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

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

That's Write!

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month. This may seem like a lost art in the days of quick, misspelled online notes, but this is the month to revisit the practice!

When everything is emailed, texted, or tweeted, it's refreshing to receive something handwritten. It's true what your mother told you - a written thank-you note truly is appreciated. I always love getting a note penned by someone's familiar hand.

So who can you write a card or letter to this month? A website I found gives you several different ways to send a note to a U.S. military hero; give it a try by clicking here. Or why not write a note of appreciation to someone else in your life - family member, coworker, friend? I guarantee you'll be met with nothing but thankfulness, probably even happy surprise!

As you're practicing handwriting something other than a grocery list, check out these books available in the Lackawanna County Library System:

For Adults:

Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg: The Letters
Just a Note to Say: The Perfect Words for Every Occasion by Florence Isaacs
Yours Ever: People and Their Letters by Thomas Mallon

For Kids:

Courduroy Writes a Letter by Alison Inches
How to Write Letters and Emails by Celia Warren
Sincerely Yours: Writing Your Own Letter by Nancy Loewen

Happy Writing!
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

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