Warm Up With a Hot Book!

(c)2011 SELCO

Winter is upon us.  It is time once again to join the Library’s Hot Reads for Cold Nights adult winter reading program.  Set a reading goal for yourself and win prizes.  Every library book you read during the months of January and February earns a chance to win raffle prizes. 

Making participation this year easier than ever, there are two ways to register:  Online and in person.  Those of you with children who participated in the 2011 Summer Reading Program are already familiar with the software we have available.  Those of you who aren’t familiar with it can catch on quickly.  All you need is internet access and you can register, keep track of your books, and even write reviews! 

Not comfortable with new-fangled online registration?  No problem!  We will still have the trusty little notebooks for you to record the library books you read.  In-person registration starts in January. 

Pre-registration is possible now by going to the library’s website.  There is no cost and you don’t need to download anything to your own computer.  Not only will there be instructions online, but also we will help you if you need us to. 

You still need to come in to the library to borrow books and to fill out raffle tickets for those you have read, of course, but you want to see us anyway. 

Kick the winter blahs and get reading!

--Susan Hoppe, Reference Librarian

The Priceless Gift

I know a gift that works just as well for those kids who have every toy known to man as well as those who don’t have two dimes to rub together.  The best part--it doesn’t cost a cent.  What is it?  It’s a library card and the knowledge of what doors it can open for your child.  This seems too simple, and maybe it’s a little sappy, until you realize that in many parts of the world a library card is far beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest. 

Is it something your kids are going to get excited about?  Nope.  But, we don’t know where our children will land during adulthood. The knowledge of what free tools are available to them can make a difference in their future.  Not to mention the fact that, if they feel comfortable in their library, they'll always have a warm place to visit on a cold winter's day! 

Kids with library cards can get free books in print, audio, and digital formats.  They can borrow movies or music and can use many databases through their library's subscription services.  Here, in Virginia, they can get one-on-one homework help online for every subject in every grade and then when they need to practice for the ACT, SAT, or hopefully, the GRE, they can get help for that, too. 

When our kids are shuttled off into the world, out of the sphere of our reach, the library is still there for them.  They can get professional help editing their college papers, or help building their first resume. They can even get help finding a job, or keeping the one they eventually find.  And, when it comes to a new car, a new house, or even repair of that old fridge, the library is their friend.

The first step to all this is having a library card.   The second step is giving your child the opportunity to explore the treasures inside their library. So, this holiday season, remember the long haul and give your child a gift that will last their whole life.  Visit your library and give them a library card. -- Dawn Heisel, Public Services Librarian

Just the Facts

You already know you can find great children’s books and entertaining DVDs at your library.  Did you know that you can also find quick answers to many of life’s questions in the reference area?

The Virginia Public Library’s reference materials are divided into two parts, general and Northeastern Minnesota.  Are you looking for Minnesota laws?  Take a look at the Minnesota Statutes.  Are you wondering what on earth that furry thing on a leash is?  Try one of our dog breed books.  Have you taken an interest in a different religion?  We have several works, including encyclopedia sets, on different religions.  Would you like to know more about a different culture?  We have several books on that, as well.  Come on in and learn about it in our general reference collection.

The Minnesota collection has items specific to Northeastern Minnesota.  From logging to mining and from old telephone directories to local biographies and beyond, anyone interested in the area is sure to find something of interest.  You can learn where your great-uncle Ed lived and worked just by exploring the Minnesota collection. 

Do you ever get lost in the woods or on the highway?  In addition to general and Minnesota reference, we have an atlas stand.  There are world atlases for those who want to know where Mozambique is; North American atlases for those who want to know which highway will take them to Victoria, BC; and Minnesota atlases for those who forgot how to get from here to the Cities.  There are also many USGS quad maps for those looking for an out-of-the way fishing spot.

Come on in and we’ll show you where the reference area is and help you find the information you need. 

The Lost Art of Browsing.

The Lost Art of Browsing.

Milk, bread, eggs?  Check.  Oil change? Check. Skates sharpened? Check.  Reserved library books picked up? Check.  Hey, wait a minute!  What's the rush?  What about browsing the library shelves?

I know, there’s your list, and why walk around the library aimlessly looking for something you “might” like?  And, to top it off, if your list is like mine, it is filled with books that have been recommended by your friends, your favorite talk show hosts, the neighbor next door, the magazine you picked up at the doctors’ office, and, oh, so many more.  You know you’ll never get to all those titles, so why spend time you don’t have looking around the library?

Well, here’s the little known secret to browsing in your library.  Where else can you follow your heart’s desire, in public, for free?  And sometimes, in fact many times, your heart will lead you to places you never imagined.

I know firsthand how browsing can take you by the hand and shake up your life.  Just ask my family who still jokes about the trip out west when we tried to visit 7 provincial parks in one day after I found a Canadian parks guide.  Browsing can also expand your horizons.  It was over 10 years ago that I brought home a book on the Alhambra, never expecting that my husband would one day say, “Hey, what about traveling to Spain?”  Browsing can also change your life.  Artisan bread, anyone?

So, all kidding aside, browsing through the stacks is your chance to explore and find your own treasures.  It’s easier than you think to find those books on subjects that speak to your heart and change your life.  So, pull on your boots and start your own treasure hunt.  I can assure you, your library is filled with countless gems.