Wichita Falls Public Library once again offers its summer reading programs to the public.  This year WFPL features programs for children, teens, and adults.

Children (up to sixth grade) can sign up for WFPL Summer Reading on or after May 30.  Children must have a library card and pick up a reading log available at the WFPL.  Children should then track their reading time and report back to the library once they have completed five hours for a goodie bag of treats.  Once children complete another ten hours of reading, for a total of 15 hours, they earn a certificate of completion.  All hours must be finished by July 8.

Summer reading for teens (sixth grade to high school) and adults (high school and older) begins on or after May 31.  Teens and adults may chose three age-appropriate books, and some AP students may chose to read books off their required reading list, to complete their summer reading.  Teens and adults are responsible for writing short reviews of the books and turning the reviews either on the internet or at the Adult Information Desk.  Selected reviews may be posted on WFPL website with permission.  Upon completion, teens and adults will receive a prize.  All books and reviews must be completed by July 9.

WFPL also offers other programming this summer for children.  Preschool storytime takes place every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and children’s crafts takes place every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Teens can also find activities at WFPL, including a writing group, chess club, and group.

Finally, WFPL offers members a chance at on the web book clubs.  Readers can sign up at the WFPL website.

For more information, please call WFPL at (940) 767-0868.

Fireplaces – the Focus of Your Room For many people, fireplaces provide the ultimate focus to a room. Whether your fire is a working “real” fire, or has been replaced by gas or electricity, the fire surround, hearth and mantelpiece are still central features. Fireplaces may have moved from being important because they were the only source of heat in a room to having a more cosmetic function, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your room some real appeal by choosing a beautiful fireplace.

Fireplaces – Your Style

Of course, we all have different ideas of what constitutes a beautiful fireplace, and consequently, there’s a huge choice of fireplaces in the market. The fireplace you choose will depend on your budget, the size of your room and your taste. Fortunately, you can find just about anything you want when you know where to look, and if you can’t find something that’s exactly what you’d like, why not get a fireplace made to order?

Fireplaces – Ornate to Minimalist

After a period where people stripped their homes of period features, many homeowners are now renovating their homes, restoring original items wherever possible and re-instating elements that may have been removed. Fireplaces that reflect the period of the property are highly desirable, and it’s perfectly possible to have a period-style fireplace and a contemporary décor. The sort of fireplaces you’re looking for will depend on the type of home you have – and the look you want to achieve. Whether you prefer stone, wood or marble, there are plenty of fireplaces to choose from, and plenty of advice available. The most important thing is that you choose one or more fireplaces for your home that really fit into the space you have. The width, height and depth of your fireplace is important to achieving the right look, which is why it’s always worth talking to experts in fireplaces for help and advice. Don’t forget that you also need to consider the style of hearth, basket or grate when you’re choosing fireplaces so that you achieve a consistent look and one that will become a real focus for your room.

Where to look for fireplaces?

If you’re thinking of buying one or more fireplaces for your home, look for a specialist fireplace supplier who has the experience to help you make the right choices without pushing you into a purchase or selling you something you don’t want.

Mike Johnson, managing director of Aztec Fireplaces Limited – trading as English Fireplaces – is an experienced businessman and entrepreneur. He bought English Fireplaces in December 2006 determined to establish a high quality service focussed competitor to the brand leaders in the fireplace industry.

English Fireplaces, Unit 6, The Brows Industrial Estate, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 6JG
Telephone: 01730 890218 www.englishfireplaces.co.uk info@englishfireplaces.co.uk