Library rocks

By M. Scott Carter
The Moore American

MOORE June 25, 2008 09:39 am

— A rockband, several published authors, a series of free movies and, of course, books, will highlight the Moore Public Library’s schedule for July, library officials announced recently.
Beginning July 25 the library will offer Movie Morphing Madness for its teenage customers.
“The movies that will be shown all echo the theme, Metamorphosis at your library,” said Teen Librarian, Cathy Adams, “They will have some aspect of change, alteration, or transformation.”
The movies, all matinees, will show at the library during June and July with the films set to show on:
• 2 p.m., June 25
• 2 p.m., July 9
• 2 p.m., July 23
Adams said the library will have free popcorn and admission; no registration required.
Also set for Wednesday, Moore author Clyde Shroyer will be sharing his life experiences as a long-time resident in a visit with the author set for 7 p.m.
Shroyer, author of “A Passing of Time-at Moore, Oklahoma,” was born 1923 and writes about his childhood memories and details about growing up in the area.
Shroyer’s famous quote about the City of Moore is printed on the cover of his book: “If there had been any less, there wouldn’t have been any Moore.” This example of his tongue-in-cheek humor marks Shroyer’s style and approach to life, as well as defines his colorful, descriptive language and writing style.
Shroyer will talk about writing his family’s life-story in Moore, personal observations and anecdotes, and early details about life in Moore. He also served for several years as a member of the Moore Board of Trustees and as a Moore City Councilman.
Working in conjunction with the City of Moore, the library also will sponsor the Oklahoma rock band, The Gunship, for a performance in the city’s Music in the Park series.
The Gunship will perform at Buck Thomas Park, 1901 NE 12th St., 7 p.m. Friday.
The Gunship has toured the country for more than two years and has played to crowds in Chicago, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Antonio, Georgia, L.A., and New York City.
The three-man band includes David McDaniel, lead singer and lead guitarist; Patrick Mellon, bass guitar and harmonies; and Bobby Onspaugh, drums and harmonies. Formed in the legendary Norman winter of ’05, The Gunship is a rock trio performing songs which “grab your soul and refuse to let go.”
With two albums to their credit, “Aim for the Head” and “The Gunship,” the band is warming up to musical recognition on local and national scenes with a dedicated following of fans, ranging from teens to seniors.
“The Gunship blazes with electric energy, solid talent and an unmistakable enjoyment of music,” said Aaron Pence, a librarian for the Moore Public Library. “The audience always comes alive at one of their concerts.”
On Saturday children ages 5-12 are invited to make a cricket catcher, or a birdhouse, during the library’s come and go “how-to” workshop which will be 10 a.m. to noon; the event is part of the children’s Summer Reading Program Catch the Reading Bug.
Staff members from Home Depot in Moore will guide children in building their projects. Materials are provided for the activities.
“This fun do-it-yourself program is always a big hit with kids, and they learn so much about completing a wooden craft. But, best of all, they get to make a terrific cricket catcher or birdhouse that is theirs to keep.” said Children’s Librarian, Sheila Crosby.
Crosby said children should be accompanied by an adult and the event is appropriate for children aged 5-12.
In July, the activities continue with:
• Bugapalooza Insect Fair, set for 2 p.m. July 1. Children accompanied by an adult will enjoy activity and education stations in the come-and-go program for all ages. They may play games, make crafts and taste “buggy” refreshments.
• Kids’ Movie Time, scheduled for 2 p.m July 2, Children will have the chance to see movie on the library’s giant movie screen.
• Art in the Park July 3 and 4 at Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NW 12th St. in Moore, children are invited to visit the library’s Children’s Activity Tent.
The library will be closed July 4.
• Worms to the Wise, The Master Gardeners of Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Center will present a program about earthworms 2 p.m. July 8. Children in second through sixth grade will have hands-on experience with the wiggly creatures while doing scientific measurements and analysis.
• Life in the Pages of Your Own Book. Sharon Von Schriltz will present an adult workshop 7 p.m. July 9. Von Schriltz will help students write and decorate an altered book with keepsakes and mementos of special events in their lives. Registration is required.
• What’s Buggin’ You? Scheduled for 2 p.m. July 10 this program, co-sponsored by the OKC Zoo, will allow children to find out what strange appearance and habits of insects help them survive and why we need bugs. The program is appropriate for children ages 5 to 12. Free tickets will be available beginning Thursday.
• Critter Tales. On July 14 Jennifer Lance of Critter Tales Inc. will host a program about Oklahoma animals and insects to show and talk about. The program, set for 2 p.m. is appropriate for all ages. Free tickets will be available beginning June 30.
• Planet Insect beings 2 p.m. July 15. John Long, the Orkin Man, will answer questions about the insect creatures in our homes and gardens. This program is appropriate for children ages 5 to 12 years. Free tickets will be available beginning July 1.
• My Life in the Pages. At 7 p.m. July 16 author Mel Odom will speak about his experiences as a writer.
• Kids’ Movie Time. Come to the library 2 p.m. July 16 for another G-rated movie title.
The Children’s Summer Reading Program is part of a state-wide reading initiative developed by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and offered with the support of Sonic Ind., America’s Drive In. Touring programs in the Pioneer Library System are made possible through the support of Hitachi Computer Products (America) Inc., Oklahoma Arts Council and Friends of the Library groups in each community.
The Adults Summer Reading Program spotlights Oklahoma authors and is presented with support from Friends of the Library in each community.
For more information about all that your hometown library offers this summer, visit the library at 225 S. Howard Ave., or log on to www.justsoyouknow.us for calendars, driving directions and phone numbers to any of the nine branch libraries of the Pioneer Library System in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties.