Read Kiddo Read

James Patterson has long been known for his books for adults.  He's a prolific and popular author.

Now, James Patterson has a website 'dedicated to making kids readers for life."  What started out as a project to encourage his child to read, is expanded now as a source for reading information for parents, teachers and librarians.

ReadKiddoRead provides information on good books grouped by ages. Books are suggested, a synopsis given, and other books with similar themes are listed.  Also included are reading guides, tips to encourage reading, and a section aimed at getting boys to read.

Happy Holidays

All libraries and bookmobiles will be closed on December 24-25 in observance of the Christmas holidays.  Libraries will reopen on Monday, December 28 with regular hours.

The 3/50 project.

Have you heard about the 3/50 project?  This is an effort to support local businesses.

The idea is to pick 3 local businesses, spend $50 a month at each, and help your local economy.  Not a bad idea!

See more information here: 

Computer Classes

A few more photos from our Basic Email computer class.

Classes end on December 10 and will resume in Union County in January. Check Library Events for a schedule.

Computer classes

Some members of Basic Email class at Bradford Co. Library.   Classes in Bradford end on December 10 and will resume in Union County in January.  Check Library Events for a schedule.

Picturing America

Now that Emily Taber Public Library has opened their new addition, they have a nice display space for new books. 

The first display is their Picturing America collection,  books that  reflect our American history and culture.

The libraries in Baker, Bradford and Union Counties are three of 4000 libraries across the United States selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association to receive free hardcover editions of 17 classic books as part of We the People Bookshelf grant program. The theme of this year’s bookshelf is Picturing America.   These books were chosen to further the study and understanding of American history and culture.

Some of the titles included are: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, The Birchbark House, The Captain’s Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe; Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez (in both English and Spanish), Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, Democracy in America , and 1776: The Illustrated Edition.

The collection is on display now at the library and all books are available for checkout.

What's your library worth to you?

How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?

There is an online calculator that will give you an estimate of how much money you are saving by using your public library, its materials and online services.

Enter the number of items that you check out—books, paperbacks, DVDs. The calculator will figure the retail cost that you would pay for this service. The cost is based on a statewide Florida average.

Also included is a cost estimate for programs that you or your family may attend, use of an online database, or use of a library computer.

In these difficult economic times, libraries are seeing increased use of their services as families have to scale back budgets.

So, borrow a DVD from the library and save $4.50. Borrow a book and save $15.00 over the cost of buying a hardback or paperback book. Attend a computer class, save $10.00. Ask for help in finding an answer to a question, save $7.00.

Calculate your own savings here: Savings Calculator

Grand Opening

After a long summer of construction, Emily Taber Public Library in Macclenny, opened its new addition to the public.  An FL State Legislature grant made this addition possilble.

We've been busy

We've finished compiling statistics for our past fiscal year (Oct 1, 2008-Sept 30, 2009) for the three counties (Baker, Bradford, Union) and bookmobiles in the Cooperative.

The libraries circulated 239,000 items, that's an increase of 1.5% over the previous year.  51,000 people used library computers during the same period.

We've been busy and we like it that way.

Children's Programs

Programs for preschool children will continue through December. Union County Library and Bradford County Library present programs for preschoolers and their grownups each week.

Programs at Union County are on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10am.  Programs at Bradford County are on Wednesday morning at 10am. Check the full schedule and program theme at: Library Events.

These programs are a great way to introduce children to the library, hear a good story, and share in activities selected just for preschoolers. It is also a good way for parents to network and meet others that have children the same age.

Computer classes

Basic computer classes for adults conclude in Union County this week with a class on Basic MSWord. Classes will resume in Union County in January.

Classes will start in Baker County at Emily Taber Public Library on October 28 and continue through November 18. You can register for basic skills classes at the library or online.

New this time are classes using Learning Express. Learning Express is a computer program to assist you in preparation for tests or refreshing job search skills. We're focusing on adults who would like assistance in brushing up on your job search skills--basic math, reading and writing. We'll help you get started.

We continue to offer assistance with e-government questions. If you have to fill out government forms online--such as DCF, unemployment or other government benefits, we'll help you get started.

Computer, Learning Express,and e-government assistance will be available at Bradford Co. Public Library in December.

Great Websites for Kids

The Association for Library Service to Children has made available their list of Great Websites for Kids.

In the midst of so many webpages, it is smart to be a good information consumer. These websites for children were evaluated by librarians using the following criteria:
~ Authorship/Sponsorship: Who Put up the Site?
~ Purpose: Every Site Has a Reason for Being There.
~ Design and Stability: A Great Site Has Personality and Strength of Character.
~ Content: A Great Site Shares Meaningful and Useful Content that Educates, Informs, or Entertains.

The full list of criteria is available here. These are good suggestions for evaluating any web site, whether for children or adults.

The web sites included are for children up to 14 years of age. The include topics such as dinosaurs, science experiments, computers, history sports and cultures of the world. Also included is a section for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

I've also added this to the library's section of finding information online.

Computer Classes for Adults

Basic computer classes for adults resume in October at Union Co. Public Library.

Classes for Emily Taber Library are planned for November and Bradford County for December. Check back for these schedules.

Check the schedule for October.

Florida Memory Project

Once again, the State Library and Archives of Florida have added a photographic exhibit to their webpage.

This photo collection, Roadside Attractions in Florida: Tourism and Spectacle before Disney is a treasure of photos from 'old' Florida tourism, as important to our state then as it is now. Included are photos of water attractions, animal attractions, and gardens, inlcuding Cypress Gardens, recently closed.

This exhibit joins many others from the State Library and Archives that are available to view online.

Florida Memory Project

Fire Prevention Week October 4-10, 2009

Stay Fire Smart!
Don’t Get Burned

Fire Prevention Week October 4-10, 2009

This year focuses on burn awareness and prevention.
Here are some tips to “Stay Fire Smart”. Share these safety tips with the your children.
*Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
*Always be careful when using things that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps and heaters.
*Hot things can hurt children. Remind them to stay away from hot things.
*Test the water before placing children in the tub.
*Treat a burn right away. Put it in cool water for 3-5 minutes. Cover with a clean , dry cloth.
*If the burn is bigger than your fist, or if you have any questions, get medical help right away.
*Keep things that can burn (potholders, towels, and paper) away from the stove.
*Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn.
*Turn off space heaters every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
*Never use an oven to heat the house.
*Children should tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters.
*Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
*Put out lit candles when you leave a room.
*Stay three feet away from burning candles.
*Check electrical cards to make sure they are not damaged.

.... National Fire Protection Association

Picturing America

September has several particularly American holidays: Labor Day, Patriot Day, and Constitution Day.

The Picturing America books reflect our American history and culture. In addition, the libraries have books on these September observances.

If you’d like to know more about Labor Day, there are several books to choose from. There was even a hurricane on Labor Day: Storm of the Century; the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.

Much has been written about the September 11 attacks. Closure, the Untold Story of the Ground Zero Recovery Mission and September 11 Terrorist
Attacks are just two of many.

To find out more about the U. S. Constitution take a look at Creation of the U.S. Constitution by Loreta Medina or Everything American Government Book by Nick Ragone. There is even a book about the ship named the U.S.S. Constitution by Jason Cooper.

We the people

On September 17, 1787, the U. S. Constitution was signed by 39 men. This document changed the course of history.

All schools accepting federal money are now required to include activities on the Constitution on this day. We can all use a review of the document.

Various other activities are planned on this day too. This website from the Constitution Center has information about the U.S. Constitution and planned events.

The libraries in Baker, Bradford and Union Counties are three of 4000
libraries across the United States selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association to receive free hardcover editions of 17 classic books as part of We the People Bookshelf grant program. The theme of this year’s bookshelf is Picturing America.
These books were chosen to further the study and understanding of American history and culture.

Some of the titles included are: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, The Birchbark House, The Captain’s Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe; Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez (in both English and Spanish), Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, Democracy in America , and 1776: The Illustrated Edition.

The collection is on display now at each library and all books are available for checkout.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month...

...or what's the most important card in your wallet?

Your library card opens doors...to books, online databases with reliable information, computers and contact with others...so many things.

September is the traditional start of a new school year. Parents and children are encouraged to sign-up for a library card. If you already have one, make sure it is up to date. Your library card is an important school supply.

Parents (or legal guardians) need to register for children. All you need is proof of current address.

Construction progress in Baker County

There is progress in construction at Emily Taber Public Library in Baker County.

The library will be closed on August 19-20-21-22 for construction. They will reopen on August 24.

Thank you for your patience.

Thriller

No, not Michael Jackson, but books that are ‘thrillers.’

This is a popular genre of fiction books (and movies and television) , whose plots include fast pacing, action and resourceful heroes who must thwart the bad guys.

The International Thrillwriters organization has awarded their 2009 best thriller award to Jeffrey Deaver for The Bodies Left Behind. In this book the detective and the witness to a murder learn that in order to survive and outwit the murderers as they are pursued through the Wisconsin woods, they must learn to trust each other. Readers of this genre will recognize that Jeffrey Deaver is well deserving of this award.

Other authors honored in previous years include Robert Harris, James Patterson, and Christopher Reich. You’ll find books by all of these authors in the library.

The thrillwriters have their own website, of course, and if you’d like more suggestions for books of this type, visit their website or ask library staff for recommendations.

Genealogy

This month take a look at HeritageQuest and AncestryLibraryEdition. Both will assist you in developing and adding to the genealogy of your family. On line images of census records are available as well as immigration and passenger lists, family histories, military records and newspapers and periodicals. Both are a rich source for genealogy information.

HeritageQuest is available from library computers and from your home computer. You will need your library card barcode information to log in from home.

AncestryLibraryEdition is only available from library computers. Remote access is not sold to libraries.

These online databases supplement our print collection in areas of special interest. These databases are updated frequently and contain reliable information...something to look for in these days of thousands of hits in Google searches.

If you'd like books to go with the online databases check the nonfiction 929 section.

Construction progress

Progress is being made in construction on the Emily Taber Public Library (Baker Co. ) expansion.

The library will be closed July 31, August 1, August 7 & 8 for construction.

Summer programs for children

Summer programs for children are coming to an end. There is still time to attend one or two. Check our schedule here for a list of programs remaining.

Emily Taber Library in Baker County has had to cancel their summer programs due to construction.

Summer library programs aim to keep children reading during the summer months so that children don't lose their reading proficiency.

Man on the moon

Long before Michael Jackson had a moonwalk, there was a scientific moonwalk.

As Americans we like to celebrate firsts and even numbered anniversaries. July 20, 2009 is the 40th anniversary of man's first walk on the moon.

NASA has an excellent web page that tells about the Apollo 11 mission as well as other moon missions and current space programs.

Your library has many books on the history of scientific exploration of space. Try searching for Apollo mission, space shuttle, space missions, space exploration (just to name a few subjects) in the online catalog.

You will see a list of both nonfiction and fiction books of these subjects. Take your pick: non fiction if you like the science and history of space exploration, or a fiction book if you like to read about what could be.

Hurricane season

Even thought we haven't had any weather emergencies so far this year, we still need to be prepared. It's hurricane season... time to brush up those disaster preparation plans.

There are online sites to help you prepare for natural disasters such as this one from the FL Department of Emergency Management. This site will help to make you aware of the need for a plan for your home or business, how to help children or those with disabilities.

The libraries also have books on hurricanes and disaster preparedness. Check the 551.55 non fiction section for hurricanes, and the 613.6 nonfiction section for emergency planning.

And take a look at historic photos from the Florida Memory Project provided by the State Library and Archives of Florida.

Batter Up!

Are you a baseball fan? Major league professional baseball is relatively new to Florida, though spring training has been a favorite Florida pastime for many years.

The Florida Memory project has a unique collection of photos of early and local Florida baseball teams on its website: Batter up! A Visual History of Baseball in Florida. There is even a photo of the 'Raiford Prison Team, 1939.' There are many photos on other subjects, too.

Of course, your library has books on baseball for children and adults. Check the 796.357 nonfiction section, or ask a library staff member for assistance.

Library Elf

Would you like to receive email reminders of books that are due? Sign up for a Library Elf account.

Visit www.LibraryElf.com and sign up for a Library Elf account. (Choose FL-New River Public Library Cooperative as your library) You will then be asked for your library card number and
PIN (obtain your PIN from the library.)

You can choose a schedule of reminders and Library Elf will email reminders to you. Parents can register children’s cards so you can keep track of everything checked out.

Library Elf is private. You control access to your account. This service is free to library users in Baker, Bradford and Union Counties.

Thanks to Target

Many of our children's programs are sponsored by Target this summer.

The Cooperative received a grant on behalf of the libraries for sponsoring performers for summer programs. You'll see their sponsorship on flyers about the programs and on our Library Events page.

Summer programs are designed for school age children. We want to keep children reading during the summer so their reading skills are maintained and they are ready to learn when school starts.

Construction updates.

Union County Public Library will be ready to open on July 1 at 11am.

View their library and construction blog:

Construction progress

Emily Taber Library is closed in and interior work is underway.

Braille and Talking Books

Braille and Talking Book Library Services provides reading materials for those having trouble reading print.

From their webpage: "If you or someone you know has trouble reading print because of an eye problem or reading disability, or has difficulty holding a book because of arthritis, a stroke, or an accident, the Braille and Talking Book Library can help keep you in touch with books."

Check out their website for further information and applications. The libraries also have applications.

Help with government forms

Do you need help with DCF and other government forms?

Learn to use the computer to file with DCF and other government agencies.

Bradford Co. Public Library

Tuesday, July 7 & July 21 or call 904-368-3911.

You can register online.

More construction updates

Progress at Emily Taber Library in Macclenny. The library will be closed on June 11-12-13 as the two buildings are joined.

Construction updates

Baker County

Progress in construction at Emily Taber Library in Macclenny.

The library will be closed on June 11-12-13. Construction workers will join the old and new buildings.

Union County

Union Co. Library will be closed from June 15 to July 1 as they prepare to move into their new building. Check their construction blog.

Health Information

A good source of health information is at Healthfinder.gov

This online resource provides quick access to reliable health information. It includes quick reference guides, personal health calculators, and links to articles.

Your library has many books on health and wellness. Check the 613 non-fiction section or ask a staff member for help.

Information for job seekers

The U.S. Department of Labor sponsors a website for job seekers. Whether you are new to the job market or seeking re-employment, this site will be of help.

It offers information on resumes and job interviews as well as information on different careers. There are also links to local WorkForce and Career centers.

Your library also has many books on resumes and job skills. Look in the 650 non-fiction section.

In addition look at the online service that the libraries subscribe to: Learning Express. Sign up for an account using your library card number and PIN (get your PIN from the library.) Learning Express contains information on brushing up your skills in math and writing.

National Spelling Bee

Spelling bees have become big news.

In recent years we've seen spelling bee finals in the national news and broadcast in prime time on TV. This is great recognition for students who excel in spelling and perhaps other academics.

Spelling bees have a long history in the United States, both in real life and in fiction. A popular movie Akeelah and the Bee as well as television episodes from Psych, Roseanne, and Southpark have included spelling bees.

The National Spelling Bee is held this year on May 27 and 28. There will be 293 spellers, the largest group ever. Most are 14-15 years old. It is an exciting time for participants and their parents and supporters.

Memorial Day

On Monday, May 25 we observe Memorial Day in the United States; a day to commemorate U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

Here's an interesting photo collection from the Florida Memory Project provided by the State Library and Archives of Florida.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

"Who done it?"

Mysteries are one of the most popular genres of fiction books that libraries lend. There are numerous mystery writers; one early writer of mysteries was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

May 22 is Sir Arthur's birthday. Born in 1859 in Scotland he produced a prodigious body of work and was most noted for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are generally considered a major innovation in the field of crime fiction. He was a prolific writer whose other works include science fiction stories, historical novels, plays and romances, poetry, and non-fiction. He died in 1930.

Many editions of Doyle's works have been published as well as many movies with Sherlock Holmes as the main character. Holmes first appeared in publication in 1887. Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess and astute observation to solve difficult cases.

Happy Birthday, Sir Arthur!

Construction updates

From Emily Taber Public Library in Baker County. Brick going on. Good color match for this historic building.


And Union County is making progress....paved parking lot and inside work moving along.
See their blog.

Children's Book Week 2009

May 11-17, 2009 is Children’s Book Week, and people across the country will be celebrating in schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes. The libraries encourage you to spend time reading with your child during this very special week.

Here are some ideas for celebrating Children’s Book Week at home.
· During dinner, each family member can share their current favorite book by naming the title, author and illustrator, and giving a brief description of the book and why it’s a favorite.
· Go to the library as a family and help each other pick out new books to bring home.
· After dinner, instead of watching television, read aloud from a book (or books) to each other.
If you haven’t been read to in a while, you’ll be surprised how much fun it is.

Parents, librarians, teachers, booksellers and anyone interested in good books for children have been celebrating Children’s Book Week since 1919.

The need for promoting good children’s literature was a collaborative
effort between the Boy Scouts, publishers and a librarian from the New York Public Library.

The goal of publisher Frederic Melcher in 1919 was to create a "Book Week (that) brings us together to talk about books and reading and, out of our knowledge and love of books, to put the cause of children's reading squarely before the whole community and, community by community, across the whole nation. For a great nation is a reading nation."

A worthy goal and still true today.

Swine Flu

Reliable information on H1N1 Flu (swine flu)

Thank you Florida!

Florida public libraries receive an appropriation from the State Legislature each year that is used to supplement local funding. Libraries all over the state use this money for books, programs and services for residents.

In this tough budget year, this State Aid to Libraries was in danger. Money was requested but at the last minute in negotiations it was decided not to allocate any money for libraries. This would have been difficult for libraries all over the state and disastrous for libraries in our three county area.

But the people of Florida responded positively. Citizens all over the state called, emailed and even visited state legislators and Governor Crist with the message that this 'zeroing out of library funds' should not happen. Library users told them how important libraries were to their lives.

After a weekend of back and forth negotiations between the Florida House and Florida Senate a resolution was reached. State funding is back in the budget. The legislators of Florida listened to its citizens.

Remaining is the final vote on the budget by the legislators this week, and signing of the budget by Governor Crist.

You did it Florida!

Building progress at Emily Taber Public Library

Progress on construction.

This will be a two story addition and also includes an elevator.

Summer programs for children

Preschool storytimes are over for the spring. There won't be any programs in May as libraries get ready for summer programs.

Libraries have planned programs for school age children that include stories, activities, performers, and of course, books.

Check with your library for a schedule or look at our online event page.

Large print

Whether you admit it or not, some of us need large print materials to enjoyably read a book.

According to Lighthouse International (a nonprofit which works to preserve vision and help people overcome challenges of vision loss) by the year 2010, twenty million people aged 45 and older will report some form of vision impairment.

Each library has a nice collection of large print books for adults. All genres of fiction are included and there is also non fiction.

The Cooperative received a grant on behalf of the libraries from the FL State Legislature for purchase of large print materials. You'll start to see more large print books in each library.

Library Events

We've added a new section to our main webpage that lists library events in the three counties. Included are programs for children, such as storytimes. Programs for adults, such as computer classes and book clubs, are also listed. You can register on line.

Library Events

National Library Week

It's National Library Week...April 12--18, 2009. We celebrate libraries and library workers in this important American institution.

Spring on over...

...to your library for books on spring, Easter, Passover, gardening, bunny rabbits and other good stuff.

Library construction in Baker County

Progress!

After 100 years as a courthouse and a library, Emily Taber Public Library is getting a much needed expansion and elevator.

Expected completion is by August 31.

Computer Classes

Basic computer classes start at Union County Public Library in April. Check the schedule.

Classes will start at Emily Taber Public Library in June and at Bradford County Public Library in August.

April is Poetry Month

Find a poem or borrow a book of poetry from the library. April is National Poetry Month.

Union County library construction

Check out Union County Public Library's construction blog.

Florida gardening

Last year about this time, I wrote about looking out the window and admiring the beautiful azaleas. The bushes are lovely again this year. Our area of Florida is certainly beautiful at this time of year.

Garden stores are busy selling flowering plants and vegetable plants. If you need help with planning your garden or advice on growing things, check the 635.9 non fiction section for books on gardening. Or look in the Florida section for books on gardening in Florida since our climate creates some unique growing problems.

Florida books

From north to south, our state is diverse. We have a large variety of books that reflect that diversity.

James Grippando has written a series of thrillers taking place in Miami with his continuing character, lawyer Jack Swyteck. Born to Run and Last Call are two recent titles.

Brit Montero is a continuing character in a series written by Edna Buchanan. Like the author, Brit is a journalist working (and sleuthing) in Miami. Two recent titles by this author are Love Kills and The Ice Maiden.

Carl Hiassen is a well known journalist and author who books have a humorous slant to very real Florida issues. He writes frequently on the environment and politics making his point with humor. Skinny Dip and Nature Girl are just two of his books.

If you like historical fiction set in Florida, try some cracker westerns.
Herb Chapman and Lee Gramling write books about Florida in the 1800s. The authentic historical details portray Florida homesteaders settling and trying to make a life in early Florida. Give Riders of the Palmetto Plains, Thunder of the St. Johns, and Wiregrass Country a try.

All of the books mentioned along with many others can be found in the Florida section.

March is Save Your Vision Month

The American Optometric Association sponsors Save Your Vision Month in March of each year.

They have a posted an excellent info sheet on Healthy Vision at the Computer, filled with things to be aware of as you work on your computer.

Another help for your vision are large print books. All libraries and bookmobiles have a selection of large print books for those who need this type of print. And even if you don't absolutely need large print, sometimes it is just nice to read in that format.

In the near future we will be purchasing additional large print materials thanks to a grant appropriated by the Florida State Legislature.

Read Across America

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”

What better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday than reading to a child? On March 2 (Dr. Seuss’s birthday), Random House and the National Education Association urge you to participate in Read Across and read to a child .

Why Celebrate Dr. Seuss?
Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love of children and learning. Also, his use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful. When we celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading, we send a clear message to America’s children that reading is fun and important. ....seussville.com

So have some fun. Pick out a good book and Read Across America.

Computer classes in April

Another series of basic computer classes for adults will be held in April. Here's the schedule.

How much is your library worth to you?

How much is your library worth to you? Use this handy online calculator to find out how much money you save by using the library.

This was developed for us by the State Library of Florida based on a similar calculator for the State of Maine. Costs used are statewide averages in 2007.

February is Library Lovers' Month

Who doesn’t love libraries? Research has shown that everyone loves libraries, but no one thinks about them very much. That's where you come in. You don't have to be an expert to promote your library. You just have to talk about it.

Here are some suggestions:

· Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper supporting libraries.

· Attend local government meetings or talk to local elected officials and make your support of libraries known.

· Do the same with elected officials at the state and national level.

· Talk about libraries to various groups that you belong to...service clubs, church groups, school organizations.

· Volunteer at your library.

· Make a donation of a book in memory of a loved one or in honor of an event.

· Donate a magazine subscription to the library. Libraries have wish lists of things they would like to provide but can’t afford.

· Become a member of the library’s Friends group.

· Use your library. We have so much to share.

Your library is a valuable community resource. Citizens love libraries and we love our library users too!

Computer classes

Union Co. Public Library and New River Public Library Cooperative have hosted a series of computer classes for adults. This is a photo of some of our evening class and instructor. We also have classes in the morning

We are working on another series of classes for April. Check back for a schedule.