What a Day!

Hundreds of people - students, teachers, administrators, parents (and librarians!) - experienced an amazing day yesterday, as author Jerdine Nolen captivated her audiences, charming us with her stories and encouraging us with her urging to "hold onto your dreams, as you would your balloons." Be sure to read her award-winning book, Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm, for more on that.

Thanks to all who made this author visit possible, especially Sodus Central School Librarians Becky Olson and Jennifer VanKouwenberg and their administrators, and the Friends of the Sodus Free Library. The Intermediate School's Homework Club even crafted a Plantzilla for the occasion!


At the evening session's reception, our Friends served punch and cookies, and sold several books, which Jerdine graciously signed for everyone.

Program Reminder

Don't forget today's visit by Jerdine Nolen. The program by this wonderfully talented and inventive children's author will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Sodus High School auditorium. Be sure to linger afterwards, as our Friends group will be serving punch and cookies, and several of Jerdine's books will be available for sale. It's sure to be a terrific evening - see you there!

Library Closing

The Library will be closed May 26th, 27th, and 28th for the Memorial Day weekend, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 29th, at noon.

Click here to visit "The History and Origin of Memorial Day in Waterloo, New York."

Tuesday's Luncheon

What a great turnout we had for Tuesday's Books-Sandwiched-In (36!) - we had to set up tables in the video room to accommodate the overflow! Several of those in attendance helped us take down the lunch tables so that we could all fit into the meeting room for the program. Carolyn Adriaansen did a wonderful presentation on cobblestone buildings, and kept the audience in stitches with her humorous asides. We definitely intend to call on this historian's expertise again in the future.

Author Coming To Sodus

Here's a great opportunity for your family - go mark your calendars now!

We have been working in partnership with the Sodus Primary and Intermediate libraries to bring a noted children’s author to the community on Thursday, May 24^th. Jerdine Nolen is the author of many wonderfully imaginative books, including Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm, Raising Dragons, Big Jabe, and Thunder Rose, a Coretta Scott King Honor book.

Ms. Nolen will be speaking to students during the school day. An evening program for the entire community will be presented at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. The Friends of the Sodus Free Library are inviting everyone to enjoy an informal reception for the author following the evening program. At that time, there will also be an opportunity to purchase copies of Nolen’s books at a 40% discount.

There is no charge for the program or reception, and all are encouraged to attend. I hope to see you there!

May Books-Sandwiched-In

Our area is unique for its wonderful cobblestone buildings. Sign up now for this month's Books-Sandwiched-In, which will feature Marion Town Historian Carolyn Adriaansen's presentation on the history of cobblestones in our area. The luncheon will be at noon on Tuesday, May 15th; the price of $3 covers a sandwich, beverage, and dessert. Reservations are filling up fast, so call or stop by the Library soon.

May Board of Trustees Meeting

This month's meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 10th. All Board meetings are open to the public.

3 Apples Nominations Announced

The nominations for the second annual 3 Apples Book Award have been announced and can be found if you click here. Also listed are the nominated titles for the first annual Teen 3 Apples Award. Check out the list for your favorites, and come in to the Library to check out the ones you haven't yet read. No matter what your age, there are great books on these lists that I'm sure you'd enjoy.

Another Quote for National Library Week

"As a child, I loved to read books. The library was a window to the world, a pathway to worlds and people far away from my neighborhood in Philadelphia."
~Ed Bradley, news correspondent

Knitting Class Continues

Here is a sampling of the scarves, dishcloths, etc. that the women in our knitting group have crafted. There is now room for two or three more in the class, so if you'd like to learn, need a few pointers or a refresher, or just want to come, sit and knit with us, stop by the Library any Friday at 10 a.m. and join the fun!

Tuesday's Luncheon

A capacity crowd enjoyed dreaming of Spring gardening at the Library on Tuesday.


Sarah from Grandpa's Nursery and Gardens discussed and showed slides of many of the most popular new perennials, and had us all looking forward to better weather ahead.

Quote for National Library Week

"When I was young, we couldn't afford much. But, my library card was my key to the world. HAVE FUN - READ!"
John Goodman, actor

National Library Week

It's National Library Week! This national observance, sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country, was first celebrated in 1958. This year's theme is
This week we hope you and your friends will set aside some time to "come together" at our library. If you do, you can turn a rock into a beautifully painted house (Monday at 10 a.m.), enjoy stories with your preschooler (Monday at 10:30 a.m.), eat a delicious lunch and hear about new perennials for 2007 (Tuesday at noon), attend a Friends meeting (Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.), and learn how to knit (Friday at 10 a.m.). Of course, you can also read a book or a magazine, do a puzzle, surf the Internet, send and receive emails, pick up those last-minute income tax forms, and check out an audiobook and a couple of DVDs. This is just a sampling of what awaits you at the Sodus Free Library during National Library Week. We hope to see you soon!

Newest Arrival

This eagle, donated to the Library by SFL Volunteer Bette Bugni, was carved by Tom Verdon of Davenport, Iowa. Verdon carved it in the style of the original eagle which, at ~7 feet tall, stood guard next to the Town of Sodus Honor Roll sign in May of 1943. The plaque on the original eagle read:

"Erected by the citizens of Sodus Township
in grateful recognition of the
sacrificial service of these men & women.
May, 1943"

Pauline Dodge, Senior Library Clerk, has donated a photo of the original sign and eagle, which we have framed. Thanks to Bette and Pauline for bringing a bit of Sodus history back to life!

Free Income Tax Clinic

Thursday evening is your last chance this year to come to the Library and receive help preparing your income tax forms. A Rural Opportunities, Inc. representative will be in our meeting room from 6 to 8 p.m. to answer your questions. The income eligibility requirements are available in an ROI flyer; more information can also be obtained by calling 1-800-888-6770, ext. 342 or ext. 706.

April Books-Sandwiched-In

The Friends of the Sodus Free Library’s popular Books-Sandwiched-In series continues at noon on Tuesday, April 17^th, with a presentation on “New Perennials for 2007,” by Grandpa’s Nursery & Gardens, Inc. Because space is limited, reservations are required. The $3 fee includes a sandwich, beverage, and dessert. Call the Library (483-9292) or stop by at 17 Maple Avenue to reserve your spot.

We are now closed for Easter weekend, and will reopen Monday at 10 a.m.

Tiger Cub Visit

"Thumbs Up" seems to be the verdict on Tiger Cub Scout Pack #111's field trip to the Library Wednesday evening. Bill Paton's group was very enthusiastic and well-behaved, and we look forward to seeing all of them become regular visitors.

Story Hour Fun

Our Story Hour children loved making their paper bag Easter baskets with Mrs. Koch on Monday. And she even brought the grass and candy to fill them - Yummy!

April Board Meeting

This month's meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 5th (note the change from the second Thursday, this month only). All Board meetings are open to the public.

Holiday Closing

The Library will be closed Friday through Sunday, April 6th, 7th, and 8th, for Easter weekend, and will reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 9th.

Tax Clinic Tomorrow

Rural Opportunities Inc. is sponsoring a second low-income tax clinic tomorrow, March 31st, during regular library hours - from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sessions, which will be held in our meeting room, are free, and no appointment is necessary.

Teen Book Festival

Attention all teens! Here's a chance to meet some of your favorite authors: Terry Trueman, Tamora Pierce, Gail Giles, Nancy Werlin, and more. Head out to Fairport High School (1358 Ayrault Road) for the Second Annual Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival this Saturday, March 31st. We have a couple of brochures left - on the table in the teen corner - that detail all the exciting happenings for the day, starting at 10 a.m. and ending ~5 p.m. It's going to be a *great* day!

Computer Class Finale

An update issue with the laptops meant a change in last night's computer class, moving us to the Middle School's computer lab. Here, Bob Antonucci is sharing his library's Grolier Online database with our students.

I'm so grateful for all those who helped make this School/Library collaboration such a success: Susan Salvaggio, Bob Antonucci, Jeff Lisanto, Char DeFisher, and Rob Wahl with the Interact Club. And a special "thank you" to all of the enthusiastic people who attended the three sessions - you were a great group! I look forward to seeing all of you at the Library, busily typing at our computers.

Today's Books-Sandwiched-In

This was not a mystery guest, but rather Friends President Kass Vande demonstrating the gear needed to hike through the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, a Florida location which figures prominently in Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief. Our thanks to Kass for a fun and thoroughly interesting book review.

Quote for Today

"In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. "
~Mark Twain

Twain was referring to Spring in New England, but his quote certainly applies to our area, too!

New Books

Recent additions to our adult fiction shelves are: Nineteen Minutes, Jodi Picoult; The Fifth Vial, Michael Palmer; The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears, Dinaw Mengestu; Burning Bright, Tracy Chevalier; The Double Bind, Christopher Bohjalian; The Dying Crapshooter's Blues, David Fulmer; Finn, Jon Clinch; Friends in High Places, Marne Davis Kellogg; Heart-Shaped Box, Joe Hill; Heyday, Kurt Andersen; and The Mercy Seller, Brenda Rickman Vantrease.

New nonfiction titles include: And Baby Makes Three: The Six-Step Plan for Preserving Marital Intimacy and Rekindling Romance After Baby Arrives, John Mordechai Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman; The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell, Mark Kurlansky; Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant: A Memoir, Daniel Tammet; The Complete Book of International Adoption: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Child, Dawn Davenport; Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul, Caroline Myss; From Midnight to Dawn: The Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad, Jacqueline Tobin and Hettie Jones; Get the Trans Fat Out: 601 Simple Ways to Cut the Trans Fat Out of Any Diet, Suzanne Havala Hobbs; Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, Chip Heath and Dan Heath; Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully: Facts, Myths, and Good News for Boomers, Naomi Judd; Prime Green: Remembering the Sixties, Robert Stone; Reading Judas: The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity, Karen L. King; and The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage, Laura Schlessinger.

While many of these are already out there being circulated, OWWL Holds can be placed online using your PIN number, or by stopping by the Library.

New Documentaries

These documentaries have recently been added to our collection: Wordplay, Jesus Camp, Who Killed the Electric Car?, African American Lives, We Shall Not Be Moved, Paper Clips, and When the Levees Broke. Also now on the shelf are the first two seasons of House. All are available for OWWL Holds, either online using your PIN number or at the library's check-out desk.

Friends Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Friends of the Sodus Free Library will be held following their Books-Sandwiched-In luncheon on Tuesday, March 27th. The main business to be conducted at the meeting is the election of officers for the coming year; in addition, annual dues will be collected. New members are always welcome to join this group. Ask at our check-out desk for a membership flyer - a library can't have too many "Friends!"

March Books-Sandwiched-In

The Friends of the Sodus Free Library will be hosting their first 2007 Books-Sandwiched-In at noon on Tuesday, March 27th. Kass Vande, President of the Friends group, will be reviewing The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession by Susan Orlean. This is what Library Journal had to say about the title when it was published: "The thief in question and offbeat genesis for New Yorker writer Orlean's book is ever-quotable eccentric John Laroche, whose craving for the rare orchid eventually lands him and three Indian accomplices in a Florida courtroom--and allows Orlean to write her appreciative and lyrically funny profile of obsession and Florida." (LJ 1/99; copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.) The cost of the luncheon is $3, which includes sandwich, beverage, and dessert. Because space is limited, reservations are required, so call 483-9292 or stop by the Library to reserve your space.

Tax Clinic Tonight

The gentleman from Rural Opportunities Inc. is here waiting to help those who qualify with their taxes. Stop by the meeting room tonight between 6 and 8 p.m. for some expert assistance filling out those forms.

This is Concentration!

Although our computer class members all look very serious in these pictures, they shared lots of smiles and laughter as Jeff Lisanto, Technology Coordinator at Sodus High School, taught them how to navigate their desktops and folders, install a mouse, open programs, and more. Before the class, several of us enjoyed a light supper courtesy of District Superintendent Susan Salvaggio. In addition to Jeff and Susan, we're grateful for the contributions of Computer Technology Teacher Assistant Char DeFisher and Librarian Bob Antonucci. Thanks to all of you for collaborating with us to offer these classes, and for allowing us to meet in your beautiful library - we all felt right at home!

Citizens of the Year

Congratulations to Mary and Ernie Piekunka, chosen as Sodus' 2006 Citizens of the Year! From the Sodus Chamber of Commerce: "They both provide many hours of service and support to the Chamber as well as being volunteers at the Sodus Point information booth, the American Legion Color Guard, their church, and any other place they see a need for help. For over 60 years they have made Sodus a good place to raise their family and yours." For information on this year's Citizen of the Year and Rotary Agri-Business Banquet, contact the Chamber at 315-398-8473, or send an email to chamber14551@yahoo.com

Tame Those Computer Fears

The Library and the Sodus Central School District are working together to offer beginning computer classes to adults. Three evening sessions will be offered on Wednesday evenings, March 14, 21, and 28th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Class 1 will cover beginning word processing
Class 2 will feature an overview of email and the Internet
Class 3 will be an exploration of NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library)

Interact Club students will be offering a light soup & sandwich supper at 5:30 each evening for a $3 fee; there is no charge for the classes. Reservations are required for the classes and for the optional supper. Call or stop by the Library to sign up now!

IncomeTax Clinics

With grant funding, and in partnership with Wayne County libraries, Rural Opportunities Inc. is offering free information sessions to help low-income families with their tax forms. In March, two of these sessions will be offered at our library: Thursday, March 15, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information on eligibility and the content of these clinics, call ROI at 1-800-888-6770, ext. 342 or ext. 706.

Library Closed Today

Brrrr! This weather is only fit for polar bears. Stay off the roads and inside where it's warm, and we'll hope to see you at the Library tomorrow.

Don't worry about returning your books and movies; fines are not charged for days we are closed.

Board of Trustees Meeting

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

Read Across America Day

Tomorrow, March 2nd, is Read Across America Day, a celebration of reading sponsored by the National Education Association. The date ties in with the 50th birthday of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat. Check out that title or another of his tongue-twisting treats and share the joy of reading with a child in your family tomorrow (and every day!).

Wednesday's Roundtable

The members of last night's panel on the Underground Railroad are, from left to right: Robert Bull, Patricia Johns, Brooks Tenney, and Peter Evans. Several audience members also participated in an informal sharing of information. Thanks to all for a very interesting evening at the Library.

New DVDs

New DVDs at the Library include The Black Dahlia, Gridiron Gang, Elizabeth I, Broken Bridges, Flicka, Open Season, Love's Abiding Joy, Flyboys, and Running with Scissors. Any of these titles may be put on Hold using your library card barcode and PIN numbers, or stop by to fill out our new Circle the Video sheet.

79th Academy Awards

In case you couldn't stay up to watch the whole show - yes, it actually did end! - go to the Academy's official website to check out the winners.

New Fiction

Some of the new fiction titles that have been added to our shelves this week are: High Profile, Robert B. Parker; Irish Linen, Andrew Greeley; Step on a Crack, James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge; Sisters, Danielle Steel; Past Perfect, Susan Isaacs; Family Tree, Barbara Delinsky; Ten Days in the Hills, Jane Smiley; and Free Fall, Fern Michaels. Use your library card barcode and PIN numbers to place an OWWL Hold online, or call us and we'll place the Holds for you.

Upcoming Black History Program

To celebrate Black History Month, the Library will be hosting an Underground Railroad roundtable at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28th. There are many fascinating legends and stories about railroad activities in our area. If you've researched the subject, please come to share with us; if you'd like to learn more about the underground, come to learn with us. Sun & Record columnist Brooks Tenney will be participating in the conversation, as will Patricia Johns, whose Masters thesis included research on the topic. Mark your calendars now!

Meanwhile, check out the Biography website for more information on Black History Month.

Presidents' Day

To learn more about our American Presidents, click here.

We're Open

We are so happy to be open again! Christina, Pauline, and Donna opened the doors at 10 a.m., and I'm sure there has been a crowd streaming through. Thanks for your patience while we were closed, and remember that some of the roads are still quite icy - please continue to be careful out there.

Library Closed

Because of the snowstorm and the horrendous condition of the roads, the Sodus Central Schools and the Sodus Free Library are closed again today. We are hoping that this afternoon will bring some clearing and that we'll be able to open tomorrow.

Weather Still Not Cooperating

The Library will be closed again today because of the weather. Fines do not accumulate when we are closed, so please don't get out to return things in the bookdrop. Stay inside where it's warm and safe, and we'll hope to see you tomorrow!

Library Closed

The Library will be closed today because of the storm. Stay inside and curl up with a good book!

On these snowy and blustery days, remember to check for school closings before you head out for the Library; we are closed when the Sodus Central School District closes.

No February Friends Meeting

The February meeting of the Friends of the Sodus Free Library has been canceled. The next meeting will be the group's annual meeting at 4 p.m. on March 15th.

Presidents' Day Closing

The Library will be closed Monday, February 19th, in honor of Presidents' Day.

3 Apples Book Award Winner Announced

The 2007 3 Apples Book Award goes to Charlotte's Web, written by E. B. White, and illustrated by Garth Williams.

This New York State Children's Choice Award will be co-sponsored annually by the Youth Services and School Library Media Sections of the New York Library Association. Nominations for the 2008 awards - a second category is being added for teens - will begin on March 1, 2007.

If you've never read Charlotte's Web, be sure to add it to your list of "Must Reads." You're never too old to read a great children's book!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our colleagues at the Ontario Public Library, whose team placed first in the adult division at today's 8th Annual Wayne County Rotary Spelling Bee. The ten Rotary Clubs in Wayne County sponsored this morning's event at Eastview Mall as part of their program to call attention to illiteracy and to raise money for adult education services within the County.

The Palmyra-Macedon Rotary homepage states, "Illiteracy costs our nation's businesses and taxpayers approximately $20 billion per year. In Wayne County alone, the local Literacy Volunteer affiliate tells us there are as many as 28,000 long term residents, one in nine, who cannot read or write well enough to function on the job."

Kudos to the Ontario team, Ruth Schutt, Michele Goodenough, and Kris Moeller, for their dedication to supporting literacy, both in and out of their library.

Chocolate Sale Starts Today

Remember: The Friends of the Library's great chocolate sale started today, and the wonderful smell of chocolate is definitely in the air. Make time to stop by to purchase Valentine goodies for your loved ones, and help the Library at the same time.

Here are two of the three tables laden with all kinds of yummy cakes, breads, fudge, brownies, and candy donations.

Library Closing

It's too cold out there even for this guy!

When the Sodus Central Schools close due to extreme weather, the Sodus Free Library is also closed. Please stay inside where it's warm and cozy, and we'll look forward to seeing you at the Library tomorrow (unless we get the foot of snow one meteorologist predicted and the schools are closed again!).

Early Spring On The Way?

This is today's news from groundhog.org

"Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/07 at 7:28 a.m. at Gobbler's Knob:

El Nino has caused high winds, heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures in the west.
Here in the East with much mild winter weather we have been blessed.

Global warming has caused a great debate.
This mild winter makes it seem just great.

On this Groundhog Day we think of one thing.
Will we have winter or will we have spring?

On Gobbler's Knob I see no shadow today.
I predict that early spring is on the way."