Seekonk Public Library News 6.2 February 2007 A monthly newsletter about the Seekonk Public Library http://www.seekonkpl.org Greetings from the Staff The Grammy Award has come to Seekonk! Congratulations Bill Harley!!! Our resident songster and big library supporter has accomplished a feat many can only dream of. Bill won the Grammy Award in the category of Best Spoken Word Album for Children with Blah, Blah, Blah: Stories about Clams, Swamp Monsters, Pirates & Dogs. You can hear selections from this CD on his website. The library has a large collection of his recordings and books that are a treat for the entire family. Not only can kids relate to his songs and stories, but they bring back lots of childhood memories for moms and dads. Bill is a big supporter of libraries. He has advocated for them on the National Public Radio show All Things Considered and wrote the song At Your Library. You will get a chance to hear Bill live at the library this summer. He will kick off our Summer Concert Series on July 11! Be sure to mark your calendars. ************************************************** Meet the Candidates We would like to introduce you to the four candidates running for the three open positions on the Board of Library Trustees. Each candidate has submitted a statement telling why they would like to serve on the Board. Mrs. Ann Borah Previous member of the Board of Library Trustees "I am running for a seat on the Board of Library Trustees because I believe in the library with its educational purpose and varied programs. Seekonk is a town that lacks a town center. The library fills that void by being the place where people can get together. I think it is important that we continue the fine programs that we have, as well as search for new ways to provide services that benefit the people of Seekonk." Mr. Michael Durkay Current member of the Board of Library Trustees "I'm running to continue the Library's march into the future. Information continues to appreciate in value, and we must keep finding ways to efficiently gather and present it to the public. Capping the landfill will directly impact our operation, and completion of the park project will enhance the library's already honored position within the community. The Trustees are integrally involved with all of these actions, and I'd like to participate as well." Mrs. Sandra Foulkes First official run for the Board of Library Trustees position "My family and I have had a long relationship with Seekonk Library. I've been active in the community, having served on several committees. The library is integral to Seekonk's well being. By serving as a Library Trustee, I can lend my support in the library's next stage of development and growth." Mr. Paul Palange Current member of the Board of Library Trustees "I am running for re-election to the Seekonk Public Library Board of Trustees because I want to continue the important work of providing people from our community and beyond with an institution that offers direct, affordable and equal access to information that is vital to keep abreast of issues and to stimulate intellectual growth. In addition, I will continue the mission of offering classes and seminars that expand the horizons and skills of people of all ages." ************************************************** New Health page on the library website In its August of 2006 survey, the Pew Internet and American Life Project found 25% of Internet users searching for health information were overwhelmed by the amount of infroamtion they found online, while 22% were frustrated by a lack of information or inability to find what they were looking for online. As part of the Health Access grant the library received this past year we are working to make it easier for our patrons to find medical information on the Internet. In order to accomplish this we have added a “Health on the Web” page to our website. You can find it on our homepage under the category of “Library Databases.” ************************************************** Playaway audiobooks are available Have you heard a good book lately? Try our Playaway audiobooks. No need to be bothered with cassettes or CD's. No need to download files to your computer. Playaway books are hand-held devices with the books already loaded on them. They are about the size of an iPod and MP3 player. Borrow one of these new means of listening to a book. Plug in your earphones, press the play button and enjoy your favorite author. It's that simple. Stop by and try it out! ************************************************** The library has many common tax forms available in the lobby. Stop by and find the ones you need. If you are looking for a form that we don’t have in stock just ask an Adult Services librarian and we will be happy to find it for you online. If you have Internet access and want to help yourself go the the IRS website for the federal forms. Massachusetts state tax forms can be found online also, as well as the Rhode Island state tax forms. We have the J.K. Lasser book Your Income Tax 2007 at the Adult Services desk to help answer federal tax questions you may have. ************************************************** The Seekonk Library Trust's annual New Century Fund Campaign has begun. The Trust exists as a vehicle to accept gifts and bequests. Consider adding something in your will for the Seekonk Library Trust. More information is available at Seekonkpl.org. ************************************************** LIBRARY STATISTICS : January 2007 Items Borrowed 20,845 Children's programs 4, Attendance 58 Adult programs 18, Attendance 166 Reference Questions: 851 ***************************************************************** March 2007 Program Highlights Adult Services Programs for March Computer Classes The library has a number of computer classes scheduled for March. March 7 – Introduction to the Internet 1:30 - 3pm March 10 – Introduction to Computers 10:30 – 12pm March 13 – Excel I 6 - 7:30pm March 15 – Word I 6 – 7:30pm March 20 – Internet: Beyond the Basics 1:30 – 3pm March 21 – Excel II 1:30 – 3pm March 22 – Word II 6 - 7:30pm March 27 - Health on the Web 6 - 7:30pm March 28 - E-Mail 1:30 - 3pm Yoga for Beginners March 1 - April 5 10 - 11am This beginner's only class is ideal for non-exercisers, seniors, and anyone who would like an introduction to the healing, relaxing, yet energizing practice of Yoga. The class will include breathing, meditation, posture and balance, stretching, and more. Registration is required. Call the Adult Services dept. to register at 508-336-8230 ext.130 This program is part of the Seekonk Public Library's Health Access grant to bring health information to the community. The grant is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services which is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Introduction to eBay Wednesday, March 14 6 - 7:30pm eBay instructor Lyn J. Dowler will conduct a presentation on the basics of registering and creating an eBay account, conducting item searches, payments, and much more. No registration is necessary. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library. Wellness Day Saturday, March 24 10 - 2pm Conventional and alternative health practitioners from the area will show you ways to look and feel your best. Learn more about exercise, nutrition, holistic medicine and other ways to improve your health. Participants include the following: Newman YMCA, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Fitness Mom, June Condon - holistic practitioner and nutrition counselor, Ann McKay - homeopathic nurse, CVS phamacy, the Center at 5 Bridge Inn, and The Good Seed. Blood pressure screening and mini acupressure treatments will be available. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library. The program is part of the Seekonk Public Library’s Health Access grant to bring health information to the community. The grant is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services which is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Sleep Disorders Wednesday, March 28 6:30 - 7:30pm Denise Cuneo, from Sturdy Memorial Hospital, will discuss various types of sleep disorders including sleep apnea. She will explain the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for each. The program is provided by the Seekonk Public Library’s Health Access grant to bring health information to the community. The grant is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services which is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. FAMILY NIGHTS 6:30 pm The Turtle Lady Monday, March 19 6:30 pm Join Ellen Gauthier, "The Turtle Lady", for an interactive show-and-tell program about turtles and tortises! The program includes fascinating facts, a question and answer period, and viewing of different varieties of turtles up close. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library More Youth Programs Dance Dance Revolution - Teens Wednesdays in March Practice starts at 2pm. Tournament play at 2:30pm Dance Dance Revolution is back at Seekonk Library! Practice will start at 2pm and tournament play will be held from 2:30 - 3:30. Refreshments (especially water!) will be served. Unfamiliar with Dance Dance Revolution? DDR is an interactive video game that allows players to use their whole body rather than just their hands to play. Using upbeat music and colorful dance pads, players step on arrows while trying to keep time with the music. The object of the game is to keep up with the speed and intensity of the techno-beat. The Wednesday afternoon program is geared for teens but everyone is invited. Remember….Wednesdays in March from 2 - 3:30! Scrabble Club - Grades 3 and up Fridays 3:45 March 2 and 9 Whether you're playing the game for the first time or trying to improve your skills, join us at our newly formed Scrabble club for some rousing rounds of this very popular board game. Registration is required. Call the Youth Services department at 508-336-8230, ext. 140. Stamp Collecting Club - All Ages Saturday, March 10 at 2pm. Discover the fun of stamp collecting by selecting, mounting and exhibiting your stamps. All supplies (including stamps) are provided. Mentored by Shawn Pease, RI Philatelic Society member. Parent/Child Book Club - Grades 4 and up Monday, March 26 at 6:30 pm. Enjoy a wonderful book, a lively discussion, and an activity. Meets once a month. This is a drop-in program and registration is not required. Call the Youth Services Dept. at 508-336-8230, ext. 140 for this month's book title.