Library News

Winter Solstice Cheers!

2010-12-21T10:13:00.004-06:00

Today is the winter solstice, which happily means our nights will start to get shorter. Here in eastern South Dakota, the winter solstice takes place at exactly 5:38pm today.

This is also the first time in 372 years that a full lunar eclipse coincided with the winter solstice. For those that did not or could not see the eclipse, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has a Flickr group with over 600 pictures (so far!) of last night's lunar eclipse. Very neat!

To find out more about past, present, and future lunar eclipses, check out NASA's Lunar Eclipse Page.

Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T16:27:00.002-06:00

The Library wishes everyone a great Thanksgiving Day!

We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, but will be open on Friday for those who want to avoid the shopping crowds or want a place to relax after shopping since 5am.

And for your turkey questions, Butterball still has their famous phone line - 1-800-BUTTERBALL. Or you can go to their website and fill out an online form with your question(s) or email them at talkline@butterball.com. They also have frequently asked questions on their website that might answer your question(s) without having to contact them.

Enjoy!

2010 - The Year of the Book

2010-11-08T09:36:00.004-06:00

It is the time of the year when the lists of the best book of 2010 start coming out. Amazon has their lists, including Top 100 Editor Picks and Top 100 Customer Favorites.

The top editor pick was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - our call number is 616.02774 SKL.

The top customer favorite was The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson - our call number is Fic Larsson.

Publishers Weekly posted their Best Books of 2010 today.

The book at the top of their list is A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan - our call number is Fic Egan

What are your favorite reads of 2010?

Scary Story Contest Winners

2010-11-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the winners of our Ninth Scary Story writing contest who attended our Scary Story Event on October 29. The winners were
Grades K-2 1st place - Ainsley Shelsta, 2nd place – Mollie Moore, Hon. Men. – Madison Pantzke, Hon. Men. – Tess Pantzke

Grades 3-4 1st place – Daulton Meadows, 2nd place – Ryan Treiber, Hon. Men. - Luke Timmerman, Hon. Men. - Shawna Rumpza

Grades 5-6 1st place – Elise Becker, 2nd place – Kashfia Rahman, Hon. Men. – Bastienne Baggett

Grades 7-8 1st place – Grace Timmerman, 2nd place – Lucas Abraham, Hon. Men. – Kevin Wu

Grades 9-12 1st place – Zarin Rahman, 2nd place – Trinity Koch
Adult 1st place – Michael Ropp, 2nd place – Matthew Jacobsen

We're looking forward to next year!

Elvita

Don't Look Under Your Bed!!

2010-10-29T11:21:00.013-05:00

In the mood for some horror and fright? See if you can survive one of these reads...

Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lidqvist
The dead are waking up in Stockholm and now their families have to deal with their grief and mixed emotions as they confront those they had lost. The Library also has the beautifully made film version of Lidqvist's frightening vampire debut, Let the Right One In.

A Dark Matter by Peter Straub
Lee is writing a book about a personal event that happened 40 years ago that left one person dead and another missing. Can he untangle that horrifying night so that he and his friends can confront what really happened?

The Dead Path by Stephen Irwin
Since the night of his wife's death, Nicholas has been seeing ghosts. And not just the ghosts, but also the re-enactment of their violent deaths. Now back in his home town, he must use this strange gift to help solve the murders taking place in the local woods.

Mr. Shivers by Robert Bennett
It is the the middle of the Great Depression and a man follows the murderer of his daughter from town to town to seek vengeance. On his quest, he finds and joins two others who have been horrifyingly linked to this man. But they soon start to wonder, is it a man they seek, or something more evil?

The Passage by Justin Cronin
A government experiment has been unleashed and alters the world overnight. Brad Wolgast is determined to keep the child with him safe. The child, Amy, knows it is up to her to stop this experiment from claiming all of humanity.

Scary Scary!

2010-10-27T13:56:00.002-05:00

Join us for our Scary Story Event Friday October 29 at 7 pm in the Cooper Room Cript. We will read the winning entries from our scary story writing contest, hear strange and wonderous riddles, eat spooky food, and have a good time.

Here's a picture from a past year's event. Don't miss out on the fun!

Elvita

Election Information

2010-10-21T10:53:00.003-05:00

The 2010 Election is November 2nd, less than two weeks away. To help with your election decisions...

The Internet Public Library has put together a fantastic list of election and voting resources. They include local and state resources along with national news, political party sites, and historical information links. http://www.ipl.org/div/election/

You can go to the SD Secretary of State website to see if you are registered to vote and to find out the location of where you vote. They also have a 2010 candidate list and ballot questions.

Nita

New Learning Experience

2010-10-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a new fun activity for kids that really warms my heart!

"Welcome to Little Librarian! Little Librarian is the first personal library kit made just for kids! It encourages reading and is powered by creativity and imagination, not batteries! Little Librarian provides book lovers with everything they need to transform their book collection into a library. Kids can practice the important skills of organizing, sharing, borrowing, and returning. Book pockets, check out cards, library cards, and bookmarks are just like the ones from the real library. Little Librarians will issue overdue notices and awards. Favorite books can be stored in the reading journal and shared with friends.

To get started just add books!"

See this link for more information: http://www.littlelibrarian.net/

Elvita

Hobo Day hours

2010-10-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

The Library will be opening at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 23 because of the Hobo Day parade. So enjoy the parade, then come to the library.

Elvita

Biggest Book Sale in Brookings

2010-10-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Library Book Sale begins this evening with a Friends members pre-sale from 7-9 pm. Memberships are available at the door.

The sale opens to the public Friday morning at 10 am. Its hours are Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-5:30 and Sunday 1-4.

There are thousands of books available. This year we have a large selection of children's books, biographies, and art books.

Don't miss this opportunity to pick up some good reading.

Elvita

Three Cups of Tea discussions and author visit

2010-10-12T15:56:00.000-05:00

Join community members and college students in reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson as part of the Community Common Read program. This great book tells of Mortenson's work in bringing literacy to young people, particularly girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Library will be offering two opportunities to discuss the book: Monday, October 18 and Monday, October 25, both at 7 pm.

Greg Mortenson will be speaking at SDSU's Frost Arena on Wednesday, November 3. Tickets can be requested at www.sdstate.edu/honors/mortensonticketrequest.cfm before October 27.

Elvita

Are You A Majority Reader?

2010-10-07T14:48:00.006-05:00

Harris Poll did an online poll asking 2,775 adults if they read and if they do, which genres. About 3/4ths responded they had read at least one fiction and one non-fiction book in the last year. Can you guess what the most popular genres were for fiction readers?

48% read mystery/thriller/crime
26% read science fiction
24% read literature
21% read romance
11% read graphic novels

Are you surprised by the results? Personally, I thought romance would have been higher. But I am pleasantly surprised by the number of science fiction readers.

Click here to see the full poll results.

Nita

Nobel Prize in Literature 2010

2010-10-07T09:15:00.006-05:00

The Nobel Prize in Literature was announced this morning. The winner is Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa. According to the official website of the Nobel Prize, Vargas Llosa was chosen "for his cartography of structures of power and his trenchant images of the individual's resistance, revolt, and defeat".

I have put his book, The War of the End of the World, on the Good Read display shelf for those interested in checking it out. This book takes place in late nineteenth century Canudos, Brazil. It is a book about a society of outcasts with no laws who fight against the establishment of government.

Check out the current and past Nobel Prize winners at http://nobelprize.org/.

Murder!

2010-09-27T16:51:00.003-05:00

Are murder and mystery your thing? If so, join us for Booked for Murder, our monthly mystery book discussion which is always held on the first Monday of the month at noon.

This month on Oct 4 we’re asking attendees to bring authors who have written less than 5 books, so we’ll all learn about some new books to read from authors we may not have discovered yet.

See you there.
Elvita

High wire experience on Monday

2010-09-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

Monday, September 27 at 7:00, the Nonfiction Book club will discuss the book To Reach the Cluds; My Highwire Walk Between the Twin Towers by Philippe Petit. Petit actually did the walk in the mid-1970s. The thought of a walk like that gives me the shivers since I'm not big on high places. An interesting book. Join us for the discussion.
Elvita

Still Alice book discussion

2010-09-16T11:25:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, September 21 the Library Book Club meets to discuss the book Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Alice Howland is an esteemed psychology professor at Harvard when the first symptons begin to emerge. First she can't find her Blackberry, then she gets lost in her own town. She is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. From there her life steadily comes undone.

Copies of the book are available for purchase or check out. Ask at the circulation desk.

Elvita

Library Board meeting tonight

2010-09-14T10:37:00.000-05:00

The Library Board meets on Tuesday, September 14th at 5:30 in the Historical Room. On the agenda, besides the usual financial and activity reports, are

holiday hours,
computer lab congestion,
parental signatures on library card applications, and other policy discussions.

Library Board meetings are always open to the public.

Elvita

Rachel Carson live!

2010-09-09T08:51:00.000-05:00

Rachel Carson, a key figure in the history of the environmental movement because of the wake-up call she issued in her 1963 book Silent Spring, will be live at the Brookings Public Library on Monday, September 13. Join us for an interview with Eric Sevareid as it would have been in 1963 as Carson battled giant chemical companies who were frantically creating public relations weapons to hurl at the painstaking scientist they labeled “hysterical.”

Carson will be portrayed by Ann Birney of Ride into History.

The program will be proceded by the Friends of the Library annual meeting.

Elvita

Find your ancestors

2010-09-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

The Brookings Area Genealogical Society is hosting a Genealogy Help Session on Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Historical Room on the second floor of the Library.

The purpose of the help sessions is to assist individuals in researching their family ancestors and history. Society members will be available to provide tips on getting started, online help, how to communicate with public entities to secure information, genealogy forms, how to organize collected material, genealogy programs, and other specific helps that are requested.

Appointments are not necessary. Anyone interested in the Saturday Genealogy Help Sessions can simply come to the library between 10 a.m. and noon on the second Saturday of any month.

Elvita

Open Sunday Again!

2010-08-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

August is over (almost) and that means the Library will once again be open on Sundays from 1-5. We will be open this coming Sunday September 5, but closed on Monday, September 6 for Labor Day.

Elvita

Puppet show tonight!

2010-08-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Tonight at 7:00 p.m., the Brookings Library Puppeteers present the show “The Shark King’s Son”. Our puppet shows are always fun and are performed by middle and high school students, a part of our young adult programming. Don't miss out on this creativity!

Elvita

Reading suggestions

2010-08-24T10:49:00.000-05:00

If you haven't found the great reading suggestion tools that the Library provides online, let me tell you about them. Look for the icons on our website.

Dear Reader is a book club that sends you a portion of a book everyday in your e-mail. You get to select which types of books you'd like to read and then decide, based on those short previews, if you want to check out the physical book.

Book News provides you with a short list of new books received at the library. You select the type of books you like and list is delivered monthly to your e-mail account. You can read about the book, then check the online catalog to see if it's in or to place a hold on it if it's checked out.

And finally the Reading Rocks link takes you to the Library staff’s Shelfari page where you can see what the staff has read recently and how they rated what they’ve read.

Or you can just as a staff member for suggestions. We're always happy to help!

Elvita

"Lost Boy" to speak tonight

2010-08-19T08:31:00.000-05:00

Tonight (August 19) at 7:00. Moses Joknhial, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”, will talk about his life, experiences and his hopes for his country.

Born in the Sudan, Moses became one of thousands of young men forced to flee from their homes during one of Africa’s longest running civil wars. He spent time in refugee camps on Ethiopia and Kenya, before immigrating to the United States and building a life for himself in South Dakota. Moses has become a citizen, earned degrees from Mitchell Area and Lake Area Technical schools, earned his pilot’s license and is currently pursuing a degree as SDSU.

Come hear this remarkable story.

Elvita

Everyone is invited to come meet this remarkable young man and hear his story.

Be our friend on Facebook

2010-08-17T08:47:00.002-05:00

Do you want another way to keep up with what’s happening at the Library? If you have a Facebook account, become the Library’s friend and keep up with Library happenings. We'll be adding reading/viewing suggestions soon.

Elvita

Special speaker and book discussion

2010-08-12T18:37:00.000-05:00

The Library is again participating in the South Dakota Humanities Council’s One Book South Dakota. This year’s book is What is the What by David Eggers. This is a fictionalized memoir of one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”, a group of young men who were orphaned during the Second Sudanese War (1983-2005) and traveled many miles through terrible conditions to reach refugee camps outside their country. Our discussion of the book will be on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30. We have numerous copies of the book to check out so read it, so get a copy and join us on the 17th.

And we have a special guest speaking at the library on August 19 at 7:00. Moses Joknhial, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”, will talk about his life, experiences and his hopes for his country. The book above is not written specifically about his life, but he has had similiar experiences. So mark your calendar for this program.

Elvita

Last week for Summer Reading Library Store

2010-08-10T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Library Store, the place where all the library bucks young people earned for reading this summer can be spent, continues to be open this week. The store will be open is Monday evening from 6:30-8:30, Tuesday morning 10-12, Wednesday afternoon 1-3, and Thursday from 10-12.

If you can’t make it this week, there is one final opportunity on Monday, August 23 from 6:30-8:30.

Elvita

New! Online Language Learning Courses

2010-08-06T10:21:00.000-05:00

The Library now offers online language courses for you. Mango Languages is a fun, easy and free way to learn a foreign language. You just need a Brookings Public Library card to get started.

Mango is available in two versions:

Mango Basic is perfect for a beginner. It teaches everyday greetings, gratitudes, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time. The courses, which require only two to five hours of time to complete, are currently available in 22 foreign languages and 14 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

Mango Complete offers a 100-lesson course that digs much deeper and is designed to provide a more complete understanding of the entire language and culture. It is available in nine foreign language and three ESL courses.

To learn more about Mango and get started on learning, go to our website www.brookingslibrary.org and click on the Mango Languages logo.

Elvita

Sunday hours

2010-07-27T16:46:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder - the Library will be closed Sundays in August, beginning August 1.

Last week of summer programs coming up!

2010-07-16T14:38:00.000-05:00

Next week is the last week of programs for the "Make a Splash" summer reading program. Don't miss out on a puppet show, beachy bingo, craftin' grotto, Fish Tales, Fishy Flicks, and the best part--the end of summer ice cream party!

See http://www.brookingslibrary.org/ for more details.

Elvita

Library Board meeting

2010-07-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

The Library Board meets on Tuesday, July 13th at 5:30 in the Historical Room. On the agenda, besides the usual financial and activity reports, are the 2011 budget status and the library’s interlibrary loan policy. Library Board meetings are always open to the public.

Arts Festival Time

2010-07-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

Look for us at the Brookings Arts Festival this weekend at Pioneer Park. The Friends of the Library and the Library are sharing a booth in the Children’s area and we’ll have spin art and a small craft available. Katherine Eberline, our Children’s Librarian, will be telling stories on the Children’s Stage. Fun at the park with the library.

Elvita

1500+ !

2010-07-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

We have officially registered more that 1500 young people to read this summer in our Make a Splash @ your library summer reading program.

There are still programs to be attended this summer. See the schedule on our website.

Elvita

Happy National Library Week!

2010-04-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

Happy National Library Week to you all! It's a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide.

Libraries are the heart of every community and our library helps our community thrive. At our library, people of all backgrounds come together for community meetings, lectures and programs, to do research with the assistance of a trained professional, to get help finding a job or to find homework help, to find reading, viewing and listening materials to improve their quality of life. It’s really a hub of activity. In tough economic times, libraries provide all types of free, helpful solutions, helping the community thrive. So come see us during National Library Week or any week.

Elvita

Termespheres are here!

2010-04-09T10:36:00.000-05:00

The "Termespheres: Up, Down and All Around" exhibit being held in the Children’s Activity Room this month is phenomenal. It gives visitors an opportunity to look at unique paintings on large spheres which have six point perspectives. There are some activities to do to further understand how the optical illusions work. It’s an exhibit for all ages.

On April 22 at 7 pm, the creator of the termespheres, Dick Termes who lives in the Rapid City area, will be here to talk about his work. This exhibit is co-sponsored by the Brookings Optimists.

Don't miss this excellent display!

Elvita

Celtic Music Coming!

2010-03-08T11:07:00.002-06:00

Willson & McKee, a nationally touring duo specializing in original as well as traditional Irish and Scottish acoustic music, will be performing on Monday, March 15 at 7:00 pm in the Library's Cooper Room.

The duo sing Rocky Mountain Celtic. It's what Celtic becomes after three generations in the West. They have won four top honors at the Milwaukee Irish Festival and have been the National Dulcimer Champions.

The concert will include material from their nine recordings, including their newest release "How Changed From the Time".

The concert is free and open to the public. Help us celebrate St. Patrick's Day a couple days early!

Elvita

Mysteries at the Library!

2010-02-25T12:48:00.002-06:00

Like to read mysteries? Join us for Booked for Murder, the Library's mystery book discussion group, held the first Monday of every month at noon.

On March 1, we'll be discussing the works of P. J. Tracy, a mother-daughter writing duo who set their mysteries in Minnesota. This is a new author for me and I have definitely liked the book I read and will be reading the rest of the series soon.

Monday, at noon. Join us to solve the mystery!

Elvita

Library Board to Meet

2010-02-08T15:33:00.002-06:00

The Library Board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, at 5:30 in the Historical Room. On the agenda, besides the usual financial and activity reports are policy discussions regarding gifts to the Library, programming fees, and patron credit card use. The Board will also be receiving our official annual report for 2009.

Library Board meetings are always open to the public.

Elvita

Computer Classes in February

2010-01-22T13:33:00.002-06:00

We have a series of computer classes scheduled in February. Classes are limited to ten people. Please register by calling 692-9407. All classes are free.

On Thursday, February 4th and Thursday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m., join us for Computer Basics. This two-part class will cover what the beginning computer user needs to know to have a good experience with their computer. Participants should attend both sessions.

On Wednesday, February 10th at 10:00 a.m., come to Effective Internet Searching. Learn how to search effectively for the information you want, to evaluate websites, and to print from the Internet. It’s guaranteed to be interesting and informative.

On Monday February 22 at 10:00 a.m., join us for What to Read Next? Finding a Good Book Online. It will explore sites like GoodReads, Shelfari, Library Thing and others which offer reading suggestions from other readers and ways to keep track of what you read.

Join us for some new skills and information.

Elvita

Tea on the Loose

2010-01-14T09:02:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday the 19th we have a great event planned to celebrate January as Hot Tea Month.

We’re having a program called Tea on the Loose from 1-3 pm in the Cooper Room. Harsha Mistry, Mango Tree Coffee owner, will be the guest speaker telling us about the history of tea, the different teas available, how to brew them and differences found around the world. After her presentation everyone will be invited to sample teas from the Mango Tree Coffee shop accompanied by cookies and tea sandwiches.

In order to know how many goodies to make, we’re asking that you register for this event by calling 692-9407 or signing the registration sheet the next time you’re in the library.

Elvita

Elementary my dear, Watson!

2010-01-12T09:34:00.002-06:00

In honor of Sherlock Holmes’ birthday January 6, 1854, and the new film out in theaters, we will be showing two Holmes' movies this month.

On Tuesday, Janaury 12 at 7:00 pm, join us for the movie The Young Sherlock Holmes starring Nicholas Rowe, Alan Cox, and Sophie Ward. This is a Spielberg Production featuring Holmes and Watson as Victorian London schoolboys pursuing a deadly pagan cult.

Then on Tuesday Jan., 26 at 7:00 pm, the hounds will roam the moors again in The Hound of the Baskervilles. This film stars Peter Cushing, Andre Morell and Christopher Lee. Holmes is on the case to protect the last remaining Baskerville from a demon hound.

Popcorn will be served.

Elvita

Story times begin!

2010-01-10T13:55:00.001-06:00

The spring session of story times for infants and preschoolers starts today. We have preschooler sessions tonight at 7:00, and on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 2 pm. There’s no registration required for the preschool sessions.

The lap story times do require registration. The baby session for 1 to 12 month olds is on Mondays at 11:15, and the Toddler session for 13 to 24 month olds is Mondays at 11:45. Give us a call at 692-9407 if you’re interested in the baby or toddler sessions.

There's nothing more exciting than introducing a child to the world of reading and books.

Elvita

Weather cancellations

2009-12-23T15:27:00.002-06:00

The threat of multiple inches of snow has convinced us to cancel the Holiday Story time set for December 24 at 10:30 a.m. We regret any inconvenience.

We haven't decided if the Library is be open on the 24th. We'll take a look at the situation tomorrow morning.

Saturday may also be a challenge for staff to get to the Library. Hopefully the Street Dept will have plowed the lot and streets.

Keep listening to Brookings Radio for updates. Happy Holidays!

Elvita

Holiday fun for kids

2009-12-19T14:37:00.001-06:00

We've got a great lineup of programs for kids the next two weeks. Monday December 21 at 1:00, we’re showing a couple of holiday movies: Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas and How the Grinch stole Christmas. Tuesday the 22nd and Wednesday the 23rd, join us for Christmas crafts. Both of those start at 1:00 also. Then on Christmas Eve we’re going to have holiday stories with cookies and cocoa at 10:30 in the morning.

The week after Christmas we’ll have another movie, more crafts and bingo. All of those start at 1:00. Join us for great times for kids at the Library during their holiday break.

Elvita

2009-12-15T15:39:00.000-06:00

Doesn’t a cup of Christmas cheer sound good right now, especially if it’s hot chocolate from the Mango Tree Coffee, located on the second floor of the Library. The hot chocolate is very rich and creamy and definitely a treat.

The Mango Tree is open 8-8 M-Th, 10-5 on F-Sat, and 1-5 on Sunday. We'll see you there!

Elvita

Genealogy help from BAGS

2009-12-07T13:33:00.001-06:00

This Saturday the Brookings Area Genealogical Society is hosting a Genealogy Help Session from 10 a.m. to noon in the Historical Room on the second floor of the Library.

The purpose of the help sessions is to assist individuals in researching their family ancestors and history. Society members will be available to provide tips on getting started, online help, how to communicate with public entities to secure information, genealogy forms, how to organize collected material, genealogy programs, and other specific helps that are requested.

Appointments are not necessary. Anyone interested in the Saturday Genealogy Help Sessions can simply come to the library between 10 a.m. and noon this Saturday and on the second Saturday of any month.

Elvita

Scholastic Book Sale - great for gifts

2009-12-04T13:14:00.003-06:00

The Library is holding its annual Scholastic Book Fair this week. It will run from Saturday, December 5 through Sunday December 13 during regular library hours. We have a nice selection of new children and young adult books, software and other items that would make great holiday gifts. The proceeds help the children's department by providing materials for our collection and for the summer reading programs.

Books are great gifts that keep giving year after year.

Elvita

New technology in the works

2009-11-20T16:39:00.002-06:00

If you’ve had something checked out at north computer on the circulation desk recently, you may have noticed our new receipt printer which shows which books you checked out that day and when they’re due. You can save that receipt on your refrigerator or bulletin board and have a list to check off when you return them. We plan to get another printer soon for the other check out computer and move away from the date due bookmarks we’ve used for years. It will definitely save time for the library staff person who hand-stamped several hundred bookmarks a day.

Also coming late this year or early next year is computer registration software that will allow computer lab users to sign up for a computer without staff assistance and print management software which will better handle printing from the computer lab, reducing waste and user frustration. We’ll be telling you more about that as we get it set up.

Both just ways to make your library experience more enjoyable.

Elvita

The Winners Are . . .

2009-10-27T13:37:00.002-05:00

We had a great time at our Scary Story contest event on October 23. We read the winning stories, handed out prizes, and ate great food. Here are the winners in all categories:

K-2
1st place: Kate Ropp
2nd place: Tian Heinle
Hon Men. Kyungtae Min
Hon Men. Carter Eidem

3rd-4th
1st place: Elise Becker
2nd place: Jackie Lin
Hon Men. Kassidy Rumbolz
Hon Men. Sophie Hogan

5th-6th
1st place: Grace Timmerman
2nd place: Maria Snell-Feikema
Hon Men: Dulcie Hansen

7th-8th
1st place: Camille Lynn
2nd place: Zarin Rahman
Hon men: Tess Owens

Adult
1st place: Barb Fourney
2nd place: Brennden Flynn

Congratulations to all the winners!

Elvita

Scary stories galore!

2009-10-21T15:32:00.002-05:00

Friday evening (October 23) is our Scary Story event when the winners of our Scary Story writing contest are announced and their stories read. It's a spooky time that starts at 7:00. Costumes are encouraged and there will be spooky food. Join us for the fun. Here's a picture from a past event.

Elvita

Puppet show Thursday: Watch out for T-Rex

2009-10-19T14:56:00.002-05:00

The Brookings Public Library Puppeteers present T-Rex Trick or Treats on Thursday, October 22 at 7:00 pm. Imagine what it might be like to find a T-Rex at your front door on Halloween night!

Join in the fun in the Cooper Room. Great for all ages.

Elvita

Congratulations, Katherine!

2009-10-15T10:45:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Katherine Eberline, Children’s Services Coordinator, who was selected as the 2009 New Librarian of the Year by the South Dakota Library Association. Be sure to congratulate her the next time you see her.

She was cited for her exceptional programming, community involvement, and spirit of enthusiasm for her work. Always eager to help children in any way possible, she relates well to young people, caregivers, and others, resulting in a very successful year-around program.

Children participating in the Library’s summer reading program the past few years will recall the colorful hairstyles she has worn as a result of young people meeting registration goals. This year's colors are evident in the photo as she receives her award.

Katherine has been the Children’s Services Coordinator at the Library for six years and it's been great fun.

Elvita

Books, books, books! (and other stuff)

2009-10-01T13:40:00.002-05:00

The Friends of the Library are holding their first fall booksale Oct 2-4 in the Cooper Room. Most items are $1-$2. Sunday is $2 per bag (standard plastic grocery bag).

Lots of great books and AV for everyone.

Elvita

2009-09-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

This week (September 26-October 3) we observe Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read. This annual event reminds us that, while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. It is a right that we should not take for granted.

The posters on our display wall reflect some of the titles that have been challenged or banned somewhere in the United States in the past. To see a list of items challenged or banned in the United States recently, please ask at the check out desk.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association, the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Library of Congress Center for the Book.

Protect your right to read.

Elvita

2009-09-25T09:59:00.002-05:00

Are you an aspiring author? Then enter the Library's eighth annual Scary Story Contest.

The contest is open to ages K-adult. These are the guidelines:

Entries are due October 9, 2009 by 5 p.m. at the Circulation desk of the library.
Entry categories: K-2 grade, 3-4 grade, 5-6 grade 7-8 grade, 9-12 grade, adults.
Entries can be no longer than 1500 words.
Entries may be stories, poems, creative writing but all must be original. Young children may dictate their story to an adult who writes it down.
Entries should be typed if possible. If handwritten, writing should be legible. Name, address, phone and grade in school (if applicable) should be on the entry.
Prizes will be awarded in each category.

Winners will be announced and their stories read on Friday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. in a special haunted happening story-telling evening in the Cooper Room Crypt. Scary Dress encouraged and scary food served!

Elvita

Scary Story Contest coming up

2009-09-15T17:22:00.002-05:00

It’s time to begin thinking and writing your entry to the Library’s Scary story contest. There are 6 entry categories based on age of the writer, and entries need to be turned in to the library by 5:30 on Friday October 9. Look at our newsletter link for all the "rules" regarding entries.

Then on Friday October 23 at 7:00 we read the winning stories and award the prizes in a special spooky event. So get creative and join the fun.

Elvita

Submarine life

2009-09-09T11:01:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on a submarine? Or how a submarine creates its own atmosphere? Electronics Technician 2nd Class / Submarines -- ET2(ss) Andrew Renneker, who served on the USS Rhode Island 740 from Fall of 2000 to Spring of 2007 will be addressing these questions and more on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 pm in the Library Cooper Room.

Renneker will discuss the basic principles of ship organization, submarine systems, life onboard, and experiences while on watch, followed by a question and answer period.

He grew up in Brookings County and graduated from Brookings High School, after which he joined the Navy with the desire to serve on submarines. He is presently retired from the Navy and pursuing a course of study in Sioux Falls.

Elvita

Mango Tree Coffee Grand Opening

2009-09-08T12:27:00.001-05:00

The Brookings Public Library announces the Grand Opening of Mango Tree Coffee on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 12:00 (noon). Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony and sample some of the delicious items available.

Located on the second floor of the Library, Mango Tree offers a selection of fresh ground coffees, teas, fresh fruit beverages, and baked goods.

For more information, contact the Library at 692-9407 or Mango Tree Coffee at 695-9807.

We're 10 years old!

2009-09-02T13:10:00.001-05:00

During September the Library will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in the expanded remodeled building. It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since we added on to the 1976 version of the Library, doubling our size, and remodeled the rest of the building. To celebrate this anniversary, we’re going to focus on the number 10. You’ll be seeing it around the Library, on our website (www.brookingslibrary.org) and in our newsletter. We will be having ten events, ranging from a special event for college students on September 2, the Mango Tree Coffee Shop grand opening celebration on September 10, a program on submarines on September 10, book club meetings, children’s story times and puppet shows, teen programs. It’s just going to be a busy month with at least ten programs happening. We hope you’ll join us for some of the festivities.

Space, the final frontier

2009-08-25T08:29:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, September 1 from 5-8 p.m., the Library, the SDSU College of Engineering, Engineering Resources Center, and the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium invite you to take a look at a special NASA exhibit. NASA will be setting up a special trailer in the Coughlin Alumni Stadium parking lot on the SDSU campus to promote their program of returning humans to the moon and travel beyond. Included in the exhibit will be an almost 4 billion year old rock from the moon which you’ll be able to touch. There is no charge to view the exhibit.

Don't miss this opportunity to touch the past and see the future.

Elvita

It's homework time!

2009-08-21T13:44:00.001-05:00

Need help with how to get that homework done? The Library can help by providing great resources online. Find out more by coming to a training on Tuesday August 25 at 7:00, to learn how to search for books, movies, and more from the library’s online catalog.

Then on Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 join us for Searching and Re-searching – Homework Help for Everyone. Learn how to find magazine articles, research health information and more. This class will help you search reliable internet resources and databases for person and education use.

Please pre-register for both of these classes by calling 692-9407.

Elvita

Coffee Shop Opening!

2009-07-15T12:40:00.002-05:00

The Mango Tree Coffee Shop, located on the second floor of the Brookings Public Library, will open on Thursday, July 23. Operator Harsha Mistry has been fine tuning her equipment and techniques this week so the staff have enjoyed a preview of what's to come. I'm not a coffee drinker so the special teas she has to offer are greatly appreciated--and very good!

Not all the furniture has arrived yet, but there will be places to sit and special food and drink to enjoy. Be sure to check it out next week!

Elvita

The colors of summer

2009-07-09T10:54:00.002-05:00

The summer reading program weeks are zipping by. We're once again setting records for the number of young people who have registered to participate in "Be Creative @ your library". More than 1450 have signed up to read or be read to.

You may recall that the last few summers our Children’s Librarian Katherine Eberline has set a goal for the number of young people who register to read and if we meet that goal, she dyes her hair a color selected by the young people. The first year it was a bright blue, last year it was orange with red tips. This year Katherine decided that for every one hundred registrants over 1000 she would add a color. So in late August she’ll have her hair dyed at least five different colors. I think she’s looking at a rainbow effect. And of course registrations are open until late July so who knows how many colors she may have by then.

Summer's always fun here at the Library.

Elvita

Closer to Cool!

2009-06-19T11:01:00.002-05:00

Repairmen are installing the air conditioning compressor this morning. If we're lucky, we might have cool air by late today. We're ready!

Enjoy the pictures

Elvita

Going faster

2009-06-10T08:43:00.003-05:00

If you have used the Library's computers lately, you may have noticed they seem to be accessing sites faster. It isn't your eyes; they really are speeding up because the Library's connection was switched from DSL to fiber this week. We've definitely noticed the change when using the checkout software. Before we had to wait on the computer to send the info between each book. Now the computer is waiting on us to wand the next book. Definitely makes the staff's job easier and saves your time waiting in line.

Our circulation numbers are moving fast also with the summer reading program in full swing. It's not unusual to check out 1000 items a day during the peak of the summer.

One thing that's not moving as fast as we would like is the repair of our air conditioner. The main compressor burned out May 29 and we are still waiting for a replacement. The Library staff are probably the only people in town who have been thankful for this week's cool weather. With luck the new compressor will come yet this week.

Elvita

Wear your hard hats!

2009-05-16T16:04:00.002-05:00

The long awaited day is at hand. Remodeling starts for the Mango Tree Coffee Shop on Monday, May 18.

What can you expect?

You may hear some drilling noises as they cut through the floor to connect the sewer and water.

You may see workers moving cabinets up the elevator.

You may smell some paint smells, although we've specified low VOC paint so the odor shouldn't be too strong.

The projected completion date is the end of May, but as with all construction, that date is flexible.

We're excited and hope you will be too.

Elvita

Thanks, Volunteers!

2009-04-23T09:43:00.003-05:00

Brookings Public Library honored its twenty-nine volunteers at a reception on Wednesday, April 22nd. Total hours contributed by the volunteers during 2008 was 1,162.

Special awards went to Norma Nielsen for 500 volunteer hours and to Elaine Berndt for 1000 hours.

Members of the Brookings Public Library Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library Board were also honored.

Thanks to all volunteers!

(Picture) Volunteer coordinator June Erickson is holding the perpetual plaque with Elaine Berndt’s (seated) name engraved along with five previous volunteers having 1000 hours. Norma Nielsen displays her plaque for 500 hours of service.

Worlds Connect @ your library

2009-04-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

"Worlds connect @ your library" is the theme for National Library Week, April 12-18 and we have two authors, a computer class on spending less, Wii Bowling for adults, two money management classes, and the Illustrate-a-Book Contest Awards ceremony scheduled for that week. Click on the newsletter link on our webpage for more details.

National Library Week is a great time to highlight all that the Library has to offer. Our Library's success (95% approval rating in last summer's survey!) is due to a combination of good items to check out, great children's and adult programs, computer and Internet availability and, last but definitely not least, a dedicated and learned staff willing to help all who come in the Library. So connect your world to the Library this week and every week. You'll be glad you did.

Elvita

Happy Birthday, WWW

2009-03-20T09:30:00.003-05:00

The World Wid Web turned 20 last Friday. Back on March 13, 1989, a computer scientist at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) suggested a way for particle physicists to better share their information and the development of HTML was born.

In case none of that makes sense to you, all you need to know is HTML is likely the computer code that is making this and most other websites easy to read, colorful, and readily available to the public. Before that, the Internet was text-based and much more difficult to use.

So thanks, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, for making our lives more interesting and for expanding information access to all of us.

Elvita

We have a name!

2009-03-10T15:25:00.002-05:00

The official name for the library's soon to be coffee shop will be Mango Tree Coffee Shop.

Selected by vendor Harsha Mistry and approved by the Brookings Public Library Board, the name reflects the spirit of the shop which will include fruit flavored drinks as well as coffees and teas.

Remodeling will start in April with a summer opening.

Elvita

We're on our way!

2009-03-06T13:57:00.003-06:00

All the official regulatory steps have been taken for the library coffee shop to move to the next step. The next steps are

1) the bid announcement is in the newspaper, encouraging contractors to get the construction documents from Banner Associates and submit a bid
2) after 2 legal notices and 10 days, bids will be opened on March 17
3) the City Council will consider and hopefully approve the bids on March 24
4) contracts are signed and the work commences

We're eager for it all to begin!

Elvita

Book Sale Success

2009-02-25T15:39:00.002-06:00

The annual Friends of the Library Book Sale was held last weekend and was a great success. Volunteers carried up 263 boxes of books to the Cooper Room and at the end of the sale, only 60 boxes were refilled. Those 60 boxes were donated to Brookings Rotary to be used in their literacy projects.

The amount made: $5487.50, which I believe is a record number for the FOL sale.

In case you missed the sale, there will be another one in late September/early October. Storage is getting tight for all the donated books so the Friends are trying two sales a year.

To become a member of Friends of the Library, ask for a membership form at the check out desk.

Elvita

It's all in the strategy.

2009-02-03T15:02:00.003-06:00

Strategic planning isn't always the most exciting thing to do, but it is essential when an entity wants to improve and keep on track of those improvements.

The Brookings Public Library Board recently approved The Future @ your Library 2009-2013. This long-range plan, developed by a twelve member citizens committee, will further enhance the Library’s excellence for the next five years.

Among the goals set are increasing the promotion of the Library, continuing and expanding community partnerships, expanding the Library’s Internet bandwidth, increasing the number of Library card holders in the community, increasing the attendance at Library programs, adding downloadable audio, and assessing the needs of English as a Second Language users.

We're currently working on timetables for completion and then setting out to accomplish our goals. You'll hear and see more about this in the next few months.

To see a copy of the plan, ask at the checkout desk.

Elvita

Literary Reading Rates Among Adults Increases

2009-01-27T15:37:00.003-06:00

That's good news to librarians. The National Endowment for the Arts has published an article called "Survey of Public Participation in the Arts" which states that in 2008, 50.2% of adults read a novel, short story, poem or play either in print or online. That's up from 46.7% in 2002.

One interesting point in this is that they didn't count nonfiction which makes up a sizeable amount of our circulation. So the reading public is alive and well, no matter what they are reading.

Circs up!

2009-01-08T09:33:00.004-06:00

The final numbers are in and the Library had a very busy year in 2008, checkout-wise, increasing by 7.55%! That's 20,800 more items used last year than the year before.

Part of the increase was due to the new and very popular Tumblebooks and Tumblereaders, which are online books for kids to look at and read. Adult readership was up too, increasing by almost 6000 books.

Other notable increases were seen in the number of reference questions asked and the overall computer use.

The increased use may be due to the unstable economy making us more wary of spending money when we could borrow things free. The Library's continued excellence may also contribute to the larger numbers. Whatever the reason, we're glad you're using us in greater numbers and will work to continue that in 2009.

Elvita

It's Official!

2008-12-10T13:06:00.004-06:00

The Brookings City Council approved the contract that allows the Library to have a coffee shop. We are beginning work on the construction documents next week. Once those are done, we are required to bid the project and then, finally, the renovation can begin. We don't have a projected completion date yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Now we need a name for the coffee shop. Suggestions welcomed!

Elvita

Never ending book quiz

2008-12-09T08:58:00.002-06:00

Do you feel well versed in literature, even pop lit? Give this fun quiz a try. Some are easy, some are hard, and some make you want to run to the book to see if you aren't right after all. The Never-ending Book Quiz from Goodreads.com

http://www.goodreads.com/trivia?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Dec_newsletter

Enjoy!

Elvita

2008-11-24T16:44:00.003-06:00

A couple of bits of information:

Our proposed coffee shop is working through legal channels. A public hearing will be held in conjunction with the City Council meeting December 9. After that, architectural plans, bid letting, and remodeling remain. We still hope to be open in the early part of 2009. The question arises: Why put a coffee shop in the Library? Our reasons included 1) Library users have requested it, 2) it would add atmosphere and ambiance to the building, 3) it would be a convenience for meeting room users, and 4) it would be a possible revenue stream for the Library. We hope you agree.

The Strategic Planning Committee has been working on a new five year plan for the Library and will finish up its work during December. A final report will be submitted to the Library Board in January, complete with goals for the Library for the next five years.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration.

Something's missing!

2008-11-05T11:31:00.003-06:00

If you've driven by the Library, beginning today, you'll notice what is missing. Demolition crews took down the former Calhoun-Kratochvil building today. It was interesting to watch the procedure. The machinery was very careful not to damage our trees, parking lot lights, and book drop. It's going to create a very blank spot for a few days until we get used to it.

What happens next with that area? It will be turned into green space in the general effort to upgrade the look of the area as the Children's Museum is completed in 2010.

Elvita

Always learning

2008-10-29T12:40:00.002-05:00

The Brookings Public Library staff is taking a 10 week online course on Web 2.0, sponsored by the South Dakota State Library. This South Dakota Library Challenge course will teach us about blogs, RSS, podcasting, Flickr, wikis and more. Some of this is already known by the more "hip" staff (there's a term that dates me!). The rest of us are keeping up with a little help from our friends.

Learning new things can be challenging, fun, and, at times, frustrating. It is part of our mission to keep up with or ahead of what's happening in the world and that includes technology. So if you see staff members bent over computers, muttering in acronyms, it's just us learning about the next new thing.

Elvita

Looking to the future

2008-10-16T13:12:00.001-05:00

The Library is beginning its next round of strategic planning in order to set the direction of the library for the next five years. To do this, a committee of eleven citizens, library board members, and library staff members are meeting to review the community vision, assess where there are needs, determine what response the Library might have to those needs, and select appropriate library service roles. If it sound like a lot of work, well, yes, it is. But work that is very rewarding and exciting.

The future awaits us.

Elvita

Coffee, maybe, maybe

2008-09-22T15:35:00.003-05:00

We received the first look at a proposed revamping of the foyer area on the second floor to create a coffee shop in the Library. The design looks good. Now we are awaiting the cost estimates and then the Library Board will decide if it is feasible to do.

Why put a coffee shop in the Library?

Several reasons:

Library users have requested it.

Adds atmosphere and ambiance.

Convenience for meeting room users.

Possible revenue stream for the Library.

The Library Board will meet October 14 with this on the agenda. Let me know how you feel about adding a coffee shop to the Library.

Elvita

Just the facts

2008-09-17T15:39:00.003-05:00

Is the political rhetoric weighing heavily on you? Are you unsure what to believe in the media and online? Take a look at the website - www.factcheck.org

This nonpartisan nonprofit site helps to increase public understanding and lessen the falsehoods that run rampant in a national election by monitoring the accuracy of political speeches, interviews, debates, and press releases.

It’s definitely worth bookmarking on your computer!

Elvita

Great art

2008-09-12T12:53:00.003-05:00

Providing access to the arts is part of the mission of the Library. We have two exceptional displays currently here.

On our carpeted wall, see the wonderful panoramic photography of Thomas E. Bartholow. Sometimes called South Dakota's Stealth Nature Photographer, Bartholow has captured nature in quiet moments. See sunflowers, sunrises/sets, and wildlife come to life.

In the central glass case this month are a collection of hand painted ostrich eggs, provided by Karen Youngberg. Think of the skill it takes to keep from cracking one of these large eggs as you painted it. Not related to their beauty or the skill required to do this and probably because I had scrambled eggs for breakfast, think about how much yolk there is in one of these.

Come enjoy these two great displays, here through the end of the month.

Elvita

Kid excitement

2008-09-09T15:25:00.002-05:00

Story times begin next week here at the Library. It's always fun to see the faces of preschoolers as they discover books and libraries. The excitement is contagious.

Story times next week are Monday evening at 7:00, Tuesday morning at 10:30, and Tuesday afternoon at 2:00. Registration is not required. Just come and have fun.

Lap Story times for 9 to 24 month olds will be held on Wednesday mornings at 10:30. Registration IS required for that so give us a call at 692-9407.

Also next week is our September puppet show. Join us on Thursdy September 18 at 7:00 for "The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark". Presented by the Brookings Library Puppeteers, this is a fun way to spend an evening.

There are lots of other exciting events happening at the Library this fall. Pick up a paper copy of our newsletter or click the link above to see an online version.

See you at the Library!

Elvita

Summer's end

2008-08-27T16:01:00.002-05:00

The Library's summer reading programs are officially over. The programs are done. The Library Store is being packed up with "leftovers" saved for next year. And we have one for the record books.

How successful was our summer? Consider these statistics:

Registered to read
Children preschool through 5th grade - 1127
Young adults 6th grade and up - 294
Total registrations for 2008 - 1421
Total Registrations for 2007 - 1051 -- an increase of 370 young people!

This year is the first year we've had a reading program for teens and were very pleased by that 294 registrant response and by the number who attended programs.

Since we reached our goal of 1200 registrants and as promised to the kids, Katherine and Ali will be dyeing their hair orange with red tips and blue with green tips within the next week or so and visiting the schools for lunch. We'll be sure to post some pictures to our website.

Summer's done; we had fun! Can't wait to see what we do next year.

Elvita

It's done!

2008-08-22T08:13:00.002-05:00

The upgrade to the Library's operational software was completed mid-day Thursday and most services are available. You can now check your record, place holds, and search our catalog and databases from your home/office computers.

We're still working out a few problems that usually arise when using an offline product as we were for 10 days. (i.e. barcode didn't read right, a card was expired, etc.) If you have questions about your account, please bring them to our attention.

The one service that is still inactive is Interlibrary Loan. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will monitor SDLN's progress on this.

Not having the online catalog available the past 10 days was inconvenient; however, it gave the staff the opportunity to use the ole gray matter to find items. We all enjoy a challenge and, when suddenly faced with 100,000 items and no call number, that's a challenge. Hopefully we were able to meet your informational needs.

Thanks for your patience!

Elvita

Software Upgrade Still in Progress

2008-08-15T15:47:00.002-05:00

The software upgrade to the South Dakota Library Network's software is still in progress. We had hoped, probably foolishly, that it might be completed early. Of course, it is a software upgrade and they take the time that they need. Hopefully by Monday, all the services you've come to know, use and enjoy will be available. There will be some glitches to track down, like barcodes that didn't read correctly or expired library cards, but those shouldn't affect normal services.

Until then, enjoy this haiku written by a library staff member in Illinois during a recent computer upgrade:

Workers united
Stare forlornly at blank screens
Wish pain on Bill Gates

Enjoy your weekend.

Elvita

Software Upgrade

2008-08-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

The South Dakota Library Network is upgrading its software this week. That means some functions we all take for granted will not be available. You will be able to check items out and return them. The Internet will be available. Staff will be available to help you find items in the collection and place holds manually.

What won't work: the online catalog, placing holds and interlibrary loans electronically, checking your library card record from home, paying fines

Why is it taking a week to do? There are 6 major parts of the software: online catalog, circulation, cataloging, serials, acquisitions, and administration. SDLN has 70 member libraries. That's a lot of data to convert.

While this week may be an inconvenience, software upgrades are necessary to keep the information flowing and improve efficiency. Thanks for your patience.

World Book online

2008-08-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce that World Book Web is now online and available from our website. (www.brookingslibrary.org) Almost everyone has used World Book Encyclopedia at some point in their lives. Now you can look at articles on your computer without leaving your home or work. The articles are there plus many more features including current events, events in history, and special subjects of interest. There are maps, a dictionary, an atlas, and special teaching tools for educators and parents.

The site is fun to browse. You can find it on our website (www.brookingslibrary.org). Scroll down a bit, click on word Databases, then select the World Book icon in the second line of icons.

There are other great databases available through our website. The best thing about these information sites is that they provide quality information that you can count on being correct, rather than relying on whatever is found during a standard Internet search. Only accept the best information possible and get it from your library.

Elvita

Library alive!

2008-08-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

Last week I was in Houston for a few days, visiting my daughter. While she attended a meeting, I spent some time in the closest library which was at Rice University. It was a nice library with plenty of comfortable seating, computer access, Wifi, and cool book sculptures that I'll post some pictures of soon. But as I sat there in my comfortable chair, something was missing. Something that is in abundance at our library.

I missed the hustle and bustle of people using the library. I realize it's summer and not a lot of students were around and the ones there were diligently studying or surfing, but it still seemed too quiet.

I realize that sometimes when babies cry or young people fuss, our library seems noisier than what is comfortable, but most of the time it's filled with activity. Whether it's people looking for a good book, using computers, reading newspapers, or attending programs, the library feels alive with users. And that's something I really like. So bring on the people! We'll have a good time helping you enjoy the library.

Elvita

Survey results

2008-07-17T19:33:00.000-05:00

The Survey report is out. The results were extremely positive. More than 95% of you indicated you were extremely or very satisfied with the overall services of the Library. You also said that the Library staff is extremely or very helpful (95%). We'll be posting the report online soon. If you can't wait to see it, ask at the checkout desk or give me an email --elandau@sdln.net-- or call at 692-9407.

We got some good ideas from the suggestions made on the Survey. Some we can do easily, like creating a "New DVD" bin so you can look at the new stuff before going through the rest of selections. Other suggestions such as being open earlier or later we'll have to run the numbers to see if the money is there to do that. It was interesting that the requests to open at 9 AM and to be open later on the weekends had about the same number of advocates.

It's great to get feedback and particularly when we find out we are satisfying your Library needs. Thank you for all the complimentary remarks and we'll try to keep up the good work.

Elvita

Of summer, surveys, and satisfaction

2008-07-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

It's the seventh week of the Library's summer reading program and we now have more than 1400 young people signed up! Even us "seasoned" librarians are amazed at our numbers this summer. It's great to see kids - and adults - reading and enjoying the Library.

Our User Satisfaction survey was completed last week and we're crunching the numbers. Stay tuned for the complete report.

Thank you to whomever nominated the Brookings Library staff for the BookPage Spotlight Award which recognizes extraordinary efforts to make the library a place for personal and community enrichment. Unfortunately we didn't win, but it feels great to be nominated.

Enjoy the great weather--until it gets hot tomorrow!

Elvita

Survey continues!

2008-06-24T16:55:00.000-05:00

We started handing out our bright yellow surveys in-house on Saturday and opened our online version last Thursday. We've had a tremendous response so far and generally, people view the library in a favorable light. There have been some suggestions about hours changes, slow computers, and the need for more DVDs, all of which the Library Board and staff will address once everything is compiled.

We'll continue collecting surveys, both online and in-person until July 7. Then I have to sit down with a very large stack of paper and compile. Sounds like a good day's work.

Keep those surveys coming in and thanks for your feedback.

Elvita

Value of summer reading

2008-06-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

We go through a lot of work to provide an active, enjoyable summer reading program for young people. However, we all enjoy it and wouldn't do it any other way, because the value of encouraging young people to read is tremendous.

Studies have been done that show an average student who doesn't read or do other learning opportunities in the summer can lose as much as 2.5 months of learning. That's significant. So, if we can motivate the 1260+ young people currently signed up by providing a fun reading stimulus, then we've done a great day's work.

There's still time to help your child. Registration for our reading program runs through July.

And while you're in, pick up some reading material for yourself.

User survey coming up!

2008-06-12T08:40:00.000-05:00

At the Library Board meeting on Tuesday, we decided to do a short user survey to find out how satisfied (or dissatisfied) our public is. We will be handing a questionnaire to everyone who comes in the library during the week of June 21-27. Please take a few minutes to tell us how we're doing in the areas of staff helpfulness, programs, print and nonprint materials, hours, electronic resources, and computers.

The survey is just one side of a sheet of paper so shouldn't take very long to complete and it will help the Library Board and staff do a better job.

Thanks in advance!

Goal Reached!

2008-06-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

We did it! We have signed up 1214 young people to read in our "Catch the Reading Bug" summer reading program. We'll continue the sign up until the end of July so there's plenty of time to join and plenty of time to select what color Katherine and Ali will dye their hair. Right now the two multi-color selections have a slight lead.

We hope the weather cooperates for tomorrow's bike rodeo. If not, our rain date is June 19.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Summer Reading Programs in Full Swing

2008-06-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

More than a 1000 young people have already registered to read in our summer reading programs. We're well on our way to our goal of 1200 AND to Katherine and Ali dying their hair a color chosen by the participants. There's no clear front runner yet in the color voting, but we'll keep you posted.

If you haven't registered, there is still plenty of time. The program ends July 25.

Speaking of programs, don't forget all the special programs we have scheduled this summer. It's pretty amazing! Check our newsletter, website, or Park & Rec brochure for more information.

Elvita