Things are changing at the Howard County library and at the Savage branch this year. The main library will be closed for extensive renovations until next year. Instead of going on vacation, central library staff members are scheduled to work at other branches during the renovations.
For the Savage branch, this means more hours open to the public. Until Labor Day, the branch will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The influx of new staff members means that there will be a story time every day this summer, said branch librarian Rita Snyder.
Among the special offerings is Snyder's "What a Sport," a 45-minute program celebrating fathers. Children age two and older can hear sports stories, participate in activities and make a craft at 7 p.m. June 13.
Later this month, MicheleHunt will present "Weird Science," featuring wild and wacky experiments for children in elementary school and older. This program requires registration. Times are 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. June 26, and 2 p.m. July 31.
Residents have known for years that the Savage staff is among the finest bunch of book lovers anywhere. Its members find clever ways to share the love of books, from bringing animals in for the children at story time to dressing up at Halloween.
This weekend, half of the staff will be at Savage Fest promoting the summer reading game. Children's desk staff members Susan Maranto and Hunt will tell stories at Baldwin Commons. Branch manager Karen Trennephol, Tom Neary, Corrine Brownand Angie Engleswill be on hand to explain the summer reading game, hand out balloons and urge more use of the library.
To begin the summer reading game "Reading Rhythms," the Savage branch will present "Jazz Pizzazz With Damon Foreman" at 11 a.m. June 10.
Foreman will demonstrate jazz forms, talk about the instruments and rhythms particular to jazz and play a few riffs. Registration is required for this program.
Information: Savage Library, 410-880-5978.
Festivals
The center of Savage is swarming with folks busy setting up for Savage Fest on Baldwin Commons at Foundry and Baltimore streets, and at the United Methodist Church at the same intersection.
The church is preparing for its Strawberry Festival, with a huge barbecue grill set up in the back of the church to cook the open pit beef and beef barbecue that are staples of the event. The strawberry shortcake, with home-made ice cream, ripe strawberries and home-made biscuits could tempt anyone .
Other goodies will be available, as will games and face-painting.
The Strawberry Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow.
Savage Fest will be held tomorrow and Sunday, beginning with a parade at 10 a.m. tomorrow. There will be live country and bluegrass music both days and crafts, demonstrations, rides, a giant slide, lots of door prizes and the chance to meet some really nice people at this laid-back annual event. On Sunday, there will be an antique car show.
Today and tomorrow evening, the Bollman Bridge PTA will offer students the opportunity to see their teachers disappear and be cut in half - temporarily.
The school will hold a "Magical Evening of Illusions" featuring Turner the Dean of Magic at Hammond High's auditorium both evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $5.
Information: Georgia Moore, 301-604-9268.
Kudos
In other news from Bollman Bridge Elementary, kudos and congratulations to the students who have artwork on display at Allfirst bank in Kings Contrivance: Marina Metzler, Bryan Murray, Angie D'Alli, Nicholas Mills, Joshua Romero, Bernell Hailey, Griffin Boyle, Brittany Franks, Sam Siegel, Monique Anderson, Patrick Kallas, Brooke Baker and Tanner Freeman.