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printable September / October Newsletter (pdf)   

printable September / October Programs List insert (pdf)

printable September Calendar (pdf)    printable October Calendar (pdf)

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A Director Retires, A Director Begins, Service Continues

August 2011: transition time at Jay County Public Library.

On August 1st Barbara Bonney began her position as the library’s new director. After serving 30 years as director, Rosalie Clamme began her official retirement, but stayed on for a few more weeks to help with the transition. The two have worked through August to make that transition smooth for patrons and staff.  At right, Rosalie shows files to Barbara.

Rosalie Clamme began as director in 1981. Among the many changes during her tenure were the automation of the catalog and circulation system, the addition of computers for public use, wireless Internet access, hiring high school age library “pages” to assist staff, expansion of children’s programming, and replacement of the bookmobile. The most visible changes came as the library’s overcrowding and access challenges were solved with the move to North Ship Street in 1996. Though books still make up the largest part of the library’s collection and services, new formats have come during the last 30 years too (some have come and gone!), especially audio and video materials and the newest, downloadable ebooks.

Barbara Bonney comes to our community from Newport, Kentucky, where she most recently worked in grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Earlier she served eight years as branch manager for the Campbell County Public Library where she had experiences of library growth and change similar to those here, including moving the branch library to a new facility. She holds a Masters of Library Science from the University of Kentucky as well as a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Northern Kentucky University. She has published numerous articles and poems in local, regional and national publications, including part of a children’s nonfiction series.

Cook Book Club German Night

Do you enjoy reading cookbooks? Do you like sharing recipes? Do you enjoy the company of others who share your interests? If you answered YES! then you are invited to attend the Cook Book Club on Monday, September 12th at 6:15 p.m. in the Community Room.

That evening, our first meeting of the fall, we will be treated to a “Taste of Germany” provided by one of our retired librarians, Gisela LeMaster, and her aunts Vera Heffner and Ilona Beck.

The club meets the second Monday each month except July and August. No dues, no business meetings! We just share dishes and recipes with each other. Please bring your own table service and a small donation to reimburse our guest cooks for any expenses they may incur preparing this treat for us.

For more information, call the Shirley Ping at 729-2787 or Bev Pyle at 726-2070.

Wow!  More ebooks!

A grant to grow and enhance the collection of downloadable books resulted in the purchase of 2571 new ebook titles and 794 audiobook titles to be shared by borrowers from the 32 libraries in the eIndiana Digital Consortium.

The Library Services & Technology Act grant was made possible by the U. S. Institute of Museum & Library Services as administered through the Indiana State Library. Which is to say that a lot of people and organizations have worked together to make new resources available to the libraries. The libraries in turn are sharing resources so that their users can benefit from a larger collection than any one of them could offer alone.

To use the service you’ll need your 14-digit Jay County Public Library card number. No additional password is required.

Click on the link to the eIndiana Digital Consortium here or on our home page.

Visit the FAQ or “Getting Started” features there to learn more about how to use this service with your electronic device.

Coming in November:

GENEALOGY SCRAPBOOK SESSIONS

Saturday,  November 19th

10:30a.m. to noon Beginning research “how to”

1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Start a genealogy scrapbook

Sign up for either or both sessions.

Lunch will be on your own. Basic materials will be furnished but you may bring more.

For more details contact Shirley Dollar at the library or phone 260-726-7890.

You ARE going to the Friends of the Library 

Annual Used Book Sale 
Aug. 25th, 26th, and 27th, 

right?  

Don’t miss the great bargains!

Well-used books no longer needed by the library are joined by donations from the public (some new or lightly read!). Items for sale include: books for adults and children; videos; audio books; puzzles; magazines and much more!

Hours are:

Thursday, August 25th 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 26th 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 27th 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Don’t miss the 1/2 Price Sale on August 26 from 12– 7 pm, and the Bag & Box Sale on August 27, with prices of $1/bag and $3/box.

Readers and Winners!

Congratulations to grand prize winners in the Adult Summer Reading Program

        GPS - Amy Klopfenstein

        iPod Nano - Bev Pyle

From Newsnotes Past

15 years ago
The library was closed for two weeks in October 1996. Week 1 the entire collection was moved to the new building by volunteers, staff and a professional library moving company. Week 2 a new computer system went into place and staff trained to be ready for the grand opening.

10 years ago
www.bookpage.com was the featured “Hot Spot on the Internet” in NEWSNOTES. It’s the online companion to Bookpage which is full of news and reviews and available free each month at the circulation desk.

5 years ago
The October issue highlighted 10 years in the North Ship Street building. (Is it nearly 15 years now?!)

Mitchell Auto Repair Manuals Online and In Color

The library will no longer purchase Mitchell Manuals in print, but will now make them available on the library’s public Internet computers. Search for information on specific vehicles and their systems and even print wiring diagrams in color.

Using Mitchell Manuals online is easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Sign up at the circulation desk to use a computer. Either a 15-minute Express Internet or a sit-down machine is fine.
2. Once on the Internet, type http://www.ondemand5.com in the address bar OR just click the favorites tab to choose it from the list there.
3. Click “Log In Now.”
4. From the lists you see at the left, select your vehicle’s year, make, and model to find information on repairs, wiring diagrams, quotes, specs and procedures, and more.

Printing is 15¢ per sheet. Access is limited to the library’s public Internet computers and is not available outside the library. Questions? Our staff is here to help!

The used print manuals will be sold at the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, August 25th-27th

Crochet Class September 6th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This instructional session is offered prior to the start of the Crochet Club (below). Two expert crocheters will demonstrate the basics of crocheting and will be available to offer one-on-one assistance. Supplies will be provided. Register by September 2nd.

Crochet Club September 20th & October 18, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Whether you’re an expert or a novice, bring your supplies and get crafty.

Tombstone Preservation September 15th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This program will take place at Liber Cemetery south and east of Portland. Travis Caldwell, of Pioneer Cemetery Preservation, will discuss and demonstrate tombstone preservation techniques and share the history of the Liber Cemetery.

Board Game Nights set for Tuesday, September 13th & Thursday, October 13th
Bored? Come to board game night! Bring your own games/cards or try one of the many games that will be available. No betting! For all ages. Drop in 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Fantasy Basketball on September 26th
Drop in any time between 6:30-8:00 p.m. Don’t want to join a public league? Form a library league with others in the community and draft your players together. We encourage those with fantasy basketball experience to lend a hand to those who are new to the game. Participants must bring their own laptop. Event will be held in the WiFi-equipped Community Room. (Teen/Adult)

Pumpkin Carving/Painting on Tuesday, October 4th PROGRAM CANCELLED  - Sorry for any inconvenience.
For adults and teens and children accompanied by an adult. You must bring your own pumpkin but the library will provide paint, cutting tools, etc. Come any time from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Harrold’s Pet Cemetery
Thursday, October 6th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. What will you do when your beloved pet dies? Kent Prouty will highlight the options available for disposal and grave markers and will discuss the history of the cemetery. Pet coffins and urns will be on display for viewing.

Horror Movie Nights October 3rd and October 14th 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Gather in the Community Room to see classic Hitchcock films Rear Window and The Birds. Chills! Suspense! Refreshments! For Teens and Adults.

Portland Paranormal Research Society Tuesday, October 11th, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Who you gonna call? PPRS! Portland Paranormal Research Society is a local group that investigates claims of otherworldly happenings. They will discuss their past investigations and display their ghost-hunting equipment.

Create A Monster Display
Channel Dr. Frankenstein and create your own monster! Use whatever medium you like: paint, sculpture, metalwork, even written descriptions! Monsters will be displayed in the library from October 24 – November 1. Note: the library will do its best to ensure that no harm comes to the displayed monsters; however, there is always the chance that a mishap could occur. Enter your creations at your own risk. For that matter, create at your own risk!

Scary Story Contest - write during October, read October 25th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Are there any budding Stephen Kings in our midst? Write a scary story and submit it to the library by October 20th. Then meet at the library on October 25th to read the stories aloud as a group. Writers of all levels and experience are welcome. Literary/horror-themed prizes will be given to those stories voted “scariest,” “best ending,” and “most imaginative.” Halloween candy and punch will be provided. Register by October 8th.

Murder Mystery Game Friday, October 28th from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Whodunit? Hamlet, The Count, the Mad Hatter? Come to the Deadly Ever After murder mystery game and find out. Read clues from the provided scripts and investigate the murder of Scheherazade, of Arabian Nights. This literary-themed game requires the participation of 8-13 players. Must register by October 17th. Props and food will be provided.

Friends of the Library

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 18th at 6:30 p.m. Come hear how the book sale went and what the Friends have planned for the rest of the year.

Book Reading Groups

Here are two upcoming titles for the long established yet generically named Book Reading Group:

For Monday, September 19th
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

For Monday, October 17th
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen

Discussion starts at 7:00 p.m. New members are always welcome! Need more info? Call (260) 726-7890.

See a list of past and upcoming titles

 

NEW THIS FALL: A book group especially for men!

Would you be brave enough to wage a horse-mounted guerilla war against the Taliban? Read about the men who did just that in Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton, an “…absolutely riveting account, full of horror and raw courage…” Publishers Weekly; “an action-packed, breathless account of American special-forces heroics that helped defeat the Taliban in the months after 9/11.” Kirkus Reviews; and “a lively and exciting battle chronicle that will be popular.” Library Journal.

After fighting alongside these warriors, be sure to come to the new Men’s Reading Group on September 27th at 7:00 p.m. Talk about the most thrilling parts of the book while enjoying pizza, chips, and other snacks.

The Men’s Reading Group will meet once a month to discuss books about sports, history, the military, etc. Possible future titles include Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose, and I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River, by Henry Winkler. Come to the first meeting to vote on reading choices and meeting times.