Gulf Shores, Ala – May 14, 2012 – The Thomas B. Norton Public Library and Gulf Shores Museum are excited to announce their upcoming summer reading programs.

The summer fun begins as the Gulf Shores Museum hosts its first “Own the Night’ on June 7. This series of interactive programs will take you deep inside all of the nighttime wonders, including black holes, stars, constellations and more. Join the Gulf Shores Museum every Thursday at 2:00 PM and begin your adventure into the night with movies, activities and guest appearances. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by calling 251-968-1473.

On June 8, the Thomas B. Norton Public Library will introduce its summer reading program, “Dream Big-Read!”. “Dream Big-Read!” will be split into two sessions over the course of the summer. Session One will be held on Fridays throughout the month of June at 10:30 AM at the Activity Center in Gulf Shores. This first session will feature Charlie “The Noise Guy” Williams, drummer Mark Seymour, and Mr. Billy, a singer song rocker. Session One will begin on June 8.

Session Two of “Dream Big-Read!” will begin on July 5 at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library. This session will be held on Thursdays in July at 10:30 AM and will feature pajama parties, bedtime story times, movies and more.

The “Dream Big-Read” and “Own the Night” youth summer reading programs are sponsored by the Thomas B. Norton Public Library, the Friends of the Thomas B. Norton Public Library, and the Gulf Shores Museum.

For more information about each of these youth summer reading programs contact the Thomas B. Norton Public Library at 251-968-1176 or the Gulf Shores Museum at 251-968-1473.

Gulf Shores, Ala – April 19, 2012 - According to the Alabama Library Association (ALLA), the Gold Star Standards Achievement Award is a level that all Alabama public libraries should strive for, though notably, only few will achieve.

On April 26, the Thomas B. Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores will become the only statewide public library to receive the prestigious ALLA Gold Star Standards Achievement Award at the association's annual convention held at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.

The ALLA Gold Star Standards Achievement Award is awarded each year to libraries throughout the state that represent the "Alabama Public Library Standards" at an exemplary level. These standards are the guiding principles for all statewide public libraries and encompass facility, administrative, planning, budgetary, collection, public service and technology standards.

"The Thomas B. Norton Public Library is deeply honored to receive this award," said Wendy Congiardo, Thomas B. Norton's Managing Librarian. "To be recognized by the ALLA is a tribute to the enthusiasm and hard work of everyone on our staff and to the collaborative effort and support put forth by our entire city."

This year's award will mark the fourth time the Thomas B. Norton Public Library has been recognized by the ALLA. The library was the recipient of the association's highest honor, now known as the Blue Ribbon Award, in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

"That is the next goal on our horizon," Congiardo said. "Our staff has already begun working on our application for next year and we look forward to continuing the rich legacy of our library and improving each and every year."

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library is located at 221 W. 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores and is open six days a week.

(Orange Beach)

Friends of the library in Orange Beach are hosting a trivia event Friday March 2nd at Orange Beach Senior Center.

(Gulf Shores)

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores is offering a free website workshop on February 25th.

(Gulf Shores)

(Gulf Shores)

The weather cannot always be perfect on Pleasure Island, so when isn't here are a couple of things you can do to get through those few and far between cold days.

The first place we would like to mention is the Thomas B Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores.  The Gulf Shores Library is a full service library providing many events and activities for its customers.    The library also features 24 hour WIFI, even from the parking lot.  The libraries hour are:

Monday and Tuesday 10:00-8:00 / Wednesday-Friday 10:00-6:00 / Saturday 10:00-3:00.

Here is a review from Google Places:

Nationally recognized, excellent local library... Great little library in this coastal town! Wi-fi available 24hrs a day, even from the parking lot. They have a surprising collection of resources and are staffed by cheerful, friendly librarians who are always willing to help. Stop by on your next visit to the beach!

The library is located at: 221 W. 19th Ave., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 / (251) 968-1176 – (251) 968-1476 – (251) 968-1184 (Fax) ‎ gulfshoresal.gov.

Our next stop on a cold day would be The Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bars Virtual Golf Game.  Located next to the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf, Rafters has brought the thrill of golf indoors for those not so pleasant area golf days.  That's right, bring your own clubs in and play 18 with your buddies or just hit a few on the driving range.  Our Virtual Golf features over twenty known courses for you to choose from.  Rounds are $20 per hour for up to four people.  $5 a player is not bad.  Call 251-224-6900 for your tee time.

Here is a review from Urbanspoon:

It's cold out there
December 09, 2010 - Really likes it

Rafters is located at: 4725 Main St Ste 228-Orange Beach, AL 36561

If you can think of some good things to do on a cold Island day, let us know.