This is just a reminder that the library will be closed for inventory Monday, August 2nd, through Friday, August 6th. That includes the Odom Genealogical Library and the Doerun Municipal Library.
The MCCL and the Odom Library will reopen on Saturday, August 7th, at 8:30 a.m.
The Doerun Library will reopen on Monday, August 9th, at 2 p.m.
Inventory is a very necessary process at our libraries. It's a time when we will be reading the shelves, doing some weeding, and generally getting the library straightened out after a long and busy year.
Also, on Monday the 2nd, Director Melody Jenkins will conduct a computer class for all staff members. We've added some new databases to our library web page and our staff needs to be familiar with their contents in order to better help you.
Plus, big works will be done in the Jenkins Conference Room. When it's cleaned up, it will be ready for all your special meetings. It's a nice, little private area of the library for small (or rowdy) groups.
By the time we reopen our doors, the place will be brand-spanking clean for you, and we'll be ready to help you in any way we can.
Just give us five days.
See you later.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Yellow and blue for August
It's just about time to set up the August displays and for some reason, I decided we should do yellow and blue. I guess the yellow had to do with the big bunch of sunflowers in a basket that will be on the foyer table. And the blue...well, just because.
The best part of the displays will be the yellow and blue cover books. And the first place I visited for my collection was the Children's Library. If you've never gone to the Children's Library and looked over the great books, you are missing something I want to tell you about.
Listen to this...
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper, is a big square, yellow-cover book, showing an alarmed turkey on a platter of cranberries, green peas, and stuffing. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, Turkey nervously makes a series of costumes, disguising himself as other farm animals in hopes that he can avoid being served as Thanksgiving dinner. Did he make it? Read it
and see.
Another big square book with a yellow cover is The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka. This is a Caldecott Medal Book about the kitchen window at Nanna and Poppy's house, a magical gateway for one little girl. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. The story is both a voyage of discovery and celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood.
But the best yellow book, another big square one, is Piggies by Don and Audrey Wood. The illustrations are just hilarious. All you see are the two little hands of a child, but on each finger is a little piggie...fat, smart, long, silly, hot, cold, dirty, etc....little piggies. And what they do on this child's fingers is the fun part. You don't want to miss this book. It makes even an adult smile big time.
As for the blue cover books, you don't want to miss My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes; How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile by Bonnie Grubman, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright; or A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom.
But you know what? I think I like the yellow books best.
Why don't you come in during August and look for our "Hot Reads." Check out some of these yellow and blue books. You're in for a cool treat.
The best part of the displays will be the yellow and blue cover books. And the first place I visited for my collection was the Children's Library. If you've never gone to the Children's Library and looked over the great books, you are missing something I want to tell you about.
Listen to this...
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper, is a big square, yellow-cover book, showing an alarmed turkey on a platter of cranberries, green peas, and stuffing. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, Turkey nervously makes a series of costumes, disguising himself as other farm animals in hopes that he can avoid being served as Thanksgiving dinner. Did he make it? Read it
and see.
Another big square book with a yellow cover is The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka. This is a Caldecott Medal Book about the kitchen window at Nanna and Poppy's house, a magical gateway for one little girl. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. The story is both a voyage of discovery and celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood.
But the best yellow book, another big square one, is Piggies by Don and Audrey Wood. The illustrations are just hilarious. All you see are the two little hands of a child, but on each finger is a little piggie...fat, smart, long, silly, hot, cold, dirty, etc....little piggies. And what they do on this child's fingers is the fun part. You don't want to miss this book. It makes even an adult smile big time.
As for the blue cover books, you don't want to miss My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes; How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile by Bonnie Grubman, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright; or A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom.
But you know what? I think I like the yellow books best.
Why don't you come in during August and look for our "Hot Reads." Check out some of these yellow and blue books. You're in for a cool treat.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The new picture in the genealogy library
We have in our possession a valuable resource. It's called "Picturing America." It's a stack of large, maybe 24 inches by 38 inches, laminated pictures; pictures of paintings, actually. And the laminated pictures include a teachers resource book.
The teachers guide was designed to accompany the "Picturing America" project, a part of "We the People," the flagship initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is distributed free of charge to participating K-12 schools, public libraries, and other entities chosen by the NEH. "Picturing America" is presented in cooperation with the American Library Association.
The paintings are by such famous artists as Grant Wood (The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, 1931), N. C. Wyeth (The Last of the Mohicans, 1919), Winslow Homer (The Veteran in a New Field, 1865), and Edward Hopper (House by the Railroad, 1925).
We have placed our recent selection on an easel in the Odom Genealogical Library. You can't miss it when you come in the door. The picture is by Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) and titled The Sources of Country Music (1975).
Thomas Hart Benton was 84 in 1973, when he came out of retirement to paint a mural for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. His assignment was to describe the regional sources of the musical style known as "country," and Benton couldn't resist the opportunity to paint one last celebration of homegrown American traditions.
We've added some interesting questions for you beside the picture...questions that will make you look closer as you try to identify the type of music each scene in the painting represents. Don't be surprised to see Tex Ritter, the singing cowboy (remember him?), and a steam engine. You'll be amazed to see all the different kinds of things and people making the music and sound in this scene. It's one of those pictures you can look at forever and find something new every time.
The pictures are being changed periodically. You'll have a pleasant surprise when you see the next one. It's famous also. Look for it around the first of October.
The teachers guide was designed to accompany the "Picturing America" project, a part of "We the People," the flagship initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is distributed free of charge to participating K-12 schools, public libraries, and other entities chosen by the NEH. "Picturing America" is presented in cooperation with the American Library Association.
The paintings are by such famous artists as Grant Wood (The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, 1931), N. C. Wyeth (The Last of the Mohicans, 1919), Winslow Homer (The Veteran in a New Field, 1865), and Edward Hopper (House by the Railroad, 1925).
We have placed our recent selection on an easel in the Odom Genealogical Library. You can't miss it when you come in the door. The picture is by Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) and titled The Sources of Country Music (1975).
Thomas Hart Benton was 84 in 1973, when he came out of retirement to paint a mural for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. His assignment was to describe the regional sources of the musical style known as "country," and Benton couldn't resist the opportunity to paint one last celebration of homegrown American traditions.
We've added some interesting questions for you beside the picture...questions that will make you look closer as you try to identify the type of music each scene in the painting represents. Don't be surprised to see Tex Ritter, the singing cowboy (remember him?), and a steam engine. You'll be amazed to see all the different kinds of things and people making the music and sound in this scene. It's one of those pictures you can look at forever and find something new every time.
The pictures are being changed periodically. You'll have a pleasant surprise when you see the next one. It's famous also. Look for it around the first of October.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
There are always sea shells...
In our library, there are always sea shells. But just this week a big display left. We really need to have it back
again.
It was a fabulous wooden case, 40 inches by 32 inches, with a plexiglass covering over a multitude of sea shells. The display was on a wall-table in the Children's Library. Did you happen to see it?
"Georgia's Coastal Collectibles" was the result of the dedicated search for sea shells by Carol Pickens, who used the collection when teaching science classes here in Moultrie. It took her years of collecting. She was one of those wonderful teachers who would take a group of kids to the coast and collect shells. Now retired, Carol is working with a group of other teachers on a science resource book for teachers.
But back to her collection...this wonderful display had Knobbed Welk, Channeled Welk, Baby Welks, Rock Barnicle, Lettered Olive, Moon Shell, Channeled Duck Clam, and Starfish. It also had Common Slipper Shell, Baby's Ear, Jingle Shell, Angel Wing, Marsh Periwinkle, Great Hart Cockle, Sanddollars, and a host of crabs, Horseshoe, Fiddler, and Calico just to name a few. So, you can see why we want it back again!
Our Children's Librarian, Norma McKellar, enhanced the display with pictures of shells the children could color, as well as several books. You can still check out the books: "Houses from the Sea" by Alice E. Goudey, "Starfish" by Edith Thacher Hurd, and "Secrets of the Animal
World."
But don't feel you've missed all the sea shells. We still have some on display. Be sure to see the collection as you come in the second set of double doors at the front entrance. On the right and left are two glass cases filled with shells from all over the world. These are from the collection of Billye Aycock.
Plus in the large glass cases on the right as you come up the steps, you'll see our July/August display of beach items, all the way from shells to flip-flops.
Living here in Georgia means you have to have sea shells somewhere around you all the time.
again.
It was a fabulous wooden case, 40 inches by 32 inches, with a plexiglass covering over a multitude of sea shells. The display was on a wall-table in the Children's Library. Did you happen to see it?
"Georgia's Coastal Collectibles" was the result of the dedicated search for sea shells by Carol Pickens, who used the collection when teaching science classes here in Moultrie. It took her years of collecting. She was one of those wonderful teachers who would take a group of kids to the coast and collect shells. Now retired, Carol is working with a group of other teachers on a science resource book for teachers.
But back to her collection...this wonderful display had Knobbed Welk, Channeled Welk, Baby Welks, Rock Barnicle, Lettered Olive, Moon Shell, Channeled Duck Clam, and Starfish. It also had Common Slipper Shell, Baby's Ear, Jingle Shell, Angel Wing, Marsh Periwinkle, Great Hart Cockle, Sanddollars, and a host of crabs, Horseshoe, Fiddler, and Calico just to name a few. So, you can see why we want it back again!
Our Children's Librarian, Norma McKellar, enhanced the display with pictures of shells the children could color, as well as several books. You can still check out the books: "Houses from the Sea" by Alice E. Goudey, "Starfish" by Edith Thacher Hurd, and "Secrets of the Animal
World."
But don't feel you've missed all the sea shells. We still have some on display. Be sure to see the collection as you come in the second set of double doors at the front entrance. On the right and left are two glass cases filled with shells from all over the world. These are from the collection of Billye Aycock.
Plus in the large glass cases on the right as you come up the steps, you'll see our July/August display of beach items, all the way from shells to flip-flops.
Living here in Georgia means you have to have sea shells somewhere around you all the time.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Do you know these people?
There are a few people running around this town that you probably don't realize keep a finger on the pulse of the library functions and operations.
They're busy doing all the other important things that help keep Moultrie operating also. They are Colquitt County Commissioners, members of the Moultrie City Council, and representatives of various other organizations. However, to us here at the library, they are members of the Library System Board and the Odom Library Board.
For this reason, we'd like you to know who they are.
Members of the MCCLS Board are: Doug Strange (chairman), Terry R. Clark, Myrtle Lofton, Jackie Marshall, Alice Slocumb, Joanne Smith, Jim Soos, Diane Stevens, Jimmy Taylor, Susie Magwood-Thomas, Ed Willis, and Melinda Wright.
Members of the Odom Board are: Doug Strange (chairman), Brooks Sheldon (vice-chairman), Merle Baker, Jack Bridwell, Virginia Horkan, Lauren Howell, James M. Jeter, Paula Neely, and William McIntosh.
Once in a while these dedicated individuals get a pat on the back for helping to keep the Moultrie libraries up and running. These members, along with Director Melody S. Jenkins, are people you should know. They're the ones dedicated to keeping our doors open, so you have a place to use computers free of charge, check out books and other materials free, and have a place for your meetings to be held with no charge involved.
So, the next time you see one of these kind-hearted people walking around town, give them a little pat on the back and thank them for helping to keep your library doors open. When you look across the nation at what's happening to local libraries, you'll be glad the members of our two boards are here working for you, in ways you don't even know about.
They're busy doing all the other important things that help keep Moultrie operating also. They are Colquitt County Commissioners, members of the Moultrie City Council, and representatives of various other organizations. However, to us here at the library, they are members of the Library System Board and the Odom Library Board.
For this reason, we'd like you to know who they are.
Members of the MCCLS Board are: Doug Strange (chairman), Terry R. Clark, Myrtle Lofton, Jackie Marshall, Alice Slocumb, Joanne Smith, Jim Soos, Diane Stevens, Jimmy Taylor, Susie Magwood-Thomas, Ed Willis, and Melinda Wright.
Members of the Odom Board are: Doug Strange (chairman), Brooks Sheldon (vice-chairman), Merle Baker, Jack Bridwell, Virginia Horkan, Lauren Howell, James M. Jeter, Paula Neely, and William McIntosh.
Once in a while these dedicated individuals get a pat on the back for helping to keep the Moultrie libraries up and running. These members, along with Director Melody S. Jenkins, are people you should know. They're the ones dedicated to keeping our doors open, so you have a place to use computers free of charge, check out books and other materials free, and have a place for your meetings to be held with no charge involved.
So, the next time you see one of these kind-hearted people walking around town, give them a little pat on the back and thank them for helping to keep your library doors open. When you look across the nation at what's happening to local libraries, you'll be glad the members of our two boards are here working for you, in ways you don't even know about.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
25 books all Georgians should read
In April the Georgia Center for the Book announced its fourth list of "25 Books All Georgians Should Read 2010."
Bill Starr, the center's executive director, said, "The list is our way of celebrating the rich harvest of writers and writing we are blessed with in this state. We hope to use it to build bridges between readers and writers all over the state."
The list is produced with the assistance of the Georgia Humanities Council, the University of Georgia Press and Lenz Marketing of Decatur. It's a great list:
Snakeskin Road by James Braziel
A Cry of Angels by Jeff Fields
The Confederate General Rides North by Amanda Gable
Bombingham by Anthony Grooms
Luminous Mysteries: A Novel by John Holman
How Far She Went by Mary Hood
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
Hue and Cry: Stories by James Alan McPherson
When the Finch Rises by Jack Riggs
Nothing with Strings: NPR's Beloved Holiday Stories by Bailey White
The Heart of a Distant Forest by Philip Lee Williams
Winter Sky: New and Selected Poems, 1968-2008 by Coleman Banks
New and Selected Poems of Thomas Lux, 1975-1995
The Watchers by Memye Curtis Tucker
Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon
Long Time Leaving: Dispatches from Up North by Roy Blount, Jr.
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 by Taylor Branch
Heart of a Patriot: How I Found the Courage to Survive Vietnam, Walter Reed, and Karl Rove by Max Cleland
Invisible Sisters by Jessica Handler
The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life by Lauretta Hannon
Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams by Paul Hemphill
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes
The Ballad of Blind Tom by Deirdre O'Connell
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
Bon Appetit Ya'll: Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern Cooking by Virginia Wills.
You can order these books through the library's InterLibrary Loan program. Just ask any of the clerks at the circulation counter for help. If you want to order through your home computer, you'll need to come to the library to get your pin number (sorry, no phone calls) when you show your library card. You have to do this only once. There's lots of good reading on the list.
(Source: GA Public Library Service NEWS bulletin, June 2010)
Bill Starr, the center's executive director, said, "The list is our way of celebrating the rich harvest of writers and writing we are blessed with in this state. We hope to use it to build bridges between readers and writers all over the state."
The list is produced with the assistance of the Georgia Humanities Council, the University of Georgia Press and Lenz Marketing of Decatur. It's a great list:
Snakeskin Road by James Braziel
A Cry of Angels by Jeff Fields
The Confederate General Rides North by Amanda Gable
Bombingham by Anthony Grooms
Luminous Mysteries: A Novel by John Holman
How Far She Went by Mary Hood
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
Hue and Cry: Stories by James Alan McPherson
When the Finch Rises by Jack Riggs
Nothing with Strings: NPR's Beloved Holiday Stories by Bailey White
The Heart of a Distant Forest by Philip Lee Williams
Winter Sky: New and Selected Poems, 1968-2008 by Coleman Banks
New and Selected Poems of Thomas Lux, 1975-1995
The Watchers by Memye Curtis Tucker
Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon
Long Time Leaving: Dispatches from Up North by Roy Blount, Jr.
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 by Taylor Branch
Heart of a Patriot: How I Found the Courage to Survive Vietnam, Walter Reed, and Karl Rove by Max Cleland
Invisible Sisters by Jessica Handler
The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life by Lauretta Hannon
Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams by Paul Hemphill
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes
The Ballad of Blind Tom by Deirdre O'Connell
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
Bon Appetit Ya'll: Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern Cooking by Virginia Wills.
You can order these books through the library's InterLibrary Loan program. Just ask any of the clerks at the circulation counter for help. If you want to order through your home computer, you'll need to come to the library to get your pin number (sorry, no phone calls) when you show your library card. You have to do this only once. There's lots of good reading on the list.
(Source: GA Public Library Service NEWS bulletin, June 2010)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What happens when a fire destroys a library?
When the Georgia Public Library Service's NEWS for June came and I picked up my copy, the first thing that caught my eye was the heading "Fire destroys library in Twiggs County," along with two pictures of the smoldering remains. One caption stated: "Only a few file cabinets could be saved from the damaged building."
WOW! More than 15,000 books, along with a valuable trove of Twiggs County historical documents, were lost in the April 25th blaze. Investigators blamed the blaze on a direct lightning strike from the storm that blew through the county around four o'clock that morning.
Can you imagine? A 4,000-square-foot facility was virtually wiped out.
The director said the library hoped to reopen in a temporary facility in June. He said a 1,200-square-foot office space appeared to be the most likely location. A basic reference collection, children's books from the local bookmobile's collection, and current bestsellers and computers on loan from a local college would round out the library.
Can you imagine what it would be like if the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library had a major fire? Can you imagine what it would be like to be left with a "few file
cabinets"?
In the same building, housed with our public library, is the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library. Both libraries comprise a total of 30,000-square-feet.
The public library houses almost 150,000 books and items, which include over 1,200 videos and DVDs, as well as 20 computers for public use (and those we're not counting for the staff).
The Odom Library contains the Emmett Lucas Collection relevant to the eastern seaboard of the USA. It also houses a vast collection of Scottish material unique in the world, because the library is archival and the genealogical home to more than 120 Scottish Clan organizations. It also has cabinets full of microfische, maps, other historical documents, and five public computers.
Of course, if the entire building was destroyed, the library system would still have the Doerun Municipal Library and the collection of books in the Bookmobile to fall
back on.
As for a permanent facility, the Twiggs County Library board chair said that all options were being considered for rebuilding or using an existing building.
What would we do here? What would we do without our libraries?
The thought leaves me dumbfounded!
How much would it concern you? How much do you use the libraries? How far away would you have to travel to use another library?
Sometimes we don't realize what we have until it's gone.
WOW! More than 15,000 books, along with a valuable trove of Twiggs County historical documents, were lost in the April 25th blaze. Investigators blamed the blaze on a direct lightning strike from the storm that blew through the county around four o'clock that morning.
Can you imagine? A 4,000-square-foot facility was virtually wiped out.
The director said the library hoped to reopen in a temporary facility in June. He said a 1,200-square-foot office space appeared to be the most likely location. A basic reference collection, children's books from the local bookmobile's collection, and current bestsellers and computers on loan from a local college would round out the library.
Can you imagine what it would be like if the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library had a major fire? Can you imagine what it would be like to be left with a "few file
cabinets"?
In the same building, housed with our public library, is the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library. Both libraries comprise a total of 30,000-square-feet.
The public library houses almost 150,000 books and items, which include over 1,200 videos and DVDs, as well as 20 computers for public use (and those we're not counting for the staff).
The Odom Library contains the Emmett Lucas Collection relevant to the eastern seaboard of the USA. It also houses a vast collection of Scottish material unique in the world, because the library is archival and the genealogical home to more than 120 Scottish Clan organizations. It also has cabinets full of microfische, maps, other historical documents, and five public computers.
Of course, if the entire building was destroyed, the library system would still have the Doerun Municipal Library and the collection of books in the Bookmobile to fall
back on.
As for a permanent facility, the Twiggs County Library board chair said that all options were being considered for rebuilding or using an existing building.
What would we do here? What would we do without our libraries?
The thought leaves me dumbfounded!
How much would it concern you? How much do you use the libraries? How far away would you have to travel to use another library?
Sometimes we don't realize what we have until it's gone.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The community garden at the library
If you've been past the library lately, I'm sure you've noticed the great garden growing in the corner of Bert Harsh Park, which is adjacent to the library's parking lot.
Lots of us have watched with interest the placing of boards to mark the seven long, somewhat narrow garden plots. We also watched as tall bamboo tepees were set up. We just knew they had to be for beans or some climbing
vegetable.
This past week, after only a couple of months of growing, one long bed was stuffed with the most beautiful, colorful zinnias you have ever seen. Our director had been invited to cut some of them to place in the library, and she did. Gorgeous colors!
So who's responsible for this amazing garden?
In talking with Dan Jeter, I found out that it started as a partnership with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the YMCA-USA (which I now understand is being called the "Y"), through a national grant for "Pioneering Healthier Communities." The partnership views obesity, lack of exercise, and lack of nutritious foods as an epidemic, and most always fresh produce is missing in those people needing it the most. Gardens are used to teach people not only how to grow a garden, but how to eat healthy foods. Thus the "Healthy Colquitt Coalition" was formed here in Moultrie.
With the help of David Russell, Greg Keith, Dan Jeter, and Warren McKinney, a group of seven men from Turning Point, who wanted to do a community outreach project, placed the wooden frames, hauled in mushroom compost, and planted the seeds. Occasionally as I drive past, I see the men working in the garden, weeding, watering, and providing lots of TLC.
There are not only zinnias in the garden, but green beans, butter beans, summer squash, tomatoes, and
zuchinni.
What's going to happen with all that produce? you ask. Well, Dan Jeter said that David Russell has harvested some to take to the Crossroads Mission. And Dan's sure that the Hope House Kitchen and the Food Bank will benefit from the harvest, especially when all those tomatoes start coming in real fast.
Dan said he also hopes there will be other gardens springing up all over town. We know there are plenty of plots of land just waiting to be covered in gorgeous vegetables, like the ones coming along in Bert Harsh Park.
As Dan and I talked, we laughed to think there might even be a "Tuesday Vegetable Night at the Library," a time when you can check out a book and get a few squash for a meal. Who knows? The possibilities are endless....
Lots of us have watched with interest the placing of boards to mark the seven long, somewhat narrow garden plots. We also watched as tall bamboo tepees were set up. We just knew they had to be for beans or some climbing
vegetable.
This past week, after only a couple of months of growing, one long bed was stuffed with the most beautiful, colorful zinnias you have ever seen. Our director had been invited to cut some of them to place in the library, and she did. Gorgeous colors!
So who's responsible for this amazing garden?
In talking with Dan Jeter, I found out that it started as a partnership with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the YMCA-USA (which I now understand is being called the "Y"), through a national grant for "Pioneering Healthier Communities." The partnership views obesity, lack of exercise, and lack of nutritious foods as an epidemic, and most always fresh produce is missing in those people needing it the most. Gardens are used to teach people not only how to grow a garden, but how to eat healthy foods. Thus the "Healthy Colquitt Coalition" was formed here in Moultrie.
With the help of David Russell, Greg Keith, Dan Jeter, and Warren McKinney, a group of seven men from Turning Point, who wanted to do a community outreach project, placed the wooden frames, hauled in mushroom compost, and planted the seeds. Occasionally as I drive past, I see the men working in the garden, weeding, watering, and providing lots of TLC.
There are not only zinnias in the garden, but green beans, butter beans, summer squash, tomatoes, and
zuchinni.
What's going to happen with all that produce? you ask. Well, Dan Jeter said that David Russell has harvested some to take to the Crossroads Mission. And Dan's sure that the Hope House Kitchen and the Food Bank will benefit from the harvest, especially when all those tomatoes start coming in real fast.
Dan said he also hopes there will be other gardens springing up all over town. We know there are plenty of plots of land just waiting to be covered in gorgeous vegetables, like the ones coming along in Bert Harsh Park.
As Dan and I talked, we laughed to think there might even be a "Tuesday Vegetable Night at the Library," a time when you can check out a book and get a few squash for a meal. Who knows? The possibilities are endless....
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Libraries are loosening up...
Whispering is out and socializing's in. That was the title of the article I read recently in the AARP magazine, the May/June issue with grinning Dr. Oz on the cover.
For many of our friends and neighbors, the AARP magazine is received with regular anticipation. It has a lot of good information that should be shared no only with those over 50, but with people of all ages.
The article I read said "lots of libraries are offering free activities, from movie nights to photo-editing classes...." You might also find "coffee klatches, knitting circles, live music, fitness classes, foreign-language lessons, and even workshops on genealogy and numismatics" (that's a word to look up in the dictionary). It also said some libraries are even offering computer classes to help older visitors navigate dating websites! And I laughingly quote:
"Hmmm...really brings a whole new meaning to 'check it out'."
When I think of these 50-plus library card-carrying people, I wonder how many of them are still driving after dark. Maybe they find a younger person to take them around. But then, I have to remember it's summertime and the days stay light longer. So, they can just hop in their cars and make their way to the libraries with no problems.
Which brings me to this - our library stays open only one night a week...Tuesdays until 8 p.m. And the daylight is staying with us longer, sometimes until 8:45, almost
9 p.m.
Why not take advantage of meeting here at the library with your special friends? Maybe you have a knitting group (like my daughter does and they meet at their library), or maybe you have a book club and are tired of meeting in homes. Why not hold that garden club meeting in the evening here at the library?
Are you planning a special event and aren't sure where to hold it? If it's in the educational realm, you can hold it here at the library free of charge.
I think it might be worth checking into. Don't you?
And if you're 50-plus, we might even come up with a 50-plus book club or a memoir writing club (what a great way to tell about the old times).
Let's see what we can come up with. We could even serve coffee and iced tea.
If you're interested, pick up the phone and call 985-6540 and ask about the meeting rooms.
For many of our friends and neighbors, the AARP magazine is received with regular anticipation. It has a lot of good information that should be shared no only with those over 50, but with people of all ages.
The article I read said "lots of libraries are offering free activities, from movie nights to photo-editing classes...." You might also find "coffee klatches, knitting circles, live music, fitness classes, foreign-language lessons, and even workshops on genealogy and numismatics" (that's a word to look up in the dictionary). It also said some libraries are even offering computer classes to help older visitors navigate dating websites! And I laughingly quote:
"Hmmm...really brings a whole new meaning to 'check it out'."
When I think of these 50-plus library card-carrying people, I wonder how many of them are still driving after dark. Maybe they find a younger person to take them around. But then, I have to remember it's summertime and the days stay light longer. So, they can just hop in their cars and make their way to the libraries with no problems.
Which brings me to this - our library stays open only one night a week...Tuesdays until 8 p.m. And the daylight is staying with us longer, sometimes until 8:45, almost
9 p.m.
Why not take advantage of meeting here at the library with your special friends? Maybe you have a knitting group (like my daughter does and they meet at their library), or maybe you have a book club and are tired of meeting in homes. Why not hold that garden club meeting in the evening here at the library?
Are you planning a special event and aren't sure where to hold it? If it's in the educational realm, you can hold it here at the library free of charge.
I think it might be worth checking into. Don't you?
And if you're 50-plus, we might even come up with a 50-plus book club or a memoir writing club (what a great way to tell about the old times).
Let's see what we can come up with. We could even serve coffee and iced tea.
If you're interested, pick up the phone and call 985-6540 and ask about the meeting rooms.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A homeschooling resource in your neighborhood
I read a great letter the other day from a homeschooling mother, and I have to say I was impressed with what she had to say about her community library.
She said as the mother of four children she relied heavily on her local library as an education resource, not only on the gracious supply of materials, but also on the knowledge and willingness of the staff.
When her children were little, the time at the library was a regular part of their day, especially the morning preschool hours where her young children developed a love of reading. Their early start helped all her children develop a meaningful relationship with their library.
Also, the library was a place to connect with other homeschooling families. It was where her children began close friendships and found common interests in reading materials and playing games. Now that they're older, they rely on the library for materials for classes and special projects. And there's no better place than the library for the homeschoolers to get together to work on their projects, research, or presentations.
This mother found the library staff willing to go above and beyond in their help to get her what she needed. The library became a valuable resource for supplementing her home school program. It also gave her children a place for their 4-H Club meetings and Cub Scout projects. Through her public library, her children have been able to accomplish tasks involving genealogy, civics, technology, and even community service.
My hat's off to this mother, Jenifer Womble, who wrote about her public library, the Roddenbery Memorial Library in Cairo, Georgia. She's not only used her library as a homeschool resource, but she's taught her children the value of a library, something they'll have for the rest of their
lives.
If you're a parent of homeschooled children, we would like to hear from you, giving us your comments about how you use the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library as a resource to supplement your homeschooling. Kind words are always appreciated, but if you have any concerns you'd like to share, we'd like to hear those also.
You can address your letter to Melody S. Jenkins, Director of MCCLS, P.O. Box 2828, Moultrie, GA 31776.
We hope to hear from you.
(Source: Library Advocate, June 2010, Roddenbery Memorial Library, Cairo, GA)
She said as the mother of four children she relied heavily on her local library as an education resource, not only on the gracious supply of materials, but also on the knowledge and willingness of the staff.
When her children were little, the time at the library was a regular part of their day, especially the morning preschool hours where her young children developed a love of reading. Their early start helped all her children develop a meaningful relationship with their library.
Also, the library was a place to connect with other homeschooling families. It was where her children began close friendships and found common interests in reading materials and playing games. Now that they're older, they rely on the library for materials for classes and special projects. And there's no better place than the library for the homeschoolers to get together to work on their projects, research, or presentations.
This mother found the library staff willing to go above and beyond in their help to get her what she needed. The library became a valuable resource for supplementing her home school program. It also gave her children a place for their 4-H Club meetings and Cub Scout projects. Through her public library, her children have been able to accomplish tasks involving genealogy, civics, technology, and even community service.
My hat's off to this mother, Jenifer Womble, who wrote about her public library, the Roddenbery Memorial Library in Cairo, Georgia. She's not only used her library as a homeschool resource, but she's taught her children the value of a library, something they'll have for the rest of their
lives.
If you're a parent of homeschooled children, we would like to hear from you, giving us your comments about how you use the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library as a resource to supplement your homeschooling. Kind words are always appreciated, but if you have any concerns you'd like to share, we'd like to hear those also.
You can address your letter to Melody S. Jenkins, Director of MCCLS, P.O. Box 2828, Moultrie, GA 31776.
We hope to hear from you.
(Source: Library Advocate, June 2010, Roddenbery Memorial Library, Cairo, GA)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Finding treasures in donated books
As a library, we are the drop-off place for donated books. Now, don't get me wrong. We LOVE donated books, especially those that are ready to be coded into the system and ready to shelve. But before that can happen, someone has to look them over and make sure they are in the proper condition for library circulation.
Today I saw Eloise going through a big box of books that had been donated. She was patiently looking through each one, checking the pages and covers to make sure they were clean and neat, no torn-out pages, no scribbling, that kind of
thing.
Then suddenly she said, "Well, look what I found." It was a slender, gold metal bookmark. I guess that's what started the conversation between the four of us there in the processing room.
I found out that donated books come to the library with secret treasures. Often they are bookmarks, ribbons, family photos, cards of various kinds (all the way from note cards and prayer cards to gift cards, but no playing cards I know of), personal notes people have written to themselves as reminders on all kinds of paper, and money. However, I was informed that finding money is VERY rare!
These treasures prompted several memories from my coworkers. One person said she remembered a book about carpentry for children that was returned with sawdust in it. And, she said, she also remembered the book about beef stew that had a toothbrush in it.
One person said books often come in with coffee or soda pop stains, even food spills. I imagined that spaghetti would make the biggest mess, but I also remembered the times I've dumped cookie or cracker crumbs into the center of my book and thought I'd gotten all of it out. Those are my books in my personal library; I don't eat around my library books. Especially since I know how hard it is for the librarians to keep a messy book.
Anyhow, another coworker told about the time a child brought a library book in to return and it smelled like maple syrup. She said she asked the little boy if he'd had pancakes for breakfast and he said, "How'd you know?" Just goes to show how much knowledge a librarian really has. Lots of it doesn't even come with a degree.
Then someone said, "Oh, tell about the toilet training book that had to be discarded!" And everyone laughed. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, so I thanked everyone for their wondeful insight to donated books and left.
But I knew I just had to tell you about the treasures we find in our donated books. And to say...be sure you look through your books before you return or donate them to the library. There may be a treasure or two in them that you'll really want to keep.
Today I saw Eloise going through a big box of books that had been donated. She was patiently looking through each one, checking the pages and covers to make sure they were clean and neat, no torn-out pages, no scribbling, that kind of
thing.
Then suddenly she said, "Well, look what I found." It was a slender, gold metal bookmark. I guess that's what started the conversation between the four of us there in the processing room.
I found out that donated books come to the library with secret treasures. Often they are bookmarks, ribbons, family photos, cards of various kinds (all the way from note cards and prayer cards to gift cards, but no playing cards I know of), personal notes people have written to themselves as reminders on all kinds of paper, and money. However, I was informed that finding money is VERY rare!
These treasures prompted several memories from my coworkers. One person said she remembered a book about carpentry for children that was returned with sawdust in it. And, she said, she also remembered the book about beef stew that had a toothbrush in it.
One person said books often come in with coffee or soda pop stains, even food spills. I imagined that spaghetti would make the biggest mess, but I also remembered the times I've dumped cookie or cracker crumbs into the center of my book and thought I'd gotten all of it out. Those are my books in my personal library; I don't eat around my library books. Especially since I know how hard it is for the librarians to keep a messy book.
Anyhow, another coworker told about the time a child brought a library book in to return and it smelled like maple syrup. She said she asked the little boy if he'd had pancakes for breakfast and he said, "How'd you know?" Just goes to show how much knowledge a librarian really has. Lots of it doesn't even come with a degree.
Then someone said, "Oh, tell about the toilet training book that had to be discarded!" And everyone laughed. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, so I thanked everyone for their wondeful insight to donated books and left.
But I knew I just had to tell you about the treasures we find in our donated books. And to say...be sure you look through your books before you return or donate them to the library. There may be a treasure or two in them that you'll really want to keep.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
It's a New Year and a New Game
As you can see, it's been a month since the last entry. In fact, a little more than a month. Vacations have come and gone, and we're in a new year. So, it's time for a new game.
In the next few days several of us will finalize our programs and events for our upcoming year. We'll have our plans ready for July 2010 to July 2011. And you'll be amazed at what we're already thinking about.
Several events we'll have are the ones we like to keep because they are community-dedicated, such as the June children's programs and the November Veterans' Coffee. But there will be other events that will be new to our
library.
For that reason, you need to keep checking the Bookworm Blog to see what we have lined up for you, our constant readers and our patrons, as well as the general community. It's those in the general community we'd like to have as our patrons, those in the community who don't realize what their public library has to offer, and those in the community we'd like to join us by obtaining a library card and using it frequently.
We're still in an economic pit (although many people say times are improving) and we all still need to watch our pennies. The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library and the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library are here to
help.
With just the show of a public library card you can obtain books to read and books to listen to, as well as select a favorite movie on DVD or VHS. By using the library you can purchase copies of your important papers, pick up free magazines, enjoy the children's programs, read the newspapers, and use one of the 20 Dell computers.
In the Odom Library you can use the online library-version of Ancestry.com to help with your genealogy questions, review interesting family Clan books and histories of specific individuals, and receive dedicated help from the staff in the genealogy library.
During the upcoming year, events will be planned with your interests in mind, all the way from A to Z.
So, here we go! into our new year and new game. We're looking forward to it! We hope you will be too.
In the next few days several of us will finalize our programs and events for our upcoming year. We'll have our plans ready for July 2010 to July 2011. And you'll be amazed at what we're already thinking about.
Several events we'll have are the ones we like to keep because they are community-dedicated, such as the June children's programs and the November Veterans' Coffee. But there will be other events that will be new to our
library.
For that reason, you need to keep checking the Bookworm Blog to see what we have lined up for you, our constant readers and our patrons, as well as the general community. It's those in the general community we'd like to have as our patrons, those in the community who don't realize what their public library has to offer, and those in the community we'd like to join us by obtaining a library card and using it frequently.
We're still in an economic pit (although many people say times are improving) and we all still need to watch our pennies. The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library and the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library are here to
help.
With just the show of a public library card you can obtain books to read and books to listen to, as well as select a favorite movie on DVD or VHS. By using the library you can purchase copies of your important papers, pick up free magazines, enjoy the children's programs, read the newspapers, and use one of the 20 Dell computers.
In the Odom Library you can use the online library-version of Ancestry.com to help with your genealogy questions, review interesting family Clan books and histories of specific individuals, and receive dedicated help from the staff in the genealogy library.
During the upcoming year, events will be planned with your interests in mind, all the way from A to Z.
So, here we go! into our new year and new game. We're looking forward to it! We hope you will be too.
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