Beach library ‘titles out’ are up 28 percent in September
Weekly Activities
-Preschool Story Hour for children on Wednesday, October 14, at 10:30 a.m.
-Writer’s Group meets on Thursday, October 15, at 10:30 a.m.
-Dog Day Thursday, October 15, 4 to 5 p.m.
-Book Discussion Group on Tuesday, October 20, at 10:00 a.m.
Activity Details
Parents are encouraged to have children participate in the Dog Day literacy program. Each child reads to a dog and the reading skills highlight both the value of reading and growing in comprehension & appreciation of what is read with all of this transacted in a non-judgmental atmosphere as both dog and dog handler are here to support and to make one feel comfortable. Pre-register child for a 10-minute slot between 4 and 5 p.m. on Oct. 15.
The Book Discussion group concentrates Oct. 20 on “The Cellist of Sarajevo” by Steven Galloway (FIC GAL). Though the book’s setting is the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s, this universal story lends insight in the struggle to find meaning and grace amid the most unimaginable horrors. A copy of the book is available also for $6 at the front desk for those who wish to really dissect this writing in preparation for the book discussion or further reading. Consider also Galloway’s “Ascension” (Large Print GAL). This riveting title opens with a rom wire walker who performs in the circus walking between the towers of the World Trade Center and that scene is so well written that one can hardly not sweat in the experience. His earlier “Finnie Walsh” (On Order) deserves to be considered too after the last two are enjoyed.
Upcoming Events
Jewelry Making class is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m. If you’re one of those who like small classes to concentrate on a special creation, sign up for this class as classes are likely to be larger as winter approaches. See poster for details and pre-register with $10 materials fee.
Those seeking to be more comfortable with the basics of the computer consider “Introduction to the Computer” offered on October 30. Pre-registration is necessary.
Artist of the Month
Kyle McKinno, aka E-Toe, provides a wide array of creations this month. Start out on the second floor in the low display case near the magazine reading area with the history of basket weaving. If you know a little more about the start of weaving and some of the techniques, it will heighten what you observe in the Hand Woven Baskets in the Senior Zone Area, as well as the art works on display in the Conference Room.
Library Use Value
What is your library worth to you? How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services? Calculate the library services you use per month by going to www.fmb.lib.fl.us and click on the calculator. Follow the directions to input your use-the calculator will automatically tabulate the value.
Videos
One resident at the budget hearing recently felt we should not be taking up space with videos in the library. His experience was that technology is being used to such an extent that one should discard what he held was an outmoded format. While we appreciated his enthusiasm, we look at the issue from a wider perspective.
Clearly videos are no longer readily available as retailers and publishing world have encouraged DVDs, MP3s and other formats. Our overwhelming concern is always to respond to what we observe patrons are requesting, using and what enables us to offer the best access to the world’s resources.
The facts speak for themselves: as videos are largely no longer available (though we have received many video donations and evaluated their use) we have readily removed from the collection those no longer of interest and not being checked out. That means in the past year we reduced the video collection 16 percent, adding quality ones but removing unused ones or replacing well used titles. However, there are so many treasures in the collection that are appreciated by many that it would be unwise to discard one format just because another is available. In the past year, 4,376 video titles have been checked out, less than DVDs but still a format in use. There are many niches that comprise our community and we are constantly observing and evaluating to be responsive to what will enrich our users.
Staff
Your library staff is a caring lot. They work hard. If you come in and notice one or more staff seem to be really engrossed in a project it’s usually because they are doing another project in addition to their regular checking in or out of titles, answering the phone, or in reference, researching a variety of topics. The staff you don’t see often are busy too for in September 334 new books and 297 new audiovisual titles were added to the collection. These were, of course, reviewed, ordered and processed. In September, the number of titles checked out was up 28 percent. As you might guess this translates into some extra tasks for staff and makes us grateful for our volunteers who return all these items back to their respective shelves.
We appreciate your patience when needed and a greeting is always welcome.
Volunteers
We have a few areas in our landscaping where weeds need to be pulled. We don’t want to use chemicals that will wash into the Bay and by pulling them it’s less likely they will return. If you have an hour or two that you could devote to one area sometime in the next two weeks, please stop by the library and see me. This is not a long term project. Thanks.
Library Hours
Don’t remember library hours? Call for information. When we are closed, a recorder gives the hours of operation, either on 765-8162 or on 765-8163. Except for holidays, which would be mentioned on the recorder, we are open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We look forward to seeing you.
By Dr. Leroy Hommerding