As a child of the 80's, I remember so many fun movies that I want to share with my kids. What I'm finding is, they are much scarier and have much worse language than I remember! The Goonies is one of my favorites from childhood but on watching it as a parent, I find it has tons of bad language - boy, those Goonies had potty mouths! Space Camp was fun and my kids enjoyed it. So far, the Star Wars original trilogy is fine. Raiders of the Lost Ark is a great movie, and I can't wait to watch that with my kids. I'm also looking forward to watching Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, The Neverending Story, Willow and Time Bandits. I've requested all these at Richland Library's Film & Sound, and I'll update you when we've watched them!

Kids love technology and, let’s face it, games make learning fun.  These iPad Apps will help your family get a handle on money:

With the holiday season underway and the days of long car trips upon us, what better way  to spend those tiresome travels than to be held captivated by an audiobook? British actor Jim Dale gives a Grammy Award winning performance in his narration of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. He has created over one-hundred and fifty unique voices, one for each one of Rowling’s characters. All seven Harry Potter books are available on CD or downloadable e-book format from the Richland Library. Enjoy those car trips just a little more by popping in an audiobook for the whole family.

Press Here: This app, based on the New York Times bestselling picture book by Hervé Tullet, has 15 different mini-games filled with wonder and excitement! In this app, as well as the book, dots take on a personality all of their own. Whether it is bursting into fireworks, making different sounds, or playing a game of memory each game will leave children delighted by what they observe.

Growing Savers @ Richland Library

Who couldn’t use a few tips on rainy day saving, or retirement planning? Children, teens, and adults all struggle to spend wisely and save money.

Orange you glad it's fall? The colors and sounds of fall inspire many moments to play and learn.  Your children know what an apple is, but do they know the word orchard?  Reading books, talking about what is all around and remembering to have fun harvests a crop of eager and wise learners.

One of my favorite books to read during this time of year is Ruth Krauss’s The Carrot Seed, about a little boy who plants a seed and everyone around him says, “It won’t come up.” Ah, but it does come up and then some.  Some days it feels like our children “won’t come up”, but with some daily reading they are sure to “come up!” Children that are read to twenty minutes a day build early literacy skills, improve their listening and are prepared for kindergarten. Share some of these Spring stories and activities with the growing readers in your life!

Giants of history and unsung heroes shine in the books listed below.  Read how these African Americans changed America for the better. Take a glimpse into history and learn tolerance through their stories, this month and every month.

Summer is still going strong, but school is just around the corner. Soon, the stores will be filled with backpacks and lunchboxes. I love all those displays. They make me nostalgic for the days of number 2 pencils. Those that are going to school for first time may be feeling a mix of excitement and dread at the sight of all those supplies. The best way to capitalize on the excitement and downplay the dread is to talk and read about school, and even play school. Knowing what to expect goes a long way. And, the library will go a long way to help support you through the school year with good books and resources. So, don’t forget to get my favorite school supply – a library card.

How many nursery rhymes do you know? Can you think of 8 of them? If a child knows 8 nursery rhymes by heart by the time he is 4, he will likely be among the best readers by the time he’s 8. Let imaginations run away with the dish and the spoon by singing, saying and reading the rhymes you love, and unearth some new favorites to share.