Mansfield Public Library

NoveList Plus

2008-07-24T16:13:00.003-04:00

Regular readers of this blog, our library newsletter, or our "Reader's Friend" newsletter concerning new books each month will know how fond I am of NoveList, to which we subscribe. If you click on the "on-line" link on the left of our home page, it will take you to our databases, of which NoveList is one. NoveList, sub-titled "your guide to fiction" helps readers find fiction titles they want to read. It includes series' lists, read-alike lists (i.e. if you like Nora Roberts, you'll like...), author interviews and links to their websites, award winners, etc. Today we decided to upgrade to NoveList Plus, which just debuted this spring. NoveList Plus is a great reader's source for information of the same kinds but includes fiction as well as non-fiction.
We're looking forward to this expanded product in a week or so and will let you know how it is...and we'd love to know if you use it.

Book Discussion Group to Begin

2008-07-24T15:59:00.003-04:00

Blog readers here will be the first to know...we're starting a book discussion group here in September. It will begin the week of September 22, on a week night to be announced...probably Tuesday or Wednesday. We'll meet at 7:00, and will meet in the library/coa meeting room.
We'll meet once a month, and the focus will be on fiction, with possibly an occasional non-fiction title. We've not had a book discussion group here in quite some time, but we're looking forward to examining some interesting titles! Titles chosen will be easily accessed through our Sails library consortium, but if we have multiple copies, we'll make them available. Please get in touch with the library's director, Janet Campbell, if you are interested in attending this group, or have any questions!

Saving money in tight economic times

2008-07-16T09:15:00.002-04:00

Yahoo has a link on its website today to an article that was in U.S. News a few months ago, and it features ways to save money. It includes things like taking bubble baths, cooking dinner at home and using leftovers for lunch the next day, etc., but what interested us the most was the # 4 suggestion "Use the Library." We provide free Internet service, and you can take advantage of free books, dvds, and audio books. In tight times, libraries are always even busier as folks take advantage of all we have to offer...and we hope you do!

Our blog

2008-07-11T11:45:00.002-04:00

Recently someone sent me a comment on the Ellen Degeneres post. I was absolutely tickled, and it made my day. Please send us comments, suggestions, compliments, or complaints!
You can reach me, the library's director, at jcampbel@sailsinc.org. Thanks!

Summer Reading

2008-07-11T11:30:00.003-04:00

Our reference librarian has a little summer reading "contest" going for adults, and of course activities are held many times a week for young readers! Check the event calendar on our website for all that is going on. We've got the usual supply of new travel books, with an emphasis on staying close to home this year. A quick perusal of the display today showed most of them out in circulation, but it is always okay to place a hold! You can do it from home or here in the library, or we can do it for you. Let us know if you need help!

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

2008-07-11T11:28:00.002-04:00

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was published on this date in 1960. According to a blurb in Publishers Weekly, "It won the Pulitzer Prize, and librarians voted it the best novel of the 20th century."

June, then summer fun!

2008-06-05T12:28:00.002-04:00

We're encouraging everyone to use our Live Homework Help, as we do want to continue to subscribe. Forty one students used it in May, which is a great number. Some months have not been so great. We considering not renewing our subscription to this wonderful service, but the more use we get, the less likely we'll let it go.
"Miss Kitty" is all geared up for summer reading! She's got a variety of events planned, and sign up begins June 21. Children of all ages may participate! Watch for schedules that will be available soon. Children in early grades at the schools will receive schedules there. Special family programs are held on Monday night.

Safety Tips for Parents and Children in Public Places

2008-04-17T14:37:00.002-04:00

Recently a child was attacked at the New Bedford Public Library...you may have read about it in the newspapers. His mother was within earshot, but he was not within her sight. Libraries are public buildings, and the variety of people who use are building is large. Please keep your child within earshot AND within sight at all times. We recently saw a sign in a public library that said "Please keep your child within hugging distance." Children under 8 should never be further from a parent than that. Older children in public are at risk too, and should be taught safety procedures. Our doors are busy, and frequently open...children can move through them very quickly. In addition, our shelves can block the view from what is happening. Please help us keep everyone safe!

Ellen Degeneres on librarians

2008-04-17T14:32:00.002-04:00

This is from Ellen Degeneres' blog, and it struck me funny!

My Thought...And I Do Have One
SHHHHHHHHHHHH!Today I’d like to talk about librarians. I don’t know how many of them watch my show. If they do, they probably watch my show while reading or working on the Dewey Decimal System. They probably don’t watch much TV at all. They just wait for the transcripts. If they do watch the show, they probably keep the sound turned down and put their fingers up to their mouths and say, “Shhhhhhhh” every time the audience laughs.
Librarians are the opposite of cheerleaders. At the library, if you make any noise, they deal with you immediately. First you get the silent, “How dare you?” look. If that doesn’t work, they give you the universal zip the lip signal. And if that doesn’t work, they do the lock up the lips and throw away the key move. I always trick them. I pretend to throw away the key, but keep it in my hand and slip it in my pocket. I’m sure I’m gonna get some phone calls from angry librarians. Of course, I won’t be able to hear what they are saying.
Have you ever been yelled at by a librarian? It tickles. I bet when they go out at night, librarians are totally different. It’s probably something like “Librarians Gone Wild.” I bet its just like the “Whitesnake” video. You remember the video? They take their glasses off, the wind starts blowing in their hair and end up on the hood of a Camaro. ..It’s because they can’t see. They think it’s their bed.

Live Homework Help

2008-04-09T12:10:00.003-04:00

It is time to remind everyone again that we offer Live Homework Help through our website!
It is available for children in grades 4 through beginning college, and is available from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day except major holidays. After students have used it, they fill out a little questionnaire, and we receive the answers each month. Comments are overwhelmingly positive. Spring brings flowers and lots of projects and reports for students, and Live Homework Help is ready to assist!

Internet and Printing

2008-04-09T12:03:00.002-04:00

Big changes are here in the sign-up for our Internet stations! Two weeks ago we started using "PC Reservation" which allows you to sign up yourself instead of stopping at the desk. When stations are open, you can just walk up to an open one and sign in, using your library card # and your pin #...your pin is usually the last four numbers of your phone. If all the stations are in use, there is a reservation station right next to our printer where you can sign in for a particular time or for "next available." When you sign in, you need to specify Internet (as opposed to JUV Internet, which is for kids up to age 15 that have permission slips) or for word processor. All our word processing stations are part of this too. If you owe us money over $3.00, your card will not work and you'll need to pay your overdues. Last week we instituted a print management feature too. When you choose to print from the Internet or from the word processors, you'll now need to choose what you are printing and also feed the coin machine in order to get your copies. We know this will save you from printing things you didn't need to print, as well as save us from spending tax paper dollars on wasted paper. Do let us know if you have any questions.

NoveList

2008-03-13T16:44:00.002-04:00

Readers of this blog have seen several references to NoveList, which is linked on our website.
Recently NoveList (which helps you find books you'll like, help guide you through series, help you find a book by just typing in a plot description, etc) has undergone an overhaul. I took a look today, and find it tricky to work with...there is definitely a new learning curve. If you are used to using it, please take a look, try it out, and give me some feedback! The old NoveList was terrific, and I'm sure this one is too, we all just have to get used to it.

Federal Tax forms

2008-02-28T16:47:00.002-05:00

We're not receiving as many tax forms from the feds as we used to, so many people are doing their taxes online or electronically. We still do have forms, of course, and here's a link to the IRS site (title of this article). Mass.gov also has links to Commonwealth of Massachusetts tax forms.
Let us know if you can't find what you need. We're not tax experts, so can't give advice, but we can find forms!

3 Cups of Tea

2008-02-28T16:41:00.002-05:00

Well, our first "community read" is coming to a close, with a wonderful, wonderful event with Greg Mortenson last night. He truly is an example of how one person can change the world. Nearly 650 people attended his talk and book-signing, people were lined up for about an hour to get an autograph! We've also got a hike in the Blue Hills scheduled for March 2 at noon.
Belatedly, but still something to look forward to, we've got a cooking demo with local cook Florencia coming up in April, when Florencia will be dishing up some central Asian meals.
Lots of folks are still reading 3 CUPS OF TEA, and we've got lots of copies available if you haven't had a chance yet. The book is available in hardcover, paperback, large print, and on audio compact disc.

Greg Mortenson's program Feb 27

2008-02-15T12:33:00.005-05:00

Tickets for Greg Mortenson's appearance here on February 27 went like the proverbial hotcakes on distribution day, February 9. We know there are lots of disappointed folks out there, and we're very sorry about that fact. The response to our program has been phenomenal. Last night's program on Islam, whose speakers were students from Al Noor Academy, was very thought provoking and we had nearly 70 people there to enjoy it. Keep your eye on the library's calendar on our website for additional programs still to come.

Information Databases

2008-01-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

We've told you before about all the wonderful databases we have available through our Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Library System and through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. We just received an update of databases available from the MBLC, and it includes lots of new titles for all ages, including teachers, school administrators, and librarians!

There's a collection of more than 4,200 scholarly periodicals, including much full text. We even have the full-text of the New York Times back to 1995, and it is updated daily. Something new is Inform, geared to Spanish language speakers and students. Massachusetts History Online includes full-text articles gathered from almost 50 sources that directly relate to MA history.

You are sure to find help, whether researching for a high school or college paper, checking a health resource whether as an academic or a consumer, reading about popular culture, or reviewing current events.

THREE CUPS OF TEA

2008-01-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

We're really gearing up for our Mansfield Reads month, starting next week! Borders is now also sponsoring our event, as well as the Friends of the Mansfield P.L. and the Mansfield Cultural Council, a local agency, funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Border is highlighting Greg Mortenson and his book.

Greg Mortenson tickets available 2/9/08

2008-01-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

Tickets for Greg Mortenson's program, which is scheduled for February 27 at 7 p.m. at Mansfield High School, will be available beginning February 9. Tickets will be available at the library beginning at 10 a.m., and are free. The program is suggested for ages 10 and up, and will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are being distributed at the library only, must be picked up, and are limited to 4 per person. They are available on a first-come, first served basis.

The Virtual Catalog

2008-01-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

We have had access to the "Virtual Catalog" for about five years, and it permits you, our user, to access dozens of libraries in Massachusetts that are not members of our Sails consortium. When one of you requests an item we don't have, our next step is to check the Virtual Catalog. You, too, can do it...there are links in our on-line card catalog, Ibistro, and on our website. Here's some facts from the Virtual Catalog:

The Virtual Catalog project has been underway for five years; about 20 library systems are now connected. The Virtual Catalog will search the following library catalogs:

CLAMS, Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing
C/W MARS, Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing
FLO, Fenway Libraries Online
Minuteman Library Network
MBLN, Metro Boston Library Network (including the Boston Public Library)
MVLC, Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
NOBLE, North of Boston Library Exchange
OCLN, Old Colony Library Network
SAILS
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Massachusetts, Boston
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
MBLN, MVLC, and FLO card holders must enter the Virtual Catalog as guest users at this
time. You cannot reserve material (i.e.,"place a hold") through the Virtual Catalog interface at this time.

Items that we request through this catalog take longer to arrive than usually happens for local requests, but most do come. If you can't find the item you want in the Virtual Catalog, we can usually request it through Interlibrary Loan. Our "ILL" requests go through another Massachusetts library, but items can come from all over the country...and we sometimes send items as well. Please let us know if there is something you are looking for and have been unable to find, or if you have questions about the Virtual Catalog. Some of our library users are VERY familiar with it, and use it very frequently!

Digital TV Transition

2008-01-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

You may remember that we had a program on the digital tv transition which will occur in February 2009. Folks who receive their tv with an antennas will do longer be able to do so.
The government is providing $40.00 coupons to help consumers buy converter boxes. Apply online at http://www.dtv2009.gov . The government also has set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

Greg Mortenson weighs in on Bhutto

2007-12-31T09:15:00.000-05:00

Our THREE CUPS OF TEA author is in Pakistan.

More information about Greg Mortenson

2007-12-31T09:13:00.000-05:00

USA Today just did a profile on our Mansfield Reads book.

Mansfield Reads Together

2007-12-28T10:04:00.001-05:00

We've got our copies of Greg Mortenson's book, THREE CUPS OF TEA, out on display and available for borrowing. We also have the title in large print and on compact disc. We're getting lots of questions about Greg's program on February 27...even received a call from a teacher in Albany, N.Y.! Space is limited, as we are having the event at Mansfield High School, and ticket information will be available as we get closer to the event. Information will be posted here as well as in the library and in the newspapers.

Mansfeld Reads Together Update

2007-12-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the Central Asia Institute, Greg Mortenson's organization, we have over 125 copies of THREE CUPS OF TEA available to Mansfield readers. Most of these copies are not available to reserve in advance (some are), but are available on a first come, first served basis. They will circulate for 2 weeks. We will be putting them out to pick up starting today! Our Mansfield Reads Together event is sponsored by the Mansfield Women of Today and the Mansfield Public Library.

Mansfield Reads Together

2007-12-14T15:03:00.000-05:00

The excitement is building! The Mansfield Women of Today and the Mansfield Public Library

have joined together to sponsor Mansfield's first "community read." Our chosen book is THREE CUPS OF TEA by Greg Mortenson. Greg went to Pakistan in 1995 to climb K2, and ended up making his life's work the building of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. We have a variety of activities planned for the month of February, our "Read" month. We're sponsoring book discussions, a climbing wall, a program by a mountain climber, a discussion of Islam, and more.

The grand finale will be a visit by Greg Mortenson himself on February 27. We currently have a few copies of THREE CUPS OF TEA available for borrowing, but in the next week or two will be adding over 100 copies. In addition, copies are available from local bookstores, and we will be delivering some copies to schools and organizations. Please follow our events on our library event calendar at www.sailsinc.org/mansfield as well as through local papers.