Your Smart Card

Did you know that September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month? All month long, we are celebrating the smartest card in our wallets!

So what does this mean for you?

First, if you have lost your card, the usual $2 fee is waived all this month. Replace your card completely free, no questions asked!

Next, we've got a free gift for people that sign up for a card in September. A free gift besides the library card, that is! Spread the word to friends that you know don't have a card.

Receiving your library card is the first step in getting all kinds of information.

What will you do with your library card?

• Get an 'A' on your next assignment?
• Research your family tree?
• Get the latest bestseller?
• Try a new technology?
• Download magazines and books from home?
• Study a new language?
• See Sebastian Junger at the Cultural Center on October 3? (Get your free tickets at the main desk!)
• Connect with a helpful librarian?
• Learn to better manage your finances?
• Hear your favorite songs?

Endless opportunities await those who take advantage of their "smart card."

See you around the library,

Laura

On behalf of the ACL

Just Driving Along

We have some useful information to share with you!

Our director Leah Rudolph snagged some flyers while she was renewing her driver's license and shared them with me to post. This is good for our community to be aware of.

First, did you know you can upload your emergency contact info online so law enforcement can quickly reach someone "just in case"? You can use PennDOT's Emergency Contact Information System by going to www.dmv.state.pa.us and clicking on the Emergency Contact Upload icon. Enter the information in and submit! Call 1-800-932-4600 if you have questions.

Second, have you heard of Pennsylvania's Yellow Dot Program? According to the flyer, "placing a yellow dote in your vehicle's rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure that you receive the critical medical attention you need" (for instance, if you are a diabetic). To request a Yellow Dot kit, visit www.YellowDot.pa.gov.

This information could save lives! Spread the word.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Page to Screen

Did you watch the Academy Awards on Sunday night? It's an exciting evening of celebrities, gowns, entertainment, and awards. I enjoyed it until I fell asleep!

Did you know that eleven of the films represented through nominations are book adaptations? While you wait to check out the newest movies from the library, why not take a look at the books they're based on? I've only read five of them, but hearing about the movies makes me interested on the books they're based on. Here's a list:

The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Invention of Hugo Cabret (movie entitled Hugo) by Brian Selznick

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Moneyball by Michael Lewis

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John Le Carré

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Returning Your eBooks

If you're like a lot of our library patrons, you received an eReader for Christmas. Hopefully, you've been busy downloading titles for FREE from our online catalog.

Need a refresher? Here are links with instructions on how to download eBooks. These include NEW instructions for the iPad written up by our director, Leah Rudolph.

How to Download eBooks

How to Download eBooks for Kindle

How to Download eBooks for Apple devices.

You may check out eBooks for two weeks, but if you wish to return them early, follow the instructions below:

Apple device: 'Swish' across the book title to see the DELETE button pop up. You can choose to "Delete only" or "Return then delete."

Kindle: Log onto the Amazon website using your account info, then go into Manage Your Kindle. There, you may delete, return, or loan items on your Kindle.

Nook (or other devices that use Adobe Digital Editions): Open Adobe Digital Editions. Use the tiny arrow on the left-hand side of the book cover to find options to delete or return the book.

Happy reading!


Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Save the World!

Happy National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!

Today is the day to cut back, to save money, to help your environment.

Check out this online article from The Examiner for some helpful hints by clicking here: Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: 20 Tips to Save Energy & Money. Here are some of their ideas!

• Use energy-efficient fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Unplug items you're not using (if they're not in use but still plugged in, they're using energy!).
• Turn down your heat.
• Don't let the water run while you're brushing your teeth.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during cold weather.

Did you know that the library has a Kill A Watt Electricity Monitor, available for check out? Borrow it using your library card the next time you're in, and use it to find out with appliances are the "energy abusers" in your home. Monitor appliances in your home to find out how much they cost to run. Ask at the circulation desk!

Be mindful today of the energy you use. Turn lights off when you leave the room and don't waste electricity. It's good for the environment and good for your bank account!



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Shhhh!

Did you know that we have a quiet reading room?
As the name suggests, it's quiet. And it's for reading.

Aaand, you have to be over 18 to use it! So it's perfect for adults who are reading the daily paper or magazines, or college students studying for exams or writing papers.

The room is very peaceful and comfortable. The softest chairs in the library rest in this room! There are pictures on the wall and plants tended by our librarian with the greenest thumb, Teresa. In the corner sits a desk; perfect to set a laptop or notepad on.

Check it out the next time you're in. But remember, it's quiet! No tutors allowed in there. It's a peaceful spot in the middle of our busy library.

You can find it just past the Reader's Service desk when you walk into the library on your left.



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Snackin' On Healthy Food Is What We Like to Do!

Did you know that November is Good Nutrition Month? (Bonus points if you know where the title of this blog post is from...)

Ironic, isn't it? Considering we probably eat more "bad" food this month and next than any other time! Cream, butter, sugar, fat. Comfort food, holiday food, party food. Yum!

Enjoy your special seasonal food, but remember: everything in moderation! Fill up on fruits and vegetables first, and I'm not talking about the kinds swimming in sauces. Make smart choices, and you won't be regretting it later in January when you're writing out your New Year's resolutions...

Our children's librarian, Mary Ann McGrath, has set out a nutrition display in the Children's Area with several great books. Check it out with your kids next time you're in, so they'll be able to start making good food choices now.

And click here for Nutrition.gov, to learn about weight management, meal planning, calories, and more!

Books on Nutrition
Available in the Lackawanna County Library System

• How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? The Story of Food by Christine Butterworth
• Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan
• Start Fresh: Your Child's Jump Start to Lifelong Healthy Eating by Tyler Florence
• If It Makes You Healthy: More Than 100 Delicious Recipes Inspired by the Seasons by Sheryl Crow

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Get 'Em While They're Hot!

Have you noticed our 7 Day DVDs?

They're in a special section at the beginning of our DVDs - all marked with 7 Day stickers.

This means that:

• they're new!
• they're in high demand!
• they can't be placed on hold!
• they can't be renewed!
• first come, first serve!

So the next time you're in, head over and see what you can snag. There's nothing quite like the feeling of discovering a brand new DVD that you can take home for free right away. (And have you seen our 7 Day shelf for books, right next to our new book section? Same deal!)

Here're some new movies I've spotted recently on the 7 Day shelf:











Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Look Both Ways Before You Cross the Internet

Did you know that October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM)?

If you're reading this blog right now, chances are you're pretty proficient on the internet. But how careful are you? This month is a good reminder to watch what you do online. The internet can be dangerous to those who are unaware of how to protect themselves.

Staysafeonline.org has helpful information about NCSAM, including free printable documents like:
-Gaming Tips for Kids
-Internet Safety and Security Tips for College Students
-Mobile Safety Tips
-Internet Safety and Security Tips for Parents
-Social Networking Tips

Find their website by clicking here.

So this month, take a moment and make sure you're being safe online. Do you know what your kids are posting? Do you have older relatives who are just starting out online? Be aware of the dangers so you can truly enjoy the benefits of the internet.

Book Suggestions:

Cybersafe: Protecting and Empowering Kids in the Digital World of Texting, Gaming, and Social Media by Gwen Schurgin O'Keefe

Internet Censorship: Protecting Citizens or Trampling Freedom by Christine Zuchora-Walske

Cyber Ethics by Diane Bailey

The Dangers of Online Predators by Michael Sommers

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Did You Know... Library Events

Did you know that you can register for library events online?

The Abington Community Library offers free programs of all types for all ages. From story times for preschoolers to spontaneous debate for teens to art classes for adults, our events are chosen to best serve YOU!

Did you know we're offering a playwriting class for teens? That we have a monthly Game Night with Wii  for grades 4th-6th? That we're reading Atonement by Ian McEwan for our Afternoon Book Club this month?

Not only can you sign up for programs at our events table (directly to your left as you walk in the front doors), or by giving us a call, but you can also sign up online. Click on our website link on the left side of this blog, then "Library Events" on the list on the left at our website. Once there, scroll down to see what's going on this month, then hit "register" to confirm your attendance.

Take advantage of what your library has to offer, and check out an abundance of programs!