August is usually a quiet month at the library.  Summer Reading Programs are over.  Parents are busy getting children ready for school or trying to get in the last vacations before school starts the middle of the month. 

 

This year we decided to challenge readers to a Dog Days of Summer Reading: Best Books of 2014-2015 which runs from August 3-29th.  There are three levels for adults, teens and children.  All the books promoted in this program are award winners or otherwise deemed the best publications in their respective genres from 2014-2015.  When you join you get a full list of these recommended reads for August.  So even if the weather is muggy, use the last days of summer to get up to date and join the conversation by reading the most notable books of the past year.

          

 If you’d rather not participate in our challenge then try our “Walk a Dog” program.  All you have to do to take part in this program is to register and then you get to walk a book mysteriously wrapped in paper out the door.  The books used in this program have one thing in common – canine characters.  The hidden book jackets are reminiscent of the “Blind Date with a Book” program experience.  You may get a book you wouldn’t otherwise checkout and find a new author to enjoy.

          

 There will be several book signings during the month to give readers to meet a local author, purchase their book and get it autographed.  On Thursday, August 13th from 6-7 p.m. Regina Allen Parker, the author of “Can Your Dog Meow?” will be signing copies of her book. 

           

On Saturday, August 22nd from 1-3 p.m., Meva J. Scarff, the author of “Surrounded by Love” will be available to answer questions and sign copies of her book. 

           

And don’t forget our reading groups continue.  Chapter Chat will be discussing “My Name is Resolute” by Nancy Turner on Wednesday, August 26th at 6 p.m.; Book Talk will be discussing “Chickens in the Road” by Suzanne McMinn on Wednesday, August 19th at 4 p.m.; and Teen Read will be reading “Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour” by Morgan Matson on Monday, August 24th at 6 p.m.  Ask either Joanne or Sarah for copies of the books.

           

So even if you are very busy in August, don’t forget to keep on reading.