Join library, Harley group for ride in the park Wednesday

In a Facebook video, the screen is filled with a sea of 20-something men and women cruising on sleek black motorbikes, all of them Harley-Davidson's Sportster Iron 883s. The video was part of a marketing campaign to generate buzz around the newest Sportster. You might see a Sportster in person Wednesday when the Hays Public Library children's department helps host its first ever Hog Night.

We will be joining a local Harley Owners Group for HOG night at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Frontier Park East, or as some know it, Swinging Bridge Park. Children will be able to have a ride if parents sign a release. We will also discuss motorcycle safety.

The Hays Public Library has dozens of books on motorcycles, and many of them are on Harley-Davidson hogs.

The Hog Night is part of a nationwide effort by Harley-Davidson to move beyond its aging baby-boomer base.

It's been a grueling few months for American companies, but particularly so for Harley-Davidson, purveyor of bikes that easily top $30,000. The company reported its fourth-quarter '08 global sales fell 13.1 percent, and last year its profits sank nearly 30 percent.

America's leading motorcycle manufacturer is enduring its bleakest period since the 1980s, when it nearly went bankrupt.

Harley-Davidson has been through a few cycles. It was founded in Milwaukee in 1903, and within a decade built itself into a global business. It survived the Great Depression by selling to police departments From 1992 to 2007, new bike sales soared from 278,000 to 1.1 million annually.

Come join the motorcycle fun Wednesday. To learn more about additional activities at the library this week go to the Web site, www.hayspublib.org.

Art walk

You are invited to tour the library gallery during Friday's art walk from 7 to 9 p.m. We will feature the artwork of Scott Lee.

Summer reading program prizes

Prizes for summer reading program in the library children's department include a Wii game console and four different sizes of bikes (12-inch, 16-inch, 20-inch and a 26-inch) Come read with us for a chance to win.

Red Cross blood drive

Join us for the blood drive in the library gallery from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.

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.

YA department

All programs are free and for anyone grades six through 12. For more information, call (785) 625-9014.

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.

Children's department

Summer story hours

Story hours will be in the children's department through July 30. Story hours

* 3- to 6-year-olds: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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

* Toddlers -- younger than age 2: 10:45 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

Parents need to select the day and time of the story hours they wish to enroll their children in. Enroll at the library or call (785) 625-5916. Limit of 25 per story hour.

County fair craft time

Enrollment will be limited to 20 per session. Enroll at the children's desk. Monday, join us for funny face rattle.

Book In A Bag

Enrollment is limited to 25 children. Enroll in the children's department or call (785) 625-5916. At 2 p.m. Tuesday, join us for "Barney Bear Pizza Shop."

Tuesday afternoons at the library

At 4 p.m., join us for a fun movie and a snack. You must register to attend. Limit of 25.

Youth bingo

Children will enjoy coming to the library to play bingo from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday. Prizes are given to the winner of each game.

Children's signing time

Join us at 10:45 a.m. Thursdays in June. Parents must attend with child. Register to attend.

Special events at 2 pm.

On Friday, join us for "Polka Dot Cafe" with Thad Beach.

Adult department

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 "Colorado."

Kansas Room

The book display in June features farm machinery. The display cases include farm photographs and farm machinery.

Norleen Knoll is the children's department librarian at the Hays Public Library.