AT YOUR SERVICE

Reader's Advisory

2011-08-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a librarian's job is reader's advisory. It can also be one of the most daunting tasks of a librarian. A patron approaches the desk. You put on your most pleasant, positive face. Then the patron says "I can't find anything good to read. What have you read lately that was good?" Your mind starts to spin in several directions. Do you tell her about A Singular Woman, the story of Stanley Ann Dunham, President Obama's mother? Or maybe, The Captain, a biography of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. But what if the patron is a republican, Red Sox fan? You could suggest Bossypants by Tina Fey, but maybe her Sarah Palin immitation wasn't too their liking. I could go on and on with my recent reading list but I hope you catch my drift. I always struggle with that question. I am sometimes tempted to say, "I only read bad books," but wouldn't want to appear too flippant.

Their question is well placed at the library. It's just the wrong question. The skilled reader's advisory librarian will turn it around for them. Instead of the previous question, she will ask "What have you read recently that you liked?" When the patron replies with a suspense, mystery or maybe romance author, the librarian is off and running. "You like John Grisham, have you tried Steve Martini?" or "if you like Patricia Cornwell, maybe you will enjoy Kathy Reichs." If the patron just read a celebrity biography, there is always another celebrity biography to suggest.

In a large library, there might be several reader's advisory librarians with varying areas of expertise. In our smaller settings, the librarians are jacks-of-all-trades. Yet, once in a while, you will get a dream reader's advisory question. That happened to me today. A patron came to the desk with Richard Russo's Straight Man and said he is one my favorite authors, along with Ann Tyler. "Can you make any suggestions of other authors I might like?" Since she had just named two of my favorite authors, I had just received the reader's advisory dream question.

Today, reader's advisory was the most enjoyable aspect of my job!

'Tis the Season

2011-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for baseball. 'Tis also the season for baseball books! Every spring when a young man's or woman's thoughts turn to baseball, the publishers are right there ahead of them. This year is no exception. While we are barely a month into the season, and no, the Red Sox are not going to stay in last place in the American League East, and yes, the Yankees could quite possibly stay in first place for the entire season, but I doubt that too; baseball books are crowding the shelves of bookstores and libraries alike.

While there are a plethora of titles to pick from this baseball and publishing season, I have chosen to highlight the books that will be soon or are now available at your Ledyard Libraries. For the Red Sox fans, we have a new book by the current longest tenured player on the team; Tim Wakefield. Knuckler: my life with baseball's most confounding pitch is Tim's story of his long baseball career and throwing the knuckleball. For those interested in the history of baseball, John Thorn has written Baseball in the Garden of Eden: the secret history of the early game. The fans of the old Brooklyn Dodgers will enjoy two recent books, Campy: the two lives of Roy Campenella by Neil Lanctot and Jimmy Breslin's Branch Rickey. Three new books are being added to the collection of New York Yankee lore. Kostya Kennedy's 56: Joe DiMaggio and the last magic number in sports is about that magical baseball year of 1941. The House that Ruth Built: a new stadium, the first Yankees championship and the redemption of 1923 by Robert Weintraub, takes us back to earlier times. Current Yankee fans will enjoy The Captain: the journey of Derek Jeter by Ian O'Connor.

If you are a fan of baseball books, 'tis the season to request them from your local library.

The Times They are a Changin

2011-03-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

We have known for some time that libraries are not just about books anymore. We have come to grips with the fact that DVDs and computers might be the most popular things at your local library. We have moved through the gradual format changes from cassette to compact disk to the diminutive playaway. At least all of these items were brought to the counter and duly checked out.

Now, however, items are being checked out of the library that only exist in cyberspace. First came the downloadable audio. That has become a popular way to add literature to your Ipod or MP3 player. In the last few months, the e-book has really taken off. Maybe everyone got e-readers for Christmas. The word "Kindle" has been in our vernacular since Amazon launched it in November 2007. Now, however, there are many varieties of e-readers, tablets and smartphones to which books may be downloaded. With the right equipment and a few clicks, people are reading books from the library without leaving the comfort of home or at least without setting foot in our establishment.

This really has this librarian's head spinning. Customer service has taken on a whole new meaning in the library world. We are meeting the needs of our patrons without seeing or talking to them. They can download audio and books from our website at no cost, just like checking out books in the good old days. Well, believe it or not, people do still check out books from libraries. Lots of books!

This new phenomenon of e-books, however, has caused some publishers to take measures to limit the number of check outs per book license. Maybe e-readers are becoming too much of a good thing. Libraries will continue to grapple with how to stay current, serve the needs and wants of their patrons and handle diminishing budgets. Not unlike what we are all doing in our homes these days.

Ledyard Libraries Working Together

2010-10-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

As anyone familiar with Ledyard knows, there are two separate identities in our small town. We have two zip codes, two post offices, even two libraries, but we are one town. In the early days of Ledyard, there were two distinct population centers. There was the farming town of Ledyard Center and the vacation village of Gales Ferry. It wasn't until the 1950's when housing developments began to spring up all over town, that the distinctions began to blur. Now that we have a mobile society traveling all over town, we have come to see ourselves as one unit working together.

At the libraries that means both branches working together. Our staff rotates between Bill Library in Ledyard Center and the Gales Ferry Library. We collaborate to make two libraries function as one big (or really medium sized) library for the town. We move books and other items between the libraries five days a week. We hold programs that require a larger seating arrangement in the meeting room at Bill Library and groups that are more intimate meet in the Gales Ferry multi-purpose basement. Story times for smaller groups are held in one library, but the more popular age groups have sessions at both libraries.

Although you may have a blue Gales Ferry library card or a cream Bill Library one, you are a patron of the Ledyard Libraries. We are just a little spread out to serve all of Ledyard.

Is Summer Over?

2010-08-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Summer reading at the Ledyard Public Libraries ended on Saturday, August 7. Did summer end that day too? I think not. As far as I know, summer doesn't end until September 22nd this year.

Of course, the summer reading I am referring to is the library game for children ages 4 through high school. That program usually lasts six weeks and almost always ends on the first Saturday in August. Since there are at least three weeks after that before children return to school, the question arises- When should summer reading really end? That question arose several times last week, both in the libraries and on our facebook page. Some people felt the summer reading game should continue for the whole school summer vacation. Is that realistic? Do you want to see the summer reading game extended? Is there teen volunteer interest or financial support available for a program of that duration? We would need to have all of those things in place to consider an extended program.

So we know summer doesn't end on the first Saturday in August. Should summer reading end? Let your view be known!

To Blog or not to Blog

2010-07-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

To blog or not to blog, that is the question. Does anyone read the library blog? Has anyone missed the library blog? I imagine if you were in the habit of checking it every week or so, you have been very disappointed the last couple months. The blogger didn't even realize it had been over two months since she put fingers to keyboard to update these ruminations.

So the question remains, to blog or not to blog. When the library blog originated, it was our first foray into a new technology for reaching our patrons. Since those days, not quite two years ago we have moved on to twitter and facebook. Soon there may be other applications that we don't even know about now. The blog can be time consuming. 140 characters on twitter goes by in the blip of a minute. Facebook is fun because you actually know that someone has seen it and they comment on it.

So this is my blog. Maybe next time I will actually talk about something, or not.

Brought to you by the Friends of Ledyard Libraries

2010-05-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

This has been a wonderful season of programming at the Ledyard Public Libraries. The library staff has always presented a winter/spring series of programs and this year has been no exception. From Easy as Pie in February, Lisa Starr's poetry reading in March, Square Foot Gardening and the Authors and Writers Showcase in April to a four part series of hikes, we have had a tremendous response to all our endeavors. And we aren't done yet! Jean Scialabba will return with Composting with Worms on Thursday, June 24, 7 pm, at Bill Library.

This year, however, we have been joined by the Friends of Ledyard Libraries in sponsoring a variety of programs. The Friends have always been supportive of library programming financially, but this year they have created a committee to provide additional programs. The Friends brought Patty Carver and This Old Hat, Linda Lilly of Sprigs and Twigs, Jake Barnett and Tropical Birds, Forests and Snakes, Curt Nelson and Bob Walsh with Fishing with Hand-Tied Flies and this Monday they will present Michael Tougias, author of Overboard. Nearly all programs have had a standing room only audience. The library is very grateful to the Friends for bringing new and interesting programs to the people of Ledyard. We look forward to an exciting fall season.

Advisory Question

2010-05-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from today, the citizens of Ledyard will be asked to answer the following advisory question when they vote in the annual budget referendum: "If future cuts to the library budget are necessary would you support closing the Gales Ferry Library instead of reducing hours and services at both libraries?"

So, if you want to close the Gales Ferry Library vote yes and if you want to reduce services vote no? Or if you want to keep the Gales Ferry Library open vote no and if you want to keep hours and services vote yes. I think I got it right the second time. Of course, there is no third choice that gives voters the option of keeping both Gales Ferry Library and hours and services. And why is the library budget singled out for an advisory question? I guess the library should be honored that we are the only segment of town government that required an advisory question or does that mean we are the only department that will require future cuts. I am confused!

I am also concerned that many other people will be confused when they go to vote on May 18. Most probably don't even know there is going to be an advisory question on the ballot. When they read it for the first time that day, will they understand what they are advising?

If you want to keep the Gales Ferry Library open, you must vote NO on the advisory question. If you want to keep an institution that has been part of the Gales Ferry community since 1923, you must vote NO on the advisory question. If you want to keep the library that has 40% of the circulation in town and only 20% of the library budget, you must vote NO on the advisory question.

The per capita cost for the Gales Ferry Library is $7.75 a year. Residents will spend a lot more than that for gasoline to drive the extra miles to Bill Library.

The town council is waiting to hear from you. We can reduce hours and services at both libraries in time of fiscal crisis. We can close a library in time of fiscal crisis. We can increase hours and services if the economy improves. A library closed in time of fiscal crisis, is a library gone forever.

VOTE NO on the ADVISORY QUESTION to KEEP the GALES FERRY LIBRARY.

Saturday at the Library

2010-04-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday is unlike any other day at the library. It is the relaxed day. People stroll in, no rushing. A lady lounges in a chair, leisurely reading a magazine. Another couple spreads out the newspapers on the table. Computers are busy all day, but no one stays on very long. Patrons drop by for books, but stop to chat. The phone doesn't ring nearly as much, but when it does the question is often the same. "What are your hours today?" As the day goes on it changes. "How late are you open?"

Now that it is spring, one of the biggest activities on sunny days is selling the town leaf bags. You can guarantee on the those first bright, warm days that at least ten people will be cleaning up their yards and discover they need leaf bags. Two hours later they return, flushed and sweaty, to announce they need more left bags. I think there must be two groups, the fall leaf baggers and the spring leaf baggers. I sure hope it isn't the same person coming back twice a year for 2 or 3 packages of bags.

As the afternoon winds down, we close at 5:00 by the way, the crowd of patrons thins out. The people finish up on the computers and the newspapers are put away. We start to go through the routine of closing the library. That's when the ten people who knew they had to come to the library all day realize it is almost closing time, but they are sure they can get there before closing to make that copy, check their e-mail and find that book for school on Monday. Usually they are in and out by 5:00, but put the emphasis on usually.

Have a good weekend or what is left of it, that is.

Lisa was a Starr

2010-04-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

If you were one of the over 30 people who attended a presentation by Rhode Island poet laureate Lisa J. Starr last week at Bill Library, you were lucky to experience her poetry. To have a product of Ledyard so eloquently express herself was a treat for all who attended. For Lisa, it might have been a touch overwhelming to gaze over an audience that included childhood neighbors and friends, her fourth grade teacher and her father's former secretary. Yet with grace and style, she shared her poetry and her life with a willing audience.

Lisa Silverberg Starr grew up in Ledyard and graduated in 1984 from Ledyard High School. Her father was a prominent local attorney. He died when she was in her early teens after several years of illness. Her mother passed away a few years ago. Lisa, who is divorced, currently lives on Block Island with her two children Orrin (13) and Millie (12) and her dog Brother. They all figure prominently in her poetry. She owns and operates Hygeia House, a ten room inn. She has been poet laureate of Rhode Island for three years and will serve for two more years to complete her term. Her work as poet laureate has been to bring poetry to the less fortunate. To this end she has held poetry workshops in elderly communities, hospitals, shelters and the state prison.

The library is pleased to own a copy of her most recently poetry collection, Mad with Yellow. Her previous books are This Place Here and Days of Dogs and Driftwood.

We were delighted to have Lisa at Bill Library.

A Day in the Life of the Ledyard Public Libraries

2010-03-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Someone in a library in New Jersey apparently came up with the idea of snapshot day. It worked. So someone in a library in Connecticut heard about it and said let's do snapshot day in Connecticut. So we did. Libraries all over the state, took pictures and collected statistics for one day in the third week of February. What else did we have to do? February is a pretty dull month anyway. Ground Hog in the beginning, hearts in the middle and then it is gone in a quick 28 days! What librarians found, however, is quite amazing. People use libraries. What a concept! Nearly 100,000 items were checked out of libraries in Connecticut in one day. Over 80,000 people walked in the door, for one reason or another. Over 12,000 came to use a computer. So much for the theory that libraries will die because everyone will get all they need from a home computer.

What does a day in the life of the Ledyard Public Libraries look like? On Tuesday, February 18, 274 people visited the Bill and Gales Ferry Libraries. They checked out over 550 items. Judging from that, our patrons check out two items per visit on average. Nearly 50 people came to the libraries to use the computers. Over 45 children came for story times. Some came to read the newspaper or relax with a magazine and a cup of coffee. These things happen at your Ledyard Public Libraries every day. And that doesn't count all the people sitting at home or work taking advantage of the resources on the library web page. They are reserving items through the library catalog or state library catalog (request), learning how to repair their car using the Chilton's data base or finding out about washing machines on Consumer Reports on line.

A day in the life of Ledyard Public Libraries is many things to many people. And we are very happy to be here to serve your needs.

Have You Given Us Your E-mail Address?

2010-02-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

As the Kenny Roger's song goes "you've got to know when to hold ...." Increasingly our patrons certainly do know when to hold. Our hold shelves are full to bursting with books, movies and cds that people have put on hold. We are very grateful for the many people who are now using e-mail for contact with the libraries. Everytime a book arrives in the library for you, an e-mail goes out informing you that it is ready.

Several days before your items are due, another e-mail goes out reminding you to return or renew your items. People have told us that they appreciate the reminders and it does cut down on fines. You also receive overdue and billing notices by e-mail for the items that have not found their way home to the library shelves. This saves the library postage costs when we do not have to mail notices.

We are happy to call patrons who are not e-mail users, but if you are, please consider giving us your e-mail address. We will be in touch!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

You probably did not need the foot or so of snow that fell the other day to remind you, but it is now the holiday season. I have actually heard people say that this new supply of white stuff puts them in the holiday spirit. I have to say, unequivocally, that I DID NOT need piles of snow to put me in the holiday mood. I DO NOT need freezing temperatures or long winter nights. I don't need chestnuts roasting on an open fire either, although I am not sure where I would get the chestnuts and an open fire sounds dangerous.

I think it is the traditions of the holiday season that bring back happy memories and create the glow of the holidays. At the library, it starts when the children's holiday books come out of storage in late November. Then the decorations go up. People notice and comment on how nice everything looks. Everyone starts to say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. Randy shows up in a Santa hat or elf ears. Then the food starts to arrive! A box of candy from Florence, cookies from Janet or JoAnne and shortbread from Sandy arrive every year! Such a pleasure for us. Now I am in the holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Ledyard Public Libraries.

Busy Times at the Library

2009-12-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

You have probably seen the statistics in the news. Library use is up all over the country. Computer use especially has grown exponentially over the last few years. It seems that when we purchase an additional computer that just causes computer use to rise even more. Just think a few years back it was predicted that computers would mean the death of libraries. The opposite has occurred. Or maybe the library has just evolved.

The library has always been able to change with the times. Remember the day when all you could find at the library was books? Have you checked any records out lately? Even the cassette tapes have become compact discs have become downloadable audio books. The times of waiting weeks to get a book not available on your home library shelves are long gone. So are the times of going to the library and filling out request slips for books not available on the shelf. Now you just go on line from home, request a book, get an e-mail and stop by the library to pick it up. The it could be a book, a cd, a dvd or even a magazine. You even get an e-mail from the library a few days before your items are due, so you can get them back on time or go on line and renew them.

Yes, it is busy these days at the library. We are busy doing the old fashioned things like checking books in and out for the many people who take advantage of the real value of a library and we are busy being here to serve a myriad of needs created by our ever changing society. For we know, if we add another computer...they will come.

Data Bases

2009-11-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

The library has become so much more than books on the shelf. You know about the movies, cds, audio books and magazines, but do you know about the data bases? In a town that has two libraries, both full to capacity, we are constantly searching for a way to bring more to our patrons without taking up more space. With our growing collection of data bases, we have not only discovered a way to add to our collection without stuffing our shelves, we have found a way to clear space.

Now many volumes you once found on the shelf are available on your computer. If you are looking for a job, try JobNow! If you want to tackle repairing your own car or finding out about recalls, check out Chiltons. If you are preparing to make a purchase, look into Consumer Reports. If you need college information, the place to look is the Testing & Education Reference Center. The best part of all these data bases is you can find them all in one place. Check out all of them at www.lioninc.org/ledyard.

What's With this Weather?

2009-10-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

I may have to break my resolve to leave the heat off until November 1st! I break it every year anyway, but this year is particuliarly annoying. I remember well into July people were wondering when summer was truly going to arrive. Everyone was saying this better mean we have a nice long autumn with warm weather. Wrong! Here we are in the middle of October and it feels like early December. I am afraid the next time I look out the window little white things will be floating through the air. I know there is some saying about "weather in New England always changing." It certainly seems to be true this year.

I guess I will have to go check The Old Farmer's Almanac to see what we have coming up. Did you know we have a copy at each library? If you are looking for a more authoritative book, Channel 8's Dr. Mel Goldstein, has a new book Dr. Mel's Connecticut Climate Book. I expect Dr. Mel would tell us that this weather is perfectly normal, at least once in every ten or fifteen years!

Summer Reading Assemblies

2009-09-29T13:04:00.001-07:00

Every year Mrs. Brewer gives the kids in each elementary school a challenge. Whoever reads the most minutes gets to do something to her. This year our theme was Be Creative @ Your Library. The winners got a choice of painting a picture on a canvas...or using Mrs. Brewer as a canvas! Of course, you can guess which they chose...

Mrs. Brewer getting the "Jackson Pollock" treatment from Hannah in Gallup Hill School. Hannah was our top reader this year with 11,400 minutes read.

Lauren and Kaileen from Gales Ferry School spraying paint on the canvas of Mrs. Brewer.

Lauren and Kaileen tied for 1st place at Gales Ferry School with 2280 minutes read.

Rebecca's creation at Juliet W. Long School. Rebecca came in first at JWL and 2nd overall with 5760 minutes read.

Mrs. Brewer had the kids use "washable paint" but it took soaking in bleach and washing several times before all the paint came out!! Next year our theme is water...hmmm... what should be done to the crazy library lady then? Got any suggestions??

A Season of Change

2009-09-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

Although fall doesn't officially arrive until September 22, I think we all are feeling a change in seasons. Children have returned to school, the little ones are starting nursery school and the older ones are off to college. Summer, possibily still our lazy season, is over. I say possibily because many people seem busy year around.

Now, just before the leaves start to turn color, the libraries are changing too. The Gales Ferry Library returns to regular hours on Saturday from 9-5. The Bill Library will be closed this Saturday due to the Ledyard Fair and the great Bill Book Sale. Another important change will come the following weekend, as Bill Library returns to regular hours of 9-5 on Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday. The Gales Ferry Library, unfortunately will remain closed on Sunday. In these challenging economic times, the library commission was forced to deal with a reduced budget. Sunday opening at Gales Ferry Library became a casualty. While we are sorry that both libraries will not be available to serve you on Sunday, we know you will receive excellent service at the Bill Library for all your Sunday library needs. Although we are very lucky to have two libraries in our town, remember they are both here to serve everyone in our town.

Change is Good

2009-08-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Change is good. Repeat after me. Change is good. And keep repeating it, as you see the changes that your Ledyard Libraries are making.

We do think change is good, especially when we are able to take advantage of grants to benefit library users who may have been overlooked. The new teen area at Bill Library will not only be a great addition for the after school and summer crowd, but also available to daytime users and has the added benefit of being close to Henry's Cafe. The popular children's area is also getting a lift with new shelves and added space with the exit of young adult books. Change is good.

The libraries are also making another change to benefit our patrons. With the wide growth of information on the internet, we have found many of our reference books sitting unused on the shelves, despite being a wealth of information. We are now going to make many of those reference books available for check out. This will give you the opportunity to actually read them rather than just looking at one section when you are in the library. We are also interfiling the remaining reference books with regular nonfiction, so you will have only one section to check for information.

Stay tuned for more changes. And remember--Change Is Good!

One Book, One Region

2009-07-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Have you read this year's OBOR book yet? The pick this year is City of Thieves by David Benioff. Benioff, a successful author and screenwriter, has adapted his previous novel The 25th Hour for the feature film and also written or adapted screenplays for The Kite Runner and Wolverine. He will be visiting the area on September 10 & 11 to speak in several locations, so stay tuned for that information. City of Thieves, tells the story of two young men during the brutal Nazi siege of Leningrad.

Each summer, the Ledyard Public Libraries, present a series of programs in conjunction with the OBOR book. The first program is tonight at Bill Library at 7 p.m. We will be showing the movie St. Petersburg:A Tribute. This travel dvd, lasts for approximately 54 minutes and talks about many cultural and geographic aspects of Russia.

Next Wednesday, August 5, Sara DeBeer, a storyteller, will be appearing at Bill Library at 7 p.m. to share international folktales with a Russian flair. Please call 464-9912 to register for all programs.

The movie Blockade will be shown at Bill Library at 7 p.m. on August 12. This Russian film from 2006 shows actual footage of scenes from the Nazi siege.

On Saturday, August 15, at 2:00 p.m., join Andrea Buka and Jen Finlayson for "Spend Lke a Peasant, Eat Like a Tzar! They will be preparing great peasant cuisine using inexpensive but nutritious and delicious local foods. Seating at the Bill Library is limited to reserve your space today.

After reading the book and being steeped in Russian history and cultural, come to a discussion of City of Thieves, led by Susan Topping from Three Rivers Community College, on August 19 at 7 p.m., at Bill Library. No registration is required for this event, just come and discuss the book everyone has been reading this summer.

Summertime and the Living is "Crazy"

2009-06-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

We certainly know it is summertime at the library. The weather may not be typical summer for Connecticut, (not that I am complaining) but the libraries are still buzzing with activity.

We are a week into summer reading. We have renewed friendships with families we usually only see in the summer and seen the many children we see year around. In fact, it feels like we have seen every child in Ledyard, but I am sure there are a few yet to show up. The popular lunch and a movie was so crowded it was standing room only and the concession stand was bare. The teens have learned to knit and made very creative items with duct tape. The sidewalk chalk drawing contest was even able to avoid the rain drops. All that and Family Game Night and it's only the first week!

Before the library is closed for the holiday weekend, we will have another lunch and movie (Tale of Despereaux), a collection of lego buildings and art displays and teens will be designing altered art projects.

The summer is crammed with amazing activities. Be sure to check them out and keep us going "crazy."

Twitter, Facebook and beyond

2009-06-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Social networking seems to be the buzz word these days. If you are not on facebook, my space, twitter, linkedin, flickr or any other of the multitude of social networking sites, you are behind the times.

Your library certainly doesn't want to be out of the loop. We have been fighting that image of the prim lady with the bun, sitting in her dark, stodgy room with her finger to her lips for way too many years. So we are all about social networking. It started with this blog, nearly two years ago. Although we probably haven't acquired too many followers, part of that being my fault, since the blogs don't flow on a regular schedule. We will continue to blog, however, we are also moving on to Twitter. The library now has a twitter account at www.twitter.com/ledyardpublib. If you are currently on twitter, just choose to follow us. If you have yet to discover the joy of tweeting, check us out. If you are our 100th follower, you will win a library totebag.

Teen coordinator, Andrea Buka, has also set up a facebook account to keep teens informed of the programs at the libraries. If you have a facebook account, sign up for Ledyard Libraries Teen Program.

Since we hear that everyone is social networking, we assume you will be following us soon!

Did You See Us in the Memorial Day Parade?

2009-06-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the command performance by the Ledyard Public Libraries ensemble in the Ledyard Memorial Day parade. It was a lovely day, much enjoyed by a large contingent of library staff members and friends of the library. Thank you to the Ledyard Lions Club for continuing to organize the parade every year.

I hope you didn't miss the yellow bin ladies, as they strutted their stuff, in an original routine designed by Sheila Jordan. Stop by the libraries to see the pictures if you weren't able to attend or want to be reminded. Staff participating in the parade included Sheila, Marilyn Baseler, Marty Hubbard, Nancy Brewer, Kathy Bruckner, Mary Ellen Osborne, Andrea Buka, Jackie Bacon, Kim Pendleton and Adam Strickland. Family members Butch Jordan, Bob Harris, Kayla and Tyler Pendleton, as well as, Jennifer, Sharon, Anna and Rachael Finlayson and Sharon Butler also marched.

The Ledyard Public Libraries were happy to be part of this community effort and look forward to next year.

Summer is Almost Here!

2009-06-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

How did this happen? I missed May altogether. Actually I have been loving this spring weather and the increased activity at the library. Two sure signs that it is June, however, have arrived at the Gales Ferry Library. The Yale rowers have arrived (with Harvard soon to follow I assume) and it is time for the Gales Ferry Book Sale.

We all enjoy the two weeks or so that the library is full of tall young men from the Ivy League colleges. For those of you that are unfamiliar with a long standing Gales Ferry tradition, the Yale/Harvard Regatta takes place on the Thames River on the second Saturday of June. In years gone by, it was a time for viewing by train and the banks of the Thames crowded with spectators. Crowds have dwindled, but there is always time to start a new tradition and enjoy the race.

Starting this Thursday, June 4, stop by the Gales Ferry Library for the Ledyard Library Friends Book Sale. This annual event, is a great time to stock your shelves with inexpensive finds. There is a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, paperbacks, and miscellaneous media items for both adults and children. Prices start at $2 for hardcover and $1 for paperback and go down over the weekend. Even better bargains will be available the week after. Every book you buy benefits the libraries and you!

Summer reading is almost here, so stay tuned.

Life In A Free World

2009-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

On April 22nd the Ledyard Bill Library had a presentation conducted by Wendy Limauge. Wendy explained how to save money using both tried and true methods as well as new methods. She discussed the use of store and internet coupons to obtain free samples of products, how to guard your privacy on the internet, and how to be successful entering sweepstakes.
Wendy touted public libraries as a great resource for providing free things such as internet access, DVDs and CDs, downloadable audio books, and museum passes.
We had a large, lively, interested group of attendees. There were people who were curious to learn about Wendy's plan. There also were people who already regularly utilized coupons and other savings methods. They were interested in learning more and in sharing their successes. Lots of questions were asked and information shared at this warm, interesting, and informative evening.
Wendy is very knowledgeable. This is a passion she has pursued successfully for many years. She generously shared her knowledge with all attendees. Wendy has her own website and blog. She shares daily updates about ways to save. Wendy's website is: sweetiessweeps.com
Wendy also has created: sweetiesswag.com with information about receiving free "stuff".
Her website is very informative. She also offers other websites who have different specialties such as information about mystery shopping and deeply discounted travel.
It was a great presentation!

Hurray for Volunteers!

2009-04-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is volunteer appreciation week. Volunteers are so important to the library. We hope we show how much we appreciate them year around, but it is nice to have a special opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation. All week, we have been offering refreshments at both library branches for our volunteers. One of our volunteers commented that food was the perfect gift. You don't have to store it or dust it!

Volunteers perform valuable services at the libraries. We have book menders who spend several hours a week bringing slightly worn books back to life. We have book coverers, who help with the processing of new books. Ledyard Library Friends spend many hours preparing and holding the annual and on going book sales at each library. The Mad Hatters are a library service group who donate knitted and crocheted items to various charitable organizations. Volunteers also maintain the historical room at the Bill Library. Behind the scene are the members of the library commission, who help in the administration of the libraries.

We treasure all of these volunteers and thank them for their many hours of dedication to the Ledyard Public Libraries.

Is This Your Library?

2009-04-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Are the Ledyard Public Libraries your library? We want them to be your library, whether you use the Bill Library or the Gales Ferry Library or even both. How do we make them your library?

That is the question the library commission survey is asking. Now is your chance to tell us what makes or will make Ledyard Public Libraries your library. Go on line to our website www.lioninc.org/ledyard and look for the survey. It only takes a few minutes to complete and gives you the power to tell us what you would like or let us know what we are doing right.

A library is many things to many people. Please tell us what we can be for you.

Red Sox Nation

2009-04-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

We recently concluded our winter reading program, Spring Training@ your library. This six week program, with raffles every week and interesting programs along the way, was all about baseball. In an effort to determine team loyalty in Ledyard, we asked everyone who filled out a raffle entry to put down their favorite baseball team. After counting nearly 200 entries, I now know by a margin of more than 2 to 1, that the Boston Red Sox are Ledyard's favorite baseball team.

I probably knew that all along and was just in denial. After all, we are east of the Connecticut River, the supposed dividing line for Yankee/Red Sox loyalty. I was just hoping, however, that with all the transplants in this area, including myself, that the Yankees would come out on top.

At last the Yankees got a respectable 39 votes. The New York Mets, supposedly a quasi-local team, didn't even fare as well as the Phillies, Pirates and Tigers.

To Market, To Market

2009-03-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

To market, to market to find a fat pig! You probably remember that nursery rhyme line from your childhood. In that happy story, you are off to the store. Today, market means many different things, hardly ever the place to buy groceries. We worry constantly about the ups and downs of the stock market. In the library world, however, to market or marketing has become a very popular buzzword.

How do we tell people that we are the best deal in town? In other words, how do we market the library, so people will know all the great and diverse things a library has to offer. Our library commission recently held focus groups at both the Bill and Gales Ferry Libraries. People from the community were invited to share their ideas for library services. The library welcomes their input and will use some of the suggestions to improve our service. The greatest information that came from the focus groups, however, was how little people knew about the services we already offer. People suggested we do a newsletter. We have been doing a newsletter quarterly for over twenty years. An e-mail newsletter was suggested. We also have one of those. We should do workshops to showcase our on line data bases. We scheduled four a year ago and no one came.

Maybe our problem is we market in the newsletter or on the web site that people don't know we have. Although all of our programs are also published in the local Thames River Times. They are also advertised in the library and in The Day and Norwich Bulletin.

I know we could do a better job of marketing. I also know that people don't look for things until they need them. That is why library circulation is up in these troubled economic times. Do you look for a new job when you have a good one? Do you look for internet access when you have a blackberry? Right now, I think the economy is doing our marketing for us. Hopefully the people who need us now will realize what a good deal they have and continue to use the library when they no longer "need" us.

Haunted Baseball Rescheduled

2009-02-27T08:54:00.000-08:00

Winter is really giving me a problem this year. I have been scheduling programs for the adult winter reading program for eight years. I have never had to reschedule a program because of bad weather and the winter reading program usually starts the last week of January. This year I moved it up to better coincide with actual spring training since the program is called Spring Training@ your library. I never imagined we would have a weather problem with programs in March. Silly me! Although the weather forecast for this coming Sunday is not for a foot of snow, it is saying we will get snow, sleet, freezing rain etc. I doubt many people will want to come out to a program at the library in that weather, therefore, we are rescheduling to Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 at Bill Library.

And I really think this is a program worth coming out for! Dan Gordon is the co-author of the book, Haunted Baseball:Ghosts, Legends & Eerie Events. It sounds like a lot of fun. What could be better than a mix of baseball and ghosts? Maybe by March 15, we will have weather much more worthy of baseball. I am not sure what kind of weather ghosts prefer.

Please mark it on your calendars to join us at Bill Library on March 15 at 2:00 p.m. for baseball, ghosts and, hopefully, good weather.

Surprise "guest" at book discussion

2009-02-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

We were having a great discussion last night at Bill Library on the book Dirty Water by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith and Jere Smith. It was a lively discourse by Red Sox fans, a Yankee fan and a few nonbaseball folks. The book, if you haven't read it, is a Red Sox mystery, using current Red Sox players and a Boston locale. Speaking as the only Yankee fan present, it was very interesting to see the different take on the book by Red Sox fans. The biggest surprise of the night, however, was when we were interrupted by a phone call. Laverne came in to tell us the author of the book was on the phone. You can imagine our surprise. I know authors are now offering to "attend" book club meetings by phone, but I have never tried to make that arrangement. This time the author tracked us down. I had a lovely chat with Mary-Ann Tirone Smith. She said her son and co-author had discovered our book discussion on line and e-mailed her and she just decided to give us a call. I asked her several questions that had come up in our discussion, but didn't think to ask if the Red Sox bars in New York City in the book are actual bars. That was what one participant wanted to know. After visiting Jere Smith's blog last night, I now know how to find out. Since he responded to my post last night in under fifteen minutes, I am sure I can get a quick answer from him. If you would like to check out his blog, it can be reached at letsgosox.blogspot.com.

I don't know if the next book discussion will be as exciting, but now I know there is always that possibility.

Spring Training @ your library

2009-02-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Although you may not have noticed, we have had an adult winter reading program at the Ledyard Public Libraries since 2002. I should know, because I have been coming up with "great" themes for this program since its inception. If you are new to the library or have somehow managed to miss our wonderful six week program until now, you are in luck. This year's entry, starts on February 15.

Even though I am a dedicated sports (Yankee, Giant) fan, I have avoided a sports related theme up until now. Starting on the 15th, however, it is Spring Training @ your library. Coinciding with the arrival of pitchers and catchers in Florida and Arizona, will be our own six week spring training in cold and snowy Connecticut. Every week we have a raffle drawing at each of the libraries. Entering the drawing couldn't be easier. All you have to do is drop in at either library and fill out a favorite team baseball. All the baseballs go in the jar ( I promise not to throw away any Red Sox entries) and on Saturday we draw a winner. Prizes will follow the baseball theme.

We are also going to have an exciting series of events during Spring Training @ your library. The regular third Wednesday book discussion at Bill Library will get in the act with Dirty Water by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith and Jere Smith. This first entry in a presumed series of Boston Red Sox mysteries, uses real people and places to create a great mystery read. Copies of the book will be available at the libraries.

Mark your calendars for three interesting (and at least one tasty) programs to be held on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The first will be held on February 22 at Bill Library. Dr. Lewis Randall will discuss how baseball has changed over the years. Dr. Randall is a Norwich native who was in the Cleveland Indian and Washington Senator systems.

We are very pleased to have co-author Dan Gordon discuss his book, Haunted Baseball: Ghosts, Legends & Eerie Events, on March 1 at Bill Library. Bank Square Books will be on hand to sell copies of this entertaining book. Dan, despite being a Red Sox fan, promises he will have great stories to tell for Red Sox and Yankee fans alike.

The final program of our Sunday Series will be held at the Ledyard Congregational Church fellowship hall on March 22. This location is ideal for Apple Pie and Baseball, a culinary event, presented by winter reading program veterans, Andrea Buka and Jennifer Finlayson. If you have attended their programs in the past, you know you are in for a gourmet experience. Registration is required. Call the Bill Library at 464-9912 to get on the list. This is a treat you don't want to miss.

Stay tuned for more information.

It's Cold Outside

2009-01-16T07:05:00.001-08:00

This has certainly been an interesting winter. Interesting seems like the best word to use. I am sure several of you could think of a more colorful term. It seems more like an old fashioned winter to me. Having lived my first twenty two years in very northern New York, also known as the Canadian border, I remember snow on the ground and sub zero temperatures from November to April. I know I have been spoiled, however, by the many more years I have spent in sunny southeastern Connecticut.

This doesn't seem like global warming. More like global freezing! I am sure it is part of the "what goes around, comes around" theory of remembering history. If it happened in 1994 or 1894, it can happen again in 2009.

With the cold weather and approaching inauguration, I am reminded of a history lesson Barack Obama does not want to repeat. In 1841, inauguration day was apparently cold and wet. In coming President William Henry Harrison wanted to show his strength and did not wear an overcoat. He also gave the longest inaugural address in history, nearly two hours, and then sat outside for the parade. His time in office barely lasted a month. And his inauguration was in March! I am sure our incoming president will be more prudent.

And you can watch the inauguration on the big screen in comfort at the Bill Library from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

As I sit here waiting for the big snow or whatever snow finally shows up, I want to wish all of our library friends and supporters a very happy holiday season. As you rush from errand to errand, especially today, when everyone has to go to the store for milk and bread, I want you all to know how much we enjoy seeing and greeting our library "family" all year long.

The library is a public service institution and we aim to serve you. After all, the name of this blog is "At Your Service" and we are here to meet the literary, educational or even the movie and music needs of the community, but no one is just a library card number to us.

So enjoy your holidays and remember we look forward to seeing you soon.

Let's Gather

2008-11-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

Fall is the time for gathering. We gather the leaves that fall into piles for jumping or more likely for dumping into bags or the woods. We gather the last of the vegetables from the garden before the first frost. And as the days grow colder, we gather our hats, scarves and mittens from their summer hiding places to wear once again. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, our thoughts turn to a gathering of friends and family.

Have you ever thought of the library as a gathering place? It is a place for everyone in the community. The shelves and display areas have already gathered a wide assortment of reading and listening material. It is all there for the borrowing. The library is a friendly, welcoming place to gather your thoughts as you pause in your busy day. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you browse a magazine or the newspaper. Gather together at a large table to work on a class project with your friends or gather with a group of parents while your children enjoy a story time with Mrs. Brewer.

The library is truly a gathering place of thoughts and people.

Election Day

2008-11-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

As librarians, we field many questions, but my favorite ones often come at this time of the year, especially in a national election year. Living in a somewhat transient community, we have residents who have never voted in Connecticut before. They may be familiar with voting procedures in other states, but Ledyard is foreign to them. They are looking for voting guides, sample ballots or even where to vote. I am always happy to locate as much informtion as necessary for them. I love to see democracy in action.

At times, they may even be looking for guidance on how to vote in particular races or questions. No matter how opinionated I may be about political issues, I never share that with patrons. After all, it is the job of a librarian to lead a horse to water; not to make him drink.

Please drink from the fountain of democracy today and exercise your right to vote. No matter who wins, remember it is our choice.

Finding What You Need @ Your Library, or What the Librarian Said

2008-10-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Our lovely summmer is now over, and fall is here along with the beginning of the academic year.
By now many students have probably been assigned a report or paper of some sort. We can help you gather sources for your assignments! In fact, many teachers assign the same projects each year, and we have built up our collection in those areas so that we can serve you better. Here are some suggestions to help you in your search, whether assignment-related or just for your own information.

Your first stop should be the front desk at either the Bill or Gales Ferry Libraries, where the Reference Librarian on duty will assist you in finding all the resources we offer. Bring your assignment with you, if possible. This will help us find exactly what you are looking for.

“It’s 2:00 a.m., do you know where your librarian is?” If you are searching for information after library hours, then use our website: www.lioninc.org/ledyard , and click on the Ledyard Libraries Catalog link. In here you can search for books, videos, music, audio books, etc. in 24 libraries. These include local libraries such as your own Ledyard Libraries, the New London Public, East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Otis Library in Norwich, and others state-wide.

Another great after-hours service is InfoAnytime, which has a button on our webpage. You can chat live with a reference librarian who can help you locate reliable resources on the web, in our catalog, and in the other databases we have access to, including the terrific resources in IConn!

If you have a day or so before you need a reply, then you may also email a reference request to us at: bill-lib@ledyard.lioninc.org . We will get back to you within 48 hours with the information you need.

If you have a laptop, bring it into either library and use our FREE WIFI! Most of the time, there is even a place to plug into an electrical outlet, so you don’t have to use up your battery.
If you don’t own a computer, (or if yours is having issues,) we have computers you can use at both the Gales Ferry and Bill Libraries. Sometimes you may only need to print out something, so just bring in your disc, CD, or jump drive, and you may print out your items in black & white or color. The cost is 10 cents a page for B&W, and 50 cents per page for color printouts. Remember, your first 3 reference prints are free each day. So, if it is informational material obtained from the internet, it counts as reference.

We have a new book on the subject of plagiarism that many of you would find helpful. This book is great for learning how to research and write reports with proper citations. It is also useful in protecting your own creative works! It is a YA book, but can be useful for any age group.

Don’t Steal Copyrighted Stuff !: Avoiding Plagiarism and Illegal Internet Downloading by Ann Gaines.
Call number: YA 808 Gai (Bill Library).

There are other books on the subject at 346.7304 as well.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful in your search for information. And as always, we are happy to help you to find everything you need!

It's a Rainy Day, It's a Rainy Day!

2008-09-26T07:38:00.001-07:00

It really is a rainy day and we haven't had too many of those lately. We probably need two or three days of soaking rain to get our water levels up. We will still complain, however, about getting wet and ruined plans and how just plain annoying it is to have a truly rainy day.

Rainy days at the library are never fun. People stay home and don't come visit us or they dash in and drop their wet books on the counter and run back out between the rain drops. We look around for paper towels to dry off the wet items and plastic bags to put books in for a the few people who do show up. There is a whole rainy day routine.

A rainy or snowy (hate to mention that word in September) day doesn't have to separate you from your library, however. By accessing the library homepage on your computer at home, there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for you. I know you use the homepage or you wouldn't be reading this blog, but do you really use the homepage? Have you clicked on all the links to check out library programs, on line data bases and related Ledyard homepages? Just by clicking on the library catalog and going to my account, you can view the items you have checked out, renew any coming due before the rain stops and check to see if any of your requests have arrived at the library, so you can decide if a trip out in the rain is worth it. You can also search the library catalog and request books, movies, audios or magazines that are of interest to you. Check out the downloadable audio link to view the titles that are available to download to your computer and portable listening device (MP3 player, not Ipod), no matter where you are in the world, rainy or not.

So even though it is a rainy day and we can't go out and play, there is still so much that your library offers you.

Read a Good Book Lately?

2008-09-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

While you were sitting on the beach or under the wide blue sky this summer, did you read a really good book? Every time someone comes in the library and asks me that question, I never quite know what to answer. Yes, I read a lot of good books over the summer, but my good books may not be your good books. Do you like to read fiction or nonfiction? Do you like mystery or romance? You may think the newest Stephen King is great but I would be scared to death just thinking about one of his books. I wouldn't read a James Patterson book if you paid me, well yes, if you paid me I would, that is just an expression, but I would never pick up one of his books by choice. I wouldn't open a Danielle Steel or a Nora Roberts. In fact, I almost never read anything that appears on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Best sellers, or I must be a changin', however, because I just looked at a recent list and I have read three of the top fiction and one of the nonfiction. I will leave the titles to your imagination, but let me know the good books you have been reading lately and I might just tell.

What is a library?

2008-08-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

It is a very changing world we live in. Everyone knows communication and access to information have changed tremendously in a few short years. The library is in the business of dispensing information, yet I wonder if your perception of the library has kept time with the other changes you have accepted in your daily life.

I am hopeful that when you think of a library, the image you get isn't an elderly lady in a bun saying ssh! and guarding her books. We have gotten beyond that, haven't we? After that, I assume your images are all different. Maybe you remember the colorful picture books of the children's department you used to visit or the magazines you browsed through while waiting for your children. Possibly you were a mystery reader once upon a time or loved paperback romances. Do you think those items are all gone? Or worse, do you think we have the same ones on the shelf and there is nothing new for you?

I work in a library, so obviously my perception could be different from yours. I picture a busy place, with patrons browsing shelves of every imaginable genre of fiction and both scholarly and popular nonfiction. People are typing away at computers, paging through the newest issue of a variety of magazines or checking out the latest cd or dvd. A man is chatting with a librarian about the latest David Baldacci novel or someone is stopping by on their way home or to the soccer game to pick up their items they have on hold.

When you think of a library, what do you see?

Summer Reading is Over! But That's Not All

2008-08-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, summer reading is over, or it will be on Saturday, August 2 at 1:00. Get those reading hours and read to me sheets in before the clock strikes 1. We will also be drawing five winners at each library of the Bug Your Parents to Read contest. It has been great seeing all the entries from our reading families.

For those who have been procrastinating all summer, there are still over three weeks before the school buses run. So stop in to pick up the books from the school recommended summer reading lists. If you or your high school student are planning on reading the One Book One Region selection, Life is So Good, there is a waiting list, so get your request in as soon as possible.

Teens don't forget the ice cream social at Gales Ferry Library on August 15 at 6:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded and you get to brainstorm ideas for future teen programs.

One Book One Region programs run through out August with the culmination of the program coming September 23-25 when co-author Richard Glaubman returns to the area to speak in Norwich, New London and Groton. For more information go to www.onebookoneregion.org.

Summer reading may be over but there is more summer to come.

One Book One Region

2008-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

One Book One Region, or OBOR, has been around for several years in Southeastern Connecticut,
It is a collective effort of area libraries to select one book annually for everyone in the region to read and discuss. Over the years, we have read classics, like Fahrenheit 451 or newcomers, such as, The Kite Runner. All of the chosen titles have touched on current topics of discussion including prejudice, censorship, illegal immigration and poverty.

The OBOR group meets during the winter to chose a title. Many books are reviewed before the final selection. An attempt is made to find a book with a living author willing to visit the area and also available in different reading and listening formats. The author visits the area in the spring for the kick off and returns in September for several appearances. During the summer, area libraries hold book discussions and programming involving the chosen topic.

The book selected this year is Life Is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman. The book follows the life of Mr. Dawson through his 100 + years, with the theme of overcoming adversity and life getting better. Since George Dawson did not learn to read until he was 98, it also explores the benefits of literacy.

Using these themes, Marty Hubbard, Senior Assistant Librarian, has organized a wonderful selection of activities for adults this summer. I am a bit late in writing, to invite you to the first two excellent movies, "Nightjohn" and "There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace", but both are available to borrow from the library. Don't miss the next two movies "Resting Place" on Wednesday, July 30 and "Pride of Jesse Hallam" on August 5. Both will be shown at Bill Library at 7:00 p.m.

Two more programs will also be held at Bill Library this summer. Wednesday, August 6, representatives from Elderhostel and Adventures in Lifelong Learning will speak at 7:00 p.m. The following week, August 13, at the same time, Susan Townsley, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Connecticut, will speak on literacy and their programs.

The Ledyard Libraries will hold their discussion of Life is So Good, on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m at Bill Library. Susan Topping from Three Rivers will lead the discussion. If you haven't read the book yet, call either of the libraries or go online to reserve your copy.

One Book One Region. What a great idea! Join in.

Summer Reading

2008-06-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been very busy here at the Ledyard Libraries. School is out and children are pouring in to play the summer reading games. I just haven't had the time to write. Hopefully, you have all been too busy to read because you were preparing for your own summer vacations. Probably not the ten week variety like the school children, but at least a week or two in some warm, sunny location where you can just relax, forget about work and read a good book.

That's right! Haven't you all just been waiting for those great beach reads that seem to hit the shelves every year, just as you are heading off to soak up the sun. While you are packing for the long weekend coming up or daydreaming about your plans for August, here is a list of new books that will fit nicely in your beach bag. Library books, however, prefer to stay high and dry.

If you are looking to solve global warming or find world peace, I will do another list for you later. This list is for pure enjoyment.

Fearless Fourteen. Janet Evanovich-Stephanie Plum rides again.
The Host. Stephanie Meyer-The Twilight author for grownups.
Sail. James Patterson- Yes, another Patterson book.
Chasing Harry Winston. Lauren Weisberger- More gossip from the author of The Devil Wears Prada
Love the One You're With. Emily Giffin- Depends on who you are vacationing with?
Nothing to Lose. Lee Child- The latest Jack Reacher.
The Beach House. Jane Green- The first of several that just scream summer reading.
Summer Blowout. Claire Cook - The second " " " ".
Moon Shell Beach. Nancy Thayer - The third " " " ".
Odd Hours. Dean Koontz - Scary and odd once again.
Sleeping Arrangements. Madelaine Wickham - The real Sophie Kinsella.
Phantom Prey. John Sandford - The umpteenth prey novel.
The Queen of Babble Gets Hitched. Meg Cabot - For those who loved the Princess Diaries.
When You Are Engulfed in Flames. David Sedaris. Only 3% fiction but a great read.
Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. Chelsea Handler- For those having a fun vacation.

A little something for everyone to enjoy for summer reading.

What was Dewey Doing?

2008-06-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Many of you have some knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System, but do you know who came up with the system? In the library world, we have many reasons to be thankful for Melvil Dewey.

Mr. Dewey was born in the hamlet of Adams Center, New York in 1851. For those of you who didn't grow up in another hamlet, not far from Adams Center, like I did, more information might be necessary. Adams Center is located in Jefferson County, which borders Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in northern New York State. Adams Center is about ten miles south of Watertown, the largest city in the county. It was reported in Melvil's obituary that he walked to Watertown to purchase his first dictionary.

From his humble beginnings, however, Melvil Dewey went on to Amherst College, where he received both bachelor and masters degrees. It was while working in the college library that he came up with his decimal system of classifying books. This system uses numbers to divide all subjects into ten main classifications. Those ten sections are further broken down into subject areas that are represented by decimals. Although subjects have changed over the last 130 years, Dewey's system has accommodated those changes. He may have never forseen computers, but they were able to fit nicely into 000-099. Take a look in the 100's for philosophy, 200's are religion, 300's social sciences, 400's language, 500's pure sciences, 600's technology and applied sciences, 700's the arts, 800's literature and 900's geography and history. Since most public libraries use Melvil's system, you can be assured of finding what you are looking for whatever library you visit.

Mr. Dewey didn't stop with his decimal system, however. He went on to establish the first library science school and found the American Library Association and the Library Journal. He was even on the organizing committee for the Lake Placid Winter Olympics in 1932. Unfortunately, he died in December of 1931, but not before accomplishing much in his 80 years.

76 Trombones

2008-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Seventy six trombones led the big parade. Well, maybe not, but come this Sunday, the Ledyard Memorial Day Parade will march up Colonel Ledyard Highway. Participating, once again, this year will be your own librarians from the Ledyard Public Library. The library has been a constant presense in the Memorial Day parade for over fifteen years. Not only a regular participant, but a trophy winning entry and we have the trophy to prove it at Gales Ferry Library.

Over the years, we have been everything from sea creatures to African adventurers, with a few jungle animals thrown in. Intrepid librarians have dressed up in spots, long flowing gowns and duck- billed hats, all in the name of community fun. We are the ones passing out bookmarks and candy too.

This year, again, we should be easy to spot. Just look for the bright yellow bins! Several years ago, Wendy Peterson, a library patron, originated the School Friends of the Library program. With a grant from the Dime Savings Bank, the library was able to purchase additional children's books and bright yellow bins to transport the books to elementary classrooms in Ledyard by volunteer parents. Let's just say, we have found another creative way to use the bins.

Since the summer reading theme is Catch the Reading Bug, look for bins and bugs in Ledyard Center on Sunday at 1:00.

Ledyard Library Friends

2008-05-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

We all appreciate our friends. They may not be named Phoebe, Ross or Monica but they are near and dear to to us. The library is no different.

Most of the year, our friends are behind the scenes. You may not even know they are there, but we do. Twice a year, however, they shine. The Gales Ferry Library booksale starts on May 29 this year. If you are a dues paying member of the Ledyard Library Friends, you can come to the sneak peak on May 28 from 6:00 to 8:00. The Bill Booksale will take place in early September, the week after Labor Day and overlapping with the Ledyard Fair. These two events are the cornerstones of the fundraising efforts done by the Ledyard Library Friends.

Many of the items you take for granted in our libraries, would not even exist without the generosity of the Ledyard Library Friends. Programs, shelves, tables, computer desks, printers and media racks would all disappear if we lived in a friendless world.

The most amazing part of this is, however, is the small number of people who accomplish so much. It would seem if we had more friends, it would make life easier for the friends we have now and give the library even more to appreciate.

Do we have more friends out there? Ask how to participate in the Ledyard Library Friends at either library or when you visit the booksale.

Things They Never Taught You at Library School

2008-04-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Interesting things seem to happen nearly every day when you work in a library. Many of them are easily addressed by the wonderful course offerings librarians have sat through. Reference, cataloging, material selection and computer courses are very handy in solving the do you have" and "how do I find" problems. Every so often, however, something happens that you never were taught at library school.

Here is our quick list.

- squirrel mouth to mouth resuscitation (when the cute baby squirrels that fall out of the tree in front of the library are barely breathing)

-plunging toilets (the lady's room toilet is plugged again and you get to plunge it because you earn the big bucks)

-catching mice (what do you do when a little mouse runs across the floor)

-removing cars from the building (somebody missed the brake)

-cleaning up body fluids (use your imagination here)

-restarting the furnace (can't pay a repairman to come on the weekend)

-getting a cat out from under a car (patron won't leave until cat is removed)

That's our list, now please tell us yours.

National Library Week

2008-04-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, this past week was designated as National Library Week. Of course, here at the Ledyard Public Libraries, we think every week should be library week. We are possibly a little prejudiced.

Through history, however, there have been many famous people who valued libraries. In Love's Labour's Lost, William Shakespeare wrote "They are the books, the arts, the academes, that show, contain and nourish all the world." Many years later, Lady Bird Johnson expressed her appreciation of libraries, "Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest." The famous author Lemony Snicket said "A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them."

I am sure Charles Schulz was a library fan. This week, a special patron of the Gales Ferry Library brought us a Peanut's cartoon about librarians and a lovely treat to celebrate National Library Week. Those of us who work in libraries understand their unique place in the community and it is always nice to have that celebrated.

Hopefully you won't suffer the fate of 19th century observer, Tom Masson, who said, "Seventy million books in America's libraries, but the one you want to read is always out." If only poor Tom had known to check with his librarian. I am sure she could have gotten it for him quickly through interlibrary loan or easily recommended a similiar title.

Magical History Tour

2008-04-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

If the weather cooperates this Saturday, local historians Jan Bell and Kit Foster will be leading a walking tour of Gales Ferry Village. Even though I have lived in Gales Ferry for nearly thirty years, I know there is much I can learn from these two experts. Jan, who has authored several histories of the town, has actually lived in town for over seventy years. Kit is the author of the popular Images of America book, Ledyard and Gales Ferry. Coincidentally, these items are available for sale at the local libraries.

There are many questions about and places to explore in our fair village. Do you know where the original Gales Ferry Library was located? How about Norman's store or the Gales Ferry Country Club? What are the origins of the Harvard-Yale Regatta? Or is it the Yale-Harvard Regatta? Probably the biggest question is the name of the village. Why is it called Gales Ferry, when Roger Gale only owned the ferry for five years and others ran it much longer? We are also looking for the apostrophe that fell off Gale's at some unknown point.

So many questions, so many places on so few streets! Come walk with us and get to know our hometown.

Bracketology

2008-03-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am not sure that bracketology is even a word. I am pretty sure it isn't in Websters, but it is definitely part of your vocabulary every March, if you are like millions of people who fill out those brackets for the NCAA mens, or maybe womens, basketball tournaments. ESPN even employs a full time bracketologist, although I am not sure what he does the rest of the year. Now that the tournaments have reached the sweet sixteen, you may, like me, just want to throw the thing out before another of your final four teams loses.

The fascination with brackets, however, continues. Just think what we could do with brackets in the literary world. We could start with a field of 64 contemporary authors. The heavy hitters like James Patterson, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts and John Grisham would get number 1 seeds, with competition from the likes of Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, Stephen King and David Baldacci, while the mid-majors Steve Martini, Lisa Scottoline, Joy Fielding and Jeffrey Archer are probably 4th or 5th seeds. I hesitate to put anyone in the "just barely made it" sixteenth seeds, but they should be happy just to be included. I am sure there will be complaints from those who get left out. For them, we will have to invent an A.I.T. (Authors Invitational Tournament).

Who would be your final four picks? The heavy hitters prevail or an upstart winner like Sophie Kinsella?

Beware the Ides of March

2008-03-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ever since poor old Julius Caesar bit the dust on March 15, 44 B.C., the ides have gotten a bad name. A sense of impending doom or dire predictions seems to hover over a perfectly innocent day. The soothsayer who told Julius to "beward the ides of March" probably knew that March 15 wasn't going to be a very good day for the dictator, but did he have to consign it to ignomy.

No one says bad things about the ides of any other month. In fact, until I began doing some research on the ides of March, I had no idea that there were ides in other months. The ides of May, July and October are also on the 15th. In the other months, however, they are on the 13th. If I wanted to spend more time on this interesting subject, I could probably come up with a reason to malign every other ides, but the ones that fall on Friday the 13th have enough trouble already.

All of this goes back to the Roman calendar. It was centered around not only the ides, but also the kalends (1st day of the month) and the nones (7th day in March, May, July and October and 5th day in all other months).

So brush up on your Shakespeare (Julius Caesar) or your study of Roman history, but I am pretty sure there is no reason for you to beware the ides of March or May or July or October.

February 29

2008-02-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I couldn't pass up the chance to blog on February 29. After all, you only get that chance once every four years.

Since it only appears once every four years, I don't think the date gets much respect. I distinctly remember the old rhyme from elementary school - Thirty days has September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31, except February which has 28 and then my memory is completely gone. It was just too hard to remember, even though it probably rhymed. Poor old February 29 is just like Rodney Dangerfield and it can't even try harder. I have not seen any movements afoot to have it every two years, for instance.

There is one benefit, however. If you are born on February 29, you only have to celebrate a birthday every four years. That could come in handy, except for those occasions when you really do want to own up to your age, like turning 60 and not having to pay library fines anymore. So everyone who turned 15 today make sure you get your library record updated!

Good bye February 29. See you again in four years!

Hard to Say Good Bye

2008-02-15T06:29:00.000-08:00

Kathy Drury has been the library secretary forever. Well, maybe not forever, but it seems like she invented the position. She was there when I first worked at the library in 1988 and there when I returned in 2000. After today, she won't be there. The Ledyard Libraries will never be quite the same.

Kathy didn't just type letters, create catalog cards and spine labels, process books, order supplies, pick up papers and the mail, file and do video/audio swaps . Kathy kept us all from taking ourselves too seriously. She always had a remark to cover the occasion perfectly. I will always remember her glee when I sat down at the computer next to her desk to struggle with the library commission treasurer's report. My fledgling computer skills and frustration were her entertainment for the day. Or how she continually asked if I had gotten that boy a cat yet. For the record, that boy is 23, so I guess she has been here almost forever.

Kathy has been both the backbone and the heart of the library. We will try to stand strong without her. We will welcome her replacement and look forward to her expertise and style, but it just won't seem quite right without that impish grin and chuckle as we go about our day here at the Ledyard Libraries.

I welcome others to post their Kathy stories.

Keep Your Chin Up

2008-02-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

So your season didn't turn out to be perfect after all, Patriot fans. In a few days, or weeks, 18-1 won't seem so bad, but right now I know it hurts. Fortunately for me, I don't have to feel that hurt, being a New York Giant fan. And not having won a Super Bowl since 1991, unlike three in the 2000's, it seems only fair. Of course, I could be a Cleveland Brown's fan and never had a taste from that "bowl." As some talk radio hosts suggested, however, the Giants victory in no way makes up for the Red Sox comeback in 2004! Football and baseball are two very different things. I doubt all Giant fans are Yankee fans or Patriot fans are Red Sox fans. The Mets must have a few fans out there.

While I have been rambling on about Giants and Patriots, I think I may have come up with a theme for the Adult Winter Reading Program next year. So cheer up Patriot fans, there is always next year. While you are waiting, stop in at either library and answer the quiz question to enter the weekly raffle. You never know, your luck may be changing already!

We Still Have Books too

2008-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

It was wonderful to see everyone at the Bill Library Open House last night. Those of us who don't work with children, don't often get to talk to such a fine group of good listeners. It was fun being able to share all the new features of library service with you. As someone commented to me afterwards, it was also good for you to hear that we still have books.

In our effort to promote all the new and exciting tools we have to offer, it may seem that we have lost sight of books. If I have anything to say, that will never happen. Books are still the backbone of every library. In this "hurry up" generation, the downloadable audio book may be music to your ears, but for many of us the heft of a book and the turning of a page are what satisfy our souls.

The nice thing is you can have the best of both worlds. By using our new technology, you can find new books, similiar to your favorites, using ICONN or Librarything. You can search for books in the library catalog and put them on hold from the comfort of your own home. We even have a favorite author list. You give us a list of authors that you always want to read their new book and we will put the hold on the book for you. If you are homebound, we will find a volunteer to bring the books to your home. Unfortunately, we can't do that for everyone, but we will hold them for up to a week, so you have time to get here to pick them up.

Stop in and peruse the new book shelf or search on line, there are many interesting books just waiting for you.

Are You Missing Out?

2008-01-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

There are so many things going on at the library these days, that my head is spinning trying to keep up with them. I am responsible for sending out press releases, so I know all of the events that are happening over the next couple months. I am wondering, however, if we are reaching all the people who would like to take advantage of the free programs that the library sponsors. I am probably preaching to the choir if you are reading this blog because you had to go to the library web page to access it. The web page is an excellent source of library information. This blog was created to enhance the web page information and give people a chance to give us feedback. I haven't seen much feedback but I am still hoping.

In January, alone, we have had a family friendly hike, the beginning of a new story hour session, a Stitch and Dish gathering, and teen writing workshop. Coming soon are a book discussion and the beginning of the winter reading program for adults.

February we will bring you a travel program, Russian cuisine to sample, a hike at Morgan Reservoir and the monthly book discussion, teen writing workshop and knitting groups.

I hope we are reaching everyone who wants to attend all these interesting activities, but if you know anyone who hasn't heard, please pass the word around.

We are trying all the time to find new and interesting activities to offer our patrons, so please samply our offerings and let us know what else you are interested in. We'd love to hear from you.

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Did you make any resolutions for 2008? Every December as the new year approaches, my mind always always shifts to the things I should be doing better. Whether it be personal improvement or job related, there is a buzzer that goes off in my head every year approaching January 1. This is probably the result of years of subliminal advertising or outright questions.

This year I have decided to try very hard to subvert the process. Isn't it ridiculous that we only make the effort to change our bad habits on January 1? Why can't we make July or September resolutions? I certainly need improvement all year long. I know the intention of those New Year's resolutions is to make them last forever, but what if you want to make a change in August. Do you have to wait until January to start it? From now on, I am going to make resolutions all year long, but hopefully not the same ones!

So I am going to make a resolution now, that has nothing to do with the fact it is January 4. I am going to do a much better job of blogging from now on. And that is not a New Year's resolution!

Christmas Cookies

2007-12-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

The library staff had their cookie swap this week, which got me to thinking about Christmas cookies. Why are cookies associated with Christmas? I did a little research, as librarians are wont to do. Apparently Christmas cookies have been around since medieval times. The Germans are thought to have had the first cookies specifically made for Christmas, the lebkuchen or gingergread. They also made the first animal crackers. These, however, were used as edible ornaments on the Christmas tree. The Dutch brought the Christmas cookie to America in the early 1600's. And, as they say, the rest is history. For more recent history, the cookie exchange or swap, is first mentioned in publications in 1963.

Today, everyone has their favorite cookie recipe that must be made this time of year. I have three or four that my family anticipates. Often when participating in cookie swaps, I like to try new recipes. Of course, the place to look for those are in the December editions of magazines each year or the row of cookie cookbooks on the library shelves. Stop by and take a look.

Enjoy your baking and eating!

Library Cats

2007-11-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

You have probably noticed the lovely orange tabby next to the computer when you view our blog. Although he looks very much like a feline who used to inhabit my life, I do not know this particular fellow. Cats in libraries, however, are a long tradition, dating back to early Egypt.

In fact, research shows that there are over 600 documented library cats in the world. I knew library cats were popular, but I didn't realize anyone would go to so much trouble to document the library cats of the world. Check out www.ironfrog.com/librarycatsmap to see where the library cats past and present reside. In our area, the famous Emily of Mystic & Noank Library passed away in 2006 after seventeen years in residence. The Lyme Public Library has been home to Emma since 2003.

Another famous library cat, Dewey Readmore Books, of the Spencer Public Library in Iowa, also passed away in 2006. His obituary appeared not only in the local papers, but also in USA Today and the Washington Post. It appears, however, that he will live on in the writings of Library Director Vicki Myron, who has reportedly signed a $1.2 million contract to write his story.

The Ledyard Public Libraries have never had a library cat, although at the Gales Ferry Library, we have found some lovely cat pictures to adorn the desktop of our staff computer. It is rumored that cats are also very popular at the Bill Library.

Is it time for a library cat in Ledyard?

"Thanks" giving

2007-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am always thankful for the library, both as a place to visit and a place to work. From birth to old age, the library has something for everybody, nearly all at no charge. Whether you are looking for books, movies, music, magazines or a cup of coffee, they are all here for you. That is something for which you can be very thankful.

The library staff is also thankful for the opportunity to serve our community. We want you to ask us questions and we hope we will be able to answer those questions. Finding the answers to those questions is not only our job, but also a chance to solve a mystery. Librarians always enjoy a good mystery! We want to see the smile on your face when you pick up the book that is waiting for you. We love it when we can introduce you to a library service that enriches your life, be it our new downloadable audio books or homebound delivery. We even love the happy little voices filled with enthusiasm, as they pursue their favorite book.

I am full of thanks for libraries, their helpful staffs and the wonderful people who visit us.

Off We Go!

2007-11-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

It seems like everyone is going somewhere. Traveling these days could mean many things; going to see family, taking a cruise, heading to warmer climates or checking out new places. For those of you who are experienced travelers, taking off probably is exciting, even exhilarating. For me it has always been more of a struggle. When I finally come to the realization that I have to give in and go somewhere, I have no idea where to go, or rather, where I am willing to go. No place too hot or too cold, too remote or too crowded is on my list.

So I go to the library shelves and pull out a few of those bright orange books in the travel section (914-917 for Dewey Decimal fans). Mr. Fodor, or whoever he or she is, has done an excellent job of preparing a book on every place I might never go to. You can look at Mexico or narrow it down to Cancun, Cozumel,Yucatan Peninsula or check out The National Parks of the West. If you don't want to look at all of Massachusetts, you can find separate books on The Berkshires and Cape Cod. There is not only a California book but also Northern California and Southern California. Each Fodor's is full of interesting information, maps and places of interest. There was even a place that won me over, so don't look for that book in the next couple weeks.

I'm off!

Are you in a book group?

2007-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

If you aren't in a book group by now, you must be the last man (woman) standing. Soon after Oprah began her book club in September 1996, book groups sprang up all over. Books were even written about book clubs. One of those, The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler, was recently released as a major motion picture. The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble and Summer Reading by Hilma Wolitzer tell a little about book groups and a lot more about the people in those groups. Judy Gelman's book, The Book Club Cookbook, however, covers a very important part of many book groups; the refreshments.

Book clubs did not begin with Oprah. One area in Gales Ferry has had an ongoing book club for over twenty years. I am sure other groups in town have been around nearly as long or longer. The Bill Library in Ledyard Center has a monthly book discussion that has met the third Wednesday evening for many years. Copies of the book to be discussed are available in the library. No commitment is necessary, come and try it out. I began a monthly book group at the Ledyard Senior Center this year. We have fun discussing many books one month and a specific book the next.

If you are sick and tired of book clubs, Virginia Ironside's book, No, I Don't Want to Join a Book Club, has recently hit the library shelves.

Seeing Red and Blue

2007-10-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Red and blue signs are popping up all over, so now we know that Election Day is near. No matter what your political inclination, you have the opportunity on this day to voice your opinion by casting your vote. In 2007, we are voting on matters of local importance on brand new voting machines. If you didn't take advantage of the demonstrations at your local libraries, you may be surprised to see paper ballots when you arrive at the polls. Although returning to paper ballots doesn't seem like progress, this new system does provide an easier accounting and record of voting tabulations.

Do you like the use of red and blue signs? In recent national elections, we have heard much about the red and blue states. Apparently, the elephants have turned a rosy red and the donkeys a bright blue. Equating the Republican party with red and the Democratic party with blue, makes for quick and easy identification. Deciding who to vote for takes research and thoughtful study.

Before you step into the new privacy booth to mark your paper ballot, you will be seeing lots of red and blue, so learn your colors and make good choices.

Congratulations Top Summer Readers!

2007-10-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the top readers in our Summer Reading Program! Emme and Parker Cronin tied for first place with 10,800 minutes each. Brian Healy came in second with 8,100 minutes read. Alyssa Steendam was our top Read-to-Me reader with 130 books read.

Each elementary school had a top winner who tied Mrs. Brewer up with police tape, because she was the one who hid the monkey and the ring! Gales Ferry School had a tie with Christopher Cheslog and Terry Zhao (1920 minutes), Gallup Hill School's winner was Hannah Roediger (7,380 minutes), Juliet Long's winner was Sarah Hysong (4,380 minutes) and Ledyard Center had Emme and Parker Cronin tieing Mrs. Brewer all up in knots!!

These pictures are Mrs. Brewer with Emme and Parker, and Mrs. Brewer with Alyssa Steendam.

New Reads

2007-10-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for new books to be published. In an effort to get you to purchase their books for holiday gift giving, the publishers strive to get new titles by established authors onto the shelves in October or November. For those of you who use the library instead of plunking down $25 or $30 for a bestseller, now is the time to put holds on all of these new gems (?). Here are a few of the latest or soon to be bestsellers:

At the top of the list is John Grisham's Playing for Pizza. If you are looking for Grisham's next legal thriller, this isn't it. This book has a football theme, as Grisham has been known to do in the past. If you like the way Grisham tells a story, you will probably like this book too, but you are now forewarned that it's not another A Time to Kill. Playing for Pizza is available now.

Coming soon is the 35th in the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker, Now and Then. If you aren't tired of Spenser by now, you probably never will be, but for those on the fence, a reviewer claims that Parker is "at the top of his game," in this latest entry. It will be available next week.

It is quite predictable for James Patterson to have a book coming out at any time of the year. It will be a pleasure, however, for those of you disenchanted with his co-authored books, to know that this next arrival, Double Cross, is his alone. The lucky 13th in the Alex Cross series will debut on November 13, which I assure you is not a Friday.

Unlike Parker and Patterson, Sue Grafton does not produce four or five books a year. Maybe it is because she doesn't want to use up the alphabet too soon. After a two year wait, T is for Trespass will reach the shelves in early December. Kinsey Millhone will ride again in this tale of identity theft and elder abuse.

I hope your favorite author is coming to a library shelf near you soon.

Netflix, Blockbuster or the Library

2007-10-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

Have you been following the battle between Netflix and Blockbuster? First Netflix appears with easy home delivery and return of dvds by mail. Blockbuster, feeling the pinch, steps in with home delivery and instore pickup and return. Now Netflix has added free dvds straight to your computer. Netflix has become a household word and Blockbuster is certainly trying harder. All of which made me wonder what kind of a great deal these corporate behemoths were offering.

Visits to the web sites of Netflix and Blockbuster gleaned the costs for their services. Netflix charges from $4.99 to $23.99 a month. The lowest charge gets you 2 dvds a month 1 at a time, while the top charge gets you 4 at a time with no limit per month. Blockbuster's rates range from $8.99 to $24.99 a month, with a several options involving mailing and in store pick up. So, for about $25 a month you can get a maximum of four movies at a time, with no limit on totals per month.

All of this brings me to the options at your local public library. Here, for the cost of a trip to the library, you can get unlimited movies at a time, which you can keep for one week. You can go on line to the library's web site and reserve any titles at the Bill or Gales Ferry Libraries and get a call or e-mail when they are available for pick up. You can return the dvds to either library.

You decide which option works best for you, but for my money, I am picking the library.

What is a Mad Hatter?

2007-10-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Browsing through the library newsletter the past few editions, you will see many references to the "Mad Hatters." We often get questioned about "Mad Hatters." So I will try to explain what a "Mad Hatter" truly is. About a year ago, some of the people who attend the library knitting group, Stitch and Dish, decided they wanted to do outreach knitting projects. Not only did they want to do these projects, but they wanted to encourage all members of the library community who knit and crochet to participate. Since this effort was separate from Stitch and Dish, it needed a whole new name and the Mad Hatters were born.

The Mad Hatters don't have meetings. They don't have dues or keep membership lists. To be a Mad Hatter, all you have to do is contribute a knitted or crocheted item to one of their various outreach projects. To date, baby hats have been donated to local hospitals and organizations and chemo caps have been made for cancer centers. This winter the Mad Hatters are taking on another ambitious project. They have begun to collect knitted and crocheted hats, mittens, scarves and socks. These will be given to various social service organizations through out the winter. All sizes and patterns are welcomed.

If you participate, you too will be a "Mad Hatter."

The Rivalry Continues

2007-10-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Once again we find ourselves at that particuliarly thrilling time of the year we call the baseball playoffs. Here in southeastern Connecticut, we get to split our loyalties between those teams in Boston and New York, who almost always seem to be playing in October. Although the library is heavy on the side of Red Sox fans, in the interest of fairness and the fact that the avid baseball fan who is the author of this blog is a long time Yankee fan, what follows is a list of good reads and watches that is "fairly" split between the two teams. The list contains items available in the Ledyard Libraries, as well as, other LION libraries. To request them, access the library catalog from our homepage.
Birth of a Dynasty: behind the pinstripes with the 1996 Yankees/Joel Sherman
The Rivals: the Boston Red Sox vs. the New York Yankees: an inside history/New York Times
The Pride of the Yankees dvd
Now I Can Die in Peace: how ESPN's sports guy found salvation with a little help from Nomar, Pedro, Shawshank and the 2004 Red Sox/ Bill Simmons
The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty: the game, the team and the cost of greatness/ Buster Olney
Faithful: two diehard Boston Red Sox fans chronicle the historic 2004 season/ Steward O'Nan
Emperors and Idiots: the hundred year rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox, from the very beginning/ Mike Vaccaro
*61 dvd
Idiot: beating "the curse" and enjoying the game of life/ Johnny Damon
Fever Pitch dvd
Enjoy and let the games begin! (If we get past the Indians and Angels)

WELCOME

2007-09-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog from the Ledyard Public Libraries. This blog will be used to inform, enlighten and maybe even entertain you. We hope to give you a better insight into modern library service. Check back often and share your thoughts with us.