Did You Hear That Stuff About Coffee?

That drinking more than three cups of coffee a day may help protect older women against some age-related memory decline? Or its caffeine equivalent in tea, they said. Well, we definitely need all the help we can get with our memory! The study found older women retained more of their verbal and -- to a lesser extent -- visual memories over a four year period. The effect also depended on age, with women over 80 reaping more benefits than those who were 10 to 15 years younger. Sorry, but drinking all that coffee, they said, didn't help men at all! According to the National Coffee Association, the average American drinks one to two cups of coffee per day. So, hey! Let's keep that pot filled!!! (Source: Yahoo! News)

Hard Times Come To All Families

. . .and it has come to our library family once again. I had to think long and hard about what I wanted to say today. For once again we are sharing the sadness a library member feels. Over the past several months our staff has suffered through family illnesses, auto accidents, and even the loss of our loved ones. If you knew the long years many staff members have worked here, you would know that our time together has made us a special family. You would know that we share not only in each person's joy, but in their sadness also. And it's that sharing that makes the sadness, the hard times, more bearable. Our staff members are concerned, caring and kind people. They not only care about each other, but they care about the people they greet every day that the library is open. And when it's not open, they still care about those same patrons -- and work to understand how they can better serve their community. So, if hard times fall on you, just remember we're here to help in any way we can; whether it be copying all those documents you need or looking up specific information or just giving a comforting word. We call our community "family" also!

A New (Old) Space Opens Up!

This is my last time to talk about the inventory (I think). I just wish you could see the clean closets and utility rooms! They are beautiful! Everyone has worked so hard! And we're finally seeing the small conference room floor! Our staff has made so many trips from the room to the new storage center, and back, that someone said we should have had a toll booth. But it will be great to have the conference room again. Occasionally it's hard for groups to find a place to meet and the library has been a tremendous help. Miss Edna said some of those using the library are: Magnolia Garden Club, Girl Scouts, Retired Educators, Sunbelt Writers, and several groups from Colquitt County Schools. However, there is a meeting room policy, and the Library Director will review any and all requests to use the rooms and may reject any which she deems unsuitable. When the conference room is ready (it has been named the Melody Stinson Jenkins Conference Room), it, along with the Willcoxen Memorial Auditorium, will be available for public use again. Reservations are required and the number to call is 985-6540. This is just one of the many services your public library offers.

A New Face at the Library

We have a new Bookmobile Clerk. His name is Josh and he began August 1. His job will be to help Sheila when the Bookmobile goes on the home and school routes. He will load and unload books, use the computer, go to school rooms and talk with teachers, help the patrons, and eventually learn to drive the Bookmobile. Sheila said they start their home routes on August 20, with school routes following August 27. So, welcome, Josh! Glad to have you aboard!

Today in History

Just wanted you to know. . .this is the birthday of Francis Scott Key (1779-1843), who wrote the Star Spangled Banner, and Herman Melville (1819-1891), who wrote Moby Dick.

One List of Top 10 Books

When I asked for suggestions for our blog, Ann said we should put up a list of top 10 books. So, after checking with Monique to see if we have them (and we do), here they are:

1. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J. K. Rowling
2. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J. K. Rowling
3. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J. K. Rowling
4. "The Quickie" by James Patterson
5. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J. K. Rowling
6. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hossenini (CD audio book)
7. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
8. "High Noon" by Nora Roberts
9. "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
10. "The Clique #8: Sealed with a Diss" by Lisi Harrison

Of course, we also have "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." This is a BIG Harry Potter time!!! (Source: USA Today; but we don't have their #3, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Deluxe Edition, or #8 "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne)

One Amazing Collection in the Odom Library

In the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library, which is in the south wing of MCCLS, just as you walk through the library door and to the left, there is a lighted china cabinet. This cabinet houses Mrs. Odom's dachshund collection. There must be over 200 items. The dachshunds range in size from tiny (about one inch) to large (maybe one foot long). They are made from wood, porcelain, cloth, jade, pewter, leather, wire, sweet gum balls, and even a peanut. They are pins to wear, a key chain comb, a planter, a letter holder, an ashtray, and salt/pepper shakers. Mrs. Odom said her little dachshund, Kibitz, inspired her fun collection. The puppy's picture is in the china cabinet also. The next time you go into the genealogy library, be sure to stop and look at this fascinating collection. And talk to Irene, our genealogist. She'll be able to tell you even more about it. It's a collection that will put a smile on your face!