Read Across America Day Celebration

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday and Read Across America Day Saturday, March 2.  We had a fantabulous time with all our friends!  We especially appreciate Lt. Col. Shane Martin sharing his talents and reading The Cat in the Hat for us.  Dr. Seuss' books aren't easy to read aloud, but he did a terrific job.  Watch for photos in this week's Seward County Independent and see some on facebook, too.

And don't forget to READ together every day!

Winter Camp 2012

Summer Camp was so much fun, we decided to have a one-day winter camp while the kids were out of school this week.  Stephanie led the activities, with a "Silver Bells" theme to fit with the theme for the town of Seward's holiday events this year.  That's in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Seward Christmas ornament, which is designed by a Sewardian every year (I may have made up that word, but I like it.) and crafted in pewter in a limited edition of 200.  I have one for nearly every year we've lived in Seward.

So, our Winter Camp activities centered around Silver Bells today.  The kids made bells, ate bell-shaped candies and decorated bell-shaped sugar cookies, and read a story about an old lady who swallowed a bell--and many other unusual items as well.

Thanks to all the families whose children participate in our camps.  We love getting to know your children and appreciate the opportunity to do so.  Here are a few photos from today's activities.  There aren't a lot of smiles--I think everyone was concentrating too hard when I took the photos to smile.  But, it seemed that everyone had fun!

Also, thanks to Molly and Cara for providing extra hands to help with today's activities.  We appreciate your help!

 

Kobo eReaders at Chapters

Ever heard of a Kobo e-reader?

I hadn't either, until the American Booksellers Association announced an agreement with Kobo to make it possible for small, independent bookstores such as Chapters to begin selling their devices in our stores.  Kobo is used extensively in Europe and is very similar to that other device that shall remain nameless that only allows you to purchase your e-books from one source.

We'll offer two Kobo e-readers, the Kobo mini, which retails for $79.99, and the Kobo glo, which retails for $129.99.  We'll also have cases and accessories for your Kobo.  Stop by the store and test our demo model.  With the glo, you'll have a lighted touch screen, a variety of text sizes and fonts to choose from, and even sudoku and chess games and a web browser.  You can use the Kobo if you have a wireless network, or connect to a computer and download your books that way.  Cheryl and I have been playing with it.  Even Cheryl, who isn't a fan of technology, admitted that she could get used to it.

With Kobo and Chapters, you'll have access to nearly 3 million eBooks, including 1 million free titles.  At Kobo, you can read your eBooks on any open device, such as your phone, laptop, or ipad, by downloading the free Kobo app.

If you're considering purchasing an e-reader for yourself or as a gift this Christmas, please stop by Chapters and see if the Kobo meets your needs.  You'd be keeping your money local AND getting a good product.

To browse the Kobo store and set up an account--you can buy your eBooks from Chapters to read on your laptop or phone, even if you don't buy the reader itself--click on the link here.Chapters' Kobo Store

Thanks to everyone who participated in our reading-related events last week. 

I haven't heard yet whether we helped Jumpstart set a new world record for the most people reading the same book on the same day, or whether we just had a fun day of reading Ladybug Girl with friends on Read for the Record Day.  Either way, those who read with a child that day (or any day!) made a difference in that child's life, which is what really matters.

Thanks to Davisson Furniture Center for the use of the comfy chair and to the St. John CDC for the fun ladybug craft kit.  Here are a few photos from the event. 

 

I wasn't able to be there, but Cheryl said the Reading Invasion on the Courthouse lawn was a hit.  Sounds like everyone had fun visiting with other readers and even read a few pages.  It was a good reminder during Banned Books Week that we shouldn't take our "freadom" to read for granted.  It was a beautiful day to be outdoors, too.  We have to take advantage of those this time of year!  Watch for the Friends of the Seward Library and Chapters to host more reading invasions in the future.

I missed both of those events because I was in Minneapolis for the Heartland Fall Forum, sponsored by the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association.  I attended educational sessions, had breakfast with four fantastic children's and YA authors, and browsed the exhibit hall for ideas.  I picked up a few autographed books which we'll use as prizes during the coming weeks and a few ideas that will help Chapters meet our customers' needs in exciting new ways.

The biggest news from the Fall Forum is that independent bookstores will soon be able to provide our customers with e-reading devices and e-books.  By about November 1, you'll be able to purchase a Kobo Mini or Kobo Glo e-reader at Chapters.  Our online store already makes e-books available for reading on a variety of devices, but soon you'll be able to purchase them for your Kobo and support both a local business and your desire to read books electronically at the same time.