Mother Nature and Father Time have continued their relentless pursuits and half of 2010 has expired. The children are out of school and vacations to get us away from the summer heat are in order.

At the library, we concluded our Story Time sessions and have begun the Summer Reading programs. We try to beat the heat with watermelon and Popsicles served at the end of each presentation. The goal is to encourage reading to keep the minds active and learning while away from classes.

“Catch the Reading Express”, the theme of the programs, has brought stories on the origins of Texas, the roles railroads have played in our history and a trip to NASA.

On June 17, Frank Lloyd Dent brought a treasured train set and performed with marionettes some historic railroading stories. The children, who had been issued whistles, added background to the train’s circuits.

On the 24th, Lonnie Moffitt, a 16-year veteran of the NASA space program, brought many pictures, artifacts and a DVD showing the people (astronauts) and equipment being used in the shuttle program as it assembles the International Space Station.

Astronauts in the program had carried Lonnie’s watch and a set of his grandmother’s earrings on missions and he displayed them in special plastic cases. On a more sober note, he showed pictures of the crew of the shuttle that disintegrated over east Texas and expressed his sorrow at the loss of his friends. On July 1, John Garbutt, from the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, will be the presenter. The programs are scheduled at 10:00-12:00 each Thursday through July.

Note: Fairfield Library will close on Friday July 2 in observance of the Fourth of July.

Rachel Bossier brought her collection of historic Fairfield building replicas to the library, where they are now on display. Eighteen structures, prepared by FISD students, are described on a cassette tape that is played as the guide. Some of the buildings survive today and are in use.

Some used equipment was placed in the lobby where the library sells used books. The items were to be bid upon with the bids being opened on Wednesday, June 30. Proceeds are for the new carpet fund at the library. Unsold equipment may be inquired for at the front desk. The new library is still in early planning phase with selection of possible structures the main topic. The board invites community input for the new library.