By Barbara Mellon

OK, maybe our air conditioning consists only of a plethora of electric fans, but the Andes Public Library is still a cool place to be this summer. All kinds of exciting things are happening.

Ira McIntosh entertains youngsters in the Library’s gazebo.

Story Hour at the Library

The first program of our summer family series, Digging in to the Art of Nature, coordinated by Laurie McIntosh, took place on July 8^th. Scheduled to be held on the banks of the stream, Ira McIntosh regaled the children with some lively tunes out in the gazebo, to which they retreated after the first musical notes were accompanied by a bit of thunder. Mother Nature’s interruption couldn’t squelch the delight of the attendees, though. On July 22^nd, musician/naturalist Betty Boomer introduced the children to a variety of butterflies, caterpillars, cocoons and such, as they explored the teeming habitat she brought with her and then went outside to watch some of the winged wonders take flight. Young ones and parents alike were thrilled by what they saw, touched and learned. And coming up on Monday, August 5^th, retired forest ranger Patti Rudge will have the kids digging into a worm compost box. Might sound icky to some, but kids just love this kind of stuff. And finally, on August 19^th Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes from the Cornell Cooperative Extension will present a program called “What’s on My Plate?” Because this program will include handouts and food samples, it is requested that attendees pre-register. Stop by the library or give us a call at 676-3333 to indicate your interest in attending.

We never know what to expect from the Italian Circle. In July they took a field trip to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx to procure a variety of delicacies, from pastries to seeds to cigars. At their monthly get-together, Bob Schiffmann enlightened the group with his presentation, “Who Says Opera Has to be Serious?” Stop by the library at 7 pm on the third Thursday of the month to see what’s next with this lively group; no Italian blood required.

An intrepid bunch of players has been showing up for Word Games at the library on the third Tuesday of each month. At the first gathering, Ruth Odani introduced the others to Boggle, which many had never played before, and in July Phyllis Galowitz led some players through a game of Scribbage. Camaraderie and good-natured competition abound; think about joining them on Tuesday, August 20^th.

Movie Night in August will be held on Thursday, the 22^nd. The film to be shown has not yet been selected; call the library for more information as the date gets closer.

And if all that isn’t enough, we also offer access to tons of books and movies, audio titles, Wi-Fi and public computers, weekly Story Hour for the kids, print, copy, fax services, and so much more. Be sure to stop in and see what’s new at the Andes Public Library! ~