Stratford YMCA Grandmas who do Windows

The Freedom Regional Library kicked off a 4 week series of computer workshops today, Thursday, April 26 in partnership with the Stratford Richardson YMCA. Two busloads of seniors packed the 2nd floor computer lab for a "Computer Basics" course led by Tracy Creech. The two dozen seniors in attendance were supported in their learning experience with an "all hands on deck" approach by the IS team with Monet, Pam, Johnny, Michael and Dot on hand to assist the seniors with pointing, clicking, minimizing, etc. Many of the attendees also registered for new library accounts and learned about other services the library has to offer including Ms. Dot's book-club. The seniors were very appreciative of the class and many expressed that they were looking forward to the class next week. This series will continue every Thursday morning through May 17.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

When our library manager Michael Lambert first asked me to come and represent Freedom Regional Library at Healthy Kids Day in the Park I felt really honored. I enjoyed seeing the smiles and reactions on the childrens faces as we gave them the option to pick out a book of their choice, “This one is for me…Do I have to return this…I don’t know which book to choose from?”

The Day was full of fun for everyone to take pleasure in through music both mainstream and oldies for the young and the old, Jungle gym playground for children; and live performances from the YMCA marching band and the local community dance squad for everyone to observe.



I spent my time signing patrons up for new library cards, passing out books and goodies to the children. I also spent my time networking and familiarizing myself with the people in the community. I had the opportunity to meet Miss Ebony the founder and CEO of Diva Day Camp for little girls. Impressed with Miss Ebony enthusiastic and commitment to teaching etiquette workshops and personal character to young girls-I felt a deep sincerity in wanting to have that same intensity with wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. Mingling with the kids, parents and people from the community on “Healthy Kids Day” made me proud to be a Librarian.

Kwashawn Berry

LSTA Game Night

On Thursday, April 12th, we hosted our second LSTA Game Night at Freedom Regional Library. Turnout was excellent--attendees enjoyed the networked laptop games, as well as the xBox session that we projected on the wall. This time we had a record turnout for our board games. A new game called Rumis captivated several players (including myself) learning to play for the first time. Several patrons received gift cards for their participation in the LSTA Focus Group. Staff present included William Nation, David Sniffin, Nathan Cook, Mark Engelbrecht, Kate Mellnik, Shawn Krizanik, and Johnny Davis. In addition to these folks we have Martin House to thank for making everything happen.

Western Jazz Quartet @ FRL

On Tuesday, April 10th, the Freedom Regional Library hosted the Western Jazz Quartet, a resident faculty ensemble in the School of Music at Western Michigan University. This intergenerational program brought together toddlers and preschoolers that would normally have attended storytime this morning, senior citizens from Loving Touch Adult Day Care and PALs Adult Day Care and band members from the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology along with some other library patrons. Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed the cool rhythms of the Western Jazz Quartet as they included some "Mary had a little lamb" along with some Brazilian jams that might be heard during Carnival. They were extremely gracious to their audience and indulged the students from Berry in some Q & A about performing, touring, etc. The half dozen library staff in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the performance as well.

A very special thanks to Paul Nitch, Director of Music at Queens University, and to the Friends of Queens Music for sponsoring this event. Also to Dot Siler for coordinating this wonderful gathering of diverse age groups and for Mr. Suggs for allowing the Quartet to play his keyboard. Most importantly the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County appreciates the Western Jazz Quartet for sharing their incredible talents and knowledge with our community.

The West Jazz Quartet combines performing and teaching with uncommon success as they promote jazz music and jazz education through a very active schedule of tours, concerts and workshops. The Western Jazz Quartet has performed from Boston to Los Angeles, and tours regularly world wide.

For more photos visit www.flickr.com and search for Western Jazz Quartet and/or Freedom Regional Library