Wednesday, May 21, 2008

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.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

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.”

Thursday, May 8, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

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.