November 2009

From the circulation desk…….

            We have started to button up the library for winter, putting on the storm windows, cleaning the furnace, weeding magazines and newspapers, and making plans for a good fall cleaning.  We are also getting  ready to write our Annual Appeal letter.  Every year we appeal to your generosity to  support the library’s operating budget.  We manage the funds carefully, buying and circulating books,  providing  programs, subscribing to magazines and newspapers and maintaining an interlibrary loan system.  In addition , your  support allows us to heat and light the building, provide internet service, custodial service and even keep the sidewalks shoveled and the grass mowed.  There are many volunteers to help and we are grateful. 

            Of course costs have gone up, especially operating costs, heat, electricity, and the cost of books and magazines.  We would like to ask if you would consider, sending an additional donation  this year to help us.  We have had to withdraw money from the endowment for heat and electricity.  Our winter heating bills last year  were about $100 a week.   Electricity cost is about $135 a month..  The average cost of a book is $20-30.

            Would you consider a donation that covers the cost of a month of electricity or a week of heat?  We would think of you warmly of you as we circulate each book.  It is the gifts of time and money from our patrons that keep us and active strong library.

Calendar sales
  

             Ann Sayers has been preparing a Town of Keen 2010 Historical Calendar to be released in mid-November.  A perfect holiday gift.  The calendar will feature  photos from the Keene Valley Library Archives and short paragraphs on mining, logging, harvesting and local bridges.  Ann will donate all funds to the libraries.  Calendars will be $8.00 each or  5 for $35.  They make great holiday gifts and support our library at the same time.

Holiday BOOK SALE!
               Thanks to generous book donations, we have collected and saved many science fiction books.  Many are rare paper backs from the early days of the renewed interest in this genre.  A great opportunity.   We will also open our Book Cellar to those who might like to purchase just the right gift for the discerning reader on your list. 

Also for sale:

Two Adirondack Hamlets in History, edited by Richard Plunz with research and writings by Tony Goodwin, Kate Owen and Richard Plunz. On sale now for $20.

Reflections of an Adirondacker by Adrian Edmonds. $10

Keene Central School students:   We are once again happy to welcome the Keene Central School students to the Library on Wednesdays.  Students begin by learning to care for books and return them on time.  They learn to choose books they enjoy, sometimes by the book jacket, by subject or by      author.  The early elementary students love books in series, Magic Tree House, Black Lagoon, A to Z Mysteries, as well as Captain Underpants and Stink.  Our latest favorite series is Roscoe Riley Rules!   Early on , the students learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction and begin to experience the wide range of topics available for research and study in the non-fiction area of the library.
Grade five students, and sometimes younger, become comfortable requesting  books from our library and other libraries, and put the books on hold   They use the library catalog for research and pleasure.  By sixth grade, students should be independent library users  with an understanding of the work and activity that happens in the library.  They learn the many resources available in any library.  They are introduced to databases and online library resource.

It is wonderful to have children in the Library.  Their enthusiasm for books and reading is contagious and they learn to love this library as their “home” library.  They eagerly look forward to the library visits and we have an opportunity to teach them good library etiquette and the love of reading.  This program is funded by the Pumpkin Hill Foundation.  We are grateful for their support.

WEBSITE:  Our website is keenevalleylibrary.org.   From the webpage you can email us, letting us know  your concerns and your interests.  There is a place to request new books and a link to the catalog so you can order books,or download audio books.  There is also a link to new materials in the area libraries.

We hope to send our next news letter to you electronically.  We will link the newsletter to the webpage and send an email to you when the newsletter is ready.  If you are interested, please send us your email address so we can include you on our mailing.

Stay warm and keep reading................................

Library Hours:

• Tuesday and Thursday: 9-12, 1-5, and 6-8
• Saturday: 10- 12 and 1-4