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.

Annual report

It's quiet around here right now. Time enough to gather a few facts and give an annual report.

The actual report is much longer and more detailed, but I can share a few statistics with you.

Our year runs from October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 as we follow the county's fiscal year for purposes of budgeting.

Libraries like to collect statistics to see how we are doing. During this past fiscal year the libraries in the three counties circulated 212,299 items to library users. (Our system that checks books out and in counts everything for us.)

This figure was down somewhat from the previous year. A few factors influenced that. One: Bradford County Library was closed for a month while the library moved into their new building. And two: computer use was up. Almost 37,000 uses of the public access computers in the libraries.

That's quite a bit of contact between library staff and the public. Consider that each library item must be handled twice--once as it is checked out, and once as it is returned and shelved in the proper place. This shows many people using the library and finding good books to read, videos to watch, or books on tape to listen to.

And quite a few computer users...each one must be logged in, timed, and logged out. Many times staff are instructing users on how to use the computer or how to find a website. That's many people finding and using information valuable to their lives.

To say the least, it's been a busy year.

Holiday closings

Libraries and bookmobiles will be closed from December 22 through December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Bradford County Public Library will be open on December 22.

In addition, libraries are closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 for the New Year's Day holiday.

Book drops are located at the front of each building and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.