The Shelby Community Library had an amazing turn out for our February Storytime. There was special guest, Dillon Krueger here with us signing his book Why We Stand. We enjoyed reading his book, making a fun patriotic craft, and playing a game. Dillon who is also an Army Vet was presented with a Quilt of Valor, in which some of the kids helped piece together. We would also like to give a big shout out to Stacy Stewart who helped make everything possible!!
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
3:45pm to 4:30pm
All the Gallant Men: The First Memoir by a USS Arizona Survivor by Donald Stratton
At 8:06 a.m. on December 7, 1941, Seaman First Class Donald Stratton was consumed by an inferno. A million pounds of explosives had detonated beneath his battle station aboard the USS Arizona, barely fifteen minutes into Japan’s surprise attack on American forces at Pearl Harbor. Near death and burned across two thirds of his body, Don, a nineteen-year-old Nebraskan who had been steeled by the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, summoned the will to haul himself hand over hand across a rope tethered to a neighboring vessel. Forty-five feet below, the harbor’s flaming, oil-slick water boiled with enemy bullets; all around him the world tore itself apart.
In this extraordinary never-before-told eyewitness account of the Pearl Harbor attack—the only memoir ever written by a survivor of the USS Arizona—ninety-five-year-old veteran Donald Stratton finally shares his unforgettable personal tale of bravery and survival on December 7, 1941, his harrowing recovery, and his inspiring determination to return to the fight. Stratton would sail back to the Pacific War in 1944, where he would participate in the invasion of Okinawa and other major battles.
There was around 50 kids and helpers who joined us dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The kids enjoyed listening to Mrs. Nielsen read stories about bats and making their own hanging bat or spider craft to take home and playing a game that involved candy!! They were able to try pumpkin cupcakes and pumpkin seeds along with each child being able to take a little pumpkin home with them!! 
We have the movie that the kids can’t wait to see!
We had a great turn out for our 6th Annual Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival. There was a total of about 300 trick or treaters!! Thank you to everyone who had a trunk and all the vendors who came out. Everyone had a spooktacular time!!
