Be Creative @ Your LIbrary

Once again, the annual summer library program has come to a close with outstanding success! The total attendance for Pre-K through 6th grade alone was 2,394! This marks another banner year having broken our previous record of 1,981 participants in 2006. In addition, 465 children registered. Those that registered qualified to pull 1 prize for every 8 books read.

This year’s theme was “Be Creative @ Your Library”. NASA kicked off our summer program on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the Natchez City Auditorium with 2 programs, 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Mr. Dion Jones of the Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Ms. Vicki Bess of the John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi and Ms. Eunice Lichtenstein also of the John C. Stennis Space Center stimulated children’s interest in math and science and encouraged students to do their very best. They also educated children about NASA, basic facts on space and on what it’s like to be an astronaut. Mr. Jones is a native of Natchez, Mississippi and former student of North Natchez High School.

We, here at the Judge George W. Armstrong Library, would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to parents, children, community partners, volunteers, local schools, child care centers, and churches that helped this year’s program be a success. We would also like to thank AmeriCorp and Project D.R.E.A.M. for participating in our program this year. We want to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Janet Jones (wife of Mr. Dion Jones), for providing the appropriate contacts at NASA and for volunteering her assistance during the kick-off program, and Ms. Tessa Quaze from John C. Stennis Space Center for helping us to organize the kick-off program.

The Community Partners included the following: Bluff City Veterinary Hospital, WTYJ 97.7 FM/ WMIS 1240 AM, Adams County Health Department, J R & K Tropical Treat Sno-Balls, Alderman Ricky Gray, Shoney’s Restaurant, Sonic Drive-In (Natchez), Bluff City Post Newspaper, Mr. David Dreyer, Cable One Inc., Kings Fisherman’s Bass Club, Sports Center, Natchez Collision Center, Zion Chapel AME Church, Natchez Regional Medical Center, Biscuits & Blues, Natchez Bank Association, Greater Faith Tabernacle, Greater Faith Child Care & Development Center, First Class Limo, The Markets, McDonalds of Natchez & Vidalia, Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi, Natchez Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Ja’Nels Flowers & Gifts, Concordia Bank & Trust Company, Natchez Building Inspection Department, Natchez Public Works Department, Uptown Grocery, Mr. Gene Battieste, Big Lots, Lehmann Cash & Carry, Natchez Firefighters Association, and Wal-Mart Supercenter.

This program has been an increasing success over the last several years, and I am convinced that it will continue to be successful with the help and support of everyone in the community.