MCCLS Bookworm

So, how did the workshop go? you ask.

2012-01-24T13:50:00.002-05:00

     Well, I have to tell you that it was just fabulous!
     Author, activist, and environmentalist Janisse Ray presented an outstanding workshop Saturday, the 21st. It was exactly what many of our writing friends had wanted...memoirs and creative nonfiction.
     Twenty-four people from Moultrie, Tifton, Thomasville, Albany, and even Newton, Georgia, showed up for the almost six-hour workshop and, believe me, they were not disappointed.
     Janisse not only talked about her own writing experiences, her books, her MFA instructor and exercises, her sustainable farm and her son, but she gave us pointers on how to uncap our memories and write about them.
     The exercises were thought-provoking...such as, list what you obsess about, which also made us wonder about our passions. We pondered about things we didn't want to write about, the things we knew we should write about, and the difference between memoirs and creative nonfiction.
     We worked hard for three hours, then broke for lunch, and came back to learn more. We shared our writings, shared our frustrations and desires, and we formed a really wonderful writing community. We left the workshop with tools in hand and ideas in mind.
     We've had many folks ask us when we're going to have another Janisse Ray writing workshop, and we've had to say, "Whenever she has the time." Janisse's schedule is one I would not want to follow. She's traveling, reviewing her books, giving workshops, and still trying to maintain a healthy home lifestyle (and stay sane!).
     Sometime this year we will again have Janisse here. She has a new book about seed saving coming out in July (The Seed Underground: an Outlandish Revolution to Save Food). Hang in there if you're interested in another event of writing or book reviewing. We're working on it. In the meantime, enjoy her website.
(website: www.janisseray.weebly.com)

It's nice to see you're there.

2012-01-18T10:15:00.003-05:00

     For as long as we've been the MCCLS Bookworm, we've known you're out there, even if we don't receive comments from you. That's all right, you see, because we know if you really have something to say, you will.
     But occasionally I like to check the Stats that Blogger offers to those of us who use this program. In fact, occasionally we give the information to our Library Board members. It gives us a better insight into where you are and what you're interested in by reading about our library.
     Now, we're not a very big library, but "big enough," as they say.
     Moultrie, Georgia's latest population count was 15,500. We're about 59 miles from Tallahassee, Florida to the south and 113 miles from Columbus, Georgia to the northwest. And to the north, as my friends say, we're about 3-1/2 to 4 hours from Atlanta. (Sometimes it's easier to tell you how far away we are from some place by using hours instead of miles.)
     The higher powers that be have estimated that in the first five years of the past decade the population of Moultrie has grown by about 4%. And that since 2005 Moultrie's population has grown by about 6%.
     That being said, it's amazing to me that our Blogger audience statistics show that you, who are reading this blog, are not only from the United States, but India, Russia, Germany, China, France, Ukraine, and Greece, as well as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, Brazil, Canada and Iran.
     And you're using as your browsers the Internet (49%), Firefox, Mobile Safari, Opera, Chrome, Safari, and NS8.
     The operating systems you're using are not only Windows (67%), Linux (17%), Android (11%), and Macintosh (3%), but you're using iPads, iPhones, Blackberrys, Nokias, and iPods. Isn't that interesting?
     Our Board members were delighted to know that people from all those countries are reading our blog.  And I have to say, I was really delighted to know that so many people are using their iPads, iPods, and iPhones to read it. I sure hope that's not out of boredom, while their riding in their carpools, golf carts, or subway trains. But then, I really don't care where you are reading it, just as long as you're reading it. Bathrooms, included.
     Comments are appreciated, of course. However, one friend told me that she doesn't feel she has to respond. She said she just likes to read about what we're doing here. If we have certain displays that interest her, or some good book on our shelf I've talked about, or an event she'd like to attend, then she said she's on her way to the library, coming to visit us in person.
     So...it's nice to see you're there. Even if you can't come visit us in person. We welcome you each time you come for a visit and hope you take away with you some bit of information that will make your day a little brighter.
     Friends around the world. I like that idea. It's nice to see you're there.

Has a library changed your life?

2012-01-17T15:17:00.009-05:00

     Once in a while, I get the chance to read other websites and blogs. Today I clicked on ilovelibraries.org, a place that I find interesting since it's library-related.
     I read the article "How a library changed my life" by a young woman from India. And it got me to thinking.
     Has a library changed my life? And has changed your life?
     When I was growing up, I don't remember my mother or father taking me to a library. I remember reading lots of books, but I don't really remember where I got my reading material. Except, of course, for what we called "funny books," comics later, graphic novels now.
     So, I must have taken home books from my school library.
     As I look back over my life, it must have been when I had my own children that the library became important.
     I know I read to them, especially at nap time. And later with the younger ones, anytime we could sit down together on the couch and share even the comics of the Sunday paper.
     So, when did the library really change my life? When did books, and reading materials, and the quietness of a place to sit and read, really enter my life?
     I seem to remember every time I moved to another city, which was after I married, I sought out the local library. Some were very small, pieced together by the faithful few who cared about books and people reading. Some were large city libraries; the kinds with long, marble steps up to the double-wide doors and big open foyers.
     A small one was in the city of Ralston, Nebraska. It was all on one floor for the public; storage in the basement. It was actually one big room, divided by what I then called bookshelves, now call stacks. (But I understand we're going back to the user-friendly word bookshelves.)
    A really big library was in Dallas, Texas; a place where it was easy to get lost and where it was difficult to find the restrooms. That was then, however. I'm sure their signage has improved that problem.
     As I moved, I frequented the libraries even more. They became an obsession to find, to visit, to sit in and enjoy just being there. I not only went to read, but to write and to get away into a quiet space for an hour or two.
     College libraries, oh yes. There were even those.  In fact, I remember working at a college bookstore and envying those with the time to pick out various books they were required to read and actually having the time to read them!
     I guess a library really changed my life when I went to work at one in a small Illinois town. It was a Dale Carnegie library...had the round dome and everything. It was a two story building. The main library was on the upper floor (up those marble steps, you see).  The children's library and a large meeting room was in the basement. I was hired to straighten and clean the books and shelves, and to help patrons return their books and check out new ones. And one week, when the cleaning lady was sick, I was paid to clean the entire library, top to bottom (that included the bathrooms). Yes, maybe that was when a library changed my life.
     I not only checked out books from that library to read, but I checked out their videos and magazines; I went to meetings in the large meeting room in the basement; I sat at the tables in the main library and wrote stories; I snooped through all the old donated books; and I used one of their three computers when I got curious about something I couldn't find in a book. I also became an advocate for the library.
     Then I moved from Illinois to where I am now and knew that I wanted to work at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. Of course, I didn't have a degree in Library Science, but I had other talents and skills I could offer. So, I applied. And one day I was hired. And today, here I sit.
     It was the best move of my life. I feel I'm where I belong, where I've always loved, where I've always wanted to be. In a library. And this is a good one, a really good one.
     Did a library change my life? I believe so, in more ways than I could put down right here.
     So, I take every opportunity I have to tell others in our community to visit our library...their library. It may change their lives also.
     Now, how about you? Do you have a story to share? Has a library changed your life? Why not share it with us here? I'll be watching for you.

Filling in the blanks

2012-01-12T15:28:00.001-05:00

     Every year our director gives us a new calendar. For the past two years, they've been green. Before that they were wine-colored. And every year in January I know I have lots of blanks to fill in.
     You see, I'm one of those people who takes last year's calendar, puts it beside this year's, and starts transferring reoccurring events, noteworthy notes, and other stuff that I just must remember. Do you do that? Well, if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to function here at work. Things would just slip past me (like they did the other day when I didn't have on my calendar to make the signs to post for our Monday, January 16th, closing for the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday).
     Anyway, today has been my day of "filling in the blanks" on my new calendar.
     And you know what? I didn't realize how much stuff we did last year!
     My son-in-law used to tell me that my house calendar read like a diary. Well, you should see my work calendar! It's definitely one I don't want everyone to see. It is one of the most marked up tools I've ever had and one of the most used tools I've ever used.
     And the Day Planner in my purse looks just about the same way.
     It's beginning to sound like I'm a compulsive planner, huh? My daughter says I'm just organized.
     I don't think I'm a compulsive planner. But I sure hate to miss a meeting I was supposed to go to, or forget to put up a sign that the public needs to read, or forget to plan for Black History Month or National Library Week or the Summer Reading Program.
     See what I mean?
     Well, it's already 3:15 p.m. and I'm only into August. During that month we close for a week for inventory, when we do all the yearly cleaning and weeding of books, etc. When maintenance comes to do their annual inspection, cleaning and repairing (other than when we call for help right now). When we all pitch in to dust, rearrange, and check on all kinds of equipment.
     We have lots of good things planned for this year that I put on my calendar. And of course, there will be some things I don't have on there that we haven't even dreamed up yet that will be exciting for our patrons and the community in general.
     I think it's going to be an exciting year, but then I think that every year. This is the one place where I've enjoyed working more than anywhere else. I suppose my calendar shows me that.
     But, boy! I'll tell you. If I didn't have that calendar I wouldn't remember that next week we have to mail the fliers for the Janisse Ray writers workshop (which is already filled a week ahead of the event) or get the staff newsletter to our director or send out the February Board meeting announcements or...or...or....

Did I tell you about my "bucket list" for 2012?

2012-01-11T11:27:00.004-05:00

     I had a couple of friends over on Christmas Eve for my "Christmas Simple." (What's a Christmas Simple? you ask. Just soup, salad and dessert. Simple!)
     While we were sitting around the table eating our Country Chicken Chowder, I handed them a piece of paper and pen, and said..."Now you get to write down 10 items for your 2012 bucket list."
     I can hear you now. "What's a bucket list?"
     There's a movie by that name..."The Bucket List"...with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. They played characters who had only a short time to live and came up with things they wanted to do before they kicked the bucket. Hence, a bucket list.
     So, I asked my friends to come up with their bucket list, but not of things they wanted to do before they died. No, we all had to do a 2012 bucket list. After all, let's keep it simple.
     It's harder to do than you think!
     There are just too many things I want to do before I kick the bucket. And trying to put some of those things in a 10-item list for 2012 was even harder.
     I didn't put down read 100 books in 2012! Or even 50. Or even 25. I'm going to read as many as I can anyhow, so that was not even a consideration for my bucket list.
     No, I put down things I thought I could accomplish in reality for 2012.
     Like walk the beaches of Jekyll Island again. I haven't done that in about four or five years now.
     Like help five complete strangers in some way...and not let them know it was me.
     Like see something majestic (that was in the movie, by the way, and a good one too. But I'm going to have to change it, because I think I see something majestic most days here in South Georgia when I look at the blue sky through the tall green pines and see billowing white clouds.)
     I can't remember all of my items right now, but you get the idea.
    Of course, like I've told you before, everytime I write the blog about my world away from the library, I always try to see how I can fit it into something at the library.
     So, I've decided to ask the staff to give me one thing each they'd like to see on the 2012 library's bucket list. Things we want to see accomplished in our library during the year.
     You never know what people will come up with. Right now we need another permanent full-time janitor, since our last one has left the premises (we hope to go back to his hometown).
     Maybe we need to have more specialty programs. Maybe we need to have all the furniture in the adult reading area cleaned. Maybe we need to have better signs up for where things are...like the fiction novels, or sci-fi books, or young adults books...or large-print books. Whatever.
     Hey, you, out there!!! What would you like to see accomplished in our library? If you live in the Moultrie-Colquitt County area, then this library is your library, too! And we'd like your input.
     A bucket list. What do you think about that? Maybe you should consider doing your 2012 bucket list. Might surprise you what you come up with.

Oh, my gosh, it's the new year!

2012-01-04T11:51:00.002-05:00

"What are you doing in here?" she said. "It looks like a bomb hit this place!"

"I know," I moaned. "But we just came back to work and I have so much to do."

"Well, no more than anyone else," she moaned back. "You should see my desk!"

"That's just a desk," I said. "This is a whole office place!"

     She saw my point. Even though it is a two-person office place, we have this little place stuffed!
We have boxes on the floor filled with left-over Christmas stuff, table tops covered with old calendars, new calendar stuff that goes in the lighted hall display case, old red December newsletters, books and papers, an extra rolling cart that we wheel up and down the hallway, and too many other things to mention.

     So, what am I going to do about all this stuff?

     Well, I'm going to put up the January 2012 calendar in the lighted case right after lunch.

     I'm going to get the rest of the Janisse Ray Writing Workshop's publicity out, send the staff their emails about the event, and fix up the receipt for the event.

     I'm going to call the lady about the February Black History Month display.

     I'm going to do the Novel Destinations Book Club's bookmark to announce the meeting on January 10th, which will be about Hawaii.

     I'm going to post the soup flier for our staff soup day the last of the month.

     I'm going to finish the AARP Tax Aide sign-up sheet to give to Johnnie.

     My coworker is just as busy as I am. She's going to work on the January newsletter and calendar, add Tumble Books to the children's website, update the website (which is an enormous job), do publicity for upcoming events, and she said she's going to clean her desk. She just bought a new three-shelf bookcase to put on the top of her desk.

     So! There you have it! That's about all we can do in the short time we work this week. We are, you see, only part-timers and must schedule tightly all the things we have to do.

     Now you know. And it's the new year and I'm already tired! Coming back to work is not to rest!

Just one more thing to say in 2011

2011-12-14T11:27:00.002-05:00

     I thought yesterday's note to you would be my last, but I just couldn't pass this one up.
     You know, there's going to be a lot of eating going on over the next couple of weeks. Eating like it's going out of style. Eating like there's no tomorrow. Eating like you're never going to eat again.
     Now, with those thoughts in mind, I have to tell you that I found, today, right here at our library, something that will help you, if you pay attention.
     Yep! I found this information right here at our library.
     There I was, pouring myself a cup of coffee in the break room and minding my own business, when I began to look for a spoon to stir the creamer in my cup.
     That's when I found the information about food that I'm going to share with you.
     It was on a shelf in the break room where we put our "stuff" and it surprised me so much that I brought it back to the office to tell you.
     It's a plate that talks about the portion size of food you SHOULD eat, not the size you WILL eat.  Have you ever seen one? Every household needs one of these plates and I don't know where to get one. But I want to share the information printed on this plate with all of you (like me) who plan to eat big-time for the holiday season.
     OK!  It says around the rim of the plate that half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables, 1/4th should be whole grains, and 1/4th or less should be lean meat or protein (that usually means peanut butter to me. Sorry about that!).
     The top half of the plate says "fats, oils and sweets USE SPARINGLY!" (The capitals are there!) It shows the picture of a baseball and says "one cup of fruits or vegetables EQUALS the size of a baseball." It also says "a medium potato EQUALS the size of a computer mouse" and shows a computer mouse. The baseball and mouse are the exact size they should be.
     In the lower lefthand corner of the plate it says "the width of a pancake EQUALS the size of a CD. A slice of bread EQUALS the size of an audio cassette." Now, it doesn't show the exact size of those items, but you get the idea.
     In the lower righthand corner of the plate it says "one serving of meat EQUALS the size of a deck of cards," and there's an almost-exact-size card with a few behind it.
     So! Are you getting the message? This is one of the most busy "stuffing" times of the year, and I don't mean "stuffing the turkey," unless your siblings call you a turkey. This is right before you NEED to make that new year's resolution that you will lose weight beginning in 2012.
     We are two weeks and a few days away from 2012. What do you think? Should we get a running start on the new year and take a better look at our plates over the next two weeks? Should we consider how many pounds we can put on over the next seventeen days if we don't control what we put on our plates? Are we going to take a baseball size portion of Grandma's fruit salad (the one with the marshmallows and coconut and whipped cream; that's the fruit, you see)? Are we going to leave off the real butter and brown sugar that we usually put on our sweet potato (the one that should be the size of a computer mouse)?
     What are we going to do about those cloverleaf yeast rolls that Aunt Suzie brings? Will four of them equal the size of an audio cassette? And the meat...a piece of turkey the size of a deck of cards?
     Oh, geez, why did I have to find that plate? I have laid a guilt trip on me that's bigger than my mama's fourteen-person dining room table. Now, I know every time I go back for a refill I'll be thinking of that plate.
     Well, I just thought I'd share this information with you. No guilt trip intended, honestly.
     Hope you enjoy all the good food coming your way during this holiday season. But why not join me on January 1st and make the resolution to lose weight in 2012. I honestly need a few friends to stand beside me and take the pledge to drop those pounds I added at the end of 2011. You know the saying..."misery loves company."
     Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all. Enjoy!

Holiday Closing

2011-12-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, Odom Genealogical Library, and Doerun Municipal Library's Holiday Closing - - December 17, 5:30 p.m. through January 2, 2012. All libraries reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at regular times.

     As we close our libraries to begin the Holiday Season, all of us at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Public Library, the Odom Genealogical Library, and the Doerun Municipal Library would like to wish you and your loved ones the happiest and best of the holidays.
     We also thank you for the wonderful support you've shown us in 2011. We appreciate the MCCLS Friends, the visiting authors and program speakers/singers, and all of our patrons.
     Although our budget was tight for our libraries, we have continued to provide you with entertaining, enlightening, and educational programs during the year. With your continued support, we promise to continue to provide you with great quality events in 2012 and for years to come.
     We hope you have a joyful Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you in the New Year, right here at our libraries.

Melody S. Jenkins, Director
and
all Library Staff Members

Just in time for busy Christmas cooking

2011-12-08T10:29:00.001-05:00

     Well, I did it...got myself one of those little 1.5 quart slow cookers.   I mean, why not? They were on sale for $10.00. I guess that was the lure. I got it even though I wasn't sure I'd use one. After all, it's so tiny compared to the 4 or 6 quart cookers. But since I cook for just me, I figured...why not?
     Since the cooker didn't come with appropriate recipes for a tiny cooker, I had to do some Internet research.  Most sites said to calculate the recipe to fit my tiny cooker. Math was not my best subject! Just tell me in plain English with lots of pictures. But I have to admit, some sites had little calculation meters to help you.
     Well! What else could I do except head for the 641.5 shelves in my library, the shelves that hold our cookbooks. Here's where I found the slow cooker recipe books.
     There was a big blue and green book called "Slow Cooker Cooking" by Lora Brody, the author of "The Kitchen Survival Guide."  It had a copyright of 2001, and I wondered if that was before the tiny cookers came into kitchens. It read like Lora was right there talking to me, had good slow cooker basics, and mentioned her testers also used a small cooker, which holds about 3 cups.
     Since my criteria for a slow cooker is to cook recipes with meat, I looked at the meat section first. I found a recipe for lamb-stuffed cabbage rolls with yogurt-dill sauce, but I'm not big on cabbage or dill sauce. I found a recipe for chicken merlot with mushrooms that sounded good, but I'm not a fan of merlot. All recipes were for 3 to 5 quart cookers. I should have paid attention when the author said she was a fan of the 5-1/2 quart oval cooker. So...on to the next book.
     There was a teeny, tiny book titled "Extra-Special Crockery Pot Recipes" by Lou Seibert Pappas.  None of the recipes gave a pot-size. Most receipes served 4 to 8 people, some 10 or 12; way too much for my tiny pot.  Think of all the calculations I'd have to do to make one small little pot of food. However, the lemon roast chicken made my mouth water. And the Hawaiian chicken with pineapple slices and avocado spears as a complement sounded yummy!  I decided I might have to check this book out for a few days.
     The Betty Crocker "More Slow Cooker Recipes" was BIG with a spiral binder. It had information about adapting your own favorite range-top recipes, along with a section for hassle-free holidays. It also had gorgeous pictures, with the majority of the recipes for 3-1/2 to 4 quart cookers. I did find a beef pot roast with vegetables recipe I thought I could work on cutting down to my size. Then I moved on to the next book.
     This is where I found several 3 quart recipes I could cut in half. Called "Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly" by Phyllis Pellman Good, it had a recipe for super easy chicken, beef-lite with ground beef, and a tuna casserole; I liked them all (even if they were for the 3 to 4 quart pots).
     You know, the more slow cooker recipes I thought I'd like to try, I've decided I need to take that tiny slow cooker back and get a refund. I'm not ever going to use that tiny, little pot.
     In fact, I think I'm going to get me one of those 5-1/2 quart oval cookers, one I can put a bunch of chicken in, or a meat loaf, or a nice size roast. I think one of those bigger pots will be just in time for my busy Christmas cooking. Don't you think so?
     How about you? If you need help with your Christmas cooking, why not come look at all our cookbooks. Remember, they're all in the 641.5 section. We'll be glad to show you where they are.
     And be sure you have one of those bigger cookers. Everyone tells me to just dump the stuff in, turn the pot on, and go. Couldn't be better cooking for Christmas or anytime, right?

The "moses hats" have arrived!

2011-12-06T10:48:00.003-05:00

     The stage is set! Three tables, all in a row from the front door to the back of the room, covered in long white and red tablecloths, are set with red serving platters for snacks and goodies. On the first table a tall tin raindeer stands to greet you. Red tin Santas are lined up on the piano in the hopes of singing, "Ho, ho, ho!"
     And all around the room, up against the walls, are tables filled with the "moses hats."
     I imagine you're wondering what "moses hats" are. They are sights to behold!
     They are paper creations, paper hats, carefully crafted out of newspapers and colored papers, painstakingly twisted, cut, tied and glued together.
     They are 46 inspirations created by the 7th grade visual arts students from Willie J. Williams school here in Moultrie, Georgia. Their teacher is Alisha Montgomery, and through her direction she has stirred the souls of these children into making remarkable art constructions.
     As I strolled the room and looked at each hat, I saw some amazing demonstrations of artistic skill in concept,construction, visual effect, and titles of deep thought.
     Outstanding in concept was: Flower Power by Payton Snipes, The Rock Star by Fernando Bautista, The Hat With No Face by Kisheu Patel, and Holy Moses by David Garza.
     Outstanding in construction was: The Hat by John Burdon, Samurai Hat by Gabriel Evans, To Creep by Jaleel Bell, and Dumb-Dumb Hat by Korey Meisner.
     Outstanding in visual effect was: Flower Power by Payton Snipes (again), Christmas Presents by Josie Moore, Christmas Gift by Keyonna Brown, and Spirit of the Wind by Nathan Stone.
     Outstanding in Name was: Crazy and Old but Back in Style, The Hidden Garden, Wedding Kiss, The Tank, Dread Head, and Laffy Taffy.
   All of these hats, and even the ones I didn't mention, are exceptional. The young people who made the hats are more exceptional. They deserve a big round of applause.
     But don't take my word for all of this. Come see the art exhibit for yourself.
     A reception will be held this evening in the auditorium, 6:30 to 7:30. You will be amazed at the creativeness of our school children and delighted by the gifts that Alisha Montgomery has given to her students through her amazing teaching.
     The Children's Library of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library is delighted to host this special event. Watch us grow!

The Grinch is gone

2011-12-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

     I kicked him out yesterday. Him and Scrooge, too.
     You see, we decorated the library yesterday. Pulled out all the Christmas decorations and had a ball!
     It really started with our director, Melody, hanging huge, curly, red and green paper stars over the circulation counter. I mean they are HUGE! And they are so pretty. They hang from the ceiling and were no easy job for her and our janitor, Mitchell. But with a regular-size ladder and a short wooden stool, Mitchell, who must stand at least six feet, was able to put those long pieces of string up on the ceiling tile carriers. And the stars hung over the library.
      Next, Johnnie and I worked on the two lighted cases in the main foyer. She brought in her porcelain Christmas ornaments, the Norman Rockwell kind, in red and pearl white. We placed them on top of sparkling white felt, bunched up like clouds (actually scrunched over stacks of books), and added huge, debugged pine cones and glistening greenery. In one case, Aileen's chubby Santa sat in the center; in the other case, Melody's antique-y Christmas tree with tiny decorations. After we were finished, everything sparkled in the lighted cases and the festive feeling began to float through the building.
     But we weren't finished! For months Melody had been talking about making a Christmas tree out of books for the foyer table. While Johnnie and I worked on the cabinets, behind us Melody was stacking huge green books on the round table covered with a green tablecloth. As she neared the top of the tree, the books became smaller and smaller, until a tiny one sat at the top. And on top of that little book, she placed a three-dimensional, yellow paper star. Then in all the little crevices of the books, she added tiny, wooden toy decorations. It's a sight to behold. What a clever idea for a library, huh? Books! Just love them!
     But we didn't stop there!   On top of the lighted cabinets, we put books about making Christmas crafts, like ornaments, stockings, trees...books all the way from Martha Stewart to Leslie Linsley. Our table near the nonfiction bookshelves have Christmas books, too...'Tis the Season for Frosty Good Stories...and Johnnie's little cloth Christmas tree her sister made. We even placed Christmas books on our bookcase at the circulation counter. I mean, you won't be able to read fast enough to read all the great Christmas stories we have for you.
     But let me tell you what really chased the Grinch and Scrooge away.
     Today Corlis White's little Day Care tiny tots came to sing for us. Five little 3-to-4 year-olds, dressed in their Christmas shirts (one little girl had on a long green dress and brown boots). They had their Santa hats on their heads, too. They sang "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and kissed each other profusely. They sang "Jingle Bells" and rang bells as big as their ears. They sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and watched us all sing with them. Then as "Frosty, the Snowman" played on the CD player, they tossed Frosty up and down in a multi-colored parachute they all held. Believe me, their giggles were the delight of the event! They put good cheer in all of us and we are definitely in the holiday season mood.
     Now you know why the Grinch is gone! Don't expect me to talk about him (or Scrooge) again.
     In fact, I still have the December calendar to put up in the lighted case just outside the door. And while I do it, I think I'll sing along with the Christmas songs I have playing on my computer. I'm in the mood! It's December! And Christmas is coming!
     We are ready to bring you good cheer.   Drop by and soak up some Christmas atmosphere.

November is just about gone! Here comes December!

2011-11-29T15:24:00.004-05:00

     Today when I got to work, I looked at the calendar and cringed. Yep! Cringed!
     It's the last of November...one day away from the end of the month. That means the very next day is December 1st and I'm just not ready for December!
     December means Christmas shopping in busy stores, everyone pushing and shoving, struggling for the perfect gift for the person they're thinking about. It means spending lots of money all at one time and paying them off all at one time. Really, really hard to do in this day's economy.
     December means decorating the outside of my palace, putting up the wreaths, the bows, the balls, the snowflakes. All that stuff!   AH! But I don't decorate inside my palace, because of the cat who thinks she's a dog and chews on everything. So, that's a blessing in disguise.
     December means Christmas parties. So far, I have three this year to attend. And when I attend one, I have to bring some food. Well, I've simplified that...I'm bringing to each party the same thing, a veggie tray with artichoke/spinach dip, and hope that some is left over to take home for munching on in front of the TV.
     December means food, like I said, and lots of folks have BIG spreads to plan, buy, and cook for. Mine this year will be small and that means everyone has to bring a dish. Yea! Cause I'm getting to where I hate to cook. Too bad I hate to eat, huh? That must mean December brings on the weight, too. One more thing to grip about, I guess.
     Do I sound like Scrooge? Well, it sounds like it. Sorry about that.
     There are a few good things about December, now that I think harder.
     One would be all the great Christmas shows on TV. And this year I just happen to have a new TV. I graduated from my 13-inch (which for years I thought was a 19-inch) all the way up to a 32-inch! Talk about feeling like I'm right there! Ah, yes. I'm looking forward to the Christmas shows, in what will seem to me like I'm sitting in my own personal theater.
     Two will be the time off around Christmas that we have each year. I feel privileged to work in an organization where we have two weeks off at Christmas. That doesn't help our patrons much, when they depend on the computers for school work or job searching. But it does help with our slowly dwindling library funds. I mean, we do save on electricity, heat, water, etc. some.  Hopefully, it all balances out.
     Three will be that I'll have time to read while I'm well. Couldn't do that while I was sick, remember? And I am reading three books all at one time right now. But I need to start collecting the books I want to take home with me to read during the Christmas holidays.
     In fact, we just put on our recommendation shelf the first of our Christmas book selections for you to enjoy.
     We have The Fat Man audio book by Ken Harmon. You can listen while you cook! It's a story about Gumdrop Coal, one of Santa's original elves, who wanted revenge because he was fired from his longtime job as captain of the Coal Patrol. When the parent of one of the Naughty kids gets killed, Gumdrop has to find out who framed him. This is a "holly jolly" read that will cause you to hoot with laughter.
     For all of you who love "politically correct" stuff, we have Politically Correct Holiday Stories by James Finn Garner. The author has taken the liberty of revising and improving some familiar holiday tales, such as "The Night Before Christmas," "Frosty the Snowman," and "The Nutcracker," among a few others. Tongue-in-cheek is required, you know.
     For our romance-story lovers, we have two books on the shelf. Texas Christmas Grooms by Pamela Griffin and Vickie McDonough tells two tales about Texas Rangers who try their hands at matchmaking. Now, I've never heard of Texas Ranger matchmakers, but these are cute little Christmas stories that make you wonder if the two grooms will be lassoed in time for Christmas weddings.
     The second book is by a favorite author, Joan Medlicott, the author of The Ladies of Covington. Her book A Covington Christmas makes you wonder if the five couples, who thought they were married for a long time and find out they haven't been married at all, actually get re-married on Christmas Eve, when last-minute obstacles threaten to stop their big weddings. They need a miracle! Do they get it? You'll have to read this one to find out.
     There are lots more reasons to like December. I just remembered the gorgeous Christmas lights over the courthouse square and surrounding streets.   Also, there are lots of great Christmas movies now, like The Muppets, Hugo, and even Happy Feet Two (well, it has snow in it). And in a couple of weeks some friends and I will go to the Thomasville, Georgia "Victorian Christmas."
    And just to prove that I'm not a Scrooge, we're putting up our December displays here in the library for you to enjoy. That will certainly get all of us in the mood for a festive holiday season. Come check us out. After all, December only lasts for 31 days!   But remember, we'll be closed for half of that time. (That sounded like a Scrooge ending, after all.)

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

2011-11-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

     This is from the Land of the South to all of you in other parts of the United States and other areas around the world. We know you're there, because we've seen you in our stats and know where you're viewing from. That's why I just had to include "y'all" in my greeting.
     And as for the "Land of the South," I mean South Georgia in the southern part of the United States. Right now, that's about as far south as I want to go.
      Our library will be closing this afternoon at 5:30 for the Thanksgiving holidays. We'll be closed until Monday, the 27th, a short but nice little time off for those of us who work here. This is when I usually wonder where everyone who comes here to use the computers and sit a few hours in our reading area will be on Thanksgiving Day.
     I'll have family with me on Thanksgiving Day...all the way from across town and from Gainesville, Florida. Not a real whole lot of travel going on there.
     We'll share good food and good times with each other for the day. Then they will leave and go back to their jobs the next day, while I'm able to stay home and enjoy my "whatevers"!
     I know many of you do not celebrate the same holidays we do here in the United States. But I want you to know that on my Thanksgiving Day, I'll be thinking of you, no matter where you are. And there's no way I could list all of you to give special thanks for. There are just too many.
     So, even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you'll be happy and free and have a good meal in your belly.
     From me to you...happy thanksgiving, y'all!

So! What do YOU do when you're sick?

2011-11-21T11:18:00.001-05:00

     This past week has not been nice! That's to put it mildly! Allergies and sinus problems abound amongst my friends and coworkers. One is also out with gallbladder surgery (how did that get in there?). But to have an allergic reaction to the medicine that's supposed to be helping you get well...WELL!
     What did I do while I was sick for a week? Not what you think.
     You know how we always say, "Oh, if I got sick, I'd be able to read all those good books I've been stocking up on my bookshelves"? That didn't work for me.  I had two books I'd been reading for the past week...Women Who Run With Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Estes and The Joe Grey Cat Mysteries by Shirley Rousseau Murphy...and I thought I'd read them. But that didn't really work out. Headaches don't help your eyesight!
     And waiting on my bookshelf is the Sally Goldenbaum series of Seaside Knitters...Death by Cashmere (book one) and The Wedding Shawl (book five). I have one through four at home; book five is here in our library. I've read the first one and am excited about reading the others. But NO. The old headache and stomach problems kept me in bed...in the dark...hoping the crud would eventually disappear.
     A little TV, a little food (like yogurt and water, and chicken noodle soup and a vanilla malt brought by a friend) did little to make the misery go away. I stared at my bookshelves, remembering that lovely thought...oh, if I got sick, I'd be able to read all those good books I've been stocking up on my bookshelves. Oh, woe is me! that didn't work out at all. And the food brought on the worst problems of all, which you don't want to hear about, simply because of the allergic reaction to the medicine.
     That's when I had to go back to square one...a different medicine. You know, sometimes you just have to feel worse in order to feel better. And I did.
     Did I want to listen to a good story on audio books? No. My brain hurt, just like the rest of me did. Even the soothing music I usually put on while napping didn't help. Just silence, please.
     Finally, the good medicine kicked in. The headache went away, as did the other problems associated with the allergic reaction. The eyesight cleared up, food was tasting good again, the coughing and sniffling (did I mention those earlier?) began to clear up. And an interest in looking at book pages began to appear. The energy level was low and the house was dirty, but all that makes for reading time...in order to better recouperate, I told myself.
     Did I pick up Women Who Run With Wolves? No. Or The Joe Grey Cat Mysteries? No. Or the Seaside Knitters? No.
     I treated myself to a new book.... I told my friend to bring me a new book from the library. She called from the library to say, "Which one?"
     Ann Rivers Siddons' new book Burnt Mountain is about "the way love can shape our lives - and the things we keep from those who know us best." It takes place not only in Atlanta but in the North Carolina mountains, over a period of many years, and deals with first love, first heartbreak, tragic death, and great expectations.
     Nicholas Sparks' new book The Best of Me also takes place in North Carolina and is a love story about a young couple from opposite sides of the track, who meet 25 years later at the funeral of their "mentor who once gave shelter to their high school romance" and realize everything they thought they knew about him, themselves, and the dreams they held dear was not as it seemed.
     Terry Kay's new book is The Greats of Cuttercane. These are the stories of people born in Cuttercane, Georgia, who earned minor celebrity from the townsfolk's highest praise: "He (she) is something else, ain't he (she)?" Only Terry Kay can tell a tall tale like all those who try to outdo one another. Written with humor, these are the stories shared daily in cafes and other gathering spots in rural communities in the South.
     OK, which one did I pick? All I can tell you is that I'm so glad I'm feeling better! It's pitiful when you don't even feel like reading a good book. I can't imagine ever NOT reading. But if that time should come, I know I'll have a stack of audio books close by.
     As for the three new books mentioned, when you come to the library to select your next book, see which one is missing. I'll have that one. You can have the other two.
     And I sure hope you feel like reading the next time you're sick.

Browsing for Thanksgiving dinner

2011-11-07T15:03:00.006-05:00

     Last Friday I took myself to the new farmers' market here in Moultrie. It used to be called Bill's, but now it's called Packer Produce. I just wanted to see what it looked like, since it's being managed by some different people.  When I got inside the newly enclosed, air conditioned building, I must say I was impressed.
     This is not an advertisement for Packer Produce. It's my lead-in to tell you about my browsing for Thanksgiving dinner.
     I did buy some bananas, lemons, and sweet potatoes, however. And I know where I'll get my cranberries and carrots and radishes and other veggies for my veggie plate with dip.
     Anyhow, what I really want to say is, around this time of year I get the bug to do some serious cooking. Maybe it's the change in the weather. Maybe it's the time of year when all the really good tasting foods, many that we have only once a year, appear on our tables.
     I know I'm going to make vegetable soup and my Mama's stew recipe. I plan to start that right after Thanksgiving.
     But I started thinking about what I'd like to have for Thanksgiving dinner, that wonderful big meal of Thanksgiving Day, the one that gives you lots of leftovers for the rest of the week and into the weekend.
     And what better place to find what I would like to have but right here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library in the cookbook section...section 641.5.
     The first book I picked up is The Market Place, a Collection of Recipes by the Augusta Jr. Woman's Club. I plan to have their "Cocktail Meatballs" for my appetizer. That's on page 14 of the cookbook. It's the recipe that uses chili sauce and a jar of grape jelly to simmer the meatballs in. Yummy!
     I also plan to have a veggie plate with dip. I found some tasty suggestions in the Carol Arnel Greenberg cookbook, The Day Before Cookbook.   I can prepare all the veggies the day before: clean, slice, and cut them, and make the dip ahead of time. Even bought a nice new platter to put everything on.
     Of course, there are those who would like to put their whole meal in a slow cooker and be done with it. Lora Brody has a book titled Slow Cooker Cooking. She's the author of The Kitchen Survival Guide (just my kind of book). But in her slow cooker book, she has a recipe for Chicken Merlot with Mushrooms that sounds devine! It's with skinless chicken thighs and just a little (1/4 cup of) Merlot (or any dry red wine).   Throw all the stuff in the pot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. And wal-LA! It's all done! And yummy too! That's on page 122, in case you're interested.
     But I have to tell you, the most fabulous cookbook to just look at (the pictures alone will make you want to cook something) is Ina Garten's book, Barefoot Contessa at Home.   Lovely big pictures to make you drool!  And if you're not a ham or turky person for Thanksgiving, you should look at page 109, the recipe for rib-eye steaks with cornmeal-fried onion rings. Or the chicken with goat cheese and basil (you could get your goat cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville - this is not an advertisement for Sweet Grass either). Or (and this one might be mine) Eli's Asian Salmon. This is so scrumptious looking! Bigger than yummy!
     That brings me to the last cookbook I picked up...Julia Child's book, Julia's Casual Dinners. This is for all of you who like turkey for Thanksgiving, and have a big family to enjoy it. Julia has a Buffet for 19 with all the recipes to make your dinner a huge success. How about this: Oysters on the Half Shell, Turkey Orloff (turkey breast scallopini gratineed with mushrooms, onions, rice, and cheese), Fresh Green Beans with Watercress and Tomatoes, Oil and Lemon Dressing, and French Bread. Her dessert is a Jamaican Ice Cream Goblet. And she even suggests the wines!
     No, I lied...that wasn't my last cookbook. I also picked up Christmas with Paula Deen. It's a little book chocked full of recipes and stories from Paula's favorite holiday. After all, Christmas is right around the corner. Thanksgiving is just for practice.

An evening with Janisse Ray at the library

2011-11-02T10:27:00.003-04:00

     Yesterday while visiting with my neighbor, I told her we were going to have Janisse Ray at the library again and invited her to come hear Janisse talk about her new book.
     After telling her that the reading and book signing would be on Tuesday, November 8th, at 6:30 p.m. at the library, my neighbor said, "Who is Janisse Ray?"
     Silly me! I assumed that everyone in Georgia who reads knows who Janisse Ray is! Maybe even if they don't read. Maybe if they like birds and rivers and longleaf forests; things like that.
     Janisse Ray is a writer, naturalist and activist, who has written four books of literary nonfiction and a collection of poetry. She lives on a farm in southern Georgia and is an organic gardener, seedsaver, tender of farm animals, and a slow-food cook. She lectures widely on nature, community, agriculture, wildness, sustainability and the politics of wholeness.
     She has a whole list of titles, including a doctorate from Unity College in Maine, and is on the faculty of Chatham University's low-residency MFA program.
     I've read all her books, but the one I've loved the best is Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, her memoir about growing up in a junkyard in the ruined longleaf pine ecosystem of the Southeast. Besides being a plea to protect and restore the glorious pine flatwoods of the South, the book looks hard at family, mental illness, proverty, and fundamentalist religion. Anne Raver of The New York Times said of Janisse Ray, "The forests of the South find their Rachel Carson."
     Ray has also written Wild Card Quilt: Taking a Chance on Home, about a rural community, as well as Pinhook: Finding Wholeness in a Fragmented Land, the story of a 750,000-acre wildland corridor between south Georgia and north Florida.
     Her new book, Drifting into Darien, a Personal and Natural History of the Altamaha River explores Ray's lifelong relationship with the river, which is located in southeast Georgia.
     The first part of the book chronicles a paddling trip along the entire length of the Altamaha, from where it begins at the confluence of the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers to where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean near the town of Darien.
     In the second part of the book, Ray writes about many facets of the Altamaha's ecological significance and some of the threats to its remarkable biodiversity. The Altamaha, which has been the focus of decades of conservation effort by the Nature conservancy, is the largest free-flowing, intact water system on the Atlantic coast and is home to more than 120 rare and endangered species.
     Janisee Ray is a spirited woman, who lives a life she loves and loves to share her concern for our environment. During her last visit to the library, she drew a crowd of over 200 people.
     This is an event you won't want to miss. Plan to join us on Tuesday, November 8th, at 6:30 p.m. in the adult reading area for "An Evening with Janisse Ray." You won't be disappointed.
     For more information about Janisse Ray, visit www.janisseray.weebly.com.

River of Words, a creation of environmental beauty

2011-10-25T14:07:00.005-04:00

     We're fortunate for the fourth or fifth year to have the River of Words display at our library. It is in the adult reading area and will be here until Tuesday, November 8th. I hope you get a chance to see it.

     This morning I toured the two-sided display...a dark blue background on a curve of panels with wonderful squares of pictures and poetry by children in grades kindergarten through twelve. These children are from high schools, elementary schools, middle schools, an art studio, and an academy. They live in Georgia in the communities of Cumming, Lilburn, Covington, Fayetteville, Roswell, Monroe, Woodstock, Gainesville, Marietta, and a host of other towns.

     The display shows their talent in poetry, photography, watercolor, crayon, acrylic, colored pencils, markers, soft pastel, and oil pastel. One picture also shows a sculpture of nails, wood, and plastic. The colors are amazing. Their talent, beyond amazing. Their pictures show fish, ducks, birds, frogs, a snail, a tortoise, and a bunny. The locations are of ponds, streams, and rivers. When you read the poetry, you'll be surprised at the depth of thought and ability with words that come from even the youngest child.

     River of Words is coordinated in Georgia by the Georgia Center for the Book and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), a program of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

     River of Words is a national poetry and art competition for students who create visual art or poetry that shows an understanding and appreciation of their natural environment, and specifically of their own watershed.

      It's our delight to share this event with the community. Some of the poetry you read and the pictures you see will astound you. Children...kindergarteners to twelfth graders...our children, children of Georgia who are displaying their finest works. These are our future generations, showing us how they appreciate their natural environment and hope you'll take the time to do the same also.

     Be amazed. Visit the display before it leaves our library. You have until we close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8th.

   And watch for the blog that tells you what else will be happening on November 8th!!!

More news about World Origami Days

2011-10-20T10:39:00.003-04:00

     The library will be celebrating World Origami Days October 24 through November 11.

     We are inviting children to come for an Origami program to make cranes that represent peace for children. These will be put on display in the children's library.

     Volunteers are needed to help with the hanging of the cranes, because we are aiming to make 1000 cranes! Mashburn Printing has kindly donated the colorful paper for the project.

     On October 25 at 4:30 p.m., artist Sally Shovar and our Children's Library Coordinator Michele Croft will present a fun and inspiring lesson in Origami for ages 7 to 12 years. They will teach children how to make the peace cranes that will be displayed.

     Thousand Origami Cranes is a group of 1000 origami paper cranes held together by strings. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand Origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury.

     The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creastures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years.

     Participants in the program will also be constructing other Origami to be displayed on the Holiday Tree in the children's library for the month of December.

     While at the library, be sure you pick up one of the Origami brochures that will give you the names of several Origami books you can check out.

Tumble Book Library E-books for E-kids coming in November

2011-10-20T09:44:00.000-04:00

     There's a new offer coming to our patrons...the chance to try out Tumble Books through the library's 30-day trial.
     During the month of November, anyone can access Tumble Books through the library's website, mccls.org, when they log on to Tumble Books.
     Parents, teachers, daycares, and grandparents will want to check this out!
     So, what are Tumble Books, you ask?
     Well, Tumble Book Library is an online collection of Tumble Books - animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they will love.
     Tumble Books are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.
     The collection is licensed titles from children's book publishers, such as Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Press, Harcourt, Little Brown, Walter & Company, Lerner Books, and HarperCollins Publishers, amongst others.
     The Tumble Book Library provides enrichment to students, who are reading independently, with a variety of high interest material. It also provides support to students, who require skill building, with a variety of exercises that can be matched with other areas of the curriculum. In general, Tumble Books are a great addition to a reading program that can be worked on independently by each student or by the whole class.
     The Tumble Book Library collection can be accessed online from every computer in your child's school or library with Internet connection, or from home through a direct link on your school or library website.
     The Tumble Book Library will give us a link for you to click on and with a password you'll be able to participate in the library's 30-day trial.
     Watch for it! E-books for E-kids! It's coming in November!
     For more information or questions, contact Michele Croft, our Children's Library Coordinator at 229-985-6540, the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.

Put the soup on, Ma. It's time!

2011-10-19T10:13:00.005-04:00

     I had my first-of-the-season soup yesterday. During our October staff luncheon, we were served Weight Watchers Potato Soup and Taco-Chicken Soup. Both were homemade and yummy!
     Of course, when you get a bunch of people together and they can bring anything they want, the meal is really exciting.
     We had not only soup, but cracklin' cornbread, sweet potato dumplings, carrot and raisin salad, and a table full of desserts to include pecan pie, pumpkin creme cake, brownies, and candy corn cookie bark.
     This morning when I opened my door to come to work, the temperature was a cool 55 degrees. Yep! It's soup time. And for me, also stew time.
     That's when I said to myself, "Put the soup on, Ma. It's time!" Time I headed to the grocery store and bought all the goodies it takes to make my favorite veggie soup, Aileen's potato soup, and Mama's old fashioned stew.
     And, of course, once I reached the library, I thought about finding books with good soup recipes. How about these:
     *   Campbell's Condensed Soup Back Label Recipes (641.5C). There are just so many ways you can cook with Campbell's soup, including adding a can of Campbell's to whatever soup you're making to jazz it up. A winner for sure.
     *   The International Soup Book (641.8F).   It's always interesting to read recipes from other countries. We have so many things in common with each other, across nationalities and countries, it's no wonder we have soup in common also.
     *   Soup, a Way of Life (641.8K).   Many people think that soup is the starter course for any meal. Many people like their soup cold. Many people swear that chicken soup (Mama's, of course) will make your cold all better (well, that's what she told me). Here's a book to tell you it's a way of life.
     *   The Southern Heritage Soups and Stews Cookbook (641.5S). Don't go looking for this one, because I'm going to check it out for a while. You can, however, put it on hold. I'm sure I'm going to collect a few of these recipes to add to my old fashioned recipes for an additional supply of soup in my freezer.
     And we don't want to forget the kids, too, when we are making our soups and stews. Teaching those youngsters the awards of a good bowl of soup or stew is passing on a family legacy...we all love Grandma's vegetable-chicken soup and we pass her recipe around the family!
     Here's a couple of books you can read to the kids while you're making your big pot of soup:
     *   Growing Vegetable Soup (EE). Lois Ehlert tells the story of a father and a child growing vegetables, and then making their veggie soup.
     *   Stone Soup (J398.2B). This has always been a favorite of mine. Marcia Brown tells the folktale of three soldiers who come to a town where all the food has been hidden. They begin making soup with water and a stone, and invite the townspeople to join them by bringing something to put in the pot. Love it!
     OK, now you know what to do. Get your groceries, prepare them for cooking, and make that big pot of soup or stew.
     The weather will be cool for a while, the weatherman says. Of course, "we" know that the weather will turn very warm again before long. But for now, make that soup and enjoy the wonderful cool fall weather. Keep some soup or stew in the freezer though. You're going to want it when the weather gets really cool in January and February.

Books - we'll never be without them

2011-10-12T15:10:00.000-04:00

     I wasn't going to write anything today, but my coworker told me about a website that really got me excited. Maybe you already know about it, but if you don't, let me share it with you.
     It's called bookshelfporn.com. Now, don't let that scare you off. It's a sight for lovers of books! That's what it says! And it's got some of the coolest bookshelves you've ever seen. Ideas you might even want to use in your house or office.
     In fact, we've even talked about doing a Christmas tree for the library out of our old used books, ones that don't sell and we haven't boxed up to send off somewhere else.
    So, it's definitely a great sight to share with you.
    Of course, once you get started on something great like that, you find yourself following a thread of websites that are also interesting.
     Such as thegreatgeekmanual.com/blog/the-world's-most-beautiful-libraries, where you can see absolutely beautiful libraries that you wish you could actually put your foot in and gawk all the way up to the ceiling. These libraries are also on boredstop.com (you'll have to search for them), but beware! this is not the only topic on this site! So, don't get too carried away.
     These beautiful libraries are located in Sweden, Italy, England, Switzerland, and other foreign countries. But I did find three in the United States. One in Seattle, one in Maryland, and the Jay Walker private library in Connecticut.
    So...if you're having a slow day and want to just play around and see what's out there on the Internet, be sure to check out these websites.
    And remember...we'll never be without books!

Did you know October is Family History Month?

2011-10-11T14:20:00.004-04:00

     Well, it is...at least to genealogists and libraries and several other organizations across the United States. I imagine anyone could go to Google and find out more about it. But I'd like to give you just a few facts right here.
     Lots of genealogists and family historians know that the census records are an invaluable resource. The U. S. National Archives and Records Administration makes census records available to the public 72 years after the census is conducted. Can you figure out what year's census records are due to be released on April 2, 2012?
     The U. S. Census Bureau also collects data on a variety of subjects, including American families, such as:
     * In 1950, there were 39 million families in the U. S. By 2009 the number had more than doubled to 79 million and the average family size was three people. What do you think our family size is today in 2011?
     * In 1890, the median age at first marriage was 26 for men and 22 for women. In 2009, the ages were 28 for men and 26 for women. Wonder what it is today? Does getting older mean getting wiser?
     * In 1960, 88 percent of the 63.7 million children under age 18 living in the U. S. lived with both parents...9 percent lived with one parent. In 2009, 70 percent of all children lived with two parents and 26% lived with one parent. Does this mean we are slowly becoming single parent families?
     Some of our most famous people have voiced their opinions about families, such as:
     * "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family...in another city." - George Burns, comedian/actor
     * "A family is a unit composed not only of childen but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold." - Ogden Nash, poet
     * "If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance." - George Bernard Shaw, author
     * "Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about." - Trey Parker and Matt Stone, SouthPark, creators
     Are you interested in your family's history? Now's the time to visit our Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library. Our staff will give you tips for finding family members and use of other genealogical sources.
     It's a good time to celebrate Family History Month...and your family!
(Source: Random Salmplings, the official blog of the U.S. Census; The Quotations Page)

A special genealogy program for today's generation

2011-10-06T14:37:00.001-04:00

     This morning was an exciting time at our library for three groups of 4th grade gifted students from the Colquitt County School System.

   Approximately 20 to 25 students in each group participated in a program that introduced the children to finding family members through genealogy, as well as learning about the Depression era, world wars, and Georgia history.

   Michele Croft, our Children's Library Coordinator, showed and talked about books she had brought from the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library, one of three libraries in the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System. The books told about African slaves, captured dancing bears, letters from Georgia's Civil War soldiers, and ancient maps.

   The children saw a display of old items that included a framed letter and a land deed, a leather bomber jacket, an early phone, scrapbooks, newspapers, and more maps. They also were allowed to hold a heavy piece of shrapnel from D-Day and learned the meaning of that particular time in history.

   Since everyone likes to take something away with them, the handouts were numerous. There were Family Record sheets; a Scavenger Hunt about Georgia, Moultrie, and Ellen Payne Odom; Pedigree Charts; and family origins, folklore, social and local history.

      The genealogy program offered by Mrs. Croft provides not just a field trip out of school, but an insight into history and family life. She hopes the program will make each student curious about their own families and how they fit into the world's history...curious enough to want to come back to the Odom Library and delve into their own genealogy.

      Genealogy for children helps us adults pass to our future generations the history of not only family life, but how our country was formed and why, as well as the reasons we continue to fight to keep it free and strong.

      If you'd like to know more about this interesting program and how it could be adapted to your organization, please contact Mrs. Croft at the library, 229-985-6540.

Most little libraries are in the same boat

2011-10-05T11:39:00.003-04:00

     Yesterday one of our staff members gave me an article she cut out of the September 25th Parade magazine from the Sunday newspaper. The article was about "The Little Library That Could," a small library in Parker, Arizona. Did you see the article, too?
     This little town has no central movie theater or bookstores. The public library is THE place to go. It's one of the busiest libraries in the country, but like so many others across the United States, it's struggling to stay alive. Most little libraries are in the same boat.
     The Parker Public Library in Parker, Arizona is doing the same thing we are here in Moultrie, Georgia. They're providing free use of computers to their patrons and Internet access to research school work, hunt for jobs, check out their Facebook pages, etc.
     More people are visiting their libraries all across the nation than in previous years. And although some states have reported closures, others have decided to only reduce hours...for as long as they can.
     Annual budgets have dropped like a rock, book purchases have ceased, hours are being cut, and in many libraries some staff are being cut, too.
     In reading the article about the Parker Public Library, I see they "fell back and regrouped." They opened their library to also hold free health screenings, lectures, movies, reading groups, and story times. Anything they could do to bring people in. Preschoolers are brought there often to enjoy the "pretty things the kids are allowed to touch." Teens visit the library to check their Facebook and MySpace pages, play games, study, and "slouch on the worn couches."
     Also, their Friends of the Library group increased their membership in order to better help the library. Organizations in town gave donations. The town has worked at ways to ensure their library's long-term survival.
     So, here I go again, relating something I've read (this time a small town library) to our Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. What would the people of Moultrie, and even Colquitt County, do if this library had to shut its doors?
     If our public library closed, the Doerun Municipal Library would close also, as would the Ellen Payne Odom Library. And our Bookmobile into the county would stop running routes. We're all in the same library system. And we're considered by many to be small town libraries.
     Granted we're doing our best to make library-life interesting to the community, in order to keep bringing the people in. We have 20 computers for free use to our patrons, free WiFi when they bring their laptops, and provide Internet access so they can research school papers, look for jobs, and email their loved ones in the Armed Forces in some foreign country. We have free blood pressure screenings in February during Heart Month, open our doors to the AARP tax helpers for low income people, hold authors readings and book signings, have a library book club meeting once a month, give preschooler and school-age children story times, and provide reading/research areas where children and adults can study.
     Our auditorium and classroom is available to the community for educational meetings and programs. The genealogical library has staff to assist not only our community, but many people traveling from other states and countries.  The Doerun Library provides service Monday through Thursday for any number of patrons using the computers and library facilities. And our Bookmobile covers miles and miles of roads, taking reading materials to those patrons who are not able to physically visit the city libraries.
     Will it come to the place where our Friends of the Library group will have to solicit donations from local organizations to help the library purchase new books or maybe just to keep the lights on? Will we eventually have to cut staff and/or hours? How will our community feel about that? How many people will it affect?
     We're doing our part to keep our doors open, just like that little Parker Public Library in Arizona. We're always looking for ways to cut costs and yet still provide the community with high standard service. What else can we do?  If you have a suggestion, please share your comment. We'd like to hear from you. We'd like to always be here for you.

A new Shel Silverstein book is out

2011-10-04T11:56:00.000-04:00

     I've been a lover of Shel Silverstein's books for ages. Now Silverstein's family has released a new book called Every Thing On It, which includes 145 poems. Silverstein had elminiated many of them from his earlier books, because they didn't happen to fit in the perfect order he was looking for in a given collection.
     So, who is Shel Silverstein? you ask. Well, Sheldon Allen "Shel" Silverstein was an American poet, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books. It's those books that I love. His books have been translated into 20 languages, his books have sold over 20 million copies.
     Born in Chicago, Silverstein began drawing at age 12. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago but left after one year. He was first published in the Roosevelt Torch (a student newspaper at Roosevelt University).   While in the military, his cartoons were published in Pacific Stars and Stripes. His first book, Take Ten, a compilation of his military Take Ten cartoon series was published by Pacific Stars and Stripes in 1955. Other cartoons were published by Look, Sports Illustrated and This Week while he was selling hot dogs at Chicago ballparks.
     Silverstein was a songwriter for Tompall Glaser (Put Another Log on the Fire), Loretta Lynn (One's on the Way), The Irish Rovers (The Unicorn), and Johnny Cash (25 Minutes to Go and A Boy Named Sue). Bobby Bare, Barbi Benton, Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson are among others who sang his many songs. He also wrote more than 100 one-act plays.
     As for children's books, The Giving Tree has been his biggest seller to date and one of the most successful children's books in years. It has been selling steadily since it appeared over 50 years ago and has been translated into at least 30 languages. It tells of a tree and use a man makes of it. When he is a boy, he plays in the tree's branches and enjoys its lucious fruit. Later, he courts his love under the tree and uses some of its wood to build a house for his family. Years pass and find the man is older and alone. The tree lets him take its trunk to carve a boat from, and the man rows away. Finally, he returns for the last time to sit and rest on the stump of the tree - that's all that's left of it, but the tree is delighted to have the "boy" with him again.
     The Giving Tree (ES Silverstein) is my favorite book and I have it on my shelf at home.
     The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library has eight of Shel Silverstein's books.
     A Light in the Attic (J811S) is a collection of humorous children's poetry, as is Falling Up (J811.54S), Where the Sidewalk Ends (J811.54S), and My Dog Does My Homework! (J811.008S).
     The Missing Piece (J818S) is about a circle that has difficulty in finding its piece but a has good time looking for it.
     Uncle Shelby's Story of Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back (JF Silverstein) tells of a lion who, after leaving the jungle and joining a circus, teaches himself to be the best shot in the world and the consequences that follow.
     And Runny Babbit: a billy sook (J811.54S) is about a rabbit and his friends who speak a topsy-turvy language.
     It's wonderful that the Silverstein family will be sharing with all of us more of Shel's works. Silverstein died at his home in Key West, Florida on May 9, 1999 of a heart attack. To see another book of his wonderful poetry will be a joy to behold. It's with great hope we will be able to share this book with our patrons in the future.
(Sources: Yahoo!, Wikipedia)

We are closing out another month!

2011-09-28T09:33:00.001-04:00

     I can't believe September is almost gone! Are we having fun yet? Well, we are here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library because we're getting ready for Family History Month.

     Did you know October is Family History Month? Several cities and states have designated this month as Family History Month, and the U.S. Senate has adopted similar resolutions in the past. It's estimated that there are over 80 million people researching their family histories.

     The highlight of our displays for Family History Month is in our lighted glass cases in the main foyer. Thanks to Irene Godwin, the Odom Genealogical Library's genealogist, we are showcasing beautiful (good-sized) framed family photographs. She's provided pictures of the families of Crozier, Godwin, Engram, and Harvey, as well as a photograph of Confederate grandfathers - Barrs, Manning, and Bell.

     In our circulation counter bookshelf, you'll find books for family reading time, and the long white hallway wall will be covered with ways you can celebrate Family History Month. Experts say that in the United States, genealogy is now the second most popular hobby next to gardening.

     In the glass-cased lighted calendar, you'll see not only important monthly dates, but also several old family photographs provided by Irene.   And we'll give information about the Genealogy and Children's Book Picks for the Month.

     Other displays around the library will include a wide variety of orange books, our color for the month. The main foyer table will be filled with different genres of orange books, and the long table near the non-fiction stacks will treat you to orange mysteries under the title of "Mysteries by the Light of the Harvest Moon." Why not see if you can find the black cat? I'll give you a hint...he's tiny.

     Oh, and don't forget to look at the Picturing America display in the Odom Library. It's John Singer Sargent's "Portrait of a Boy," which fits right in with Family History Month.  A bored-looking little boy is sitting with his mother, who is reading to him (or maybe reading only to herself, which would make me bored, too).   See if you can answer the questions connected to the picture.

     If you're interested in your family's genealogy, why not give the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library a visit. Irene Godwin and Ann Glass are more than willing to give you a hand in finding that lost grandma and maybe even seeing for the first time a picture of her.

     October is the month to celebrate your family. What better way to do it than by visiting your local library. We have lots to offer you.

Do you wanna be in pictures?

2011-09-21T11:36:00.001-04:00

     If you're like me, you might have had your morning cup of coffee with The Moultrie Observer and noticed the article that said Colquitt County wants to be in pictures.
     And because my brain seems to relate everything (well, almost everything!) in my life with the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, I was amazed how our shelver, Keva, was way ahead of that newspaper article.
     The article by Kevin Hall on September 21st noted that "the state of Georgia has become one of the most popular states in the nation for film crews." And "Colquitt County hopes to take advantage of that through a state-sponsored website that connects the film industry with the kinds of locations they want to shoot." So, with the help of Chamber of Commerce marketing director Terry Shuler, "Colquitt County was declared camera ready last week" when it met the state requirements.
     Well, that brings me back to my brain relating everything to the library and Keva being way ahead of the newspaper article.
     When September rolled around, Keva put books in the front foyer's bookcase that were all about books turned into movies. Wasn't she smart! And you'd be surprised how many books she has on that shelf. Look at this!
* The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
* The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
* Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
* The Cider House Rules by John Irving
* The African Queen by C. S. Forester
* The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Sparks
* One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
* The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
* The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
* The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
* Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
* Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flag
* Mommie Dearest by Christina Crawford
* A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
* Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
* Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan, and
* My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
     All of these books, which were made into movies, are right here in our library, ready for you to check out and enjoy. And if you read The Moultrie Observer's article, you'll see a list of some of the film and TV projects that were shot in Georgia, including The Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, and The Blind Side.
     We here at the library are soooo with the times, soooo up to date with what goes on around us. I bet we even have books in our library that sometime in the future will be turned into movies or TV shows.
     What's your favorite book? Watch out! It could be filmed right here in Colquitt County! And you might have an acting part. Wouldn't that be a sight???? Do you wanna be in pictures?

Want to help your preschooler get ready to read?

2011-09-20T14:57:00.005-04:00

     Then join us to learn how.

     The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library and Colquitt County Pre-K will host a workshop for parents and caregivers of young children (under age 5) who want to help children with reading.

     How Can I Help My Preschool Child Get Ready to Learn to Read? is the topic.  The workshop will be held Thursday, September 29th at 10 a.m. in the Library classroom.

     Participants will learn how to:
     * Use environmental print to strengthen reading readiness skills,
     * Make reading aloud with your child an awesome learning
        experience,
     * Have meaningful conversations with your child, and
     * Make everyday moments learning opportunities.

Participants will also receive a reading readiness kit with books and many useful tools to help you work with your child.

This workshop will be conducted by Lynn Clark, the Colquitt County School System Elementary Curriculum/Pre-K Director.

For more information, please call Katie Cato at 890-6279.

Our silent staff members

2011-09-13T11:51:00.000-04:00

     I've thought long and hard about saying this, but I'm going to say it. We have some silent staff members that many of our patrons don't know about. And after yesterday, I just felt I had to say something. Something nice.
     There are men who come to our library and help us keep the place clean, the lights all glowing, the air conditioners working, and the plumbing up to par. Especially one comes every day. He cleans the bathrooms (we have more than four...), he mops the floors, he vacuums before and after meetings, he sets up the auditorium and classroom for meetings and programs, and he even goes to the book drop and brings in all the books. He helps haul books out to the Bookmobile and helps bring them back in.
     There are things he does for us that I don't even know about. And he never complains. He's always willing to do whatever we ask him to do. And yesterday, when I found the auditorium kitchen full of dirty dishes, the refrigerator full of half-filled bottles, and several bugs I didn't like the looks of, he was there. He volunteered to wash all those dirty dishes, clean off the dirty counter, and then when the sink leaked, helped clean up after the other silent helpers came and went.
     Sometimes our patrons see these silent staff members (well, I call them that, even though they aren't on our library staff) when they're changing light bulbs or checking the ceilings for leaks after a hard rain. They try their best to keep our building cool in the summer by working on the air conditioners in the hot weather, and keep our building warm in the winter when many folks from our community just want a warm place to sit.
     I imagine they have lots of skills that, hopefully, will help them get well-earned jobs in the future. They are carpenters, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, floor and carpet cleaners; they are skilled in a variety of maintenance jobs.
     These silent staff members, these helpers, are the inmates from the Colquitt County Correctional Center and their supervisors. I know many people would not even want to mention them. You'll know them when you see them...the inmates are dressed in white, their supervisors in blue. The large majority of them are extremely polite and well-mannered, always saying to us, "Yes, ma'm."
     I think I've encountered only one or two who resented the position they were in, but they didn't stay around our library very long at all. They are black and white, tall and short, thin and gangly. They are hard workers. (Well, except for maybe one or two, but like I said they don't stay around very long.)
     So, today, I'm going to say "Thank you, guys!" for all the help you give us. I know that you're also out there in the community at other facilities like the health department and the labor department and the city hall, etc. But when you come to our library, I have to say I really appreciate all the help you give us.
     Of course, I have an ulterior motive in saying some of this. I realize when you're not here, we are the ones who have to clean the auditorium and classroom for meetings; we are the ones who have to put new toilet paper rolls in the bathrooms; we are the ones who have to stop the water leaks before the maintenance crew gets here or at least try.
    But really, I just felt the need to say thanks. I appreciate all the help you give us. There are lots of us who work here who think the same thing.

We're hosting several exciting events

2011-09-12T11:46:00.004-04:00

     During the next few months, the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System will host several exciting events we'd like to tell you about.
     If you missed an earlier blog about our Novel Destinations adult book club, let me remind you that Jane Shelton of South Georgia Travel will talk tomorrow evening (Tuesday, September 13th) about her China Adventure. The event will begin at 6:30 in the library's auditorium. After her program, we'll sit around and talk about the books we've been reading lately. The meetings are open to all adults who are interested in exciting foreign lands or have a particular book they'd like to read and share.   Why not join us and meet some new "reading" friends. Dress is casual and the meetings usually last only an hour.
     On Saturday, September 24th, Dr. Anne Holt will return to give another Introduction to Grant Writing program from noon to 3 p.m. in the library auditorium. The cost is only $30 per person, payable at the door. Registration is required since space is limited. If you're interested in joining us, you can register by calling the library at 229-985-6540 or by emailing mccls@mccls.org.
     During Origami Week, October 24 - November 11, we'll be inviting children to come for an origami program to make cranes that represent peace for children. The cranes will be put on display in the Childen's Library. Volunteers are needed to help us hang them. We're aiming for 1,000 cranes! Our local printer, Mashburn's Printing, has donated the colorful paper for the project. Participants will also be constructing other origami to be displayed on the Holiday Tree in the Children's Library during the month of December.
     Last year we looked forward to the River of Words display, but it didn't arrive.  This year, we are planning to exhibit the display October 17 - 29. The event is coordinated in Georgia by the Georgia Center for the Book and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), a program of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. River of Words is a national poetry and art competition for students in grades 4-12, who create visual art or poetry that shows an understanding and appreciation of their natural environment, and specifically of their own watershed. So, now you know why we are looking foward to sharing this event with the community. I always look to see how many Georgia children are included. You just might find someone you know.
     As a reader and a writer, I always look foward to a Janisse Ray author event. In 2010, over 200 people came to hear Janisse read from her books and discuss her passions. On Tuesday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m., the Library and our Novel Destinations Book Club will host another Janisse Ray event. This time she will talk about her latest publication, Drifting into Darien, a Personal and Natural History of the Altamaha River. Janisse is a writer, naturalist, activist, organic gardner, seedsaver, tender of farm animals, and slow-food cook, who attempts to live a simple, sustainable life with her husband on their farm in southern Georgia. People who know her never want to miss one of her programs.
     And I'm sure this is not the last event of the year, but on Tuesday, December 6th, Inspiration from Hats by Moses will be featured during a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the library auditorium. The work of 6th grade students from Williams Elementary School, who are taught art by Alisha Montgomery, will be on display. The hats, made from paper bags, will also be displayed in the library's lighted cases in the main foyer during January 2012.
     As you can see, we plan to be busy with exciting events that the public and our patrons will enjoy. Be sure to add these treasures to your calendar and show up for a delightful time. We love sharing these good times with you.

Want to win a puppet show for your school?

2011-09-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

     You know that September is National Library Card Sign-up Month for public libraries, don't you? Didn't we talk about that before?
     Well, our Children's Library Coordinator expanded upon that theme and has introduced "First Cards for First Graders." And there's a way the first graders can win a puppet show for their school!
     There's no better time of the year than September to sign up for a library card. Children are going back to school. The library is available to help with homework research and provide a quiet place to study. A library card for a child is a passport for opportunities in the area of knowledge, fun, and the joyful experience of learning about a library.
     For all those reasons, Miss Michele and Miss Norma, our children's librarians, invite first graders to sign up for a library card during September AND October.
     It's as simple as this: When you sign up for a library card, tell the librarian. Your name, teacher and school will be added to the list to determine by the end of October which teacher has the most children with a library card.
     The winning class will get a puppet show for their school and special recognition for getting a library card.
     If you have a first grader and are reading this message, please get in touch with your child's school and let the teacher know about the opportunity for a puppet show...but most of all about encouraging the first graders obtain their very own library card.
     September and October...it's National Library Card Sign-up time. Be part of the crowd with the smartest card you can have.

Transition: from summer to fall

2011-09-07T11:02:00.003-04:00

     If you've been in the library lately, you've noticed that our display colors have changed. We are transitioning from summer into fall. We're using lots of reds, oranges, and yellows. Our lighted display cases are filled with colorful fall flowers, bright orange pumpkins, and books that showcase pumpkins and the likes. Even our round foyer table is topped by a large basket of sunflowers; the dark blue table cloth is covered with bright yellow books and bookmarks announcing our upcoming grant writing program.
     Yes, the weather has finally changed. Yesterday was the first day I was able to walk for 30 minutes outside without feeling like I was in a sauna. The sky was that brilliant, clear blue, and the white puffy clouds against the tall dark green pine trees made the day just absolutely delightful. The call was too powerful. I just had to go for a near-fall walk.
     So, how are you going to handle the transition from summer into fall?
     Right now there are lots of fall demands. The kids are all going back to school and have new schedules to follow. The weather has become cool enough for the road crews to start moving our traffic patterns (we have one bridge coming down and not being rebuilt to completion until July 2012, which routes traffic to different avenues and streets for almost a whole year). We've even had an increase demand at work. And there are so many projects I want to finish before the end of the year. Does all this sound familiar to you?
     There's always going to be change and disorder in our lives. Sorry to say this, but that's the way it's supposed to be. Nothing stays the same. Haven't you noticed that before?
     Well, I'm here to tell you that it's important to restore your equilibrium once in a while. Occasionally you're going to have to remember to put yourself first! If you don't, you're going to get the crazies! Don't you know about the crazies? Haven't you already experienced them? Well, some of us have.
     So...let me invite you to take some time and come the library where you can check out another great read or DVD.  Reading (or watching a good movie) allows you to have some get-away time from all the demands you face every day. Fun reading should be something you have in your life every day.
     Why not block out some time to join our Novel Destinations adult book club. We meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December - for obvious reasons - and May - another obvious reason month) at 6:30 p.m. right here in the library. In fact, this month, Tuesday, September 13th, would be perfect for you to give yourself some time off and join us. Jane Shelton from South Georgia Travel will be sharing with us her China Adventure and we'll all talk about what books we're reading now.
     There are other things here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library to help you transition from summer to fall. Come in and sit yourself on the couch in our reading area, take the time to sit and read the newspaper or a magazine. Or look over all the good books we have on our sale shelves and tables. Find out about the new stuff in the genealogy library, or bring your children to the Children's Library and let them play for a while among all the fun stuff.  In fact, you'd be surprised at how much fun you'll have reading a wonderful child's book.
     You can't function effectively without some "me" time. Make your transition from summer to fall a delightful one. After all, it's your life and your time. (Well, part of it is, anyway.) Why not enjoy the coming of the Great Fall. Soon it will be all around us! Yeah! And we're here to help you in any way we can. We're your passport to freedom!

Guess what September is in our library

2011-08-31T11:01:00.004-04:00

     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

2011-08-26T11:45:00.002-04:00

     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

2011-08-24T13:52:00.002-04:00

     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

2011-08-23T14:15:00.001-04:00

     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....

2011-08-18T10:58:00.002-04:00

     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!

2011-08-17T11:37:00.002-04:00

     "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!

2011-08-11T14:32:00.002-04:00

     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

2011-08-10T11:17:00.003-04:00

     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!

2011-08-09T11:54:00.000-04:00

     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

2011-08-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

     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.

Top grossing movies based on books

2011-07-28T09:59:00.002-04:00

I went to see the final Harry Potter movie the other night. I must admit, it was the best of all of them. And, I must admit, there are a couple of movies coming out pretty soon that I MUST see, both based on books. One is The Help by Kathryn Stockett and the other is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. I've read both books and liked both, so I'm wondering how I'll like the movies.
While reading Yahoo!News the other day, I read about the top grossing movies based on books. Let me tell you what they are and you can see how many you've watched...either at the theater or at home.

15. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
14. Tarzan (1999) the Disney animation version
13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) with Johnny Depp
12. How to Train Your Dragon (2010) the Dreamworks animation
11. Jurrasic Park (1993)
10. Sherlock Holmes (2009) with Robert Downey, Jr.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia (3 films, 2005-2010)
8. I Am Legend (2007) with Will Smith
7. War of the Worlds (2005) with Tom Cruise
6. Twilight (3 films, 2008+)
5. Da Vinci Code (2 films, 2006+)
4. Shrek (4 films, 2001+) the Dreamworks animation
3. Harry Potter (7 flims)
2. Lord of the Rings (3 films)
AND ta-daaaaaa! The number one film based on a book...
1. Alice in Wonderland (2010) with Johnny Depp.

     Of course, you may not agree with all of this information, but if you go back and read all of these books, I'm sure you'll agree they are an impressive lot. And there are even some "classics" in there for all of you people who like old dusty books!
     How many of those books have you read? Ah, ha! Well, then, how many of those movies have you seen? Ahhh, that's good.
     Just remember, your local public library has a treasure trove of good reading for you and summer is not even over yet. Still time to indulge!
(Source: Yahoo!News)

We are an exceptional library!

2011-07-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

     There was a real nice article in the July 22nd newspaper by Dwain Walden, the editor and publisher of The Moultrie Observer. In his opinion, he said: "Here in Moultrie we have an exceptional library with both books and computers available to the public. There is a mountain of works from talented writers in that building." He also said: "We applaud those who manage and maintain our public library."
    Of course, I've taken Mr. Walden's words out of context. That's what is usually done in this day and age, isn't it? Mr. Walden was, in his article, talking about Connie Schultz's column right across from his on the printed page. Ms. Schultz is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio. Her article concerned the caving-in of Borders bookstores all across the nation and how in the absence of bookstores, people should frequent public libraries more. She said: "When citizens read, their communities prosper." That was an interesting sentence.
     And another "of course," The Moultrie Observer has its famous Rants and Raves column, where people can spout off how they feel about things in their community, the nation, and the world.
     One person spouted that they had lived here [in this area] a couple of years and visited the library several times and found old dusty books and a poor selection of magazines, audio books, and movies. Little does this person realize that the library for the past few years has been operating on slim-pickings. What with budget cuts in libraries across the nation, the Moultrie library has not been an exception. Its budget has been cut more than most households, and yet its doors remain open. It operates with a slim staff, too, the majority of whom are part-timers (you know what that means, don't you?).
     Thanks goodness for the person in Rants and Raves who apparently knows where the new books are shelved. Maybe the person who ranted about old books has never been shown the new book section, which is to the left of the check-out counter. Sure we have lots of old books (and free movies with a library card), but how many people know that a good many of our books are donated books? Book collections by people who can no longer keep their collections; books from generous patrons who buy a book, read it, and then donate it to the library; books from friends of the library who care enough to help us buy books.
     We who work here at the library want to thank the Ranter/Ravers who mentioned "how dangerous it is to produce a generation of non-readers," the "dumbing down of society," and that "our library is a treasure of knowledge and entertainment...[but] we don't have a horde of treasure hunters."
     There is always the possibility of a Fahrenheit 451 in our future. Or does anyone even remember that book...that movie...that possibility of books being burned? Which makes me wonder: if you were able to be any book you'd like to be, memorize that book and become that book, what book would you be? Don't know? Well, why not come to our library and look at those old dusty books. You'll find a treasure trove of stories that are older than you to pick from...those books, those stories, called classics. Wonder how many of our currently published books will be classics someday? Wonder where they will be housed? Probably on some e-something, hooked up to the Internet. Or maybe just a person, when there are no more libraries or e-somethings out there in the future.
     Well, we'll keep working here, managing and maintaining our public library until then. Please don't let the dusty old books keep you away. We are SO MUCH MORE.
(Source: The Moultrie Observer, July 22, 2011)

And we have a winner!

2011-07-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

     If you remember, I've already talked about the contest we were having here at the library for our staff members called "How do you save money on everyday essentials?" That was in the July 12th blog.
     Well, we have a winner!
     After three judges looked over all the suggestions, two out of the three picked the suggestion by Keva Williams, a young staffer who does a great amount of shelving books, cleaning books, and helping select books for our displays. She also works in Genealogy in her spare time. And I'm sure there are a good many other things she does that I don't know about.
     Keva's suggestion seemed to sum up what all the others had suggested...suggestions about shopping at discount stores, harvesting from your own garden, using a budget, checking websites for the cheapest gasoline, purchasing store brands, bringing lunch from home, and using cash instead of debit or credit cards.
     Keva said, "The way I save money is only spend on the things I really need. Times are very hard now, but through the grace of God, I will survive."
     That seems to sum it all up, doesn't it?
     So, for Keva's grand prize for the winning suggestion, she was given a canvas box (reusable, you see) filled with essential items she can use at home...dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, mailing tape, dish scrubbers, etc., as well as some comfort things like coconut body cream and peanut-butter crackers; you know, things like that.
     The best part of the contest is that we shared with each other ways we can help save money. It made us aware of more things we can do to help save our precious money. After all, times ARE very hard! And by pinching pennies and putting some away in savings, hopefully we will survive.
     What is one particular thing you do to save money? Why not share with us right here. We can certainly learn from each other.

Did you notice? Our adult summer reading club continues.

2011-07-21T09:44:00.000-04:00

     If you've gotten this far, then you probably noticed on our home page that the adult summer reading program will continue right on through the year (well, except for December and May).
     Each time we've met, there have been about 14 people. And each time we've met, we've had a wonderful program. One time it was about Iceland; another time Italy, and Ireland.  There's no telling where we'll go in the future. Most everyone wanted to continue the travel theme and that could take us anywhere!
     Tuesday, August 9th, we'll meet for our final summer meeting, before we head into our fall meetings. We've been promised a great program and it involves cheese. Plus this will be when a drawing will be held for great grand prizes...different than the ones we've had in previous meetings.
     Which brings me to this...if you haven't been part of the program, it's not too late. Just come join us in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on August 9th. We sign in, are handed a ticket for the drawings, and find a seat among other readers. We have a short program, talk about what we've been reading, and have the drawing.
     It's been a good way to meet others who love to read and a way to see the world through the eyes of those who travel.  Just another form of "armchair travels." And we need people to be part of the group who can tell us where they've traveled. That might be you!
     Plan to join us now and put the date on your calendar. Let our "Novel Destinations" become a way for you to see the world from your own back yard.

We went to the garden this morning

2011-07-14T11:28:00.001-04:00

     That's right! We did! Miss Elois and me!
     I'm sure if you've come to the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library you've seen the garden growing at the south edge of the Bert Harsh Park, that park on the library's corner with a black chain fence around it.
     This morning I asked Elois if she'd go to the garden with me and tell me what's growing there. I had an idea I'd know some of the produce, but not all of it. And I was right!
     Miss Elois took a pair of scissors with her so she could cut a bunch of zinnias for Irene in the Odom Genealogical Library. I managed to talk her into cutting lots of zinnias so we could put them in the public library also.
     Well, it didn't take long for Miss Elois to let me know what she saw growing! Besides the zinnias, there were yellow crook-neck squash, tomatoes, carrots (and Elois says they are sweeeetttt!), butter beans, snap beans, okra (standing tall!), peas, and a few collards (they must go fast!).
     Elois noticed how there were lots of squash and carrots ready for picking. Before we left the garden, she already had plans to come back and harvest some of the produce. But in the meantime, she cut enough zinnias for four vases, three of which are now in the front foyer of the public library.
     This is the Community Garden, grown in partnership with the Moultrie Library and the Healthy Colquitt Coalition. It's carefully tended to by a group of men who live nearby. And I must say, they do a fine job of weeding, watering, and taking care of the six or seven long raised beds of produce.
     Occasionally, when going home in the afternoon, I see people picking the produce. Sometimes it's a couple of women, sometimes a mother and her children, once three men pulled carrots and stuffed them into black plastic bags. And I've been told that occasionally the produce is picked and taken to the Colquitt County Food Bank here in Moultrie.
     I know...all the time you thought the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library was just a place for books and stuff like that. Well, surprise! We're more than meets the eye.
     Come check out the Community Garden. It's lovely! And it's right here at the Moultrie Library.

What is it we look for in novels?

2011-07-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

     A few days ago I read an interesting quote. But I can't remember where I read it. Granted I'm taking it out of context, because it caught my attention in just that way. In fact, I read it to myself three times as I thought about some of our current events.
     Dick Wald is a professor of Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a former ABC News president. And I quote: "...We are a society of people who look for novels in our general appreciation of life."   I guess it was the "general appreciation of life" that really caught my attention.
     Lately, we have been in awe of a recently published novel and a television interview. Jaycee Dugard's novel "A Stolen Life" was part of the recent Diane Sawyer interview. You can bet a lot of people will rush out to buy Dugard's book, simply because they are curious to know more about her 18 years of captivity. But do you think they're that interested, as well, about her life now?
     We've also been caught up big time with the Caycee Anthony trial. Then the verdict came out! Wow! Doesn't that just make you want to know who is going to write the book about that event? Will anyone be more interested in what Caycee will be doing from now on, as compared to what happened to her two-year-old daughter?
     There's another ongoing event...the one of Dr. Conrad Murray and the death of Michael Jackson. How many books do you think will be written about that astounding event? I can imagine you'll have at least six books to chose from.
     How many novels were written about Scott Peterson, who was convicted of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Connor? How many novels have been written about O.J. Simpson and the death of his wife, Nicole, and her friend, Ron Goldman?
     Goodness! Is this our "general appreciation of life"?
     I don't know about you, but when I read such novels, the scenes stay in my mind for what seems hundreds of years. Movies are the same way. So, I try to pick novels that don't make me wonder who might be "out there" waiting to kidnap me or break into my house and kill me. I just scare easily! I know that! But I am aware of my surroundings and circumstances, and do take precautions like our crime watch organizations suggest.
     Are these novels about Dugard and Murray and Peterson and Simpson considered biographies? Mysteries? Crime novels? Memoirs? Non-fiction? Are do they fall into each one of those genres?
     I thought again about my "general appreciation of life." And I checked our PINES system to see what we have in our library that might be more uplifting and give me a better appreciation of life.
     How about these people?
     Martin Luther King, Jr.
     Margaret Mead
     Grandma Moses
     Harry S. Truman
     Annie Oakley
     Juliette Gordan Low
     Mary Cassatt
     Leonard Bernstein
     Edith Wharton
     Henry Aaron
     Neil Armstrong
     James Herriot
     Amelia Earhart.
Do you know who all these people are? Can you go down the line and pick out which person was the baseball player, the writer, the astronaut, the artist, the president...? Do you know what these people, and people like them, have contributed to our appreciation of life? So...what do you consider your "general appreciation of life" to be?
     Well, I'd like to encourage you to visit our library and check out the Biography Section. You'll find novels about these people, as well as many more interesting people. And yes, you'll find the novels about sinister people, also. I mean, we can't have the good unless we have the bad, right?
     Check out the Biography Section for a good read and look for ways to encourage your "general appreciation of life."  You might be surprised what a good read you'll find.

Ways to save during hard times

2011-07-12T15:04:00.000-04:00

     I saw on Yahoo! Financials today that there's a certain day of the week when you can expect to save money more than at other times. Guess what day it was? WEDNESDAY! And I always thought it was Tuesday!
     Wednesday is supposed to be the day you save money on buying groceries, the day when the biggest sales occur. And if you go about two hours before closing, you might even get some great sales on bakery stuff and meat.
    Wednesday is also the day to guy gasoline at the lowest price, just before the big hike for the weekend. Wednesday is also the day you can buy online kids' and women's clothes for the cheapest price. And plane tickets...if you buy about 1 a.m.!
    I tell you all of this because way before Yahoo! came out with their good news, we started a contest here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library for staff members. The contest was for the best ways to save money. Each staff member with a suggestion was to write their entry on a slip of paper and post it to the break room door. And, believe me, we have some good suggestions. Such as:

Shop at discount stores, cut coupons and look in sales papers, limit expensive soft drinks to one per day for each person in the household, buy generic, limit trips to town, limit eating out, limit luxury items and wants.
Bring lunch from home, buy clothing on clearance only, use a lot of generics or store brand, use cash instead of debit or charge cards.
Buy grocery store brands whenever possible for milk, cereal, oatmeal, etc. You can save $5 or $6 alone just on two boxes of cereal. And tastes just as good.
Get items from the dollar store that you use regularly (freezer bags, foil, dish soap, etc.), buy nearly-new (sometimes new with the sale tags still on) clothes at Goodwill.
Check the following website for current gasoline prices; just enter the zipcode and you will get the current prices for numerous stations in that area, as well as a map showing where the stations are located. http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx
One person said: the way I save money is only spend on the things I really need. Times are very hard now, but through the grace of God, I will survive.

These were just a few of the suggestions. But I want to give you one more. September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. By signing up for a library card, you can save bundles of money. With the money you save here at the library on books, DVDs, audio books, magazines, newspapers, computers and a host of other choices, you'll have more money for gasoline, for food and clothing, and maybe even a little money for something special, whether it's a trip to the dentist or a trip to visit grandma.
Just remember, we're here to help you save during hard times. We're one of the friendliest places in town and we're always looking for ways to help.

The results of the 2011 Georgia Authors of the Year Awards

2011-07-07T11:03:00.000-04:00

     The Georgia Writers Association (GWA) recognizes Georgia's authors of excellence by presenting the Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA) each year. The GAYA honors independently published authors, those whose books are published by traditional publishing houses.
     Over 100 books were nominated for the 2011 Georgia Author of the Year Awards. The GAYA covers not only the traditional categories of Poetry and Fiction, but also the growing Creative Non-Fiction genre. The guidelines are revised each year to parallel the changing literary marketplace.
     Terry Kay, whose latest book is "Bogmeadow's Wish," a love story set in Ireland, was this year's recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award at the GAYA banquet, held in June on the campus of Kennesaw University in Kennesaw, Georgia.
     The author of 11 published novels, Kay is a 2006 inductee into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, and is a 2009 recipient of the Governor's Award in the Humanities. Other honors include the Townsend Prize, the Lindberg Award, and the Appalachian Heritage Writers Award. He is also a three-time winner of GWA's Author of the Year Award in Fiction, and has appeared three times on the Twenty-five Books All Georgians Should Read list.  Look at our library's PINES System to see the list of his books you can check out.
     Other GAYA winners are:
     * Fiction - Joseph A. Skibell for A Curable Romantic
     * First Novel - June Hall McCash for Almost to Eden
     * Poetry - Phillip Lee Williams for The Flower Seeker: An Epic Poem of William Bartram
     * Biography - Larry L. McSwain for Loving Beyond Your Theology: The Life and Ministry of Jimmy Raymond Allen
     * Essay - Peter Augustine Lawler for Modern and American Dignity: Who We Are as Persons, and What that Means for Our Future
     * Inspirational - Justin Spizman and Robyn Spizman for Don't Give Up...Don't Ever Give Up
     * Memoir - D. Craig Rikard for Hidden Epidemic: "Mama, Why Don't You Remember Our Names Anymore?"
     * History - Tony P. Anderson for Tell Them We Are Singing for Jesus: The Original Fisk Jubilee Singers and Christian Reconstruction, 1871 - 1878
     * Specialty Book - John A. Burrison for From Mud to Jug: The Folk Potters and Pottery of Northeast Georgia
     * Children's Picture Book - Grady Thrasher for Tim and Sally's Year in Poems
     * Young Adult Fiction - Ted Dunagan for Secret of the Satilfa
     * Children's Mid-Reader - Peggy Mercer for Peach: When the Well Run Dry.
Congratulations to all the winners! And good reading to all those who love reading!

A comparison of our library with TV commercials

2011-07-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

     Do you have a few television commercials that just drive you nuts? That's what I asked our staff members in the processing room this morning. Everyone had at least one commercial that makes them hit the mute button or change the channel. Our "favorites" are listed here:
     * the coupon saving one where the cashier loudly says, "You could have saved $25" and the buyer groans, "Ohhhh," as she keels over; only to have the cashier say again, "No, $30!" with another groan from the buyer as she faints away...
     * the car dealer commercial that shows the very tall man and the very short woman, who talk about the "short and tall" of their salesmanship...
     * the one where it seems like hundreds of people are screaming, "I want my money now!"...
     * the silly commercials with the phone company's blond spike-haired guy and his weird competitors...
     * the caveman, who feels he's being discriminated against because he "looks" different...
     * the woman who screams loudly while a man uses his shoe to beat a cell phone to death as it shows a huge hairy spider...
     * the commercial where fifty-thousand people are hollaring "Match it!"... and
     * the "Wee, wee, wee!" pig, Maxwell.
     Have you seen any of these commercials? If you haven't, I'd be surprised. We've all noticed how the television shows we watch have 5-minute segments and 10-minute commercials.
     So, I'm here to tell you that you'll have none of this kind of harrassment here at our library.
     We don't give away coupons, but we do have loads of savings. You can check out a $25 book and not have to pay anything (unless you keep it too long and then you have a fine to pay - sorry). You don't even have to pay the nominal fee for a DVD, like you have to pay at video warehouses. And you can use one of our 20 Dell computers for free. Even our library cards are free for the asking!
     The only short and tall we have in our library are the bookshelves. You'll find some short shelves in the children's library where little fingers can pick their own books to read, and there are some low shelves for the young adult readers, too. Of course, the tall shelves can be reached with convenient step-stools and we always have staff members to help you reach something on a top shelf.
     We certainly don't bug you about "wanting our money now." However, if you do want to check out something to take home, then you must bring your account up to date by paying any outstanding fines.
     There are different hair styles here at the library, but we don't have a blond spike-haired guy on the premises. (Guess I can't say much about us occasionally getting silly, however.)
     We don't get too involved with people looking "different," unless they are sitting at the computers with their backs facing us and their pants are down too low. We have occasionally draped a sweater across the back of a chair to help hide a person's somewhat offensive skin that's showing.
     And huge hairy spiders...haven't seen a one. We have a really great janitor here who is cleaning all day long, so he keeps our library pretty clean.
     Now, as to "match it," we can do it. If you see a book on television or in a store that you'd like to read, just come to the library and see if we can get it for you. We'll be glad to try to match any book, audio or physical, and even movies that you'd like to check out. Don't forget, we have an interlibrary loan system that pulls items from all across the PINES library system.
     OK, there's Maxwell, the pig!   We cannot duplicate his little yell of "Wee, wee, wee," unless it's found in a book in the Children's Library. BUT...think of this...what fun to take your children to the library and hunt for the little pig books. Our Children's Library is colorful, entertaining, and a great place to spend some time during the hot summer months.
     And the best part of our library...no crazy commercials interrupting your library time!!! Come join us. We're here just for you!

So...what did you do on July 4th?

2011-07-05T14:02:00.000-04:00

     One of the fun things I like to do around here is to talk to our staff about certain issues, get their opinions, while finding out more about them. Today's survey was just so I could find out more about them. After all, the people who work at libraries are "real" people, too, you know.
     Our library, like libraries all across this nation, was closed for Independence Day, July 4th. So, today I walked around and asked everybody what they did on July 4th. It seems we have a small staff here today. Not necessarily because vacations are still in full swing, but because we have some people out for various other reasons. But that didn't stop me from asking anyhow.
     Of course, when I asked them my question, I said something (but I don't really remember) about not putting their name on their responses. This is now my disclaimer...I don't reeeallly remember saying that!
     Ann told me she and her husband went to Home Depot and bought some shelving for their closet and a ceiling fan with a light for their bedroom. Then they spent the rest of the day getting it all installed. She didn't even mention stopping to eat. Bummer!
     Jinx went to the Smokin' Pig Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Valdosta with a friend and stuffed herself, not only then but later for supper with the leftovers! And she spent the evening reading and watching the July 4th celebrations on television.
     Monique celebrated at the annual First Avenue Block Party. As usual, the bar-b-que cookouts were lining the streets and there were hundreds of people there to enjoy the festivities.
     Keva said she was at the First Avenue Block Party, too, but she was relaxing on the front porch with her grandparents and watching all the party-ers pass by.
     Carolyn had bar-b-que, too. Her church, Oak Grove Baptist Church, had a big bar-b-que cookout with all the trimmings, as well as homemade ice cream AND a water slide. But Carolyn said she didn't do the water slide part. Can't imagine why? Would have been a good way to cool off!
     Johnnie and her husband stayed home and grilled. She said she was so lazy that she just enjoyed eating, reading, and taking two naps! Now, that is the height of laziness!
     I guess I really felt sorry for Sheila (but then I'd have to feel sorry for Ann and Billy, too), because she said she worked in her yard on the 4th! Do you know how hot it was out there? At least 100 in the shade! Oooooo, Sheila!
     Now, Michele had a good idea. She celebrated her husband's birthday on the 3rd. And she said they grilled out and picked blueberries (later in the evening when it was cool, I hope!). But she said she also read magazines and books, too.
     Irene said it was quiet on her home front; she stayed home and rested and read! Can't beat that!
     But I guess if we were giving a grand prize for who had the busiest July 4th, it would be Elois. She went to her pepper patch with her brother and picked bell peppers. Then she went to her kitchen and made him loads of stuffed peppers! Can you beat that? Talk about a lovely lady! She said she had company all day, but the best part was when some friends asked if they could bring their cooker over and do a fish fry! Now, that's what good friends are for.
     What did I do for the 4th? Oh, a little of this and a little of that, plus lots of eating. I heard people shooting off fireworks in the neighborhood, but I was inside the cool house, just relaxing in my big easy chair, sipping on some cool iced tea, and watching the fireworks on the TV. And yeah, I did some reading also, right before my eyes closed for a short nap! Well, it really wasn't short!
     Looks like we all had a good time. And now...it's time to go back to work.   See ya later....

Are you ready for another?

2011-06-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

     Summer must be the time for surveys, because I have another for you.
     Those of you who visit our library know we have a certain amount of books every year that we put on "sale" tables. Those tables go up after our August inventory week, after a generous amount of "culling" has been done.
     Last year we discovered Book Sale Finder, a business out of Hudson, MA, run by Helen and Thomas Oram. Their motto: "Book lovers still drawn to physical books - especially bargains."
     In June of this year they had a nice survey on their website and I was especially interested in the "Survey of Used Book Buyers." I'd like to share with you what I learned, since I'm a used book buyer also.
     The survey was conducted in November 2010 by BookSaleFinder.com. Over a period of about two weeks, they asked visitors to their website to take the survey. All of these surveys can be found at http://www.BookSaleFinder.com/Surveys.
     People are attracted to non-profit sales because the books usually cost about $1 each, so they can buy lots of books at bargain prices. Even during recent upheavals in the book publishing industry, people who love books continue to purchase "physical" books (YEA!). A large number of those people are happy to buy recycled books. (People who indicated they were book dealers were given a separate survey, so this one doesn't reflect their responses.)
     Where are people buying books? 79% of the respondents have never purchased an e-book, but with that category being so new, it's perhaps notable that 21% have bought at least one.
     Also notable is that 43% purchased over 40 books per year from non-profit sales, and nearly two-thirds bought at least 20 books from these sales. The various venues where books were purchased were: e-book downloads, online new book stores, new book stores, online used book stores, used book stores, and non-profit book sales.
     Why do people attend charity book sales? 63% responded that they just read a lot of books. Also, some said they collect certain types of books (24%), some home-school their children (3%), and others gave various reasons (10%). Most respondents said that the bargain prices were the main attraction (83%), but others said "to find treasures," or that they supported the sponsoring organization, the sale was a community event, or other simultaneous events were being held at the same time (bake sale, etc.).
     What do people typically spend? More than half responded that they attend at least 6 sales per year, and 25% said they attend at least 11 sales per year. And they buy a lot of books at each sale, with the emphasis being that the books usually cost 50 cents to 1 or 2 dollars each...so a bag of books may cost only 5 to 10 dollars!
     And for the most part, people purchase hardcover books (are you surprised?) at non-profit sales (81%), but paperbacks are close behind (64%). Trade paperbacks (51%), library discards (51%), videos and DVDs (33%), audio books (22%), and magazines (17%) made up the rest of the purchases.
     Of course, fiction topped the genre list at 66%, with reference at 36%, cooking at 35%, children's at 35%, how-to at 26%, young adult at 24%, travel at 20%, and textbooks at 12%.
     OK! People have all these books now. So, what do they do when they are finished with their books? The people who filled out the "book lover" section of the survey had already indicated their primary reason for attending book sales was NOT to buy books to re-sell, so it is remarkable that nearly 1 in 5 sells their books online. But some people do nothing with them; they just accumulate (52%), while others give their books to friends and family (58%), or donate them to a book sale (62%)
     In keeping with this survey, I'd like to ask you the question: What do you do with all the books you purchase? Maybe like some of the Book Sale Finder's respondents you'll say: keep them in my classroom library, leave them at the hospital, swap them, donate them to the Armed Forces, give them to those without books, sell them, etc.
     Let us hear from you. Give us your survey answer right here, right now.
     Thanks for letting us know you are a "bargain" book lover. And by the way, August is one month away and we're getting ready for another big book sale!

What about those Summer Reading Programs?

2011-06-29T11:21:00.001-04:00

     Recently, one of our staff members handed me an article from the Winter 2010 edition of "Children and Libraries." Titled "Do Public Library Summer Reading Programs Close the Achievement Gap?," the article told about a study by the Dominican University in River Forest, IL, the Colorado State Library Agency, and the Texas Library and Archives Commission. Funding was received over a three-year period to revisit that particular question. I want to tell you more about that study.
     During 2006 to 2009, 11 sites were selected on the basis of objective criteria. The El Paso (TX) Public Library and the Pueblo City County (CO) Public Library served as pilot sites over the summer of 2007. West Palm Beach County (FL) Public Library tested the survey instruments that same summer.
     The study involved the collection of data through tests, interviews, and surveys. The student participants studied were completing 3rd grade in spring 2008 and entering 4th grade the following fall. Other participants included the librarians delivering the summer reading programs in public libraries. Parents and teachers were participants through surveys.
     Here are the selected conclusions:
     * 3rd grade students participating in the reading program scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of 4th grade and didn't experience summer loss in reading;
     * more girls participated;
     * fewer students on free and reduced meals participated;
     * more participants were Caucasian;
     * more students in the reading program had higher spring 2008 reading scores;
     * students in the summer reading program scored higher on the post-test;
     * those who participated used libraries;
     * their parents also had a higher level of library use;
     * there were more books in their homes;
     * there were more home literacy activities; and
     * parents of children who participated indicated they thought their children were better prepared to begin school at the end of the summer.
     Among the responses by teachers of the 4th graders who had participated in the summer reading program, the teachers found that the students
     * started the school year ready to learn;
     * had improved reading achievement;
     * appeared to have increased reading enjoyment;
     * were more motivated to read;
     * were more confident in the classroom;
     * read beyond what was required; and
     * perceived reading as important.
     While the study began with 11 sites and an anticipated 500 student participants, only 367 signed parental consent forms were returned. The number was, however, sufficient to draw inferences to use descriptive statistics in the study.
     The study also had a number of recommendations, including [which I found more relevant to our particular library]
     * that librarians in public libraries needed to work with teachers and school librarians to identify nonreaders and underperforming students and reach out to those students to engage them in library activities;
     * that more marketing should be done directly to parents to let them know the value of their children participating in summer reading programs and other out-of-school library activities;
     * that public librarians need to work with other non-profit organizations, such as First Book and Reading Is Fundamental, so disadvantaged children can have their own books; and
     * that grandparents and other caring adults in a child's life must be reached out to, because they may have the most influence over what a child does outside of school.
     WELL, having read this article by Susan Roman, dean and professor of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University in River Forest, IL, and Carole D. Flore, library consultant from Florida and author of "Flore's Summer Library Reading Program Handbook," I would ask that if you are reading this that you find all the children you can and bring them to the library...BUT not just for the summer reading programs!
     Be one of those caring adults outside of school! Gather up an armful of kids in your spare time, maybe Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon, and take them to the library. Help them get their own library cards, help them select books suitable to their reading level, spend time helping them read or discussing what they read.
     Those little children are our future. And goodness knows, if they can't read, THEY don't have much of a future.
     Join with your local public library in supporting Summer Reading Programs. Help close the achievement gap.
     And thanks for reading this long, long, but important, blog about the Summer Reading Programs.

Our Bookmobile and its unsung heroes

2011-06-23T10:28:00.013-04:00

     Our library has a couple of unsung heroes. Well, to me, that is. I guess it's because Sheila and Holly have an office at the back corner of the Children's Library, close to Bookmobile stacks (bookshelves).
     The Bookmobile library was placed in the renovated three-bay garage when the Children's Library was moved to its present location. So...because Sheila and Holly are at one end of the main library and I'm at the other, I don't see them very often. Unless, of course, they're working at the circulation desk on the days they aren't on the road.
     The Bookmobile library is just one of four libraries in the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System. Not many people think of it that way, but the system has the Bookmobile and main library (headquarters), as well as the Doerun Municipal Library and the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library.
     The Bookmobile library (housed in the main library) is not a library just everyone can visit, like the others. It's actually the place where there are seven long, long stacks of over 20,000 books for Bookmobile patrons. The Bookmobile, itself, also holds over 2,500 books...the library on wheels with our unsung heroes, Sheila and Holly, taking it all over the county.
     They told me they just finished their first run for June. They covered nine routes with approximately 15 stops per day, serving approximately 150 people each day. (Can you imagine how hot it was out there on all those roads in our 100-degree South Georgia weather?) Holly said their turnover is about every six weeks, with a week or two in between runs to catch up on office work and other stuff.
     They'll have their second run after the July 4th holiday, starting on July 11th. Their final run for the summer will be July 25th, because when August comes around and school starts, they will begin their school runs also, bringing their routes up to a total of fourteen.
     Holly told me a little something special about Sheila. I found out she's an exceptional Bookmobile librarian. Because she knows the adult patrons on her routes so well, she often bags pre-selected books for them. She knows exactly what kind of books they like. And since one little boy loves alligators, they bag "alligator" books especially for him! Now, that is personalized attention!  In fact, Holly said Sheila is so organized she will have bags of books stacked in the Bookmobile library ahead of time, just waiting to be put on the Bookmobile and delivered to their patrons on each route they take.
     Sheila said they have over 100 children this year on the summer routes. She and Holly call the patrons a day ahead of when they plan to be in their area and then again when they reach the designated stopping place. The mix of patrons is about half and half of adults and children. The children also include the young adults, ages 12 to about 18. There are less than ten men who are patrons, making the majority women and, I suppose, lots of children. The limit of books to check out is 25 per person and patrons are allowed to keep the books for six weeks.
     Sheila recently took a trip to Jacksonville to Mumford Library Books to purchase new books for the Bookmobile, most of which were children's and young adults' books. You can bet her patrons look forward to their new selections for summer reading.
     Just remember, the next time you see our Bookmobile sitting beside the library, it's not a permanent fixture. Remember it has wheels and travels the county with Sheila and Holly taking books to the many patrons who watch for them. You can bet your bottom dollar, those people don't think of our Bookmobile librarians as unsung heroes. They sing their praises as they hollar: "Here they come! Here they come!"
     If you have a hard time obtaining library books and need assistance, call the library at 985-6540 and ask for Sheila or Holly. They'll see what they can do to get books to you, because they're good at their jobs!

It's fun to hear the little kids laugh

2011-06-22T14:59:00.002-04:00

     Our library is in the middle of its Summer Reading Programs. For the last three weeks, programs for the kids have been held on Tuesdays and Thursdays here in the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. The programs are being held on Wednesdays at the Doerun Municipal Library.
     But this past Tuesday night must have been an exception to a good time for all the kids who attended the Ron Anglin entertainment in the adult reading area of the library. Our adult book club, "Novel Destinations," was meeting in the classroom adjacent to the Children's Library and we could hear the laughter through our closed door. It made us want to go out there and see what all the laughter was about.
     So, out of curosity, I talked to Miss Norman, our Children's Librarian, this morning about all that fun and she gave me the low-down.
     There were about 50 attendees to see Ron Anglin, a magician, juggler and clown, known in the Atlanta area as "Dr. Tiny." He is a bonafide member of Cirque du Soleil and often takes his act to the Atlanta hospitals to jolly-up the patients.
     Miss Norma said he is a true professional, performing silly slapstick stuff with an elegant pause that just cracks people up, even the little kids.
     Tuesday night he played around with magic tricks that he pulled from a diaper bag, a long piece of plastic that he used as a tourniquet, and "boomwackers," plastic tubes of different lengths that made different notes when they hit something. On this particular night he played "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on a little boy's head and the kids just ate it up. They couldn't get enough of his entertainment.
     Miss Norma said that Ron was a helicopter pilot in the war and then became a high school teacher. He was very proud to say that one of his students has also become a professional clown, and together they are planning on doing a two-man show. How great that we can provide such professional entertainment to the patrons of our library.
     Of course, there are still more programs coming to the library for kids and their parents to enjoy. But the group Tuesday night took a vote and decided that this Thursday morning at 10 a.m. they want "Movies on the Wall," and everyone will be entertained by Miss Norma's old movies.
     Why not bring the kids to the library auditorium tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. and watch the fun and hear the kids laugh. It will just make your day.  That's a promise.

Traveling to novel destinations

2011-06-21T13:41:00.001-04:00

     Has anyone noticed I haven't been around in a while? It's true! I've been on vacation for three weeks, something not many people get to do.
     Where did I go, you ask? Well, not anywhere in particular. About 30 minutes, 30 miles in all directions. Mostly stayed home and enjoyed reading. Remember in an earlier blog I told you about all those books I want to read this summer?
     And I joined another book club! Just can't seem to get enough of those book clubs.  One club meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Western Sizzlin'.  Another book club meets the first Monday at 10 a.m. at an apartment complex's clubhouse. But the third book club is right here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. And its theme is "Novel Destinations."
     Meeting each Tuesday evening in June from 6:30 to 7:30 in the library, our little group consists of about 14 people, just the right size for sharing what books we're reading (or have read) and having a program.
     Last week Janet Litherland from Thomasville, an author who has traveled to Ireland and Scotland, gave a program about how she researches for her books. She showed us pictures of the various sites she has visited and told how the scenery and people influenced her stories. Tonight we're going to have a speaker talk to us about cruises she has taken, the various ports where she landed, and how enjoyable her trips were to foreign lands.
     Our displays around the library consist of suitcases filled with books that pertain to different countries, different cultures, adventures, and fabulous travels. Our two lighted glass cases hold items from a variety of foreign countries; some items that will make you even more curious about that particular land.
     As for some of the books we have in the library that might interest you in joining our book club, maybe these will encourage you to read about novel destinations.
     A Book of Travellers' Tales Assembled by Eric Newby. There are some 300 plus writers and subjects represented in this book, a veritable Who's Who of travellers from 430 B.C. to the 1980s. There is a story about David Livingstone being attacked by a lion in Africa. Cecil Beaton has an evening with the Rolling Stones in Marrakesh. Hannibal crosses the Alps. And Byron visits Ali Pasha, the bloodthirsty governor of Albania. Even a story about John Steinbeck trying to get out of a small town in upstate New York. Sounds like a good read to me.
     A book I think I'd really like to read is My Love Affair with England, A Traveler's Memoir by Susan Allen Toth. In her book, Ms. Toth brings a special England vividly to life as she tells about exploring the countryside, traveling in both second-class and in luxury, theatre-hopping, ghost-hunting, and honeymooning. It's not only a humorous and bittersweet writing, but wonderfully eccentric and gives us a different view of England, rather than being an extension of the States.
     The Way of the Wanderer, Discover Your True Self Through Travel is by David Yeadon, who has also illustrated the book with delightful pictures. Jan Morris, author of Fifty Years of Europe, said, "This book is full of strange, moving, and entertaining experiences, drawn from 25 years of wandering our mysterious globe." Yeadon takes us on his solo jaunt at age four just outside his Yorkshire front door, through Iran in later years, into Aboriginal old ways, on a deer hunt in Norway, and into a Shinto temple in Japan. His stories provide a road map for fellow wanders to realize their dreams and experience travel as a key to their own multifaceted selves.
     There are so many books about travels you can find at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. Be sure when you start your search for the perfect travel book that you look for the one with the alligator on the cover. It's titled Up the Amazon Without a Paddle, 60 Offbeat Adventures Around the World, written by Doug Lansky. I'm going to give you a hint...it's on the table with the big green suitcase!
     If you can't make tonight at 6:30, then plan to come next Tuesday, June 28, for The Virtual Tourist. And schedule your calendar so you can attend on July 12 for Romanzo Destinazioni (about Italy) and August 9 for a surprise program.
     You just can't beat a good book club as a wat to find out about great books!!!!

There's just not enough time...

2011-05-31T14:21:00.000-04:00

     As I walked through the library this morning, I noticed we have a lot more people here today than last Thursday (my last day to work last week). Boy! They are checking out books like crazy! And that's a good thing.
     I also noticed lots of mothers with their children walking down to the Children's Library. That means they are signing up for the Summer Reading Program. It seems I remember Miss Norma, our Children's Librarian, telling me that in the past she has had as many as 800 children signed up for a Summer Reading Program. And today, when I talked to her, she said there are already about 20 children signed up...and it's one day before the official sign-up time!
     We not only have programs for the little people, but for the pre-teens and teenagers. But the one I'm the most excited about, of course, is the one for the adults.
     Called "Novel Destinations," the program will encourage adults to read books that take place in other countries. For instance, a book I just started reading takes place in Asia. It's about a man whose wife's final wish is that he take their ten-year-old daughter on a trip across Asia, through all the countries they had planned to visit to celebrate their 15th anniversary. The trip goes through Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Egypt...an amazing trip that provides lessons for both the father and daughter as they celebrate what the wife and mother had meant to them. Great read!
     Can you imagine all the books out there about other parts of the world? You can learn not only about a specific country's landscape, but it's people and customs, their food and dress, their mode of transportation and their feelings about people of other countries.
     The Summer Reading Program opens doors for all of us to learn about the world around us. It's time we all realized how much alike we are, whether we live in Australia or China or Iran or here in the United States of America.
     Bring your little ones to "One World, Many Stories." Encourage your pre-teens and teens to check out "You Are Here." And join us adults as we read our way through "Novel Destinations."
     For more information about the times and dates, call the library at 985-6540. We're anxious to share our summer reading with you. And believe me...there's just not enough time to read all the books I want to read!! But I'm going to make a big start right now!

Where were you on December 7, 1941?

2011-05-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

     That was the question asked of four women who came together to talk about what life was like for them on the home front during World War II.
     Ginger Horkan, Elois Matthews, Ann Sherman, and Myrtle Lofton met together at the Moultrie Library one Thursday to participate in the library's video archive project. They sat comfortably around a coffee table and talked about where they were when World War II broke out and how life changed for them.
     Few people are left to talk about that part of their lives and because of that Beau Sherman, our CNS Distance Learning Coordinator, helped pull together this video project. Beau also helped with the ongoing video archive of interviews with veterans over the past couple of years. These interviews are aired on CNS cablevision around the time of Veterans' Day in November and are also available to view at the Odom Genealogical Library as part of its Veterans History Project.
     On Sunday, June 12th, 2 to 4 p.m., the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library will host the "Home Front: Behind the Scene" event in the Willcoxon Auditorium. The public is invited to join in honoring those who worked behind the scene during the wars and military conflicts in which America has served and those who continue to support our military personnel. You can view the featured video and meet the women who participated. And enjoy some light refreshments.
     This event will take place only two days before Flag Day on June 14th. Come join us for this very special time.

Our Summer Reading Programs are just around the corner

2011-05-25T10:46:00.000-04:00

     We are soooo busy getting ready for all the summer reading programs. With school out now, there will be a large group of children visiting the library on a continuing basis, probably more than during the school year. And I just can't blame them for visiting more. We have some great things planned!
     All during June there will be something special going on, not only at the Moultrie Library but also at the Doerun Library. Even the Bookmobile will begin signing up readers on May 25.
     Miss Norma, the Children's Librarian, has a great line-up of programs for children ages 9 and under at the Moultrie Library.  Artist Miss Sally will have "Make and Take" items; Tommy Johns, the magician from Atlanta, will have unbelievable tricks; Windell Campbell will have "Story Travels"; and Andy Offutt Irwin will have stories to tell, also. There will even be "Didgeridoo Down Under" entertainment, a juggler, and musicians. All these programs will be on Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and on Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m.
     The pre-teens and teens will have a summer program called "Just4Teens."  On Thursdays in June, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Moultrie Library, they will have programs on geocaching and games; one called "You be the Judge" and one called "The Wayward Peach from Okinawa"; and one of the best, "Members' Choice."
    And not to forget the Doerun Library, their programs will be on Wednesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Again, you'll find Miss Sally there, as well as juggler Ron Anglin, and pint-size polka music, just to name a few.
     A special to this year's reading clubs will be the new adult program, "Novel Destinations." Why should kids have all the fun? Pack your bags and get ready to go! On June 7, The Adventure Begins will register adults joining the fun and provide the first sign-ups with gifts. On June 14, Thomasville author Janet Litherland will visit and talk about her trips to Ireland to gather inspiration for her books. The other three Tuesdays in June will show case Cruisin' and The Virtual Tourist. And on July 12, we'll have a program about Italy, Romanzo Destinazioni. Times for these programs will be 6:35 to 7:25 p.m. (to accommodate parents who bring their children to the evening programs).
     I'm looking forward to these good times. I love to watch the children bounce with excitement as they head toward their special event. And for the first time, I'll get to join in as a member of the adult reading group.
     Don't forget the library now that school's out! This is when the biggest show begins...Summer Reading Programs. And for the WHOLE family this summer.
     See you there!

Our Top-7 Best-Selling Books in comparison to...

2011-05-12T14:57:00.000-04:00

     You know how you're out there on the Internet, doing your afternoon search, running through your favorites, and suddenly a question mark hits you? That just happened to me.
     One of my favorites to check every now and then happens to be the USA Today Best-Selling Books Top 150. Of course, I really don't read the whole top 150. I'm more interested in the top...say...twenty. And today I wanted to see how many of the top 20 we have right here in our library.
     Want to know what our Top 7 are? The same ones on the USA Today's list of top 20? Here they are:

At USA's #3 is James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's 10th Anniversary. We have both the book and audio book. Plus we have Patterson's The 9th Judgment in book and audio.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is USA's #4. It's in our library for you to read. (Did you see the movie?)
USA's #6 is Something Borrowed (just saw the movie) by Emily Griffin. We have that one and her Something Blue.
We also have The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which is #9 on USA's list.
Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber is #15 for USA and in our library for your reading pleasure.
#17 on USA's list is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which we have, along with Collins' Catching Fire, #28 for USA's list.
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly is USA's #19 and in our library. Plus we have his book and audio The Fifth Witness, #35 for USA.

     And we also have Nora Roberts' Chasing Fire in book and audio (at USA's #39, even if we don't have her book The Search at USA's #11). I seem to remember seeing at our library The Sixth Man by David Baldacci in book and audio also. That one is #13 on USA's list.
     I figure any way I look at it, I've got plenty of top best-selling books to read for at least the next six months.
    As an FYI, we post the USA Today's list on the side of the 7-day-loan-and-newest-books bookshelf near the checkout counter. We try to keep it up-to-date just for you. But, of course, I always sneak a peek at it too. And there's no telling what new will come into our library in the near future that you're just waiting to read.
     Be sure to check us out! Often! We have good reads! Well, and audios also.
(Source: USA Today Best-Selling books Top 150, http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/usatodaybooks.pdf)

Are you interested in a resume seminar?

2011-05-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

In observance of ResuMAY Month, The Georgia Department of Labor, Moultrie Career Center, will host the following Resume Seminars:

May 19, 2011 at the Moultrie Tech Industrial Drive Campus, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 19, 2011 at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The material that will be covered in the presentation will include resume formats, cover letter formats, and words and phrases. All interested customers, please contact the Moultrie Career Center for more information or to attend, phone number 229-891-7140.
It's a way to expand your knowledge, upgrade your business skills, and help you make yourself look better in the business world.

Top 10 U.S. Crime Writers

2011-05-09T11:31:00.001-04:00

Well, the verdict is in...I have a list of the top ten U.S. crime writers in front of me, thanks to reading Southern Review of Books, a choice reading site of mine. Would you like to know who they are? Just look at this list (without the bo-koo millions they make) from top dog to number ten:

John Grisham (did you have any doubt?) wrote such famous books as The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Confession,
Dan Brown, writer of The Da Vinci Code,
Patricia Cornwell, Port Mortuary,
Robert Ludlum, the Bourne series,
Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park,
Michael Connelly, The Fifth Witness,
Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs,
Elmore Leonard, Road Dogs,
Ed McBain, the 87th Precinct series, and
James Ellroy, The Black Dahlia.

I didn't have time or space to list all the other great books they've written. I'll let you go to our Pines System and check on the books we have here in the library.
And while I'm at it, maybe you'd like to know who the top ten U.K. crime writers are. Look at this list:

Ian Fleming, writer of the Bond series and (yea!) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,
Agatha Christie, the Miss Marple series and the H. Poirot series,
Jeffrey Archer, Honor Among Thieves,
Jack Higgins, Day of Reconing,
Ken Follett, Fall of Giants,
Dick Francis, Crossfire,
Ruth Rendell, the Inspector Wexford series,
Lee Child, the Jack Reacher series,
Ian Rankin, Exit Music, and
Alexander McCall Smith (my favorite!), the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

Oh, there are just so many good books to read. Remember, you don't have to go out and buy these books to read them. We've got tons of them here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. Just bring in your library card and take home a stack of scarey crime stories to read. Guaranteed to raise the hair on the back of your neck!
(Source: http://www.anvilpub.net/)

Just a thought for Mother's Day

2011-05-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

     Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8th. It has taken a while for this to sink in for me. My mother no longer lives in the flesh, only in spirit and every day with me. My house is filled with little reminders of her...her blue teapot, her oil painting, pictures and items with flowers, even her rose-framed glasses inside the blue teapot.

     My children always send cards or call on Mother's Day. Sometimes they send flowers. Sometimes they send a gift card and when they do, it's usually to a bookstore because they KNOW how I LOVE books.

     It's easy for me to think back to when they were small. Naptimes usually involved piling up on my bed and reading a couple of children's stories. Then we'd all cuddle up under the bedspread and take a nap. But the most important part of that time was in being together and reading. I believe that's why all my children like to read today, whether it's books or blogs or e-books or whatever.

     I can think of no better gift a mother can give to her children than to love them through reading to them. By reading to your child, you teach them the excitement of learning, you link them to the world through knowledge and imagination, you give them the gift of a lifetime. Those children who have difficulty reading will have difficulty in obtaining jobs, in taking a driving test, in filling out all those healthcare papers, on and on it goes.

     So, for this Mother's Day I want to thank my mother for loving me through reading to me. We didn't have a TV when I was little. We didn't go to the movies but once in a great while (like to see Bambi). But we read, lots and lots of books, the paper kind with hardback covers. My mother gave me the world through books. And for that I thank her.

     To all the mothers out there, happy Mother's Day.  I hope you get a couple of new books on Mother's Day.

The Georgia legislature finally approved the budget and...

2011-05-04T14:21:00.000-04:00

     I'm not much behind in telling you this. I just picked up a copy of the Georgia Public Library Service NEWS, the April 2011 issue.
     This is not a "copy per word," but I will tell you what most of the article said. Those of us who work in Georgia libraries have been holding our breath, waiting to see how much more the library budget will be cut.
     On April 14th, the General Assembly adjourned after approving an $18.3 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget included awarding $1.15 million to help the Twiggs County Library rebuild after it was destroyed by a lightning strike and fire in April 2010.
     And the legislature strongly supported Department of Education funding for GALILEO, Georgia's virtual library, as part of the collaborative financing of this service for public and academic libraries and public schools. We learned that Georgians used GALILEO to conduct more than 74 million searches in 2010. The projected annual cost to duplicate GALILEO's resources for all institutions individually exceeds $22 million.
     Georgia's public libraries' budgets were cut 4% for FY2011. If this budget package is signed by the governor, the cut in state support for Georgia's public libraries for FY2012 will be cut another 4% (or $1,402,057) on top of the last 4%. That makes a total of 8% in two years, doesn't it?
    Now you know why we don't have any money to purchase new books or e-books or a few other things we'd all love to have.
     And now you know the rest of the story.

Georgia Author of the Year Awards Ceremony coming soon

2011-05-03T15:44:00.002-04:00

     In my busy day today I took some time to check out the upcoming ceremony for The Georgia Authors of the Year Awards. This year will be the 47th annual awards banquet and ceremony. On Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., on the Kennesaw State University campus, located northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County, several outstanding authors will see their names flashed on a huge screen as the winner of a book they've written in their particular category. It could be Creative Nonfiction in History or Specialty Book or Memoir; it could be in Fiction; it could be in Young Adult or Inspirational. Whatever their specific category, there will be a winner.
     The Georgia Writers Association recognizes Georgia's authors of excellence by presenting these awards each year. The GAYA has the distinction of being the oldest literary awards in the Southeastern United States. It honors not only those authors in the current publishing houses of the world, but also the independently published authors.
     The Awards began in 1964 by the Dixie Council of Authors and Journalists. But GAYA changed hands in 1990 to Georgia Writers Association and in 2006 became affiliated with Kennesaw State University's Department of Humanities.
     When I looked over this year's nominations, I found a few I recognized...some only by their names, but others whose books I've read.
     Janice Daugharty is a local area author, living over around Stockton, Georgia. She's affiliated with the Abraham Baldwin Ag College in Tifton. She has been nominated this year in the category of Fiction for her book "The Little Known."
    In the category of Creative Nonfiction Specialty Book, long time writer H. E. "Doc" Holliday has been nominated for "Boys Transitioning from Athletic Aggression to Academic Affirmation." He's currently an assistant professor at Kennesaw State University.
     We just had the honor of having Dr. Niles Reddick at our fourth annual Moultrie-Colquitt County Library's authors' event. Dr. Reddick is on staff at ABAC, Tifton, and has published his second book, "Lead Me Home," which has been nominated in the First Novel category.
     Of course, many of us have Ferrol Sams' books and love their wonderful simplicity of olden times and funny tales. This year his book "Christmas Gift!" has been nominated in the Creative Nonfiction Memoir category.
     And Patricia Sprinkle! Love those Sprinkle books! Ones of mystery, of Georgia places, of southern beauty, and now of women in crisis. Her book "Hold Up the Sky" has been nominated this year in the Fiction category and is a break from her mystery writing.
     Last, but not least, is "Whisky, Kilts, and the Loch Ness Monster" by William W. Starr in Creative Nonfiction Memoir. Bill is the director of the Georgia Center for the Book and is a great writer of several genres (which includes his blog).
     There are many more authors nominated this year, in many other categories, such as Poetry, Biography, Creative Nonfiction Essay, Picture Book, etc.
     They need your support as Georgia authors and I would recommend that you take a look at the complete list. Look at The Georgia Author of the Year Awards website, click on Current Nominees and see how many Georgia authors you have read. I believe you'll be surprised who has been nominated. It's a great way to pick a great book to read.
(Source: http://authoroftheyear.org/)

I love those Pulitzer Prize winners!

2011-04-28T11:54:00.000-04:00

     I don't know about you, but I'm already planning my summer reading. For some reason, the warm weather makes me want to read more. I know...most people do lots of their reading in the winter when they have to stay inside more. But me...well, I just seem to love reading outside on my porch, in my favorite chair, with a big glass of cold iced tea, where every once in a while I can rest my eyes by looking at the tall green trees, the blue sky, and the puffy white clouds.
     For this summer I plan to do my reading from the Pulitzer Prize winners list for the past ten years. I found just what I was looking for by checking out Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia. Believe me, I have some good reading I'll be doing. Such as:
2000 - Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx, Waiting by Ha Jin.
2001 - The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon, Blonde by Joyce Carol Oats, The Quick and the Dead by Joy Williams.
2002 - Empire Falls by Richard Russo, The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, John Henry Days by Colson Whitehead.
2003 - Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, Servants of the Map: Stories by Andrea Barrett, You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett.
2004 - The Known World by Edward P. Jones, American Woman by Susan Choi, Evidence of Things Unseen by Marianne Wiggins.
2005 - Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, An Unfinished Season by Ward Just, War Trash by Ha Jin.
2006 - March by Geraldine Brooks, The Bright Forever by Lee Martin, The March by E. L. Doctorow.
2007 - The Road by Cormac McCarthy, After This by Alice McDermott, The Echo Maker by Richard Powers.
2008 - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, Shakespeare's Kitchen by Lore Segal, Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson.
2009 - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, All Souls by Christine Schutt, The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich.
2010 - Tinkers by Paul Harding, In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin, Love in Infant Monkeys by Lydia Millet.
     So! How about that list? Surely, there is a Pulitzer Prize winner there for everyone to read.
     I noticed that Ha Jin is on that list twice. I've made Waiting one of my books to read. I think I'll put Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout on my list also. And since I've read several other books on the list, I'll just have to ponder over what my third book will be. It's really a toss up since I like Annie Proulx, Marianne Wiggins and Alice McDermott. Maybe I should read Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson, or The Echo Maker by Richard Powers, or American Woman by Susan Choi.
     Gee! I didn't think it would be this hard to pick several Pulitzer Prize winners for my summer reading. Hopefully by June 1st, I'll have my list completed and will be starting on my first book.
     I can hardly wait...comfortable chair on the front porch, big glass of cold iced tea, and a great read! Couldn't ask for much more than that...unless it's lots of time to read!
     Join me! Pick a winner and READ.
(Source: Wikipedia, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)

Our 4th annual authors' event is here!

2011-04-27T14:21:00.000-04:00

     We are down to the wire in finalizing our fourth annual authors' event! From this point on, things will either be ready or very scarey. You've probably been in a situation like that too. So, we are going to take a deep breath and smile...SMILE...smile.
     This Sunday, May 1st, "An Afternoon with the Authors" will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. The address (in the event you're in the vicinity) is 204 5th Street, Southeast. You'll find us near McDonald's, Rose's Department Store, and the Museum for Colquitt County History.
     About 2 p.m. there will be an authors' group discussion in the adult reading area. Our moderator, director Melody Jenkins, will ask the authors some interesting questions. But better than that will be their interesting answers.
     After the discussion, the auditorium will be opened and the authors will move to their tables where the public can meet them, talk to them about their books, and purchase copies of their books. This will be a good time to have the books autographed, too. And remember, Mother's Day is coming up!
     There will be light refreshments of cookies, punch, and flavored tea. A little something to soothe the stomach between lunch after church and supper time.
     As for those wonderful authors who will be on hand to talk to you, you're going to meet:

Jackie K. Cooper of Perry, Georgia. He is the author of six books, the latest "Back to the Garden." This book continues his series of short stories about life in the South as seen through his eyes. He's not only an author, but a film critic, a guest speaker on radio and television, a teacher of writing memoirs, and one of the founders of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, as well as a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association.
Patience Arline-Hicks and daughter Wendi Hicks of Moultrie. This writing team has authored two children's books, "Old Mean Molly" and "Sitting on My Mama's Porch." Patience holds a second Master of Education degree from Grand Canyon University in special education and is employed by Williams Middle School here in Moultrie. Wendi graduated from Mercer University in Macon and is admission counselor at Virginia College.
Dean Poling of Valdosta is the author of "Waiting for Willie," which was nominated in the 46th annual Georgia Writers Association in the first novel category. He's also written "Cowboy Boots and Pony Tales." He is a multiple winner of the Georgia Press Association's first-place award for his serious and humorous newspaper columns. Dean has been with The Valdosta Daily Times since 1989 and is the assistant managing editor. He is also associate editor, contributing writer and photographer with Valdosta Scene magazine and teaches a "Learning in Retirement" creative writing class.
Niles Reddick of Tifton is the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's Vice President for Academic Affairs. He recently published his second book, "Lead Me Home," which has been nominated this year for an award by the Georgia Writers Association in the category of first novel. Dr. Reddick is originally from Hahira, and he uses the South Georgia towns of Pavo and Nashville for the book's setting. His first book was a humorous short story collection titled "Road Kill Art and Other Oddities."
Cheryle Reeves of Moultrie is on staff at Moultrie's Heritage Church where she is the Discipleship and Connections Coordinator. She said she originally wrote "Authentic Life" to be used as church-wide curriculum. However, the book was later published as a companion piece to a marriage conference where she and her husband, Roy, served on a speaking team.

And believe it or not, when our publicity went from Tallahassee to Tifton to Valdosta to Albany, and who knows where else, we had authors contact us to ask if they could be part of our 4th annual authors' event. Of course, it was too late to add them to this year. BUT, people! I do believe we have our 5th annual already in the making. Come see us Sunday and enjoy "An Afternoon with the Authors."

Have you really looked at our website's home page?

2011-04-21T15:53:00.000-04:00

     Stop! You need to go back and look at our home page. That's where you clicked onto the MCCLS Bookworm blog. Have you noticed all those icons on the lefthand side of the page? If not, you're really missing something. Like...
     The Pines System Catalog. That's where you can look for books and audios in not only our library, but the entire PINES library system. You can check by title, author, keyword, etc. Very useful when you're looking for that specific book or audio.
     Galileo, Georgia's Virtual Library. I especially like to click on Books, Reading & Literature. Then I click on Reader's Advisory. From there I click on Novelist. That's where I find book lists, adult fiction, authors, and much more.
     World Book Web.  You can find World Book Online for Kids, as well as an Information Finder and Reference Center. And there's a Specialty Site in Spanish.
     Gale Testing and Education Reference Center. This is where you can find help to prepare for High School Success by looking at preparation for GEDs and AP Tests. In the College Section, it will help you with SATs, PSATs, and ACT tests. In Your Perfect Career Section, you can find help with resumes, cover letters, and such. In the Advanced Degree Section, you'll find information about scholarships and admissions. And under Your Next Big Adventure, you'll find information about TOEFL, TOEIC, and U. S. Citizenship.
     The Georgia Legal Forms will give you more forms than you can ever imagine; forms for things such as adoption, bill of sale, certificates, divorce, employment, wills and much more.
     Glassdoor.com is a free inside look at jobs and companies. There are millions of job listings, plus salaries, reviews and more posted by employees on the inside. It's like a "sneak peek."
     A to Z the USA is one of my fun sites. This is where you get all kinds of informaiton about U.S. States and Territories. There is a map of the U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. All you have to do is click on a state or territory (try Georgia) and it will tell you everything you want to know about that particular place.
     Issues and Controversies will give you the facts on file of in-depth investigations of today's top issues, such as budget deficits, gun control reform, health care reform, and more. All interesting topics.
     The UGA-Colquitt County Archway Project will be of great interest to people who want to visit Moultrie (or even if you're living here in Colquitt County). The historic tourism initiative gives maps of Moultrie-Colquitt County, not only for walking but driving. They show the location of historic markers, placques, monuments, cemeteries, and other places.
     Ask a Librarian will help you with those questions you have about references and genealogy.
     And the last icon you'll see is the Moultrie weather and forecast.
     You know what? That's just the lefthand side of the home page!!! Did you notice that colorful picture about the Summer Reading Program? No? Well, you just need to go back and check the entire page! Just think what you might be missing?

We've been doing book reviews

2011-04-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

     Our fourth annual authors' event is coming and we've been doing book reviews to promote the six authors who will be our special guests. We're very proud of these writers and would like to encourage you to join us on Sunday, May 1st, at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. so you can meet them. But right now I want to tell you about their books that we are showcasing on our "MCCLS Friends Recommend" shelf.
     One of my favorite authors is a lovely Southern gentleman named Jackie K. Cooper from Perry, Georgia. He is one of the best storytellers you could ever want to meet. He is forever telling you something fascinating about himself in his books (and he's written six), as well as his family, his friends, a movie he's seen, or just a beautiful sunset. His latest book, "Back to the Garden," will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and inspire you to be a better person. And best of all, you have the opportunity to meet him at "An Afternoon with the Authors" on May 1st.
     We have two children's books co-authored by a mother and daughter team from Moultrie, Patience Arline-Hicks and Wendi Hicks. "Old Mean Molly" is about a cow, who eventually comes to live at the Arline farm. The little girl telling the story is afraid of Molly. When Molly runs away, the little girl finds the cow and helps her. It's during this time that the little girl realizes she's not afraid of Molly anymore.  This is a wonderful read for adults and children alike.
     The second book by the Hicks is "Sitting On My Mama's Porch." Like "Old Mean Molly," it is written in rhyme. However, this book was written for a little different reason. It was written to help young children become independent readers and is appropriate for preschoolers up through middle grades, especially for struggling readers. Both books have charming verse and delightful illustrations and are a joy to read.
     Dean Poling of Tifton has written two books, but we reviewed "Waiting for Willie." This novel was nominated for an award in the first novel category by the 46th annual Georgia Writers Association. It's the story of a young boy haunted by the dead father he barely remembers. While Jessie struggles to find the "water bandit" (something you'll have to read about in the book, not here), he is also trying to learn more about his father. And he also learns that Willie Nelson is coming to town. So...how much will he learn about his father's life and death before...? This is a great read by a man with a way for words and stories. His other book is "Cowboy Boots and Pony Tales." (Just goes with his long blond pony-tail.)
     The first book I read by Niles Reddick was "Road Kill Art and Other Oddities" and I couldn't imagine why he'd name his book that. But reading it helped me understand. His latest novel "Lead Me Home" has been nominated for an award this year by the Georgia Writers Association in the first novel category. Only
Dr. Reddick, who is an Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College professor, could write about an Aunt Catfish, a cousin in detox with a religious conversion, and a minister asked to resign because of an affair with a widow who shot her husband. His book is visual, quirky, and just plain fun to read. And it takes place locally...like Pavo and Nashville, Georgia. Makes you feel right at home if you live here in South Georgia.
     "Authentic Life - A 40-Day Adventure to Real Living" is by the sixth author who will be here on May 1st. Cheryle Reeves of Moultrie is on staff at Moultrie's Heritage Church, where she is the Discipleship and Connections Coordinator. She said she wrote her book to be used as church-wide curriculum. However, the book was later published as a companion piece to a marriage conference where she and her husband, Roy, served on a speaking team. This book will not only inspire you, but give you words of wisdon to carry through your adventure to real living.
     As I said earlier, these books can be found on the "MCCLS Friends Recommend" shelf in the bookcase next to the circulation counter at the front of the library. We recommend them all. In fact, we recommend that you join us on May 1st so you can purchase your own copy of these books. They make great reads and great gifts...and Mother's Day is coming up!
     Think ahead. Put Sunday, May 1st, on your calendar. Plan to support our Georgia authors and your local library.

S-h-h-h! Filming in progress!

2011-04-14T10:51:00.000-04:00

     Imagine this...a living room setting...small couch, two comfortable chairs, ferns on side tables, a coffee table with tea cups and napkins. That's one side of the room. On the other side of the room are three cameras on tripods, a table full of electronic equipment, and electrical lines and cables covering the floor. On the outside of the auditorium door, signs say, "No entrance." "Filming in progress."
     Today Beau Sherman of SGGA, a South Georgia firm for regional distance learning and teleconferencing, is taping an upcoming show, "Home Front: Behind the Scene."
     Every Veterans' Day in November the country honors those who served and are still serving in the various branches of the Armed Forces. This coming June 12th, the library is planning a special event to celebrate those at home, on the home front, who were and are working to help our service members involved in war.
     The filming today covers the time of World War II and the Korean War.
     After an introduction by our director, Melody Jenkins, about the Home Front project, the cameras will swing to show a group of ladies sitting together and talking about what they were doing during the war. They'll reflect on how people were encouraged to buy war bonds, how ration books were used, and how people saved everything from tin to food. They'll talk about victory gardens, the work at Spence Air Field here in Moultrie, and how the war affected each of them.
     The ladies today (in the first of what we hope will be several tapings of community volunteers) are Ann Sherman, Ginger Horkan, Myrtle Lofton, and Elois Matthews. They will share things they brought that remind them of the war times...things like newspaper clippings, those ration books, pictures, and letters.
     We scheduled the filming from 10 a.m. to noon. But, as Beau said, if they end up talking longer than that, then he'll keep filming. After all, how often do you get to document these memories of the home front during war time? We already see how we are losing our World War II Veterans. Every story we can capture to help our future generations understand their heritage, the better off we will be.
    And for that reason we are inviting you in the community to let us know your story. What were you doing when World War II and the Korean War were going on? How did you handle events here at home? Do you have a story to tell?
     If so, please share those stories with us. Your memories are precious and need to be documented. All you have to do is call Melody Jenkins or Ann Glass, Chairman of the Veterans History Project, here at the library - 229-985-6540. Or you can email us at mccls@mccls.org and let us know you have a story for us.
     We'd like to keep this project going and your contributions are vital to the Veterans History Project. Please let us hear from you.

Ah! The challenged books!

2011-04-13T15:16:00.002-04:00

     I'm usually a day late and a dollar short, but I just read another article about the 2010 challenged books. It never ceases to amaze me as to why some of these books are challenged, but then I may have a different outlook on life.
     For some reason, I just knew that Stephanie Meyer's book Twilight would be challenged. I mean, there are people who like Halloween, vampires and ghouls, and then there are those who don't. Twilight, coming in at the #10 spot, was challenged because the idea of vampires and other supernatural entities is opposed by certain religious viewpoints. So is Halloween.
     Revolutionary Voices edited by Amy Sonnie was new to me. It fell into the #9 spot because a complaint from a resident led to the removal of the critically acclaimed LGBT anthology from high school and public libraries in Burlington County, N.J.
     At #8 was Nickle and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. This was an account of the author's struggle to make a living at various minimum-wage jobs across the country. The book was challenged in Bedford, N.H., high school due to offensive language, negative depiction of capitalism and references to drug use.
     Now, What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones has been on the list before. So, it was not a surprise that it landed in the #7 spot. Challenges cited reasons such as sexual content and being unsuited to age group. And the picture of the laughing kid on the cover didn't make it liked any better.
     I hadn't heard of Lush by Natasha Friend, probably because I don't have any children in middle school. But at #6 it was challenged because it is a realistic portrayal of a girl with an alcoholic father who is struggling with her own decision-making vis-a-vis alcohol and boys. And the book is often challenged in middle schools.
     It's amazing how many challenged books are teen books. At #5 is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which involves teens who are forced by a postapocalyptic government to fight a televised battle to the death. In 2010, a New Hampshire parent asked the School Board to remove the book from her daughter's class, claiming that it could numb students to the effects of violence.
     And then along came Crank by Ellen Hopkins at #4. This book was inspired by Hopkins' daughter's struggles with methamphetamine addiction. Hopkins donated a school visit to a charity auction in Oklahoma in 2010, but was dis-invited after a parent challenged her books for "inappropriate content."
     Suddenly we're down to the wire! At #3 is (of all things) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (how long has this book been around?) Stimulating would-be censors almost continuously since its publication in 1932, this book has been challenged as anti-family,
anti-religion, racist and due to sexual content. But it's amazing how many people have read it!
     The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, which was a National Book Award Winner, by Sherman Alexie, was #2 on the list. The Stockton (Mo.) R-1 School Board voted to ban the book from both the high school curriculum and library due to violence, language and sexual content.
     And NOW we come to #1! The same #1 that has been on the list for what seems like forever! Can you guess what it is? Yep! You're right...And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson. This children's picture book is based on two real-life male Chinstrap Penguins, Roy and Silo, at New York's Central Park Zoo who were found trying to hatch a rock. The zoo staff gave them an egg to hatch and the result was a female chick who the staff named Tango.  Although this book has won many awards, it will probably be #1 for a long time to come, even though it is a tender story with beautiful pictures.
     There's no telling what 2011 will bring when it comes to challenged books. And it's understandable why the books are being challenged. Just like there is the "Freedom to Challenge," there is always the "Freedom to Read." And (how wonderful it is) the "Freedom of Choice."
(Source: http://pio.ala.org/challengedbooksslideshow.html)

Remember when we talked about spring cleaning?

2011-04-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

     There are great things going on around here. Remember when we last talked about spring cleaning? Well, that's what's going on around here right now.
     I walked down the long white hallway and was about to turn into our short hall to the office when I was stopped by police "caution" tape. It was taped to the walls and across the restroom doors, and it was taped to several orange cones where I couldn't cross the "caution" line.
     Yesterday our maintenance crew cleaned out the old grout on the bathroom floors and put new grout in. And you'd be surprised at how much difference that new grout can make. Today the crew is back with huge fans to dry the grout faster. And later they will put a sealer on the floors, which will make cleaning much easier.
     In fact, when they're finished, we will look like we have entirely new bathrooms!
     Not only are the bathrooms being spring cleaned, but we have a new phone system. That was a much needed improvement. Strange things had been going on with the old system and several of us thought we were losing our minds.
     Out went the old tan-colored phones and in came the new sleek black phones. There are even several features to the new system that we didn't have before.
     This morning a group of staff members had a crash course on how to use the new phones. We learned how to use voice mail within the library and how to transfer a call. Now, that was one I really needed to learn. There have been quite a few times in the past when I totally lost someone, who needed to be transferred to another staff member, simply because our little button didn't push down all the way. I even learned how to make a correct page, not that I'll ever need to make one. But it's nice to know how anyway.
     Oh, and one last thing that speaks of spring cleaning. This afternoon a few of us staffers will take our little two-seater couch and some chairs from the adult reading area and give them a good cleaning. Plus our janitor has pulled out his big bottle of cleaner and has been dusting along the tops of counters and tables.
     I just love it when this time of the year is here. Things start to sparkle and smell like a bowl of flowers. And the next time you come to visit us, we hope you'll notice all the spring cleaning we're doing. It's not just for us, you know. It's for you, too.

I just can't resist children's books

2011-04-07T11:39:00.000-04:00

     There I was...minding my own business...when I walked past the table that we decorate with children's books every month. This month we have yellow books on the table, and Keva is the person who does an outstanding job keeping the table filled.
     Like I said, there I was minding my own business, when this book on the children's table caught my eye.
     Bright yellow, of course, with very colorful people on it and one weird bird with a long beak.
     The title...well, it's just as eye-catching.   "What is a Wise Bird Like You Doing in a Silly Tale Like This?"
     There was nothing I could do but pick it up and bring it back to the office for a thorough look-through.
     On the inside front and back covers of this book, written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz, there is a map of places called Terra Incognita, Mackleberry, Tickleberry, Cackleberry, Bewarybeary, and Pickleberry.  There are pictures of the national flag of the Empire of Pickleberry, the national dessert of pickle pudding, and the national sun and moon.
     Some of the inhabitants of the Empire of Pickleberry (population 26-1/2 and 4-1/2 acres of land) are the Emperor, the janitor (who is the Emperor's twin brother), Lou (the bird who could talk), the invisible half citizen, and a dead candlestick. Pickleberry is a place where stories wildly intertwine, deceit runs rampant, and wisdom ultimately prevails over so, so much nonsense.
     Well, Lou lived in a cage and he was miserable (he thought). So, he played like he died and the Emperor had the janitor throw the bird away. A traveling salesman came along, found the bird, and decided to sell him. But the bird decided to let the salesman know he was alive and talked. Of course, the salesman thought a talking bird was the best thing ever.
     Thus begins the tale of how the wise bird ended up in a silly tale like this. I can't tell you the end of this story. Even if you don't have children to read it to, you should see the book for yourself, as an adult. It all makes sense what Uri Shulevitz wrote.
     In fact, Shulevitz has many outstanding books worth your reading, such as:
          -Snow, a Caldecott Honor Book,
          -The Secret Room, a New York Times Outstanding book of the Year,
          -The Treasure, a Caldecott Honor Book,
          -Rain Rain Rivers, an ALA Notable Book, and
          -Dawn, an ALA Notable Book.
     Others he has illustrated are:
          -The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship by Arthur Ransome, a Caldecott Medal Book, and
          -Hosni the Dreamer by Ehud Ben-Ezer, a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.
     This is my invitation to you to stop by the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library and walk by the children's table. I just dare you to stop and look at the great books on that table. Then I double-dare you to pick up a couple, check them out, and take them home. Find a child to read to...or just read them yourself. Wonderful stuff in children's books.

What do you have in your collection?

2011-03-30T11:43:00.000-04:00

     At the beginning of March, we loaded up our two lighted glass cases in the foyer of the main library with collections provided by our library staff. It's become so interesting to the public that we've decided to leave it up a little longer.
     It's really amazing what people like to collect, and our group here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library is no different than most people. We collect what we love.
     If you haven't had a chance to stop by and take a look at these collections, you're missing some interesting pieces of history...history as collected by the library staff.
     The salt and pepper shakers collected by Johnnie come from all over the east coast...from New York to Florida and North Carolina in between. She's collected bears, Santas, seashells, bunnies, kittens, outhouses, pots and pans, ducks, and small milk bottles, just to name a few.
     Monique has an elegant bent to her collection. She collects gloves and allowed us to place just a few in the case, such as her red kid gloves, along with knitted gloves of white, grey, pink, black, and fushia. She collects scarves also and those might be in our next show.
     If you like music boxes, you should see the ones Irene brought for "show and tell." She has one shaped like a birdhouse, birds, flowers and all. Another is a fox sitting in an old tree stump with a little fox on the ground below. And she has a bunny, as well as sunflowers and butterflies. Plus...take a look at part of her collection of cameos made into necklaces and earrings.
     Keva's unique collection is about ticket stubs.  She has them from not only movies and ballgames, but from the Sam Shortline, the Universoul Circus, and the Holy Land Experience, as well as many others.
     Those interesting pieces of history include the matchbox collection from Aileen. Some are small, decorated boxes showing flowers and birds, as well as a dragon, a lady's head, a fox and an owl. Others are larger and made from cast iron, brass, tin, porcelain, and steel.
     One of the cutest collections is Sheila's panda bears. Those little black and white bears that everyone loves so much. They are procelain and standing or sitting in various poses.
     And, of course, we have several of Melody's favorite frogs. She has a pretty good size collection of frogs, since everyone seems to add to her collection during birthdays and Christmas.
     Ann's collection of dolls and tiny tea sets are well known to the library staff. She has so many that we could place only a few choice ones in the lighted case. But most little girls will love to see both dolls and tea sets.
     Jinx is a collector of sea shells. She has a rather large collection also, so only a few are in the case, but they are truly things of beauty.
     There's also a small portion of Norma's collection of M&M characters and only one of her fabulous owl collection. Someday we're going to have nothing but Norma's owl collection.
     And we can't forget Elois's gourd collection. Once again, she has a large collection also, so only a small part of her gourds are in the case.
     I've discovered most people have a collection of some type. Whether it's salt and pepper shakers, frogs, or tea sets, we all usually have something.
     Oh, I forgot, a good many of us have a large collection of books also. I suppose I could put myself in that category. But not as large as the collection we have here at the library. And we have not only new books, but some of the older books that other libraries get rid of. Those are the interesting ones to check out.
     So. Have you thought about it? What do you have in your collection? Matchbook covers, necklaces, keychains, shot glasses? Bet you have something.

Does your teen have Facebook depression?

2011-03-29T11:13:00.000-04:00

     Did you hear that on the news this morning? I did. And, I must admit, it caught me off guard and I had to laugh a little. Geez! Another kind of depression identified. I suppose next it will be Twitter or Tweets depression.
     Even on the way to work this morning, I kept thinking about Facebook depression. By the time I reached work, I felt a memoir coming on.
     What kind of depression did my age-group have when we were growing up? Surely, we had depression also. I mean, it seems every generation had some kind of named depression.
     Did we have comic book depression or hide-and-seek depression? Did we have bicycle depression or roller skate depression?
     I remember when my Daddy brought home our first television, a console black and white jobby. Looked pretty good to us, but I don't remember getting depressed when my Mother said that I couldn't watch it until I got my homework or cleaned my room. And I don't remember getting depressed if I watched it too much. Actually, my Mother would not have let me watch it too much!
     I also remember the first time I had to use a computer. A group of us took lessons at the local high school and WordPerfect was all the rage. I know we've come a long way and that I wasn't a teenager when I first learned to use one, but if I had been a teen, would I have had computer depression if I couldn't use it OR if I used it all the time (and I mean ALL the time)?
     Sooo, thinking back to my teenage years, I don't remember having time to be depressed about something. Maybe that was just me or whatever was going on in my family or with my friends. But I seem to remember being extremely busy with school work, the science club, the concert choir, going to movies, riding our bikes, and even roller skating with friends on the concrete streets. And it didn't matter if we were teenagers, we still liked to play hide-and-seek in the neighborhood and go to the teen center on Friday evenings and dance.
     Of course, there's always been a library in my life. When I was growing up, we didn't have to worry about going to the library to use the computers or check out the audio books. There weren't any. But we went to all the programs at the library for both the little kids (where we helped), for the teens (special ones for us), and for the adults (which were geared to include the teens, too). There were tons of books we could check out, and places to sit and do homework, even with our friends, if we were quiet. Often there would be a movie night, maybe a travel show or a documentary of some type. But there was always something going on at the library.
     I suppose what I'm realizing is that we were social networking in the flesh. We didn't have our faces and fingers stuck to some keyboard as we sat in one place or as we walked with our heads down and our eyes concentrating on a small screen held in our hands. We were people-oriented in the flesh. And we were so busy with a great many things in our lives that had nothing to do with a wonderful invention like Facebook.
     I have nothing against Facebook or any other modern device that helps us communicate. It's just a shame that there's now such a thing as Facebook depression for our teens. What are we doing to ourselves?

Spring cleaning

2011-03-24T10:33:00.002-04:00

     I suppose there's no getting away from it. Spring is here and with it comes that hated chore of spring cleaning.
     Today when I came to work Mitchell, our janitor, was buffing the long, white-wall hallway. Yesterday he had the spray and dust cloth and was cleaning the dust off the tops of the lighted cases in the front foyer. The library ladies have been straightening the many stacks of donated magazines and Keva is always shelving the returned books. I must admit, she does some cleaning as she puts away the children's books...she wipes them all down with a special book cleaner, removing all those sticky little fingerprints.
     Just when I thought I might work in the office and get the April calendar ready to post on the lighted bulletin board outside the door, I decided to take a quick peak in one of the old Good Housekeeping magazines I'd brought back to the office. Should not have done that!
     What to my wandering eyes should appear, but a whole page titled "Light Housekeeping." Ugh! Spring cleaning again! But there was some inspiration. Such as this little poem from Rhoda Pellor:
         Shower Power
     I know just how to make it rain,
     And never even tax my brain.
     I don't use magic from afar,
     Just simply start to wax my car.

And then there's the poem by May Richstone:
          Spring Cleaning
     That cluttered attic of ours
     Is hopeless when we see
     Every bit of clutter
     As a precious memory!

But the one that really inspires spring cleaning is by Rosemarie Williamson:
          Ode to the Outdoors
     When Nature features
          GREEN-UP time -
     It's human creatures'
          CLEAN-UP time!

     What can I say? Now that I've looked around this office, I see I have a job to do. Mitchell is still buffing the floor. That must be my inspiration to get this office cleaned up enough to let him clean the floor also. Then maybe my spring cleaning will be finished!
(Source: Good Housekeeping, April 1988)

How old is your library card?

2011-03-22T16:32:00.000-04:00

     I've been sitting here for a while thinking about someone I saw in the library the other day. He was a very dapperly (is that a word?) looking man in a dark blue suit, nice shirt and tie, hair combed just so, and carried a nice cane. He'd come to the library with his daughter. He was just visiting, he said.
     Mr. Stephen B. Hudgins (they call him Steve) used to live here in Moultrie on 3rd Street Southeast. He's now living in Ocala, Florida, and he's now 91 years young. His mother and father were Harold and Hortense Hudgins; his dad was a salesman and his mother a housewife.
     The impressive thing I saw as I watched from a short distance was that Mr. Hudgins had his library card with him. Not one of our current plastic things, but one of those peach-colored cardboard ones that were given out so long ago.  The really impressive thing was that Mr. Hudgins' had received his library card back in 1928!!! And probably more impressive was that he still carried it!
     Well, that got me to thinking...how long had I had my library card? Let's see...since I arrived here in Moultrie in 1996. It's one of those plastic things, like all my credit cards (all two of them). Then I began to wonder how many library cards I'd had in my lifetime. More than I can remember! But I do know that everywhere I've lived, I have had a library card.
     Just think about it yourself. How old is your library card? And what do you do with it? Keep it in your desk at home or carry it in your wallet or purse? And how often do you use it? If you don't use it on a regular basis, you're sure spending a lot of money buying stuff you could get for FREE here at your hometown library.
     And you never know, if you've moved off to somewhere else and you still carry that card in your pocket, you'll have it available when you come back to Moultrie and need to check out a book to read while you're visiting family or friends. Or need to use a computer because yours is at home.
    A library card is a wonderful thing...whether it's plastic or tin or even peach-colored cardboard. Use it. Don't lose it. It's your passport to a world full of knowledge and imagination.

Have I got a deal for you at Zoo Atlanta!

2011-03-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

      Do you know that Georgia families can now check out free excursions to Zoo Atlanta, just by owning a library card? Did you hear what I said? JUST BY OWNING A LIBRARY CARD!
     A new partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Public Library Service allows adults with valid library cards access to the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library branch throughout the state of Georgia.
     Dr. Lamar Veatch, Georgia's State Librarian, said, "This wonderful collaboration between Zoo Atlanta and Georgia's public libraries brings a new dimention to our service. We're very pleased to play a role in bringing this Georgia treasure to all corners of our state."
     One Zoo Atlanta Family Pass is available for checkout in each participating public library. The pass may be checked out once per year, per card, per household, and is valid for two adults and up to two children, ages 3 to 11. The pass is not valid for fee-based events or programs and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Standard general admission will apply to families with additional children; children must be accompanied by an adult.
     So, you can check out the Zoo Atlanta DVD from our library and upon return, a library staff member will issue you a receipt you must present, with your library card, to gain free admittance to the Zoo.  Be sure to save the receipt; it is required for Zoo admission. The pass is valid for 7 days from the date of the receipt showing the return of the DVD.
     There are so many amazing things you can do with your library card. And this is one of them. Plan your trip today and enjoy a vacation right here in Georgia.
     If you'd like more information about Zoo Atlanta, visit http://www.zooatlanta.org/.

Who should attend? Those who need grant money!

2011-03-15T10:50:00.000-04:00

     If you're part of a Georgia school system, college, library, historical society, museum, cultural organization, or government agency, then this workshop is probably one you'll be interested in.
     It's a grant writing workshop, conducted by the Georgia Humanities Council and sponsored by the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System. It will be held Saturday, March 26th, 1 to 3:30 p.m., right here in the library at 204 5th Street Southeast, Moultrie, Georgia.
     The workshop will be led by Arden Williams, Program Officer for the Georgia Humanities Council. She's also the state coordinator for Georgia tours of traveling Smithsonian exhibits. Arden previously worked for the National Archives Southeast Region, presenting educational programs within the community, working with genealogists and directing the student interns. And she's been an adjunct professor at Clayton State University, teaching Introduction to Public History. (A busy lady, huh?)
     What Arden wants to let you know is that grant guidelines have changed. And because of that, organizations interested in applying for grants from the Georgia Humanities Council are encouraged to have staff members or volunteers attend this FREE (YES! I said FREE!) training workshop.
     It's not hard to register (and registration is requested). Just call the library at 229-985-6540 or email us right here at mccls@mccls.org. I understand we already have twelve people signed up and we're a week-and-a-half away from the event.
     Hear ye! Hear ye! FREE grant writing workshop!   For those who need grant money!

We have little visitors again

2011-03-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

     The little people are visiting again. Yesterday I watched a group of about 20 children walk toward the Children's Library, and I decided to see what they would be doing...so I followed.
     They were very orderly, but excited, even if they were three-to-five year olds.  I mean, after all, that's what they're supposed to be...excited. They came with three mothers and one dad. (It was wonderful to see that dad in the group.) Everyone was from Heritage Church. They all filed into the Reading Garden and sat on the carpet, except for the moms and pop who sat in strategically placed chairs.
     Now, we have one of the best children's storytellers in the whole state and the minute she begins to quiet everyone down for her program, excitement just fills the air like static.
    Miss Norma has been the storyteller for a good number of years and her helper is the Library Mouse. Of course, he attends all the children's programs and often has a special song sung about him.
     Today Miss Norma took the kids on a trip around the world. Books were involved and as she raised each book, something special appeared. For Scotland, it was the Loch Ness Monster (a small colorful toy), which caused the kids to squeal with delight. For America, Miss Norma waved the American flag, and the kids all cheered. For China, there was the panda bear, and the trip went on for at least three more books.
     After talking about each country and showing an appropriate toy or flag, Miss Norma encouarged everyone to stand while they marched in place, then turned around, and sat back down. They sang a little tune as they marched (helps keep the figets away).
     When Miss Norma told about Mexico, she brought out a very small sombrero. "And who does this hat fit?" she asked the kids. Everyone knew. Everyone shouted, "LIBRARY MOUSE!" And there he was! And when Miss Norma put the sombrero on Library Mouse's head, the room was filled with laughter and shouts.
     Well, the story about Mexico and the sombrero was the lead-in to Miss Norma's story, "Manana Iguana" by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Ethan Long. The story is about Iguana planning a party. Her friends (the Rabbit, the Tortoise, and the Snake) all want to come, but will they help? This is a version of "The Little Red Hen" with a glossary of Spanish words.
     Need I say more? Can't you just see Miss Norma standing in front of the kids and acting out the parts (voices and all) of the iguana, the rabbit, the turtle, and the snake? And the kids? Well, they had the hardest time sitting on that carpet, when all they wanted to do was jump up and help Miss Norma with the story.
     Believe me, I love going to the Children's Library to listen to Miss Norma's stories. But the best part is watching all the little people who come to visit. Just fills my heart with delight!
     If you're an organization with little people, why not call the library and see how you can set up a storytime for your group. It's easy. And you'll have a wonderful time. The phone number is 229-985-6540.
     And remember...it's another free service of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.

How important is your library to you?

2011-03-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

     Someone passed me an interesting article to read the other day. It was by Scott Turow, a brilliant author and the president of the Authors Guild. He wrote about libraries, just one sector of the many public agencies that are being slowly relieved of funding to keep them afloat, not to mention running in the black with a budget.
     Mr. Turow's article was titled "Let-Them-Eat-Cake-Attitude Threatens to Destroy a Network of Public Assets." You need to read the entire article, because he speaks for many of us who work in the libraries also.
     I want to quote a few of his choice sentences:
     "While our economy seems to be slowly staggering back to its feet...governments are cutting everywhere they can and public libraries nationwide have been one of the biggest and least deserved losers in the process." That includes us! Less funds for books and magazines and a few other things that our public either needs or enjoys. Does that sound like what you're going through at home also?
     "...Libraries seem to be losing out in the funding battles, due, in part, to the mistaken belief that they are somehow anachronistic in an age when so many Americans have instant computer access to information through the Internet." So...if you don't have a computer at home and you have to come to the library where, with just the show of your library card, you can use a free computer and access to the Internet...what's going to happen to your free access at the library when we lose more funding to keep us open?
     "Millions of Americans simply cannot afford to replace what libraries have traditionally offered for free...."   Have you thought about what you get free at the library with your library card? How about free access to those new and upcoming books you can no longer afford to buy, the computers and all the research assistance that goes along with it, those free DVDs? How about the newspaper you can't afford at home, but can read for free at the library, especially if you're looking in the want ads for a job? Using the newspapers and the computers for jobs that are slowly being cut out of the workforce? Catch-22?
     Mr. Turow called libraries "first responders" and I like that. He said libraries "function as crucial technology hubs." I like that, too. He said libraries "are the only safe place where thousands and thousands of American kids can go to study, a haven free from the dangers of street or the numbing temptations of television." And "for the elderly, libraries are often important community centers that help them escape the loneliness of old age."
     My gosh, but this man can write!!! And he speaks of libraries, not just our library, but all libraries.
     He said, "Most important of all, perhaps, a library within a community stands as a testimonial to its values, its belief in universal access to literature and knowledge." And I REALLY like that!
     Mr. Turow said more, much more, but it would be good if you could read it for yourself. And when you get to the end of his article, be sure you read all those comments people from all over the nation have made. Outstanding!!!
     The link is below. And think...how important is your library to you?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-turow/letthemeatcakeattitude-th_b_823609.html

March is Women's History Month

2011-03-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

     March is loaded with various observances, all the way from Dr. Seuss's birthday to whatever happens on March 31st (I can't seem to see that far ahead!). March covers special events such as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter, as well as special days for nutrition, cancer, vision, spiritual awareness, kites, crafts, and a thousand other things.
     However, I'd like to point out that March also observes Women's History Month.
     Gerda Lerner, Women and History (1986; 1993) said, "When I started working on women's history about thirty years ago, the field did not exist. People didn't think that women had a history worth knowing."
     Well, times have changed. Women have changed. And so has the history of women's history.
     Women's History Month and the publication of women's history in this country began in 1978 as "Women's History Week." It began in Sonoma County, California, and the week including March 8, "International Women's Day," was selected. In fact, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women's History Month.
     In honor of Women's History Month, we have a small wall display in our long, white hallway. A brochure titled "Our HISTORY is Our Strength" is surrounded by pictures of famous women: Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Mary Church Terrell, Elizabeth Blackwell, Babe Didrikson, Louisa May Alcott, and Clara Barton. If you don't know who some of these women are, we have information right here in our library to enlighten you.
     Also, in the adult reading area, along the top of the low bookshelf near the Fiction section, you'll see books about famous literary women...books you can check out. Some of these women are: Maya Angelou, Pearl S. Buck, Willa Cather, Joan Didion, Anne Frank, Zora Neal Hurston, Barbara Kingsolver, Harper Lee, Alice Munro, Annie Proulx, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Anne Tyler, Alice Walker, and Mary Wollstonecraft.
     Learn more about women's history. Visit The National Women's History Project (NWHP) web site at http://www.nwhp.org/. It provides information about women's history, Women's History Month in March, Women's Equality Day in August, and related women's history resources and materials.
     The stories of women's achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Learning about women's tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremandous source of strength.
     Visit the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library and the Odom Genealogical Library for more information. We have loads of information.

Here comes March!

2011-02-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

     Who would have ever thought that February would fly by so fast! We're right here at the end of it and here comes March!  It begins next week...the coming of the green and March winds, and something about lions and lambs.
     March also means it's time for our DR. SEUSS PARTY, an annual happening at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
     On Tuesday, March 1st, your whole family is invited to see "Dr. Seuss & Josie." Josie is a professional storyteller who brings any story to life! The event will be held in the Children's Library 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with refreshments provided by the Moultrie Junior Woman's Club.
    So...follow me and you will see, the library is fun for you and me!
    Of course, that's not all going on in March at our library. We still have every Tuesday filled with people who want to get their taxes prepared by the AARP Tax Aide group. And believe me, last Tuesday the auditorium was packed! Preparation begins with a sign-in at the door at 9:30 a.m. and they try to finish around 4 or 4:30 p.m.
     For two Tuesdays in February, Colquitt Regional Medical Center's Robin Tillman, R.N., the Corporate Health Nurse, took free blood pressure screenings. About 40 people were able to find out how their blood pressure was either before or after seeing about their taxes.  There were chuckles throughout the auditorium when the announcement was made to be sure and have your blood pressure checked.
     We're also going to have a staff event called "Our Green Thing" on March 17th, which everyone knows is St. Patrick's Day.  We're going to be "wearing the green" and bringing snacks for the staff to graze on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. That's often easier than trying to find a way and time to get everyone together at one time. After all, someone always has to "man" the fort.
     On Saturday, March 26th, the library will host a grant-writing class by Arden Williams, the Program Director for the Georgia Humanities Council in Atlanta. Publicity is on the way out the door right now as we speak. Those of you in the vicinity of the library may want to join us for the event. Watch for more information right here on our website.
     By the way, those of us here in this part of Georgia are seeing the lovely blossoms of Japanese magnolias, Lady Banks roses, flowering quince, daffodils, tulips, and blossoming red bud trees. And the birds! Well, the birds have just gone crazy!
     Yep, here comes March!

Here we are...thinking of Spring!

2011-02-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

From Melody Jenkins, Director of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System:

     Spring is such a wonderful time of the year. It brings "newness" to everything...plants, trees, animals and humans. There is something about the way the world looks at this time of year that is very exhilarating. The air just feels different; fresh and filled with the scent of flowers.
     My grandmother had a large bed of tulips and daffodils outside of her dining room window. Growing up in Cincinnati, the sight of those blooming after a long, cold, dreary winter was so exciting. I clearly remember gazing at them for hours.
     My 8th grade English teacher, Ann Brown, was very eccentric. She made us memorize poetry and recite it in front of the class. One of the poems that I recited has always stuck in my mind, especially at this time of the year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I always have.

Daffodils by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Celebrating Black History Month

2011-02-17T14:09:00.000-05:00

     As part of our February awareness, we are celebrating Black History Month with displays of books and pictures.
     On the wall of the long, white hallway between the genealogy library and the public library, we have pictures of famous people. There is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Civil Rights leader; Charles Richard Drew, a medical researcher; Edmonia Lewis, an artist; Langston Hughes, a poet; Duke Ellington, a musician and composer; Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator; and several others. The pictures are wonderful pencil/charcoal drawings and make an impressive display.  The display is one way to put a face with a name.
     On the long, low bookshelf in the adult reading area, we've placed books that can be checked out. Some of these books are:
     Maya Angelou - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Letter to My Daughter, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie, and I Shall Not Be Moved.
     Bebe Moore Campbell - Singing in the Comeback Choir.
     Frank Yerby - McKenzie's Hundred, Hail the Conquering Hero, and Tobias and the Angel.
     Ralph Ellison - Invisible Man.
     Terry McMillan - How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
     Toni Morrison - Paradise and The Bluest Eye.
     Ernest J. Gaines - The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.
     Georgia Naylor - Bailey's Cafe.
     Alice Walker - By the Light of My Father's Smile.
We also have colorful bookmarks of Evelyn Ashford, an Olympic medalist; James Van Der Zee, an American photographer; Jacqueline Woodson, a young adult author; and Thurgood Marshall, a lawyer and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
     All of these people are famous in their own right. But there are many others who are never mentioned, who are never known, and need to be celebrated just as much.
     As we celebrate this special time in February, we hope you will join us as we recognize the true meaning of Black History Month.
     Stop by the library this week and join us in our celebration.

Our free magazines go fast!

2011-02-10T11:50:00.002-05:00

     I just love it when people bring in their neat, clean magazines for us to recycle. And believe me, they go fast!
    Yesterday I was fast enough to "rescue" a copy of Birds & Booms. I used to take a subscription to this magazine, so I know what beautiful pictures and great information they have each month.
     This particular issue was dated February/March 2003. It covered topics all the way from red-tailed hawks, broad-tailed hummingbirds, and hungry woodpeckers to sweet hyacinths, fragrant jasmines, and colorful tulips. There was advice for tough birding, being a relaxed gardner, and building a leak-proof water garden.
     When I got to the article titled "Spring Awakens From Its Sleep," I knew I was getting spring fever. It's time (even if it is February) for us to watch for the migrating birds.
     Although the Carolina Wrens and American Finches will be be in droves before long, it's time for me to watch for the two red-tailed hawks that live near me. They're here year 'round, but every year they build a nest of bulky twigs high up in one of our tall pine trees. As the female sits on the nest, the male brings her food. And after about a month their babies hatch and then practice their flying before they finally leave the nest when they're about 45 days old. Of course, all during this time, I'm sitting on my front porch with the "lookers" (my binocs), thoroughly enjoying their comings and goings.
     This particular Birds & Blooms magazine had pictures of brilliant bluebirds, peppermint camellias, green and yellow turtles, and a garden filled with tulips in every color you could imagine. It showed fun and functional birdhouses made like old jails, working windmills, fish and anchors. It advised me to get out my hummingbird feeders because in March they'll be here. It warned me to clean out that old feeder and get ready for Mr. Cardinal to start feeding Mrs. Cardinal. It made me curious what I could find here in our library that I could check out and take home to read.
     So, I went looking.
     Books about birds are in Section 598. Our Pines catalog says we have 890 books all the way from Audubon to feeding, songs, behavior, and what makes a bird a bird.
     Books about flowers are in Sections 635 and 745. There are 380 books that tell about "The A-Z of Garden Flowers," wildflowers, dried flowers, and even how to arrange flowers.
    The gardening books are in Section 635 also, with about 410 books. Here's where you can find clear and simple gardening, high-yield gardening, flower gardens, luscious lawns, and how to design any fabulous garden you have in mind.
     Of course, I love birdhouses and I had to check them out. They're in Section 690, but there are only 12 books. Nevertheless, they will tell you how to make the kind of birdhouses and feeders that will attract birds, how to paint the houses, and how to use gourds, cans and wooden boxes.
     Next time you're in the library, stop by the long counter on the other side of the lighted display cases and see if we have any free magazines. Sometimes we even have old Southern Living magazines filled with articles about the beauty of the South, as well as birds, flowers, and gardens.
     Right now I'm still reading through that old Birds & Blooms magazine.  It has awakened my spirit to the coming of spring. It's time I dusted off those "lookers" and placed my chair in just the right spot on my front porch. The spring-time show is about to begin. And I want to be ready!

How to love your library

2011-02-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

     Didn't I already tell you it's Library Lovers' Month? Sure I did! Probably at least two times. But I'm here to tell you again...it's Library Lovers' Month.
     If you're wondering why there's a Library Lovers' Month, you might be surprised to know that many people are not aware of the funding problems libraries are experiencing nationally or in their own hometown. That's why, it's important for those of us who work in libraries to let you know that we need you to LOVE us. We really need your help. And it's during Library Lovers' Month that you can express your concern about how much your library needs the entire community's help. There are things you can do to help...such as:
***Write to the editor of your local newspaper. (By the way, that man's name is Dwain Walden.)
***Urge our school administrators to make library funding a high priority. We need to pay attention to not only the public libraries, but the school libraries also.
***Attend your local government meetings and urge city and county legislators to invest in the library as a vital community resource, one that will save substantial tax dollars in helping people of all ages to be more literate and productive.
***Participate in Library Legislative Day Activities. Georgia Library Day 2011 is on Monday, February 14.
***Give to the library through your company's matching program for charitable giving.
***Look for ways you can support your local public library. Join our MCCLS Friends. We have applications here at the library and need your support. It's a new year with a new Friends program. We're looking for Friends.
     There are a good number of ways to love your library. And the very first one is to get a library card.
     Protect your valuable asset of free public information.
P.S.  Find a way to love your library. Make it a Valentine's Day gift.

Come see our red!

2011-02-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

     If you thought red is one of our favorite colors, you'd be right!
     We have our red paper books and audio books out on display, not only for adults but for children too. And the wonderful items we're showing this month in our lighted display cases in the front foyer are all red...great items like toys, flowers, jewelry, clothing, hearts, etc. Our free bookmarks even have red writing.
     So, what's all this red about?
     First of all, it's American Heart Month. A time when everyone should be aware of how much they need their heart and how they should take care of it. We have informational heart displays in the adult reading area to share with the public, and this coming Tuesday the 8th we will have Colquitt Regional Medical Center Corporate Health Nurses doing free blood pressure checks 9:30 to 11:30 a.m in the reading area. Having your blood pressure checked is one of the easiest ways to find out how your heart is doing. If you miss the 8th, plan to come in on Tuesday the 22nd. The nurses will be back again from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
     Of course, another reason for our red displays is because of Valentine's Day. We couldn't miss doing something for that special day. It's also a gentle reminder to all of you love birds to be sure and get your sweetie something nice for Valentine's Day.
     Our red for tomorrow, Friday the 4th, will be for National Wear Red Day.   It's associated with your heart also and our staff has promised wear red to promote (again) awareness of heart disease. Women especially will be wearing red tomorrow.
     Surprise fact? Do you know that the number one killer of Hispanic women is heart disease? On an average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than other women. And despite the heightened risk, most are still unaware of the threat to themselves and their families. The good news is that heart disease can be prevented.
     So, tomorrow put on your red...shirt, pants, tie, cap, iPod buds, whatever. Help spread the word that red is an important color for very important reasons. Stop by the library and pick up a red book to read, get a red-cased audio book to listen to, find a red-cased DVD or video to watch, and check out our display of red items that will bring a smile to your face.
     We just love red!
(Source: http://english.goredcorazon.org/)

Are you ready to find a publisher?

2011-02-02T15:56:00.001-05:00

     That's the name of an upcoming event here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
     Dr. Anne Holt will present the workshop on Saturday, February 26th from noon to 3 p.m. It's a one-hour presentation with two hours for individual review and comments. It's a workshop to help you with writing, editing, querying and pitching. What more could you ask if you're ready to find a publisher? A person coming to you right here in Moultrie, Georgia to tell you how to do it.
     Registration is required since class size will be small. The cost is only $30 per person and payable at the door. All you have to do to register is call 229-985-6540 or email mccls@mccls.org. Once you've registered, you'll be given more information about Dr. Holt's requirements for submissions for her review.
     In case you're wondering who Dr. Holt is, I must tell you her resume' is quite impressive.  She is the author of six novels and a book of poetry. She's serving her second year as president and fundraiser/grant writer for the Tallahassee Writer's Association, Inc. She's also served on the "Art in the Court Committee" of the Florida Supreme Court and is grant writer for the Tallahassee Film Society, Inc.
     Dr. Holt is an active member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, The Florida Library Association and ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents).
     We've had Dr. Holt here at the library before when she taught a class on grant writing and the class was well received. So, we expect people will be excited for more advice from her at this next class on publishing.
     Maybe you've written that novel and you don't know what to do next. Well, maybe you do know, but just don't know how to go about it.   This is your opportunity. Are you ready to find a publisher?
     See you on February 26th.

We help you save money...look at this!

2011-02-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

     If you've visited the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library any time lately, you know you've saved some money. I mean, when a new book costs anywhere from $15 to $35, why buy one when you can come to the library and (with the flick of your library card) check one out.
     The same is true with DVDs and videos. Granted we don't have that big inventory that some of the video warehouses have, but we have a nice collection. They're not only for adults, but children, too. And they're comedy, drama, mystery, documentaries, historical, and on and on. You don't have to pay $14.99 or even $5. By using your library card, they are FREE. How about that?
     Of course, the same is true of our audio books, which are tapes and CDs. Listening to a good book is just as thrilling, and sometimes even more, as reading one. Once again, all you have to do is show your library card.
     This morning my coworker gave me some information about how the library and GALILEO helps our patrons save money on subscriptions. For instance, you can use GALILEO here on the library computers or at home through your PINES account. And look at what your savings could be!
     Ancestry.com: $19.95 per month for personal subscription.
     Wall Street Journal (ProQuest): Over $100 per year ($2.29/week).
     Harvard Business Review: $79 per year.
     Highlights for Children: $29.65 per year (half the newsstand price).
     Backpacker Magazine:  $15.95 per year.
     Forbes: $29.99 per year (77% off newsstand price).
     Scientific American: Over $50 per year.
Now, don't you wish you could get that kind of savings with your gasoline, food and clothes?
     So, what I'm saying is we can save you money not only with books, DVDs, videos, newspapers, and magazines, but our library can save you money when you need a meeting room, when you need to use a computer, when you need a specific reference book, when you want to file your taxes online, or if you can't come to the library, our Bookmobile will bring books to you.   Well, you get the idea.
     We are helping to promote savings in Colquitt County to all our patrons and even those of you who don't live in Colquitt County and come visit us. Be sure to bring your library card. By the way, that's free too!

It's already February in our office

2011-01-27T14:57:00.001-05:00

     Sometimes working in our office is kinda scarey. We have so much going on right now to wrap up January and get ready for February.
     On January 15th we had our Memoirs Writing Workshop, which was funded by a grant from the Georgia Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. There's still work to be done to finalize all the paperwork and return such to the GHC.
     Our MCCLS Friends started their new year on January 24th with new officers and lots of ideas of what they want to do. We are available to help them in any way, i.e., activities to help in the library, book reviews recommended by the Friends, fundraising projects, etc.
     A meeting was held today to plan for our "Home Front" event in June, which will allow the community to connect with the people who helped here at home during the many wars where we have been involved.
     The first day or two of February all the displays will be changed from blue and silver for January to red for February. We'll put away all our blue books and pull out the red books.
     Because February is American Heart Month, we'll have a wall display about high blood pressure being a silent killer, and the nurses from Colquitt Regional Medical Center will do free blood pressure checks on February 8th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and then again on February 22nd from 1 to 3 p.m.
     February is also Library Lovers Month. We'll have a display to let people know how they can contribute to the library and promote their library. There will also be a list of "Best Reads for Romance," just in case anyone is interested in such a thing.
     Friday, February 4th, is National Wear Red Day and we will encourage everyone to wear their red what-evers. It might be a shirt or pants or even earrings or a hat. Just watch for the "wearing of the red."
     Of course, February is the month when the library boards meet. The Odom Genealogical Library Board meets on Monday the 7th and the MCC Library Board meets on Thursday the 10th.
     There are also two FREE to the public and staff Webinars (these are seminars on the Web) during February. The one on Wednesday the 2nd at 2 p.m. in the auditorium will be "Newspapers: Critical Resources to Complete Your Family Tree." Then on Wednesday the 16th, also at 2 p.m. in the auditorium, the presentation will be "Chasing Women." This is nothing risque. It's about finding female relatives in your family through various sources...it's related to genealogy.
     We're also promoting an event to be held on Saturday the 26th. Dr. Anne Holt will return to present "Are You Ready to Find a Publisher?" The event will be from noon to 3 p.m. in the library classroom and will cost $30 per person. Well worth your investment if you've written a novel and want to find a publisher.
     In the midst of all these various events and such, we are working on things like updating the Website, planning our May authors' event and our November Veterans' event, and researching all the other projects we have on our desks.
    Now, just so you don't think this is all work and no play, I have to tell you that we sometimes do find time for a little play. Today our staff had a Soup Luncheon. January is National Soup Month and we couldn't pass up this opportunity to share good eats. We had "Red Curry Lentil Soup," "Potato Soup," and "Friendship Soup." We also had cornbread, two kinds of crackers, two kinds of cheeses cheeses, pimento cheese sandwiches, and cookies for dessert. And in February we're going to have a post-Valentine's Day Salad Get-together.
     I'm sure I've missed something we're doing. It would be easy for another item to be overlooked. But what do you want to bet it shows up before it's forgotten.
     Like I said earlier, my calendar says it's January 27th, but it's really February in our office of Library Information Services.