New & Improved

Have you checked out our new user friendly OWWL website?

New Service Started Today

I'm excited to share an improved service we're now offering: as of today, our OWWL hold notification process has been streamlined. When we receive a reserved item, a message will now be automatically sent to your email address, letting you know instantly when your materials are ready for pickup. We will, of course, continue to make phone calls to those customers without email and to those whose messages bounce back to us.

To streamline the new procedure, I suggest that the next time you stop by, you check at the desk to make sure that we have your current email address in our database. We are committed to continually improving our service to you, and hope that you enjoy receiving hold notifications by email.

Earth Day 2008

Click here for lots of ideas to help you celebrate Earth Day. You'll find crafts to do with children, "go green" ideas, coloring pages, recipes, lists of earth-friendly products, and more.

National Poetry Month Program

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Steuben County poet Michael Czarnecki will be presenting "Stories & Poems from the Road" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23rd. Since 1985, Czarnecki has given hundreds of readings throughout the United States. In 1995, he decided to devote himself full time to his craft, and hasn't looked back. He now makes his living as a poet, publisher, oral memoirist, and a self-described "encourager." He will be returning to the Library on Wednesday, May 7th, to conduct a memoir writing workshop - more information on that later. The events are funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. with public funds from The New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency, with matching funds from the Friends of the Sodus Free Library. Stop by the Library or call 483-9292 for more information.

It's National Library Week

This week we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first National Library Week, an observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country to promote library use and support. This year's honorary chair is entertainer Julie Andrews.

According to ALA, Americans check out more than 2 billion items each year from their public libraries, and every year an increasing number of people are making use of our educational and social resources. Our customers borrow books, audiobooks, and DVDs, learn computer skills, conduct job searches, and participate in the activities of community organizations. The average bill to American taxpayers is $31 per year, about the cost of one hardcover book. As stated on the cover of our 2008 Annual Report to the Community, libraries are truly "the best bargain in town." We hope to see you in the Library soon!

Library Board Meeting

The April meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, in the meeting room. Board meetings are open to the public; please notice the change in date and time.

Books-Sandwiched-In

This month's Books-Sandwiched-In will feature Master Gardener John Baker; he'll be discussing Spring Garden Cleanup, and will also touch on some new "Victory Garden" ideas. The program will start at noon on Tuesday, April 15, in the Library's meeting room. Reservations are required, and there is a $3 charge for lunch, which includes a sandwich, beverage, and dessert. Stop by the Library or call 483-9292 to reserve your spot.

A meeting of the Friends of the Sodus Free Library will follow the luncheon at approximately 1:30. Come join us!

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