Do you enjoy reading mysteries? It seems that many favorite mystery writers have recently retired or gone on to that great writing room in the sky. If your favorite mystery writer is no longer cranking out a new book a year or more, please consider visiting the mystery book section at your Hays Public Library.

Best-selling crime writer Dick Francis, who drew on his experience as a successful steeplechase jockey for his racing thrillers, died last month at the age of 89. He was a favorite of Hays Public Library Director Melanie Miller. She has read all of his books.

Francis was a champion jockey and rode more than 350 winners before injury forced him to take up the pen.

He first wrote for a national newspaper as a racing correspondent and then produced more than 40 novels, many of them international bestsellers.

Racing pundits said Francis would be remembered for riding the Queen Mother's horse Devon Loch when it inexplicably belly-flopped when close to winning Britain's most prestigious race, the Grand National, in 1956.

Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, a keen horseracing fan, was among the most avid readers of his novels, always receiving the first edition.

Francis, the son of a stable manager and born in Wales, left school at the age of 15. He served with the Royal Air Force during World War II as a pilot.

His award-winning books, packed with mystery and intrigue, with the racing world invariably used as a background, included "Dead Cert," "In the Frame" and "To the Hilt." These and others are available at the Hays Public Library. Stop in this week and enjoy one. For additional details on activities available at your the Public Library, please go to our Web site www.hayspublib.org.

Friends of the Hays Public Library

Bookstore

Books, Etc, the bookstore of the Friends of the Hays Public Library, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Members of the Friends continue to receive a 10-percent discount on all book purchases from the store.

Children's department

Story hours

Parents can enroll their children in one of the following sessions by calling the library at (785) 625-5916. The schedule is as follows:

* 3- to 6-year-olds: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 7 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

* 2-year-olds: 10:45 to 11:05 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 7 to 7:20 p.m. Tuesdays.

* Toddlers -- under the age of 2: 10:45 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

* All ages -- 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Student Art Show

The 22nd annual Student Art Show is on display this month. A variety of artwork from the elementary and middle schools in Hays can be viewed by coming to the children's department during library hours.

Spring break craft bash

Each day during spring break, we will have a special craft time at 2 p.m. Please register in the children's department or call (785) 625-5916.

* Monday -- leprechaun magnet

* Tuesday -- leprechaun handprint

* Wednesday -- leprechaun bucket

* Thursday -- jointed bunny

* Friday -- carrot tree holder

Wii Game Days

At 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, come and show off your Wii skills.

Special Moments Through the Ages

Fridays at 10 a.m. Children must register to attend; limit 20 participants.

Adult department

Adult computer classes

Free classes to help you learn and have fun from 10am to 11a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Please sign up in advance. Call (785) 625-9014

Gallery exhibit

Artwork by Hays High students is on display through March 28.

Ellis County Herb Study Group

Please join us at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the library gallery to discuss roses.

Feed and Film

The films begin at 12:05 p.m. Wednesdays in the library's main floor gallery. They last about an hour. Bring your lunch and a cup -- coffee is provided. This week, join us for "Maasailand Epilogue."

YA department

Weekly programs

All start at 3:30 p.m.

* Mondays -- STAGE Drama Club, board games and snacks.

* PS2 and Wii Tuesdays.

* Wavering Wednesdays -- something different each week.

* Make and Take Thursdays -- crafts and more.

* Friday -- movies and snacks.

Kansas Room

This month, we are celebrating March Madness with basketball in Kansas for the book display and the display cases will feature similar items along with items on James Naismith.

Eric Norris is the adult department librarian at the Hays Public Library.