Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Gingerbread Lane



Brutus' nose was out of joint today. He wasn't invited to participate in Gingerbread Lane. The kids had a lot of fun making gingerbread houses out of graham crackers, frosting, and candies; but the staff were afraid that Brutus would be more interested in eating than creating so he had to stay in his box.

However, he is looking forward to the puppet show Triceralocks & the Saber-Tooth Bear on December 27-29th. He'll have to ask Anne if there is a part for a dog!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Potluck


Brutus was thrilled to join the Owosso staff for their lunchtime Christmas potluck. There was lots of good food! (There was even some food dogs could eat; but there was lots of chocolate for the humans, too). Brutus particularly enjoyed the taco meat. The humans also revealed their Secret Santas. Everyone had a great time. Now, can he convince Anne and the kids to share their gingerbread houses with him next week?

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Brutus Reads a Story


Brutus made a new friend today. He read a story to Breeah, a young library user. Both of them had a good time, and Brutus hopes to see Breeah many more times.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Lego Block Party & Happy Thanksgiving




Brutus is having fun this morning playing in the Lego and Duplo blocks. He is hoping that some kids will build him a dog house. He finds the blocks hard to handle with his paws and mouth. Would someone with fingers please help him! If you can't make today's Lego Block Party, be sure to join us on December 20th for the next one.

Brutus has also been sniffing around the cookbooks today and hinting that someone on the staff should invite him to Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and pies sound a lot better than dog food. He's heard that Margaret can make a really good apple pie! Along with the entire staff, Brutus wishes all his friends and library users a Happy Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

"Old Friends Are Best"

"Old friends are best" according to Francis Bacon, and Brutus agrees. He enjoyed seeing the antiques which were brought into the library on Saturday. He never knew that so many people had so many interesting items.

About 150 items were appraised by Mike Gaylord of "Everything Classic" radio show. Some people waited until after 7 p.m. for their turn. Brutus loved the Abraham Lincoln log cabin quilt from the 1890's and the old soda fountain. (Too bad it wasn't working; he'd like to try some Vernors). The most fun though was playing on the spinning wheel. Unfortunately, that got him crated for the rest of the night--he didn't know that it wasn't a toy! (It dated back to the 1870's in Pennsylvania).

The only things Brutus didn't care for featured cats. Doesn't anyone collect dogs? However, Margaret was impressed with the cat ink well and bronze statue which were both quite valuable.

Brutus and the library staff would like to thank Mike Gaylord for his time and the appraisals and Young Buick GMC for sponsoring this program.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Busy as a Dog?






Brutus has been a very busy dog the last few days. He thinks that the phrase "Busy as a bee" could be changed to "Busy as a dog."

First there was story hour on Tuesday where they played a fun game with something that looked like a parachute, whatever that is. It looked like a good thing to jump onto or pull on for a tug of war. He is looking forward to meeting more kids as story hour continues through November 16th.

Then last night he played hide and seek in the Kitchen Assistant's basket. He was looking for something to eat, but it only had the names which were being drawn for prizes. The program was interesting, but it sure made him hungry!

Then this afternoon there was a puppet show about a prince who had been turned into a pumpkin. Brutus got into the act, too. He thought that maybe kissing the pumpkin would turn it back into a prince, but found out that it took a princess sleeping on a mattress on top of the pumpkin to break the spell. Now could the witch make a pumpkin pie for him?

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Programs, Programs, & More Programs


Brutus is finding his choices overwhelming. There are so many things to do at the library, that he doesn't know what to do first. Story hours have resumed and he loves spending time with the kids. There is nothing like having a child love you!

Then he heard that the Kitchen Assistant is coming on October 26th. Margaret told him there wouldn't be any cooking and that the refreshments were for the people. He was very disappointed; however, if Darla Jaros is giving cooking and money saving tips, maybe someone would listen and take pity on him. It would be really nice if the staff would learn something and bring in more treats! (Hint, hint)

Finally, he learned that Mike Gaylord will be doing antique appraisals on October 30th. He was worried that he might be an antique like the lamp in the staff lounge. (It is one of the original lamps in the library). Staff has given him both good news and bad news--he is too young to be an antique (the good news) and he probably does not have much monetary value since he was not made by Steiff (the bad news). At first his feelings were hurt, but they reassured him that he was priceless in their eyes and is in no danger of being sold to the highest bidder.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Travelin' Man & Travelin' Dog




Brutus got into the act last night when Tom Weschler, photographer for Bob Seger's band in the 60's and 70's, visited the library. He enjoyed Weschler's talk about the band and stories about Seger. Brutus is too young to remember his hit songs, but he still found the idea of touring and singing fascinating. Too bad dogs can't sing; he thinks the traveling and meeting people would be lots of fun. Maybe he could moonlight as a roadie mascot as well as keep his job at the library.

Brutus also helped out with the book signing, making sure that the pens weren't lost. He supposes that if he ever writes his own book, it would need to be autographed with a paw print since manipulating a pen is very difficult.

Next week, Brutus hopes to learn about Owosso's Downtown Historic District when Lorraine Weckwert speaks on Thursday, October 7th at 7 p.m. and meet some of you there.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Brutus Enjoys the Library Carnival









As you can see, Brutus got very involved with the Library carnival this year. He helped blow up balloons in the morning, and then played a few games in the afternoon. He liked the one where he sniffed out the princess the best; he was better than most of the kids at it. (A few humans considered this to be cheating, but Brutus felt that he should be able to use dog abilities to their fullest). Loose Tooth wasn't quite as much fun--bean bags kept being thrown at him.

His favorite part of the afternoon though was the food. He kept the staff busy keeping him out of the cakes for the cake walk, the sno-cones, and the hot dogs and chips. One small dog can sure get into alot of mischief! Mr. Flayer finally had to take him into his custody so that other staff members could work. This had the benefit, though, of meeting a former childrens' librarian, Trixie Steck. He learned that she had been in charge of the very first library carnival.

His least favorite part of the day was the rain! The fun had to wrap up early when the scattered showers became a steady rain. It doesn't look like Brutus will ever be much of a retriever; he didn't like getting wet. As a whole, it was a doggone good day and Brutus is looking forward to next year's carnival (and he promises to pray for sunshine).

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Brutus Welcomes Margaret Back

Brutus welcomed Margaret back from her vacation, but he didn't think that she enjoyed having her face licked as
much as he enjoyed licking it. He was also relieved to learn that she hadn't eaten any dog meat, although she did like the donkey.

These are Brutus' favorite pictures. The first one shows her with one of the co-teachers in the English class. They worked on conversational English skills with Chinese teachers. This was interesting work and the teachers were very friendly.

In the second picture, she is standing in front of a public library in Beijing. This library provides services to migrant children; these are the children of rural families which have moved into Beijing to look for work. Often there is no one at home when they are out of school if their parents can even afford to send them to school. Also, while the library is public in the sense that it is open to the public, it is not supported by tax dollars; the man who runs the library also has to raise the funds. Owosso's library is much bigger than this one and provides a lot more books and materials than this one; there were no computers in this library because they were too expensive. (By the way, the city of Beijing is bigger than the state of Conneticut and has more people than the entire state of Michigan).

The third picture was taken on the last day of the trip while doing a little sightseeing at the Great Wall.

Brutus now wants to to go to China, too. He asked the staff to promise to smuggle him unto the plane so he doesn't have to travel as cargo. Can dogs apply for a passport? He also wants to make sure he can come back to the U.S.; he hears that there aren't many pets in China and he likes his cozy home at the library.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Brutus & Science Alive

Science Alive!

Brutus had a wonderful time at this morning's Science Alive program! He made lots of new friends with the animals who visited the Owosso branch, including a chinchilla, armadillo, alligator, Burmese python, and a duck! He loved watching the armadillo curl up into a ball to defend itself against any animal predators.


Mr. Neil demonstrates how to get a hug from a Burmese python. Many brave children and even a few brave grown-ups got a hug from the "baby" python!






The Children's Library's dragon carpet remains ever vigilant about ducks in the library. Quack!











Henrietta stole a few hearts when she hopped through the library!





And she even climbed the steps to check out the picture books!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Brutus, Writers, and Illustrators...Oh, My!

Brutus has been a very busy dog! In the past few weeks he has had the opportunity to meet lots of writers and illustrators who stopped by the Owosso library, including Buck Wilder, Arnie Bernstein, and Tom Woodruff.

Buck Wilder is a Michigan wilderness guru and talked to kids and families about the importance of camping, boating, and other outdoor activities.







Arnie Bernstein is the author of Bath Massacre: Ameria's First School Bombing, published by the University of Michigan Press:
On May 18, 1927, an explosion rocked the small town of Bath, in Clinton County, when dynamite planted by Andrew Kehoe detonated in the basement of the local school. In this dramatic history of the horrific tragedy that claimed more than 40 lives (most of them schoolchildren), including Kehoe and his wife, the author skillfully explores the origins and events leading up to the tragedy, the terrible destruction at the school and Kehoe's farm, and how the stunned community struggled to cope in the immediate aftermath
His book was named one of the 2010 Michigan Notable Books by the Library of Michigan.


Tom Woodruff is an artist who has illustrated several books about Great Lakes history, many of them written with John Mitchell. Shiawassee District Library has many of these books in our catalog. While speaking at Owosso, Mr. Woodruff taught everyone in the audience how to draw the under the sea scene pictured, but...





Brutus had a little trouble with his! Holding a pencil is hard when you've only got paws!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Brutus joins the Summer Reading Program


Brutus was first in line this morning to have his bingo sheet stamped. He has finished his first book for this year's adult summer reading program, a mystery. Of course, Brutus only likes books about dogs so he chose Dog on It by Spencer Quinn, a story which features a dog who is smarter than his master. (Aren't most dogs?) He's thinking of working across the row--didn't Curwood write a story or two about dogs? Do recipes for hot dogs count? Brutus invites all high school students and adults to join him in some reading fun.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Brutus & the Bath Schoolhouse Massacre


Brutus has been listening to Steve, Chicaro, and Margaret talking about the Bath schoolhouse massacre in 1927. He cannot understand how anyone could intentionally kill people, especially children. He loves kids and children are some of his best friends; they are usually quick to give him hugs, treats, and a good scratching behind the ears. Fortunately, Brutus does not bite people, although he has reconsidered this postition and asked if he will be allowed to bite people who don't like children; (but Margaret says there will be no biting period if he wants to remain as the library mascot).

Brutus is anxious to meet Arnie Bernstein on Friday evening, May 14th. He will be speaking at the library about his book at 7 p.m. as part of the Michigan Notable Authors' Tour. Brutus remembers lots of fun at last year's event and expects to enjoy this author just as much. Books will be available for sale after the program for $15, and refreshments will be served. (Brutus supposes he will be banned from the cookies as usual; he is hoping that someone will take pity on him and bring some dog bones).

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Brutus Wants to Go Canoeing


Brutus recently found himself up the creek (or Shiawassee River) without either the proverbal canoe or paddle. He is hoping to win the free canoe or kayak trip which will given away at Doc Fletcher's program next week. You can give Brutus some competition by attending the free program at the Owosso Branch on Wednesday, April 28th at 7 p.m., but you must be present to win. Fletcher will present an hour-long photographic journey down selected rivers featured in his books. Refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase. Brutus doesn't need to be the only lucky dog!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Edible Books Contest







Brutus enjoyed looking over the imaginative Edible Book creations at the Durand Memorial Branch last night. He wanted to chase the rabbits, but staff had to explain they were cakes, not real. He even got his own piece of bunny cake. Brutus was disappointed there weren't any Edible Books based on dog books, but he's hoping there will be some next year. In 2011 the contest will be held at both Owosso and Durand locations.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Brutus Takes In a Show!


Brutus was thrilled to attend the Owosso Library Puppeteer's performance of "The Tortoise and The Hare" last Tuesday. More than 40 people joined him at that show to watch the epic race of a speedy hare and a slow, yet steady tortoise. Brutus enjoyed the show, particularly the pizza delivery walrus who also raps.

Many of the people in attendance commented on the library's "new" puppet theater. In fact, it is the same theater with a a few new paint, trim, and lights. We think it looks like a million bucks though and are so grateful to the volunteer who helped give our puppet theater a new look!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Spring Break Craft Program in Durand


Brutus had fun today at the craft program at the Durand branch when he helped the kids make wind socks. He's looking forward to the next craft time on Earth Day, April 22. Kids can drop in anytime between 2 and 5 to make bird feeders. Brutus doesn't get to chase birds, but he does love to bark at them.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Brutus on Spring Break!


Brutus is so excited for his Spring Break. The weather is gorgeous, so he decided to borrow a pair of Miss Anne's super-stylish shades and read some books. He also thought he'd check out some audiobooks because they are great for listening to if he decided to take a road trip on his vacation.

Brutus hopes everyone in Owosso and Durand has a safe and fun Break. He also invites anyone interested to the Owosso branch's puppet shows performances of "The Tortoise and the Hare."

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Brutus celebrates March is Reading Month

The Owosso Branch would like to thank our preschool storytime guest readers who visited during Reading Month: Mayor Benjamin Frederick, Police Sgt.Carlson, and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bradley (who brought some friends too!).

Here are a few pictures, but you'll have to visit the Library' s Facebook page for more!

Unfortunately, Brutus was not allowed to drive the police car or the fire truck due to some silly "rules" the Department of Public Safety has. Something about a "driver's license" was mentioned, but Brutus's dog license apparently does not count. He was able to get his picture taken with both vehicles though!

Owosso's preschool storytime meets Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. in the Children's Library. For more information, please call 725-5134. No registration is required and we are always excited to meet new friends!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Brutus Has a Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party!


Brutus was so excited today to have a huge group of kids show-up to his Diary of a Wimpy Kid party. Brutus loves to read about Greg Heffley's adventures navigating middle school and can't wait to see the movie!

Brutus was very nervous about playing some of the games. He did NOT want to get the dreaded "Cheese Touch." Here is a picture of Brutus carefully avoiding THE CHEESE which was discovered in the library's parking lot this morning.

After playing a bunch of games, Brutus and the kids got to practice drawing Greg. Brutus was so proud of himself!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Aaron Zenz's visit


Brutus enjoyed meeting Aaron Zenz and learning about how he writes and illustrates books. The kids all seemed to enjoy the program, too. Brutus has just one request--Can Aaron write about him (or another handsome dog) next time?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Brutus' Visit



Brutus was invited to spend a night at Margaret's house this weekend. He enjoyed meeting Mac (the black Scotty), Beth (the white Scotty) and Jack (the Russell Terrier). They had fun playing on the living room floor while Margaret was out shopping. Brutus is hoping to meet lots of other dogs when the kids can bring their favorite animals in for a sleepover at the library on Friday, March 19th.

Brutus did have one scary experience this weekend though. He found out that even though he believes that dogs rule, Tipper (the cat) is the Queen of the House (at least when Margaret isn't home). She had first dibs on anywhere the sun was shining, Margaret's lap, and anywhere else she wanted to be. Also, her food was totally off limits to him. He learned that cats can bite and scratch, but he is smarter than Tipper because he would never bite the hand that feeds him.