Ellis Memorial Library is resource rich

A patron browses the stacks. Children's summer reading programs are getting fired up at the Bill Ellis Memorial Library. Starting June 10, gatherings of the 2009 Texas Reading Club will take place Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. The program will continue through July.

This year's theme is "Libraries: Deep in the Heart of Texas!" The program, geared toward children ages four to nine, will include books, crafts, activities and songs.

Story time readings for children will be Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 11.

Of course, the library has plenty of attractions for adults, too. The institution's history collection includes a history of Port Aransas called "Hurricane Junction," by Cyril Matthew Kuehne. "The Stubborn Fisherman" is full of recollections of old-time Mustang Island by the late Elda Mae Roberts, a longtime Port Aransan.

The library recently purchased 40 new art prints with funds from a grant that was awarded to the library by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The reproductions of great American art works are part of the library's permanent collection and go on display by rotation throughout the year.

The library has a paperback book selection, and more than 24,000 items in its collection.

Visit the library's Web site at www.cityofportaransas.org/library. cfm and you will see the catalog, general information about the library and many links to interesting and helpful Web sites.

Card-holding library patrons can also access TexShare, a commercial database subscription that is paid for and administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for use by participating libraries. TexShare gives immediate access to online databases with full-text articles from popular periodicals, medical resources and health information, academic reference materials and much more.

Another online resource for library patrons is LearningExpressLibrary. com. The Web site offers patrons real test-taking experiences, instant scoring and other features. Practice tests include ACT, GED, SAT, TAKS and more. Courses are offered at different levels in grammar, writing, math and other subjects.

The library has three computers available (one is reserved for children) offering Internet access. Wireless Internet is also available for patrons who bring in their laptop computers.

The library has about 25,000 items in its collection, including adult, junior and children's books; audiobooks on cassette and CD; VHS tapes and DVDs. The library also has more than 70 magazine subscriptions. Back issues of magazines are available for checkout.

Interlibrary Loan service is available to any patron seeking materials that are not in the collection.

The Book Club meets at 6:30 pm. every second Tuesday of the month. Check with the library circulation desk for more details.

The library is supported by a group of library and book sale volunteers and by the Friends of the Library.

The library, at 710 W. Avenue A (next door to city hall), is open Tuesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A meeting room is available for use by non-profit organizations.

For more information call (361) 749-4116 or email eml@cityofportaransas.org.