Today is the beginning of the Southeastern New Mexico State Fair, and it also happens to be the anniversary of the first annual fair in America. According to the Laws and Ordinances of New Netherlands (now New York and New Jersey), on this date in 1641, authorities declared that "henceforth there shall be held annually a Cattle Fair and a Hog Fair and that whosoever hath any things to sell or buy can regulate himself accordingly.

Wednesday is Care-Acter Day, a day to show the backbone of our care-acter through acts of kindness and caring, and Friday is National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day. Wednesday is also the first day of October, which hosts a variety of reasons to celebrate.

Among other things, October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, Computer Learning Month, Consumer Information Month, Do-It-Yourself Month, Family History Month, Month of the Dinosaur, National Car Care Month, National Clock Month, National Communicate With Your Kid Month, National Crime Prevention Month, National Dessert Month, National Pasta Month, National Pizza Month, National Pork Month, National Roller Skating Month, and National Popcorn Poppin’ Month. If you’re still looking for something to do, October is also National Toilet Tank Repair Month!

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Clocks and time are featured in stories and activities at Wednesday’s 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. storytimes. Popcorn pops in songs and stories at Saturday morning’s 10:00 storytime.

Don’t forget the Altrusa/Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale, October 10-12. Friday’s "sneak preview" sale runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and is free for members of the Friends of the Library. Admission for non-members is $2.00. There’s no admission charge for Saturday’s 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. sale or for Sunday’s 2:00-4:00 p.m. sale. Books will be sold for 75 cents an inch on Friday and Saturday and go for a buck a bag on Sunday. See you there!

BOOK TALK

The holidays are fast approaching, but there is still time for you to try out some of the delicious recipes in "Candy Making for Beginners" by Evelyn Howe Fryatt. Making your own candy is simple and requires few ingredients and only the basic tools found in any kitchen.

Fryatt covers the fundamentals in her instructions and accompanies them with photographs to demonstrate each stage. Start with simple peanut brittle and work you way t6hrough to truffles to impress your friends. The book also includes 26 projects for kids to make, from potato candy to pralines. Make your candy making into a family event and create happy memories and tasty treats for years to come!

Debra Page has written an account of life on an Alaskan salmon fishing boat from the perspective of her young son. "Orcas Around Me: My Alaskan Summer" is beautifully illustrated by Leslie W. Bowman. These stories, based on actual events that took place during a young boy’s summer vacation, illustrate his love and respect for the sea and its inhabitants. Children will enjoy the illustrations and gain insight into a very different way of life.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to optometrists, computer eye strain affects nearly 90% of people who work at computers more than three hours a day. So ease the strain, sit 20 to 30 inches from the screen and set the screen so that its center is about 10 degrees lower than your line of sight. Use a larger monitor or increase the size of the type. You can also try "tenting" your screen by using a file folder to shield it from overhead light. A major problem is dry eyes since people blink only one-third as often when using computers as when talking to someone.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

"The only ones you should try to get even with are those who have helped you." (unknown)