Library Elf

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

Visit http://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. You can also be infomred by RSS feed or text message.  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

Books to help in job searching

Many of our fellow citizens are looking for jobs. Times are tough. The libraries have added books to help job seekers with their job search. Take a look at these new titles:

• Military to civilian career transition guide by Janet Farley.
• What color is your parachute? 2010 by Richard Bolles. 
• Blue collar & proud of it by Joe Lamacchia. 
• Job Interview tips for people with not-so-hot backgrounds by Caryl and Ron Krannich. 
• Next day job interview by Michael Farr.

These are just a few of our new titles in the resume and interview area. Check the 650.14 non-fiction section or ask a staff member for assistance.

The library also has classes for adults using Learning Express.  The job skills section will help you brush up on basic reading and math skills, and includes some resume and interview help.  You can take part in the class (register here) or use Learning Express on your own.  You'll need your library card number to set up an account.

 

March is National Women’s History Month

The history of women seems to be written with invisible ink, according to the National Women’s History Project. Their goal is to make that ink readable for all to see.

The theme for this year and especially for March, which is National Women’s History Month, is "Writing Women Back into History."

The idea for a week to recognize women’s history originated in 1978 with the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women. In 1979, leaders of women’s organizations gathered at Sarah Lawrence College, the first institution to offer a Master’s Degree in Women’s History.

One of the things coming out of that Institute was a resolution offered by Molly MacGregor, the representative from the Sonoma County Commission. This resolution called for the creation of a National Women’s History Week.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring a National Women’s History Week. In 1987, the National Women’s History Project asked Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March.

The 30th anniversary of the National Women’s History Project takes place in 2010. Various themes through the years have included Women Change America, Women Pioneering the Future, Women Taking the Lead to Change the Planet and Women’s Art: Women’s Vision.

The library has many books and biographies of women who made a difference. Check the biography section or ask a staff member for help.

Are you looking for a job? In this economy many people are.  Libraries can help you get ready to rejoin the workforce.

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.

The libraries offer classes on using Learning Express as well as basic computer classes for adults.  In March classes are held in Bradford County, classes in April in Union County, and in May in Baker County (Emily Taber Public Library.)

Computer Classes for Adults

Computer classes for adults start on March 9  at  Bradford Co. Public Library. Basic classes on learning to use a computer and some intermediate classes will be offered.

In addition, as part of this series of classes, we will teach a series on using Learning Express, an online program that can help you brush up on job and interview skills. Assistance will also be offered on filling out government forms online.

The class series for adults repeats in April in Union County and in May in Baker County. Check your library for a schedule or look (and register) online under Library Events on our webpage.

Coretta Scott King Awards

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, is the Coretta Scott King Author Book winner for 2010. 

My People, illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr., is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book was written by Langston Hughes.

These two join others of this award on your library shelves.   You can look at a full list here.

  The Coretta Scott King Awards are presented annually by the American Library Association to honor African-American authors and illustrators who create outstanding books for children and young adults. Initially, the award was established in 1969 to recognize authors and then was expanded to include a separate award for illustrators in 1979. These awards are given to commemorate the life and work of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her continuing efforts in working for peace and civil rights issues.

Staff training day

On February 15, library staff from the three counties joined together for a staff development day.

The sessions included items to help us to better do our work, which is helping you, our customers.