What's in your wallet?

...a library card.

In these tough economic times, your public library card offers you free access to thousands of books, DVDs, audios, magazines and newspapers. You can viist your library for programs for children, computer classes for adults, reading, using the computers, and finding information.

Library staff are eager to help you find information or a good book. Your library card allows you access to books and information, free of charge to the user.

Public libraries are supported by taxpayers. Appropriations by County Commissions and the Florida State Legislature provide an operating budget for libraries. Library staff work hard to use public funds wisely and provide information for all to use.

Holiday closings

Libraries and bookmobiles will be closed on December 24 through Dec 28, 2008. Regular hours will resume on Monday, December 29.

Libraries and bookmobiles are also closed on January 1, 2009.

You can renew books online and online information is always available.

Popular magazines

Florida residents have a great deal of information available to them online. This is reliable, accurate information in the form of online databases from reputable vendors. Look at our web page to see what is available with your library card.

Another area for current information is popular magazines. Check the link on the main web page that says Popular Magazines. This will take you to a database of some popular magazines that contain full text articles.

Some print versions of the magazines may be available in the libraries. But no one or no library can afford or has room for everything. So we rely on sharing and online resources.

The popular magazine online resources are made available for Florida residents by the State Library of Florida.

It's been a busy year.

We've compiled our statistics for FY2008 (October 1- September 20, 2008) and the libraries have had a busy year.

Over 226,000 items were checked out to customers of the three libraries and two bookmobiles. It is good to see residents of the area reading and enjoying their libraries.

Library staff are busy answering questions and helping customers find information they need. Over 11,000 questions were answered.

Libraries offer free use of computers that access the Internet, for information, access to social services, and job seekers. Over 49,000 people used the library computers.

Libraries have long offered programs for children. Over 16,000 area children, preschool, elementary, and teens, visited the library for programs; hearing stories, puppet shows, music and other ways to bring to joy of reading to our children. Teens participated in programs too. Their favorite activity is probably online gaming tournaments sponsored by the libraries.

Yes, it's been a busy year and we like it that way. We're hoping next year will be even busier. Spread the word and help us make it so.

Christmas on a smaller budget

In these days of shrinking budgets and more care with our money, it is a good time to turn to your library for information on a simpler holiday season.

System wide there are over 1500 items with the subject Christmas. Items range from music, video, fiction for adults and children, and non fiction such as crafts you and your children can make.

Look for displays in the library on Christmas books or ask a staff member to help you locate what you are looking for.

Thanksgiving

Do you know Plimoth Plantation? And why is it spelled Plimoth and not Plymouth as we are familiar with?

Plimoth Plantation's web page is filled with interesting information, pictures and video on Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts. You can travel and visit this restored village to see what life was like for our early settlers, or go online for another rich web page filled with information.

And of course the libraries have many books on Thanksgiving, this unique American holiday. From cooking and baking, to crafts, history, and children's stories...there are over 250 books system wide on this topic. Look for a display in your library or ask any staff member for assistance.

Are you a numismatist?

Are you? A coin (or paper money) collector? We all collect money to save or spend, but numismatists collect coins and paper money as a hobby; for the beauty or rarity of the item.

An interesting web site that I came across is the American Numismatic Association. The actual money museum is in Colorado but their web site includes a virtual tour, a great deal of information on collecting, and information about the state quarters.

Libraries also have books on coin collecting. Look in the 737.4 nonfiction section for books to help you get started.

Card catalogs

Do you remember the card catalog in your school library? Many drawers full of 3 x 5 cards, alphabetized, provided a way to find a book.

Each book had a card alphabetized by the author's name and by the title of the book. Some books had cards alphabetized by the subject of the book too. Libraries and workers spent a great deal of time keeping this up to date.

Most libraries now have online catalogs...all that manual typing and filing have gone electronic and, to say the least, alphabetizing is much easier. We still spend time,of course, making sure the information is up-to-date and accurate.

I ran across this interesting webpage from Harvard University on the history of catalog cards. Libraries used to keep lists of books received in a ledger type book.

Catalog cards started out on the back of playing cards during the French Revolution. Harvard Library moved to slips of paper in the 1800s. Early in the 1900s, catalog cards came about. Late in the twentieth century many libraries moved to an online catalog and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, not only the way to find library books is online, but other information is available online through your library too. A way to fix your car through ChiltonOnline or accurate medical information through Infotrac is available to our library users.

Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles in France. . However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.

The observance of Veterans Day on November 11 preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
(Source: History of Veterans Day, www.va.gov

Online Resources

Some Florida online resources are gathered together in one spot for you.

These include MyFlorida website, a large gathering of many things on Florida government in one website; Vital Statistics, birth and death certificates; and Florida Department of Education. These are just a few...there are more.

Take a look.

Online catalog

We've been working on installing a spell check function in our online catalog. We had problems but it looks like it is fixed and working correctly.

This spell check will give you a suggestion for a misspelling or a typo. One word that my fingers get mixed up on is Florida. I want to type it Floirda.

Now if I do type incorrectly in the online catalog, spell check will ask: Do you mean Florida? When I click on that, the program will bring up a list of items on Florida, spelled correctly. No more...not found, perhaps this list will help. and a dead end.

Give it a try.

Online catalog

We're installing a spell check function for the online catalog. We're having a bit of a problem...you won't see any details about the items from the hit list.

The vendor and our IT contractor are working on resolving the problem.

If you have questions about an item or need help in locating it, ask library staff.

Staff Development Day

All libraries were closed to the public on Monday, October 13. We had a staff development day system wide.

We gathered at Bradford Library so we could take advantage of their new facility. 26 staff members participated in sessions on online information, customer service, stress in the workplace and learning new technologies.

Another reminder

October 6 is the last day in Florida to register to vote for the general election in November.

A few reminders...

As the school year starts, a few reminders about the online information that your library provides that are helpful to child and adult learners.

Infotrac includes millions of articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals on almost any topic you can think of. It is updated daily. Most articles are full text. It's easy to search and you can read online, print or email the article.

Learning Express is a "comprehensive, interactive online collection of practice tests and tutorial course series designed to help patrons—students and adult learners—succeed on the academic or licensing tests they must pass. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results."

In the library just click on the link to go to these resources. From home you will need your library card barcode number.

The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress webpage has many nifty online exhibits on many topics, just one of which is on our Hispanic Heritage.

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month During this time we acknowledge Hispanic Americans who have enriched our country.

From their webpage: "The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society."

The exhibits includes audio, video and many interactive pages that give you an overview of the interaction between Hispanic Americans, early European exploration and the United States.

Another interesting section of the Library of Congress page is the Veteran's History Project . This project relies on volunteers to collect and preserve stories of wartime service.

And take a look at the American Memory Project which includes a vast collection of information on all aspects of American history. There is something for everyone here.

Viewing these online exhibits is a great way to experience some of the richness of the vast collections held by our national museums.

Register to vote

October 6 is the last day to register to vote in Florida for the general election in November.

You can register to vote online or at your local Supervisor of Elections office. Here's a link to all things on registering in Florida.

Fact Check

As we head toward election day in November, you might like to check the facts about each candidate. A good place to do that is Factcheck.org

Their web sites states that 'We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. We monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases."

Fact check is part of the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center. Their web page states that "The APPC accepts NO funding from business corporations, labor unions, political parties, lobbying organizations or individuals. It is funded primarily by the Annenberg Foundation."

September is library card sign up month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and we want to make sure that your child has smartest card of all – a library card.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

A library card has always been the most important school supply of all. Kids can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also check out DVDs and use the Internet .

A recent study by the American Library Association also showed that families use libraries to spend time together. Forty-four percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason.

Florida weather

We are all interested in the weather...especially at this time of year and after we've just come through Tropical Storm Fay. Weather Information from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) is a good source of up-to-date weather information.

Florida Division of Emergency Management is another good source of emergency information and includes information on current conditions and preparing a plan for emergencies and disasters of all types.

Do you know Bulwer-Lytton?

It was a dark and stormy night....

These words start the book Paul Clifford (1830) by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton. Today would be writers compete to write the most awful first sentence in the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest.

The contest is run by the English department of San Jose State University. Entries are judged and the winner receives his 15 minutes of fame.

Take a look at some of the entries and winners..makes you appreciate all the good books that libraries have.

Olympics 2008

On this most auspicious day in Chinese culture (8/8/08), the 2008 Summer Olympics began.

There is much discussion and interest about the games...political discussion about China and interest in the athletes.

Here's the International Olympic website: http://www.olympic.org/ and the website of the Beijing Games.

If you like to read about the Olympics, the libraries have many books and videos on the games, the history of the Olympics, and biographies about Olympic athletes. Sports Illustrated magazine is also another good place to read about Olympic events.

Look in the sports section--nonfiction 796, or ask library staff to help you.

Onlline catalog

The library online catalog now has the enriched content to enhance the library catalog. You will see book cover images and book summaries and reviews for many library items. This enriched content should help you in selecting and finding library items that you need.

Take a look...we're excited about it.

New Look for the Online Catalog

We've changed our look....the online catalog has recently been upgraded for a new look and more information about library materials.

At this point we are almost done...still a few things to tweak. Soon you should be seeing book cover pictures, summaries and more information about each item.

Searching online for a book is very much the same. And you can still place a request for a book online or renew books online in the My Account area.

Thanks to the Florida State Legislature for a CLIC (Community Libraries in Caring) grant that paid for this upgrade to a more sophisticated library online catalog which we feel will improve your library experience.

Alligators in the Backyard

A new online photographic exhibit titled Alligators in the Backyard was added to the Florida Memory Project Web site.


'Gators' are a Florida icon; from team mascot to tourist attraction we are fascinated by the animal with which we share our state.

This online photo exhibit shows pictures of alligators as they are hunted, in nature, and as we see them as tourists and in popular culture.


A few of the photos show Ross Allen and alligators at Silver Springs. There is even a photo of an alligator climbing a stairway. There are many more photos on various alligator topics.

The Florida Memory Project documents events in Florida's history using photographs and original documents. It is part of the State Library and Archives of Florida.

More July 4

Here's a link from the Library of Congress web page to a fragment of Thomas Jefferson's first draft of the Declaration of Independence.

We know bits of the Declaration of Independence-- 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness' but here's link to hearing the entire Declaration read by broadcasters of NPR's Morning Edition news program. They've been reading this for many years...it's very moving, and takes about nine minutes to listen to.

U.S. History.org is another good site for history related information and includes information of versions and revisions on the Declaration before the final draft.

July 4

Celebrate!

July 4, or Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.

The Revolutionary War was fought to cement this declaration. Led by George Washington, the war against the British went on until 1783.

In the United States, July 4 is a federal holiday. Americans celebrate our nation's birthday with parades, picnics, fireworks and patriotic displays.

Books on the history of the United States can be found in the 973 non-fiction section.

Flag Day

We pledge allegiance to the flag...did you know that June 14 is Flag Day in the United States? The Second Continental Congress adopted the flag of the U.S. on this day in 1777.

President Woodrow Wilson officially established June 14 as Flag day in 1916 by proclamation. In 1949 Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

The National Flag Day Foundation works to make known the history of our flag.

Medical information online

You'll see a new online information source on the New River webpage: Magill's Medical Guide. This guide provides authoritative up-to-date information on a wide variety of medical issues. You can read the entire article on line or print it. From home, login with your public library barcode number.

Summer Library Programs

The libraries are busy getting ready for summer programs. Each has a great schedule of programs of interest to children and teens to keep them reading during the summer. Books, stories, activities and performers are planned. Check the schedule on our webpage or pick up a copy at the library.

Programs start in June and continue through July. Dates and times vary at each library.

Studies show that children who participate in summer library programs increase their vocabulary and reading comprehension scores. We want to keep children reading so they don’t lose their reading proficiency while on summer vacation.

And of course, we want children to enjoy summer library programs and reading.

Power Search

The libraries subscribe to many online databases...information from magazines, newspapers, general reference books,and health information (just to name a few) that are available to you through the library. By subscribing to this online information (this is a statewide subscription provided to Florida libraries by the State Library of Florida) you have access to many more magazines and newspapers that we could possible have in the library.

There is a new search box on the library webpage...PowerSearchIt. By putting in your search term in the PowerSearch box, you will automatically be linked to the online information and a list of results. Click on the result title that you are interested in and you can see your magazine article. You can read it online or print it out.

Magazines and newspapers provide the most current information; information in print long before a book comes out. This online information is updated each night.

If you are searching from home, put in your public library card number.

National Reading Ambassador

Did you know that we have a national Reading Ambassador?

Jon Scieszka, children's book author, was named ambassador earlier this year. The press release says (in part):
"Scieszka, the writer of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs and the Caldecott Honor-winning The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, will use his two-year term to promote reading and to reach out to reluctant readers through the media, personal appearances, and project development."

In addition to his work as an author and ambassador for reading, Jon Scieszka has developed a webpage for reluctant boy readers called Guys Read. Mr. Scieszka says “I’m speaking to that knucklehead in the back of the classroom, because that knucklehead was me.”

Summer programs at the library

Libraries locally and across the state are gearing up for summer programs at the library. The goal is to keep children reading during the summer so that they maintain their reading skills while school is not in session.

Reading is like learning to play the piano...children get better with practice.

Library staff will be visiting schools to tell children about programs and distribute schedules. Schedules will also be available at the libraries and online.

Anne is 100 years old.

Anne of Green Gables is 100 years old. The first Anne Shirley books were published in June 1908.

Many generations of readers have read the Anne of Green Gables books, and millions more have seen films and television movies of Anne's adventures.

L. M. Montgomery (Lucy Maud) was a prolific writer. In spite of problems with her health and her husband's health she wrote eight Anne stories. She also wrote a total 16 more novels, and over 500 short stories and poems.

Anne Shirley is L. M. Montgomery's best known work and she would live to see her books and character become an international sensation. The author died in 1942. The books have been translated in 36 languages.

Anne gets into 'scrapes' as Marilla would say. The books tell of Anne's life and adventures on Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest province. Through the series of books we can follow Anne's life.

Many visitors go to Prince Edward Island each year visiting this fictional character's home.

The books and videos are available at your library.

Earth Day

I missed the actual day...April 22 was Earth Day...but you can observe this day everyday.

Books about the earth, ecology and the environment are in various places in the non- fiction section of the library depending on the emphasis of the book. Do a subject search in the online catalog for earth, ecology or environment to find books on this topic.

Another place to look is in the gardening section..635.9.

Nationwide Arbor Day is Friday, April 25. In Florida we observed Arbor Day, a day to plant a tree, in January.

As always, library staff will be happy to assist you.

For Reading Out Loud

The new audio books for children that the libraries were able to purchase (with a grant from the State Legislature and local Rotary clubs) are available at your library. More have been ordered and will be on the shelf soon.

The audio books are a way for children to listen to a story read aloud. Of course, the best way is to read in person to your children. By reading aloud with your children and encouraging them to read on their own, you are helping them become better readers and listeners, and better students.

It's never to early or too late to start reading aloud.

National Library Week

National Library Week

Of course we're excited...it's National Library Week, a time to celebrate libraries.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate. This year (2008) National Library Week is April 13-19.

We can celebrate our libraries year 'round though, just by using its resources and spreading the good word about your library.

For Reading Out Loud

Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to help them discover the joy of reading. It's never too early or too late to start.

The grant and donations that the Cooperative received on behalf of the libraries is for purchase of audio books for children.

It's not exactly the same as reading aloud in person but there are enough similarities to make this form of reading aloud beneficial to children.

Check out the new audio books we've purchased.

For Reading Out Loud

Another donation--thanks to Rotary Club of Baker County for their donation to Emily Taber Public Library. This donation supplements the CLIC grant that the Cooperative received on behalf of the libraries.

If you haven't seen them already, look for the displays of new audio books for children in your library.

April Fools' Day

April 1st: This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three-hundred and sixty-four." — Mark Twain

April 1--a day for silly jokes. It's not really a holiday. The history and origin of the day are nebulous.

Many examples of jokes and pranks can be found, such as the time that Taco Bell 'bought' the Liberty Bell and renamed it the Taco Liberty Bell. April Fool!

For Reading Out Loud

"The single most important activity for building knowledge for their eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." from Becoming a Nation of Readers, a 1985 report by the Commission on Reading.

This is still true 23 years later. The best way for reading aloud to children is a parent reading to a child.

The Cooperative has received, on behalf of the libraries a grant funded by the Florida State Legislature for 2008. For Reading Out Loud will purchase audio materials for children in the three counties.

This grant program, Community Libraries in Caring,(CLIC), will allow the libraries to purchase additional audio materials for children. If you haven't already seen a display in the libraries of these new audio materials, you will soon.

While audiobooks are not the exact same thing as reading aloud in person, there are enough similarities to make this an adjunct to in-person reading aloud.

And we've partnered with the Rotary Clubs in each county. Each Rotary club donated additional money to supplement the grant award for each county. March was Literacy Month in Rotary and literacy is a special project of Rotary clubs worldwide.

A big thank you to local Rotary clubs and the Florida State Legislature.

So much info

Florida Online Resources

U.S. Government Online Resources

Ask A Librarian

Florida Electronic Library

Heritage Quest

Ancestry Library Edition

Infotrac

Librarians' Index to the Internet

NetLibrary

Learning Express

Price It

Chilton Automotive

Arthur C. Clarke

A well known writer has died. Arthur C. Clarke died on March 19, 2008 at his home in Sri Lanka.

Arthur C. Clarke was a man of many accomplishments, but is probably best remembered as a writer. He wrote many science fiction novels; his best known is 2001: A Space Odyssey. Many will remember this as a movie.

Libraries find that Sir Arthur C. Clarke's books are perennially popular. You'll find them in the fiction section.

Pi Day

Do you remember your high school math? Can you recite Pi to 5 digits past the decimal point? 10 digits? More?

Pi represents the relationship between a circle's diameter and its circumference. Pi = 3.14159 and on and on. Computer programs have calculated Pi to over a trillion digits past the decimal point.

Since Pi=3.14, March (the third month) 14, is celebrated by math fans as Pi day.
March 14 equals 3/14 equals 3.14

Celebrating Pi Day is a fun way to remember this math concept. Have a piece of pie, or pizza pie, or a pi-neapple!

March

As I look out of my office window, I can see a beautiful pink azalea in bloom. At home I have many azaleas and a dogwood tree, and camellias are still in flower. As you drive around the area, spring is everywhere, in the lovely plants in bloom.

In our area of north Florida, it seems as though it is spring even though it is not 'officially' spring on the calendar. That official first day of spring is March 20.

March is a month of many happenings....daylight savings time starts on March 9 and St. Patrick's Day, when almost everyone is Irish enough to wear green, comes around on March 17.

Do you remember the Ides of March? It is the that day Julius Caesar was assassinated and recalled from the reading of that play in high school. Beware the Ides of March!

And of course, Easter, this year on March 23. Easter is a movable feast, observed on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the day of the vernal equinox (the first day of Spring.)

Your library has many books on spring holidays and occasions for children and adults. Just ask library staff for help in finding some.

Read Across America

Read Across America Day is Monday, March 3, 2008. From the NEA (National Education Association) website:

(Read Across America) was orignally a one-day event to celebrate the joy of reading, NEA's Read Across America, sponsored by the National Education Association, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., and more than 50 national sponsors including the National Football League Players Association, has grown into the nation's largest reading celebration.

Read Across America culminates each year on March 2—the birthday of beloved children's author Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. The program provides children with motivation to read and delivers an important message: Kids who read—and are read to—do better in school and in life. Read Across America calls on every community to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday through reading motivation and awareness. The literacy program also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on their calendar 365 days a year.

It's a day to notice, but we hope you don't need a special day to read to your child...read every day!

Digital television

We don't want to encourage you to watch too much television and not read books and visit your library, but we are in the business of providing information. So in that spirit, this is something your need to know.

Here's a link to DTVAnanswers.com, a website providing information on the coming transition to digital television:

"DTVAnswers.com is the official Web site of the National Association of Broadcasters' digital television (DTV) transition campaign. Launched in January 2007, the DTV campaign’s mission is to ensure that no consumer is left unprepared, due to lack of information, for the February 17, 2009 federally mandated transition from analog to digital broadcasting for all full-power television stations."

E-Government

What is it?

It's a word libraries and others use to describe how the public might interact with government, whether local, state, or the federal government.

Some interaction can only be done online. Some things can be done both online or in person, which ever is more convenient. For instance, in some counties you can renew your automobile registration online.

We have a link to some Florida government resources and Federal government resources that may be of use to you.

There are many more. Library staff will be happy to assist you in finding them.

Children's programs at the library.

Read me a story!

Children often ask that of parents and caregivers. And that's exactly what libraries do.

Libraries are now starting their spring schedule of programs for children. You can check the schedule here.

Storytimes are a good way to share books and reading with children. The libraries have thousands of books especially for children who cannot read on their own. Reading together is a time to snuggle with your child and start them on the road to independent reading.

Library staff will be happy to assist you in finding age appropriate books for your children.

Voting

Here's a link for information about voting in Florida:

VoteSmartFlorida "a non-partisan website dedicated to providing Florida voters unbiased, factual information on proposed constitutional amendments and voter resources, including:
Early Voting Locations
Sample Ballot
1-Page Overview of Amendment #1
2008 Voter Guide to the Property Tax Amendment
A List of Local Property Appraisers"

Computer classes

Do you or someone you know need help in learning to use your computer? Or do you want to be able to use the library computers better? We can help.

Each year Union Co. Public Library and New River Public Library Cooperative offer a series of basic computer classes. Classes will start on Tuesday, January 29. We're offering classes on Tuesday morning and evening.

Each class lasts about two hours and is taught by one of our staff. Instructors are experienced computer users and teachers. Past classes have been positively evaluated by students taking the class.

Classes are for students 14 years and older and are open to residents of Baker, Bradford and Union Counties. We offer Basic Computer, Basic Internet, Basic Email, and Basic Word. There will be one class of Basic Excel.

You can look at the full schedule here.

Classes are small, usually only one student to a computer. There is time for hands-on practice. There is no charge for classes. Several years ago we were able to purchase the equipment we use with a federal grant.

Class size is limited so call to reserve your space. 386-496-3432.

Arbor Day in Florida

I remember my fourth grade teacher telling the class about Arbor Day. That was in the north so Arbor Day is later in the year there. But in Florida, Arbor Day is January 18 this year, the third Friday in January.

It's time to plant a tree. Arbor Day is a day that celebrates trees and their care. The Arbor Day Foundation says it "inspires people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees."

So, it's time to plant a tree to replace those lost in the fires last year, or to help mitigate the effects of global warming. Trees provide shade and color; they are just beautiful to look at.

The libraries have many books on gardening and trees. Look in the nonfiction section 635.9 for books on gardening, and in the 582 section for books on trees. Library staff will be happy to help you.

Fix your car

Calling all mechanics...or anyone who wants to fix their vehicle...the libraries have subscribed to an online information site that you can access from the library or from your home computer...Chilton Automotive.

Those familiar with the large volumes that contain diagrams and instructions for fixing cars and trucks will be happy to see this information easily available online.

The site is easy to use...enter the year, make and model of your vehicle and you'll get a list of items on car maintenance, technical bulletins, and repair information. Directions are easy to use and diagrams are included. You can print out the pertinent information to take with you to your vehicle.

Chilton joins other online information sites such as PriceIt (for antinques and collectibles) and Learning Express (online test tutors and courses), available in the library or from your home computer with your library card.