Our last two events of the 2025 Summer Reading Program were both huge hits. On Tuesday night, Dr. Tim Schroeder from the SAU Chemistry Department joined us for a fantastic showcase of some chemistry experiments. Attendees learned about the process by which nitric acid dissolves pennies, how to pour carbon dioxide gas, and the importance of the phrase “I don’t know” as we tried to decide which balloons were full of hydrogen and which of helium. The following day, a performer known as Big Poppa Bubble joined us outside the library for a wild, soapy time that involved some absolutely giant bubbles, little tiny bubbles, and plenty of medium bubbles. Our Summer Reading participants ranged in age from 0 to 18, and they read for over 500 hours total over a four-week period. We could not possibly be any prouder of them all for their efforts. Yay Readers!
Lily Stevens Photo by Dani Dupre
Director, Calhoun County Library & Museum NowthatSummerReading is over, we are turning our focus to upcoming events and new projects. We are chartering a new troop of Cub Scouts (ages 5-11) and Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts, ages 11-17). Scouts will meet every other week at the library to work through their Adventures and gain their Badge of Rank, and there are virtual options for anyone who wants to participate but can’t be at the meetings. The Scouts program provides life skills, leadership training, character and citizenship development, and so much more. If you’re looking for an enriching, educational and FUN activity for your student, consider joining Pack 159! Any young person can participate, regardless of school affiliation. Contact us for more information!
In August, our book club title is When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McClain, a mystery that blends actual missing persons cases with a small town detective story. The book club meets every month at 1pm on a Friday; the August meeting will be on Friday the 29th. The full schedule can be found on our website or Facebook page, and we will begin choosing our 2026 titles very soon. All are welcome!
Mrs. Sandra and I are also hard at work planning some fun joint Library & Museum events for the fall. We have an essay contest in the works, along with events for the county’s 175th Birthday, and stay tuned for details about some super spooky offerings in October! Keep an eye on our Facebook pages, websites, and here in the paper for more info, and you can also contact us to make sure that you’re signed up for our monthly email newsletter (no spam, we promise). We have several book-shifting changes in the works, and can always use extra hands in the buildings and at events if you have them to spare at any point. Contact us by phone or on Facebook to schedule a time to volunteer.
Your library serves the cultural, social, educational, and recreational needs of all members of Calhoun County, and we want to meet you where you are. We purchase materials by request as often as possible, and can help you access the eBooks and audiobooks made available to all Calhoun County Library cardholders through our participation in the Arkansas Digital Library Consortium. Would you like a storytime at your child care facility? Do you have a community event coming up that we could set up a table at? Could we come to your organization’s meeting to share information about the full spectrum of programs, services, and materials we offer as your local gateway to lifelong learning? We would love to visit! Contact us by any available method to get something scheduled. Happy Reading!
Dr. Schroeder explains the reaction between nitric acid and copper.
Dr. Schroeder illustrates the difference in combustibility between helium and hydrogen.
Big Poppa Bubble shows the crowd giant bubbles.
Nova McAnulty,Sam Robinson, and Reagan McAnulty
