I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. Ours was quiet. Our daughters usually desert us for Turkey Day. My eldest and her family went to the Wisconsin Dells for an indoor waterpark getaway with her husband's family. My youngest went to Chicago to be with friends. So the old folks were all alone with turkey drumsticks and cranberry relish. That's okay, though. We have everybody at Christmas.
It may be looking a lot like Christmas, but at the library it's budget season. The last few weeks we have been preparing our annual budget. My head is swimming with numbers. Though it is easy to hate doing the budget, the budget is really important. The budget speaks to our priorities and what library service is all about. For the Dubuque County Library, our budget priorities are materials, programming, and staff. The library needs additional funding to build its collections to better meet the needs of our library customers. We want to purchase more copies of popular titles so that you don't have to wait for a book to be transferred from another branch. We want to greatly expand our ebook collection. Usage of our downloadables went from 800 to nearly 3,000 in the last year!! The library needs to increase our visibility in our service area. The most frequent comment we receive is, "I didn't know there was a county library." That has to change. We have begun to advertise our programs but we must do more. And staff is so important to our quality of service. We must provide sufficient staff to serve you and continue to provide educational opportunties to keep staff learning and growing.
There are lots of activities coming up at the Library. This Saturday is the rescheduled Civil War program at Asbury beginning at 3:00 pm. Join us to hear local historian John Preglar talk about Dubuque and its involvement in the U.S. Civil War, 1861-1865. Mr. Pregler will discuss Iowa's unique position leading up to and during the Civil War and will focus on the personal stories of Dubuque citizens who supported both the North and the South during the war. Mr. Pregler will discuss major battles, Iowa regiments and key Dubuque citizens who make the American Civil War a compelling story 150 years after its start. No registration required.
Our series of holiday craft programs begin this week. Children are invited to come and make a craft and enjoy a treat. Check our website for the program in your area.
Have you ever wondered what Hanukkah is all about? What is a dreidel? What is a Menorah? Then plan to attend our Traditions Around the World series beginning December 7th at Holy Cross. The program is planned for parents and children of all ages. If you have questions, please call Jill Doyle, our Children's Librarian, at 582-0008 for details.
So, 'tis the season for budget, and shopping, and decorating, and baking, and . . . Have a great weekend. Dawn
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Over the river and through the wood, to Grandmother's house we go." It's time to give thanks. What a great holiday. We set aside a day each year to give thanks for our blessings and to help those who need a little helping hand. I hope you have plans to get together with your family or to share with other families.
This week I want to turn your attention to a couple of our electronic resources. New technology is bringing incredible information to your doorstep or should I say, desktop?
First I want to talk about the library's catalog. Did you know that you can add your own reviews to any of the books in our collection? You can! This is a great way to share with other readers good reads and to learn about books you might want to add to your reading list. When you look up a book, there is a REVIEWS tab. Just click on that and on the next page click, Add a Review. The system will ask for your library card number and PIN and then you will see a box where you can rate the book by a number of stars and type in your comments. You can add your name or not. These messages go to an administrative email file and after staff look them over, they are released and appear in the catalog. For an example, check out "The Halloween Tree" by Ray Bradbury. I added a little comment. If you would like more information, just call any of the library branches and we can walk you through it.
Another fabulous resource is our Virtual Reference Library. It is a collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and yearbooks online. You no longer have to travel to the library to find information. To access the Virtual Reference Library, go the library's homepage www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us. On the left-hand side of the screen, click on the GVRL icon. Next enter your library card number as your password. Then you will see a screen with a box that says "search your library's GVRL collection." From here you can search for a subject in hundreds of reference books. Suppose a friend has just found out that their child is autistic and you want to find out more information about what that means. Type in "autism" and you will get a list of encyclopedia articles that you can read with a click. In this case, articles in the The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine or The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health. You can read the article, print it out, or send it to your email for a later time. GVRL will even read the article to you aloud if you download it to a MP3 file or to your ereader. Wow! GVRL is available in multiple languages as well. If the student in your household is doing research on countries or famous scientists, it's all here.
Would you like to be automatically notified of new book releases? Join our virtual book club. From the library website on the left side of the page, click on Online Book Clubs. This service will send excerpts from new titles to your email. All you have to do is choose the genre or genres you would like to receive and add your email. It's that simple. If you like what you read, check the library's catalog to see if we own the book. If not, let us know and we will order it for you.
Call your local branch if you would like help using any of these wonderful tools. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Dawn
This week I want to turn your attention to a couple of our electronic resources. New technology is bringing incredible information to your doorstep or should I say, desktop?
First I want to talk about the library's catalog. Did you know that you can add your own reviews to any of the books in our collection? You can! This is a great way to share with other readers good reads and to learn about books you might want to add to your reading list. When you look up a book, there is a REVIEWS tab. Just click on that and on the next page click, Add a Review. The system will ask for your library card number and PIN and then you will see a box where you can rate the book by a number of stars and type in your comments. You can add your name or not. These messages go to an administrative email file and after staff look them over, they are released and appear in the catalog. For an example, check out "The Halloween Tree" by Ray Bradbury. I added a little comment. If you would like more information, just call any of the library branches and we can walk you through it.
Another fabulous resource is our Virtual Reference Library. It is a collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and yearbooks online. You no longer have to travel to the library to find information. To access the Virtual Reference Library, go the library's homepage www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us. On the left-hand side of the screen, click on the GVRL icon. Next enter your library card number as your password. Then you will see a screen with a box that says "search your library's GVRL collection." From here you can search for a subject in hundreds of reference books. Suppose a friend has just found out that their child is autistic and you want to find out more information about what that means. Type in "autism" and you will get a list of encyclopedia articles that you can read with a click. In this case, articles in the The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine or The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health. You can read the article, print it out, or send it to your email for a later time. GVRL will even read the article to you aloud if you download it to a MP3 file or to your ereader. Wow! GVRL is available in multiple languages as well. If the student in your household is doing research on countries or famous scientists, it's all here.
Would you like to be automatically notified of new book releases? Join our virtual book club. From the library website on the left side of the page, click on Online Book Clubs. This service will send excerpts from new titles to your email. All you have to do is choose the genre or genres you would like to receive and add your email. It's that simple. If you like what you read, check the library's catalog to see if we own the book. If not, let us know and we will order it for you.
Call your local branch if you would like help using any of these wonderful tools. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Dawn
Friday, November 9, 2012
Say Thank You!
My dad served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served along with his two brothers; one an Army grunt and the other a paratrooper. His brother Ed, who jumped out of planes over France, didn't come home. Dad was stationed in Italy and North Africa. He flew 100 bombing missions over Europe and survived several close calls. He learned that he didn't like to fly and that peanut butter sandwiches freeze at high elevations. After the war he never flew again, much to my mother's dismay and he never ate peanut butter.
My dad hardly ever talked about the war. He treated his experience as something he had to do--no special praise expected. All he wanted to do was finish his missions and get home to his sweetheart, my mom, and start his life. That was a great generation. But thinking now of Veteran's Day, I realize that I never said thank you. I never said how important it was that he and his brothers fought for us. They fought for those of us not even born yet. So now, I want to say thank you to all our veterans. They do the hard stuff for all of us. Thank you for your service.
In honor of those veterans, the library will be closed on Monday, November 12th (except for Drexler/Farley being open during the school day until 3:00 p.m. and regular hours at NICC/Peosta because the community college is in session.)
The big event next week is the beginning of our "Page to Screen" series. Our first combination is Philip K. Dick's novella, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" which was made into the film "Blade Runner" starring Harrison Ford. This is the story outline for this futuristic tale, "By 2021, the World War had killed millions, driving entire species into extinction and sending mankind off-planet. Those who remained coveted any living creature, and for people who couldn't afford one, companies built incredibly realistic robotic horses, birds, cats, and sheep. They even built synthetic humans. Human who had fled to Mars received androids so sophisticated it was impossible to tell them from true men or women. Fearful of the havoc these artificial humans could wreak, the government banned them from Earth. But when androids didn't want to be identified, they just blended in. Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) is an officially sanctioned bounty hunter whose job was to find rogue androids, and to retire them. But cornered, androids fight back with deadly results." I loved the book when I read it in college and the film is action-packed with great actors. On Monday at 12:30 p.m. there will be discussion of the book and on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 we will show the film followed by a discussion led by NICC professor, James Maddox. All the events are at our NICC/Peosta branch and are open to the public. If you would like to read the book before the film showing, you can borrow a copy at any of our branches. This series is a collaborative efffort between the NICC Library and the Dubuque County Library. Together we received a grant from Humanities Iowa to support the programs. Other titles in the series are "The Great Gatsby," "True Grit," and "Seabiscuit."
On Wednesday evening, we will have our GAB (Girls and Books) book discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m. at our NICC/Peosta branch. Normally we meet on Thursday evenings, but we moved it a day ahead because of the "Blade Runner" showing. This month our selection is "The Tiger's Wife" by Tea Obreht. Here is what Amazon says about this award-nominated novel, "In a Balkan country mending from war, Natalia, a young doctor, is compelled to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding her beloved grandfather’s recent death. Searching for clues, she turns to his worn copy of The Jungle Book and the stories he told her of his encounters over the years with “the deathless man.” But most extraordinary of all is the story her grandfather never told her—the legend of the tiger’s wife." I am still reading it but it is a fascinating story. If you would like to join us for the discussion, pick up a copy of the book at your local branch.
Also this week the Lego programs are continuing on Tuesday evening at NICC/Peosta. The kids have been having a great time building new creations. Preschool and family storytimes continue at regular branch locations and times. Check our website for details.
There is plenty to do this next week at the Library. Come join us. Have a great weekend and don't forget to say thank you to the service men and women in your life.
My dad hardly ever talked about the war. He treated his experience as something he had to do--no special praise expected. All he wanted to do was finish his missions and get home to his sweetheart, my mom, and start his life. That was a great generation. But thinking now of Veteran's Day, I realize that I never said thank you. I never said how important it was that he and his brothers fought for us. They fought for those of us not even born yet. So now, I want to say thank you to all our veterans. They do the hard stuff for all of us. Thank you for your service.
In honor of those veterans, the library will be closed on Monday, November 12th (except for Drexler/Farley being open during the school day until 3:00 p.m. and regular hours at NICC/Peosta because the community college is in session.)
The big event next week is the beginning of our "Page to Screen" series. Our first combination is Philip K. Dick's novella, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" which was made into the film "Blade Runner" starring Harrison Ford. This is the story outline for this futuristic tale, "By 2021, the World War had killed millions, driving entire species into extinction and sending mankind off-planet. Those who remained coveted any living creature, and for people who couldn't afford one, companies built incredibly realistic robotic horses, birds, cats, and sheep. They even built synthetic humans. Human who had fled to Mars received androids so sophisticated it was impossible to tell them from true men or women. Fearful of the havoc these artificial humans could wreak, the government banned them from Earth. But when androids didn't want to be identified, they just blended in. Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) is an officially sanctioned bounty hunter whose job was to find rogue androids, and to retire them. But cornered, androids fight back with deadly results." I loved the book when I read it in college and the film is action-packed with great actors. On Monday at 12:30 p.m. there will be discussion of the book and on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 we will show the film followed by a discussion led by NICC professor, James Maddox. All the events are at our NICC/Peosta branch and are open to the public. If you would like to read the book before the film showing, you can borrow a copy at any of our branches. This series is a collaborative efffort between the NICC Library and the Dubuque County Library. Together we received a grant from Humanities Iowa to support the programs. Other titles in the series are "The Great Gatsby," "True Grit," and "Seabiscuit."
On Wednesday evening, we will have our GAB (Girls and Books) book discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m. at our NICC/Peosta branch. Normally we meet on Thursday evenings, but we moved it a day ahead because of the "Blade Runner" showing. This month our selection is "The Tiger's Wife" by Tea Obreht. Here is what Amazon says about this award-nominated novel, "In a Balkan country mending from war, Natalia, a young doctor, is compelled to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding her beloved grandfather’s recent death. Searching for clues, she turns to his worn copy of The Jungle Book and the stories he told her of his encounters over the years with “the deathless man.” But most extraordinary of all is the story her grandfather never told her—the legend of the tiger’s wife." I am still reading it but it is a fascinating story. If you would like to join us for the discussion, pick up a copy of the book at your local branch.
Also this week the Lego programs are continuing on Tuesday evening at NICC/Peosta. The kids have been having a great time building new creations. Preschool and family storytimes continue at regular branch locations and times. Check our website for details.
There is plenty to do this next week at the Library. Come join us. Have a great weekend and don't forget to say thank you to the service men and women in your life.
Friday, November 2, 2012
New Digs
The Holy Cross Branch of the Dubuque County Library will be moving in the very near future. The fire department built a new facility on Main Street. As part of the building project, they planned for the City Clerk's office and the library to share their space. They have a huge garage, handicapped accessible bathrooms, and a very nice meeting room The front part of the building has been unfinished until this fall when the Holy Cross City Council approved funding for materials to finish the first floor. There is lower level which someday we hope will be community and programming space. Now work is underway. The electrical is in and the drywall is going up. Much of the labor is volunteer so I am grateful to everyone who is helping.
I am very excited about moving into this new facility. The library will be located on Main St. right across the street from the Market. We will have large windows and a lofty ceiling. I have been working on finding cost effective furnishings so that the Library looks fresh, new, and professional when we open on Main Street. Other staff members have been working on analyzing the collection. They are weeding out old, tattered, and unused materials and ordering new books and DVDs and added copies of popular titles to fill the shelves.
We don't have a timeline for moving in yet, but I will keep you posted on our progress.
Speaking of building projects, Asbury is moving forward with its plans for a new municipal complex. They have a lovely site on Asbury Road next to the park. The building will house the city offices, police, and the library. The plan has almost double the space we currently have for our Asbury branch. We are excited about having a large programming room which will also be used as the City Council chambers. The setting for the building will be as an extension of the park with sidewalks leading to the park shelters and the playground. We want the facility to be a destination for music concerts, farmer's markets, and community events. Mayor Jim Adams is the driving force behind this project. He has worked tirelessly to shape the plans and make it as cost efficient as possible. Right now the Asbury building committee is searching for grant and donor opportunities in support of the project. Again, no timeline yet, but I will keep you informed.
There are several events at the library next week. On Monday beginning at 6:00 p.m. at our NICC/Peosta Branch, local historian John Preglar presents a program about Dubuque and its involvement in the Civil War. Mr. Pregler will discuss Iowa's unique position leading up to and during the Civil War and will focus on the personal stories of Dubuque citizens who supported both the North and the South during the war. He will tell the stories of major battles, Iowa regiments, and key Dubuque citizens who fought in the war.
And on Wednesday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. join John Urbain, Epworth resident, as he shares photographs of Alaska's beautiful landscape at the Epworth Branch Library. Deb Hagerty of Picture Perfect Portrait and Design will also be on hand to discuss tips for creating, storing and sharing vacation photos.
A one more thing, you might have heard that there is an election coming up. It's been in all the papers. Don't forget to vote!!
Have a great weekend, Dawn.
I am very excited about moving into this new facility. The library will be located on Main St. right across the street from the Market. We will have large windows and a lofty ceiling. I have been working on finding cost effective furnishings so that the Library looks fresh, new, and professional when we open on Main Street. Other staff members have been working on analyzing the collection. They are weeding out old, tattered, and unused materials and ordering new books and DVDs and added copies of popular titles to fill the shelves.
We don't have a timeline for moving in yet, but I will keep you posted on our progress.
Speaking of building projects, Asbury is moving forward with its plans for a new municipal complex. They have a lovely site on Asbury Road next to the park. The building will house the city offices, police, and the library. The plan has almost double the space we currently have for our Asbury branch. We are excited about having a large programming room which will also be used as the City Council chambers. The setting for the building will be as an extension of the park with sidewalks leading to the park shelters and the playground. We want the facility to be a destination for music concerts, farmer's markets, and community events. Mayor Jim Adams is the driving force behind this project. He has worked tirelessly to shape the plans and make it as cost efficient as possible. Right now the Asbury building committee is searching for grant and donor opportunities in support of the project. Again, no timeline yet, but I will keep you informed.
There are several events at the library next week. On Monday beginning at 6:00 p.m. at our NICC/Peosta Branch, local historian John Preglar presents a program about Dubuque and its involvement in the Civil War. Mr. Pregler will discuss Iowa's unique position leading up to and during the Civil War and will focus on the personal stories of Dubuque citizens who supported both the North and the South during the war. He will tell the stories of major battles, Iowa regiments, and key Dubuque citizens who fought in the war.
And on Wednesday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. join John Urbain, Epworth resident, as he shares photographs of Alaska's beautiful landscape at the Epworth Branch Library. Deb Hagerty of Picture Perfect Portrait and Design will also be on hand to discuss tips for creating, storing and sharing vacation photos.
A one more thing, you might have heard that there is an election coming up. It's been in all the papers. Don't forget to vote!!
Have a great weekend, Dawn.
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