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!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
An evening with John Clark McCall
John Clark McCall, Jr., author of "Tales of a Southern Palazzo," will talk about his book here at the Moultrie library, 204 5th Street, SE, on Tuesday, August 16th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is open to the public.
"Tales of a Southern Palazzo" is a memoir that reads like fiction. John has written a "complex, twisted, and highly fragrant story" about our fair city of Moultrie that is basically all true (he says).
Using the distinctive mansion on Tallokas Road as a backdrop, "Tales" recounts the hilarious and oftentimes unbelievable events that have occurred during the tenure of three Southern bachelors who lived there. The author talks about his family and friends who frequented not only the mansion, but the Cloister Hotel on Sea Island and the dove fields of Colquitt County. And you'll enjoy looking at the many pictures of the people he talks about.
"Tales" celebrates the uniqueness of tragedy and humor in the Deep South, defying the reader to discern which is which.
John is an interesting and highly educated man, who will entertain you with his memoirs. He is an established writer, not only of his first book of memoirs, but regarding theatre and theatre organ history, as well as architecture.
After graduating from Georgia State University with degrees in Journalism and Governmental Administration, he pursued careers in art, college administration, interior design, and theatre organ.
As an award-winning organist, he was honored in 2010 with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, and is currently house organist at the famed Rylander Theater in Americus, Georgia.
John is also president of his design consultant firm in Valdosta, Georgia, where he makes his home.
"Tales of a Southern Palazzo" may ruffle some feathers, but it is a highly entertaining little book. But, as usual, memoirs never seem to satisfy all the people who are mentioned in an author's book. Copies will be available for purchase and book signing after John's talk.
"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.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Books are fun for everyone!
That's the title on a brochure provided by the Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped Children.
I can't imagine not being able to read. I've read since I was a little child. And my mother read to me, but I don't think as much as I've read to myself.
I can't imagine being a little child and not having someone read to me. And as I grow and learn, I can't imagine not being able to read to myself.
That being said...there are children who have visual or physical disabilities who can easily enjoy the pleasure and benefits of reading, thanks to books and equipment through the Library of Congress.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) offers braille and recorded books and magazines to more than 20,000 young readers through a network of 56 regional and 90 subregional libraries throughout the United States and its territories. This cooperative network is made up largely of state and local public libraries that circulate books and playback machines directly to readers. Many also conduct story hours, book talks, and summer reading programs.
The NLS children's collection offers the same range of reading materials found in most public libraries. Folk and fairy tales, animal stories, mysteries and science fiction, classics, biographies, and informational works of all types are among the books available for children from preschool through junior high school. (Young adults may also request books from the adult collection.)
The NLS collection includes more than 12,000 books in braille, print/braille, and talking-book formats.
NLS produces several magazines for young people, including Jack and Jill, National Geographic World, and Children's Digest. The NLS Music Section loans large-print and braille method books for beginning study of piano and other instruments, and books on learning to read braille music.
Eligible readers can borrow NLS library materials free of charge. The program is open to persons who are blind or who cannot see well enough to read standard print even with corrective aids or who cannot hold or handle printed books because of a physical disability, even if the disability is temporary. Those with physically based reading disabilities may also be eligible.
How do you find more information about the NLS?
You can pick up a brochure here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, 204 5th Street SE, in Moultrie. The brochure not only gives you information about the National Library Service (NLS), but provides an application for free library service with the NLS.
Or you can get in touch with the Bainbridge Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped through Southwest Georgia Regional Library at 301 South Monroe Street, in Bainbridge, Georgia (39819), or by calling 229-248-2680 or 1-800-795-2680. Also, by faxing them a t 229-248-2670 or by emailing lbph@swgrl.org. Check out their website at www.swgrl.org/handicap.php. They also have an online catalog at http://webopac.klas.com/glass.
If you know someone who would benefit from materials from the National Library Service, now is the time to enrich their lives. Help them by providing reading materials...read to them...help them to read to each other...and to enjoy reading by themselves.
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.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Pardon our Closing
If it weren't for our closing for inventory, we wouldn't know exactly where we are with the hundreds of thousands of items we have in our library for the community to use.
If it weren't for our closing for inventory, the carpets in the adult reading area, the computer areas, the auditorium, and the genealogy areas would not have all those ugly stains removed...those stains of muddy shoes, dropped baby bottles whose tops came open, and all the things we won't mention.
If it weren't for our closing for inventory, the hard floors could not be scrubbed and waxed (Mitchell told me they put a coat of wax on every 15 minutes until it shines like glass!).
If it weren't for our closing for inventory, the ceiling fans would not get dusted, the past few years of paper accumulation would not be cleared out, the books could not be inventoried in our system, and lost items found. Plus, everyone's desks could not be cleaned, computers inventoried and updated, and on and on.
If it weren't for our closing for inventory...well, you get the idea.
So, pardon our closing and sorry for the inconvenience, but when we reopen on Saturday, August 6th, you'll recognize a nice fresh smell throughout the building...not exactly like a sea breeze, but nice and clean.
And we'll be happy to see you once more and help you with all your library needs.
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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Top grossing movies based on books
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.
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)
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.
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)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
We are an exceptional library!
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)
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)
Friday, July 22, 2011
And we have a winner!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)