Get Ready for School!

Thinking Library!

Carole Stanger

August 6, 2011

New Books Upstairs @ the library!

Split Second by Catherine Coulter

Hotwire by Alex Kava

Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddens

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

Silent Killer by Beverly Barton

Dick Francis’s Gamble by Felix Francis

Justice by Karen Robards

Happy Birthday by Danielle Steel

Coming Events @ the Library!

• Library Hours!

Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sundays—closed

• Check out our website http://www.atlantic.lib.ia.us

• The Library Board regular meeting Monday, August 8, 5:30 p.m. upstairs

• Story Time Programs for 3, 4, & 5 year olds will start back up on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7 & 8 from 10-11 a.m.

Did You Know… that there were 410 boys and girls registered for the Atlantic Summer Library Programs?

Behind My Desk… I mentioned in an earlier column that the Cass County Library Association is planning an “All Cass County Reads” set of programs starting this September. We have decided to read Driving to Clarinda by Rosanne Bachman. This will be our first year of trying something like this on a local level, so be patient with us! As of now, there will be five different programs dealing with this book. The first program will be a Library and Lunch Program at the Anita Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Roseanne will be the guest speaker that day! Extra copies of the book will be available at the host library the month prior and up to its event.

We know quite a few of you have already had a chance to read the book, so we are hoping for nice attendance at our events. Atlantic will have a program next spring in March. Griswold and Lewis will co-host the final program in May.

The Cass County Genealogical Society is sending out a request for Javelins for the following years to fill in their collection. They need 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2007 through 2011. Anyone wishing to donate a copy would be greatly appreciated.

The 2011 Summer Library Programs for Atlantic are officially done! What a summer! Thank you to all the parents and care-givers who brought their children to our programs and helped in any way.

I finished the State annual library report for this past fiscal year. There are ten sections to that thing, and every year “they” tweek it just a little bit. I did pretty well, though. It’s totally done online now. I still somehow manage to have my desk covered with paper! How does that happen????

Next week the State Fair starts. For those planning on going, have a great time and stay cool… and Keep Thinking Libraries!

Summer Library Programs End Next Week!

Thinking Library!

Carole Stanger

July 23, 2011

Iowa Goldfinch Award Winners for 2011-12 @ the library!

Benny and Penny in the Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes

Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club by Niki Daly

A Book by Mordicai Gerstien

The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron

Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson

The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad

Chalk by Bill Thomson

My Forever Dress by Harriet Ziefert

Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

Orange Peel’s Pocket by Rose Lewis

The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend

Stars Above Us by Geoffrey Norman

Stick by Steve Breen

Testing the Ice by Sharon Robinson

Who Ate All the Cookie by Karon Beaumont

Dough Willoughby and the Lion by Greg Foley

On order: On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes

Coming Events @ the Library!

• Library Hours!

Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sundays—closed

• Check out our website http://www.atlantic.lib.ia.us

• The Library Board regular meeting Monday, August 8, 5:30 p.m. upstairs

• Story Time Programs for 3, 4, & 5 year olds has ended for this school year. They will start back up on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7 & 8 from 10-11 a.m.
• At Home Summer Reading goes until July 23! Reading Logs can be turned in by July 30. Prizes will be drawn every Friday!
• Wednesday, July 27 for all ages 9:30 a.m. show and 10:30 a.m. show for Dan Wardell!

Did You Know… as of July 1^st the Atlantic Public Library has 41,506 items (not including downloadable titles) with an estimated value of $613,264.89 that can be checked out to our patrons?

Behind My Desk… As promised in my last column, I have the list of Iowa Goldfinch Award books for you this time.

Last week we received a new Sony ereader. Ereaders are tricky things. It’s a very personal item, and it can be daunting in how to use it. The giver was kind enough to include how-to-use instructions. As a result, we can send it to other homebound patrons to try out! This is a great opportunity for people who really enjoy reading to find out what one is like. One of the best things about an ereader, as I’ve noted before, is the capability to change the size of the print. (I love large print, AND the ereader is very light and easy to hold!) It can make a wonderful gift for someone for birthdays or Christmas or any special occasion.

The City Department Heads met for their monthly meeting last week. We were discussing various issues with the City Personnel Policy. I do enjoy meeting with this group. We all have such diverse backgrounds and experience, but as a whole we work very well together. We appreciate those differences and care very much about our work.

I want to remind our young people who are with the summer reading program that today is the last day to log books you have read for the summer and next week please turn in your log books to the downstairs checkout desk.

Don’t forget Dan Wardell’s show this coming Wednesday at 9:30 and then again at 10:30 a.m.!

It’s been a great summer, I hope you all enjoyed the various activities Julie organized. A special thank you to all the volunteers and staff who helped with the programs, too! Finally, to Julie, who works so hard every year to make the summer library programs the best ever…thank you. Great job!

I cannot believe we are wrapping up this summer, but dare I say it? School starts in less than a month!

Enjoy the fairs and good luck to all the entrants… and Keep Thinking Libraries!

New Fiscal Year for Library

Thinking Library!

Carole Stanger

July 9, 2011

New Books Upstairs @ the library!

Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Disturbance by Jan Burke

Escape by Barbara Delinsky

Glenn Ford, a Life by Peter Ford

Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay by Beverly Jensen

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen

One Dog Night by David Rosenfelt

Coming Events @ the Library!

• Library Hours!

Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sundays—closed

• Check out our website http://www.atlantic.lib.ia.us

• The Library Board regular meeting Monday, June 13, 5:30 p.m. upstairs

• Story Time Programs for 3, 4, & 5 year olds has ended for this school year. They will start back up on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7 & 8 from 10-11 a.m.
• Monday, July 11 is Craft Day K-3^rd graders 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 12 is Hitchcock House/Slavery Program with Lora for 4^th -6^th graders from 10-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, July 13 is Silent Library for 6^th-8^th graders from 10-11 a.m. AND Movie Day for K-3^rd graders from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 14 is Movie Day for 4-5^th graders from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 18 is “Minute to Win it!” for 6-8^th graders from 10-11:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 19 is “Cooking with Tamara” for 4-6^th graders from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, July 20 is “Fun Stations with a Caricature Artist!” for 2^nd-5^th graders from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• At Home Summer Reading has begun and goes until July 23! Reading Logs can be turned in by July 30. Prizes will be drawn every Friday!

Did You Know… that the Atlantic Public Library checked out 90,496 items from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011? By using the library, our patrons saved $1,326.990.45! Sounds like a bargain to me!

Behind My Desk… We have had plenty of busy days this summer at the library. I enjoy that. There’s an energy that fills the building. Now, I have to admit my tolerance of some energy is not as strong as it was years ago. When we have “munchkins” who want to play Tag or Hide and Seek or use the elevator like a carnival ride in the library, I tend to frown on that…I might even get a little loud about that. Parents, be warned.

I like to have a relaxed atmosphere in the library. I know that once upon a time libraries were very strict and very, very, very silent places; but that’s no way to use a library. I do expect common sense and courtesy. I don’t think that is too much to ask from anyone. Everyone makes mistakes, but working with the public is an eye-opening experience for a new staff member. But, I need to add that most of our patrons are patient and good-natured people. Thank you for that!

RAGBRAI is coming to town soon. (Almost sounds like the circus, doesn’t it? Ok, in many ways it will be!) In years past the library has been open for access to restrooms, cool rooms, and public access computers. This year the bikers will be coming in on Sunday. The library will be closed. The free access wifi will still be available in the parking lot, and most people now have mobile phones for communication, anyway.

Julie brought this to my attention. It sounds like great thing.

The Goldfinch Award is an award given by PreK-3rd grade students in the state of Iowa. This award was designed to encourage children to read more quality books, provide a positive dialogue about books, and give recognition to those who write books for children. To be eligible to vote students in the participating grades must read or have read to them five books off the list. Books are added to the list from student nominations and reviewed by Goldfinch Award committee members. The library has practically all of the books on the list. In my next column, I will list the titles for our readers. Julie has read all of them and loved them.

Enjoy summer reading… and Keep Thinking Libraries!

Lost Article for June 25, 2011

Thinking Library!

Carole Stanger

June 25, 2011

New Books Upstairs @ the library!

One Summer by David Baldacci

Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy

Twelfth Prophecy by Bodie Thoene

Greater Journey by David McCullough

I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River by Henry Winkler

Devil Colony by James Rollins

Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? by Steven Tyler

Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver

Coming Events @ the Library!

• Library Hours!

Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sundays—closed

• Check out our website http://www.atlantic.lib.ia.us

• The Library Board regular meeting Monday, June 13, 5:30 p.m. upstairs

• Story Time Programs for 3, 4, & 5 year olds has ended for this school year. They will start back up on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7 & 8 from 10-11 a.m.
• Thursdays in June are Reading Buddies from 11 am to 12 noon.
• Babysitting Classes for June 13, 20, and 27 are FULL.
• Tuesdays in June and July 5 are ICN programs for K-3^rd graders from 10-11 a.m.
• Monday, June 27 is Movie Day for K-2^nd graders 1:30-3:15 p.m.—no registration!
• Monday, July 4 the Library will be closed in honor of Independence Day!
• Wednesday, July 6 is Blank Park Zoo for 1^st-5^th Graders 11 a.m.-12 noon.
• Monday, July 11 is Craft Day K-3^rd graders 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 12 is Hitchcock House/Slavery Program with Lora for 4^th -6^th graders from 10-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, July 13 is Silent Library for 6^th-8^th graders from 10-11 a.m. AND Movie Day for K-3^rd graders from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  

• At Home Summer Reading has begun and goes until July 23! Reading Logs can be turned in by July 30. Prizes will be drawn every Friday!

Did You Know… what the GRAND PRIZES are for our readers this summer are??? Keep reading and enter each week! 6^th-8^th Grade is a Nook! 4^th-5^th Grade is a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” package! K-3^rd Grade is a Shark Slip & Slide!

Behind My Desk… Julie tells me that registrations for the rest of the summer library programs are not full, so just show up! That’s cool! We have some great things coming up for July.

I’m at it again…I am cleaning my desk and office and am really trying to “down-size.” That is a real challenge! I was able to get rid of a bunch paper, so I can store more stuff. Does that sound just a little off-kilter to you, too? Oh, well. I’m trying.

It’s almost the end of the fiscal year for the library. That means I need to be ready for the next year starting July 1^st. It also means I need to finish up reports for the fiscal year ending on June 30^th. I’ve been working on next year’s things, but I just have this strange feeling I’m forgetting something important. I hate that.

We will have a new member for our July library board meeting. The Mayor has appointed Mike Waters for the position. We all hated to see Betty Trewet resign, but totally understand and appreciate all she has contributed to our library these last ten years.

Have a safe and great 4^th of July… and Keep Thinking Libraries!

One Hot Summer @ the Library!

Thinking Library!

Carole Stanger

June 11, 2011

New Books Upstairs @ the library!

Final Storm by Jeff Shaara

9^th Wife by Amy Stolls

Kiss Her Goodbye by Max Collins

Trader of Secrets by Steve Martini

Kingdom by Clive Cussler

Hit List by Laurel Hamilton

Unnatural Issue by Mercedes Lackey

Creeds Honor by Linda Lael Miller

Coming Events @ the Library!

• Library Hours!

Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sundays—closed

• Check out our website http://www.atlantic.lib.ia.us

• The Library Board regular meeting Monday, June 13, 5:30 p.m. upstairs

• Story Time Programs for 3, 4, & 5 year olds has ended for this school year. They will start back up in the fall.
• Thursdays in June are Reading Buddies from 11 am to 12 noon. Registration is FULL.
• Babysitting Classes for June 13, 20, and 27 are FULL.
• Tuesdays in June and July 5 are ICN programs for K-3^rd graders from 10-11 a.m.
• There is still room for the Amazing Race for 6^th-8^th graders on Wednesday, June 15 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Also on Wednesday, June 15 it’s Movie Day for 2^nd-4^th Graders 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm—no registration!
• The Loony Lori Game Show for 1^st- 6^th graders will be Monday, June 20 from 10-11:15 a.m.—no registration!
• Wednesday, June 22, from 10-11 a.m. Lora will be doing a program for K-3^rd Graders on American Stories/Nature—no registration!
• Monday, June 27 is Movie Day for K-2^nd graders 1:30-3:15 p.m.—no registration!
• Monday, July 4 the Library will be closed in honor of Independence Day!
• At Home Summer Reading has begun and goes until July 23! Reading Logs can be turned in by July 30. Prizes will be drawn every Friday!

Did You Know… The Atlantic Public Library will be collaborating with the other Cass County Libraries for an “All Cass County Reads” program this next fall, winter and spring. We plan to have programs devoted to the book Driving to Clarinda by Roseanne Bachman. Stay tuned for more details later in the summer!

Behind My Desk… Well, summer found its way here, didn’t it? We hit an all-time high for library items checked out on May 31—762! We have very good days when we have over 300 checkouts. Jeepers! That blew it out of the water, but it was no surprise to the ones who were working the checkout desks! It will be equally interesting to see how many of those become overdue at the end of the month! I would not be surprised if there are not very many.

June is the end of the fiscal year, and the library budget is coming in pretty much on target. We will be over in some areas, but other places we were able to save some money. It is close, though. I get a little concerned about this time every year. I wonder why…

I do enjoy getting together with the other library directors in Cass County. The first Tuesday of each month we try to have a breakfast meeting just to talk over problems, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other’s company. I have the utmost respect for these five other ladies. We all have various work experiences, but when a person decides to take on the directorship of a library, it’s a world we all know very well. We each have learned the best way to succeed is to help each other and support each other. Boy, that makes a huge difference! To Vicki, Cindy, Susie, Carolyn and Rhonda—you are the best, and Cass County, Iowa Libraries Rock!

Enjoy a good book and Stay cool… and Keep Thinking Libraries!