Guess what September is in our library

     Today is the day I put up a bunch of signs...on the long, white hallway wall; on the ends of the bookshelves (we're not calling them stacks; it's friendlier to say bookshelves); and on a poster board near the front check-out counter (we're not calling it circulation counter; it's friendlier to say check-out counter).
     September at our library is National Library Card Sign-up Month and our displays are throughout the library.
     Do you have a library card?  Do you know it's the smartest card you can have in your pocket?  Look at it this way...

• Need homework help?  Encourage your child to ask a pro - your librarian.
• Why buy when you can borrow?  Your public library is a goldmine of books, magazines, movies, CDs and other great stuff.
• Make learning fun.  Check out reading clubs (our library book club is Novel Destinations for adults), storyhours, movies and other free programs for kids and families.
• Free stuff @ your library.  Most public libraries provide computers - and classes - for kids to use, mom and dad too.
• Keep kids reading.  The more kids read, the better they do in school.  Your library has something for every age and interest.
• Look, listen and enjoy.  Borrow films and music for the whole family.
• Bring the whole family!  How many places can you all enjoy together?  For free!!!
• If you don't see it, ask!  The library may be able to get it for you.
• It's never too late!  Use the library 24/7 online.  And remember we have a new website address.  It's http://mccls.org.
• Remember, learning begins at home.  See your library's parenting collection for tips on how you can be your child's first and best teacher.
• Your library card is your key to opportunity!

     September is National Library Card Month.  Make sure you get your card now!  And don't forget that children love to have their very own card too. 
     It's the smartest card you'll ever have!

PINES: Georgia's Statewide Library Card

     So, what is PINES, you ask?   That stands for the Georgia Library Public Information Network for Electronic Services.  It's Georgia's public library automation and lending network for 285 public libraries and affiliated service outlets in 143 counties.  PINES serves patrons in all 159 Georgia counties.
    PINES is an initiative of the Georgia Public Library Service, a unit of the University System of Georgia.  Fifty percent of Georgia's population and more than 80 percent of Georgia's public library systems rely on the PINES network for their library service.
     PINES creates a statewide "borderless library" that eliminates geographic and socio-economic barriers and provides equal access to information for all Georgians.
     Georgians with PINES cards have access to materials beyond what is available on their local library shelves, and they enjoy the benefits of a shared collection of approximately 10 million books and materials that can be delivered to their home library with no charge to them.
     OK...how do Georgia's citizens benefit from PINES?
     Any resident of Georgia may obtain a free PINES card by visiting any PINES library. (Your Moultrie-Colquitt County Library is a PINES library.)  In addition to browsing and checking out books on the shelves of their local libraries, PINES allows library users to log on to www.gapines.org, browse or search the online catalog for books and other library materials, and have their selections delivered to their local library.
     Look at these statistics of PINES by the numbers:

• 2.4 million PINES library cards are in use.
• Nearly 1 of 4 Georgians (23.8%) has a PINES card.
• PINES serves patrons in all 159 Georgia counties.
• 10 million items (books, tapes, CDs, videos) are available.
• There were 19.1 million circulations in FY 2010.

     With an annual budget of $1.3 million, the PINES program costs less than 60 cents for each cardholder!
     We're here to help you find any information you need.  Do you have your PINES library card?

There are treasures to find in the Children's Library

     If you haven't been in the Children's Library for a while, you should venture that way.  Even standing at the front check-out counter, you can see the big black and white cow standing in the Children's Library doorway.  There she is, standing on the green grass, under the white fluffy clouds, against the blue background.  And she's holding a sign that says, "READ MORE BOOKS!"
     All around her is a frame filled with book covers that say Moo Who?, Good Thing You're not an Octopus, Captain Duck, Bear with Me, When Dinosaurs Came with Everything...you probably get the idea...books about animals.
     But this is just where the fun begins!
     There's a treasure hunt for you in the Children's Library.  And even if you don't have children to bring to the library, you should see if you can find:

• the pirate's chest full of books and beads,
• the black spider with the straw hat, who holds a library card,
• the red/yellow/blue/green locking tiles where the puzzles are kept,
• the yellow school bus filled with pencils and the white mouse who sits atop a stack of papers,
• the tall tree with the cows hanging from its branches,
• the "wimpy kid" standing at the end of a bookshelf,
• the red and blue windsock with a dragonfly (look high for that one), and
• Owney, the Mail Pouch Pooch.

     The large, colorful room is filled with displays of interesting, exciting book displays, as well as loads of places to sit (for parents, too), and small tables where the little ones can sit and work on their colorbook pictures provided for them.
     "READ MORE BOOKS" is the theme.  Ms. Michele, the Children's Library Coordinator, said she's getting ready for September and the special events she's planning.
     Now's the time to check out all the treasures in the Children's Library.  You won't be sorry!  It's just another step toward September.

Here's a heads-up about a grant writing program

     We've had Dr. Anne Holt give a program at our library three or four times, either on grant writing or how to publish your book.  And it's amazing how many participants attend, because those are topics our public wants.
     Well, here's a heads-up...Dr. Holt is coming again.
     Yep, she's going to teach another "Introduction to Grant Writing."  This is a topic many people are interested in, because we are all looking for ways to help fund the programs and efforts we want to present to our communities.
     Put this date on your calendar now and plan to attend.
     "Introduction to Grant Writing" by Dr. Anne Holt will be Saturday, September 24th, noon to 3 p.m.  The cost is minimal considering the benefits you'll gain from the information she will give you.  For only $30.00 per person, you will learn about grant writing guidelines, a model narrative budget, the GEORGIA funders list, writing do's and don'ts, and tips on finding matching funds.
     It's really necessary for your to register, however, because the space is limited.  And registration is easy.  If you 're in the library, you can register at the front check-out counter.  Or you can call us at 229-985-6540.  Or you can email us at mccls@mccls.org.  And if that doesn't work, you can even contact Dr. Holt at 850-977-5110 or email her at ahholt@ahholt.com.
     If you're connected with a business, school, church, or some other organization that needs funds to help you carry out your community programs, then this is the event you need to attend.
     Sign up now.  Once the word gets past this blog and out into the community, the seats will fill up fast.

We have a new website address....

     Tired of that old website address, that long one that was so hard to remember?  Well, that's been fixed!
     We now have our new website address...mccls.org!!!!  So short and sweet.  So simple.  Can't beat that one.  So easy to remember, so easy to tell your friends about.
     If you want to email us, you can do that by contacting us at mccls@mccls.org.  Another simple address.
     And in order to help you and your friends, the next time you come into the library look for the fliers we've posted in various places.  These fliers have strips with the website address on them.  You can tear one off and tape it to your computer monitor...right where you can see the next time you want to pull up our website. 
     You can also help your friends and neighbors by sharing this information, and help us, when you post one of our fliers at your church, favorite eating place or business, or in your local community room.
     Share the news!  It's just one more thing the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library has done to better serve you.

The McCall event...like old home week!

     "Well, what was it like?"
     When I got home last night, my neighbor met me in the apartment breezeway and asked me that question.  I was returning from the John Clark McCall book event at the library.
     John was invited to talk about his little memoir titled "Tales of a Southern Palazzo," the magnificant mansion on Tallokas Road that served as a backdrop for his story.
     "Oh, hey, you should have been there," I said.  "It was like old home week."
     "What do you mean?"  She stood with her hands on her hips and waited for a reply. 
     I was anxious to get inside and get my shoes off, but I knew this was a golden moment to talk to someone who does not read books, does not attend book events, and hardly ever comes to the library except for a meeting or two.
     "Well, first of all, most everyone who walked through the door knew John McCall.  And most everyone got a big hug and a peck on the cheek or a big handshake.  And believe me, they came pouring through the doors."
     "So, who was there?" she asked.
     "Oh, I wish you could have been there to see everyone.  You probably would have known most of them.  There was Mimi Platter and Katrina McIntosh, Haley Hall Rosenberg and her dad Howard Hall, Joan Holman, Cooka Hillebrand, Carolyn and Jack Chastain, Betty Henrick and Ginger Horkan, as well as Nancy and Jim McGilvray, and Ola Newton.  I can't remember all of them.  But really, it was like old home week."
     I guess my neighbor still wasn't convinced about how good the evening was.
     "What did he talk about?" she asked. 
     Somehow, I wished I could convince her to read the book.  But I'd tried that before.  Couldn't even convince her to see a movie made from a book, like "The Help," the book by Kathryn Stockett, that I just went to see.
     "Well, he talked about the people who have lived in the palazzo, and his family members, and some of his friends.  He explained what prompted him to write the book, and he talked about how much he loves Moultrie.  And he said that he's already started on another book, a collection of short stories that everyone keeps saying he should write down."
     I stood and stared at my neighbor, waiting for something profound, hoping I'd hear that she would attend the next book event at the library because the McCall one sounded so good. 
     When she didn't say anything fast enough, I finally asked, "Sandy, why don't you come to the next book event we have?  Then you can see for yourself how good they are.  I mean, you don't have to read the book first to come to a book event.  And if you like what you hear, you can purchase the book right there and have the author sign the book, too."
     "Humpf."  That was all I heard.
     Well, win some, lose some, I thought.  I slipped out of my shoes right there in the breezeway and started toward my door.
     "When's the next one?" she said.
     Yes!  Contact! I thought.
     "The next author's book event will be in November.  Of course, if you want to learn something about writing grants, you should attend Dr. Anne Holt's September 24th event.  It's from noon to 3 p.m. and will cost you only $30 to learn about guidelines, budget, tips on finding matching funds, and things like that.  But if you want an author's event about a book, that will be November 8th at 6:30 p.m. when Janisse Ray comes again to talk about her new book, "Drifting into Darien."  The last time Janisse came for a book event, we drew well over 100 people.  We had them standing in the doorway and in the hall.  You should plan to come to that one.  That's going to be like old home week, too!"
     I thought I heard "humpf" again, but I wasn't sure.
     "Well," she said, "I might just do that.  You seem to get all hepped up about these things.  Guess I ought to come see what you get so excited about.  I'll let you know when the time comes."
     And with that she turned toward her apartment, waving her hand and saying, "See you tomorrow."
     I watched her walk away and wondered what else I could do to get her interested in reading books.  She is a challenge.  But I love a good challenge.   

At the library - YEAH!

     I've had so much fun lately, helping our web developer, Aileen, with the website.  I've had the opportunity to go through our website and check out the links to see if they work.  Aileen is working hard on preparing the site for our new URL and for me it's a learning experience.
     I've found so many interesting sections to the Children's Library's site and I want to tell you about them.
     First, (when you're finished reading the Bookworm Blog) go back to our Home Page and click on Departments, one of the sections which also includes User's Guide, etc.  In Departments you'll see three pictures on the right hand side with the names of the departments.  Click on Children.  That will bring up the Welcome page to the Children's Library site.  Now, on the left hand side of the screen you'll see the different areas...Kid's, Parents, Story Time, etc.
     When you click on Kid's, that will bring up the screen showing Primary, Elementary, and Teens.  If you click on Primary, you'll see sites for the Berenstain Bears, Lil' Fingers, Curious George, Starfall, and Seussville University.  It's here you'll find stories, activities, and topics such as learning to read.
     Under Elementary, you'll find sites for Child Safety on the Information Highway, Search Engines, and Homework Help.  Plans are being developed for a Teen site in the future.
     Now, go back to where you found Kid's and click on the Parents section.  Here's where you'll find Suggestions for Kids Who Read, Literature Resources, AR Lists by Schools, and Web Resource Suggestions.  This is a great site for parents who are home schooling their kids.  There's lots of great information here to make the schooling fun and interesting.
     OK.  Back again to where Kid's is and you'll find Story Time.  This is where you'll find a schedule of upcoming programs planned for children.  But I have to tell you that at this time, the site is being worked on to coordinate it with school functions.  So, put it in your Reminder Box to check it at a later time.
     And back again to where you found Kid's.  Look for Mouse Picks.  This is my favorite spot because I love the books that are selected and I love all the websites I can visit that tell me about not only the book, but the authors and illustrators.
     Of course, I clicked on them all (even if they are the librarian's favorites).  One book is titled "It's Thanksgiving."  I clicked on that and then clicked on "Thanksgiving and Turkey Themes."  After all, Thanksgiving is coming up faster than we'd like to admit.  It's a great site!  Under the section "Songs and Poems" I found myself singing "Alburquerque the Turkey" (to the tune of "O' My Darlin' Clementine") and "Turkey Pokey" (to the tune of "Hokey Pokey").
     But I have to admit my favorite book is "The Lion and the Mouse" by Jerry Pinkney, because he is one of my favorite illustrators.   It's on the Mouse Picks page.  At this book site you can learn all about the book, as well as the illustrator...and the pictures are astounding!  I'd like to cut them out and put them all over my walls at home!
     One last thing about the Children's site.  Come back to our Home Page and click on Ms. Croft's Blog that says "At the Library...YEAH!"  Right now it's in the center of the page.  That's where you'll find all sorts of information from Michele Croft, our Children's Library Coordinator.  Come next May, she'll be the Children's Librarian, after she receives her library degree from Valdosta State University.  But don't think Norma McKellar is gone...oh! no!  She's only semi-retired and is still with us as Children's Library Assistant.  We could not do without Ms. Norma.
     Well, it's time for me to stop chatting and get back to work.  I'm still looking through our soon-to-be-new-website and checking out all those links.  But for some reason, I keep drifting back to the Children's section again and again.  Can't imagine why....just fun, fun, fun!

An evening with John Clark McCall

     John Clark McCall, Jr., author of "Tales of a Southern Palazzo," will talk about his book here at the Moultrie library, 204 5th Street, SE, on Tuesday, August 16th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  The event is open to the public.
      "Tales of a Southern Palazzo" is a memoir that reads like fiction.  John has written a "complex, twisted, and highly fragrant story" about our fair city of Moultrie that is basically all true (he says). 
     Using the distinctive mansion on Tallokas Road as a backdrop, "Tales" recounts the hilarious and oftentimes unbelievable events that have occurred during the tenure of three Southern bachelors who lived there.  The author talks about his family and friends who frequented not only the mansion, but the Cloister Hotel on Sea Island and the dove fields of Colquitt County.  And you'll enjoy looking at the many pictures of the people he talks about.
     "Tales" celebrates the uniqueness of tragedy and humor in the Deep South, defying the reader to discern which is which. 
     John is an interesting and highly educated man, who will entertain you with his memoirs.  He is an established writer, not only of his first book of memoirs, but regarding theatre and theatre organ history, as well as architecture.
     After graduating from Georgia State University with degrees in Journalism and Governmental Administration, he pursued careers in art, college administration, interior design, and theatre organ.
     As an award-winning organist, he was honored in 2010 with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, and is currently house organist at the famed Rylander Theater in Americus, Georgia. 
     John is also president of his design consultant firm in Valdosta, Georgia, where he makes his home.
     "Tales of a Southern Palazzo" may ruffle some feathers, but it is a highly entertaining little book.  But, as usual, memoirs never seem to satisfy all the people who are mentioned in an author's book.  Copies will be available for purchase and book signing after John's talk.

Books are fun for everyone!

     That's the title on a brochure provided by the Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped Children.
     I can't imagine not being able to read.  I've read since I was a little child.  And my mother read to me, but I don't think as much as I've read to myself.
     I can't imagine being a little child and not having someone read to me.  And as I grow and learn, I can't imagine not being able to read to myself.
     That being said...there are children who have visual or physical disabilities who can easily enjoy the pleasure and benefits of reading, thanks to books and equipment through the Library of Congress.
     The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) offers braille and recorded books and magazines to more than 20,000 young readers through a network of 56 regional and 90 subregional libraries throughout the United States and its territories.  This cooperative network is made up largely of state and local public libraries that circulate books and playback machines directly to readers.  Many also conduct story hours, book talks, and summer reading programs.
     The NLS children's collection offers the same range of reading materials found in most public libraries.  Folk and fairy tales, animal stories, mysteries and science fiction, classics, biographies, and informational works of all types are among the books available for children from preschool through junior high school.  (Young adults may also request books from the adult collection.)
     The NLS collection includes more than 12,000 books in braille, print/braille, and talking-book formats.
     NLS produces several magazines for young people, including Jack and Jill, National Geographic World, and Children's Digest.  The NLS Music Section loans large-print and braille method books for beginning study of piano and other instruments, and books on learning to read braille music.
     Eligible readers can borrow NLS library materials free of charge.  The program is open to persons who are blind or who cannot see well enough to read standard print even with corrective aids or who cannot hold or handle printed books because of a physical disability, even if the disability is temporary.  Those with physically based reading disabilities may also be eligible.
     How do you find more information about the NLS?
     You can pick up a brochure here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, 204 5th Street SE, in Moultrie.  The brochure not only gives you information about the National Library Service (NLS), but provides an application for free library service with the NLS.
     Or you can get in touch with the Bainbridge Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped through Southwest Georgia Regional Library at 301 South Monroe Street, in Bainbridge, Georgia (39819), or by calling 229-248-2680 or 1-800-795-2680.  Also, by faxing them a t 229-248-2670 or by emailing lbph@swgrl.org.  Check out their website at www.swgrl.org/handicap.php.  They also have an online catalog at http://webopac.klas.com/glass.
     If you know someone who would benefit from materials from the National Library Service, now is the time to enrich their lives.  Help them by providing reading materials...read to them...help them to read to each other...and to enjoy reading by themselves.

Pardon our Closing

     If it weren't for our closing for inventory, we wouldn't know exactly where we are with the hundreds of thousands of items we have in our library for the community to use.
     If it weren't for our closing for inventory, the carpets in the adult reading area, the computer areas, the auditorium, and the genealogy areas would not have all those ugly stains removed...those stains of muddy shoes, dropped baby bottles whose tops came open, and all the things we won't mention.
     If it weren't for our closing for inventory, the hard floors could not be scrubbed and waxed (Mitchell told me they put a coat of wax on every 15 minutes until it shines like glass!).
     If it weren't for our closing for inventory, the ceiling fans would not get dusted, the past few years of paper accumulation would not be cleared out, the books could not be inventoried in our system, and lost items found.  Plus, everyone's desks could not be cleaned, computers inventoried and updated, and on and on.
     If it weren't for our closing for inventory...well, you get the idea.
     So, pardon our closing and sorry for the inconvenience, but when we reopen on Saturday, August 6th, you'll recognize a nice fresh smell throughout the building...not exactly like a sea breeze, but nice and clean.
     And we'll be happy to see you once more and help you with all your library needs.