News

After being next in line for several years, I recently was appointed to serve on the steering committee for the Arkansas Teen Book Award. I’m really excited to have a hand in making sure the award continues to be a success. This annual award recognizes the two best books for teens (one for grades 7-9 and one for grades 10-12) as voted on by Arkansas teenagers. Last year’s winners were The Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (who has since been appointed as the 2020-2021 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature) and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. This year’s voting form is now open, and teenagers can read the shortlisted titles (any teen can read and vote on books in either or both categories) and vote for their favorites at https://arteenbookaward.wordpress.com/voting. You can also call, email, or Facebook message the library and let us know your choice and we will submit your vote for you with the final tally of library votes at the end of the summer. There will be a voting form in the summer reading program pick-up kits as well. I have read every single book on both the Level 1 and Level 2 lists, and can tell you that I would have a REALLY hard time choosing my favorites! They are all fantastic books, and all are available in print at the library (give us a call for curbside pick-up) or through the Arkansas Digital Library Consortium. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

A cardboard cutout of Hampton Elementary Principal Tom Sawyer is positioned outside the school for students to take a photo with.

With the passing of Dorothy Ware, there is a vacancy on the Calhoun County Quorum Court in district 9. If you are a resident in district 9 and interested in being Justice of the Peace you have to apply online. You can fill out an application on the governor’s website at https://www.ark.org/gov_ bcaq/app/instructions.html.