Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today, the Dubuque County Library staff had a half-day training workshop.  We learned how to use two of our electronic resources.  Ebscohost is a database of magazine and newspaper articles that is so helpful for general information and student research.  If you are looking for the latest articles on the politicial campaigns, or want to find out if Consumer Reports has recently evaluated toasters, tires, or DVD players, we can help.  EbscoHost contains several databases including general magazines, newspapers, health information, and an encyclopedia. 

NoveList is a source for information about books and authors.  Ever wondered what the next book in a Patterson series is?  I can never remember what order the Alex Cross books go in.  With NoveList, we can find it.  Have you read every Nicholas Sparks book and would like to read something similiar?  NoveList can give you lots of suggestions for other authors you might enjoy.  The database provides information on both fiction and nonfiction as well as books for adults and children.  If your student is working on a report about Botswana, NoveList can help you identify books at their age level. 

NoveList and Ebscohost are available at all our branches or you can login from home as long as you have a library card.  Stop in or call and we will get you started. 

We also did a beginning session on using NEIBORS to download ebooks to the computer and mobile devices like IPhones or Kindles. 

For the Thanksgiving Holiday, all of our branches will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.  On Saturday, Asbury branch and Farley branch will be open 9-3 and on Sunday, Asbury will be open 1-5.  After all the eating and shopping, stop by and see us.  Check out a holiday DVD or perhaps a book about decorating or crafting for your December celebrations.

There are good things coming to Dubuque County Library.  Our logo contest brought us wonderful designs and our panel of judges narrowed it down to four finalists.  The Board will see the finalists at their meeting next week and choose a winner in December.

The Board will also be considering the 28E agreement with the City of Farley and Western Dubuque Community Schools.  If the agreement is approved by all three organizations, we plan to be open at the Drexler Middle School in Farley in January 2012.  It is a great space and the hours will be expanded to serve you better.  I will keep you posted.

The Friends of Dubuque County Library is sponsoring a "Make and Take Christmas Card" workshop on November 30th at 6:30 at Asbury branch.  Jane Bechen will teach you how to use rubber stamps to make great designs.  The cost is $8.00 and is a fundraiser for the Friends. 

Thanksgiving helps us to think about what we are grateful for.  I have quite a list this year.  I have a new job with a great staff and board, my husband and I love our "new to us" house in Dubuque.  My father and my children are healthy, and my grandson is fantastic.  What more could a girl want? 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.    Dawn