What's new--Harold the Bear--March 8, 2015

Harold the Library Bear celebrates K9 Veterans Day

Hedgesville, WV – Today I found Harold the Library Bear surrounded by books about dogs. When I asked him why he was reading so many, Harold shared this interesting story:

“I’m reading about these dogs because March 13^th is K9 Veterans Day,” he said, “The librarian told me that a veteran is someone who serves in the military, so I thought it would be a great time to read all of the books in the Hedgesville Library about  veteran dogs!”

“This is the one I just finished reading,” Harold said, pulling a book from his pile and proudly holding it up. “It’s called Gabe: The Dog Who Sniffs Out Danger,” he said. “It’s all about Gabe, a dog that goes to another country and uses his really good smelling to help soldiers find dangerous things that they can’t smell!”

“Do you know what the coolest thing about this book is?” Harold asked.

“This book is a true story, because Gabe was a real dog! In fact, he was so good at his job that he won an award called the Hero Dog Award!”

“I think this one is my favorite dog story so far,” Harold said, “but I still have lots more to read! 

There a book about Sadie, a real life police dog, and a book about search and rescue dogs too!”

“Of course, there are also a bunch of Paw Patrol books here in the library,” Harold added, “They aren’t true stories, like Gabe’s story, but they’re a lot of fun to read anyway! I think Chase is my favorite, but Marshall is funny! He always runs into the other pups!”

“Can I tell you a secret?” Harold asked with a whisper,” the librarian told me that this summer there will be lots of stories about heroes, including hero dogs! But don’t tell anyone yet!”

-Harold the Library Bear is a bear, so he doesn’t have a phone, but you can leave him a message at (304)-754-3949 or you can meet him Monday-Saturday in the Children’s Department of the new Hedgesville Public Library. His column appears every week on the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries blog.

What's new Harold the Bear--March 1, 2015

Harold the Library Bear celebrates Dr. Seuss Day

Hedgesville, WV – Today Harold the Library Bear had a special message for everyone:

“Happy Dr. Seuss Day!” Harold said, a tall, red, striped hat on his head. “Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday,” Harold explained to me. “Today, he’d be 111!”

“That’s REALLY OLD!” Harold exclaimed, “and so are his books. But his books are different from some other old books, because they’re still really good and fun to read!”

“I like reading his really famous books like The Cat in the Hat, and Green Eggs and Ham,” Harold said, “but I also like some other ones, like Oh Say Can You Say? – that’s a book of tongue twisters! – and I think I read I Am NOT Going to Get up Today every spring when hibernation is over!”

            When I asked Harold what he most liked about Dr. Seuss, and why he was so excited about celebrating his birthday, he paused for a moment before giving me an answer.

            “I think I really like Dr. Seuss because he wrote really good stories, and he always worked really hard to write books that kids could read, even if they were just learning! He even drew all of his own pictures for his books!”

“Did you know,” Harold asked “the librarian told me that Dr. Seuss wrote some of the very first books for kids learning to read? He was so good at it that they named an award after him that they give to the best early reader book every year!”

“That’s really cool,” Harold said, “and so is Dr. Seuss! I think everyone should read his books!”

-Harold the Library Bear is a bear, so he doesn’t have a phone, but you can leave him a message at (304)-754-3949 or you can meet him Monday-Saturday in the Children’s Department of the new Hedgesville Public Library. His column appears every week on the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries blog.

What's new Harold the Bear February 22, 2015

Concept picture of library snow fort. Not pictured:  Library Bear hiding inside

Harold the Library Bear prepares for EPIC SNOWBALL FIGHT!

Hedgesville, WV – I walked into the Hedgesville Public Library this morning and was surprised to see Harold the Library Bear standing over a pile of ice cubes he had poured on the carpet in the Children’s Department.

When I asked him what was going on, he said, “I’m building an ice fort of course!”

He further elaborated: “There’s a big snowball fight here at the library on Saturday February 28th at 11, so I’m getting ready now! I need a fort to protect myself!”

A snowball fight in the library? It sounded hard to believe, but after talking with the Hedgesville Library staff, everything started to make sense. They said that they are indeed planning a snowball fight, but not like the one Harold was expecting.

“It’s a special kind of snowball fight?” Harold asked, disbelieving. “An indoor snowball fight with soft snowballs that don’t make people wet or cold?”

 “Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,” he added, after a moment. “I guess that makes more sense. I was wondering how the books would stay dry, plus I was worried someone might get hurt! These soft, pretend snowballs are much better.”

“Of course,” he added, “I’m still going to win, even with pretend snowballs! Most people don’t know it, but out of all the forest animals, bears are the best snowball fighters!

-Harold the Library Bear is a bear, so he doesn’t have a phone, but you can leave him a message at (304)-754-3949 or you can meet him Monday-Saturday in the Children’s Department of the new Hedgesville Public Library. His column appears every week on the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries blog.

What's new--Harold the Bear?

Harold the Library Bear makes his triumphant return!

Hedgesville, WV – After a long hiatus while he settled into his new position at the new Hedgesville Public Library building, Harold the Library Bear has announced that he will be resuming his weekly duties as the Voice of the Library.

“It’s been a long time,” Harold said, “Between running last year’s summer reading program and supervising the move into our new building, I’ve been swamped!”“But that’s the price I pay for being the official Library Bear,” Harold continued. “I’m very much in demand.”

When asked what he’d been up to the last few months, Harold had good news.

“I’ve had a great time getting everything just right in my new library,” he said, “and the staff that works out here is great! They’re always giving me new clothes to wear. I’ve gotten so many new outfits, I don’t have room in my closet!”

“Plus,” he added, “I’ve met so many new boys and girls since we moved, and I get to play with them every day!”

“But Friday is my favorite day,” Harold decided. “Friday morning at 10:30 is when we have our preschool story time, and I usually end up as a chair for the boys and girls while they hear a story! I can’t wait to see them all again!”

-Harold the Library Bear is a bear, so he doesn’t have a phone, but you can leave him a message at (304)-754-3949 or you can meet him Monday-Saturday in the Children’s Department of the new Hedgesville Public Library. His column appears every week on the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries blog.

What's new--Harold the Bear?

Fun-loving Library Bear seeks Amiable Companion Bear

Hedgesville, WV – I walked into the Hedgesville Public Library this week and was surprised

to see Harold the Library Bear sitting in his favorite rocking chair, with a sad look.

“I’m spending another Valentine’s Day by myself,” Harold told me when I asked him what troubled him. “I have lots of friends at the library - Olaf, Batman, Freddie the Frog, and the Puppet family of course, but sometimes I feel like I’d really like to share my days with another bear.”

When asked what he looks for in the perfect bear, Harold gave me the following description:

“My perfect bear is a lot like me! She’s tall (for a bear), beautiful, and loves reading and playing with kids. She likes long walks on the beach, dinner by the fireside, and getting caught in the rain (with an umbrella!). It also wouldn’t hurt if she’s always wanted to live at a library!”

When I pointed out that this might be a little much to ask, Harold wasn’t so sure.

“How hard could it be to find a 5-foot tall stuffed lady bear that likes to read?” he asked with an air of incredulity.

“

I’m sure she must be out there!”

-Do you, or someone you know, have an idea for where Harold might be able to find his perfect bear? Does Harold’s perfect bear live with you but is looking for a new home? Help Harold’s dream come true by calling the Hedgesville Public Library at (304)-754-3949 with any leads!

	Wait, there’s a BEAR in the library?!

 

Who is Harold the Library Bear?

Harold the Library Bear moved into the Naylor Memorial Library late one night several years ago. The staff (pictured left) was quite surprised when they found him the next morning, but after seeing his love for books decided that he could stay, provided he help with the cleaning and did his own laundry. Today, Harold can be found in his favorite rocking chair in the Children’s Department at the new Hedgesville Public Library on 207 N. Mary St.

Harold the Library Bear...and Superhero?

Harold the Library Bear contacted Peter at Naylor Memorial Library recently to tell him that he has decided to leave the library and take up the mantle of Bat-Bear, defender of justice and protector of libraries. When Peter interviewed him, Harold explained this sudden change.

"The library is having a big comic book party on May 3, 2014, and when I heard about it I started reading all sorts of comic books. They're awesome!" he said. "Then I found a bunch of books that explain how things like Batman's Batmobile and Batarang could really work! They're in a whole series called Batman Science, and it teaches about the real science behind the gadgets. It's really cool!"

"But why become a superhero?" asked Peter.

"Well, these books tell you all about how Batman's stuff works, so all you need is a suit and you're good to go to become a superhero yourself! That's why I got this fancy suit!" Harold explained. "Plus, the library doesn't have a superhero protecting it from supervillains!"

When Peter pointed out that the library doesn't really have many supervillains, Harold confidently said, "I'm sure they're out there, and I just want to let them know right now that they won't get away with it anymore! They are a bunch of these Batman Science books, so I'm learning a lot!"

Harold was unclear about what "they" are getting away with exactly, but that hasn't dampened his enthusiasm.

"I only wish I could have worn my suit when I met the kindergarteners on April 25, but it's okay because then they could have found out my secret identity!" Harold said. "But wait a second, don't you put these interviews on the Internet? And everyone reads them?"

Peter confirmed that they do get posted on the Internet and that many, many people read them.

"Oh no! Now everyone knows my true identity! I can't be Bat-Bear anymore!" Harold wailed.

After taking a deep breath, Harold continued," Well, I guess it's okay. Being a superhero is hard! I tried to fly down from the library roof yesterday and it didn't work well at all! It's a good thing I'm made of stuffing! I guess I can leave the crime-fighting to the professionals."

Peter reminded Harold that he is still loved as the Library Bear. 

Harold shrugged. "That's true. And I can still enjoy these Batman Science books. They're great. I think I'm going to go read them again soon!"

Harold the Library Bear is a bear (and no longer a superhero) so he doesn't have a phone, but you can send him a message by calling the staff of Naylor Memorial Library at 304-754-3949 or emailing them at hedgesville.mbcpl@martin.lib.wv.us. 

Harold the Library Bear talks about Spring

Harold the Library Bear was recently found in a garden celebrating the arrival of spring with the other animals. He was sharing a story about his youth with a hummingbird and a butterfly.

"I love being the Library Bear," he told them. "I have my own chair, lots of great books to read, and the staff at Naylor Memorial Library even lets me stay there overnight in the winter!"

"But let me tell you a story," Harold continued. "Before I was the Library Bear, I used to live in the woods, and I would sleep for the entire winter! And let me tell you, after a five month nap it can be hard to wake up. Sometimes my mom couldn't wake me up until April when I was supposed to be awake by March! It made me late for everything!

"But one day while we were at the library, my mom found a book called Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand. She knew I'd like it because it had a picture of a bear on the cover, and I like stories about bears. Who doesn't?" Harold asked, looking toward the hummingbird.

"And she was right. The story is great!" he exclaimed. "It's a story about Bear and his friend Mole, and how Mole tries lots of different ways to tell Bear that spring has arrived. But Bear stays asleep! I really liked the big, colorful pictures of Bear, and there weren't a lot of words on every page, so even kids that are just learning to read will enjoy this book.

"The best part, though, was that by the end of the story, my mom learned the secret way to make sure I woke up on time every spring! She just did what Mole did to wake up Bear. It really works too. She used it every spring before I moved to the library."

Hummingbird asked about the secret, and Harold smiled, leaned in, and whispered, "You'll just have to read the book. And so should everyone else!"

Harold the Library Bear is a bear, so he doesn't have a phone, but you can send him a message by calling the staff of Naylor Memorial Library at 304-754-3949 or emailing them at hedgesville.mbcpl@martin.lib.wv.us.

Harold the Bear Warms Up

Did you know that Harold the Library Bear lives at Naylor Memorial Library? Well, he does. And he's been cold lately!

Faced with yet another winter storm last week, Harold the Library Bear decided that there was only one way to beat the cold. Here's what he suggests...

First, put on a big, warm hat. Second, visit your public library. And third, pick out a good book to read!

A furry bear with a faux fur hat makes for an amusing spectacle, but Harold seemed not to notice. When I spoke with him, Harold was totally occupied by finding a book to read.

"I wasn't even sure the library would be open," Harold said. "There's so much snow! But they are, and so I was just able to find this great book. It even won a Caldecott Medal!" He settled into his rocking chair and began to read.

When asked which book he decided to read, Harold proudly showed off his prize.

"With all of this snow, I got really curious about it. People have always told me that every snowflake looks different, but is that really true? How do they know?" he asked. "I wanted to find out for myself, so I found a book at my library called Snowflake Bentley. This book is all about the man who proved that every snowflake is different. His name was Wilson Bentley and he proved it by taking pictures of the snow while it was still in the air!" Harold said excitedly.

"This book says that he was always curious about snow, and took pictures of it even when he was a kid! And when he grew up, he used very special cameras to take pictures of snowflakes, and he even invented a special way to take better pictures of the tiny snowflakes, called micro-photography. He was amazing!"

Asked if there was anything else he liked about his book, Harold excitedly nodded, his big hat falling off his head.

"The pictures are awesome! This book won a Caldecott Medal for its great pictures. I really like them. Everyone should read this book!" Harold added.

Stop by the Naylor Memorial Library to visit Harold and check out books about subjects you are interested in. You can also talk to the staff of the library by calling 304-754-3949 or by emailing them at hedgesville.mbcpl@martin.lib.wv.us. They'll be sure to pass your messages on to Harold!