bicycles were given to lucky summer reading participants.

Children’s coordinator Christine Moreno plans to restart preschool story hour on Sept. 6. Homework Help and other after school activities will return also at that time. Along with books the children’s section has a variety of Steam to Go interactive kits available for checkout.

The Evening with the Authors board is busy planning another literary night in the library for Oct. 7. After last year’s successful event, the board was thrilled to present the library with a check for $10,000. As in years past, guests will be able to visit with authors and purchase their books while enjoying libations and delicious appetizers. This year’s featured authors are Don Bentley, Kate Dawson, Chuck Parsons, Nicholas Solis, Ashley Winstead, and Tracy Wolff. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online or from a board member. More information can be found on the Evening with the Authors web page.

Come and enjoy the fun at the Adult Crafts Night on the last Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Two recent projects were a 4th of July wreath and a memory box for trinkets. Materials are provided by the library with help from the Friends of the Library. 

The Lockhart Crafters Club meets on Thursdays at 5 p.m. Both beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters are welcome. 

The popular Evenings with Songwriters will feature songwriter Matthew Wise on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in the historic Clark Building. This free event is hosted by local songwriter Fletcher Clark. 

The library will host the sixth Plum Creek Symposium on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m.-noon. Author and historian Jan Devereauz will talk about the Petticoat Rangers and their contribution to Texas policing. Local historian and author Donaly Brice will tell about the Battle of Plum Creek that occurred near Lockhart on Aug. 12,1840. A donation of $15 is suggested. 

A few of the new nonfiction and fiction adult books located on the second floor include: What an Owl Knows — Jennifer Ackerman; American Prometheus, the Triumph and Tragedy of J. Oppenheimer — Kai Bird, Kinfolk Wilderness — John Burns, King, a life — Jonathan Eig; Save What’s left — Elizabeth Castellano; All Sinners Bleed — S.A. Crosby; The Only One Left — Riley Sager; and The Collector — Daniel Silva. E-books, audio books and magazines are also available through the library’s online programs. A wide selection of DVD’s and music CD’s available for check out are found in the Clark Building. Also, mobile wi-fi hotspots can be checked out for those who need internet access at home. 

More Books for Babies bags should be available by the end of August. Each bag contains baby’s first board book, reading tips, and a card encouraging parents to sign up for their child’s first library card. This service is provided by the Friends of the Library. 

Community information, voter registration forms and Book Page magazines can be found on the table across from the library’s circulation desk. Free coffee is available in the first-floor hallway by the elevator.

The Friends of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library is a non-profit community organization whose purpose is to promote and assist the library. New members are always welcome. The next meeting is Aug.t 24 at 6 p.m.

For more information about library activities or services, please call the library at 398-3223, visit the library’s website-http://www.clark-library-lockhart.org, or visit the Dr. Eugene Clark Library at 217 S. Main Street.