For All Ages

BEYOND BARBED WIRE:  MIDWEST POWs IN NAZI GERMANY will visit the library Tuesday, May 13, 2008 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  The BUS exhibit tells the stories of Midwest soldiers and airmen captured in World War II and kept as prisoners of War (POWs) in Nazi Germany.  This educational experience has been built upon years of research and gathered support.  The International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and the Bildarchiv Preussischer Kulturbesitz in Berlin have supplied hundreds of photos for the exhibit that otherwise are unknown in the United States.  Indiana-born former POW and bestselling author Kurt Vonnegut has given the sponsoring Traces Museum free and unrestricted use of Slaughterhouse Five, his account of having been present during the firebombing of Dresden.  Valuable discussion and reflection will be sparked amongst diverse audiences about local history and culture, and about current issues related to military service and war.

 BILL JAMERSON returns to the library on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.  Author, storyteller, musician Bill Jamerson will present “Big Shoulders,” a program based on his recently released 336-page historical novel which tells the story of a 17 year-old youth who enlists at Camp Raco (Eastern U.P.) for one year.  It is based on real interviews with the Civilian Conservation Corps members.  The CCC transformed Michigan’s wilderness in the 1930’s by controlling wildfires, planting millions of trees and building state parks.  Over ninety thousand young men enrolled over a ten-year period.  Today, many people have grandparents or uncles who served and there is still a strong emotional attachment to the corps.

Preschoolers

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 A.M. EACH TUESDAY:  Join the group with stories, music, art, and science fun.  Stories and activities are chosen for three to five year olds although children a little younger or older may also attend.  A parent, grandparent, or caretaker must remain in the library during the sessions which last about 45 minutes. 

Wee Read is a special storytime just for toddlers who aren't yet ready for group sessions.  Please call Jennifer Tice, Youth Services Librarian, at 273-8666 to schedule a time that works for you and your child or grandchild.   

Kids & Teens

SUMMER IS COMING AND SO IS THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM!!! 
SUMMER READING REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN!  We know it’s springtime at the library because kids and adults gets anxious to get their hands on the Three Rivers Public Library Summer Reading program schedule.  So here’s the scoop:  The schedule of book clubs and programs is printed and available in the library now.  You can also catch our schedule in the Three Rivers Commercial-News and Penny Saver, and look for our schedule in the Three Rivers Schools Summer Recreation flyer that is mailed to homes.  Once again this year, your child receives an age appropriate free book at registration and a book store gift certificate when the reading record is turned in at the end of summer. We have a great line up of professional entertainers who will encourage you and your family to learn something new and read.  We guarantee a summer of fun at your Three Rivers Public Library!    

YOUNG ADULT AFTERNOONS will take place every Sunday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the community room of the library.    Join us for board games, movies, snacks, and conversation. Call the library at 273-8666 for movie titles.

Internet classes for one or two patrons are offered every Thursday evening from 7:00-8:00 and every Friday from 2:00-3:00.  Please call 273-8666 to sign up.

The LIBRARY BOOK CLUB meets the second Wednesday of the month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Quiet Reading Room for a friendly relaxed book discussion. 

Federal and state income tax forms are available at the library.

The Board of Trustees meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the library community room. 

READING TUTOR VOLUNTEERS FOR ADULTS NEEDED:  THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL has opportunities for adults interested in helping other adults learn to read.  No previous teaching education or experience is necessary.  All you need is a desire to help others and an hour or two per week available to meet with an adult student at the library.  The St. Joseph County Literacy Council sponsors one-on-one tutoring to teach adult students to read, write, and speak English.  The council coordinates matching volunteer tutors with adult students.  The council provides material for training tutors as well as learning materials for the students.  The St. Joseph County Literacy Council is funded by the St. Joseph County United Way.  The Three Rivers Public Library provides a home for the literacy council, and the library receives phone calls to connect potential tutors and students with the literacy council’s coordinator.  Adults interested in learning more about possibly becoming a volunteer tutor with the St. Joseph County Literacy Council are invited to call the Three Rivers Public library at 273-8666 to talk to Jennifer Tice, Literacy Council Liaison.

LEARN TO READ:  THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL seeks adult students who want to learn to read English.  Trained volunteer tutors work with adults who have no prior English reading experience or who want to improve reading skills.  If you know someone who might benefit from reading tutoring, please encourage that person to call or help that person call the library at 273-8666 to talk to Jennifer Tice, Literacy Council Liaison.