New blog site

See our new blog site and web site at http://www.newriver.lib.fl.us/category/a-library-minute/

Did you know?

Americans go to school, public, and academic libraries nearly three times more often than they go to the movies.

Internet safety

The Internet provides wonderful opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment, but it also comes with some hazards.

• Keep you personal information to yourself.  Don't share your name, phone number or address.  Make your social networking pages private.  Be cautious when sharing your email address. 
• Don't meet anyone in person.  
• Don't respond to rude or offensive messages. 
• Be careful about pictures or videos clips that you post. 
• Parents--provide guidance and talk to your kids about internet responsibility and safety. 

How does your child hear and talk?

          Every child is unique and has an individual rate of  development. This chart represents, on average, the age by which most children will accomplish the listed skills.              

 3 to 4 years

Hearing and Understanding:

¨ Hears you when you call from another room.

¨ Hears television or radio at the same loudness level as other family members.

¨ Understands simple who, what, where, why questions.

Talking:

¨ Talks about activities at school or at friends’ homes.

¨ People outside family usually understand child’s speech.

¨ Uses a lot of sentences that have 4 or more words.

¨ Usually talks easily without repeating syllables or words.

4 to 5 years

Hearing and Understanding:

¨ Pays attention to a short story and answers simple questions about it.

¨ Hears and understands most of what is said at home and in school.

Talking:

¨ Voice sounds clear, like other children’s.

¨ Uses sentences that give lots of details.

¨ Tells stories that stick to the topic.

¨ Communicates easily with other children and adults.

¨ Says most sounds correctly except a few, like l, s, r, v, z, sc, sh, th.

¨ Uses the same grammar as rest of family. 

  Children typically don’t master all items in a category until they reach the upper age in each range. If your child hasn’t accomplished one skill within the age range, this doesn’t mean she has a disorder. However, if you have answered no to the majority of items in an age range, seek the advice of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Information provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Computer Classes

Basic computer classes for adults are available at  Bradford County in November/December.   Classes in January will be held in Union County.

Starting on Monday, November 29 basic computer classes are offered.  Both morning and evening classes are available.

Classes are basic, hands on and designed for adults with little or no computer experience. Registration is required and seating is limited.

We've also added a two part  basic Excel class on Monday evenings. Students in the Excel class should have some computer experience.  Registration is required.

Ask your library for a schedule or see a full schedule  and register online at www.newriver.lib.fl.us

Did you know?

62% of adults in the U.S. have public library cards.

How does your child hear and talk?

  Every child is unique and has an individual rate of development. This chart represents, on average, the age by which most children will accomplish the listed skills.

1 to 2 years

Hearing and Understanding:

¨ Points to a few body parts when asked.

¨ Follows simple commands and understands questions (“Roll the ball,” “Kiss the baby,” “Where’s your shoe?”).

¨ Listens to simple stories, songs, and rhymes.

¨ Points to pictures in a book when named.

Talking:

¨ Says more words every month.

¨ Uses some 1-2-word questions (“Where Kitty?” “Go bye-bye?” What’s that?”).

¨ Puts 2 words together (“more cookie,” “no juice,” “mommy book”).

¨ Uses many different consonant sounds of the beginnings of words.

2 to 3 years

Hearing and Understanding:

¨ Understands differences in meaning (“go-stop,” “in-on,” “big-Little,” “up-down”).

¨ Follows two request (Get the book and put it on the table”).

Talking:

¨ Has a word for almost everything.

¨ Uses 2-3-word “sentences” to talk about and ask for things.

¨ Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time.

¨ Often asks for or directs attention to objects by naming them.

  Children typically don’t master all items in a category until they reach the upper age in each range.

Information provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Giving Children Access to Print Materials Improves Reading Performance

   Studies show that children's book lending and ownership programs have a  have positive behavioral, educational, and psychological outcomes.

   Access to print materials:

· Improves children's reading performance

· Proves instrumental in helping children learn the basics of reading

· Causes children to read more and for longer lengths of time

· Produces improved attitudes toward reading and learning among children.

   Borrow books from your library. Books and magazine subscriptions are good holiday and birthday presents.

...From Reading is Fundamental

We the People

23 new items:  the libraries have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association. 

Included are books for children to adults on 'A More Perfect Union.'  As we begin observing the 150th  anniversary of the start of the Civil War, the books are chosen to explore and promote reflection on the United States as a union.

Included are books on the Hispanic and African American experience and histories for children and adults on the Declaration of Independence, writing the U.S. Constitution and the Civil War.   There is also a DVD set  of the PBS Civil War series by Ken Burns and the accompanying book.

The books are on display in the libraries (or will be soon.)  If you don't see them, ask the staff for assistance.

The Third Place

     Is the library your 'third place?'
     Your third place is where you go to spend time...someplace in addition to your home and your workplace.  For some people this might be Starbucks or other local business.  For some it might be the library.
     Ideally, a 'third place' should be free or inexpensive, accessible, close by, involve regulars, be welcoming and comfortable; food and drink are not essential but are nice.  You can find old and new friends in your third place.
     Libraries have been doing this; libraries can be a community center engaging you with others in a public place.
    We'd love to see you in our third place!

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 ofreminders 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.

                Ask your library for a card that has detailed instructions for Library Elf. It’s simple and free.

Public Libraries and E-Government

   Public libraries provide an essential link between government and citizens.  As government information services and resources become digital—in many cases, digital only—public libraries serve as critical community gateways to electronic government, also known as E-government which can be defined as:   the use of technology,
predominantly the Internet, as a means to deliver government services to citizens, businesses, and other entities.

   Libraries provide technology access by offering free access to computers, high speed internet access and wi-fi.

   Libraries also help with digital literacy by offering computer and internet use instruction.

   Public library staff have the expertise that can help people understand government and government services. 

   Staff also help people find and use government information, websites and services, as well as helping people complete forms, such as emergency benefits, unemployment and other online forms.

   With these services are challenges too.  Computers, high speed access, and wi-fi cost money.  Time limits must be placed on computer use by the public to allow everyone a turn.

   Staff is needed to assist users who have no computer experience and that staff must be trained and paid. 

  In spite of challenges, libraries are working to meet their community’s
e-government needs.  Working with funding agencies, other social service agencies and the public, libraries will be even more successful in providing
e-government services.

How does your child hear and talk?

   Every child is unique and has an individual rate of development. The following represents, on average, the age by which most children will accomplish the listed skills.

Birth to 3 months

Hearing and Understanding:

· Startles to loud sounds.

· Quiets or smiles when spoken to.

· Seems to recognize your voice and quiets if crying.

· Increases or decreases sucking behavior in response to sound.

Talking:

· Makes pleasure sounds (cooing, gooing).

· Cries differently for different needs.

· Smiles when sees you.

4 to 6 months

Hearing and Understanding:

· Moves eyes in direction of sounds.

· Responds to changes in tone of your voice.

· Notices toys that make sounds.

· Pays attention to music.

Talking:

· Babbling sounds more speech-like, with many different sounds, including p, b, and m.

· Vocalizes excitement and displeasure.

· Makers gurgling sounds when left alone and when playing with you.

7 months to 1 year

Hearing and Understanding:

· Enjoys games like peekaboo and patty-cake.

· Turns and looks in direction of sounds.

· Listens when spoken to.

· Recognizes words for common items, like “cup,” “shoe,” and “juice.”

· Begins to respond to requests (“Come here,” and “Want More?”)

Talking:

· Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds, such as “tata upup bibibibi.”

· Uses speech or non-crying sounds to get and keep
attention.

· Imitates different speech sounds.

· Has 1 or 2 words (bye-bye, dada, mama) although they may not be clear.

  Children typically don’t master all items in a category until they reach the upper age in each range.

  Information provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association.

Do you want to learn computer skills?

Basic computer classes for adult users start on October 5 at Union Co. Public Library.

Basic classes are designed for adult users with little or no computer experience.   Daytime basic classes run from 10-12noon on each Tuesday in October.

Basic classes on Tuesday evenings run from 5:45-7:45pm.  See the full schedule here. 

Basic excel is offered on October 26.  Users for the excel class should have some computer knowledge.

You can register online here. 

Motor Skills and Early Literacy

   Young children develop all sorts of motor skills as they grow.  Here are some that pertain to books and literacy.
   At 6-12 months a baby can reach for a book, and put it in his mouth.  He can sit in your lap, hold his head steady and turn pages with adult help.
   At 12-16 months a baby can sit without support, may carry a book, can hold a book with help, and turn pages of a board book, several at a time.
   At 18-24 months, a baby can turn pages of a board book, one page at a time, and can carry a book around the house.
   At 24-36 months, a toddler learns to handle paper pages, and goes back and forth in books to find her favorite pictures.
   At ages 3 years and up, a child exhibits competent book handling and can turn paper pages, one page at a time.

Libraries are Awesome!

Here's a good blog post on libraries from a neat blog called Savvy Daddy.

Libraries are a good deal!

   What you already know, is now shown in a recent study by the State Library and Archives of Florida.

   Libraries provide essential services to a community whether helping people of all ages learn something new or improve existing skills.  Libraries can help to attract people and businesses to an area.  Libraries provide a sense of community.

   Visits to libraries have increased  in recent years in spite of stagnant funding due to nationwide economic conditions.

   The Taxpayer Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries study, conducted by the Haas Center at the University of West Florida, (and funded by a grant from the federal government) shows that for every tax dollar received, Florida public libraries (in 2008 when the study was done), provided $8.32 in value.   This, of course, is an average throughout the state. 

   Think about it this way. If you had to buy outright  all of the books and DVDs that you borrow…, if you had to pay outright for the computer classes that you attend…., if there was a charge to attend children’s programs or to use the meeting room...that's quite a bill.  Your public library provides these things for your use.

   Think about this and how libraries benefit businesses.  On your trip to the library you might stop and have lunch, go to a store, buy gas...things you might have done anyway...but the lunch and a store purchase might be extra purchases.  Businesses benefited by your trip to the library.   
   Buildings are built and maintained, supplies are purchased.  Local businesses can and do provide those services, again local businesses benefit.

   Libraries are a good deal!

Did you know....

... that there are more public libraries than McDonald's in the U.S?

...public libraries are the number one point of online access for people without internet connections at home, school, or work?

...Americans go to school, public and academic libraries more often than they go to the movies?

More library facts here.

Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries

For every tax dollar received, Florida public libraries provide $8.32 in value.

The statewide return on investment increased from $6.54 in 2004 to $8.32 in 2008. The current study also examines the social value of public libraries and provides a return on investment calculation for each county.

KEY FINDINGS

Florida Libraries Support a Strong Economy

• Jobs Created — A job is created for every $3,491 of public support to Florida libraries.
• Income or Wages Increase — Income (wages) increases by $22.97 for every dollar of public support to libraries.
• Gross Regional Product Increases — The value of all goods and services produced in the state of Florida increases by $10.57 for every dollar of public support to libraries. 

Libraries Provide Essential Services

• Public libraries help people learn new things no matter their age.
• Public libraries improve a community by helping people learn new skills so they can get better jobs.
• Public libraries attract good businesses to the area. 

Find out what your library is worth to you.

More information here.

September is Library Card Sign Up Month

Visit your library today. It is a community hub of activity. In tough economic times, your library card gives you free access to books and computers, homework help, assistance with resumes and job searches, accurate financial information, adult education courses, CDs, DVDs and much more.

Key to future success: Learning to read well by fourth grade

 Just 34 percent of fourth graders are reading at an acceptable level in grade four. Only 8 percent are "advanced" readers. On the surface, it may appear to parents that their children have four more years of grade school in order to become acceptable readers, but new studies show the importance of reading by grade four.

Findings by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, are the first to show that kids are far more likely to drop out of high school if they can't read pretty well by fourth grade. Unless America dramatically improves the number of kids who can, a growing proportion of the them will live in poverty as adults. The Foundation contends that the tendency to drop out of high school begins in the early grades when children don't learn to read. They say dropouts "don't just happen."

What can parents do?
* Show that education is important by getting a GED if they didn't graduate from high school themselves.
* Do all they can to assure that kids attend school every day.
* Show an interest in their children's reading beginning in first grade. Have them read to you and help them with the words.
* Provide books they like. Let them pick out books at the library or grocery store. Some kids like comic books.
* Don't let them lose reading skills over the summer. Keep them in practice. Find books they will like to read.

Job Search Resources

A listing of job search resources, info and links in one place.

Visit the New River Public Library Cooperative’s web page at and take a look at “Great Web Sites for Kids”.

The web sites included are for children up to 14 years of age.

They 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.

Large print books

A listing of recent large print books.

Reading Tips for Parents

Read early and read often. The early years are critical to developing a lifelong love of reading. It's never too early to begin reading to your child!
Read together every day

Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close.

Give everything a name
Build your child's vocabulary by talking about interesting words and objects.

Say how much you enjoy reading
Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her.

Read with fun in your voice
Read to your child with humor and expression.

Use different voices. Ham it up!

Know when to stop
Put the book away for awhile if your child loses interest or is having trouble paying attention.

Be interactive
Discuss what's happening in the book, point out things on the page, and ask questions.

Read it again and again
Go ahead and read your child's favorite book for the 100th time!

Talk about writing, too
Mention to your child how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces.

Point out print everywhere
Talk about the written words you see in the world around you. Ask your child to find a new word on each outing.

Get your child evaluated
Be sure to see your child's pediatrician you have concerns about hearing, sight, or language development.

From readingrockets.org

National Day of the Cowboy, July 24

It was a tough and lonely job, but the historic American
cowboy endured it with courage and a song. Using and
modifying traditions passed on from Mexican vaqueros and
the Spanish before them, the cowboys became a basic part
of American Western heritage and legend.

On the National Day of the Cowboy, we celebrate their
contributions to the pioneering spirit of America.

As the cities of the American East and Midwest grew
in the mid-to-late 1800s, the need for food, especially for
meat, grew along with it. Then the great roundups and cattle
drives became a part of our Western heritage. The cowboys
worked long days and nights tending their herds despite
dangers from terrain they had to cross, unhappy Indians
and fierce outlaws whose goal was to steal the herds.

As the railroads developed, the need for long cattle drives
decreased. Over time, the cowboy techniques of riding and
cattle-handling became the focus of today's rodeos.

Take a look at Cracker westerns: books about the 'cowboys' on Florida's frontier. A few titles by Lee Gramling: Ghosts of the green swap, Ninety mile prairie, Riders of the Suwannee. You'll find them in the Florida section.

Childhood Favorites

What is your favorite book that you remember reading from your childhood? What book comes to mind?

There are many of course, and when asking staff about their favorites, many were listed, and not one duplicate.

Some favorites mentioned:
Cat in the hat
Dick and Jane series
Ramona Quimby, age 8
Napping house
Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day
Hobbit
Black Beauty
Harriet the spy
Nancy Drew series
Encyclopedia Brown series
Little Women
Betty and Veronica comic books
Dorrie the witch
Heidi
Five little Peppers and how they grew

Quite a variety. Share your favorites with your family and remember to ask in twenty years what favorites are
remembered!

What's happening?

Take a look at this calendar...almost everyday there is a program scheduled at one of the libraries. Click on a day and see what programs are offered.

Library Events

Summer Porgrams for Children

   Summer programs for children continue into July.  We want to keep children reading during the summer and we have nifty ways to do that.

   Programs feature books, stories, crafts, performers, and general fun as we share our love of books and reading with children.

   Check your library for a schedule or view it online here.

July 4

   July 4, Independence Day in the United States, is the day we commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in which we declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. 

   It's a day that we celebrate with parades, picnics, barbecues, fairs, baseball games, concerts,  and fireworks at dark. 

   

    If you'd like to read more about U.S. history, look in the 973 non fiction section of the library.

What happened to signers of the Declaration of Independence?

  Fifty-six members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Many gave their lives and their fortunes for the cause.
  The British captured and tortured five. Nine fought and died in the Revolution. Two lost sons to the war. Another had two sons captured. Eleven had their homes pillaged and burned. The British used the home of one signer, Thomas Nelson, as their headquarters. After they moved in, Nelson demanded that the patriot army destroy the home in order to drive the British out. He died penniless.
   Farmer "Honest John Hart" suffered greatly. Hessian mercenaries burned his farm and grist mill and killed his livestock. Hart's wife became ill and, while the British besieged his farmhouse, he refused to leave his wife. After his wife died, and the aged Hart fled into the forest, eluding the British by living in the woods and in caves. His 13 children scattered to relatives and friends.
   Richard Stockton, a judge, was captured, tortured and starved. He lost all his money and property and died soon after his release. His family lived off charity.
   Of those who survived the Revolution, six signed the U.S. Constitution. Thirteen went on to become governors of their states. Eighteen served in their state legislatures, and 16 became state or federal judges. Seven became members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and six became senators.
   Five played major roles in establishing colleges and universities: Franklin and the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson and the University of Virginia, Benjamin Rush and Dickinson College

Learning Express

If you need to get started in working on GED testing, ASVAB testing, or brushing up on job skills such as resumes and interviewing, Learning Express, an online database, is for you.

If it's been awhile since you applied for a job, or interviewed for one, take a look at Learning Express.  You can use this service in the library or from home. (It is one of several subscription online services that the libraries subscribe to for your benefit.) You set up an account, using your library barcode number, and your own PIN. You can log in and save your work and return to it later.

There are many practice tests on many subjects for both children and adults. One section of particular interest to job seekers is Job Search and Workplace Skills. Included is information on improving writing and communications skills, resume and interviewing tips. Good information whether you are new or already in the workforce.

Eric Carle

Eric Carle was born  on June 25, 1929. 

     This well know children's author and illustrator has written and illustrated more than 70 books since The Very Hungry Caterpillar was published in 1969. 

   His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and colorful images.  Some books are like toys, incorporating firefly lights,  and cricket chirps. 

   Carle and his wife established the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts.

   Google asked Carle to create its logo on March 20, 2009, the first day of spring. 

TumbleBooks

   Libraries are known for their books, and we have thousands of them to share for both children and adults.

   We've added another component to stories for children.  TumbleBooks joins Dial a Story as a supplement to books in print.

   TumbleBooks is an online book service.  Children can watch talking picture books, and older children can read the printed word while listening to the audio story.   Log onto TumbleBooks through the library webpage.

   Dial a story is a story available on the telephone.  Stories are for young children and are changed weekly.   1-888-4ATALE1  (1-888-428-2531)

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.

Internet Safety

   As with many things in life, there is good and bad about the internet.  We want your children to be safe while using the Internet.
   This summer, we'll use short video programs for children that will show them how to stay safer while using the internet.
   Just as you caution your children about 'stranger danger,' parents and children need to be aware of potential internet dangers.
    Each program is from the Center for Missing and Exploited Children and is geared to different age levels.  These programs will supplement what you have taught your children and what they have learned in school.
   All in an effore to make children safety aware.

Summer Programs for Children

   Libraries statewide are gearing up for summer programs.  Locally we have an exciting summer planned.  Storytellers, magicians, and clowns will join library staff for programs, books, crafts, reading and fun.  Rumors of ice cream abound.
   It is known that in order for students to maintain their reading proficiency, they need to keep reading during the summer months when school is not in session.

   Reading is like learning to plan the piano:  you get better with practice.  And you need to practice every day.
   Check your library for a copy of the summer schedule.  Program schedules are also posted on the library webpage and in the library events section.

June is Audio Book Month

   June is Audio Book Month, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association.

   You may remember audio books from your school days.  You might have listed to a book on cassette tape and turned the pages when you heard the chime.

   Children now may not  know what a cassette tape is, but many have CDs.  Books on CD are popular in the classroom and in libraries.  Their use can reinforce a child's desire to read.

   Audio books are a great way to keep children entertained on car trips, whether short trips such as going to the store, or long family vacations.

   Adults like audio books too...try one on your commute to and from work. 

   Libraries have a large selection of books on tape or CD for both children and adults.

 

Treasures of the Library of Congress

Even if you can't travel, you can still see some treasures of the world.  This link will take you to some Treasures of the Library of Congress.  You'll see views of originals of historic American documents.

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.

Reading aloud to your children

   Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to help children to discover the joy of reading.
   It is never to early--or too late--to start.  All children, from youngest to oldest, can benefit from listening to a story read aloud.
   Reading aloud encourages children to read of their own, and to become better listeners and students.  It helps to build vocabulary and language skills.
   When you read aloud together, children learn that reading is important, and they learn that reading is fun.

TumbleBooks

   Just in time for Children's Book Week, we are trying out a new subscription to online books for children.  Take a look at TumbleBooks and TumbleReadables.    The link is also available through our webpage.

   These are full text books online, for all age groups.  Books for the youngest children have some animation with them.  Books for older children are text only.

   You can access these books from your home computer or from a library computer.

   Enjoy!

Internet safety

The Internet provides wonderful opportunities for learning, communication and entertainment; but it also comes with hazards.

A few reminders on internet safety for parents and children:

• Keep your personal information to yourself.
• Don't meet anyone in person.
• Don't respond to rude or offensive messages.
• Be careful about pictures of video clips that you post.

• Parents--talk to and provide guidance to your children on using the internet safely and responsibly.

May 10-16, 2010 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.

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.

Do you or someone you know need help in filling out government forms online?

We can help.  Here's the schedule. 

Learning Express

  If you need to get started in working on GED testing, ASVAB testing, or brushing up on job skills such as resumes and interviewing, this online database is for you.

   There are many other online classes available.  You can take these classes on your own from the library computers or from your home computer.  We can help you get started.  Here's the class schedule.

Computer classes for adults

   Computer classes for adults continue in May at Emily Taber Public Library in Baker County.  There are still a few openings...here's the schedule. 

   These basic classes are designed for adults who have little or no computer experience.

World Laughter Day

This is a surprise...a World Laughter Day. Who knew?  It can't hurt.

To coordinate with this, the Florida Memory Project has gathered images from the state's historic records that show us laughing.  Take a look.

Earth Day

April 22 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.                   

The EPA suggests you pick five things you can do.

Here are some suggestions:

• Dispose of waste properly. Practice reusing, recycling and buying products made from recycled materials.
• Buy the least-toxic product for cleaning or lawn care. Do "grasscycling," letting clippings fall on the lawn.
• Avoid products that have excessive packaging. Buy in larger quantities and save the trees and landfills.
• Look for water leaks in your home. Check the meter when no water is being used. After two hours, check it again. If the number has changed, there's a leak somewhere.
• Plant a tree. It will provide cooling shade and help to keep the air clean.
• Save energy. Turn off extra lights.
• Get a car with good mileage.
• Buy products made from recyclables, which uses less energy than creating the same products from new materials.

April is National Poetry Month

We use poetry year 'round, whether remembering a snippet from a long ago memorized poem, or recognizing the poetry in our favorite songs. 

But in April we take time  to especially  remember and recognize poetry.   Poets, libraries, schools, booksellers and others join together to celebrate poetry and its role in our culture.

A website to visit for a good selection of poetry, searchable by poet and poem is www. poets.org

If you'd like to read some poems, look in the 811 non-fiction section for American poetry.

National Library Week

It's National Library Week...a time to recognize and celebrate our nation's libraries and the communities they serve.

April 15 is National Bookmobile Day. Bookmobiles nationwide are traveling the highways bringing books and materials to those who are unable to visit a library building. Here's the schedule for local bookmobiles.

Keep on truckin'!

National Library Week

It's National Library Week, April 11-17, 2010.   It's a week to highlight libraries and the people who make them work.

April 13 is National Library Worker's Day:  Libraries work because we do.  Thank a library worker today.

National Library Week

April 11-17, 2010 is National Library Week,  an annual celebration that highlights the value of all types libraries,  librarians  and library workers to their communities.


See what's happening @ your library during National Library Week.  Check our Library Events listing for programs for children, computer classes  and programs for adults.  These activities happen year 'round not just during Library Week.

Florida gardening

Xeriscaping is a practice of landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, which conserve water and save maintenance time. The name comes from the Greek word zeros, which means dry.

Using this theme, you place plants that need more water closest to the house. Those that need little or no irrigation can be planted farther away or at the lot's farthest points.

Xeriscaping makes use of many plants you may already have, such as cactus, asparagus fern, camellias sasanquas, and Shumard oaks. A full list of drought tolerant plants for Florida can be found at  http://www.floridata.com/lists/drought_tolerant_plants.cfm

Container plantings and annuals need more water and should be planted closest to the house and the water source.

To xeriscape more of your property, consider increasing the size of a patio, creating a stone walkway, or turning one or more sections of your lawn into an area for attractive, drought--resistant bushes and plants.

Spring is the time to plant and we have books to help you. There are many books on gardening in Florida in the 635.9 nonfiction section of the library.