By TARYN BROWN

Community Relations Librarian

Join us on Tuesday, June 21, at 10 a.m. at the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library for Culture Man to the Rescue!

Meet the superhero who knows how stories help solve problems as he travels the world gathering cultural lore with lessons including hard work, sharing and honesty! Culture Man to the Rescue is presented by professional storyteller Barry Stewart Mann.

Mann is an actor, storyteller, writer and educator who has taught and performed around the country. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Harvard University and a Master of Fine Arts in Drama from the University of San Diego.

As an actor, Mann has been seen at Horizon Theatre, ART Station, Theatrical Outfit, and more; as a storyteller, he has been featured at the Carter Presidential Library, the Winter Storytelling Festival, and numerous Tellabrations, and was named the National Storyteller of the Year in 1999. His original stories have been heard on the program “Recess!” on public radio stations across the country. He has two storytelling CD’s: “The King of Cool, and Other Tales for Young Imaginers,” and “The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer, and Other Offbeat Tales of Romance.”

Mann has traveled widely, and speaks varying levels of Spanish, French, German and Hebrew; he strives to bring a “citizen of the world” viewpoint and vernacular to his teaching and telling. He delights in performing for and working with audiences and students of all ages, and in engaging with words and images and their endless possibilities.

This program is a part of the 2011 Vacation Reading Program, “One World, Many Stories.” Travel the globe in books this summer and explore places from Oceania to Russia through stories, crafts, music, dance and other activities.

The 2011 Vacation Reading Program is open to children ages 0 to 11 with reading, programs, prizes and much more. The 2011 Vacation Reading Program is sponsored by the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library Foundation, Hardee’s, Aaron’s Rent-to-Own, Rotary Club of Bainbridge, Wal-Mart and Georgia Power.

Please call the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library at (229) 248-2665 for more information on this fun program!

Craving chocolate?

Are you craving chocolate?

Join us on Wednesday, June 15, at 2 p.m. at the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library to satisfy your chocolate cravings!

There will be tasty trivia, fun and all things chocolate to tickle your taste buds! This program is designed for ages 10 to 18.

Please visit our Web site at www.swgrl.org for more information on this program.

Wide World of Crafts

Get crafty with the Wide World of Crafts on Thursday, June 16, at 10 a.m. at the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library!

Join us to make a Didgeridoo and a Japanese Koi this summer. Crafts are open for children ages 5 to 9 only. Space is limited to the first 40 attendees that arrive. If older children wish to participate, they may assist Ms. Debbie and Ms. Taryn and the younger children with their crafts.

Please call the Youth Services Department at (229) 248-2665 ext. 121 for more information on Wide World of Crafts.

Geocaching at Your Library!

Have you ever wondered what geocaching is?

Join us on Wednesday, June 22, at 2 p.m. at the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library for geocaching!

Representatives from the Sowega Cachers will discuss what geocaching is and will provide some tips and tricks for this fun hobby. Attend for your chance to find a treasure at the library!

This program is a part of the 2011 Teen Vacation Reading Program, “You Are Here.” The 2011 Teen Vacation Reading Program is open to teens ages 12 to 18 with reading, special events, games, prizes and much more.

Please visit our website at www.swgrl.org for more information on the 2011 Teen Vacation Reading Program.

Toddler Tales returns

Toddler Tales briefly returns on Thursday, June 23, at 10 a.m. at the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library!

Prepare to have loads of fun with Ms. Debbie and Ms. Taryn with global stories, songs, games, crafts and more!

This program is designed for children ages 18 months to 4 years old.

Please call the Youth Services Department at 248-2665, Ext. 121, for more information on Toddler Tales.

Taryn Brown is the Youth Services and Community Relations Librarian for the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library, located at 301 S. Monroe St. in Bainbridge. She may be reached by calling (229) 248-2665.