By Natalie Morgan
Summer Program Wraps Up
Library staff are both exhausted and ecstatic after the phenomenal success of this summer’s activities. We hosted a multitude of programs and activities almost every day of the week. The sessions ranged from crafting and petting cute fuzzy critters to engaging reading challenges, a food drive, escape rooms, movies, and the showstopper – an enormous hot air balloon in the middle of the lobby. More than 215 people participated in our Summer Reading Challenge.
The turnout was incredible, with more than 215 people participating in our Summer Reading Challenge and a record number of library visitors throughout the summer. We also saw a record number of new library card registrations. Kendall County residents can get a library card for free, while those from outside Kendall County can obtain one for a nominal annual fee of $20 per household. We appreciate everyone who participated in our programs this summer and are already planning for next year!
Natural History Program
Join us on Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. for an enlightening program about the early Texas botanists of the nineteenth century. In collaboration with the Kendall County Historical Commission, we will take a journey back to the early years of Hill Country settlement.
Naturalist Lonnie Childs will share tales of Texas naturalists and adventurers, including Ferdinand Roemer and Ferdinand Lindheimer, who risked their lives to document our diverse natural history. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, email Bryden Moon or call (830) 336-3375.
New Memory Lab
Thanks to the generous Mellon Foundation grant, we are excited to announce the creation of a Public Memory Lab. This lab will provide greater access to the area’s history and heritage and invite people to share their stories through oral history interviews.
Many of us regret not talking more with our elders about their life experiences, and this project aims to preserve those invaluable stories. We are in the process of hiring a coordinator to gather and analyze historical data, making it accessible to the community and the world at large.
Second Saturday Authors
August brings a special treat with two authors for the price of one! On Saturday, August 10 at 11 a.m., meet Brock Meier, an award-winning author who transitioned from a career in scientific research to uncovering incredible, untold stories of little-known historical figures.
Also on August 10, at 2 p.m., meet Ronnie Ashmore, a crime thriller and western novelist known for his authentic characters and gripping narratives. Both authors will have copies of their books available for purchase and signing.
Monthly Discussion Groups
Our community offers a variety of discussion groups for all interests.
- Boerne Beat: First Monday of each month at 9:15 a.m. for poetry lovers.
- Mysteries for Lunch: First Thursday at noon for fans of whodunits.
- Food for Thought: Second Monday at noon for literary fiction enthusiasts.
- Reality Readers: Fourth Monday at noon for non-fiction aficionados.
- Eclectic Readers: Fourth Thursday at 10 a.m. for those with diverse reading tastes.
Additionally, the Killer Crafts group meets on the first Thursday at 6 p.m., where participants can enjoy a true-crime podcast while working on crafts. All groups are free and open to teens and adults.
Live! at the Library on Hiatus
Our popular Live! at the Library series takes a break in August due to the heat, but we will be back in September. The series, featuring live performances, occurs on the third Tuesday of each month. Stay tuned for our September lineup!
For more information, visit the front desk or check our online calendar. With so much happening at the library, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and programs!
