Thursday, January 29, 2009

Time to Advocate for Libraries

The proposed 2009-10 State budget cuts library aid by $18 million, or 18% on top of the cuts imposed in April and August of 2008. This would reduce Library Aid to $80.5 million - a level not seen since 1993. This proposed cut comes at a time when all of our libraries are busier than ever, offering free access to computers and the Internet and providing educational and recreational materials and programming. The ever-expanding services required by our patrons call for more funding, not less! Please click on the image below to send a fax or email to your state legislators and the Governor protesting the proposed cut. You can make a difference by letting them know that you value libraries and the services they provide.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Knitting/Crocheting Group Resumes

Come join our Sit & Knit group starting this Friday, January 30th, from 10 a.m. until noon. While this is not a class, basic instruction is available to get you started if you're new to either craft. We're not taking reservations - just bring your knitting needles or crochet hooks, some yarn, and an idea of what you'd like to make (how about a nice warm scarf to help you get through the rest of this cold, snowy winter?)

Monday, January 26, 2009

Newbery and Caldecott Winners Announced

Today was the day when the American Library Association announced the top books, videos, and audiobooks of 2009 for children and young adults. Receiving the John Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to children's literature was The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Illustrator Beth Krommes won the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distingished American picture book for children for The House in the Night, written by Susan Marie Swanson.

The Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature was presented to Melina Marchetta for Jellicoe Road. The Coretta Scott King Author Book Award was given to We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The Blacker the Berry, illustrated by Floyd Cooper and written by Joyce Carol Thomas, is the King Illustrator Book winner.

Click here to read about the other awards presented in Denver today. No matter your age, there are some great titles here that you're sure to enjoy, and all are available for holds at owwl.org.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Rock Painting Classes Scheduled


This just in from Shirley Patchett:

"Want to paint rocks? It's that time of the year to try new things, get out of the house and enjoy the company of others. If you'd like to learn to paint whimsical rock houses, we have just the solution. Join our rock painting group. Paints and brushes are provided; you simply need to provide the rock that you can turn into a house. Flat rocks will do or, in a pinch, a brick. We'll meet on Wednesday afternoons starting January 28th from 1:00 until 3:00."

To register for these classes or for more information, stop by or call the Library.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Book Club Date Changed

Our Book Club will be meeting January 29th at 7 p.m. in the Library's sitting room to discuss Barbara Hambly's Patriot Hearts. I hope you can make it!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

New Presidential Site

The link I recommended in this blog earlier in the week is no longer available because of a major update to the White House site. Instead, click here to access the biographical information on all of our U. S. Presidents.

Postponed Program Tonight

Tonight at 7 p.m. we'll have Michael Czarnecki's postponed Palm-of-the-Hand Memoir Writing workshop. I hope to see you there!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Friends Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Sodus Free Library will be held Tuesday, January 20th, at 4 p.m. in the Library's meeting room. Come join us!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

U.S. Presidents

If, when watching the Presidential inauguration news, you'd like more information on our previous Presidents, click here. This site is directly from the White House, and is cited by the Democrat & Chronicle for the daily series they've been running.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Holiday Closing

The Sodus Free Library will be closed Monday, January 19th, for Martin Luther King Day. We will reopen at noon on Tuesday, January 20th. The OWWL and OWWL2go sites are available 24/7.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Brrrrr!

The weathermen are all predicting record cold temperatures for the next few days, and we've been getting questions about our policy of closing when the Sodus Central schools are closed. If the schools close because of frigid temperatures, we will still be open. If, however, they close because the weather makes road conditions dangerous, we will also be closed. If you're in doubt, give us a call at 483-9292. And don't worry about overdues - no materials are ever due on days when we are closed.

Friday, January 09, 2009

Another Happy Patron

Knowing that many would miss a blog comment about our new pre-due email notices, I'm taking the liberty of republishing it here:

"This morning I had an email from the library robot clerk ( that's what I call it) reminding me that I had two items due back on Sunday. Wow! That is so cool! No more late DVDs, books or audio books for me! If you want that kind of service, make sure the library has your email address. You can select all kinds of reminders by going to www.pls-net.org, selecting My Account and going from there. Come on. Do it right now! You will be thrilled! Regards, Antje - totally plugged into the digital world."

We're so pleased to be able to offer this service to our patrons. Take Antje's advice, and check to be sure we have your correct email address. It's a really painless (and free!) way to simplify this area of your life.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Library Closing Early

We will be closing at 6 p.m. this evening due to deteriorating road conditions. Please stay home where it's warm and safe. I promise we'll be lenient with you if items due today are not returned until tomorrow afternoon.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Workshop Postponed

Because of a personal loss and predicted icy weather, Michael Czarnecki's Palm-of-the-Hand Memoir Writing workshop has been postponed until Wednesday, January 21st, at 7 p.m. The second in the series is still scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Library Board Meets Thursday

The monthly meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. this Thursday, January 8th, in our meeting room. All Board meetings are open to the public.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Upcoming Workshops

The Library will be presenting two Palm-of-the-Hand Memoir Writing Workshops with memoirist/poet Michael Czarnecki at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7th, and Wednesday, February 4th. The workshops are open to all levels of writing, and are funded by the Friends of the Sodus Free Library. Don't let your stories be lost!