news you can use

Dover Programs for the whole family

2008-02-29T15:22:00.001-05:00

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dover Area Community Library3700-3 Davidsburg RoadDover, PA 17315717-292-6814
CONTACT: Debbie Van de Castle
717-292-6814

THE DOVER AREA COMMUNITY LIBRARY IS OFFERING FAMILY FINANCE HELP THAT’S “RIGHT ON THE MONEY”
Family-friendly program teaches parents and children to manage money

Dover – The Dover Area Community Library is pleased to announce that it will be offering free, family-oriented money management lessons through an innovative new program developed for Pennsylvania community-based organizations and libraries. “Right on the Money” is a program that uses fun, age-appropriate children’s books to introduce kids to key financial concepts and provides parents with tools to reinforce their own financial knowledge as well as help their children build sound money management skills.
“Nearly 75% of parents feel they are unprepared to teach their kids about basic personal finances,” said Debbie Van de Castle, Director of the Dover Area Library. “This program helps parents strengthen their financial skills. It also gives them creative ideas and helps them feel more comfortable teaching positive money management skills to their children. And, frankly, it’s a lot of fun!”
“Right on the Money” was developed through a partnership between the Penn State University Cooperative Extension, the Heinz Endowments and the Pennsylvania Office of Financial Education to create an easy-to-use curriculum for teachers, librarians and other community members who are interested in providing financial education to children ages 5-7 and their parents.
The four-part program will begin April 9, 2008. For more information, contact Debbie Van de Castle @ 717-292-6814

Winter Weather continues to effect Library Hours

2008-02-13T12:27:00.003-05:00

Winter Weather Advisory - Wed Feb 13th
Sloppy weather continues to make driving treacherous and road conditions exciting. Many libraries have opened, but with a delay.
Please call your library to ensure that they are open for business.
Due to a large-area electrical outage, the Kreutz Creek Library in Hellam is closed. They will re-open when power has been restored.

Snow and Incliment Weather Closings

2008-02-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

Due to the hazardous weather outlook for Central Pennsylvania, many Libraries are closing early.

Please call to ensure your library will be open, before venturing out.

Snow will be changing to sleet and freezing rain after noon, on Tuesday February 12th.

Herbs at the Paul Smith Library - February's class is full

2008-02-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

The Paul Smith Library of Southern York County is hosting eight herb-related programs during the 2008 program year. The series is being presented by Master Gardener, Pat Sweetman, of the Mason-Dixon Unit of the Herb Society of America. The programs are free although pre-registration is required.

Registration for the February 27, 2008, seminar in the Herb Series at the Paul Smith Library filled up the first available day of registration – if you’re interested in the Herbal hors d'oeuvres class (held in March) you’ll want to sign up as soon as possible on the opening registration date - March 1^st.

You can do this by phone (717) 235-4313, e-mail sycstaff@yorklibraries.org or in person at the library.

Podcasting? Podcasting!

2008-02-05T11:57:00.000-05:00

A new local podcast has arrived!

Check out the latest broadcast with January’s artist of the month, Mary Swann. Mary will be speaking with Jason Hoppes and Carol Stampler about her art and life in southern York County.

http.://southernyorkpodcast.podbean.com

What is a podcast?

Think of it Internet radio or television broadcasts.

The term "podcast" has nothing to do with iPods - rather, it is a portmanteau of the acronym "Pod"—standing for "Portable on Demand"—and "broadcast".

Guitar Hero 3 Tournament runs January 31st. Do you have what it takes?

2008-01-22T15:15:00.000-05:00

TEENS

Guitar Hero (3) Tournament
Thursday, January 31, 2008

6:00 pm

Guthrie Library, Hanover PA

There is a cap of 30 participants, but there's always room and snacks for spectators! Cheer on your friends and watch as the songs get harder and the players dwindle in number.

We have 24 have already signed up, so get on it soon if you want to compete.

Special thanks go to Gamestop for their sponsorship and support - the top winners in each category will receive a Gamestop gift card.

All competitors must register in advance and may do so by calling (717) 632-5183 and asking for the Teen department.

Help a local kid win a $25,000 scholarship!

2008-01-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

One of our library patrons is a top ten finalist in a $25,000 scholarship contest.

To win, he needs our help!

Please go to the Jif Peanut Butter site and vote!
Please vote for Ian from Pennsylvania's Monstwich. You can vote once each day from now until February 11th to help him.

There are ten incredibly creative recipes from children aged 6-12, so for some extra fun, copy down the recipes and try them out!

Libraries are open on January 21st

2008-01-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

We celebrate Martin Luther King Day by keeping our Libraries open, so that people may read, learn, and enrich their lives.

Library Closures Due to Snow and Sleet

2008-01-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

Most York and Adams County Libraries will close early (or, at the time of this posting, may have already closed) on Thursday January 17th, 2008.

This is due to inclement conditions which include significant accumulations of snow and sleet .

If there are school closings in your area, please call your library to confirm that they'll be open.

In theme with the weather, here are some tips on safe winter driving .

Be safe!

Art Exhibit – Dee Brua

2008-01-15T12:10:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Paul Smith Library of Southern York County (formerly known as the Southern York County Library) announces the third of six Artist Exhibits of the 2007-08 program year.

Works by local artist Dee Brua will be displayed at the Library through February 9, 2008. Commissions from the sale of art work will benefit the Library. The event is free and open to the public during regular library hours.

Drawn to watercolors all her life, Dee Brua imagined she would have lots of time to devote to learning to paint after retirement. However, when she was laid off after 25 years, a friend coaxed her into taking watercolor classes while she looked for another job. Hooked after the first class with Pat Thorn in 1999, she has continued her studies to learn new techniques and stay connected to other artists. She found another job, but couldn’t stop painting.

In 2007, her work Red Morning, received an Honorable Mention at the York Art Association’s Fall Member Show. Dee Brua lives in New Freedom with her husband, and works in Timonium.

All sales from the Art Exhibit will be available for pick-up on Saturday, February 9, 2008, and gallery commissions will benefit the Paul Smith Library.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of Southern York County Library.

For information about this fundraising group, or to volunteer at events, please contact Louann Lucas, Volunteer Coordinator, at (717) 235-4313, or the group’s President, Tom Healy at SYCLfriends@yorklibraries.org.

BIG basket Raffle

2008-01-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

During the month of January and ending on Valentine’s Day we will be selling tickets for our second Take a Chance at Romance raffle. The winning ticket will be drawn the evening of February 14th, 2008

Tickets are $5 for one or $20 for five.
Proceeds benefit the Mason Dixon Public Library.

Last year’s winner received a prize package valued at over $500 which included a one night stay at the Hampton Inn in Shrewsbury, gift cards and gift baskets. Tickets are available at the library.

We are still collecting prizes, but here is a partial list of what will be in this year's basket.

To be clear, these prizes have been confirmed but there will likely be more added.

a one night stay at the Hampton Inn in Shrewsbury

A lovely collection of breakfast items from Cracker Barrel

gift cards for WalMart and Giant

Cookie Lee Jewelry

Gift Certificates from local restaurants including China Wok and Spaterro's

Basket pictured is not the actual basket being raffled.
It is also not quite this large.

Tales for Tails @ your Library

2008-01-14T17:07:00.000-05:00

As seen in the news - Tales for Tails

Children who are new to reading or who need a little help can benefit by reading to a dog in Tales for Tails sessions at the Glatfelter Memorial Library.

Molly, Luke, Sophie, Brewster and Buddy are ready to listen! Please register ahead of time, and come the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.

For details or to register, stop by the library or call 235-3220.

A little about our furry listeners: they are either certified through Therapy Dog International or Therapy Dog Incorporated.

Here are some of the requirements to be a therapy dog - (these may vary, depending on their certification)

A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperament.

Each dog must pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC),

They must have a temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog.

The test will also include the evaluation of the dog's behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).

Same wonderful library, new exciting name -

2008-01-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

At a recent dedication ceremony, the Southern York County Library was renamed the Paul Smith Library of Southern York County. Smith’s generous contribution of saleable land to the facility’s capital campaign resulted in a gift of more than one-half million dollars.

Paul Smith, a native York County businessman and World War II veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, started Paul L. Smith Builders in 1946. In Southern York County, Smith built the Southern Farms Development, Oakwood Manor, Eastwood Townhomes, a portion of Forest Lakes, Market Square Shopping Center, Freedom Hills, Slyder Estates, and Boundary Road Apartments, in addition to many private homes.

Friday Nights @ Your Library

2008-01-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

Starting March 7th - Friday Night at the Library!

Friday hours are to be extended! The Mason Dixon Public Library will be open to the public from Noon to 8:00 p.m., every Friday night.

This is terrific for weekend movie selection, and opportunity at research for school or personal interest, a nice place to meet other like-minded individuals, and a lovely facility!

Come check us out - lifelong learning and something for everyone @ your library.

Holiday Home Tour!

2007-11-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Collinsville Library will present a Holiday Home Tour featuring five decorated homes, a living nativity, refreshments, live Christmas music and much more on December 1, 2007 from 2:00 to 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 on December 1st. Theme baskets will be on display at the Collinsville Library for a silent auction from November 15th through December 1st. These baskets would make perfect gifts for the holidays!

Heading to College? Lifehacks just made it easier!

2007-08-15T11:43:00.000-04:00

Both Software for Starving Students and 10 great web tools for college students could make your college life quite a bit easier.

Brought to you from those wonderful folks at Lifehacker, you'll save money and have things you need for classes available at your fingertips. Save time, be more efficient, and get better grades with less wasted effort - what's not to like?

One Book, One Community

2007-07-26T12:09:00.000-04:00

Imagine - what if everyone in one community was reading the same book at the same time?

(no, we don't mean Harry Potter but we're enjoying that as well)

Just think - as with Harry Potter you'd stimulate dialogue. You could possibly meet new folks with similar interests. Libraries and communities could really build a core of like-minded people from diverse and exciting walks of life. You'd be one of the cool kids.

That's the whole purpose behind One Book One Community.

Launched in Seattle in 1998 with great success, the “One Book” concept has swept the nation, including such cities as Chicago, New York, Detroit, Philadelphia and Houston. In 2002, it hit Pennsylvania, and we've been going strong ever since. Folks that participate with us are Adams County Library System, Berks County Libraries , Cumberland County Library System, Dauphin County Library System, Library System of Lancaster County, Lebanon County Library System and the Perry County Libraries

So what is the book? Well, we're keeping it under wraps for now. You'll find out August 8th what the title is and all of the wonderful programs we have in store. To get an idea of what the books are like, here's a history of titles that were offered in York County.

2003 Tuesdays with Morrie
2004 Rocket Boys
2005 The White
2006 The Kite Runner
2007 ????

So keep your ears and eyes open; you'll read some awesome literature, there are many programs that will be available, and you'll be part of a movement that's sweeping the nation. What's not to like?

Your Opinion Matters!

2007-07-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

We'd like to understand your perception of libraries and your views on library funding - your input will help us, as we continue to identify ways to serve you better in the future.

We have a three minute survey (that's the most it'll take) we'd like people to fill out.

Please click here to tell us what you think.

Mysteries of York - postponed until the 18th of July!

2007-07-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

If you didn't register for this program, you'll likely want to go on the waiting list.
Due to imminent severe bad weather, (strange coincidence, hmmmmm?) this walking tour of York has been postponed.

Procrastinators: someone else's schedule conflict may be your ticket to this really neat event.

Explore some of the strange, the hidden, the unexplained, the mystical and the magical sides of Downtown York in this two-hour walking tour with historian Georg Sheets.

This two-hour tour, covering thirteen city blocks, begins and ends at Martin Library’s Market Street entrance. Participants will wend their way through forbidden spaces, over cracked sidewalks and behind ghostly monuments. The Tour blends history and folklore with mystery and wonderment. Wear sensible shoes and bring your camera, if you dare. Not for the faint of heart or the ill at ease.

Library: Martin Library
Contact: Allison Meckley
Contact Number: 846-5300 x 279

Mystery Faire!

2007-07-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

at 10:00, this Saturday, (July 14th) Summer Readers are all welcome at the Codorus State Park for FREE entertainment and more.

Highlights include Miss York County, Boone: The search Rescue Dog, and much, much more!

Join in the festivities as the York County Libraries gather at Codorus Park for some mysterious fun! Pack up your family and friends and stop by for FREE crafts, activities, presenters, storytellers, and more!

Grab a blanket or lawn chair; pack a picnic or buy your lunch at one of our vendors. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tell us what you think!

2007-06-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

If you have joined the Summer Reading Club, we're asking you what you think.

Now Adults can register themselves online (sorry teens and kids - for now it's still F2F for you)

Everyone can write a book review.

Adults, Teens, and Kids who write book review will see it appear on the website within a few days.

Not only that, but we're also interested in finding out what folks think about the events held at the different libraries.

Many libraries are offering prizes; your review is like a raffle ticket, and there are no limits to how often you may enter.

So... check and see what's happening at your library.

And remember - when it's hot you can come inside someplace cool and relax with a nice book.

RSS feeds of all event types and locations are here

Arrrrrrgh? Elllllllll Ooooooohhhhhh Elllllllll!

2007-06-18T16:24:00.000-04:00

Any teens (for the purposes of clarity, that's folks aged 13-18) who have a yen for things Piratey are invited to Pirate Movie Night at the Teen Forum of Martin Library.

This Wednesday night there will be two movies - Pirates of the Caribbean 1 & 2 - shown from 4-9 p.m.

There will be all kinds of snackage; poporn and soda will be provided free of charge, and candy machines are available for those who need sugary, chocolaty, or other tasty goodness.

Anyone who talks too loud, has their cell phone go off, or is disruptive to other viewers will be flogged and fed to the sharks.

For a quick preview of the two movies click here; in thirty seconds, and re-enacted by bunnies.

Graphic Novels - the new hotness!

2007-06-14T14:40:00.000-04:00

With 1004 distinct items in the Library System, we have a veritable treasure chest of Graphic Novels. We can't keep them on the shelf, they're the most rapidly-growing niche in publishing, and many are spawning a new renaissance in Hollywood. Good Stuff!

But wait - what is a Graphic Novel? You don't know?

Graphic novels are similar to comic books. Like comic books, they use sequential artwork to help tell a story. However, they are more likely to be stand-alone stories, and plot lines are more extended.

Some are collections of comics (Usagi Yojimbo) and some are books in their own right (Pride of Baghdad) . Still others have won prostigeous awards like the Xeric Award (Clan Apis) and one has even won the Pulitzer Prize (Maus)

Better to refer to them as a format (just as we do a book, magazine, audiobook, or movie) because they cover many genres; Cyberpunk, Horror, Romance, Fantasy and more.

Does this mean that these books are only for teens?
Not at all. Graphic Novels tend to be very appealing for all ages. (This includes the staff that develop this collection) The visual presentation, great character development, well-written plots, and escapism make this format of book very appealing.

Graphic Novels are all about Superheroes, right?

Actually, no...they’re not even all fiction.

Although we do have superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Spiderman, and Wolverine we also have other fiction and non-fiction books.

Here are a few examples:

Biography
· Pedro and Me
· The amazing true story of a Teenage Single Mom
. Persepolis

Horror
· Sandman
· Tapping the Vein
. Thirty Days of Night

Cyberpunk
· Heavy Liquid
· Channel Zero

Christian Fiction
· Left Behind
· Tribulation Force

Classics
· Moby Dick - Melville
· Remembrance of Things Past—Proust

Non-Fiction
· Cartoon Guide to Genetics
· Cartoon Guide to Physics
. Jack The Ripper

BEST OF ALL many are now coming to the big screen.

So if you're interested in this 'new' format, why not give them a try?
There are many terrific books out there, just waiting for you to discover them.

Summer Reading Kickoff - At the West Manchester Mall!

2007-06-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

Noon - 2 p.m. on Wednesday June 13th, please join the library and the Mall Kid's Club for this exciting kick-off event!

Zoo America will have live animals to see and there will be crafts and activities as well as an opportunity to sign up for the Summer Reading Club.

Visit us for this free event and have a blast. Win fabulous prizes! Take home some great giveaways and start a summer of fun!

Avoid the dreaded summer brain drain!

If you have any questions, please call 846-5300 x 242

Libraries: answering trivia and earnest questions since 1879

2007-06-08T10:23:00.000-04:00

If you're not familiar with this logo, you really need to aquaint yourself. This FREE service is FREELY available for FREE 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (except major holidays when the Librarians are FREE to do what they wish)

Now we know that you use Google. We're not even bitter about it, because we have a little secret; Google doesn't always have the answers. Sometimes, it even has the totally wrong answer altogether. And don't even get us started on Wikipedia.

So when you're looking at a bazillion wrong answers to what should be an easy question, and you're ready to throw things at the monitor, why not give us a try?

If you're questioning the value of something that's free, here's a suggestion; try out Ask Here PA. If you're pleased, but uneasy about something for nothing, why not write a check out to York County Libraries?

Or, cheerfully and happily keep your money, secure in the knowlege that you have a good answer.

Free!

somewhere, someone
really fell for this