"Having fun at the library isn't just for kids," says Phyllis Saunders, administrative librarian at the Hamilton branch. "We're excited to gather adult 'Thrones' fans together so they can meet neighbors and friends, have an inexpensive evening outing and just share their love of the show with others."

Saunders noted that during the Victorian era, adults in England and the United States played "parlour" games involving logic, word play and dramatic skill. While they were just for fun, the games also could become quite competitive. She says that based on previous "adult only" programming that the library has offered, there is interest in "just for fun" events for grown-ups, especially for those who may not have been to their local public library in many years. Upcoming "Late Night Recess" events will offer adults evenings of fun and games ranging from trivia contests, popular games like "Cards Against Humanity," an Escape Game and Scary Stories for Halloween.

Each month we spotlight one of our awesome volunteers and the area in which they give their time however this month we're doubling the fun by featuring one of our favorite volunteer couples!

If you would like to volunteer your time to our library, our next orientation session will be held on Friday, August 4, 3:00 - 4:30 PM at the Downtown Library in the Cactus Room.

 

Name:  Bob and Mary Miller

 

Which Library/work area do you volunteer in:  Mary tutors in the Read to Succeed program and Bob is a substitute tutor for the program and also volunteers for driving the van from library locations to pick up and drop off books, etc.

 

What types of things do you do for CPL:  Mary tutors first graders in the Read to Succeed program, Bob drives the library van, miscellaneous tasks as needed when available.

 

How long have you volunteered for CPL:   Mary 6 years and Bob 4 years

 

What inspired you to volunteer at CPL:  Mary wanted to help new readers who struggle - using strategies I had learned in teaching ELL learners before retirement.  She was referred by a friend who was volunteering and enjoyed the Read to Succeed program

 

Bob enjoys helping others and was a music teacher for part of his career.  He feels satisfaction and enjoyment seeing students learn.

 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at CPL:  Very rewarding to see students' progress in reading skills - good reading skills are crucial for later learning...

 

What is your favorite thing about CPL:  A lot of programming specially designed to meet Chandler's needs and being able to download books to read online.

 

What would you share about CPL with someone new to the area:  We would tell them to check out the website to see the many events and services offered at all four locations.

 

What did you do before you started volunteering for CPL:  We are both former teachers, and have volunteered tutoring adults in WI through the Literacy Council there, and worked part time in Chandler Schools for a few years after moving here in 2006.

 

Tell us something that will surprise us about you:   Our favorite volunteer connection is I-HELP.  Our church hosts the homeless 4 - 6 nights each month, and we are involved with its implementation at our church. 

The last four years we have also coordinated an annual "Day of Service" at our church, in which we have recruited over 150 volunteers to complete projects in our neighborhood at schools, homes, thrift stores, and nursing homes. 

 

What book(s) are you reading now:  Mary - Barron's - Learn French - The Fast and Fun Way,  Bob - Bush, by Jean Edward Smith.

Chandler Public Library is putting a call out for speakers and performers for its next event: Connect. In our technology driven, ever-evolving world, we crave connection more than ever before. We connect digitally, virtually, historically, socially, environmentally, architecturally, academically...you get the idea. Share your presentation, idea, talk, performance on connecting.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, August 5, starting at 9:30 a.m., at Chandler Downtown Library, located at 22 S. Delaware Street, Downtown Chandler.

Registration is required; space is limited. Sign up for your time slot here.  Requirements:   

This month on cloudLibrary, we're featuring staff member  Peter's favorite books . In addition to his picks, here are three things about him we thought we'd share with you.

How long have you worked at CPL?  I have worked for CPL since September of 1993.

What is your favorite genre?  My favorite genres are sci-fi/horror and character studies/slice of life with forays into the classics. I am most drawn to complicated characters facing ethical dilemmas.

If you could switch places with any literary character, who would it be and why?  I would switch with Frodo Baggins. I don't want the job of throwing that ring into fire, but I'd love to see if I have the strength and courage to face that great a challenge.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to using CPL?  Pick the brains of every the staff. Ask questions. Follow their recommendations. Let them know if their thoughts helped you or not.

For more reading recommendations or assistance with downloading e-books from out cloudLibrary, please visit one of our four library locations or call 480-782-2800.