What happened to signers of the Declaration of Independence?

  Fifty-six members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Many gave their lives and their fortunes for the cause.
  The British captured and tortured five. Nine fought and died in the Revolution. Two lost sons to the war. Another had two sons captured. Eleven had their homes pillaged and burned. The British used the home of one signer, Thomas Nelson, as their headquarters. After they moved in, Nelson demanded that the patriot army destroy the home in order to drive the British out. He died penniless.
   Farmer "Honest John Hart" suffered greatly. Hessian mercenaries burned his farm and grist mill and killed his livestock. Hart's wife became ill and, while the British besieged his farmhouse, he refused to leave his wife. After his wife died, and the aged Hart fled into the forest, eluding the British by living in the woods and in caves. His 13 children scattered to relatives and friends.
   Richard Stockton, a judge, was captured, tortured and starved. He lost all his money and property and died soon after his release. His family lived off charity.
   Of those who survived the Revolution, six signed the U.S. Constitution. Thirteen went on to become governors of their states. Eighteen served in their state legislatures, and 16 became state or federal judges. Seven became members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and six became senators.
   Five played major roles in establishing colleges and universities: Franklin and the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson and the University of Virginia, Benjamin Rush and Dickinson College

Learning Express

If you need to get started in working on GED testing, ASVAB testing, or brushing up on job skills such as resumes and interviewing, Learning Express, an online database, is for you.

If it's been awhile since you applied for a job, or interviewed for one, take a look at Learning Express.  You can use this service in the library or from home. (It is one of several subscription online services that the libraries subscribe to for your benefit.) You set up an account, using your library barcode number, and your own PIN. You can log in and save your work and return to it later.

There are many practice tests on many subjects for both children and adults. One section of particular interest to job seekers is Job Search and Workplace Skills. Included is information on improving writing and communications skills, resume and interviewing tips. Good information whether you are new or already in the workforce.

Eric Carle

Eric Carle was born  on June 25, 1929. 

     This well know children's author and illustrator has written and illustrated more than 70 books since The Very Hungry Caterpillar was published in 1969. 

   His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and colorful images.  Some books are like toys, incorporating firefly lights,  and cricket chirps. 

   Carle and his wife established the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts.

   Google asked Carle to create its logo on March 20, 2009, the first day of spring. 

TumbleBooks

   Libraries are known for their books, and we have thousands of them to share for both children and adults.

   We've added another component to stories for children.  TumbleBooks joins Dial a Story as a supplement to books in print.

   TumbleBooks is an online book service.  Children can watch talking picture books, and older children can read the printed word while listening to the audio story.   Log onto TumbleBooks through the library webpage.

   Dial a story is a story available on the telephone.  Stories are for young children and are changed weekly.   1-888-4ATALE1  (1-888-428-2531)

Flag Day

We pledge allegiance to the flag...did you know that June 14 is Flag Day in the United States? The Second Continental Congress adopted the flag of the U.S. on this day in 1777.

President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14 as Flag day in 1916 by proclamation. In 1949 Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

The National Flag Day Foundation works to make known the history of our flag.

Internet Safety

   As with many things in life, there is good and bad about the internet.  We want your children to be safe while using the Internet.
   This summer, we'll use short video programs for children that will show them how to stay safer while using the internet.
   Just as you caution your children about 'stranger danger,' parents and children need to be aware of potential internet dangers.
    Each program is from the Center for Missing and Exploited Children and is geared to different age levels.  These programs will supplement what you have taught your children and what they have learned in school.
   All in an effore to make children safety aware.

Summer Programs for Children

   Libraries statewide are gearing up for summer programs.  Locally we have an exciting summer planned.  Storytellers, magicians, and clowns will join library staff for programs, books, crafts, reading and fun.  Rumors of ice cream abound.
   It is known that in order for students to maintain their reading proficiency, they need to keep reading during the summer months when school is not in session.

   Reading is like learning to plan the piano:  you get better with practice.  And you need to practice every day.
   Check your library for a copy of the summer schedule.  Program schedules are also posted on the library webpage and in the library events section.

June is Audio Book Month

   June is Audio Book Month, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association.

   You may remember audio books from your school days.  You might have listed to a book on cassette tape and turned the pages when you heard the chime.

   Children now may not  know what a cassette tape is, but many have CDs.  Books on CD are popular in the classroom and in libraries.  Their use can reinforce a child's desire to read.

   Audio books are a great way to keep children entertained on car trips, whether short trips such as going to the store, or long family vacations.

   Adults like audio books too...try one on your commute to and from work. 

   Libraries have a large selection of books on tape or CD for both children and adults.