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As part of a cooperative program of the Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO) with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and Swindells Charitable Trust, our Athena Library now has a portable telescope and a Geographic Positioning System (GPS) available for community use. During an introductory stargazing evening, nineteen people--including several youngsters--showed up to learn about history of telescopes, the various possible uses, and star charts. Then the group moved outdoors to focus first on the moon, visible even before the sun set, and eventually on Jupiter and its moons AND Saturn and its rings. Participants experimented with several telescopes in addition to the library's bright red one (shown below). It's hoped that eventually an ASTRONOMY CLUB might develop as a cooperative effort between the library and the schools enabling adults and youngsters to join together in exploration of the night skies.
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Another program in cooperation with Libraries of Eastern Oregon featured Richard Pugh of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory at Portland State University. Sixteen people learned characteristics of meteorites, heard amazing tales of falls, and were able to handle actual meteorites from a collection worth $15,000.
Mondays, 10 a.m., from September through May.
Storytime for preschoolers includes a guest storyteller once a month from
the ready-to-read funding arranged by the Umatilla County Special Library District (UCSLD)
The other Mondays, librarian Carrie Bremer is the leader. Not only are picture books read, but there are puppet shows, crafts, discussions amongst the children, and a host of
other activities. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their little ones.
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About 50 first graders plus a few adults jammed into the library for a preview of the 2005 summer reading program and a puppet show. Nothing could be more convincing in showing need for a larger library space in Athena!
Children in the summer reading program held jousts,
learned some basic fencing, read books and poems about dragons,
and painted large dragon boards which later became a part of the
ALFA auction fundraiser. Even into mid-winter, a few of those dragon portraits
lurk in doorways and on garden fences around town.
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The City-appointed library Advisory Board provides polisy recommendations to staff and City Council.
Annually, the advisory board holds an open house, usually in February.
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The 2006 summer reading program attracted 25-35 children each day. Primary organizer was Karissa Griggs, as her senior project. She's "assisted" by librarian Carrie Bremer.
The theme is paws, claws, and scales; activities include live animal visits, animal artistry in chalk and on paper, animal drawings on quilt squares,
a presentation by a vet's assistant, the movie Madagascar, and a pet parade through Athena's downtown.
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The program was held at the Baptist Church this year, due to the new library being under construction.
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Photos of more library-related activities are at the Athena Library Friends Associaton (ALFA) website.
Photo Credits: J.Mandaville and C.Bremer
