Nancy Burks Worcester promoted library and character education using her puppet characters for Summer Reading Club members. Summer reading is off to a good start with 111 kids and 32 teens signed up to read. The fun started with a game show for the teens hosted by Miss Vanna Black aka Cheryl Walls. Teens were given three chances to answer Jeopardy type questions with a choice of three answers. If they answered any of the three questions correctly they received a free shake or cheese sticks complements of Diboll's Jack in the Box. There were 12 teens and four adults in attendance to enjoy this great start to the summer.

The fun continued for the younger kids with Exotic Wings. Sonny Carlin and his parrots wowed an audience of 137 with their many tricks. The parrots talked, sang, danced, climbed a ladder, played ball, and walked a tight rope to the amazement of those watching. The best trick was when Carlin pulled Cameron Jones from the audience and gave him a clip to put in his mouth as a beak. Then Cameron and a parrot named James raced to see who could put all the rings on the post first. James the parrot won hands down because Cameron wasn't used to his new beak. When the show was over, Carlin brought one of the parrots into the audience and let the children pet him and have their picture made with the bird standing on their head. The kids had a great time and we hope to see Sonny Carlin and Exotic Wings again in the future.

Sonny Carlin and Exotic Wings performed for the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library Children's Summer Reading Club on June 5. This past week another wonderful talent entertained 150 kids and parents from the Children's Summer Reading Club. Nancy Burks Worcester, a ventriloquist and storyteller from Grandbury, promoted library and character education using her characters Charlotte, Larry, Waco and Lili. The theme was World Mart where you go to learn to make good choices. Audience member Joseph Tarver from the Boy's and Girl's Club earned $1 by making a good sense choice. Worcester made the point that "your homework is worth more than video games and reading a book is worth more than anything."

Kiara Menefee, also from the Boy's and Girl's Club, made a good snack choice by choosing raisins and fruit snacks instead of candy. Other good points that were made were "hands are not for hitting and words are not for hurting"; and "if you want a friend you have to be a friend." Using the character Waco, Worcester talked about being a community helper and helping your community. Finally she talked about differences in language and culture by using a new Spanish character named Bigonya. Kids and parents alike were thrilled with Nancy Burks Worcester and her life like characters. We will see her again.

Coming up this summer: Storyteller Tom McDermott, June 19, 2-3 p.m.; Puppet Pizzazz with Gregory Ruhe, June 26, 2- 3 p.m.; and Magician Cheri Kay, July 10, 2-3 p.m. All children's programs will be held at the Diboll Elementary School Auditorium. Summer Readers don't forget! Last day to record books is July 12. Awards ceremonies are July 15 for the teens and July 17 for the children.

Library Closing: The library will be closed on Friday, July 4, to celebrate America's Independence Day.

Summer Schedule: Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-2p.m.

Have a great week!