Library Carnival

We have a great public library here in Ashland.  Good selection of books, friendly staff, great story times (both with Granny Goose and Kathy) and it is probably one of Lilly's favorite places in Ashland.  During the summer we go a minimum of one day a week, usually at least twice (and nearly always by stroller, it is the law).  While checking out books we have to read about ten before we can start selecting books to bring home.

This summer Lilly and I participated in the summer reading program (sort of, we read so much at home, we just put stickers on the chart every now and again and put her name in the drawing a few times).  I put two slips in the drawing for books I read.  On our way to the park on Tuesday I received a phone call that informed me I won the drawing this week!  I won a handful of gift certificates - the restaurant The Platter ($10), a free week at the fitness center, the bakery ($5 and will be spent tomorrow morning I am sure), and my favorite - $25 toward a groom at Superior Grooming.  Now if only I had a dog . . .

Today marked the end of the summer reading program so they blocked off the street and had a little carnival.  Lots of fun for Lilly and very well attended.  We got there about 10:30 and stayed for about an hour.

Walking to the garage.  Notice she's sporting old
man look - black socks and crocs.

A little short for the cut out . . . 

There were crafts - Lilly made a rocket (paper on a straw) and some random thing that will be put in a jar to be made to look like a creepy monster for the Halloween display.

There were games:

Plinko and ring toss.

Cake walk winner! and Fishing for Fortunes

We waited in line for awhile to get some face painting (and impressive ones at that) but throwing balls at the dunk tank was much more appealing to her.  So we jumped from one line to the other.  While waiting in this line, Lilly saw some other activities, so we did those first, then hopped back in line for the dunk tank.

Flinging frogs to the lily pads.

A bad shot of the carnival.

I think my favorite aspect of the library though is how friendly everyone is.  Kathy and Granny Goose both know soooooo many of the kids' names and genuinely care about them and reading.  They are excited to see them, ask them questions, and have great patience with the kids.  It is really a great part of our summer.