Seekonk Public Library News 3.2 Monday February 2, 2004 A monthly newsletter about the Seekonk Public Library http://www.seekonkpl.org news@seekonkpl.org _________________________________________________________________ Greetings from the Director, Sharon St. Hilaire: **** IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO***** Yes!! It's true. Seekonk Public Library is ranked 33 in the nation, higher than 98.1% of libraries our size according to the HAPLR report. This is the result of a joint effort between ******** YOU ********* the user and the library staff and trustees. We can't provide great service unless you tell us what you want. So, hats off to us all and may we enjoy the dance!!!! ________________________________________________________________ Biography of Agnes Martin Customer Services and Inventory Control Supervisor Librarianship is a third career for me. I started out in banking, became a stay-at-home mom for 10 years and was volunteer coordinator at G.R. Martin School. After volunteering in the school library, I enrolled at Bristol Community College in Library Science, and completed all the courses to become a Library Assistant. In 1979 I was hired by the Seekonk School Department and worked in a variety of positions. Though I enjoyed working in the classroom, I was happy to return to the library, when a position became available. During this time I also became a substitute circulation clerk at the Seekonk Public Library. I was hired as circulation supervisor in 1988. Shortly after, the position changed from Circulation Supervisor to Customer Services Supervisor, a reflection of a change in expectations from library users. It is my job to see that our customers are receiving the service they expect and to maintain our inventory of about 100,000 items. Customer services handles approximately 500,000 items per year. I supervise the customer services staff, volunteers and pages. I select fiction titles, large print books, books-on-tape or CD, with input from staff and patrons. As a member of the SAILS circulation policy committee, I make recommendations and test new policies and procedures before they are adopted by the entire SAILS community. I am one of those people who read everything: books, magazines, newspapers, bill- boards, cereal boxes and match book covers. I enjoy listening to recorded books as well and my day isn’t complete without solving at least one crossword puzzle. I am married with four children and three grandchildren who are learning the pleasures of reading and using the library. *********************************************************** LIBRARY STATISTICS : December 2003 Items borrowed 19,588 3.1% Increase Children's programs 16, attendance 322 Reference Questions: 640 *********************************************************** Seekonk Land Conservation Trust Supports Acquisitions in Ecology and Conservation Each year, the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust allocates $1,000 in its budget to the Seekonk Public Library for the purchase of books, serials, and other educational materials about conservation and ecology. This year, the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust will be underwriting the library’s cost to continue subscriptions for a number of magazines and journals and to purchase a few new books for the permanent collection. Purchases this year will be made in honor of David Sweet, long-time Seekonk resident and tireless volunteer for the land trust. Bookplates mounted in this year's purchases will recognize Dave for his contributions to the open-space effort in Seekonk. The Seekonk Land Conservation Trust was established in 1967 to preserve open space, promote land conservation and provide educational programs to increase awareness of conservation issues throughout the town and the region. About 300 acres of land within the town of Seekonk is now under management or conservation restriction to the land trust. The largest property is the Martin Wildlife Refuge, located on Fall River Avenue, across from the Old Grist Mill. Those interested in issues of conservation and land management are invited to join the land trust. Membership is $25 a year. Co-presidents Elizabeth Paquette and Bill Clark invite any and all to join by sending in their membership to the land trust, care of SCLT, at Box 383, Seekonk, MA 02771. ************************************************************ February 2004 Program Highlights CHESS CLUB has returned to the library on the following dates: Wednesday February 4th & 11th from 4pm to 5pm Tuesday February 17th & 24th from 4pm to 5pm STAMP CLUB will be meeting Saturday February 7th & 21st from 2pm to 3pm MOVIES are scheduled every Friday between 3pm & 5pm Additionally we have added a Teen Movie on February 2nd at 3:30pm MAKING ART with Sharlot McEnery continues on February 14th and February 28th at 2pm to 3:30pm KIDS ONLY READING CLUB will be Celebrating Presidents Thursday, February 19th at 3:45pm PARENT_CHILD BOOK CLUB moderated by Mary & Abby Forget will be meeting Monday Night, February 9th at 6:30pm ************************************************************ Family Night is Monday Night -- February 23, 6:30pm Big Joe and His Box of Stories***** Joe Pagliuca, a wild and crazy guy will pull out a lot of props and stories from his big box! You'll scream with laughter at this performance which is especially geared towards a younger audience. This is sponsored by Friends of Seekonk Library. ************************************************************** Identity Theft Workshop -- February 11, 6:30pm Robert Ellis Smith, journalist, lawyer and publisher of Privacy Journal will speak on protecting yourself from crime of identity theft. Recognized as the leading expert on the right to privacy in the U.S., Smith is a frequent speaker writer and Congressional witness on privacy issues. The New York Times said Smith "sounds the alarm about maintaining freedom and privacy in the computer age." **************************************************************** Preschool Fair -- February 28th -- 10:00am to 12:00pm In search of a preschool for your child???? The Library will be hosting a Preschool Fair with representatives from many local preschools. The representatives will be available to talk about services and programs they offer and to answer questions about their school. If you're looking for a preschool for you child mark your calendar and plan on attending this useful and informative program. ************************************************************** Computer Classes, Storytimes and other events are available on our website www.seekonkpl.org.