Allan Moniz AKA “Mr. Suspenders,” performed on the lawn of the Main Library on June 26th. Part juggler, magician, prankster, clown and comedian, Allan entertained children and adults alike. The vaudevillesque background music added to the “old- time feel,” and the crowd was especially impressed by his display of fire-juggling.

This is just the start of the fun. Click here to see the complete listing of Summer Reading Programs and more.

How can you sign-up your child?....

Registration is quick and easy. Pick up the telephone and call 508-238-2000, or visit the library to sign up.

What’s next?....

Pick up a reading log. Since this is an incentive based program, children will earn prizes or rewards along the way. Select some books you like and begin reading, or read aloud together with friends and family. List the books you read on your log, visit the Library often, and of course - participate in the Library's special events and activities! That’s it, see you there!

What book will you be taking to the beach or some shady spot this summer? Let us know what you’re going to read by dropping us a line at info@amesfree library. In our next newsletter installment we’ll publish the results. In case you need some suggestions in the meantime, you supply the sunscreen and beachchair, we’ll supply the book:

The Second Wives Club by Jane Moore is a humorous novel of four women who come together to grapple with the problems of being second wives.

Coupon Girl by Rebecca Willis Motew. A romantic comedy where the world of mail-order marketing meets community theater. Motew writes about everyday life, work, family, and relationships.

The Fallen by T. Jefferson Parker. A classic police procedural, replete with its portrait of big-city crime and power-hungry politicians.

Let It Be Morning by Sayed Kashua. His second novel (after Dancing Arabs) illuminates the lives of Israel's Arab minority.

A Million Nightingales, by Susan Straight. Follows the dangerous path of a beautiful fourteen-year old slave, Moinette, through the treacherous world of early 19th century Louisiana.

Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews is a spirited sequel to 2001's Savannah Blues. Southern belle BeBe Loudermilk continues to attract the wrong kind of man. It's light, pastel fun.

The Scorpion's Gate by Richard A. Clarke explains how things "really" work from a hand who served Nixon, Reagan, Clinton and both Bushes. This is the first novel to shift all the way from Tom Clancy's Cold War to the present war on terror.

Year of the Hyenas : A Novel of Murder in Ancient Egypt by Brad Geagley. Novel's Mean streets are the stone paths of ancient Egypt. An exciting detective fiction novel with an exotic setting.

Nowhere Is a Place by Bernice L. McFaddenis is a mother- daughter story of reconciliation.

NONFICTION

Forbidden Faith: The Gnostic Legacy from the Gospels to The Da Vinci Code by Richard Smoley. Explains how Gnosticism has flourished in one form or another throughout the ages and today is demonstrated by the popularity of The Da Vinci Code and the other myriad books that have followed in its wake.

Friendship: An Exposé by Joseph Epstein is a philosophic scrutiny of a hard-to-pin-down yet essential aspect of human life. A fascinating history of friendship, which, like every other aspect of human existence, changes over time.

America Back on Track by Senator Edward M. Kennedy identifies seven challenges, devoting a chapter to each with historical references to provide cautionary lessons and solutions for getting America back on track.

Money-Driven Medicine: The Real Reason Health Care Costs So Much. Maggie Mahar does an excellent job explaining how we went from the individual family doctor who made house calls, to the bureaucratic, faceless, broken system we have today.

The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons by Gary Hart proposes the military abandon traditional notions of warfare. This book is an accessible and stimulating read for those interested in national security, politics and terrorism.

Secrets of the Savanna by Mark James Owens. Describes traveling to the "remote and ruggedly beautiful" Luangwa Valley in northeastern Zambia, to help save the North Luangwa National Park where the elephant population had been decimated by poachers.

Sound and Fury : Two Powerful Lives, One Fateful Friendship by Dave Kindred draws on his experiences with Mohammed Ali and Howard Cosell over nearly four decades, an unlikely but fascinating story.

Miracle in the Andes : 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home is Nando Parrado and Vince Rause's story of their 72 days struggling against freezing weather and dangerous avalanches . It is an amazing story of bravery and courage.

The Sand Cafe by Neil MacFarquha. Based on Gulf War experiences, insiders and casual readers alike will glean insights into the corruption of the news business.

Summertime and the entertaining is easy. Well maybe not that easy, but here are some books which might help make your next picnic or BBQ more sociable and fun.

Picnic : 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus

Cooking for a Crowd: Menus, Recipes and Strategies for Entertaining 10 to 50

Great BBQ: The Official Barbecue Guide (videorecording)

The Big Book of Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining

How to Grill

The Vegetarian Barbecue : A Guide to Gourmet Outdoor Eating

Outdoor Entertaining : The Essential Guide for any Outdoor Occasion

Thanks for reading our newsletter. If there are events or services you would like to see profiled in the future, email or stop by and let us know.

Sincerely,

Staff of the Library