This Day In History: The Challenger Explodes on Liftoff

"The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them."--Ronald Reagan

Twenty-four years ago today, the space shuttle Challenger exploded on liftoff high over the Atlantic Ocean off of Cape Kennedy. All crew members on board, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, were killed in the accident. It was the first time American astronauts had been killed in flight, and it effectively shut down the space program for two years while its safety was investigated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The space program continues today in spite of and because of the sacrifices of the Challenger crew.

More Information:

Books About the Challenger Accident That Can Be Found in the Terrebonne Parish Library


President Reagan's Speech to the Nation Regarding the Challenger Accident


The Challenger Crew: Official NASA Biographies

Halloween Activities For Kids & Teens

The rest of October will be busy for the Terrebonne Parish Library System, with many Halloween-themed events and craft times for kids and teens. Here's what's happening from now until Halloween.

For Kids

Thursday, 10/22 at 5 p.m.
Haunted Library Storytime for
pre-k – 3rd graders.
Chauvin Branch

Saturday, 10/24 at 2 p.m.
Halloween Craft Workshop for
pre-k – 3rd graders.
Main Library

Monday, 10/26, Wednesday,
10/28, and Thursday, 10/29
from 3-5:30 p.m.
Halloween Pumpkin Painting
Craft. Bring a clean pumpkin.
Montegut Branch

Monday, 10/26 at 4 p.m.
Halloween Story Time and Candy
Workshop for k – 4th graders.
Dularge Branch


For Teens

Friday, 10/23 at 4 p.m.
Wii Games and
Halloween Craft
Dularge Branch

Tuesday, 10/27 from 4-5:30 p.m.
Pumpkin Painting Workshop.
Bring a clean pumpkin.
Montegut Branch

Wednesday, 10/28
from 4-5:30 p.m.
Playstation 2 “Buzz
Quiz” Game.
Registration is required--call 985-575-2639
Gibson Branch

Saturday, 10/31 at 2 p.m.
Michael Jackson
“Extravaganza”
featuring his Live
in Bucharest –
The Dangerous
Tour and a
Michael Jackson
“Look-a-Like”
Contest.
East Houma Branch

Terrebonne Parish Library Book Discussions: Fall and Winter 2009

The Terrebonne Parish Library System hosts monthly book discussions at various branches. It's a great chance to come and share insights on interesting books.

The schedule for the remainder of 2009 shapes up like this:

Main Library--Thinking Out Loud

NOTE: All Thinking Out Loud discussion groups hosted by Jackie Jackson.

Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30 PM
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Tuesday, November 3rd, 6:30 PM
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Tuesday, December 1st, 6:30 PM
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows

East Branch Library--Second Thoughts

Saturday, October 24th, 11:00 AM
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Saturday, November 21st, 11:00 AM
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines

Saturday, December 19th, 11:00 AM
Marley & Me by John Grogan

Dularge Branch Library--Eager Readers

Monday, October 19th, 1:30 PM
The Killing Tree by Rachel Keener

Monday, November 9th, 1:30 PM
My Sisters by Ann Roth

Monday, December 7th, 1:30 PM
Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright

For more information, contact Adult Services Coordinator Lauren Ledet at
985-876-5158, ext. 234.

Project Recovery

The Terrebonne Parish Library System announces its partnership with LSU's School of Library and Information Science (LSU SLIS) for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program “Project Recovery.”

LSU SLIS was awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to recruit and educate 30 students for professional employment in southern Louisiana libraries. Students eligible and selected to participate will receive IMLS-funded scholarships to earn master’s degrees in librarianship focusing primarily on academic, public, and school libraries.

Following completion of their coursework, students will be required to find employment in an academic, public, or school library in Southern Louisiana affected by hurricane disasters. On September 23, at 1p.m., Dr. Robert Ward will provide an information session for individuals interested in taking part in Project Recovery. This session will take place in the DISTANCE EDUCATION CLASSROOM, located on the second floor of the Main Library at 151 Library Drive in Houma, near the Civic Center.

Dr. Ward will be available throughout the day beginning at 10am to talk with individuals one-on-one and answer any questions they may have. Contact Lauren Ledet at 876-5158, ext. 234 for more information.