Once again the Friends of the Library will raffle off a beautiful quilt in honor of Mother's Day. A larger photo of the quilt is available in our photo gallery.

The Friends of the Library meets at the library on the first Tuesday each month.

• Tue, May 3^rd at 8:45am
• Tue, Jun 7^th at 8:45am
• Tue, Jul 5^th at 8:45am
• Tue, Aug 2^nd at 8:45am
• Tue, Sep 6^th at 8:45am
• Tue, Oct 4^th at 8:45am
• Fri, Oct 7^th at 8:45am
• Tue, Nov 1^st at 8:45am
• Tue, Dec 6^th at 8:45am

As a follow-up from Marcheta Gibson's very popular Digital Camera workshops earlier this year, Marcheta will be back to instruct on the use of Picasa Software. Picasa is free photo editing software from Google that makes your pictures look great. Sharing your best photos with friends and family is as easy as pressing a button! NEW! The Galion Public Library will be using our NEW Laptop Lab for this workshop. We will have 10 laptops available for participants if they do not have or want to bring in their own laptops. The use of the Laptop Lab and personal laptops will make this a truly hands on workshop! Please call 419-468-3203 to register. Sat, May 7^th, 10-Noon.

Adult summer reading runs June 1^st through July 29^th. Travel to other places through books this summer. Win one of three weekly prizes during your travels. The more you read, the more chances you have to win.

Watch where we travel this summer, and document your real summer travels on our world map.

Drawing Date	Weekly Prizes
June 3rd	$10 McDonald's	$10 Burger King
June 10th	$10 Poland's	$10 Evergreen Co.
June 17th	$15 KFC	$15 Subway
June 24th	$15 Geyer's	$15 Taylor's
July 1st	$20 Speedway	$20 Varsity Grille
July 8th	$20 Pizza Hut	$20 Drug Mart
July 15th	$25 Speedway	$25 Uptowne Outfitters
July 22nd	$25 Geyer's	$25 Rus-Men Farms
July 29th	Grand Prize: $100 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

Participants are eligible to win a maximum of two weekly prizes. All tickets will be eligible for the Grand Prize.

The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Used Book Sale again. Don't miss it! This time the Modern Woodmen, Fraternal Financial will be sponsoring the event with up to $2500 in matching funds. Thu, May 26^th at 9am, Sat, May 28^th at 9am, and Fri, May 27^th at 9am.

Learn about the world with stories, games, craft, food, and fun. Registration is required. Sign up starting June 6^th.

• Mon, Jun 13^th, 3-4:30pm, K-2 Jet Setters: A Cruise Around the World
• Mon, Jun 27^th, 3-5pm, Globetrotters (3-6): The Amazing Library Race
• Mon, Jul 11^th, 3-4:30pm, K-2 Jet Setters: Festivals Around the World
• Mon, Jul 25^th, 3-5pm, Globetrotters (3-6): Festivals Around the World

Griff, an American Labrador Retriever, is a trained therapy dog as part of Therapy Dog International's Tail Waggin' Tutors program, and he listens to boys and girls read books. He'll be here on Tuesdays from 5-6pm starting June 7^th. Studies show that therapy dogs calm students so that they can practice, gain confidence, and improve their skills in a relaxing environment. Parents can sign their children up for a ten-minute session of reading with Griff.

Come to our annual kick-off for summer reading, crafts, games, and activities, all with an international flair. Make Mexican paper flowers, try Japanese paper folding, and find out what German Wurfkastanien are. We'll also have the East of Chicago Pizza bounce house, face painting, refreshments and much more. For preschool through sixth grade. You don't have to register for this program, just come. In the event of rain, the event may be postponed to June 22^nd. Wed, Jun 15^th, 1-3pm.

Comic juggler and ventriloquist Mike Hemmelgarn will amaze and amuse children of all ages with his high-energy program, One World, Many Stories, a blend of juggling, comedy magic, balloons, and audience participation. Meet Cooter (a hilarious, corn-fed, possum-eatin' trailblazer from the hills of West Virginia) and Eugene (a pathetic but totally adorable Killer-bee) in this fun show that encourages reading and learning. Three lucky hostages volunteers from the audience will be turned into live ventriloquist puppets. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required, just come. Wed, Jun 29^th at 2pm and Wed, Jun 29^th at 6:30pm.

Cowboy Magician Mark Wood presents One World, Many Cowboy Stories. The Mark Wood Fun Show will take us on a trip around the world, tracing the origins of cowboys from Spain via Mexico to the United States. This fast-paced program contains comedy, magic, juggling, and audience participation. The library staff would like to thank the Friends of the Library, who are sponsoring this special show. No registration is required for this program, which is free and open to the public. Just show up. (The photo is from a 2009 magic show.) Wed, Jul 6^th at 2pm and Wed, Jul 6^th at 6:30pm.

Come see the Bubbleman and his Bubblemania. Wed, Jul 13^th at 6:30pm and Wed, Jul 13^th at 2pm.

Dave Lehman presents The Magic of Laughter. Wed, Jul 20^th at 2pm and Wed, Jul 20^th at 6:30pm.

The Stevens Puppets present Rumpelstiltskin. This fast paced, action filled, rhyming rendition of the classic tale follows the Miller as he weaves a web of lies to convince the King that his daughter can spin straw into gold.  Enter the outrageously outspoken and never happy villain, Rumplestiltskin, whose preposterous demands create even more mayhem. Wed, Jul 27^th at 2pm and Wed, Jul 27^th at 6:30pm.

Do you like reading and like to read aloud? Have a flair for the dramatic? Come work with a group to narrate a story that fits the international theme of our summer reading program. We'll rehearse and then perform for an audience. Rehearsal dates and times are TBA. Interested teens should go ahead and sign up.

Discuss books we read together or books you have read lately. The club is open to teen boys and girls in grades 7-12. The date and time are TBA, but go ahead and register if you are interested.

Sogbety will share the culture of the Ivory Coast through drumming and dance, colorful costumes, and native rhythms and songs. Sogbety has lived in the United States since 1997 and has danced with various companies in New York City, at Disney World in Florida, and throughout the country. This program will be out on the lawn, weather permitting. For teens in grades 7-12. Registration is required.

• Wed, Jun 15^th at 6:30pm, (incorrect date)
• Thu, Jun 16^th at 6:30pm

One of the best ways to learn about a country is through its folk art. Try the technique of Batik fabric dying from Indonesia; make worry dolls from Guatemala and Japanese Origami. Also, because folks around the world recycle everyday trash into useful items, we'll try making purses and wallets out of discarded chip bags. Registration is required. Thu, Jul 14^th at 6:30pm.

Watch a Bollywood movie and try some Indian food and crafts. Teens with parental permission can get a Henna tattoo. Pick up a permission slip when you register for the program. For grades 7-12 only. Registration is required. Thu, Aug 11^th at 6:30pm.

• Thu, Jun 9^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Thu, Jun 30^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Thu, Aug 4^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Thu, Aug 18^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Thu, Aug 25^th, 6:30-8:15pm

Anyone who finishes the Children's Summer Reading program is eligible to attend our special end-of-the-season pool party. You must read 25 books or 10 hours to be eligible, and you must turn in a permission slip (available from the Children's Room desk). Sat, Jul 30^th.

The library will be closed in observance of the holiday.

• Mon, May 30^th, Memorial Day
• Mon, Jul 4^th, Independence Day
• Mon, Sep 5^th, Labor Day
• Thu, Nov 24^th, Thanksgiving Day
• Fri, Nov 25^th, Day After Thanksgiving
• Sat, Dec 24^th, Christmas Eve
• Mon, Dec 26^th, Closed for Christmas
• Mon, Jan 2^nd, Closed for New Year's

For teens in grades 7-12. Mon, Aug 1^st, 6:30-8:15pm, Mon, Jun 6^th, 6:30-8:15pm, and Mon, Jul 11^th, 6:30-8:15pm.

We'll have races, contests, and trivia, all based on the popular book series. Try to avoid getting the "cheese touch", help create a toilet-paper mummy, and answer trivia questions to win Mom Bucks! For grades 3-6. This program is free, but registration is required. Sat, May 21^st, 2-4pm.

Read books and win prizes!

Children in preschool through 6^th grade, sign up (starting June 6^th) and pick up your Reading Passport and book bag. Check out books (or magazines) to read, and use the Reading Passport to record the time spend reading or the number of books you read.

If You Read...	You Will Earn...
5 books or 2 hours	One World tattoo
10 books or 4 hours	a new book
15 books or 6 hours	world squeeze ball
20 books or 8 hours	hot-air balloon room decoration
25 books or 10 hours	a water bottle, and you are eligible for the special pool party

Extra activities and prizes will be given to those who want to explore some more. The summer reading club is a fun way to include reading and related activities into summer family time. Books and magazines should come from the Galion Public Library and be at an appropriate reading level. Beginning readers can also have books read to them.

• Mon, Jun 6^th, Children's Summer Reading Starts
• Sat, Jul 30^th, Summer Reading Ends

Galion Public Library is the place to be this summer. Join the GPL Teen Summer Reading Club, read books, and win prizes.

Teens going into grades 7-12, sign up at the main desk (upstairs) and start reading books and magazines from the library. For every item you read, fill out a rating form, and we'll put it in our weekly prize drawing. Three lucky winners will get $10 gift cards for local restaurants, area shops, iTunes, or books. We'll keep all your entires for the grand prize drawings at the end of the season, including a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card and other fabulous prizes. Teens who come to our special summer events will also get bonus tickets for the weekly prize drawings.

Summer reading runs from June 6^th through July 30^th.

What is organic farming? What are all-natural meat products? Is conventional farming a thing of the past? Come find answers to these questions and so many more! OSU ATI College senior, Amanda Wagner has brought together a panel of local experts for this exciting program. Join Mendy Selman from Rus-Men Farms, Dave Reidel from Fairview Farms, Dale Norwood from Springwood Valley Farms, and Amanda Wagner from Wagner Brothers Farms as they discuss (and encourage questions) their various farming techniques. Registration is recommended for this program. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Thu, Jun 2^nd, 6:30-8pm.

Join us in the Community Room at the library for stories, crafts, games, and fun.

Family story times are Tuesdays at 6:30pm. These stories, crafts, songs, and rhymes are designed for preschoolers, their parents, and older siblings to share together.

Toddler/Preschool story times are Wednesdays at 10:30am. These stories, crafts, and activities are designed for the younger set, but all preschoolers are welcome.

A group of crafty ladies who meet at the library are making chemo hats and newborn baby hats for the hospital. If anyone has a stray ball of yarn, bring it in or call Twila, 419-468-6976.

The Galion Public Library will be hosting our 2nd Blood Drive of 2011. NEW in August, donors are eligible for reduced overdue fines up to $5 for yourself, your spouse or your children. Remember, the Red Cross does not need blood: patients do. Every two seconds someone in America gets a blood transfusion. Five million patients will need blood this year. Please call 419-468-3203 to reserve an appointment time. Walk-ins welcome as well. Mon, Aug 29^th, Noon-6pm.

Back by popular demand! Join Rachel Mendell for the first of 2 fall workshops. Creating a Journey workshop will teach participants the importance of journaling in life as well as the many resources available for the journal keeper. Registration is required. Please call 419-468-3203 to register. Mon, Sep 19^th, 6-8pm.

Join local Coupon Expert and Blogger, Ginger McClelland (aka Coupon Clippin' Momma) as she teaches us all how to consistently save on our grocery bills and MORE. Ginger will teach you to become a saver instead of a spender. You can view her Coupon Clippin' Momma blog at http://gingasnap.blogspot.com/. Registration is required for this FREE program. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Mon, Jul 18^th, 6-8pm.

There will be a meeting in the Board Room concerning the bid award for the front stairs. Mon, Aug 1^st.

The library's front stairs and the front book drop will be unavailable while some repair work is done on the stairs. This will start soon. The lower entrance (from the library parking lot) and downstairs bookdrop will remain open during regular hours. Thanks for bearing with us. We hope to have both entrances and both book drops back in operation before too long. We were told the repairs would start on August 17^th, so that should be happening any time now. We hope they will be finished by the end of September.

Griff, an American Labrador Retriever, is a trained therapy dog as part of Therapy Dog International's Tail Waggin' Tutors program, and he listens to boys and girls read books. He'll be here on Wednesdays from 5-6pm starting September 7^th 14^th. Studies show that therapy dogs calm students so that they can practice, gain confidence, and improve their skills in a relaxing environment. Parents can sign their children up for a ten-minute session of reading with Griff.

The library will be closed all day for an inservice. A state library representative will be teaching the Galion Public Library staff about ebooks, so that we can better serve our community. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Wed, Aug 17^th.

Ken Hammontree of Living History Productions will portray Tecumseh. Tecumseh was born in 1768, probably at Old Piqua, along the Mad River in Ohio. He was a Shawnee Indian and eventually became one of their greatest leaders. Known as the Panther Crossing the Night Sky, Tecumseh fought against the expansion of the United States into the Midwest Indian lands. Join us for this one-hour presentation followed by a question and answer period. Registration is required. Please call 419-468-3203 to register. Mon, Aug 8^th, 6:30-8pm.

Tuesdays at 6:30pm starting September 6^th through October 18^th. Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, crafts, and fun! These activities are designed for preschoolers, their parents, and older siblings to share together.

Wednesdays at 10:30am starting September 7^th through October 19^th. Join us in the Community Room for stories, crafts, and activities. All preschoolers are welcome.

The Friends of the Library will be hosting their fall book sale in October. Proceeds will benefit the library.

• Tue, Sep 27^th, 10-8pm
• Wed, Sep 28^th, 10-5pm
• Thu, Sep 29^th, 10-Noon
• Thu, Oct 27^th, 10-8pm
• Fri, Oct 28^th, 10-5pm
• Sat, Oct 29^th, 10-Noon

Picture this: millions of teens all across the country gathering at libraries to celebrate reading, October 17^th-22^nd. We'll be hosting special events all week, aimed at encouraging area teens to read for the fun of it. Thousands of libraries across the country will hold similar events centered on this year's theme, Picture It!, which encourages teens to check out a variety of materials, including graphic novels, movies, books about photography, and more.

Don't miss out on capturing some great end of summer pictures this year. Join local photographer Mark Blum as he provides his tips and tricks for capturing the best pictures. Remember to bring your camera! This is a hands-on workshop. The workshop will begin with a walking tour of the library grounds and around the block. During this time, Mark will aid you in trying to capture great pictures. Then, come inside where you can upload your photos on our laptops (or bring your own). You'll be able to critic your photos and get pointers on what could be improved upon. Registration is required and limited to 10. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Sat, Aug 20^th, 10-Noon.

Mockingjay, or I am Number 4? Clockwork Angel or Hex Hall? Which book was your favorite of 2011? You have until September 16^th to make your choice count in the National Teens' Top 10 Vote, and you could win some prizes doing it. Here's how:

1. Starting Monday, August 29^th, Come in to the lower level of the library and pick up a paper ballot, which will be your ticket in the prize drawings and the Galion Teens' Top 10 vote.
2. Then go online at the library to participate in the National Teens' Top 10 vote.
3. During Teen Read Week, October 17^th-22^nd, the results will be posted, and we'll draw names from the ballots for $10 gift cards for local shops and restaurants and iTunes cards.

Kids in grades K-6, come watch a movie projected on our big screen. The movie is rated PG. (We're not supposed to say what movie it is, but one of the characters has really long hair.) This program is free, but you must register. Popcorn will be provided. Sat, Sep 17^th at 2pm.

Join our lively book discussions. Contact Cyndi for book titles. Thu, Sep 1^st at 6:30pm, Thu, Nov 3^rd at 6:30pm, and Sun, Oct 16^th at 6:30pm.

Come help us celebrate fall.

• Sat, Oct 1^st, 2-3:30pm, Grades K-2
• Sat, Oct 15^th, 2-4pm, Grades 3-6

For grades K-2. Sat, Nov 5^th, 2-3:30pm.

For grades 3-6. Sat, Nov 19^th, 2-4pm.

The chess club is the longest-running teen program at the library. Whatever your skill level, join our ongoing ladder tournament and find out which rung you will dominate.

• Thu, Sep 1^st, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Sep 15^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Oct 6^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Oct 20^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Nov 3^rd, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Nov 17^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Dec 1^st, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Dec 15^th, 6-8:15pm

Join us after hours for a night of gaming. Showplace Rent-to-Own will provide big-screen TVs, and Stickman's will provide the games. For grades 7-12. Registration is required. Sat, Sep 10^th, 7-10pm.

Come to the Most Likely Club Banquet at Hollywood High School, assume the role of one of the colorful characters, learn their secrets, and solve the mystery while dodging suspicion yourself. Guests include nerdy Duncan Flushwater, athletic Fletcher Bysepps, and glamorous Tanya Bunsoff. When the banquet is interrupted by a fire in the science lab, you'll have to figure out which one of the guests started it. There will be refreshments and door prizes. Please come in prior to the mystery to register and choose a character to play. Sat, Oct 22^nd, 7-10pm.

Japanese culture, films, and manga. For teens in grades 7-12.

• Mon, Sep 5^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Sep 12^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Oct 3^rd, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Nov 7^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Dec 5^th, 6:30-8:15pm

Don't miss out on capturing some great pictures during the school year! Join local photographer Marcheta Gibson as she provides her tips and tricks for capturing the best pictures. Remember to bring your camera! This is a hands-on workshop. The workshop will begin with a walking tour of the library grounds and around the block. During this time, Marcheta will aid you in trying to capture great pictures. Then, come inside where you can upload your photos on our laptops (or bring your own). You'll be able to critic your photos and get pointers on what could be improved upon. Registration is required and limited to 10. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Sat, Sep 3^rd, 10-Noon.

Interested in Astronomy and want to learn more? This workshop is for you! Following a successful 2010 workshop, local astronomy expert, Dan Everly is back! This workshop will focus on astronomy basics - stars, planets, comets, star clusters, meteors and galaxies. You won't want to miss Dan's presentation! Call 419-468-3203 to register. Thu, Sep 8^th, 7-8pm.

Get hands-on experience using a web browser to find information on the internet. This course will start you off on the ground floor and rocket you into the online world. Help us break in our laptop computer lab. We can only take ten people for this class ($2 reserves your seat), so sign up now. Tue, Oct 11^th, 2-4:30pm.

Back by popular demand. Join Rachel Mendell for her 2nd fall workshop. Unlock memories as simple every-day objects are used to open doors that have long been shut. Then, learn tips on making a memory into a story. Finally, get advice on creating a longer work - your memoirs. Registration is required. Please call 419-468-3203 to register. Sat, Oct 1^st, 9:30-11:30am.

Local photography expert Marcheta Gibson will show how to set up a scene with props, lighting, and people. Design a poster using photographs and the Picasa software. A digital camera with an SD card is required. Registration is also required. Mon, Oct 17^th, 6:30-8:15pm.

This isn't your grandma's book club. We'll be taking a look at book trailers on YouTube, author websites, and other sources that can help you find your next favorite book. Try out an ebook reader to see what all the buzz is about. We'll have trivia contests, games, and door prizes. Bring the best book you've read lately to share with others. Wed, Oct 19^th, 6:30-8:15pm.

There's no school for Galion, so drop by the library for a relaxing afternoon watching movies that have come from books. Refreshments will be served. Titles are TBA. Fri, Oct 21^st, Noon-5pm.

The Galion Public Library is thrilled to welcome back Peggy Lauritzen for 2 Genealogy programs this fall. Many might remember Ms. Lauritzen from her EXCELLENT programs in 2010. If you're interested in genealogy, want to learn more about your family, and enjoy history, this is the program for you. This workshop will aid both those that haven't started their genealogy project yet and those who are well into their family history. The focus will be on how to discover the stories that are waiting to be discovered in the cemeteries. Please bring information up through your grandparents (date of birth, city of birth, marriage dates, date of death). Call 419-468-3203 to register. Wed, Oct 5^th, 6-8pm.

Join Ms. Peggy Lauritzen for her 2nd workshop this fall. This workshop will focus on the Migration Trails that brought our ancestors into Ohio. This workshop will aid both those that haven't started their genealogy project yet and those who are well into their family history. Please bring information up through your grandparents (date of birth, city of birth, marriage dates, date of death). Call 419-468-3203 to register. Wed, Oct 12^th, 6-8pm.

Are you a Senior who is curious about the buzz behind Facebook and our local website GalionLive!? Want to know more about these 2 social media sites? This workshop is for you. This workshop is designed to introduce both social media sites to participants. Through the use of our Laptop Lab, participants can create their own Facebook page (if desired) and explore the GalionLive! website. Thomas Palmer, creater of GalionLive!, will be on hand to show us the in's and out's of the website. Tue, Oct 18^th, 10-11am.

Join local Stampin' Up demonstrator, Kerrie Zeuch for a Holiday Card Making workshop. Participants will get creative tips and ideas for making the perfect Holiday Cards. Each participant will create 2 holiday cards and multiple holiday gift tags during this 2 hour workshop. This workshop is FREE but registration is required. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Tue, Nov 1^st, 6-8pm.

Do you have the desire to blog? Want to learn how to share your daily stories and insights with your friends and family far and near? This workshop is for you. Create Your Own Blog will be lead by Rachel Mendell and Marcheta Gibson. We will use our laptop lab and by the end of class you will have your own blog. Limited availability. Call today to register! 419-468-3203 Sat, Nov 19^th, 10-Noon.

The board meets at the library at 4pm on the third Monday of each month.