The Zula B. Wiley Public Library used this summer’s reading program to help “Build a Better World”.   The unconventional theme hopefully allowed the library to affect some positive changes in the community. Events and programs were chosen to encourage small ways for individuals to display kindness, caring and respect.

There were 1,935 children, adults and teens signed up to be included in the summer fun.  Everyone was challenged with either a Literary Crawl Card or Bingo Card to donate to local charities and perform acts of kindness.  The library had bins in the lobby to make it easier to donate to our local non-profits including the Tri-City Animal Shelter, Bridges Safehouse, Hope Mansion and Cedar Hill Action Team.

Over four thousand children were entertained and educated by performances at the library.  They learned how to take care of the earth by performers “Dinosaur George” and “Lucas Miller, the singing zoologist”.  A Knight from the Medieval Times Show discussed how everyone could be strong and brave but also be courteous and honorable.

Adults attended several events including “A Cultural Food Showcase” which introduced them to experience foods loved by their neighbors.  Teens met weekly and were guided to care for the each other and the earth.  Reading lists were available to expand on the summer reading program theme.

A major part of the summer was bringing the “One Book, One Community” shared reading experience of the book Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman to the community.  The library partnered with the Cedar Hill Independent School District and Cedar Valley Community College to host and facilitate the monthly discussions around the themes of transformations of individuals when they learn to work together for the common goal of growing a garden.  These discussions will continue through the end of the year.   

 For more information about the Zula B. Wylie Public Library please call 972-291-7323 or visit the library’s website at www.cedarhilllibrary.org.

Make It @ Your Library a family-friendly event of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement will be held on Saturday, May 16^th, 11 am to 4 pm.  The library is looking for tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors to be a part of this experience.  Please contact Dan Watkins at dan.watkins@cedarhilltx.com or by calling 972-291-7323 ext 1311. 

Young Professionals Book Club

The Zula B. Wylie Public Library in partnership with the Cedar Hill Chamber Young Professionals is sponsoring a book club for young adults who are looking to develop personally and professionally as well as to expand their social circles.  Join us for an opportunity to read motivational books while networking and growing your skills!  The club will meet on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss books on a variety of topics. The first meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, February 17^th.  For a list of monthly books visit www.cedarhilllibrary.org and connect with us on Facebook for updates and events!

For more information regarding programs and events being held at the Zula B. Wylie Public Library, please visit our website www.cedarhilllibary.org or visit us at 225 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104.  The library’s phone number is 972-291-7323.

The Zula B. Wylie Library Friends are proud to announce they have been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Tap Root Fund of the Dallas Foundation.  The Dallas Foundation’s mission since 1929 is to serve the nonprofit community and their donors.  The Friends are very excited about this honor and wish to thank the anonymous donor who recommended this grant.  Elaine Cook, President of the Friends stated, “We are excited to receive this grant and plan to put it to good use paying for special learning events at our incredible award winning library.”

The Zula B. Wylie Library Friends are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Zula B. Wylie Public Library in Cedar Hill.   They provide funds to supplement the libraries’ budget which enables the library to expand its literacy, cultural and educational programs.  One example of their support is the “Rockin’ Reading Camp” for children every summer during the Summer Reading Challenge.  The Friends raise funds through their Dining for Dollars events which are held each month at different eating and shopping establishments in Cedar Hill and the exciting “Wine and Words” after hours event with wine sampling and spoken word performances.

If you would like more information about the Friends please visit www.cedarhilllibrary.org.