April 15-21 is National Library Week, a time when libraries of all types and the people who use them come together to celebrate the contributions of all libraries, librarians and library workers in our nation’s schools, campuses and communities. .
The facts speak for themselves: library use is up nationwide. More than 2 billion items were checked out last year, and librarians serve nearly 1.8 billion visitors annually. At libraries in our area you will find a busy schedule of classes and children’s programs. Take a look about our online library newsletter for some statistics about the libraries in this three county area.
Rather than threatening our libraries, the age of technology has only complemented library services and expanded the library’s reach. This is because libraries are about more than information and data sharing.
Libraries are about community. They provide us with a physical gathering place, a crossroads for people of all ages with trained information professionals - librarians and library workers who are eager to help you find the information you need.
For many who don't have computers at home, public libraries make computers available for internet searching and other tasks that must be accomplished on line. Things such as choosing a Medicare drug plan are done online.
Libraries and librarians are more relevant than ever, providing a 24/7 information delivery service. And, of course, admission is free.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Online Learning
One of the most frequent requests for books that libraries receive are for test tutor books...books that help you prepare to take a test.
Many adults are working of GED (high school equivalency diploma) or ASVAB (entry into the armed services). We have a hard time keeping these books on the shelf.
So, we've subscribed to an online test tutor service called Learning Express. GED and ASVAB are available here as well as many other practice tests for adults such as real estate, nursing, law enforcement, and firefighter.
There are also practice tests for students preparing for SAT or ACT exams for college entrance.
Even elementary school students have practice tests available in reading and math.
You can work at the library or from home. You'll need your library card number to log in from home. If you can't finish the practice in one session you can save your work and come back to it at a later time.
This subscription was funded by a grant to the Cooperative from the State Legislature.
Many adults are working of GED (high school equivalency diploma) or ASVAB (entry into the armed services). We have a hard time keeping these books on the shelf.
So, we've subscribed to an online test tutor service called Learning Express. GED and ASVAB are available here as well as many other practice tests for adults such as real estate, nursing, law enforcement, and firefighter.
There are also practice tests for students preparing for SAT or ACT exams for college entrance.
Even elementary school students have practice tests available in reading and math.
You can work at the library or from home. You'll need your library card number to log in from home. If you can't finish the practice in one session you can save your work and come back to it at a later time.
This subscription was funded by a grant to the Cooperative from the State Legislature.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
April is National Poetry Month
Can you remember a poem from childhood...or even part of a poem? Little poems that we memorized long ago stay in our memories.
In April we take time to recognize poetry and the affect it has on our lives. Clever poems can make a point well. Poems are used to commemorate special occasions...from weddings to funerals to Presidential inaugurations.
The libraries have many books on poetry for children and adults. For poetry in English see the 811 and 821 non-fiction section. Here you will find poems of all types. Children especially like humorous poems...Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky are two who write funny poems for children.
Adults might remember limericks...Ogden Nash and Edward Lear are two authors who are known for their limericks.
There are many online sites that feature poetry. One of the best known and most reliable is www.poets.org. This site is sponsored by the American Academy of Poets which sponsors National Poetry Month. The site includes thousands of poems, audio recordings of poems, and biographies of poets. You can search for a specific poem and even search by occasion. If you need a poems for an anniversary or a graduation, this is a place to look.
Another poetry source is a new database that has been added to an already large collection available through the State Library of Florida. Log into www.flelibrary.org and choose LitFinder. (There are many good databases on this site, but LitFinder is a new one.)
LitFinder includes poems, short stories, essays, speeches and plays...a wealth of information all indexed and searchable. It is international in scope and updated frequently.
This database and others are available through www.flelibrary.org at your library or from home using your public library card.
In April we take time to recognize poetry and the affect it has on our lives. Clever poems can make a point well. Poems are used to commemorate special occasions...from weddings to funerals to Presidential inaugurations.
The libraries have many books on poetry for children and adults. For poetry in English see the 811 and 821 non-fiction section. Here you will find poems of all types. Children especially like humorous poems...Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky are two who write funny poems for children.
Adults might remember limericks...Ogden Nash and Edward Lear are two authors who are known for their limericks.
There are many online sites that feature poetry. One of the best known and most reliable is www.poets.org. This site is sponsored by the American Academy of Poets which sponsors National Poetry Month. The site includes thousands of poems, audio recordings of poems, and biographies of poets. You can search for a specific poem and even search by occasion. If you need a poems for an anniversary or a graduation, this is a place to look.
Another poetry source is a new database that has been added to an already large collection available through the State Library of Florida. Log into www.flelibrary.org and choose LitFinder. (There are many good databases on this site, but LitFinder is a new one.)
LitFinder includes poems, short stories, essays, speeches and plays...a wealth of information all indexed and searchable. It is international in scope and updated frequently.
This database and others are available through www.flelibrary.org at your library or from home using your public library card.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Bookmobiles
Can't get to the library? The library will come to you!
Bookmobile service is available in all three counties. Check out the schedules.
Bookmobiles are little libraries on wheels and have a long tradition of service in the United States. There are bookmobiles of various types world wide...even by camel in Kenya and pulled by donkey in Zimbabwe.
The bookmobiles here carry a selection of books for children, teens and adults, large print books, paperbacks, audios and videos.
You can use your library card or register for service on the bookmobile. Yo
u can request books and other library materials and we'll bring them to you.
Bookmobile service is free, just like your public library.
Bookmobile service is available in all three counties. Check out the schedules.
Bookmobiles are little libraries on wheels and have a long tradition of service in the United States. There are bookmobiles of various types world wide...even by camel in Kenya and pulled by donkey in Zimbabwe.
The bookmobiles here carry a selection of books for children, teens and adults, large print books, paperbacks, audios and videos.
You can use your library card or register for service on the bookmobile. Yo
u can request books and other library materials and we'll bring them to you.Bookmobile service is free, just like your public library.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Dial-a-Story
Children love to listen to stories and they can listen to a story on the telephone from your library.
By calling the Dial a Story line, young children can listen to a story. Put the phone on speakerphone and you can hear it too. Stories are for young children and are changed weekly.
Stories last 3-4 minutes so it is a good way to engage children when you have a short task to do. Getting a snack ready for them, last minute preparations before you leave home; there are many opportunities to fit in a short story. Dial up a story and your child is involved in listening, a good skill to cultivate.
The toll free number is ...
1-888-4ATALE1
(1-888-428-2531)
By calling the Dial a Story line, young children can listen to a story. Put the phone on speakerphone and you can hear it too. Stories are for young children and are changed weekly.
Stories last 3-4 minutes so it is a good way to engage children when you have a short task to do. Getting a snack ready for them, last minute preparations before you leave home; there are many opportunities to fit in a short story. Dial up a story and your child is involved in listening, a good skill to cultivate.
The toll free number is ...
1-888-4ATALE1
(1-888-428-2531)
Friday, March 16, 2007
Antiques and Collectibles
Antiques Roadshow is one of the most popular TV shows on PBS. Many people want to know what their antique is worth...we all wish for one that we paid little for and is now worth thousands.
The library has a new online database, PriceIt!, in which you can value your antiques and collectibles. The database includes millions of records and tells you current values and prices for your similar items. You can easily search by keyword.
I have an antique pie safe made in the Eastlake style. Putting in the keyword "Eastlake" yields over 2000 entries. That's too many to look through but it gives you an idea of the scope of the information. To get better results I'll have to be more specific in my keyword.
The database is available through the library's webpage either at the library or remotely from home. All you need is your library barcode when accessing PriceIt! from home.
The libraries have many books on antiques and collectibles too. Look in the nonfiction 745.1 section.
The library has a new online database, PriceIt!, in which you can value your antiques and collectibles. The database includes millions of records and tells you current values and prices for your similar items. You can easily search by keyword.
I have an antique pie safe made in the Eastlake style. Putting in the keyword "Eastlake" yields over 2000 entries. That's too many to look through but it gives you an idea of the scope of the information. To get better results I'll have to be more specific in my keyword.
The database is available through the library's webpage either at the library or remotely from home. All you need is your library barcode when accessing PriceIt! from home.
The libraries have many books on antiques and collectibles too. Look in the nonfiction 745.1 section.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Children and Libraries
Have you checked on programs for children at the libraries?
Long before children start to read on their own, they love to listen to stories. Interacting with your child with a good book is a way to instill the love of reading in your child. Even the youngest children benefit from exposure to books and stories.
Holding a book, feeling its texture, learning that we turn pages in a certain way all contribute to reading readiness. The more a parent can do when a child is young, the better ready a child is to start reading on their own when the time is right for that child.
Your library has many books for children, from the youngest to those reading on their own. Library staff will be able to assist you in selecting books of interest to you and your child.
There are many programs for preschoolers now and in the summer libraries concentrate more on programs for school age children. Check back for that schedule.
Long before children start to read on their own, they love to listen to stories. Interacting with your child with a good book is a way to instill the love of reading in your child. Even the youngest children benefit from exposure to books and stories.
Holding a book, feeling its texture, learning that we turn pages in a certain way all contribute to reading readiness. The more a parent can do when a child is young, the better ready a child is to start reading on their own when the time is right for that child.
Your library has many books for children, from the youngest to those reading on their own. Library staff will be able to assist you in selecting books of interest to you and your child.
There are many programs for preschoolers now and in the summer libraries concentrate more on programs for school age children. Check back for that schedule.
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