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The Hales Corners Library was not a quiet place on Monday evening, March 2nd!  Famous Hales Corners readers kept children and adults alike enthralled with their favorite stories.  What was the occasion?  Monday was the 105th birthday of Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known by all as Dr. Seuss, author and illustrator of favorite books like "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Cat in the Hat."  In honor of Dr. Seuss, March 2nd has also been named "Read to Kids Day" and is celebrated nationwide. 

Children's Librarian, Beth Fox, introduced local celebrities who read stories for the group.  Village President Bob Ruesch, Fire Chief Michael Jankowski, Director of Public Works Mike Martin, Senator Mary Lazich, Hales Corners Library Board President Colette Cesarz, and retired Hales Corners Elementary teacher Celine Kashishian all took turns with their favorite books, while the children crowded around and even helped tell some of the stories. 

Following the stories and a round of "Happy Birthday," there were candles to blow out and cake to eat.  It was a great community event and a grand birthday party which Dr. Seuss himself would have enjoyed.  And it reminded all of us that--     You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, To pick up a book and read with a child.

Moms, Dads, and caregivers, are you looking for a fun and free place to go with your young ones?  Late last fall the library began hosting a toddler playgroup on Friday mornings.  It's the perfect place for caregivers and children alike to have fun, make friends and share ideas and advice over a cup of Starbucks coffee donated by the Hales Corners Starbucks. 

Playgroup is held on Friday mornings through March from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Hunt Room on the lower level of the library.  There is no registration necessary.  Simply show up and have a blast! 

For more information stop in the library or call Children's Librarian Beth Fox at 529-6150 ext. 17. 

The hardworking, happy-go-lucky staff members at Hales Corners Library are even happier and harder working than they were before thanks to the receipt of brand new desks in the workroom.  Circulation Supervisor Janice, Library Assistant Nancy, Children's Services Librarian Beth, and Adult Services Librarian Jenny were happy to work with the desks previously given to them, but did run into some difficulty when trying to open drawers and finding space for their work.  Now that they have spanking new desks, they've truly fallen in love! 

Thanks to generous matching funds from the Friends of the Hales Corners Library and the Hales Corners Lions Club, the library was able to purchase an exciting, new audiobook format called Playaway portable audiobooks.  Hales Corners joins several other member libraries who have already added portable audiobooks to their collections. 

What is a portable audiobook?  Only the best thing since online card catalogs!  As described on CountyCat, the catalog for Milwaukee County public libraries, a portable audiobook is a self-contained book in audio form.  One Playaway contains one single book of any length, up to 80 hours, and weighs only 2 ounces.  Each portable audiobook also contains a universal headphone jack and runs on one AAA battery.  A bookmark feature allows listeners to begin listening right where they left off. 

Some of the titles owned by Hales Corners are as follows:

Beach Road by James Patterson (call number FPA PAT)

Brother Odd by Dean Koontz (call number FPA KOO)

Open House by Elizabeth Berg (call number FPA BER)

Spanish:  the complete language course by Henry N. Raymond (call number 468 R269)

So say goodbye to dealing with multiple tapes or CDs; it looks like Playaway may be here to stay!

Did you miss the big screen premier of that movie you've been dying to see? Do you prefer free coffee to popcorn with your movie? Did you know that seeing a recently released film is as simple as visiting the Hales Corners Library? 

Okay, enough with the questions and on to the answers!  I will assume that most of you have answered yes to the above.  In that case, come on over to the Hales Corners Library to catch new-to-DVD movies projected in the Ben Hunt Room on the lower level of the library.  We feature a new film every other Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome and no registration is necessary.  Simply show up!

As if seeing a great movie for free isn't enough, the local Hales Corners Starbucks graciously donates coffee for our movie patrons to enjoy.

The schedule of upcoming attractions is as follows:

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (PG-13) on Wednesday, August 27

Things We Lost in the Fire (R) on Wednesday, September 10

Reservation Road (R) on Wednesday, September 24

Young@Heart (PG) on Wednesday, October 8

The Other Boleyn Girl (PG-13) on Wednesday, October 22

Married Life (PG-13) on Wednesday, November 5

For more details please visit the library or call the information desk at (414) 529-6150 ext. 10.  We'll be seeing you in the movies!

To compliment our efforts to educate the public on the computer, the library has ordered several recently published titles covering an array of computer topics.  These books and DVDs range from learning how to turn a computer on to learning XML and HTML.  A sample of the titles are as follows:

Computer Help for Seniors in Easy Steps by Stuart Yarnold  004.16 M649B

Troubleshooting Your PC for Dummies by Dan Gookin 004.16 G659T

Beginning XML 4th edition 006.74 X7

Security Simplified:  Computer Internet Protection for Beginners by Arshad Khan 005.8 K45

Podcast Solutions:  the Complete Guide to Audio and Video Podcasting  2nd edition by Michael W. Geoghegan  006.7876 G345

How to do Everything With Your Web 2.0 Blog by Todd Stauffer 006.7 S798

Learning Web Design:  a Beginner's Guide to (X)HTML, Style Sheets, and Web Graphics  3rd edition by Jennifer Niederst Robbins 005.72 N666

There are many more helpful books and DVDs to suit any skill level so stop in the library today to find one that suits you! 

The Hales Corners Library is offering a three-day series of our popular Getting Started on the Computer class this August.  In the first session of the class, Jenny Fridl, Adult Services Librarian, will instruct the class on how to operate a computer.  In the following two sessions, participants will have a chance to practice what they have learned with available assitance.  This class differs from the previous classes in the Getting Started series which traditionally has held one session of the Getting Started on the Computer class before moving onto the other classes in the series.  The goal of the new series is to allow practice for those participants who are brand new to the computer or who would like some extra time getting comfortable with the computer before moving onto the internet and e-mail. 

Each class will start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m.  Session dates are as follows:

Wednesday, August 20 - Getting Started on the Computer (with instructor)                                                                

Thursday, August 21 - Practice (with assistance)

Friday, August 22 - Practice (with assitance)

Space is limited and prior registration is required.  Registration for all three sessions is required.  A refundable $5 sign-up fee will be charged.  Sign up beginning August 4 at the Information Desk.  If you know anyone who could benefit from these classes, please pass this information onto them! 

On Tuesday afternoons and evenings in the summer, the library hosts special activities for teens entitled the Teen Table.  What do teens do at the Teen Table?  So far the teens have participated in jewelry making, clothes un-dying, and booktruck decorating.  The participants in the Teen Table activities went above and beyond for the booktruck decorating program.  They painted two booktrucks white with red and blue spots to make the trucks look like cows.  The teens will show-off their creations in the Hales Corners 4th of July parade so be sure to catch them as they moooove on by.  If you're interested in learning about the other teen activities the Teen Table will be featuring, visit or call the library! 

Everybody's favorite Dalmatian, Wilson, is back this summer and eager for children to read to him in the library's returning program Read to Wilson.  One of Wilson's favorite pastimes is listening to children read aloud.  Not only does Wilson get to hear great stories this way, but children who are hesitant to read aloud to their family or peers are often less stressed when reading to a dog.  Programs such as Read to Wilson have helped children reduce their reading apprehension. 

Wilson brings tons of experience to the table.  He is insured and has passed the American Kennel Club's "Canine Good Citizen" exam.  He and his handler have also achieved the Handler/Pet Team Accreditation through Pets Helping People.  Aside from the library, Wilson has also worked in both school and hospital settings. 

Children in grades K to 5 can sign up for a 20-minute session with Wilson.  Each child is encouraged to complete two 20-minute sessions with Wilson to earn a free book and certificate.  This summer's Read to Wilson program kicked off on Monday, June 23rd but there are still several dates and times left so sign the child in your life up today!  For more information regarding available times and dates please contact the library at (414) 529-6150 ext 10.  Wilson is waiting to hear from you!                 

Summer at the library is off to a busy start!  The Catch the Reading Bug summer reading program kicked off last week Monday, June 9 and the action has not stopped.  Since June 9th the library has already witnessed two days of record check-outs with over 1200 check-outs on the day of the kick-off and over 1000 yesterday after the first story times let out.   We love those numbers so keep coming in and checking out some of the great material the library has to offer. 

The summer programs have also been well attended.  Bring the kids to the library every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. to enjoy a fun and entertaining program and again on Fridays at 2:00 p.m. to watch a movie in the Ben Hunt Room. 

For more programs and information on this year’s summer reading program, visit or call the library and check out our website.  We can’t wait to see you this summer!

The library's fish tank is making headlines yet again with the addition of three new creatures.  Three African Albino Clawed frogs, or Xenopus Laevis for you Latin buffs, were added to the tank which, prior to the frogs' big move-in, held only 5 goldfish.  The frogs are able to live completely submerged in water and eat the same food as the fish.  They eat by stirring up the rocks at the tank's bottom with their arms to unearth any fallen food.

The fish remain fairly disinterested in the frogs and it appears the two species will be able to coexist peacefully.  The frogs are a little odd looking but exciting to watch.  Next time you're in the library stop at the tank to check them out! 

Are you looking for a friendly environment to learn how to use a mouse and read a computer screen?  Want an easy way to find your favorite authors on CountyCat, the library's online computer catalog?  Feeling lost when navigating your way around the Internet?  Still trying to set up that e-mail account?  We have the solution for you!  Join us for a series of hands-on, introductory computer classes led by Jenny, the Adult Services Librarian.  Each class will start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m.  The course titles and dates are as follows: 

Space in each class is limited and prior registration is required.  A refundable $5 sign-up fee will be charged.  The fee will be refunded upon attending the class or canceling with at least two day's notice.  Sign up beginning May 19 at the information desk.  See you there!             

Something seems different about the library.  Did it get a haircut?  No, no I don't think so.  Hm, maybe it bought a new outfit?  No, that's not it either.  It lost a couple pounds, that must be it.  Wait, that's not quite right.  I know!  The fish tank got a complete overhaul!

The library's fish tank is looking spectacular these days after Director Patricia Laughlin and her husband decided to update its look.  After some deliberation and a great deal of hard work, the team gave the fish tank its makeover by switching out the gravel, putting up a new backdrop, and installing a new filtration system.  Some plants and other accessories will be added in the near future so, if you've already seen the new changes, be sure to check out the tank when it's finished.  If you have yet to see the tank in all its glory, stop by now and check it out.  The fish would love to give you a tour of their new pad!

It's safe to say that this year's book sale was an astounding success!  The book sale, which ran last weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, was met with much anticipation by eager readers who lined up at the doors before the official kickoff Friday, April 19.  Sales surpassed $1000 on that first night alone and broke $3000 overall, setting a new record for the library.  As funds raised by the book sale are primarily used by the summer reading program, this year's program is sure to benefit greatly.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support the library and give new life to used books!

Looking for a great book to add to your home library at a phenomenal price?  Come to the Friends of the Hales Corners Library Annual Used Book Sale this weekend!  The book sale has been a huge success in the past and, with the enormous amount of books included this year, the sale promises to be a bigger success than ever.  The book sale doesn't stop at books though.  Also up for grabs are music CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs, and audio books.  Most items are 50 cents or 1 dollar. 

The sale kicks off on Preview Night, Friday, April 18th at 7 pm and goes until 9 pm.  Preview night is for Hales Corners residents only and proof of address is required.  Don't live in Hales Corners?  No problem.  The sale continues on Saturday, April 19th from 9 am to 4 pm and finishes up on Sunday, April 20th from noon until 3 pm when shoppers can buy books leftover from Saturday's sale for $2 a bag. 

Ms. Susie will give a Magical Story Time (pajamas optional) on Friday, April 19th from 7 to 7:30 pm. 

The Annual Used Book Sale is just too good to pass up so mark your calendars and be there!   

February 29th is a rare day in that it only appears on the calendar once every four years.  It is also a strangely bittersweet day for the staff and patrons at the Hales Corners Library.  This year, February 29th marks the end of Circulation Supervisor Barbara Nahey's 26 year career with the library and the beginning of her happy retirement. 

Before I get into how terribly unhappy the staff is that Barb is leaving (which, actually, isn't all that unhappy as we are still in denial that she's even leaving), let's go back to Barb's start with the library.  Barb was hired on her birthday May 18,1981, as a desk clerk working 9 hours a week.  What made Barb decide to work at the library?  "My husband opens up the newspaper and starts reading.  He tells me, 'You can work at the school in the lunchroom, as a bus driver, or the library is hiring.'  I chose the library." 

In 1981 the library was housed in a church on Highway 100 across the street from Sentry.  The staff and the collection were smaller than they are now.  Today, all five desk clerks share the task of processing new materials.  However, the volume of new materials when Barb started was small enough for her to take on the job of processing all of the adult and children's materials by herself.  "I remember moving from the church to the new building and thinking how much room there was.  I thought we'd never fill it and now we're busting at the seams!"  The library has definitely grown since 1981.

Something that has stayed the same, according to Barb, is the friendly staff the library has been known for.  "We've always been very welcoming."  Barb adds that, "I always think it's nice that we have patrons who come from out of county and purchase the $100 fee card just so they can use our library."  I would venture to guess that a big reason why patrons go to such lengths to use the Hales Corners Library is because they get to visit with Barb and hear her book recommendations. 

Barb's position within the library also changed over the years.  From 1994-2004, she was the Circulation Coordinator and she became the Circulation Supervisor in January of 2005.  Barb says, "I've always loved working at the library because it's the best of both worlds.  I get to do office work and work with the public, not just one or the other." 

The people who make up the Hales Corners Library are also a part of Barb's job that she appreciates.  "I will miss the people the most, both the staff and the patrons."  The patrons and staff will also miss Barb, more than we can even stand to think of right now.  As much as we will miss seeing her and working with her on a daily basis, we also wish her all the best on her well-deserved retirement.  So, on a final note, I'd like to quote a little known author by the name of Dr. Seuss and say, Barb, "Congratulations!  Today is your day.  You're off to Great Places!  You're off and away!" (but you better come back every once in a while). 

In honor of Valentine's Day, Ms. Susie and her storytime children decorated heart-shaped shortbread cookies with frosting and M&Ms.  Each child also brought Valentine cards to share with each other.  The kids beamed as they received and gave their Valentines and a blast was had by all!

In a shocking turn of events, a goldfish thought to be carrying eggs quietly passed away on Friday, February 7.  Several weeks prior to its demise, Ms. Susie noticed that the fish had strange bulges on either side of its body.  Library staff speculated as to what was causing the bulges.  Some theories included that the fish either had tumors, had swallowed a few rocks, or that it was carrying eggs.  The most plausible theory appeared to be the egg theory as the fish did not appear ill or uncomfortable.  However, the fish did not receive an autopsy and the cause of death may never be known.

Fittingly, the person who first spotted the fish’s health issue was also the person who found the corpse.  Ms. Susie held a private ceremony for the fish in the women’s rest room at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, where the fish received a burial at sea and a 21 flush salute. 

Readers will remember that only weeks ago Ms. Susie and staff member Kristen saved the life of another fish in the library’s fish tank.  However, the joy which that event brought was short lived.  The passing of the fish on Friday marks the first casualty in the fish tank in over a year. 

The surviving fish show no outward signs of grief; however, the staff at Hales Corners is presuming that the fish are struggling with an unimaginable degree of inner turmoil at the loss of their friend.  The fish tank and our hearts are all a little emptier. 

Are you a young person in 3rd through 10th grade?  Do you like to read?  Do you like the Milwaukee Bucks?  Yes?  Well stop sitting there and head over to the library to sign up for the Milwaukee Bucks Reading program.  There's still time to participate!

What is the Milwaukee Bucks Reading program you ask?  The Milwaukee Bucks Reading program is a program where young people in grades 3 through 10 can read five hundred pages in exchange for a Milwaukee Bucks ticket.  Participants can count magazines, newspapers and books towards their goal.  There is a 100 page limit on magazines and newspapers and no page limit on books. 

Start by registering at the library where you'll receive a score card to keep track of your pages.  Each time you reach 125 pages, bring your scorecard into the library and get a sticker.  Once you reach 500 pages, you can bring in your scorecard for a ticket voucher.  Go above and beyond the 500 page goal to 750 pages in order to be entered in a drawing for an autographed basketball and more. 

The program ends on February 22, 2008 and the vouchers must be postmarked by February 29 for participants wishing to attend the Bucks vs. Phildelphia 76ers game or March 14 for participants wishing to attend the Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers game. 

In a feat that can only be described as heroic, Children's Librarian Ms. Susie and shelver Kristen saved the life of a goldfish who resides at the Hales Corners Library.  It was business as usual at the library on Friday, December 21.  Ms. Susie and Kristen were well into their closing routines for the day when a concerned mother and her young son notified Kristen that something was terribly amiss in the fish tank. 

Kristen and Ms. Susie rushed over to the tank where they found one of the goldfish, (who shall remain nameless for  reasons of privacy), struggling with a glass pebble from the tank's floor which it had managed to get lodged in its mouth.  Having never encountered such a problem before, both Ms. Susie and Kristen experienced a moment of panic before they quickly snapped into action.  Kristen suggested removing the pebble from the goldfish's mouth using pliers.

The two staff members decided that Ms. Susie would capture and hold the fish while Kristen grabbed the pebble with needle nose pliers.  This plan, according to Ms. Susie, had its faults.  In particular, it meant that Ms. Susie would actually have to hold the fish in her hands which, let's face it, is kind of icky.  With the mother and son who first discovered the troubled fish cheering them on, Ms. Susie and Kristen found the courage to get the job done and successfully removed the pebble from the large fish's mouth.

While the fish and the rest of its fish friends appeared to have a temporary loss of appetite following the incident, they have all since recovered from the trauma, though the fish in question has refused to comment.

Readers may remember that this is not the first time something fishy has happened in the library's fish tank.  In a previous blog we covered the odd phenomenon of one of the goldfish's scales turning white.  We will continue to keep a watchful eye on the fish tank and keep our readers updated on any further strange occurrences.