Friends of the Library Meeting

The Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries, Inc. will hold their quarterly meeting, Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the community room (behind the library).  Everyone is welcome.

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observed

The Bennington Public Library will be closed Monday, January 18, 2010  in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

Winter Weather Guidelines

The emergency and safety policy set by the Bennington Public Library Board of Trustee includes these guidelines for winter weather conditions:  

Maximum effort will be made to maintain regular library operating hours. However, if the library is closed due to bad weather, staff will post a notice on the entrance, record an announcement on the library answering machine, and notify local news stations.

Library programs for all ages will be cancelled whenever the Bennington School District calls off school because of inclement weather, whether or not the library closes.

Library Holiday Hours

Thursday, December 24: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, December 31: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

No story time on these days.

Happy Holidays!

Book Bag Sewing Directions

Here are the book-tote bag directions . We appreciate the efforts of those who are helping to continue the special tradition of giving homemade book bags to children who sign up for library cards.  Donations of fabric are also needed.  Thank you!  Check out the Friends of the Library Website to find out more ways to support our library http://friends.bennington-ne.com/

Festival of Trees raises $4,000 for Building Fund

The Bennington Public Library wishes to thank the many volunteers,  donors, tree sponsors, and guests who helped to make the 2009 Festival of Trees library fund raiser a success !

Event Chair, Dori Settles

Food Chair, Judy Raumaker

Members of the GFWC Bennington Women’s Club

Members of the Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Bank of Bennington

Upstream Brewing Company

Bennington Implement-John Deere

Schettler’s Restaurant 

Maid-Rite of Omaha

Mary Reynolds-Grammy’s Gifts

Performance Physical Therapy

Bennington Chiropractic

Russ Hanten-Woodworking

Sportsman’s Bar & Grille

Robin Weidaman-Sewing/Alterations

Don Christensen’s Farm Bureau

Tom Rivera’s State Farm

Dillon Brother’s Harley Davidson

Ace Hardware Elkhorn

Bennington Small Engine

Select Model Management

Dr. Paul Bacino, DDS

Legacy Design Strategies

Bennington Community Foundation

American National Bank

Little Scandinavia

Kids Kingdom Preschool

Tom & Michelle Foley

St. John’s Men’s Quartet

Lisa Harbin-Arbonne

Karen & Wayne Ruff-Rustic Artifacts

Shirley Kading-Bird Houses

Hy-Vee

Holiday Lounge

2 Men & a Shop

Brite Ideas

Keno Cabana

Eagle Race Track

Benn Town Gals

Auto Transmatic

Pines Country Club

Kathy Bunz-crafts

Lynn Guilfoyle

Kristen Nicholas

Salon with Sass

ConAgra Foods

Mary-Ellen Bartels

Lou & Pat Kologenski

Bennington Public Library Youth

Bridgeford & Sons

American Legion Post & Unit 266

Cub Scouts Pack 13

Girl Scout Troop 2693

Diane’s Art & Floral

Rotella’s

Girlie Club

Cubby’s

Frito-lay

Hair FX

Lisa Bliss

Runza-Bennington

Lisa Eicke

Diane Warrick

Edward Jones

Eric & Lori Olsen

Quality Dental

Boyd & Charlies

The Rothermunds

Crown & Bridges

Bennington Jaycees

Bennington Fire & Rescue

Tracy Kempkes-Beauty Control

Mindi Laaker & Dylan Renter

Rochelle Samuelson

Sam Lurvey-Garage Doors

Bennington & Pine Creek PTO

Zion West Lutheran Church

St. John’s Kingdom Quest

St. John’s Christian Fellowship

St. John’s Women in Action

Santa Claus

And the many individuals who donated items for Grandma’s Attic, desserts & treats for the Sweet Shoppe, and vats of soup and chili. Yum!

Thank you everyone!

Festival of Trees November 20 & 21

Friends of Library Meeting November 3

The Bennington Area Friends of Libraries, Inc. invite you to join them at their quarterly meeting, Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:00 PM in the Library-Community Room (behind the Library).  Come learn about ways you can support the library, including  plans for the upcoming  O’Tannenbaum–A Festival of Trees library fundraiser, November 19 & 20th.  From more information visit trees.bennington-ne.com.

 

 

Friends of the Library Week October 18 – 24

Friends of the Library raise money that enables our library to move from good to great — providing the resources for additional programming, much needed equipment, support for children’s summer reading, and special events throughout the year.  In addition, the work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present.  Members of the community, and most especially library users, are invited to join the Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries, Inc.  Pick up a membership form at the library today!

Celebrating the Freedom to Read

September 26 – October 3

BANNED BOOKS WEEK

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read

Friends of Library Co-sponsor 2008 Candidates Forum

The Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries and the GFWC Bennington Woman’s Club are sponsoring a 2008 Candidate Meet and Greet Forum on October 14, 2008.  The presidents of the GFWC Bennington Woman’s Club and Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries met and discussed the logistics of hosting a candidate forum. With approval from the superintendent of Bennington Public Schools, the forum will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in the Bennington Elementary Gymnasium, starting at 7:00 PM.  For this first-time event in Bennington, the organizations invited over 25 candidates with constituents in the immediate area. As of October 1, 2008, the presidents have heard from the following 13 candidates:

 

Bennington Mayor – C.C. Skip Wolff, Mary Johnson

Bennington City Council – Roland Wimpey (District 1)

US Senate – Mike Johanns, Scott Kleeb

US House of Representatives – Jim Esch

Nebraska Senate – Rex Moats (District 39)

Douglas County Board of Commissioners – William “Doc” Steiner (District 7)

Board of Governors Metro Comm College District 1 – Carol Russell, Patrick Leehy

Learning Community Council District 6 – Julie Brewer, Teresa Vann, Jim Thompson

 

The public will have the opportunity to meet and dialogue one-on-one from 7:00 PM–7:45 PM The candidates have the opportunity to address the entire audience between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM This portion of the forum will be moderated, and all candidates will be given equal time to speak. This forum is free and voters will receive a copy of the Voters Self Defense Manual, published by Project Vote Smart.

BATS: Make Your Own READ Poster

The B.A.T.S. (Bennington Advisory Teen Scene) will make their own READ posters at their next get-together, Thursday, October 23rd at 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the library/community room.  Be prepared to have your picture taken with your favorite book and bring a friend.  All teens, 7-12 grade, are welcome!  For more information, please call 238-2201.

Friends of the Library Present…

Festival of Trees — A Great Success!

A BIG THANK YOU to all who took part in the O’Tannenbaum - A Festival of Trees benefit for the Library Building Fund.  The Friends of the Library and the GFWC Bennington Women’s Club’s partnership in this endeavor resulted in net proceeds of over $4,300.  In addition to the proceeds raised for the building fund, a generous $1,000 donation for the purchase of new books for the library was received from Wal-Mart (168th/Maple store).  Volunteers from the Friends of the Library and Women’s Club as well as the many tree sponsors worked countless hours to make the event a reality.  Thank you ladies and gentlemen for all your precious time and hard work.  Everyone who attended enjoyed the wonderful sights and sounds of Christmas through the decorated trees, shopping bargains from Grandma’s Attic, great prizes won in the raffle, pictures with Santa, yummy treats from the bake sale sweet shoppe, and the consumption of scrumptiously satifying chili, soup and desserts from the kitchen.

BATS December 18th Meeting Cancelled

Due to severe weather the BATS December 18th meeting & holiday get-together is cancelled.

Library Holiday Hours

Wednesday December 24th – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, December 25th – CLOSED

Wednesday, December 31st – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, January 1st – CLOSED

Got Wi-Fi?

The Bennington Public Library is pleased to offer wireless Internet access thanks to support in part by the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and granted by the Nebraska Library Commission and a donation from the Friends of the Library.  BPL’s wireless network is open to all and does not require any special login, password, or encryption. You’ll need a laptop or other portable device with a built-in Wi-Fi or installed adapter card.

BATS 2009: New Year Celebration Party

The B.A.T.S. (Bennington Advisory Teen Scene) will start the new year off with some fun activities at their next get-together, Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the library/community room.  If you’d like, bring a sweet or salty treat to share.  All teens, 7-12 grade, are welcome!  For more information, please call 238-2201.

2008/2009 Read Aloud Community

The Bennington Public Library joins several communities across the state that have earned the designation of “Read Aloud Community” for 2008/2009.  Read Aloud Communities are required to promote November as “Read Aloud to a Child Month” among citizens throughout the community as well as to engage in a variety of read-aloud activities throughout the year.  The Bennington Public Library has made the commitment to promote reading aloud to children as one of the most important things adults do to help children improve their vocabulary, enhance listening skills and develop positive attitudes toward reading and learning,” says Mark Claussen, chairman of Read Aloud Nebraska. “We are proud to support “Read Aloud Communities” throughout Nebraska as they share the joy of reading with people of all ages.”  The “Read Aloud Communities” program is an initiative of Read Aloud Nebraska, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “promote healthy, successful children and families through reading aloud”. To learn more go to the Read Aloud Nebraska website at www.readaloudnebraska.org.

Basket Auction Benefit for Library

 

You are invited to join us for the 12th annual
Bennington Woman’s Club Basket Auction 

Thursday, March 19, 2009
7:00pm – 9:00pm
St.
John’s Lutheran Church, Bennington

A portion of the proceeds of the auction will be given to the Bennington Public Library/Community Room for improvements.

Download the flyer here.

MEMBERS – Download invitation postcards here.

Movie Night with Bite @ Your Library

BATS–Bennington Advisory Teen Scene

Teens, grades 7 – 12, are invited to a special public showing of  the new DVD release of the popular movie based on the first in a series of books by Stephanie Meyer, Thursday, March 26th 6:30 – 8:30 PM in the Community Room.  The library has obtained a one time license to show the movie so come see what the hype is all about.  Enjoy movie snacks and beverages provided by the BATS or bring your own goodies to share.  BYOP – Bring Your Own Pillow ( if you’d like.)  For more information, please call 238-2201.

Celebrate Earth Day 2009

 

Recycle Your Gently Used Books

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22^nd.  Why not celebrate by dropping off your gently used books at the library? The Friends of the Library will be happy to accept your donated books this day or any day the library is open.  Your donated books, DVDs, videos, music CDs, etc. will either be added to the library’s collection or offered for sale at the Friends Annual Book Sale, Bennington Daze Weekend, June 20 in Centennial Park.

Planning Your Calendar

Tuesday, April 21

Bennington Public Library Book Club will meet at 6:30 PM at Schettler’s Restaurant (Bennington Road and 156th Street). They will be discussing The Cleanup by Sean Doolittle. Generally the Book Club meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the library community room. Call 238-2201  for more information.

Earth Day 2009, Wednesday, April 22

The Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries, Inc. invites you to celebrate Earth Day 2009 by bringing your gently used books, videos, DVDs, music CDs, etc. at the Bennington Public Library 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Earth Day (or any day during operating hours). The Friends will recycle your donations by providing them to the Bennington Public Library to enhance the library collection or by selling them at their Annual Book Sale during Bennington Daze, Saturday, June 20 in Centennial Park. Call 238-2201  for more information.

Thursday, April 23

The Bennington Advisory Teen Scene (Bennington Public Library’s teen group) will meet 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the library community room. Teens, grades 7 – 12, are invited to join in the fun as we celebrate Earth Day 2009 by making cool crafts, gifts and stuff out of recycled materials. Call 238-2201 for more information.

SUMMER READING 2009

 

SUMMER READING PROGRAM 2009 SIGN-UPS BEGIN MAY 2

“Be Creative @ Your Library” this summer at the Bennington Public Library and explore the worlds of music, dance, art, books, and more. The 2009 Summer Reading Program, which takes place during the month of June, is open to young people, preschool through young adult, with programs, prizes, story hours, reading club, and more. Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins Saturday, May 2nd, 9 AM – 12 noon. All programs are free of charge. For more information, call the library at 238-2201.  

Download Information Flyer/Registration Form Here:  summer-reading-registration-form

Return your completed registration form by fax 238-2218, email (scan completed form and attach to email) benlib@bl.omhcoxmail.com, or in person.

Free, digital audio books available online from the Bennington Public Library!

We are pleased to announce our new online digital audio book collection. The new service makes it possible for you to check out and download digital books anytime, from anywhere in the world.

What is  a Digital Audio Book?

Digital Audio Books, which are spoken-word digital audio files, can be enjoyed on your PC and hundreds of portable audio devices—you can even burn them to CD and listen in your car or on any standard CD player.

How It Works

Just install the free software from the Nebraska Overdrive website, then browse our collection of fiction, mysteries, romance, nonfiction, best sellers, and more. When you’re ready, you can download the digital titles directly to your home computer, transfer them to an MP3 player or portable device, or burn some audio book titles to CD. At the end of the lending period, your digital downloads are automatically returned — so there are never any late fees!  A valid library card is all you need to begin enjoying digital audio books today! 

Contact the library to obtain your library card number:  benlib@bl.omhcoxmail.com

Click here to get started: http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com

We hope that you’ll share in our excitement of this new service.

Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading Club

Join the Summer Reading Club at the Bennington Public Library!  Children, preschool – 5th grade, are invited to pick up a Reading Club Sheet at the library, check out library materials, read and win prizes!  Download the form here:

Summer Reading Club (preschool – 1st grade)

Summer Reading Club (2nd – 5th grade)

Thank You Summer Reading Sponsors!

Bank of Bennington

Cubby’s

Dr. Paul Bacino, D.D.S.,

Bennington Lions Club

Bennington Women’s Club

Bennington Jaycees

American Legion Auxiliary

Tom Rivera Farmers Insurance Agency

Bennington Community Foundation

Friends of the Library

Omaha Royals

Papio Fun Park

Omaha Children’s Museum

The Rose Theatre

Skate Daze

BATS Summer Teen Program

 The B.A.T.S. (Bennington Advisory Teen Scene) will enjoy weekly actitivies in June.   As always, all teens, 7-12 grade ( grade in fall ‘09), are invited!  For more information, please call 238-2201.

Express Yourself @ Your Library Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 4^th   **5:15– 6:15 PM**  Zumba (Latin aerobic dance)

Thursday, June 11^th   **6:30 PM– 8:00 PM**  Henna Tattoos by Kole Gansebom in the Community Room.  Permission slips are required for the henna activity & are available at the library or download permission slip here: Permission Slip Henna Tattoos

Thursday, June 25^th   **6:30 – 8:00 PM**  Movie Night in the Community Room.

Thursday, July 9  **6:30 – 8:30 PM**  Create It: Open-Ended Art

Thursday, July 16  **6:30 – 8:30**  Create It:  Open-Ended Art 

Thursday, July 23  **6:30—7:30 PM** BATS Summer Book Club–Book Discussion.  Pick up a copy of the BATS Book Club selection at the library:  Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney prior to July 23rd.

Bennington Daze 5 Mile Run & 2 Mile Run/Walk to Benefit Library Teen Programs

The B.A.T.S.–Bennington Advisory Teen Scene, is the designated beneficary of the 2009 Bennington Daze 5 Mile Run & 2 Mile Run/Walk being held Saturday, June 20 at 8:00 AM a the Bennington Elementary School parking lot, 156th Street and Bennington Road. Runners, walkers and volunteers are needed.  Entry forms are available at the library, around town, or for download here:  2009 Bennington Daze Run/Walk Form  For more information contact Bob Zaruba at 238-2658.

The BATS are seeking volunteers to assist with the road run from 7:15 – 9:30 AM.  Please contact Lisa Flaxbeard at the library 238-2201 or lisa@bl.omhcoxmail.com to sign up.

B.A.T.S. Summer Movie Night

B.A.T.S. Express Yourself @ Your Library Teen Summer Movie Night

All teens, 7th grade & up, are invited to the B.A.T.S. Summer Movie Night this Thursday, June 25th at  6:30—8:30 PM in the Library/Community Room.  The featured movie is about a professional dancer who volunteers to teach a group of detention-dwellers in an inner city New York school. He is as polished as they are rough and though they clash at first, they soon begin to realize that his lessons are about more than dancing. His classic moves are combined with their hip-hop to create an incredible dance fusion that explodes on-screen.

Rated PG-13; 108 minutes; 2006

Create It: Open-Ended Art

BATS Teen Summer Program

Teens, 7th grade & up, are invited to join BATS (Bennington Advisory Teen Scene) for activities @ the library/community room this summer. 

Upcoming Events

Thursday, July 16   **6:30 PM – 8:00 PM**  Create It:  Open-Ended Art

Come Express Yourself @ your library by creating fun and useful arts and craft projects such as a new magnet bulletin board to attach to your locker this fall, decorated gift boxes for yourself or friends, wall hangings, key chains, friendship bracelets, and more!  All the supplies you will need (including our seemingly endless supply of duct tape) are provided free of charge.  And, of course, there’s always good food and fun at every BATS gathering.  Questions?  Contact Lisa Flaxbeard lisa@bl.omhcoxmail.com or 238-2201.

Thursday, July 23  **6:30—7:30 PM**   BATS Summer Book Club

We will discuss the book Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney.  Stop by the library and pick up a copy to read before the 23rd.  Or, if you’ve already read it, come join the discussion.  And, even if you decide not to read it, come hear what others have to say about it,  you may change your mind.  Remember, as always, food and fun is a given.

BATS Summer Book Club

Teens, 7th grade and up, are invited to the BATS Summer Book Club discussion of the book Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney this Thursday, July 23rd, 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the library/community room.  Copies of the book are available at the library.  Even if you’re only curious, come join in (or just listen in on)  the lively discussion. Fun and food are always a given at BATS.  BATS–Bennington Advisory Teen Scene is the Bennington Public Library’s program for teens, 7th grade and up.  For more information call (402) 238-2201 or email  lisa@bl.omhcoxmail.com.

BATS on facebook

BATS–Bennington Advisory Teen Scene

BATS–Bennington Advisory Teen Scene is now on Facebook.

Become a fan!

Be Creative @ Your Library Book Release

Children who wrote and illustrated their own books as part of the Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading program gathered with family and friends in Centenniel  Park on August 8th to receive their published books.  Be Creative gift baskets &  prizes were raffled and refreshments were enjoyed by all.  Raffle winners were the Wilmeth and Brocker families as well as Emma Kuker and Tara Webster. 

The project was funded, in part, by state aid funding appropriated by the Nebraska Legislature, granted and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission and generous matching funds provided by the Friends of the Library.  More than 250 children partcipated in summer reading sessions in June and many others joined the reading club.  Summer Reading sponsors provided the funding and prizes for reading  club incentives.  The Bennington Public Library wishes to thank the following businesses and organizations for their generous support: Bank of Bennington, Runza, Cubby’s, Dr. Paul Bacino, Bennington Jaycees, Bennington Lions Club,  GFWC Bennington Women’s Club, Bennington Foundation, American Legion Auxiliary-Unit 266, Tom Rivera Insurance Agency, Performance Physical Therapy, Koala-T Daycare, Omaha Royals, Omaha Children’s Museum, The Rose Theatre, Skate Daze, Papio Fun Park, and Friends of the Bennington Area Libraries, Inc.

RUNZA — Great Books for Great Kids

Runza will donate 15% of sales Tuesday, September 22nd to the Bennington Public Library to help purchase books for children.

Dine out for the library at Runza today!

Thanks for your Support!!!