The Hays Public Library has a treat for you at 2 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Gallery. Tallgrass Express will perform a variety of instrumentals, bluegrass, "cowboy" and early gospel music. The concert is free, and we want you to join us.

The Tallgrass Express Web site describes the group's music as "an assortment of traditional musical styles that are easy on the ears and appeals to all ages. Our repertoire is as broad as the cultural roots of Kansas. Genres include fast-driving old time and bluegrass favorites, beautiful ancient Celtic tunes, early American gospel hymns, beloved cowboy and Western standards, and early vintage country classics. We play both classic melodies as well as lesser-known tunes with old-time roots. Finally, we include our own original songs written in traditional style."

In historic Western dress, Tallgrass Express sings and plays a variety of instruments including fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, dobro and concertina.

Tallgrass Express String Band began in 2004.  

Sunday's concert will include brief stories on the background of songs, humorous observations on rural life today, and frequent references to the band's experiences with the land and culture of their home, the tallgrass prairie of the Kansas Flint Hills.

It's all delivered with a sparkle we hope shows how much they enjoy making and sharing music with others. The band's growing experience includes community festivals and concerts, historical events, organization dinners, parties, weddings and receptions, church programs, dances and at your library.

Boo Bash

Today from 2 to 4 p.m. come and go, in the children's department for ghostly stories, boo-tiful crafts and spooktacular treats. Sponsored by Tigers in Service at Fort Hays State University

Halloween party

The annual Halloween party for preschoolers will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the children's department. This is a come-and-go party where children can enjoy games, treats, prizes and storytelling.

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For more information on activities at your library this week, click on our Web site, www.hayspublib.org

Friends of the Hays Public Library

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

Fall story hours continue until Dec. 10. 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 -- 4 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays; 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Wii Game Day

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

After school movies

Relax and enjoy an after school movie at 4 p.m. Thursday in the children's department.

Special Moments Through the Ages

Fridays at 10 a.m., Foster Grandparents will share stories, crafts and snacks with preschool children using the circus as the theme. Children must register to attend; limit 20 participants.

Chess lessons

Children can learn to play or improve their chess game during lessons at 4 p.m. Fridays in the children's department. Randy Brull will be the instructor. Register to attend.

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 "Game Shows."

Gallery exhibit

The Kansas Interpretive Traveling Exhibit Services "What My Mother Did, I Did Too: Kansas Quilt Traditions" in framed photographs, in on display through Saturday. As part of the exhibit, us join Tuesday for the "Show and Tell Trunk Show" in the library gallery with Mary Krob.

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.

Kansas Room

A book display this month will feature ghost stories. There will also be displays on ghosts and UFOs in Kansas.

Mary Ann Thompson is the Kansas Room Librarian at the Hays Public Library.