Wednesday is Father-Daughter Take a Walk Together Day, so spend some special time together and enjoy the beautiful weather. Saturday is Don't Step On a Bee Day, and Sunday is Two Thousand Days Before "2000." This reminds us that now is the time to do all those things we've wanted to do but put off for too long. Just take a moment each day to do something you ordinarily wouldn't. That way, when the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 999, you can say you've accomplished 174 new, enriching feats - if you start on Sunday!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

At Wednesday's 10:00 a.m. storytime, storyteller Sarah Malone will perform one show only. Seating will be on the west lawn of the library. Magic tricks and illusions are the theme of Wednesday afternoon's 3:30 storytime, and participants will learn how to do them. If you already know a trick, be ready to share it with everyone. You're invited to collect insects, bugs, and creepy-crawlers and bring your collection for a bug show at Saturday morning's 10:00 storytime. Participants will make a bug mobile, too!

BOOK TALK

Librarian Loretta Clark provides this week's book information. The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are upon us. In addition to relaxing with a book, many people will relax along the banks of our lakes and rivers. At 1,885 miles, the Rio Grande is the third longest river in the United States. Children and adults will enjoy a journey along the river banks as Peter Lourie explores the length of the "Great River" to see what makes it great.

"Rio Grande - From the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico" is located in the Children's Area and shares the author's journey, beginning at the headwaters near the Continental Divide and continuing down the river past Pueblo villages and on to the Gulf of Mexico. One stop was in Las Cruces and Mesilla, where the trial of Billy the Kid took place. The Old West colors many of the towns along the Great River.

For a more in-depth look at some of the Old West travelers, read true stories from the years between 1860 and 1900 in the book, "Riders Along the Rio Grande - A Collection of Outlaws, Prostitutes, and Vigilantes." Not only does it cover Billy the Kid, but also many other interesting and controversial lives and careers.

A journey back into earliest times brings readers to the diverse cultures that left their ancient images upon the ever enduring stones. "Signs of Life - Rock Art on the Upper Rio Grande" includes photos and illustrations ranging from the Anasazi and Pueblo territory in the north down to the Mogollon territory in the south.

DID YOU KNOW?

Between July 1, 1999, and January 1, 2000, Las Cruces will be hosting its sesquicentennial celebrations in honor of 150 years of the lasting traditions of food, families, farming, and faith. A list of events is published in the July 1999, issue of "New Mexico Magazine."

By the way, the Rio Grande is the third longest river in the United States. The two longest rivers, of course, are the Mississippi and the Missouri.