Author: TRACY, P. J.

Teens in Lexington’s “Long Story Short” program were asked to write a poem based on Neil Gaiman’s “Instructions.” Gaiman’s poem is a fairytale survival guide which alludes to many popular folktales and fairytales. Each teen was able to choose a genre of fiction they were interested in and wrote a set of “instructions” on how to survive in that particular genre.

Katelin Eagan, Lexington, wrote “Instructions for a Western”:

Ride on your horse to town,
If you have not one,
Steal from the Indians before sundown.
As you ride home, make sure you’re followed by none.

Go to the market, pick up supplies,
Water, food, medicine, hat, boots.
DON’T enter the saloon, that wouldn’t be wise.
Join a group of cowboys, even if they’re brutes.

Stay with the group, everyday, always.
Watch were you walk, don’t step on snakes.
During the night, never keep the fire ablaze.
Have a good Western life, but don’t make mistakes!

-Katelin Eagan, Lexington

Another poem that was submitted by Hailey Roach, gives instructions for a child’s story:

Instructions for a Child’s Story

Eat lots of greens to be healthy
One something has happened, it most likely will happen again.
Keep your friends close. Don’t like them too much, but don’t let them get
away.
Don’t get lost at sea. If you do, have a friend there.
If you want to have fun dress in drag and do the hula.
Keep your family close. Don’t leave them behind or forget them.

-Hailey Roach, Lexington

Long Story Short is held at the Lexington Branch of Trails Regional Library. All teens are welcome and snacks are provided. Long Story Short will meet July 27 and August 31, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Contact the Lexington Branch at 1 (660) 259-3071 for more details.

Title: Black Water Rising

Author: Attica Locke

Why is it so great?

This book could have been a collaborative effort of John Grisham and James Patterson, but instead it is the debut of a new author.

A fast-paced legal thriller set in 1980’s Houston, this book describes the character’s moral dilemma when he witnesses a murder while on a romantic boat outing planned for his pregnant wife’s birthday. How involved do you get when you may be putting your family at risk?

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist (Mystery/Thriller)
Edgar Award Nominee (Best First Novel)
The Orange Prize for Fiction (Shortlist)

The results are in and the grand prize poetry contest winners are as follows:

Adults:

1st Prize: Barbara Pyles-Odessa

2nd Prize: Uel Clifton Ramey-Concordia

3rd Prize: Justyn Graham-Warrensburg

Teens:

1st Prize: Sydney Aversman-Concordia

2nd Prize: Eli Thomas_Warrensburg

3rd Prize: Jessica Burnor-Holden

Children:

1st Prize: Rachel Lindquist-Warrensburg

2nd Prize: Ashley Adkisson-Warrensburg

3rd Prize: Emma Grace Thomas-Warrensburg

If you loved the old Carol Burnett Show (on the air for eleven seasons) and are unhappy that it’s not out on DVDs, you must read her newest book—This Time Together!  It is made up of short chapters—many of them about celebrities she met along the way and reminiscences (with pictures) of some of the hilarious times she and her wonderful cast members had while entertaining us.  I promise you—you will enjoy this book!

Pre-Registration for Summer Reading 2010 will be held on Saturday, May 22 from 2 p.m.-4p.m. at the Warrensburg branch.  This year’s theme is Make a Splash Read! Check your local branch for more details.

Magician, Eric Vaughn, will perform his magic show at all nine branches of Trails Regional Library during the Summer. Dates and times for the performances are listed in the 2010 Summer Program Catalog for Trails Regional Library which is available at all branches. The magic shows are family friendly and suitable for all ages. The public is invited to attend these free performances.

“The Reptile Man”, Serengeti Steve, will be providing his program, “The Reptile Experience” at all nine branches of Trails Regional Library this Summer. Dates and times for the programs are provided in the 2010 Summer Program Catalog for Trails Regional Library which is available at all of the branches. Experience the excitement of having a Reptile Zoo come to you! The public is invited to attend these free programs.

The Summer 2010 Program Catalogs are now available for all branches. The Summer theme is Make a Splash-Read at Trails Regional Library! The program catalogs list programs at all nine branches for all age groups including preschool children, school age children, middle school, pre-teen, teen, adults and seniors.