SANTA IS ON OUR LIBRARY BOARD!

     That's right!  Santa is on our Odom Genealogical Library Board!  Has been for several years and will continue to be for years to come!  And I just thought it was about time you knew!
     But first let me tell you a little about the Odom Library.  It was made possible by a bequest from Ellen Ashby Payne Odom, who was a Trustee of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library and very interested in genealogy.
     At her death, it was revealed that she had bequeathed the proceeds of the sale of her land and home to the library for the purpose of building a genealogy library in Moultrie.
     Today, the Odom Library operates on the interest from her estate.  The endowment is managed by a Moultrie banking firm.  The Odom Library is governed by a Board of Trustees.
     So, let me tell you who is on the Board of Trustees and, if you live in Moultrie and know some of these people, you just might be able to figure out who Santa is in disguise.
     Board Chairman is Lauren Howell and the Trustees are Merle Baker, Virginia Horkan, James Jeter, William McIntosh, Paula Neely, Brooks Sheldon, and Doug Strange.  I've left out the name of the person Santa is impersonating.  Do you know who it is?
     Santa has been coming to the Odom Library Board meetings for as many years as I've known him.  He's a retired educator.  When Mr. Bert Harsh resigned from the Board in February 2003, Santa (in his disguise) was elected May 2003 to serve as a Trustee.
     He comes to every meeting with his lovely white beard, sharing his happiness and wisdom with all in his presence.  He's a rather quiet gentleman, but a deep thinker.  And his sense of humor is displayed when (and if) his cell phone sounds during a meeting.
     Many of us see him all around town.  He is always helping at the Colquitt County Museum of History, where he is available to lead tours or talk to out-of-towners about the many exhibits.  Of course, we see him in his sleigh during the Christmas events.  And many parents have pictures of their children with him displayed on the walls of their homes.
     As a teacher, the students called him "Mr. B." and some of us continue to call him that.
     So...any ideas who Santa is in disguise?
     Well, I'll never tell.  I don't want to be on his Naughty List!!!

HAVE YOU TRIED THE NEW "GALILEO"?

     Those of us who work at Georgia public libraries are fortunate to receive copies of Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) NEWS, a newsletter about great happenings in libraries around Georgia.
     Just the other day we received our December issue and it has an important article about how the new GALILEO interface streamlines content searches.  For that reason, I need to tell you some of what the article said (and I quote):
     "GALILEO users are discovering an easier, more streamlined way to search and retrieve content from the 100-plus information databases, digital collections and other resources offered to them by Georgia's Virtual Library.
     "Introduced in October, the new Discover GALILEO interface simplifies the search process...by searching almost all GALILEO resources at once.  Results can be sorted by relevance or date, and customers can easily refine searches by format, source, collection and more.
     "'Discover GALILEO uses a different approach, combining resource indexes into one master index,' explained Merryll Penson, executive director of Library Services for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.  'This makes for a faster, more customizable list of results,' she said.
     "Possibly the most notable advantage of simultaneously searching resources is that users often get results from places that they might not have thought about.
     "...Alan Harkness, assistant state librarian for Library Development, noted that the Discover GALILEO interface should get even better over time, as GALILEO staff tweak the tool's effectiveness.  'Anyone who has ever been frustrated with a GALILEO search in the past needs to give it another try now,' he said.  'The difference is really amazing.'
     "Users should note that a few popular GALILEO resources cannot logically be included as part of the new Discovery search.  These include genealogy resources such as Heritage Quest or Ancestry Plus, which is not available outside of the library; and the online testing preparation resources that are included in Learning Express Library and RB Test Prep.  These must still be launched separately within GALILEO or through Express Links from another web page.
      "Harkness said, 'In the near future, we hope to add public library catalog results to Discover GALILEO, so that customers would literally have to look only in one place for all their information needs.'
     "GALILEO is available in every public library in Georgia and can be accessed from home at www.galileo.usg.edu by using a library-issued password or PINES card number."
     So, now you know!  We're constantly on the move to make your library experience a great experience!  Try the new Discover GALILEO today and have lots of fun.
(Source: Georgia Public Library Service NEWS, December 2012 issue)

WE'RE TELLING CHRISTMAS STORIES

     We're celebrating the holidays at our library with a delightful afternoon for the children of our community.
     On Tuesday, December 11th, our library will host a "Children's Holiday Story Time," 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Children's Library.  The program will be bilingual.
     Children are invited to listen to two selected Christmas stories, make a craft, and enjoy a snack.
     The stories they will be listening to are "Winter's Gift" by Jane Monroe Donovan and "The Finest Christmas Tree" by John and Ann Hassett.
      We do, however, ask parents or guardians to phone the library to register their children for the event.  We want to be sure everyone has a craft and a snack.  The number to call to register is 229-985-6540.
      Plan now to bring your children to the library for this wonderful storytime....  See you there!
    

WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE AT OUR LIBRARY!

     Here we are in the last month of 2012.  What better time to tell you about some wonderful things that are happening at our library...the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library in Moultrie, Georgia.
     Earlier this year, someone must have told Santa what they would like to have for Christmas 2012.  And it appears those wishes are coming true!
     First, a new book drop was ordered and the maintenance crew poured the concrete pad this week.  The new book drop will be located just across the driveway from the current two book drops.  It will be a double-return book drop, meaning that our patrons can return books through one slot and movies/audiobooks through the smaller slot.  Patrons will no longer be required to turn in movies and audiobooks at the library's front desk, because this new book drop is designed to protect these materials from the elements.  (That's a YEA!, huh?)  The book drop should arrive within a few weeks, so keep your eyes open for it in the new location.  By the way, this project was funded by SPLOST, which shows that all those pennies do add up!!!
     Second, work has begun on the new roof.  And work will also begin on the new chiller for the north end of the building.  The contractor has already poured a concrete pad for it.  They are estimating that the project will be complete (for both roof and chiller) by the end of February 2013.  That's like a double present all in one!
     And the Friends of the Library decided to fund the software for "PC Reservation."  (Thank you, thank you to our Friends!!!)  This software will allow patrons to sign up for a computer without having to go through the front desk.  PC Reservation will also handle time limits for the computers, so that once the computers fill up, the patron who has been on the longest will receive a message telling them their time is about to be up, and the next patron will be assigned that computer.  Tentative plans call for installation sometime this month.  The program will free up a lot of time for the circulation staff so they can better help patrons with requests, assistance, and research.  It will also save time for patrons, since they won't need to stand in line and wait for a computer or turn in a mouse.  Like with anything new, there will undoubtedly be some bumps along the way, but it will all work out just fine.
     Last but not least, be sure you notice the lovely big container (you really won't be able to miss it!) full of tall green plants that has been placed in the atrium by (once again) our great Friends of the Library.  The atrium is located by coming in the double doors from the parking lot.  We appreciate so much the wonderful things they have done to help us this year!!!  They are truly our "best friends forever."
     So, it's not only a Merry Christmas for all of us working here at the library, but it's a big Merry Christmas to all of you who use our library...your library.  And a big HAPPY NEW YEAR, too!

'TIS THE SEASON

     It's beginning to look like Christmas around our library.
     Yesterday we finished putting out the Christmas book displays and are still working on the lighted cases.
      Several staff members have contributed to the display in the cases...a little metal Christmas tree with dangly ornaments, a soft fuzzy white bear with his matching moose friend, a Santa in his red suit, blue flowers, items of silver, lots of glittery things...and with more to come.  Our signs say "Give More Love, Give More Hope, Give More Joy."  Great words to remember all year round.
      Our front lobby foyer table has a Christmas tree decked out with small red balls and ribbon streamers.  The tree and decorations were contributed by Johnnie and the bow-making was compliments of Ann, who has a talent we now know about!  The tree skirt (also from Johnnie) is red plaid and everything sits on a green plaid tablecloth.  All around the tree are Christmas books, colorful as a string of bright lights.
      Our bookcase next to the circulation counter has a sign that says, "Weather Frightful? Books Delightful!" and the shelves hold a 12-pack collection of Christmas books, good for any-time-weather reading.
      As you can see, we have out our seasonal books.  The "'Tis the Season" table in front of the nonfiction stacks holds holiday books to enjoy.  Aileen has offered a brochure titled "'Tis the Season" with a list of great holiday readings and their reviews.  Some of the books listed encourage me to take a couple home..."Naughty or Nice" by Eric Jerome..."The Diva Cooks a Goose" by Krista Davis..."Cat Deck the Halls: A Joe Grey Mystery" by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.  So many to read; so little time!
      Be sure to look at the books we've placed on top of the front lobby cases...such books as "Christmas Around the World,"  "Christmas Cheer," and "The Family Christmas."  In a week or two we will include the Christmas cookbooks, unless they are all checked out! 
      We don't want to forget the picture in the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library either.  This time we've place a lovely picture of "Washington Crossing the Delawre, 1851" by artist Emanuel Leutz (1816-1868).  The snow and ice will make you glad you're in the warm South.  We've also included a list of questions that will tempt you in your search for the answers about the picture.
      We're going to be open for business as usual until December 19.  So, come on in and get in the spirit of Christmas.  And watch for our Christmas additions....  There's bound to be more to come.

WE'RE CLOSING FOR THANKSGIVING

     I'm ashamed to say that I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music...but I am.  Ashamed because it's not even Thanksgiving Day yet.
     Once again I need to tell you that we will be closed for Thanksgiving.  Sometimes I think we are closed for too many days - the 21st through the 24th, reopening on the 26th - but I understand it also helps with the budget constraints of a public library.  And I do understand that it gives those staff members who are traveling out of town more time to be safe in their traveling. 
     It does make me wonder, however, about all those people who use the library every day, for whatever reason.  Makes me wonder what they do when we are closed, where they go, and, really, if they are all right.  Many come to use our computers because they have none themselves.  How do they continue to job search, do online class homework, check with family and friends by email?  Many come to get in out of the weather, sit on our couches and read and sometimes take a little nap.  Nevertheless, I wonder what everyone does when they aren't able to come to the library.
     Today as I sit here, listening to the Christmas music, I'm thoughtful about Thanksgiving and thinking what I'm thankful for.
     One thing that comes to mind is being thankful for Johnnie, who makes morning coffee almost every day for those of us who work here.  So, thank you, Johnnie, for that necessary morning brew.
     Another thing I'm thankful for is Holly, our director, who I know is working hard to make sure our library continues to move forward and provide the best service we can to all those who walk through our doors.  We've been told that this old building will be getting a new chiller and new roof during the next few months, thanks to the help of our County and State officials.  We are definitely thankful for that assistance.
     And I have to say I'm thankful for my office partner, Aileen, who works so hard to keep our large group of computers doing the right things.  That has to be a strain-and-a-half.   Plus she is contantly finding interesting events for the library to hold...like the upcoming January 2013 community health fair.  Plus, she's become a very best friend.  Can't ask for more in a two-person office.
     I'm also thankful for all the people I work with here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.  I've been here about nine years now, working in various capacities, and everyone here is absolutely the best of the best to work with.  Occasionally we lose one...to retirement or another position somewhere...but not often.  We have a few here who we could call "old timers," but who aren't old.  It's just that once you start working here, you realize what a great place it is and you stay.
     There are many more things I am thankful for at our library, but I won't take the space to list them all.
     I do have to say that I'm thankful for all of you who read this homely, little blog.  It's not fancy with pictures, colorful with design, or elegant with words.  It's just a little thing I do because I was asked to do it, and I've truly enjoyed it.  However, I'm sure if I could find the right person here at the library, it would take on a different kind of life.  But for the meantime, I'm thankful I'm allowed to write it and share our library's information with you.
     So, take a few minutes somewhere around Thanksgiving Day and think about what you're thankful for.  It might surprise you what you come up with.

A VISIT WITH HELEN SCOTT CORRELL

     It's hard to believe the last post was written on October 24th, but it was.  Vacations are always hard to come back from, but this time will be easier for me.
     We're going to have a visit from Helen Scott Correll, a nature illustrator and author of "Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature."
     The event will be this Thursday, November 15th, here in the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library's auditorium, starting at 6:30 p.m.  The event is free to the public.
     Correll is a freelance writer, illustrator, and photographer from Spartanburg, South Carolina.  She's also a member of the Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators, as well as the Guild of Nature Science Illustrators.  Multi-talented, she has a blog, has published articles and illustrations in numerous magazines, and has now published a book about nature.
     I took the review book home during my vacation and was amazed at the beautiful illustrations of flowers, mushrooms, leaves, animal tracks, feathers, and all kinds of nature's treasures.
     With a foreward by naturalist Janisse Ray (who has been at our library several times and is well-known in our area), Correll's book gathers illustrations and writings from her hikes and blog (by the same name - Middlewood Journal) to create a treasury of discoveries, from giant red mushrooms peaking beneath a cover of leaves to a hawk on a branch so close you can hear its preening.  She covers season to season, discovering miniature beauties of the South, the life that you only find by slowing down and allowing the landscape to inspire you.  You, too, will witness the change of seasons through the blooms, birdsongs, and balance of sunlight in Correll's delicate prose and drawings in the Middlewood Journal.
     For the Middlewood Journal blog, go to http://middlewoodjournal.blogspot.com/.  You can also follow Helen on Twitter at @hscorrell.
     And don't forget, on our library website home page, you'll see Helen's picture and several areas you can click on.  Be sure to watch the book trailer.  You'll have the chance to see her cabin and the trails she walks on her property at Middlewood.
     Join us this Thursday for an amazing visit with Helen Scott Correll.  Her book will be available to purchase.