Health Information

If you've ever tried looking up health information on the internet, you know how difficult it can be to locate reliable information from trustworthy sources. Happily we have a new tool for you, the Library System of Lancaster County Health Information Network. The Health Information Network is a Public Library initiative in partnership with Lancaster County Hospitals/Health Care Providers and United Way of Lancaster County that is designed to provide reliable health information to Lancaster County residents in a variety of forms.

I am also pleased to announce that Bookmobile staff member Becky Hynicka is now a certified Consumer Health Information Specialist. Becky has completed specialized training in where and how to find the best information, evaluating the accuracy and reliability of information sources, and researching alternative medical information. Those of you who know Becky also know that she goes the extra mile for our customers. If there is information about health issues you need, please be in touch.

Landis Valley Museum Passes @ your library

The Library System of Lancaster County is pleased to announce the addition of the Landis Valley Museum to its successful Family Museum Pass Program!

The Passes are available at all sixteen public libraries in Lancaster County and the Bookmobile. A Pass may be checked out with a library card for one week and is good for free entry to the museum for up to six (6) people, one of whom must be an adult.

Landis Valley Museum---a living history village and farm---collects, preserves and interprets the history and material culture of the Pennsylvania German rural community from 1740 to 1940 and enhances understanding of their successful practices, interactions with others, and the impact on the state and nation for citizens of and visitors to the Commonwealth. The Landis Valley Museum located at 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. The museum is open daily. Hours are 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday and 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday. To learn more about Landis Valley Museum and their educational programs please visit their website.

Family passes to the North Museum of Natural History and Science in Lancaster and the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia are also available.

Catch the Reading Bug!

Catch the Reading Bug @ the Bookmobile this Summer!

Are your children and teens looking for something to do this summer? The Library System of Lancaster County has the answer with their 2008 Summer Reading Program. “Catch the Reading Bug” is the children’s theme for the 2008 Pennsylvania Summer Reading Program; while “Metamorphosis” is the teen theme. Both programs begin on June 1st and will run until August 9, 2008. Programs will focus on the science of bugs and insects, as well as the theme of insects found in stories that appeal to youth. The PRINCESS from Dutch Wonderland will also return for special storytelling programs. From tots to teens, young people will enjoy fun-filled activities offered at public libraries throughout the county beginning in June and running until mid-August.

Highlights for this year’s library programs

Miss Spider Storybook Costume Character

kicks off the Summer Reading Program the first week in June!

Bugs and Moose Out on the Loose!

Tom Sieling presents a very participatory family program for all ages—He accompanies himself on guitar, banjo, harmonica and a drum machine!

Books and Bugs and Really Weird Slugs

Join Award-winning Pennsylvania children’s author Anthony D. Fredericks for a rip-roaring and exciting storytelling program. Be prepared for lots of fun!

Share This World with Jim Rule

Join Parent’s Choice Award winning recording artist and teacher when he performs his toe tapping tunes that will have both young and old smiling and singing along!

Anansi Catches the Storytelling Bug

Lancaster County’s own Kids and Cultures presents a mixture of storytelling and with audience participation – find out how Anansi becomes the Storytelling Bug!

The PRINCESS of Dutch Wonderland

shares her love of reading when she visits local libraries to meet all the lords, ladies, princesses and princes of Lancaster and read her favorite stories!

Beyond Bugs!

The North Museum of Natural History & Science presents an interactive program complete with learning stations, specimens and more!

From Edible Insects to The Good, The Bad and The Bugly!

Join staff from Shuts Environmental Center for their many hands-on bug-exploring library programs!.

The 2008 countywide Summer Reading Program is open to children and teens of all ages. Program components include 3 levels: Read Aloud Program (birth-5 years), Elementary Reading Program (ages 6-12), and the Teen Summer Reading Program (ages 13-18).

In addition to the Library System’s sponsorship, this year’s Summer Reading Program sponsors include: McDonald’s Restaurants, The Strasburg Rail Road, Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, Country Barn Farm Market & Greenhouses, Harrisburg Senators, Lancaster Bowling Proprietors Association, Rita’s Ices, Isaac’s Restaurant & Deli, and the Lancaster Ice Rink.

Last year over 16,121 youth participated in the summer reading program, while nearly 13,142 children and adults attended the 652 programs offered by the county’s public libraries. Contact your local public library for more summer reading program information and to register for these programs and others or visit our website at www.lancasterlibraries.org for more information about these summertime happenings!

Burma Relief: Where to send your donations

As the scope of the tragic loss of life in Burma is becoming more evident, you may wish to make a contribution to relief efforts. Interaction provides a list of organizations planning Burma relief efforts. While there, take the time to look at their "guide to responsible giving."

Wild Thing, Hold Me Tight

You Know You've Had a Busy Stop When...

Wild Thing feels right at home in the Bookmobile

The warehouse where we park is strangely, deathly quiet this morning. The light from the overhead florescent bulb flickers. Is that a thump? A moan? Coming from the bookmobile? Do I dare open the door? Yes, I do! Careful, now. Careful. Aaugh!





Oh, You again. Wild Thing try to behave.

Don't miss your chance to see Wild Thing this month @ your local public library

Ingenius Amish

I was running late and hoping to make up some time. Traffic had slowed to a crawl. What on earth was going on? Finally, the long line of traffic ahead of me cleared and I could see what the hold up was. A buggy with a box at least the size of a queen sized mattress strapped on top. Trust me, I wasn't the only one gawking. My camera was handy to I snapped this pic while waiting for my chance to pass. (I do not recommend this for non-professionals!)

Yesterday, the was a picture I did not get and wish I had. A curious parade pulled into the lane where we were parked. Leading the way was Sadie on a scooter. Behind her was her husband in a motorized wheel chair. Hitched to the chair was a wagon in which a little boy and a little white dog happily rode. On the back of the wagon was attached a "slow moving vehicle" triangle. I asked Sadie if her husband would have trouble pulling the wagon back up the hill. She just laughed, "oh, he's pulled much bigger wagons up that hill already!"

John J. is 95

Bookmobile customer, John J., recently turned 95. I'm impressed but he isn't. His comment: "Whoop-de-doo, I lost a screw!" The bookmobile had a special birthday gift for John J. All the books he cared to borrow, for free! You can come by anytime for your special birthday gift, too. We wish John a great year!

Spring Cleaning

Thanks for your help li'l friend.

If that doesn't work for you check out some of our spring cleaning titles.

Organic housekeeping : in which the nontoxic avenger shows you how to improve your health and that of your family while you save time, money, and, perhaps, your sanity / written and illustrated by Ellen Sandbeck.






The Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter by Linda Cobb

Meet Ms. Joan

We've been busy. With the gracious support of the county commissioners, the bookmobile schedule will be expanding its services this year to Saturdays and evenings. In February, Ms. Joan joined our team of happy bookmobilers to help carryout the expansion. Besides bringing a steady hand to the wheel, Ms. Joan brings with her years of experience as an educator and a passion for people and for reading. We think she's a natural.

View From My Window

Flying the Amish Flag

View From My Window

Historic homes on the town square in Marietta, PA. See the Bookmobile there on the 3rd Wednesday of each month starting at 2:15 p.m.

A Funny Thing Happened ...

One of our practical challenges is when and where to use the bathroom. One day at a local Head Start center, we were at the end of a very busy morning of hosting 6 consecutive read aloud story times. I guess I had a little too much coffee that day because I was in urgent need of a restroom and went inside for some relief.

It just so happened that on the same day, the police were visiting the center with one of their dogs, a German Shepard, to show the kids. So, there I was, minding my own business in the men's room of the center, when the door opens and in walks the officer and the dog.

I didn’t think too much of it, until I heard a growl, and felt the muzzle of the dog between my legs. The officer says, “Stay calm. Don’t move.”

“Don’t worry officer, I’m not going anywhere," I respond, stomach firmly in throat.

The officer says to the dog, (I hope), “No! Out! Down!” The dog growls, apparently not wanting to give it up. The officer says to me. “Just lift up your hands real slow where the dog can see them, and then turn around.”

“Is it ok if I zip up first?” I ask.

“Don’t make any sudden moves,” says the officer, so softly I can barely hear him above sound of my heart pounding in my ears.

“Officer, maybe you should put a leash on your dog before I do anything." My voice is a submissive whine.

“He won’t bite you,” replies the officer. "He would've already if that's what he intended."

“You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t take your word on that. I’m feeling a little vulnerable here,” I say.

The officer finally managed to control his dog and apologized. “I don’t know what got into Rex,” he said, “ I guess you looked like a criminal standing there facing the wall like that.”

I think Rex just has something against Bookmobile guys.

FAQ - How do you keep your feet warm?

Anyone who has ever spent a winter's day on a Bookmobile knows that keeping your feet warm is a challenge. The thin flooring material and carpet are no match for cold temps and a howling wind, even with the heat blasting. In fact, the bookmobile itself can be quite comfortable, but it is still nearly impossible to keep your feet warm. Unless, that is, you know an old Amishman's trick. Plastic bags. If you just can't get warm, take off your shoes, slip some plastic bags over your feet and put your shoes back on. Bread sacks work great, but any old plastic bag will work in a pinch. If you are fashion conscious, take a scissors and trim the bag off at the top of your shoe like Becky has done in the photo below.