Book Club Meets Thursday

Haven't read this month's selection yet? No problem - it's a novella, and a very quick read. We have extra copies available for you thanks to a book discussion kit from Pioneer Library System. Stop by, pick up a copy, and enjoy this light-hearted title; then join us at noon on Thursday, March 25th, for a discussion that's guaranteed to be fun.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Click here for interesting facts about the holiday from the History Channel.

"May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire."
~ Irish Blessing

Classics Series Starts Thursday

Enjoy the classics without the stress of tests or term papers!

Victor Harris will introduce each selection with a brief overview lecture of approximately thirty minutes before opening the floor to questions and comments. The sessions are scheduled at noon at two week intervals to allow everyone time to complete the reading and to allow for any adjustments in the event of inclement weather. The titles to be covered are

March 18 - The Illiad by Homer
April 1 - The Odyssey by Homer
April 15 - The Aeneid by Virgil
April 29 - Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
May 13 - Madame Bovary by Gustav Flaubert

No prior knowledge or background is assumed, though participants are encouraged to read the selections; however, it is not mandatory. Harris shares that in previous programs, some attendees have found that they enjoyed reading the books after attending his programs. Either way, we hope you will join us. All titles are available for OWWL holds (Harris prefers the verse editions over the prose translations for Homer and Virgil, and highly recommends the 2003 Edith Grossman translation of Don Quixote).

No registration is required for this free series. The only requirement is enthusiasm for learning about these time-honored works in the great Western literary tradition. I hope to see you there! (Snacks and lunches are allowed.)

Books-Sandwiched-In

Spring is definitely on the way! Our Friends are sponsoring their first Books-Sandwiched-In of the year next Tuesday, March 16th. The luncheon begins at noon, followed by Orchids 101 presented by Master Gardener Lynda Parmelee. Reservations are required; $3 covers everything. Call us at 483-9292 to reserve your space.

The luncheon will be followed by the Friends monthly and annual meetings. Come join us - we're positively Friends!

Library Board Meets Thursday

The monthly meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4:15 p.m. this Thursday, March 11th, in our meeting room. Board meetings are open to the public.

Library Snapshot Day

Thanks to all who let me take pictures during our recent Library Snapshot Day. We had 194 people through the door on that day, and checked out 345 items. Fifty people used our public computers and our Online Public Access Catalog, and seven accessed our Wi-Fi with their laptops. Thanks, too, to everyone who signed our "Libraries Are Essential" petition; your points will be given to our legislators on Library Lobby Day tomorrow. Your signatures were appreciated, and your comments were gratifying. Here are a few of the ways you used our library on February 16th.

Library Closed Friday

The Library is closed today because of the storm (and 6 foot drifts of snow everywhere!). We will extend the due date for everything that is due today until we reopen. If you're running out of books, log in to OWWL2go and download one this morning; this service, like our catalog, is available 24/7.

Cancellation/Closing

Well, it looks like the weathermen were right-on with their forecasts this time! Because visibility is already worsening, our Book Club discussion of The Help has been postponed until next Thursday, March 4th, at noon. We will be closing the library at 5 p.m. this evening. If you have materials due today, either renew them online or call us to renew; if you aren't able to do either, just let us know and we'll forgive today's fines. Stay in, stay warm, stay safe!

Reminder: if the Sodus schools are closed tomorrow, we will be closed as well.

New York's Libraries Are Essential

I believe that statement, and see the proof of it every day here at our library. If you feel the same way, please click on the "Essential" button in the right column, and let our elected officials know how you feel. They need to hear your library stories!

School's Out Movie Day

Bring the whole family to watch this Academy Award nominated film on our big screen. Show time is 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16th. Snacks are allowed in our movie room.

Note: This film is rated PG for "some peril and action."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chocolate Heaven

I'm well known as being a serious chocoholic, so you can imagine my day today! Our Friends have baked, dipped, frosted, and sprinkled chocolate on everything imaginable, including pretzels, apples, and more. The minute you walk through the entrance, that tantalizing smell hits you - they really have turned our meeting room into a Chocolate Heaven :) Not a fan of chocolate? I saw a white cake with coconut frosting, peanut butter fudge, biscotti, and a cherry pie, among other non-chocolate items.

We sold pounds and pounds of goodies today, but there are still some delicious choices to be purchased. Come by early tomorrow before we run out!

Holiday Closing

The Library will be closed Monday, February 15th, in honor of Presidents' Day. No materials will be due that day, but you may leave your books in the book drop if you wish to return them. As always, the OWWL catalog and our OWWL2go downloadable audiobooks and ebooks are available 24/7.

Library Board Meets Thursday

The monthly meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 11th. Because our Friends are holding their chocolate sale in the meeting room, the Board meeting will be held in the Ruth Mills Room. Board meetings are open to the public.

Yes, It's Chocolate!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and so is our Friends' 8th Annual Chocolate Sale. We'll have homemade cookies, pies, cakes, brownies, candies, and more, all wrapped and ready for giving to your sweetheart (or treating yourself?!). Sale hours are noon until 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 11th, and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, February 12th. Stop by and sign up if you'd like to help us out - donations of baked goods are gratefully accepted.

Book Club Choice

Our Book Club met on Thursday for a great discussion. We'll be reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett for our February 25th meeting. Join us at noon that day; feel free to bring your lunch if you'd like. I'd love to see you there; this was my favorite book of 2009.

Click here to see the Amazon.com book trailer for The Help.

Library Closing Early

For your safety and that of our staff, the Library is closing at 7 p.m. this evening. Please stay inside - visibility is near zero, and the road conditions are really hazardous.

Reminder

Our Book Club meets at noon this Thursday, January 28th, to discuss P. D. James' The Children of Men. We'd love to have you join us!

Join The Group

Our Friends group is sponsoring another series of rock painting classes, starting Monday, January 25th, from 10 a.m. until noon. Shirley Patchett leads the class, and says "Everyone can do this!" All supplies are furnished free of charge - just bring along a rock (even a brick will do).

TYHNS Starts Friday

What in the world is TYHNS? We used to be called the Sit 'n' Knit group, but we've expanded to include any handwork or stitchery project you'd like to bring. The Thread, Yarn, Hook & Needle Society will meet on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon starting this Friday, January 22nd. All skill levels are welcome - we help each other with our projects, catch up on what's new at the library, and we might just solve the world's problems while we're at it!

Holiday Closing

The Library will be closed Monday, January 18th, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here to watch excerpts from several of Dr. King's speeches.

Library Board Meets Thursday

The monthly meeting of the Sodus Community Library Board of Trustees will be held at 4:15 p.m. this Thursday, January 14th in the library's meeting room. Board meetings are open to the public.

Yes, We're Open!

The snow is still falling, but we're (mostly) plowed and are open for business. If you're heading to the Library, please be careful as the side roads are still slippery; if you need something renewed or placed on hold, give us a call and we'll take care of it for you.

Library Closed

Due to dangerous road conditions, the Library will not be open today. If this snow stops falling and we are able to be plowed out, we'll reopen at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Stay in and keep warm!

Happy New Year!

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I thought this quote was especially appropriate for our library world. Click here for more New Year wishes.

School's Out Movie Day

Looking for something to do with the kids this week? Bring them to the Library to see the latest Disney DVD on our big screen. It looks like lots of furry fun, so I hope you can join us at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30th. (And because it's in our meeting room, snacks are allowed.)

Note: This movie is rated PG - the DVD case says the rating is "for some mild action and rude humor."

Library Hours This Week

Time to stock up on books and movies for another holiday weekend, because whether you say 20 ten or 2 thousand 10, it's almost here. The Library will be closed Thursday, December 31st, and Friday, January 1st, in celebration of the New Year. We'll reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 2nd. Remember, our catalog and OWWL2go downloadable audiobooks are accessible 24/7.

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Holiday Week Hours

During this holiday week, we'll be open

Monday, December 21st, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22nd, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23rd, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

We'll be closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and will reopen Sunday, December 27th, at 2 p.m.

Our OWWL catalog and OWWL2go downloadable audiobook service are, as always, available 24/7.

Be Prepared

Want tips on how to be ready for a power outage or just need information on winter safety? We have a representative from the Red Cross here today. Stop by her table and pick up brochures and posters relating to these topics and others to help get you through the Winter.

Bake Sale Results

Our Friends are like the battery-operated bunny you see on TV - they just keep going and going and going. The final total they brought in from all those yummy cakes, breads, cookies, rolls, etc. was $513.50! Thanks to all who baked, wrapped, sold, and purchased (and to Shirley P. for coordinating everything). You all helped to make this a record-breaking sale.

Friends Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Sodus Community Library will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15th, in the Library's meeting room. New members are always welcome.

Let Us Help

There are so many things to do before the holidays - planning, cleaning, decorating, crafting, shopping, wrapping, baking. It's easy to get overwhelmed and too busy to enjoy the season. Let us help!

Our Friends are busy getting ready for their annual bake sale. Starting at noon on Thursday, December 10th, the meeting room will be filled with beautiful baked goods of all sorts, wrapped and ready to give as gifts, or as a treat for your family. The sale will continue on Friday until everything is sold.

(And if you have your holiday projects under control, donations of homemade cookies, candy, breads, etc. will be gratefully accepted starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday.)

Library Board Meets Thursday

The December meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held this Thursday, December 10th, at 4:15 p.m. Board meetings are open to the public.

Brrrrr!

Well, no, it's not quite that cold yet - but there was snow on the ground when I woke up yesterday! I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone that when the Sodus Central schools are closed because of inclement weather or impassable roads, the Library is also closed. The only exception to the rule is when the District closes because of extreme temperatures; in that case, we'll be open and offer a warm place for you to hibernate. Personally, I'm hoping for a beautiful white Christmas, and a nice mild winter starting December 26th!

Holiday Week Hours

Library hours this holiday week will be:

Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
Monday & Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday & Friday, closed for Thanksgiving
Reopening Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Book Club Meets Tomorrow

Join us at noon tomorrow, Thursday, November 19th, for a discussion of Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain. Feel free to bring your lunch - also bring along suggestions for our next selection. We will be skipping December because of everyone's busy holiday schedules, and will plan to meet again in January.

Friends Meeting

The monthly meeting of our Friends group will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, November 17th) at 1:30 p.m. in the library's meeting room. Come join us as we plan ahead for the Holiday Bake Sale.

We're Celebrating!

What an amazing sale our Friends group had - they brought in $1,959.50 at last week's used book sale! While there are still a couple of bills that need to be paid, for advertising, etc., this totally smashed all previous records. Thanks to Book Sale Chairman Shirley Patchett, Friends President Lynn Griffith, and all those who worked so hard. Thanks, also, to all of you who came in and shopped. As I always say, we *love* our Friends!

For information on the history of Veterans Day, click here.

Library Board Meets Thursday

The monthly meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th. Board meeting are open to the public.

Berlin Wall Anniversary

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Click here for more information, including videos from November 9, 1989, interactive maps of both East and West Berlin, and a slide show of the celebrations that took place today.

Holiday Closing

The Library will be closed this Wednesday, November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day. We will reopen at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Bag Sale Saturday & Sunday

There are still hundreds of great books left at our sale - stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and pack a grocery bag full for just $2.

Lots of Happy Shoppers Today

What a great start to our book sale - people were lined up into the parking lot when I arrived at work this morning. Everything in the main room will be reduced by 50% tomorrow (Friday, November 6th); many of the specially priced books, plus movies and audiobooks, will also be available at reduced prices. We'll be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but come early for the best choices.

Don't Miss This Sale!

Our hard-working Friends have been working for a week setting up, sorting, and pricing thousands of books, videos, audiobooks, music CDs and cassettes, puzzles, etc. This is definitely going to be a sale you don't want to miss. For the best choice, be at the Library when we open at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, November 5th). Prices on this first day of our sale will be:

Adult books, $1
Childrens books, $.50
Music cassettes, $.25
Music CDs, $1
VHS tapes, $1
DVDs, $2
Audiobooks on cassette, $2
Audiobooks on CD, $5

We have a huge variety of titles, and this year are also offering many collectible titles, including two first edition novels by James Fenimore Cooper! Come early to shop for treasures for yourself or for gifts.

Extra Hours

We had an extra hour of sleep last night, and an extra hour of library time this afternoon - what a great weekend! Our new hours went into effect today, so tomorrow (and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) you'll be able to visit us any time between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

You might be wondering about the boxes that seem to be piled everywhere - they're full of great bargains you'll be able to buy at our Friends' Used Book Sale. Selling hours will be:

Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 2-5 p.m.

Don't miss this sale - the Friends guarantee that it's the best one we've ever had! Thanks to all who have donated so many wonderful books for this event.

Services By Email

Do we have your current email address? We currently offer the following services by email:

• Notification when your Holds have arrived and are ready for you to pick up
• Reminder email two days before your items are due, and the opportunity to renew them online if you need to (remember, there are limits on the number of renewals, and those titles with other Holds are not renewable)
• Most recently, we have added an email notification when your library card is about to expire. You'll have the option to renew your card online, and can even enter in new information if you've changed address, phone number, etc.

Next time you stop by the Library, ask us to check your record for a current email address so that you can take advantage of these services, another benefit of your OWWL library card.

Notice The Difference?

Do you see anything different about our blog today? Up near the top? Our new name!

We have received our new charter from New York State's Department of Library Development, which means that we are now recognized as serving all of the people who live within the boundaries of the Sodus Central School District. To better recognize this expanded service area and honor our commitment to meet community needs, our library will now be known as the Sodus Community Library. And that's not the only change.

Starting November 1st, we'll be adding an additional 14 hours to our weekly schedule. We'll be open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Feedback from our long-range planning sessions and recent survey showed that residents wanted us to be open longer and more convenient hours. We're excited to be able to offer these extra hours, thanks to your support at our June vote.

The staff and I hope that you will stop by the Library soon - we'll continue to provide the same helpful, efficient service as in the past. Some things will not be changing!

Have You Signed Up?

There are a couple of spots left for next Tuesday's Books-Sandwiched-In, which will feature our favorite book reviewer, Jean Seymour, discussing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. There are also openings for Dr. Teon Kowalyk's Thursday presentation on "Breast Cancer Prevention/New Detection Techniques." Call us at 483-9292 for more information and to register.

Holiday Closing

The Library will be closed Monday, October 12th, for Columbus Day. We will reopen at noon on Tuesday, October 13th.

Library Board Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Sodus Free Library Board of Trustees will be held at 4:15 p.m. this Thursday, October 8th, in the Library's meeting room. Board meetings are open to the public.