{"id":914,"date":"2018-12-31T14:38:15","date_gmt":"2018-12-31T14:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/?p=914"},"modified":"2018-12-31T14:38:15","modified_gmt":"2018-12-31T14:38:15","slug":"4-23-17-news-briefs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/?p=914","title":{"rendered":"4.23.17 News Briefs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s Back! Vote for your Favorite Texas Bookstore<\/h1>\n

Lone Star Lit\u2019s second annual Texas Readers\u2019 Favorite Bookstores<\/span> voting will be held May 1 through May 18, 2017. Readers, vote as often as you wish for your Favorite Texas Bookstore.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll announce the Top 40 finalists on May 7; then, the Top 20 finalists on May 14. Voting begins May 1, 2017!<\/p>\n

Countdown to Readers\u2019 Favorite Bookstores, May 21 and May 28<\/h1>\n

Like our claim-to-fame feature \u2014 Top Ten Bookish Destinations \u2014 Texas’s Top Ten Favorite Bookstores counts down Number Ten through Number Six on May 21, and Number Five through Number One on May 28.<\/p>\n

The Texas Readers\u2019 Favorite Bookstores winners will be determined by reader vote via:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Our website<\/p>\n

\u2022 Our e-mail newsletter<\/p>\n

\u2022 Our social media<\/p>\n

\u2022 Direct ballots upon request<\/p>\n

Watch for details in next weeks issue.<\/p>\n

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Texas Mountain Trail Writers to hold 25th annual retreat, Sat., April 29, at historic Indian Lodge<\/h1>\n

The Texas Mountain Trail Writers group invites both beginning to advanced authors<\/span> to join them for a one-day retreat at the Indian Lodge in the historicDavis Mountain State Park in scenic Big Bend area, Sat., April 29, 2017. It will mark the group\u2019s twenty-fifth year of hosting the retreat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Presenters of this year\u2019s retreat are Barbara Brannon<\/span> and Kay Ellington<\/span> of Lubbock, Texas, editors of Lone Star Literary Life and coauthors of the Paragraph Ranch series of novels. The novels have been praised by readers for realistic characters, authentic West Texas settings, and interesting plots.<\/p>\n

Brannon holds graduate degrees in American literature and book history. She has taught creative writing and is widely published. Ellington is a graduate of the Kenyon Review Writers\u2019 Workshop and founder of Lone Star Literary Life. Both women combine more than five decades of experience in teaching, book publishing, editing, and marketing.<\/p>\n

The theme of this year\u2019s retreat is \u201cWrite Inspired: Fiction.\u201d In keeping with this theme, the presenters will expose attendees to techniques that will help them to create believable characters, enrich character interactions, enhance dramatic tension, and develop realistic plots. Some practical aspects of marketing, publishing, and editing will also be addressed.<\/p>\n

Dr. Brannon and Ms. Ellington will give attendees the opportunity to complete writing exercises that will enhance their understanding of the writing craft. Free workbooks will be provided. In some sessions, participants will be able to join discussions.<\/p>\n

Check-in before morning sessions will begin at 8 A.M. A free continental breakfast will be served from 8 A.M. until 9 A.M. Check-in and breakfast will take place in the meeting room below the Black Bear Restaurant. The retreat will start at 9 A.M. and end at 4 P.M. A lunch break is scheduled for 12 noon until 1 P.M. Attendees can eat lunch at the Black Bear Restaurant or drive four miles into Fort Davis to eat at establishments there. After the retreat ends, participants are invited to join other attendees for a 5 P.M. meal at the Black Bear.<\/p>\n

The cost of the event is $70 per person. Individuals paying their registration fees will automatically become members of the Texas Mountain Trail Writers. They will be eligible to be published in the TMTW\u2019s annual anthology. Other than the continental breakfast, meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee. Early registration is encouraged because of limited space.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Participants planning to stay overnight at the Indian Lodge can call Texas Parks and Wildlife, Indian Lodge, Fort Davis, Texas. The reservation number is 512-389-8982. Reservations should be made early. Spring is coming, and the rooms are booked quickly.<\/p>\n

For other lodging information, contact the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce (www.ftdavis.com or 432-426-3015). This organization has a list of area vacancies (including RV campgrounds).<\/p>\n

If you have further questions about the retreat, contact Jackie Siglin, Registrar, at ten.dnebgib@1aksaladekab.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Half Price Books to match donations of children\u2019s books in April<\/h1>\n

The Half Pint Library program is a book drive<\/span> hosted each year by Texas-based Half Price Books to collect and distribute children\u2019s books to those in need. Books donated through the program provide an escape from the challenges faced by children, while helping to boost literacy skills outside of school. In many cases, children are getting their first book through the Half Pint Library program. The drive accepts any type of children\u2019s book, including Spanish language books, as long as they are in good condition. The program is celebrating its nineteenth year in 2017 and has collected more than 2 million books for pediatric patients, community centers, special schools and many more children in need.<\/p>\n

Why donate a book?<\/h1>\n

Studies by the Institute of Education Sciences and related research show significant correlations between children\u2019s access to printed materials in the home and literacy, as well as performance in school. Unfortunately, when money is tight, buying books can\u2019t always be a priority for families struggling to make ends meet. Half Price Books feels that every child deserves a book of their own and is hosting the book drive to benefit local children who may otherwise not have access to books. Simply donating books that a child has outgrown provides the tools to create the leaders of tomorrow.<\/p>\n

About the annual Half Pint Library Book Drive<\/h1>\n

From April 1 to 30, all Half Price Books locations serve as drop-off sites to collect new and used young children\u2019s books. Half Price Books employees then sort through the books to make sure that children will receive only quality new and gently-used books, and will match each book donated. The \u201cgiveaway\u201d events will be scheduled shortly after the conclusion of the drive, and Half Price Books will invite local nonprofit groups to come pick up the books.<\/p>\n

The \u201cGiveaway\u201d event<\/h1>\n

Once a date and venue are set, local agencies and media will be contacted to announce that free children\u2019s books donated by the community will be available for pick up at event time. Agencies must arrive with their own transportation to pick up books, and depending on the number of books collected, and number of agencies coming for pick up, boxes may be limited. The books will be an assortment of kid\u2019s books in manageable boxes ready to be loaded.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit hpb.com\/half-pint-library-book-drive\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

(Information from organization\u2019s press release and website)<\/p>\n

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Texas Book Festival Announces 2017 Library Grant Recipients<\/h1>\n

Organization Awards Largest Amount to Date to 44 Public Libraries Across Texas<\/h1>\n

AUSTIN \u2014\u00a0 The Texas Book Festival announced the winners of its 2016-17 Texas Library Grants at the Texas Library Association conference in San Antonio today. Forty-four public libraries across 35 Texas counties received grants totaling $100,450 \u2014 the largest amount the organization has awarded in its 21-year history of giving.<\/p>\n

The TBF\u2019s Texas Library Grants support collection enhancement to help public libraries meet the needs of their diverse communities. Out of the 44 public libraries awarded, 15 are first-time Texas Book Festival library grant recipients. The grants targeted a mix of needs across Texas\u2019 libraries including grants specifically for children\u2019s books, Spanish and bilingual books, large print books for seniors, and to create and enhance Young Adult sections.<\/p>\n

\u201cPublic libraries are an invaluable resource throughout our state,\u201d says Lois Kim, executive director of the Texas Book Festival. \u201cWe are proud to support the important work they do and help them continue to adapt to meet the needs of our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year, TBF awarded the following libraries:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 East Bernard Branch Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 City of Hutto Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Converse Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch – $2,500<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Leon Valley Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Salado Public Library – $1,000<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reeves County Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wolfe City Public Library – $1,530<\/p>\n

10. Ethel L. Whipple Memorial Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

11. Carl and Mary Welhausen Library – $2,250<\/p>\n

12. Medina Community Library – $1287.33<\/p>\n

13. Judy B. McDonald Public Library – $1,500<\/p>\n

14. Taylor Public Library – $2,479<\/p>\n

15. Gaines County Library – $1,869.95<\/p>\n

16. Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

17. Jonestown Community Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

18. Llano County Library System – $1,500<\/p>\n

19. Castroville Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

20. Balch Springs Library-Learning Center – $2,500<\/p>\n

21. Grapevine Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

22. Krum Public Library – $2,336<\/p>\n

23. Little Elm Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

24. Davis Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

25. Chico Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

26. Cooke County Library – $1,500<\/p>\n

27. Arlington Public Library – Southeast Branch Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

28. Amarillo Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

29. El Progreso Memorial Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

30. West Public Library – $1,425<\/p>\n

31. Betty Foster Public Library – $2,300<\/p>\n

32. Lake Dallas Public Library – $1,999<\/p>\n

33. Tatum Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

34. Patrick Heath Public Library – $2,491.69<\/p>\n

35. Henderson County Library – Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

36. Pearland Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

37. Clute Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

38. Martin Luther King Jr Library – $2,488.07<\/p>\n

39. Natalia Public Library Foundation dba Natalia Veteran’s Memorial Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

40. Electra Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

41. Richland Hills Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

42. Aransas County Public Library – $2,500<\/p>\n

43. South Waco Library – $2,499.17<\/p>\n

44. Longview Public Library – $2,495.15<\/p>\n

Since the Texas Book Festival\u2019s founding in 1995, part of its mission has been to promote Texas libraries and literacy. Each year, proceeds raised at the annual Festival through book sales and individual, corporate, and foundation sponsorships fund the Festival\u2019s Texas Library Grants.\u00a0 Nearly $3 million has been awarded to more than 600 libraries across Texas.<\/p>\n

Applications for the 2017-18 public library grant cycle will be available in November 2017. For more information, visit http:\/\/www.texasbookfestival.org\/library-grants\/.<\/p>\n

(Information from organization’s press release)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Two Texas publishers snag Ippy Awards<\/h1>\n

In the 2016 IPPY awards announced last week,<\/span> presented by the Independent Book Publishers\u2019 Association, two Texas books have garnered awards.<\/p>\n

Fiction With Characters Or Topics Addressing Religion<\/h1>\n

SILVER: Foy: On the Road to Lost,<\/span> by Gordon Atkinson<\/span> (Material Media)<\/p>\n

Travel Essay Books<\/h1>\n

SILVER: Vagabonding with Kids: How One Couple Embraced an Unconventional Life to Work Remotely and Show Their Kids the World,<\/span> by A.K. Turner<\/span> (Brown Books Publishing Group)<\/p>\n

(Information from The Independent Book Publishers\u2019 Association)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Long Center, Austin, Presents An Evening with Neil Gaiman July 6<\/h1>\n

AUSTIN\u2014The Long Center for the Performing Arts will host internationally acclaimed author Neil Gaiman<\/span> at the Long Center stage for one night only, July 6 at 8 pm in Dell Hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI make things up and write them down\u201d is the way Neil Gaiman describes his varied art. Today, as one of the most celebrated, best-selling writers of our time, Gaiman bends genres while reaching audiences of all ages. In this live event, \u201cAn Evening with Neil Gaiman,\u201d he will tell stories and read stories, answer questions, and in his own words \u201camaze, befuddle and generally delight. It will be fun and odd and not like any other evening with Neil Gaiman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gaiman\u2019s best-selling contemporary fantasy novel American Gods<\/span> took the Hugo, Nebula, Bram Stoker, and Locus awards\u2014as did his bestselling young adult story, Coraline.<\/span> Another children\u2019s novel, The Graveyard Book,<\/span> is the only work to win both the Newbery (US) and Carnegie (UK) Medals, awarded by librarians for the most prestigious contribution to children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n

Tickets for Neil Gaiman will be available at TheLongCenter.org or by calling (512) 474.LONG (5664); they are also available at the Long Center\u2019s 3M Box Office located at 701 West Riverside Drive at South First Street. For groups of ten or more, call (512) 457-5150 or email groupsales@thelongcenter.org.<\/p>\n

About the Long Center<\/h1>\n

The Long Center is an iconic, world-class performing arts center right in the heart of downtown Austin that serves more than 450,000 individuals annually. As \u201cAustin\u2019s Creative Home,\u201d the Long Center hosts the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Opera, and Ballet Austin, and was built \u201cby the community, for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information, please visit TheLongCenter.org<\/span> or call (512) 474-LONG (5664) for ticket information.<\/p>\n

(Information from organization\u2019s press release)<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s Back! Vote for your Favorite Texas Bookstore Lone Star Lit\u2019s second annual Texas Readers\u2019 Favorite Bookstores voting will be held May 1 through May 18, 2017. Readers, vote as often as you wish for your Favorite Texas Bookstore. We\u2019ll announce the Top 40 finalists on May 7; then, the Top 20 finalists on May […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=914"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}