OWWL2GO

Did you "Gear up for the New Year" as I suggested in an earlier post? If you did, you'll soon be able to check out and download audiobooks to your computer through our Library's site. All of the titles will then be transferrable to your MP3 player; some will be able to be burned to CD. There will be no charge to you, and while the startup collection is rather small, new titles will be added throughout the year as a cooperative effort between the Pioneer Library System and its member OWWL libraries. Continue to watch our blog for much more information about this exciting new service which will hopefully be unveiled before the end of January.

Holiday Closing

The Sodus Free Library will be closed December 24th, 25th, and 26th, plus December 31st and January 1st. Everyone here at the Library wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

PJ Storytime

Is Winter really the warmest season? How did Santa get his job? Put on your pajamas, and join us at our first Christmas PJ Storytime this Wednesday, December 19, from 7-7:30 p.m. We'll "light" the fireplace and answer those questions. Children of all ages are welcome.

Library Closed Monday

Because the Sodus Central Schools are closed today due to hazardous road conditions, we are also closed. Bundle up before you go out to shovel, and don't worry about your library materials. Everything that was due today, is now due tomorrow. If you do have to travel in the area, click here for resources on road conditions, etc.

Library Closing

Due to unsafe conditions on the roads, the Sodus Free Library will NOT be open today from 2-4 p.m. With all the weathermen predicting several more inches of blowing snow and blizzard conditions, I suggest you stay inside, brew up something hot, and curl up in a comfy chair to read a good book (or, like me, finally get around to decorating your Christmas tree!).

Don't worry about any overdues. No fines will be placed on any materials due today.

A decision concerning Monday's hours will be made Monday morning. Remember - if the Sodus Central School District closes, we are also closed. I hope to see you in the Library soon!

Favorite Things

Christmas cookies, fudge, cupcakes, pie, thumbprint cookies - these are a few of my favorite things. And there are still plenty of these goodies to choose from at our Friends Bake Sale. Friday's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - make time to stop by the Library to pick up a few of your favorite things.

December Board Meeting

The December meeting of the Sodus Free Library Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. this Thursday, December 13th. Board meetings are open to the public.

Coming Soon

Shhhh. OWWL2go is coming soon!

Hint: You may want to "Gear up for the New Year" by asking Santa for an MP3 player so that you will be able to take advantage of this exciting new service. When you ask, remind him - in case he's forgotten - that OWWL2go will be compatible with all players except Apple iPods and Microsoft Zunes, and will also work with PCs but not MACs.

Check back soon for more information.

Upcoming Friends Sale

Busy cleaning, shopping, and decorating for the holidays? Let the Friends of the Sodus Free Library help relieve some of your stress. They'll be holding their annual Holiday Bake Sale from noon until 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 13th, and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, December 14th. All kinds of delicious holiday goodies will be available: cakes, pies, muffins, cookies, breads, coffee cakes, candy, etc. Everything will be wrapped and ready to give as gifts, or to use as a treat for you and your family. See you there!

Winter Closings

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful ..." Well, not yet, but it might be soon! Remember that when the Sodus Central School District closes schools due to stormy weather and/or slippery roads, the Sodus Free Library is also closed. If you have any doubt about whether or not we're open, just call us at 483-9292 before you head out into the ice and snow. (But mainly, just keep hoping for a mild winter!)

Holiday Closing

The Library will be closing at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 21st, and will remain closed through Friday, November 23rd. We will reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 24th. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families.

Wow!

This year's book sale brought in a bit over $1,200! Thanks to head lady Shirley Patchett and all her wonderful volunteers for their hours and hours of work. Your dedication is truly appreciated.

Bargain Days

If you love bargains, drop by the Library Saturday or Monday (we're closed Sunday for Veterans Day) for two $1/bag days. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We've got the bags and the books, you just need to bring the $$$!

Sale Continues

Wow! The book-buying crowd really did descend upon our Library today. But don't worry - there are still plenty of good titles left, including videos and audiobooks. Friday's sale hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Reminder

Our Friends' Used Book Sale runs from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, November 8th. Come early for the best selection (later if you want to avoid the crowds!)

Library Closing

The Library will be closed Sunday, November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day.

Election Day

Be sure to take the time to vote today. Click here to see a sample ballot for each town and village in Wayne County.

November Board Meeting

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

A Smile For Your Friday

The Warsaw librarian directed me to this site: Why dogs hate Halloween!

Dates to Remember

What's all the excitement? The Friends of the Sodus Free Library are holding their annual Used Book Sale next week! Thousands of books will be available at the sale - most for 50 cents each. Children's books will sell for 25 cents each. Audiobook and video sections will also be full of a variety of titles.

Sale hours are:

Thursday, November 8, noon to 8
Friday, November 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($1/bag sale)
Monday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($1/bag continues)

The line forms early on Thursday, so go mark your calendar now!

Library Closing Early

The Library will close at 5 p.m. today, October 31st. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Library Staff in the News

Our own Allen Tompkins has been named the 2007 recipient of the Grace Frost Library Advocate Award, which annually highlights an individual who exemplifies service and dedication to Wayne County libraries and the communities they serve. Click here for an article on Allen that appeared in the Courier-Gazette Digital Edition (where this picture appeared). We're all really proud of you, Allen!

We have reopened after our computer upgrade. We are dealing with a few minor glitches, but most will not directly affect you, and they should all be resolved early next week. Exceptions: If you don't know your PIN number, you may have to wait a couple of days before we can get it for you or assign you a new number. If you are applying for your first library card, we will not be able to immediately assign you a PIN number.

We'd like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience during this process, and hope to see you all in the Library soon.

OWWL Will Be Sleeping

Our library, along with most OWWL libraries, will be closed from Wednesday, October 24 through Friday, October 26. During these three days, the Pioneer Library System will be upgrading the servers that keep OWWL running - a move that will help our libraries contain costs. In addition to the closings, the following services will be unavailable:

• Searching for items on OWWL
• Renewing items online
• Placing holds online
• WiFi access
• Database access
• Borrowing and returning items

Our system has been set to ignore due dates from October 24th through the 29th, so materials you've checked out last week and this have an extended loan period (and any videos checked out from the 17th to the 22nd will be extended until the 30th.) With the longer loans, it's a great time to check out that book you haven't had time for, or one of our TV seasons on DVD.

Second World War I Program Tonight

Interested in history? Researcher Victor Harris returns this evening at 7 p.m. for Over Here, Over There, the second installment of his World War I series. Harris states: "As the United States entered World War One to preserve democracy in Europe, it became increasingly undemocratic on the domestic front. War hysteria and paranoia would sweep America with German-Americans and other recent immigrants being victimized in its wake." Come and learn more about it.

Reservations are not required for this free program.

October Books-Sandwiched-In

In 1907, the State of New York issued a provisional charter to the Sodus Circulating Library Association to form a circulating library and reading room for the residents of the First Fire District of Sodus. From this beginning, we've grown into the Sodus Free Library of 2007. To learn some of what happened in between, sign up now for our October 16th Books-Sandwiched-In. Shirley Patchett, Library volunteer columnist for the Sun & Record, will be presenting One Hundred Years of the Sodus Free Library. Reservations are required; $3 covers the program and noon lunch.

Library Board Meets Thursday

The September meeting of the Sodus Free Library Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. this Thursday, October 11th. Board meetings are open to the public.

Library Closing

The Library will be closed on Monday, October 8th, for the Columbus Day holiday.

Treasure Your Freedom To Read

What better time to celebrate our freedom to read than Banned Books Week? This year's theme is "Treasure Your Freedom To Read, Get Hooked on a Banned Book."

During Banned Books Week, September 29 - October 6, 2007, thousands of libraries and bookstores throughout the nation are celebrating the most basic freedom of a democratic society -- the freedom to read. According to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, more than a book a day faces removal from free and open public access in American schools and libraries.

"Not every book is right for every reader," said ALA President Loriene Roy. "Libraries serve users from a variety of backgrounds - that's why libraries need - and have - such a wide range of materials. Individuals must have the right to choose what materials are suitable for themselves and their families."

The "10 Most Challenged Books of 2006" reflect a range of themes, and consist of the following titles: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, the Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher, Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye, also by Toni Morrison, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler, the Gossip Girl series by Cecily Von Ziegesar, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and the Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz.

World War I Programs

With so much written and produced about World War II, the history and importance of the first World War is often overlooked. Researcher Victor Harris will be presenting two programs on World War I at 7 p.m. on consecutive Thursdays in October. On October 4th, Harris will present “A Higher Form of Killing: Chemical Warfare During World War One,” which will examine life in the trenches, new military technologies of the time, and the effects of these new weapons. On October 11th, “Over Here, Over There” will contrast the country’s attempt to preserve democracy in Europe with the hysteria and paranoia that swept America at home. Reservations are not required for these free programs. Thank you to the Friends of the Sodus Free Library for sponsoring these programs.

Books-Sandwiched-In

Sign up now for our first Books-Sandwiched-In of the Fall season. “Rose Lady” Audrey Ferris will present “Roses for Every Garden” at noon on Tuesday, September 18^th. A $3 charge covers your sandwich, a beverage, and dessert. Reservations are required, with the luncheon charge collected the day of the program. Please call or stop by the Library as soon as possible, as Audrey’s presentations sell out quickly!

September Board Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held in our meeting room at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 13th. All Board meetings are open to the public.

Summer Reading Grand Prize Winner

On Friday, we held the last prize drawing of the Summer. The winner of our Get a Clue grand prize, the Family Fun Pack, is Nora M. Congratulations to Nora and her family; we hope the games and toys bring you many hours of fun.

We're Closed, But ...

Yes, we're closed for the long weekend. However, if you are out shopping the sales and see a book you'd like to read (but not necessarily buy), head to your computer when you get home and place an OWWL Hold on that title. On Tuesday, all of our libraries will be checking our lists of books with reserves, and sending them out in our daily deliveries. The book that caught your eye will be waiting for you at our Library in a matter of days, and in some cases, hours!

Library Closing

The Library will be closed this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for the Labor Day weekend. Stock up on some great books and DVDs now!

Sixth Week Prize Winners

The last week of Get a Clue is done, and our prize winners are:

Preschool-9th Grade -- Kilah A., Ayanna H., Jade P., Cara P., and Melissa Y.; 10th Grade-Adult -- Antje P.

Congratulations all!

Remember, you have until August 31st to turn in your Bingo sheets. See you at the Library soon!

See You Thursday

Don't forget to join us for the fun tomorrow, August 16th, starting at noon for the picnic on the porch for all Summer Reading participants. If we fill up the porch, we'll spread out under the tree. All families are invited to enjoy the very magical Jim Bush at 1 p.m. in the Library's meeting room. See you there!

Get a Clue Week 6

This is the final week of our Get a Clue @ Your Library Summer Reading program (I just don't know how time can possibly fly by so quickly!). Here's what we have planned for the week:

Monday, Preschool Story Hour - 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday, Rock Painting (extra class) - 10:30 a.m.-noon
Tuesday, Share-a-Book Reading Club - 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, PJ Storytime/Milk & Cookies - 7-7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Family Picnic - noon
Thursday, Jim Bush's Magic Show - 1 p.m.

Your library is where it's all happening!

More Prize Winners

This week's Get a Clue prize winners are:

Preschool-9th Grade -- Jaylan J., Ahjiana J., Nate L., Ashley W., Sierra W., and Emylie Z.; 10th Grade-Adult -- Carol B.

Congratulations! Only one week of Summer Reading remains, so if you have not yet won a prize, be sure to stop by and put your name in for the final drawing.

Tales on the Porch

It's 2007, but tonight Belinda McElroy took all of us on the Library's porch back two hundred years and more. Her Maxwell Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast has so much history, and we felt like we were reliving some of it with the Swail and the Gaylord families. Thanks for sharing, Belinda!

Don't Miss It!

Interested in area cobblestones? In the Underground Railroad? In schooners sailing into our bays to trade their goods? Make plans to attend tomorrow night's Tales on the Porch to hear Belinda McElroy discuss the rich history of the Maxwell Creek Inn. The program will start at 7 p.m., August 9th, on the Library’s porch. Don't miss it!

More Prize Winners

This week's prize winners are:

Preschool-9th Grade -- Keith A., Drake B., Beth G., Moriah G., Anna L., and Juan L.; 10th Grade-Adult -- Jan C.

Congratulations ... and remember to Keep Reading!

Summer Reading Week #5

Our fifth week of Get a Clue @ Your Library will feature:

Monday - Story Hour, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday - Rock Painting class, 10:30 a.m. - noon
Tuesday - Share-a-Book Reading Club, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Thursday - Detectives Club, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Thursday - Tales on the Porch, 7 p.m. - Belinda McElroy shares Maxwell Creek Inn history
Friday - Crafts with Sandy, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Stop by for the fun!

Library Board Meets Thursday

The August meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees will be held at 4 p.m. this Thursday, August 9th. Board meetings are open to the public.

Week 3 Prize Winners

We've just picked a whole new group of prize winners. They are:

Preschool-9th grade: Jacob G., Larissa G., Joshua M., Marc M., Sam S., and Leena S.; 10th Grade-adult: Janet E.

Congatulations! Come in ASAP and pick a prize out of our Get a Clue window.

Fourth Get a Clue @ Your Library Week

Make plans now to stop by the Library this week. Our plans include:

Monday - Preschool Story Hour, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday - Rock Painting class, 10:30-noon
Tuesday - Share-a-Book Reading Club, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday - PJ Storytime, 7-7:30 p.m.
Thursday - Detectives Reading Club, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Friday - Crafts with Sandy, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

And, of course, keep working on those Bingo cards :)

Prize Winners

Our prize winners for the second week of Get a Clue @ Your Library are:

Preschool-9th grade - Jenna A., Alexis B., Andrew E., Kerri G., Anna Rose M., and Jacob S.; 10th grade-Adult - Brigitta L.

Congratulations!

This Week @ the Library

Take time this week to Get a Clue:

Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Story Hour
Monday, 10:30-noon, Rock Painting
Tuesday, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Share-a-Book Reading Club
Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Detectives Reading Club
Friday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Crafts with Sandy

Come Join Us

Bored? Nothing to do? Come visit us at the Library to Get a Clue of things to do! We have something for everyone.

First Week's Prize Winners

Today we had our first prize drawing, and the winners are:

Daniel H., Max L., Nora M., Lucas T., Hope V., Jair V., and Shirley P.

Congratulations to our winners. Enjoy your prizes and remember - Keep Reading!

A Second Fun Week Planned

Come into the library this week for more Get a Clue fun. The schedule follows:

Monday, Story Hour, 10:30-11:30; Rock Painting (reservations required), 10:30-noon

Tuesday, Bubble Day, 1:30-2:30

Wednesday, Crafts with Sandy, 2:30-3:30

Thursday, Detectives Reading Club, 1:30-2:30; Porch Tales with Susan Peterson Gateley, 7 p.m.

I look forward to seeing you @ the Library.

Porch Tales

Come "set a spell" on our porch at 7 p.m. next Thursday, July 19th, and listen to tales of mystery from local author Susan Peterson Gateley. Susan will share stories from her book Mirages, Monsters, Myths, and Mysteries of Lake Ontario. The back cover of her book invites us to "shove off on another exciting voyage of discovery on our big lake ... search for monsters, seek out 50 pound salmon, enjoy tales of love, adventure, mystery, and tragedy, as told by one of the lake's foremost contemporary storytellers." Add this program to your calendar now!

Start Reading!

Today (Sunday) is the official beginning of our Get a Clue @ Your Library, so push away from the computer and start reading! In addition to all those great books waiting to be read, we have five programs planned for this week. They are:

• Monday, Story Hour - Stories and songs with Mrs. Koch, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, Share-a-Book Reading Club (4th grade & up) - Bring along a good book or two to share with the group, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, PJ Storytime - Wear your pajamas; all friends, stuffed or real, are welcome, 7-7:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Detectives Reading Club (1st-3rd grade) - Stories and more with Mrs. Garland, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

• Friday, Crafts (1st grade & up) - Sandy Hopkins takes the mystery out of making crafts, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

We have something planned for all age groups. There is no charge for any of these programs, and all supplies are provided by the Library.


Here are some of the prizes you can win by filling out those raffle tickets - 1 for each library visit, 1 for each program attended, and 2 for each Time Tracker turned in. You can also earn a prize by playing one of our Bingo games.

If you are not yet signed up for the fun, come in and ask for more information at the desk. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Summer Reading Registration

Registration for our six weeks of Summer Reading started today. Get a Clue @ Your Library will include reading fun, mysteries, and prizes for all ages, so stop by and get signed up! When you register, you'll be given a calendar of all the activities we have planned. Reading starts on Sunday, and we expect our Readers' Wall of Fame and our Evidence Board to fill up quickly.

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Get A Clue @ Your Library

Click on the screen shot above or just click here for a message from Emma Roberts, the new Nancy Drew. Registration for summer reading fun starts at noon on Thursday, July 5th. See you there!

Library Closing

The Library will be closed Wednesday, July 4th.

It's a Girl!

Congratulations to Library Page Donna VanDuyne and her family on their beautiful new baby girl, Keturah Grace, born yesterday morning!

Today in History

Click here to read about the first Newbery Medal for outstanding children's literature, announced this day in 1922.

Tilia x europaea

Stop by the Library this week to enjoy the wonderfully fragrant blossoms of the beautiful European Linden in our front yard.

In honor of these amazing trees, Friedrich Ruckert wrote the following for Gustav Mahler's Ruckertlieder - Ich atmet' einen linden Duft (translated by Emily Ezust): "I breathed a gentle fragrance. In the room stood a sprig of linden, a gift from a dear hand. How lovely was the fragrance of linden."

Depending on the weather, the blossoms won't last long, so pull into our parking lot when you're going by. This is too good to miss!