Newsletter

MAY 2008

GET CAUGHT READING!

May is "Get Caught Reading Month." It was launched in 1999 and you may have seen well-known personalities supporting the campaign in print ads and on posters. First Lady Laura Bush, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Whoopi Goldberg, Derek Jeter, Jane Seymour and Robin Williams are just a few who have all been "caught reading" their favorite books and magazines. Through the media attention and the work of teachers and librarians, the hope is to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives. Set aside a special time each day for leisure reading for yourself and promote reading within your family. There is a cost-free and convenient way to make this happen. Why not visit the public library every week or a few times a week and bring along a child, a friend or family member? Gasoline, groceries and everything else is rising in price, but the public library remains free. Michael Borges, Executive Director of the New York Library Association, in a recent newspaper commentary, remarked on the increasing use of public libraries when our personal budget tightens. Library budgets are tight also, which means that state and local funding has never been more important. Support your local library and enjoy all that it has to offer.

AUDIO BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

Anyone with a library card from any Nioga Library System Member library, Niagara Falls Public Library included, can now download audio books thanks to a new service provided by the System. You can browse, check out and download numerous book titles to your PC any time of the day or night. Depending on the title, you will be able to burn it to a CD and/or your MP3 player. Just go to the Library's home page at www.niagarafallspubliclib.org and click on the large "download audio books" icon in the middle of the page. Then follow the easy instructions and you'll soon be set to enjoy the book. Just remember, you'll need your library card to take advantage of this great new offering. The service is available 24/7.

OPEN HOUSE, SPEAKER AND DISPLAYS SCHEDULED

Don't forget the Friends of Local History Department Open House at the Main Library on Saturday, April 26th from 2 - 4 p.m. Exhibits, tours, talks and refreshments will make for a great time.

"Herbal Medicine" will be the topic discussed by Michael Marrone, Doctor of Pharmacy, at 7 pm in the on Tuesday, May 27th in the Main Library auditorium. This will be the first of twelve health-related sessions open to the public and free of charge under the sponsorship of the Friends of the Library.

"Unseen America," an exhibit of photos taken by everyday people under the direction of Erin Shannon, will be on display on the second floor beginning in May. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Tuesday, May 6 from 6-8 pm.

Former Falls teacher Tom Patti brings the story of Paul Nagurney, late resident of the Falls, to our display cases at the main library in May. The World War II veteran's chilling account of the Bataan Death March is supplemented with pictures collected and mounted by Mr. Patti. The display will continue through June.

MAY MERRIMENT FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Family Book Club. Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Main Library. For children in grades K - 3 and their families. This month's selection is "The Flight of the Union" by Tekla White. Read the book before the meeting (copies are available for checkout at the circulation desk in the Children's Room) and then join us for a fun trivia game and other activities based upon the book. Registration required. 286-4902

Extreme Readers Club. Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 2:45 - 3:45 pm. For children in grades 4 - 6. Main Library. May's selection will be decided by vote at the April 29 meeting! Read the book before the meeting (copies will be available for checkout at the circulation desk in the Children's Room) and then join us for a fun trivia game and other activities based upon the book. Registration required. 286-4902

Preschool Story Hour for children ages 3 - 5. Join us for stories, songs, activities and a craft. LaSalle Branch: Wednesday mornings from 10:15 - 11:00 am, April 30 - May 21. Registration is required. 283-8309.
Main Library: Thursday mornings from 10:00 - 10:45 am. May 1 - May 22. Registration is required. 286-4902.

All Childens programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library

NEW IN THE A-V DEPARTMENT

New Audio Books: "Naughty Neighbor," by Janet Evanovich; "Another Thing to Fall," by Laura Lippman; "Change of Heart," by Jodi Picoult; "Searching for Paradise in Parker, Pa" by Kris Radish; "Black Widow," Randy Wayne White.

New DVDs: "Enchanted," "King of California," "Love in the time of Cholera," "No Reservations," "Wristcutters: A love story."

New CDs: " My Everything," by Anita Baker; "The Best of June Christy," June Christy; "One Cell in the Sea," by A Fine Frenzy; "Unglamorous," by Lori McKenna; "One Chance," by Paul Potts.

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APRIL 2008

AMNESTY PLANNED FOR NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

Join the circle of knowledge at your library during National Library Week, April 13-19, 2008. National Library Week is based on the idea that once people are motivated to read, they will support and use their libraries. Libraries are places of opportunity and access to the world. Your library can enrich the learning process of any user, from early reader to graduate student to young Web surfer to senior citizen. This month's celebration promotes the use and support of our nation's libraries and librarians. The Niagara Falls Public Library constantly strives to bring its many services and resources to the attention of our patrons. Our hope is that everyone in the community will take advantage of all that is offered. Registering for a library card is the first step. Clearly, you will find new books, best sellers, current magazines and newspapers at the library. But there is a whole lot more. We offer adult programs, public access Internet computers, wireless Internet access, and word processing PCs. There is an active Children's Department and it offers a large variety of programs for the kids. The Reference Department offers continual assistance with materials and services. The A-V Department has thousands of feature movies and documentary DVDs as well as music and books on CDs. The Local History Department contains a fascinating collection pertaining to the Niagara Region. Stop by during the month of April and rediscover your local library! And if you have old fines or overdue books, come in to have them forgiven during the amnesty that is being offered as part of the celebration of National Library Week, April 13-19.

GREAT SPRING WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED

Investment Fundamentals, with financial advisor Allen Dembski, will be offered Tuesday, April 8 and 15 from 6-7 pm at the Main Library. Learn about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement savings and wealth accumulation at our two-part series for beginning investors.

Art of the Handmade Book will be the spring feature for our adults and teens craft classes at the Main Street library. Each class will involve a different skill and you will have made at least two completed books by the end of the program. Pamphlet Binding; make two or more soft cover books with sewn pages. Wednesday, April 2, 6-7:30 pm. Class will be repeated on Saturday, April 5 from 2 to 3:30 pm. Accordion Books; try your hand at creating two or more accordion style books with hard covers. Wednesday, April 16, 6-7:30 pm. Class will be repeated on Saturday, April 19 from 2-3:30 pm. Stab Binding and Coptic Binding; make two soft cover books with decorative bindings. Wednesday, April 30, 6-7 pm. Class repeated on Saturday, May 3 from 2-3:30 pm. Please call 286-4892 or 286-4894 to register. All classes are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

FRIENDS OF LOCAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE APRIL 26TH

The Friends of the Local History Department Open House is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Main Street library. A variety of happenings are planned. Local history authors will be present to discuss and sell their works, the Dept. will be open for visitors, and officers and members will be available to discuss the group's activities. City Historian Tom Yots will give presentations, and refreshments will be served. Visit and enjoy the Library Gift Shop while you're at the function.

APRIL FUN FOR KIDS

Looking for something fun to do during spring recess? Join us at the library for some fun programs for children and their families!

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 2:30 - 3:30 pm - Main Library; Wild, Wild West Family Story Hour. Come and say howdy to some rootin' tootin' stories, games and crafts that the whole family can enjoy!

Thursday, April 17, 2008, 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Main Library; Earth Day Family Concert with Nan Hoffman. We'll be getting ready for Earth Day at this fun-filled, participatory concert featuring songs about caring for our planet and the creatures that inhabit it.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Main Library, Family Book Club. For children in grades K - 3 and their families. This month's selection is "Nate the Great" by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Read the book before the meeting (copies are available for checkout at the circulation desk in the Children's Room) and then join us for a fun trivia game and other activities based upon the book. Registration required. 286-4902. All children's programs are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

NEW IN THE A-V DEPARTMENT

New Audio Books: "7th Heaven" by James Patterson; "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak; "Appeal" by John Grisham; "People Of The Book" by Geraldine Brooks; "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman.

New DVDs: "Balls Of Fury," "Beowulf;" "Michael Clayton," "Poor Boy's Game," "Trade."

New CDs: "I'll Stay Me" by Luke Bryan; "Ms. Kelly" by Kelly Rowland; "The Reminder" by Feist; "Systematic Chaos" by Dream Theater;" "Under the Blacklight" by Rilo Kilely.

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MARCH 2008

The library is celebrating Women's History Month in March. Congress passed a resolution in 1987 to celebrate the emergence of women's history and recognize the aspirations and opportunities afforded women after the women's movement of the sixties. It's particularly timely this year because of the very visible influence of women in high political and leadership positions. Library users are invited take some time to discover what we have to offer on this important aspect of American life. See the contributions of women leaders such as Sandra Day O'Connor, Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clinton, Condoleeza Rice and Nancy Pelosi. The library will have a display of books featuring women from numerous social, cultural and economic movements during the month of March. Professional staff in the Reference Department are always to ready assist users in locating information and current topics from a wide range of resources. You may also wish to look at the following websites for information and news: www.nwhp.org (website of the National Women's History Project); www.history.com/minisites/womenhist/ (website of the History Channel); www.timeforkids.com/TFK/whm (website from Time Inc.).

The Main Library's display cases will feature works by two prominent artists from the area. Polly King was perhaps one of the areas most accomplished and well-known painters, and prints of her work will be shown in the main display case on the first floor. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view some of the outstanding works of Lewiston resident and artist Sherrill Primo. Both artists' works will be on display during the month of March.

The Friends of the Local History Department group recently completed the surname index for Memorial Park Cemetery on Portage road, and presented it to the Library for public use. It is now available on the first floor at the Reference Desk; just ask one of the librarians. The group will next start work on Holy Trinity Cemetery and make the name index available for use as soon as it is done.

The Department has also received over fifty banker's boxes of materials from the now defunct Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce. The collection has thousands of items dating to the 1960's and includes an oversized scrapbook of Soviet Premier Kosygin's visit to the city in June 24, 1967. The book contains clippings of his visit from major newspapers throughout the U.S.

Extreme Readers Club, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 2:45 - 3:45 pm., For children in grades 4 - 6, Main Library. This month's selection is "The Spiderwick Chronicles" by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. Read the book before the meeting (copies are available for checkout at the circulation desk in the Children's Room) and then join us for a fun trivia game and other activities based upon the book. Registration required. 286-4902

St. Patrick's Day Craft Program for Children, Monday, March 10, 2008, 6:30 - 7:30 pm., Main Library.
Stop by the children's room between 6:30 and 7:30 pm to make a St. Patrick's Day themed craft to take home with you. Parents, please assist children under 5.

Family Book Club, Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. For children in grades K - 3 and their families, Main Library. This month's selection is "The Leprechaun's Gold" by Pamela Duncan Edwards.
Read the book before the meeting (copies are available for checkout at the circulation desk in the Children's Room) then join us for a fun trivia game and other activities based upon the book. Registration required; 286-4902.

Preschool Story Hour for children ages 3 - 5, Join us for stories, songs, activities and a craft. LaSalle Branch: Wednesday mornings from 10:15 - 11:00 am. Through April 2. Registration is required. 283-8309. Main Library: Thursday mornings from 10:00 - 10:45 am. Through April 3. Registration is required. 286-4902.

"New Audio Books: The Ghost War" by Alex Berenson; "Sword Song" by Bernard Cornwell; "The Shooters" by W.E.B. Griffin; "Duma Key" by Stephen King.
New DVDs: "Becoming Jane;" "Dedication;" "Introducing the Dwights;" "Martian Child;" "Why Did I Get Married."
New CDs: "Rapture" by Anita Baker; "Truth" by Robben Ford; "Sean Kingston" by Sean Kingston; "Exile on Mainstream;" by Matchbox Twenty; "I Am" by Chrisette Michele.

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FEBRUARY 2008

LaSalle library users who haven't been in the facility for a while are due for some nice surprises. The Friends of the Library have purchased a handsome new sign that welcomes visitors and helps beautify the neighborhood. Various other improvements have also enhanced both the building and the resources that are available to users. A new elevator, funded by a State grant, has been installed and should be ready very soon. A ramp for use by people with disabilities has been installed near the rear parking lot and can now be used for access into the building. The second floor auditorium has a fresh coat of paint and is available for booking by community groups, and the main reading room has been painted and rearranged. Lots of new books have been added to the collection and the Branch's collection of DVD's is being updated more regularly. LaSalle residents can, of course, ask for materials from the main library to be delivered for them at the branch. In sum, the branch is becoming a more and more attractive and valuable "neighbor" in LaSalle and our "house" always welcomes visitors!

It's income tax time again and the library is geared up to help all filers. Federal income tax forms are here already and we will soon have New York State's 2007 forms. Many specialized forms are available in addition to the typical forms that most people use. The librarians can help you find what you need for the current year, as well as previous years. There are also links to both the Internal Revenue Service and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance on the library's Web page. Tax information, forms, and instructions can be located and printed from within the library or from home at www.niagarafallspubliclib.org. Just look on the main home page for the "Featured Internet Sites" section.

The Library is also happy to inform people about I-CAN E-File, an online income tax service. This program allows individuals and families to prepare their tax returns, and it automatically finds what credits they are eligible for. The program is free and it lets users file their returns electronically without charge. It's fast, easy and can be used by most people with simple returns. You are eligible to file your income tax return with I-CAN! if: a) if your income was under $50,000; b) you do not own property; and c) you did not take money out of a pension (401k). Logon to www.icanefile.org.

The Reference librarians will also keep track of tax help and events held in the community and make referrals upon request. Just visit the Reference desk or call 286-4881.

Historic postcard-sized photographs of African Americans taken by Leon Van Patten will be featured in the Main Library lobby display cases starting in February. Van Patten traveled throughout the Carolinas and Alabama during the early 1900's, and documented his travels with these photos. The collection came to the library as a donation by a local resident.

Valentine's Day Craft Program for Children. Monday, February 11, 2008, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Main Library.
Stop by the Children's Room between 6:30 and 7:30 pm to make a Valentine's Day themed craft to take home with you. Parents, please assist children under 5.
Extreme Readers Club. Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 2:45 - 3:45 pm, Main Library. For children in grades 4 - 6. This month's selection is "The Get Rich Quick Club" by Dan Gutman. Read the book before the meeting (copies are available for checkout at the circulation desk in the Children's Room) and then join us for a fun trivia game and other activities based upon the book. Registration required. 286-4902
Preschool Story Hour for children ages 3 - 5. Join us for stories, songs, activities and a craft. LaSalle Branch: Wednesday mornings from 10:15 - 11:00 am. February 6 - April 2. Registration is required. 283-8309. Main Library: Thursday mornings from 10:00 - 10:45 am. February 7 - April 3. Registration is required. 286-4902

All children's programs are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

New Audio Books: "Lord John and the Hand of Devils" by Diana Gabaldon; "Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself" by Alan Alda.
New DVDs: "American Pie Presents Beta House;" "El Cantante;" "Eye of the Dolphin;" "Golden Door;"
"Sunshine;" "The Tudors: Complete First Season;"
New CDs: "Join the Parade " by Marc Cohn; "Piano Jazz" by Bill Evans; "Red's Blues" by Red Garland; "Snakes & Arrows" by Rush; " Sonny Clark Trio; by Sonny Clark Trio.

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JANUARY 2008

Now is a good time of year to do some homework on a wide variety of personal and legal matters that affect many of us. Visit the library to look at some of the very helpful publications that have just arrived from Nolo Publishing, a respected legal resource. Some of the new titles are: "Solve Your Money Troubles;" "Home Business Tax Deductions;" "IRA's, 401(k)s & other Retirement Plans;" "Your Rights in the Workplace;" "Employer's Legal Handbook;" "Essential Guide to Family & Medical Leave;" "Win Your Personal Injury Claim;" "Long Term Care;" "Quick & Legal Will Book;" "Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business." Ask a librarian for help in locating information on other topics.

Journal: "a personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis." Are you interested in learning how to start writing you own, but need someone to motivate you? For a wonderful start, join Terri Mudd on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., January 28 through March 24. Call 286-4894 to register. Classes are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Knitting classes for teens and adults will be held Wednesdays 6 - 7 pm from January 23 - February 13. Beginners and intermediate knitters are welcome. Yarn is provided for beginners, but they should bring size 8 knitting needles. Intermediate knitters, bring a project to work on. We will help you read a pattern or learn new stitches.

Cabin Fever Craft Night for Children. Get out of the house and have some fun! Stop by the children's department and complete a craft project to take home with you! For children through age 12. Parents, please assist children under 5. Free. Main Library, Monday, January 28, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

If you need a little time to get away from it all after the hectic holiday season, drop by the library. There are lots of quiet spots and interesting nooks and crannies. Browse the most recent issues of many current magazines. See the latest exhibit of local artists in the display area near the main lobby. Engage in some nostalgia and browse around the really interesting collections in the local history department. Or just cuddle up in one of the comfortable lounge chairs and try out some new books that are on display just inside the main entrances. This kind of relaxation is a great treat and a lot cheaper than a visit to the spa!

New Audio Books: "Hand of Evil" by J.A. Jance.

New DVDs: "Bratz;" "Hot Rod;" "I Know Who Killed Me;" "Mr. Bean's Holiday;" "Who's Your Caddy."

New CDs: "The Best of 70's: Rock Chart Toppers;" "Frontiers" by Jesse Cook; "New Guy in Town" by Guy Haines; "Forever Cool" by Dean Martin; "Family" by Leann Rimes.

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MAY 2008

APRIL 2008

MARCH 2008

FEBRUARY 2008

JANUARY 2008

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