A library card is a standard item in the household of Elizabeth Childers, a West End single mother.

On Friday, Childers and her children, LaShay Hunley, 10, and Nico Childers, 12, visited the West End branch to borrow books, videos, DVDs, music CDs, novels, and comic books.

"If we had bought the same items in a store, we would have spent $875.33," Childers said. "I urge all my friends to get your library card."

Becky Shea, the library's juvenile collection development coordinator, said a library card offers an opportunity to expand your world without cost.

They give and give

Blood donors from across the Tristate received recognition from the Hoxworth Blood Center for donating 10 gallons or more.

Twenty-seven donors reached the 10-gallon mark, and some have donated a lot more. Reaching milestones during the first half of October:

Joe Smith of Florence was at the top of the list with 32 gallons. Smith was followed by Timothy M. Young, Batavia; Richard C. Tomkins, Anderson Township and Dan L. Snyder, West Chester with 22 gallons each. Others included: Morris Walsh, Greenhills and Richard C. Dale, Mount Washington, 19; John T. Gallenstein, Harrison, 18; Marie M. Matsunami, Price Hill, 17, and Robert J. Wilkins, Sharonville, 16.

Michael J. Zultoski, Mount Lookout; James M Salamon and William H. Miller, both of Loveland, have donated 15 gallons each.

Bruce A. Kattine, Georgetown, and Paul G. Gentrup, Rising Sun, have donated 14; Larry D. Henry, Blue Ash, and Robert H. Heinecke, West Chester, 13.

Four donors have reached 12 gallons: Francis H. Potts, Evendale; Robert S. Pollitt, Amelia; Jerry W. Johnson, Union Township, Clermont County, and Gregory A. Agricola, Springfield Township.

Ten-gallon donors were: Susan U. Sommers, Elsmere; Pamela J. Schoettker, Hyde Park; David A. Mains, Alexandria; Jolinda S. Maginn, Price Hill; Timothy B. Daugherty and Rebecca L. Senske, both of Northside, and Stephen C. Clevenger, Dillsboro, Ind.

To donate, call 451-0910.

Academic all-stars

D.C. forum attendee

Elizabeth Selmeyer, of Monfort Heights, a student at Colerain High School, attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Washington, D.C., this summer. She was chosen on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential and interest in medicine.

The career development program exposes students to concepts in public health, medical ethics, research and general practice and medical facilities and clinics.

Athlete and scholar

Nicholas Larsen, a fourth-year economics/accounting student, was named to the second semester dean's list at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass. He is captain of the Holy Cross football team and was awarded a Dana Scholarship.

The St. Xavier High School graduate is the son of Linda Larsen of Delhi Township and Dan Larsen of Montgomery.

To submit an item, call 755-4165.

Our kids

At age 11, Jonathan Miron has toured most of Europe and studied under some of the world's leading violinists.

He will be among the talented youth chosen to perform at the Cincinnati From the Top show, recording here Nov. 11.

Jonathan is a soloist with the Starling Chamber Orchestra. Earlier this year, he toured Europe with the orchestra, performing solos in Munich, Germany; Vienna, Austria; and St. Petersburg, Russia. He was born in Taiwan. He took up violin at age 4 when the family lived in Singapore. He studied under Russian violinist Alexander Souptel, leader of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Jonathan also studied under Kurt Sassmannshaus, chair of the College-Conservatory of Music Strings Department.

Jonathan is the son of Steven and Achong Miron, Hyde Park.