Barbara Minerd (left), program coordinator for The Friends, is shown with Esther Bogin, Charisma lecturer. The beginning of spring saw many of the programs sponsored by The Friends of the Library burst into bloom.

On Thursday, March 22 nd, residents learned how to "Communicate Smarter with People and Develop Charisma" thanks to a lecture delivered by Esther Bogin. Ms. Bogin teaches at Nassau Community College and is well known as an interpersonal communications specialist. Her interactive talk showed the audience how to come across as credible, competent and confident.

Then, on Friday, March 23 rd, The Bookworms swung into action, setting up over 2,000 paperback books in the Julianne Lewis meeting room in preparation for the sale the next day. The books were arranged in alphabetical order to make selection easier.

On Saturday, March 24 th, over 175 patrons descended to the lower level and helped themselves to great bargains.

Lauren Evangelista proudly showed her beaded jewelry necklace to her instructor, Susan Guaneri. While the sale was going on in the Julianne Lewis room, a group of youngsters aged 2 1/2 through 5 sat entranced (along with their parents) in the large meeting room as Dennis A. Fleury from The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary told of the diminishing habitats for birds on Long Island due to construction projects. The hawks and owls he had brought along also were a source of delight and awe to the audience.

Later that afternoon, also in the large meeting room, Susan Guaneri conducted a beaded jewelry workshop for young adults from grades 6-12. They enjoyed making bracelets with the materials supplied by The Friends.

The busy weekend concluded on Sunday, March 25 th as Ron Pizzi and Darius Kaufmann brought "Sounds of Ancient Civilizations" to the library. Using many interesting instruments, they demonstrated how sound related to the magic, myths and traditions of ancient cultures.

In addition to sponsoring these programs, The Friends recently presented two gifts to the children's section. The first is a book carousel with large letters and numbers which attract the youngsters. There is also a bulletin board with news of activities geared to the children. Both of these objects are only 36 inches high, just the right eye level for youngsters.

Master Patrick Plunkett (age 8) helped himself to a book from the new carousel presented by The Friends to the Children's Room. The Friends 2007 membership campaign continues. If you haven't received a letter in the mail, envelopes are available in the carousels at the circulation desk.

Dennis A. Fleury from the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary is shown with a feathered friend. Ron Pizzi held a frame drum, while Darius Kaufmann displayed a love flute, just two of the many instruments used to create ancient sounds. The size is right! Nicoletta Barton (age 5) and her brother Gregory (age 9) took a look at upcoming events on the new bulletin board.