Watch the Magic

Thanksgiving is over, and do you know what that means?

Full speed ahead to Christmas!

One of the best parts for me about the holiday season is watching some of my favorite movies. And my all-time favorite Christmas movie is It's a Wonderful Life. I absolutely have to watch this every year. In black and white. I love Jimmy Stewart, and can practically quote the entire thing from memory. "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!"

I asked my coworkers and compiled a list of some of our favorite Christmas movies. All of these can be found through the Lackawanna County Library System!

Staff Christmas Movie Picks (in the order they were called out!)

It's a Wonderful Life
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Home Alone
The Christmas Card
Love Actually
Miracle on 34th Street
White Christmas
The Holiday
Holiday Inn
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Elf
A Christmas Story



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

You Really Need It! Really!

Why we ALWAYS need your library card:

Positive ID: Your library card identifies you as the person to whose account materials are being checked out. If we believe that the person presenting a library card is not the person named on the account, we reserve the right to request photo ID before checking materials out. We need to know it's really you!

Faster service: Scanning the barcode on your library card is much faster than asking a librarian to type in your name or account number.

Fewer mistakes: Many patrons in the Lackawanna County Library System have the same or similar names. If we search for accounts by number instead of name, mistakes are reduced!

"But you know me!": Some desk staff may recognize you and some may not. It's not realistic or fair to expect all staff to recognize all library patrons. When you go to a supermarket, department store, or a government office you are expected to bring your driver's license or photo ID. It makes sense to have the same expectations for the library.

IF you lose your library card: Present some form of ID at the desk to purchase a replacement card for $2. A photo ID is preferred. If you are underage and don't have ID, a parent must be present.

IF your card is stolen or if you think someone else is using it, call us and we will block your account until you can come in with your ID to buy a new card with a different account number.

We require cards because we believe that is the safest, fairest, and most effective policy. Thanks for your understanding and help in keeping everything running smoothly here at the library.

Abington Community Library Staff

Tell Me a Ghost Story!

Looking for some spooky stories? Look no further than your local library!

Read these stories alone in a dark house during a storm... or at a Halloween party with a group of friends you're trying to scare!

Each of these books may be found in the Lackawanna County Library System. Call us at 570-587-3440 to reserve your copy.

For Adults:
The Best Ghost Stories Ever Told by Stephen Brennan
Campfire Tales: Ghoulies, Ghosties, and Long-Legged Beasties by William Forgey
Jim Harold's Campfire: True Ghost Stories by Jim Harold
Trucker Ghost Stories by Annie Wilder

For Kids
Ghost Hunt: Chilling Tales of the Search for the Unseen by Jason Hawes
Ghost Stories by Michelle Wells
Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies, and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar


Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Holiday Shopping at Your Library

That's right, our Holiday Marketplace is coming up! We look forward to this all year as a fun day to get into the holiday spirit, shop unique homemade crafts, and raise money for the library.

A variety of vendors will be set up around the library on November 10, from 10am until 4pm. Not only can you stop by and pick up your library books, you can also get started on your holiday shopping.

In previous years, we've had vendors bring their homemade scarves, clothing, jewelry, soaps, candy, wooden items, and more! It's always a busy but enjoyable day here at the library. (Also, not a good day to come and study...the environment is not so quiet here then!)

If you've been to the library recently, I'm sure you've noticed our gift basket raffle. Local businesses have donated beautiful baskets full of gift certificates and other fun prizes. All the money raised will support the library. Stop by and pick up some tickets - 2 for $1, 12 for $5, and 25 for $10.

We are also raffling off an American Girl doll, McKenna. She's a gymnast! Her tickets are 1 for $2 and 3 for $5.

Mark your calendars for the main event, and I'll see you around the library.



On behalf of the ACL
Laura

Come One, Come All to Our Fabulous Fall Book Sale!

It's one of the most exciting days of the year!

Well, for the library. And for book lovers!

This Saturday, October 13, is our annual Fall Book Sale, organized by the Friends of the Abington Community Library. People come from miles around (literally. they do.) to check out the enormous variety we have at our sale.

Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available for purchase. All proceeds benefit your library!

The book sale is located across the street from the library at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church. There is often a line at the door when they open at 9 in the morning!

If you're not a Friends member, you may join at the door on Friday night, October 12 in time for the Friends Preview Sale from 5-6:30pm.

Thanks to all of you who donated material throughout the year. Your donations are making a difference.

Check the Abington Journal's coverage of this event!
http://theabingtonjournal.com/stories/Friends-plan-Book-Sale-Oct-13,215268?search_filter=abington+community+library&town_id=2&sub_type=stories



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Subscribe to the Journal & Support Your Library!

The Abington Journal is a weekly community newspaper covering the Abington areas of Lackawanna and Wyoming county. It's full of local news, sports, celebrations, and happenings that you won't want to miss.

If you get a subscription to the Abington Journal through the library before October 1, you'll be participating in a fundraiser for the library!

Fill out a form at the circulation desk before the end of September to participate. You may purchase a 1-year subscription for $20 or a 2-year for $35. The library will receive $10 for each 1-year and $15 for each 2-year.

Thanks for your support, and thanks to the Abington Journal!



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Pirates, Hobbits, and Texting

Yesterday marked three important events, so I wanted to cover each of them in the blog!

First, September 19 was Talk Like a Pirate Day. Did you see it circulating Facebook? And if you were anywhere near Krispy Kreme, you probably saw several pirates in line for free donuts! If you'd like to learn to talk like a pirate, check out our Mango Languages program, free through the library. Click the link on our website and enter in your library card to learn dozens of languages, including Pirate, through interactive learning tools.

Second, September 19 was Hobbit Day. All week we're celebrating Tolkien Week and the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit! Yesterday was Hobbit Day because it is both Frodo and Bilbo Baggins's birthday. It is especially exciting this year due to the fact that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is premiering in theaters in December. So check out Tolkien's books here at the library, as well as the Lord of the Rings trilogy on dvd. Go on an adventure in Middle Earth!

Third, September 19 was No Text on Board Pledge Day. People were encouraged by AT&T to NOT text and drive, and to commit by signing an online pledge. You can still do that by going to itcanwait.com.



Whew! That's a lot for one day! Hope you are enjoying this beautiful fallish week. See you around the library!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

September 11, 2001

Recommendations from the Lackawanna County Library System collection:

102 Minutes that Changed America (dvd)

9/11: The World Speaks by Tribute WTC Visitor Center

After the Fall: New Yorkers Remember September 2001 and the Years that Followed by Mary Marshall Clark

Days That Changed the World by Hywel Williams

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (dvd)

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson

Tower Stories: An Oral History of 9/11 by Damon DiMarco

The Woman Who Wasn't There: The True Story of an Incredible Deception by Robin Gaby Fisher

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Oktoberfest at the Library!

Celebrate Oktoberfest at your library with a fundraiser you won't want to miss...

Join us on Sunday, October 7, from 6 to 8pm for an autumn evening of fun, frivolity, and food!

Experience the flavors of Germany, featuring a specialty Munich brew from Banko North Inc. We're serving up grilled bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, homemade desserts, and more.

Advance ticket sales only! Purchase your ticket before October 1 at our circulation desk.

$20 per person; for adults 21 years of age and over.

All proceeds will benefit the Abington Community Library.

See you there!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Not eNOUGH!

Did you know that many publishers refuse to sell eBooks to libraries?

That libraries have to pay as much as five times more than consumers for eBooks to circulate in the library system?

That, because of the complications of eBooks, the relationship between libraries and publishers has drastically changed for the worse?

The New Jersey Library Association states, "When it comes to eBooks, there's NOT eNOUGH!" They have started a campaign of awareness for their patrons, letting them know why so many books aren't available on eBook through their local libraries.

Check out their campaign here: http://savemynjlibrary.org/notenoughebooks/

Though our library is in Pennsylvania, we have the same concerns. Our desire is to make eBook content available to you, but complications prevent us from doing this very easily.

The New Jersey Library Association website for this campaign, provided above, gives more specific information on publishers that limit libraries' use of their eBooks. They also give addresses for a letter-writing campaign.

You can make a difference!

Why Support Your Local Library?

If you're reading this blog, you're already supporting your library! And hopefully we see you around our building as well. We so appreciate our friends who care understand the importance of libraries and realize their value.

Statestats created an awesome graphic that shows just how important your local library is. Why should you support it? Why should your friends support it? Well, check it out!

Find the original site here, and share wherever you can to get the word out!

FIND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU

FIND YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
INFORMATION INTEGRATED
WITH GOOGLE MAPS

DATA SOURCE: IMLS

Sources:

• ALA Library Fact Sheet
• Bureau of Labor Statistics - Data
• Bureau of Economic Analysis
• Northwestern University Libraries information
• MIT Library Data
• Institute of Museum and Library Services
• Census.gov - Public Libraries in the U.S. 2009
• ALA - Funding Technology Access Study
• Volunteer Match - Engaging Volunteers
• Pew Internet - Libraries, patrons & ebooks

• ALA Quotable Facts - American Libraries
• Harrison County Library - Facts and Figures
• Stanford University - Library Facts
• Library of Congress - Fascinating Facts
• Libraries for Real Life
• Houston Library - Facts
• Library Journal - Annual Library Budgets Survey
• ALA - State of American Libraries Report - 2012
• NationalService.gov - Benefits of Volunteering
• ALA - Library Operating Expenditures

Thank you to StateStats.org
for providing this infographic and other free web guides and tools.

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

School Days

Sure, the kids are going back to school before long. But how about the adults?

If you're interested in taking some classes and learning something new, why not check out the Abington Area Community Classroom? Local classes taught by local experienced teachers. What could be better?

Learn a new language, cooking style, or dance! Go solo or take some friends.

Here are a few examples of classes:

Digital Scrapbooking
Tae Kwon Do
Ballroom Dancing
Fall Comfort Foods
How to Get Published
Silk Scarf Art

Depending on which class you choose, you will have to pay a fee (different amounts). Classes have varying registration deadlines and meeting times. Look for the brochures on top of our magazine shelves for more information, or check out their website at www.aacclass.org.

The Community Classroom is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of what our community has to offer. You might be surprised at what you find!



Laura
Oh behalf of the ACL

The French Chef

Do you like to cook? Do you like to work in the kitchen, diligently sweating over pots on the stove before triumphantly laying out a delicious meal for the ones you love? I do; I do!

Tomorrow is what would have been Julia Child's 100th birthday. Happy Birthday, Julia Child!

She inspired millions of people to cook, to enjoy creating food. She showed viewers of her show that, with a little work, they too could enjoy French cuisine. She told people that if she could do it, so could they!

I love to work in the kitchen. Everything from buying ingredients to cutting vegetables to reading recipes to making up a few things along the way. Nothing beats the satisfaction gained from making a good meal. Forget the microwave, boxed mixes, and convenience meals. Follow Julia's example and have a little confidence in yourself.

Also...check out what the library has to offer!

Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz

Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking by Julia Child

Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

My Life in France by Julia Child



"Bon appétit!"

On behalf of the ACL
Laura

You're Just Write for Us!

Kids, teens, and adults of all ages: You are invited to be guest writers here on Overheard in the Stacks, Abington Community Library's official blog!

That's right; we want to hear from you. Are you a creative writer? Do you want to review your favorite movie? Have you heard any good music lately? Do you want to share a story or a recipe from a library cookbook?

Write a review, be creative, and even submit pictures! Send us what you would like to share online with your library community.

Send your submission in the body of an email (no attachments, please) to ryonroom@gmail.com. Or, submit it in written form at the circulation desk. Let us know if you would like us to use your entire name, first name only, or leave you anonymous. The maximum length is 400 words.

All submissions may be subject to editing as needed. The library reserves the right to choose which posts will be published; there is no guarantee your submission will be chosen. Written work will not be returned.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

London 2012

The Olympics begin today in London with the Opening Ceremony.



Will you be watching?

I watched some of the Olympic trials a couple weeks ago and was astounded at the strength and determination of the athletes. It is simply amazing the types of physical feats competitors will be attempting from around the world. For the gold!

Do you have a favorite event to watch? Swimming? Gymnastics? Table Tennis?

I'm going to catch what I can. No matter what I watch, I'm hoping to see some real "Olympic moments." Something inspiring! Underdogs! People who have overcome enormous obstacles!

Check out the official Olympics website here, http://www.london2012.com/, then check out some Olympic books from the library!

For Adults:
Dream Team: How Michael, Magic, Larry, Charles, and the Greatest Team of All Time Conquered the World and Changed the Game of Basketball Forever by Jack McCallum (nonfiction)
Off Balance: A Memoir by Dominique Moceanu (nonfiction)
Private Games by James Patterson (fiction)

For Kids:
Great Olympic Moments by Michael Hurley (nonfiction)
Olympig! by Victoria Jamieson (fiction)
The World of Olympics by Nick Hunter (nonfiction)

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

I Scream, You Scream!

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month?

There are few things I enjoy more than a perfect scoop of ice cream. And not just in July, either. I don't mind if my whole head goes numb; ice cream in the dead of winter is still enjoyable.

But it's especially delightful in these warm summer months. Cool, refreshing, delicous. What's your favorite flavor? Do you prefer your ice cream in a cone or covered with toppings in a bowl?

Mmm. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Go out and get yourself some ice cream, already! And, check out these books available through the library system:

Ice Cream Treats: Easy Ways to Transform Your Favorite Ice Cream Into Spectacular Desserts by Charity Ferreira

A Passion for Ice Cream: 95 Recipes for Fabulous Desserts by Emily Luchetti

Serendipity Sundaes: Ice Cream Constructions and Frozen Concoctions by Stephen Bruce

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book by Bruce Weinstein

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Tell Us Your Story

Hurricane Diane devastated the area in August 1995. Were you here? Do you have photos and stories to share?



The Lackawanna Valley Digital Archives has begun a project to document the history of this event. They are looking for volunteers to share what they have of the hurricane and flood.

If you have photos, they are able to scan them and then return them to you. If you have stories, they will also be compiling video histories.

Check out the Lackawanna Digital Archives website: http://www.lackawannadigitalarchives.org

For more information, contact Martina Soden, Assistant Head of Reference at the Albright Memorial Library. Her number is 348-3000, ext. 3008.

Also take a look at their poster on the bulletin board the next time you're here at the library.

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Check Us Out!

Have you been to our website recently?

It's been given a facelift to make it more intuitive for our patrons to use.

Information is organized in menus on the right. You can go straight to what you need. Whether you're a child, a teen, or an adult, you can know where to go!

If you're looking for online resources, events, or newsletters, you'll get there quick!

Try it out today.

Also, will you consider taking a quick survey to let us know how easily you're able to maneuver around our website? Click here to do that right now.



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Write It Down!

I just love a good diary!

I love to look into someone's thoughts in an organized fashion. Day-by-day accounts. My favorite real diary would of course have to be Anne Frank's. How could she know that years later her thoughts would be read by millions of people?



When it comes to fiction, I grew up on Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries series. I loved Mia's voice in these books; I laughed my way through her embarassing moments.



My book display for this month at the library is on Diaries, Journals, and Letters. I wandered through the stacks and picked out some really unique reads. In fact, I got a bit distracted finding a Hiroshima diary by a Japanese physician, Sylvia Plath's journals, the letters between Abigail and John Adams, and an Iraqi girl's blog. Also, did you know that the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker is written in diary form?

The next time you're in the library, check out July's display, located right next to the dvd section.

Here are a few more titles in this display:

Fiction:
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson
L8r, G8r by Lauren Myracle

NonFiction:
This Day in the Life: Diaries from Women Across America
Tiananmen Diary: Thirteen Days in June by Harrison Evans Salisbury
War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars edited by Andrew Carroll

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Forgotten.

Yesterday was "I Forgot" Day.

Anything you've forgotten recently?

What an excellent time to remind you all of our library fines!

To avoid an awkward library experience, keep track of your checked-out materials' due dates. When you get a slip at the check-out counter, keep it. Stick it on your fridge, on your book, on your forehead...whatever works.

Remember, everything you check out at the library is absolutely FREE. Unless it's late.

When you check out books, CDs, and talking books, you've got two weeks. If no one else has a hold on them, you may renew two more times, for two more weeks each time.

DVDs may be checked out for one week and renewed one more time for an additional week. The exception is 7-day items that may only be checked out for one week with no renewals. And magazines can't be renewed at all.

If you lose your slip, or your dog eats it, and you accidentally keep your items too long, you'll have some fines. Books/CDs/talking books are $0.25 a day and movies are $1 a day. For adult and children's material.



So don't forget!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

It's For You!

Sometimes if feels like, no matter where you go, cell phones are eternally going off.

The library is no exception.



Whether it's a current pop song, a voice recording, or a strange noise (Is that a train whistle??), it seems that someone's phone is always ringing.

Did you know that we do allow cell phone usage in the library? It's true. We do not forbid people to talk on their phones in the library. HOWEVER...

• Do make sure you are considerate of the people around you. Talk at the same volume level as you would to someone sitting next to you. Quietly, since this is, after all, a library...
• Don't have passionate, emotional conversations in the library! Everyone can hear you, and you will probably get louder and louder without realizing it.
• Do "hide away." Find a corner or a nook so you don't disturb others. Perhaps away from the computers and study groups. We are a decent-sized library, so chances are you can find a place to chat in peace.
• Don't go into our quiet reading room to have a cell phone conversation. It's called a quiet reading room for a reason. We keep it set apart from meetings, kids, and conversations so people who want serious quiet at the library may have it.

If you get too carried away, you may be asked to hang out in the lobby to finish your conversation. That way, you'll have an open area behind closed doors and out of the elements. We only ask that you consider other patrons, as well as library staff. We really don't want to have to come up and ask you to keep it down!

So chat away...conscienciously.

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

June 26, 1997: A Magical Day

The summer is an excellent time to get a lot of reading done.

I always love to do a lot of reading. But I find that, especially in the summer, I love to reread some old favorites. And my absolute favorite is Harry Potter.



On this day in 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published in the UK. J.K. Rowling would go on to write six more books in the Harry Potter series, each one more popular than the last.

Why not try out Harry Potter this summer? For the first time, or for the second time, or for the seventh time? Read the books, watch the movies, listen to the audio books on long car trips. Go on a fantastical adventure to Hogwarts with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Immerse yourself in the excellent writing, fascinating characters, and pure magic of the series.

And best of all, you can check everything out from your local library! Here's a list of the seven Harry Potter books (and movies!):

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher's, if you're in the UK!)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (movies include Part 1 and Part 2)

Happy reading!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Shhh! It's a Secret!

Did you know about our secret garden?

It's in a hidden area by the library building. You can only find it if you know it's there.

If you're standing at the library entrance, turn left and walk down the side of the building until you can peek through and see this cozy little garden. Walk on the stepping stones to reach it.

What a lovely area to sit on a bench and enjoy the bubbling water! Read a book, chat with a friend, enjoy the shady outdoors.

There are some days where you just HAVE to be outside. And this "secret" garden is the perfect place to relax.

Laura

On behalf of the ACL



And Would You Like a Thumbtack?

Unless you are exTREMely focused when you walk into the library (and some people are, judging by how many walk in and then ask where the bathrooms are), you've probably noticed our bulletin boards.

They look like this:

 

Except you'll have to turn your head to the right because for some reason, this picture refuses to stay turned for me! I decided not to spend more than ten minutes trying to fix it. So just humor me.

Anyway, you can't see the other side of the board, but we do have a right side. Both the left and the ride sides of the boards are for ads such as babysitting, lawn service, tutoring, or car sales. Anything that requires money. The center of the board is reserved for non-profit events and services, like free concerts, library programs, and free kittens!

Be sure that, before you hang something on our bulletin board, you ask someone at the circulation desk to sign and date it for you. We remove postings after a month. And anything that hasn't been approved and signed will be removed as well.

Also, we have a smaller board there where you may hang up business cards.

I would recommend coming on in to the library to see the bulletin board for yourself, whether to hang something out or check out what's happening in your community. You'll probably also want to get a better look than this blurry, small, sideways picture I have so carefully posted.

On behalf of the ACL,

Laura

In the Good Old Summertime

School must be out, because we have a lot of fresh faces around the library these days. College kids home for the summer, kids registering for summer reading, and moms looking for a beach read!

Everyone knows about our children's summer reading program of course, but did you know we also have programs for teens and adults?

Teens and adults both have the chance to win a Kindle Touch (one for a teen, one for an adult), and all they have to do is fill out one quick rate slip per book read. Read it, rate it, turn in your slip, and help us get our highest number of participators yet! Check out the table in the picture below, then stop by it the next time you're in the library.



Also, look at our adult and teen programming, all advertised on the table and board to the left of the door when you enter the library. For teens... cooking classes, playwriting sessions, and a photography workshop will bring out your creative side. For adults... lectures, book clubs, and painting classes will keep you engaged at your library.



And of course, we have LOTS going on for kids. Register in the children's library and you'll receive a passport to visit various participating attractions in the area. You can keep track of books in a reading log, enter coloring contests, and earn points for prizes! Sign up for all kinds of programs, too, like game nights, story times, Lego club, and more.

Hope to see you around the library this summer!

Guest Post: 22 Britannia Road

Recently, I climbed into my mother’s silver Ford mini-van and embarked on a road-trip of sorts.  Really anything that is over twenty miles constitutes a road-trip to me, but that is beside the point. The looming three and a half hour drive seemed utterly daunting. Would I really be alone with only my thoughts and two yellow lines for that long? Horrors. Thankfully, the library provided some welcomed relief and distraction.

Roaming the colorful stacks proved a comforting and welcomed task as I put the drive out of my mind and concentrated on choosing the perfect book on CD to accompany me on my trip. As the only other voice in the van with me, it was vital that I chose wisely. Finally, I found it: 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson. I, as an Anglofile, tend to gravitate towards anything that will let me walk the streets of my lovely London again, even if only in my head, and this book promised to let me do just that.

The premise of the plot centers on a family during World War II torn apart and later reunited, trying to repair the fragments of time and distance and reacquaint themselves with each other. Both husband and wife have wartime secrets hidden from each other, and a son loyal to his mother and wary of his father. The story unfolds from each of their perspectives and during multiple time periods—before the war, during, and the rocky after-years.

As I drove through Pennsylvania and into the familiarity of New York, I found myself equally transported to Poland and England, 1940. My heart was in my throat as the family awkwardly met up in Victoria Station, and later as their son ran truant from school. I clenched my jaw as husband and wife tried to establish a new routine, and as foreign life overwhelmed the family.

The arrival at my destination left me halfway through the story and wanting more. As I climbed out of my van and stretched my legs, I almost wanted to get back in so I could finish the story of Janusz, his wife Silvana, and their shifty child Oreck.  Almost.

So, final word: check out 22 Britannia Road and see if this family can reconcile themselves and start afresh in England.

Cheers, readers!

Renee

On behalf of the ACL

A Busy World

Happy Birthday, Richard Scarry! (1919-1994). This children's author and illustrator published over 300 books, many of them translated into multiple languages.



I have some very happy memories of watching Richard Scarry videos when I was little. Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat, and Hilda Hippo were just some of the fun characters created by this author.



Richard Scarry's most famous books are about the animals that live in Busytown. These stories are the ones the tv series, The Busy World of Richard Scarry, was based on.

Celebrate the works of this author today by checking out some of the kids' books and dvds available through the Lackawanna County Library System:

Dvds:
Busytown Mysteries: Pickle of a Pickle in Busytown
Hooray for Huckle: Zooming Around Busytown
Richard Scarry's Best Busy People Video Ever!

Books:
The Best Mistake Ever! And Other Stories
Mr. Frumble's New Cars
Pie Rats, Ahoy!
A Summer Picnic

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Louder, Kids!

We don't get too bothered by noise here at the library.

We have live music on Second Saturdays, we talk above a whisper, we let study groups meet around the library...

and we especially like kid noise.

Adults are quieter about their satisfaction with the library. They say please and thank you, they smile, they stroll through the stacks.

Kids, on the other hand, will EXPRESS their appreciation for the library. I love to stand at the desk and watch kids dashing by on their way to the children's library. They call out things like "Story time!" "Trains!" "Spiderman!". They rarely whisper. They throw themselves on the floor enthusiastically to see the lowest shelf. They pull books off shelves hungrily until they have a stack they can barely lift. They giggle, they shout, they ask questions.

Now here are some people who really enjoy the library! This is what it's here for: to make you smile with satisfaction when you find just what you were looking for. Or perhaps stumble upon something you never knew you needed.

So be patient with loud kids in the library. We want this to be a place that builds them up, not shuts them up.



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Mango is Delicious

What are your summer plans? Vacation? Relaxation? Barbecues, picnics, hikes?

For some, summer means learning something new. Like a language!

If you're going to a different country over the summer, or just want to pick up some phrases in a new language, the library is the place for you.

Not only do we have books and sound recordings to help you, but we also have a brand new language program available online.

It's called Mango Languages, and it's fun, easy-to-use, and FREE!

All you need to do is go to our website and click on the Mango link on the left side of the page. (You might have to scroll down a smidge to see it.) You'll then open up an account using your library card, email address, and a password. After getting an email confirmation, your account is open and you have access to over 40 different languages.

Choose one, and begin sessions that will walk you through words, phrases, and sentences. Repeat after the computer and improve your accent. There's even a "Translate" section where you can immediately get just the word you're looking for. Not only will you learn grammar and vocabulary, you'll learn how to communicate in practical situations.

Go on and give it a try! Get started with Mandarin, Italian, French, Hebrew...even Norwegian, Vietnamese, and Pirate. That's right, Pirate. You curious yet?



On behalf of the ACL,
Laura

Elementary, My Dear Watson

Happy Birthday to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, born this day in 1859! (Click here for a more detailed biography.)



He is, of course, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, detective extraordinaire. Arguably the most famous detective who never lived, Sherlock Holmes is the star of stories such as The Hound of the Baskervilles (novel),  "The Speckled Band," and "The Red-Headed League" (short stories).

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle shaped the way the classic detective novel was written, and Sherlock Holmes was his greatest creation. Movies and tv shows are still being produced and enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson.

In honor of Doyle's birthday today, check out some great mystery stories below, available for borrowing through the Lackawanna County Library System. As always, feel free to ask for guidance the next time you're in the library. We'll show you the mystery section and recommend some of our favorite latest reads.

Body Double by Tess Gerritsen

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It's a quiet morning here at the library. Once in a while a damp patron will drift in, water dripping off a raincoat or umbrella making a trail through the library.

I heard it's supposed to rain all day. Should be quiet here all day, then. Who wants to leave the house on such a day?

I love the rain when I'm inside. As long as I don't have to be out in it, I love to listen to it. Especially at the library. The big windows in the back of the office provide a lovely view of the hillside leading up to Fidelity Bank. The rain is coming down in a curtain now, and it's soothing watching it when you're safe and warm inside. If I go in the children's library, the rain sounds really cool on the roof.

If you do come visit us today...did you know we have puzzles to work on? A rainy day just calls for puzzles, don't you think? In the Young Adult area, on the bottom shelves, we have several puzzles to work on. Start it and leave it for others to do, too!

You may not make it to the library today. But the next time you're in, take a look at some of our "rainy" materials. And Happy Rainy Tuesday to you!

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (Adult Fiction, this month's Afternoon Book Club book. I just finished it and it was simply brilliant.)

Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld (Children's picture book. We read it in Story Time Teens last month and it's super cute.)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Children's dvd, based on the book by Judi Barrett.)

Scholastic's The Magic School Bus: Wet All Over by Patricia Relf (Children's book on the water cycle.)

Singin' in the Rain (Adult dvd...it's a Gene Kelly classic!)

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

First Lines

Here's something fun to do on this gloomy, rainy, Tuesday. Check out some first lines of well-known novels down below. Can you guess where they came from?

It you'd like, identify one or two in the comment section. Good luck!

"It was a pleasure to burn."

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."

"Call me Ishmael."

"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."

"There was no possibility of taking a walk that day."

"Marley was dead: to begin with."

"Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy."

"On Friday, 12th June, I woke up at six o'clock and no wonder; it was my birthday."

"To the red country and part of the grey country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth."

"Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn, New York."

"'Tom! No answer. Tom! No answer. What's gone with that boy, I wonder?'"

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Happy Birthday, Harry!

Well, he was born as Harry Lillis Crosby, but we know him as Bing Crosby! He was born on this day, May 3, in 1903. He started out singing, then become a movie star. His mellow singing style made him one of the most successful entertainers of his day.



When I think of Bing Crosby, I think of White Christmas. His version of the song calls to mind a nostalgic Christmas, and always makes me happy. And the movie White Christmas is on my list of top 5 Christmas movies. There's nothing like an old musical! His voice is so relaxing and soothing; I just love to hear it.

We have several Bing Crosby movies, CDs, and books in the Lackawanna Library System; check out a few the next time you're in:

DVDs:
Going My Way
High Society
Holiday Inn
Robin and the 7 Hoods
White Christmas

CDs:
Bing's Gold Records
Bing Crosby's Greatest Hits
Christmas Jump & Jive: Songs That Won the War
It's Christmas Time

Books:
Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams by Gary Giddins
Bing Crosby: The Hollow Man by Donald Shepherd

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

We Have a DVD for That

We have a collection in the library that is often overlooked, though it has great value.

It's the non-feature films. The biographies, the how-tos, the exercise dvds. Though they are ignored because they are not popular movies, don't pass them by! You never know what you'll find over in the non-fiction dvds.

First, where are they? Well, walk through the library past the circulation desk towards the entrance to the children's library. Before you enter the children's library, look to the right. There are the non-fiction dvds! They are marked with a blue sticker, as opposed to the red sticker marking the feature films.

They follow the dewey decimal system, same as non-fiction books. So look in the 500's for nature films, the 600's for yoga workouts, the 700's for sports instruction, and so on.

Give it a try! Learn something new! Get help with something, such as wedding planning or improving your golf swing.

Here are some of my favorites, and where to find them:

America the Beautiful, 791.6 America. documentary on the ugly truth behind the fashion and beauty industries.

Colonial House, 974.102 Colonial. PBS historical reality show tells the story of modern people going back in time to live in the 1600s.



The Eleanor Roosevelt Story, 92 Roosevelt. biography.

Elle Glam Fitness: Total Toning Workout, 613.712 Elle. Easy-to-follow yet challenging exercise routines.

Martha's Summer Favorites, 392.37 Martha. Martha Stewart teaches viewers how to prepare summer dishes and be creative with projects.

Paperclips, 940.5318 Paper. Documentary on students who collected paperclips to memorialize the victims of the Holocaust.

Happy watching!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

World Book Night USA

Yesterday was World Book Night! I applied months ago to be a World Book Night "Giver," and I was thrilled to be sent 20 copies of The Hunger Games to distribute here at the library.

Here's what WBN's website said about the event:















World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading and books. It will see tens of thousands of people go out into their communities to spread the joy and love of reading by giving out free World Book Night paperbacks. World Book Night, through social media and traditional publicity, will also promote the value of reading, of printed books, and of bookstores and libraries to everyone year-round. Successfully launched in the U.K. in 2011, World Book Night will also be celebrated in the U.S. in 2012, with news of more countries to come in future years.

What a neat idea! I feel lucky to have been a part of such a special day. I received my box of books about a week ago, and could hardly wait for the day to arrive.















All afternoon and evening yesterday I gave out copies of The Hunger Games to people who weren't getting books at the library. One of World Book Night's main goals was to give books to non-readers, so that's who I looked for.

I gave books to high schoolers working on a project, guys checking out movies (no books!), knitters, even one to a teacher to keep in his classroom.

People were surprised to get a free book (that they could keep! As opposed to free library books...), and I shared a little bit of my love for the series. Hopefully the people who received free books yesterday around the country will discover (or rediscover) a love for reading.

Around 50,000 volunteers distributed books yesterday all over the country. In subways, in stores, on street corners... 30 different titles were given away by people passionate about reading. Check out the list below and pick one up the next time you're in the library!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

Blood Work by Michael Connelly

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton

The Stand by Stephen King

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

May We Never Forget

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah. This morning, a siren sounded throughout Israel for two minutes; all paused in memory of the six million Jews murdered.

Fewer Holocaust survivors are around each year to help us remember. These survivors believe in the importance of educating younger generations on the tragedy. We must learn from the lessons of the past in order to avoid making the same mistakes.

So take a moment and remember today. Read and learn; teach your children. May we never forget.

Annexed by Sharon Dogar (Young Adult Fiction)

Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust (Adult Non-Fiction Film)

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin (Children's Non-Fiction)

It Happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust by Elizabeth Bettina (Adult Non-Fiction)

The Long Road Home: The Aftermath of the Second World War by Ben Shephard (Adult Non-Fiction)

Remembering Survival: Inside a Nazi Slave-Labor Camp by Christopher R. Browning (Adult Non-Fiction)

I Belong At the Library Because...

I hope you were able to stop by and see us at the library last week; it was National Library Week! The display board I put up at the beginning of the week, entitled "I Belong at the Library Because..." got a lot of responses! Thanks to everyone who participated and answered with their reasons of why they belong at their library.



We got almost a hundred responses. I collected all the sticky notes and pulled out some of my favorites to share on this blog. Enjoy!

• "The library makes me feel at home."
• "Good value for tax dollars spent."
• "I love the library! Books are my life!"
• "The librarians are so nice and I love to read."
• "God's gift to humanity is a great library with terrific librarians. Thanks so much for all you do."
• "I love books, Scrabble group, everything about the library."
• "Haven for nerds like me. :)"
• "I like butterfly books."
• "I am a teacher, and the library is my greatest resource!"
• "I love books and playing with the train table."
• "I like to read and the librarians are so so so awesome and nice and cool all at the same time!"
• "Good dvd selection, book sales by Friends, use copy machine, research."
• "It is a good place for homework and free time."
• "When I get home after a trip to the library, I feel like I've been on a shopping spree... sometimes I even pick things out for family members in addition to myself...and it's free! Thank you!"
• "Reading is simply the best way to spend time."
• "I love playing with the kids who come here."
• "I love picking out books and tapes. I also love story time!"
• "They are very helpful for an 81-year-old lady."
• "I love horse books."
• "Wow! Friendly, fun, kind to people who need more information! Great."

How encouraging to see people enjoying their community library! Thanks to YOU for making this the best place ever to work. We all belong at our library.

Want to write some more about why the library is important to you? Write an essay for the chance to win a NOOK Color in a county-wide library contest. Click here for more information.

On behalf of the ACL,
Laura

The Sinking of the Titanic

This weekend marks 100 years since the Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk, killing over 1,500 passengers. Needless to say, the Titanic has been in the news a lot lately. There are memorial services, special events, articles, even a memorial cruise! (I'd stay away from that one, personally.)

Many new books about the Titanic have come out this year, taking advantage of the big anniversary. I've been reading through quite a few as they pass through the library. The survivors' accounts are fascinating, and the story is of course horrifying yet engrossing. As a history lover, I'm always interested in learning more about our past, and there's something about the Titanic's sinking that makes people want to read more. This may be in part because of the well-known film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet!

Mrs. McGrath, our children's librarian, recently held a children's program all about the Titanic and its history. And on Saturday, April 14 from 3:30-4:30, Nancy Burke will lead a program for kids in grades 4-6. In it, kids will be able to take a closer look at icebergs, learn about some passengers, and enjoy games and snacks from 1912. There's still some room left, so call us at 570-587-3440 to register.

Also, check out some new Titanic books available through the Lackawanna County Library System:

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott (fiction)

Kaspar the Titanic Cat by Michael Morpurgo (childrens)

Can You Survive the Titanic? An Interactive Survival Adventure by Allison Lassieur (childrens)

How to Survive the Titanic: The Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay by Frances Wilson (adult nonfiction)

Titanic 100 Years Later: The Epic Disaster Remembered - In Words and Pictures (adult nonfiction)

Shadows of the Titanic: The Extraordinary Stories of Those Who Survived by Andrew Wilson (adult nonfiction)