Join Dr Cynthia Orozco this afternoon at 4pm for a history lesson on Ranching in Lincoln County. This is part of an 8-piece series of programs throughout the county this Fall.
Ruidoso Public Library will be closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for Thanksgiving, November 28-30. We will re-open Monday, December 2, at 9 am.
Remember Butterball has answers for any food emergencies Thursday. Visit http://www.butterball.com/media/turkey-talk-line. Or call 1-800-Butterball (800-288-8372). You may also need to visit Reader's Digest's collection of turkey bloopers to gain a sense of perspective, too.
Better yet, pre-plan your feast with these tips (what to buy, how to thaw, how to brine, etc).
My dad was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years; please help firefighters spend their holidays at home with family by watching this William Shatner narrated video by State Farm or reading these tips on how to deep fry your turkey. If the video does not load, the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETBD0EqQGoU. The Tips are:
Safe Turkey Frying Tips
1: Avoid oil spillover--don't overfill the pot.
2: Turn off flame when lowering the turkey into oil.
3: Fry outside, away from the house.
4: Properly thaw the turkey before frying.
5: Keep a grease-fire-approved extinguisher nearby. (Here's an explanation of a class K extinguisher.)
You will also need to know how to use the extinguisher: read pages 3 and 6 here: http://emilms.fema.gov/IS909/assets/09_PuttingOutFires.pdf
Showing posts with label resource. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resource. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Cookbook varieties
Dia de los Muertos offers many cultural staples to cook, from sugar skulls to pan de muerto. Veterans Day may not have touchstone cuisine yet, but library shelves offer many colorful, detailed windows on history's events. Thanksgiving plans are a piece of pie with entertainment books, cookbooks, and history, too.
Our shelves offer books for cooking with children, creating science experiments, or step-by-step pictures for the complete kitchen novice.
With ski season around the corner, The Ski House Cookbook caught my eye.
Cookbooks cover medical conditions, too. If you know someone coping with chemotherapy, one book focuses on how to appeal to a waning appetite and unpredictable stomach with food's texture, color, or taste. Vegetarianism, diabetes, and allergies are topics of other cookbooks on the shelf.
P.S.: Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. Luckily the clocks "Fall" back an hour this time, so sleep in or enjoy an extra hour of your favorite hobby.
P.P.S: Come early Wednesday for the Hawks Aloft presentation as seating may be at a premium. If you can drop in today or tomorrow, sign up in advance with Sharon at the front desk.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Map your favorite book!
 |
| Image from Lucius Beebe Memorial Library on flickr |
Have you read a book and wondered what the location really looked like? In my case, I did not read Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee mysteries until after I had lived south of Gallup and Grants for several months and moved away from the state for a couple of years. Yet I found having the personal knowledge of the towns, distances, and local quirks contributed depth to my appreciation of the novels.
In my mother's case, when she read Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch books, she wondered how many places were based on a real place. As luck would have it, another fan of the books shared that thought and made a Google map to answer.
If connecting a story to real places catches your fancy, you might also be interested in the Placing Literature project here: http://placingliterature.wordpress.com/page/2/ . This project focuses on books set in Duluth, New Haven, and San Francisco (see their site for the reading list).
If you are interested in following walks through well-known towns and titles, Ruidoso Public Library has three: one for Santa Fe, another for Dickensian London, and one on Hemingway's Paris.
Armchair travel connects exotic locales and literature without leaving the comfort of home (or the public computers at the library!). I found a Google map of St. Petersburg, Russia, including photos of locations from Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment (available online to read or listen to). Comment below, email the library, or call us if you would like to find a map connecting a specific author, book, or city through literature.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Opportunity to learn your iPad or earn your GED at ENMU
Coda Omness of ENMU-Ruidoso will teach a class, "Navigating the iPad" from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on October 22. You must bring your iPad and sign up in advance. Call ENMU-Ruidoso at 575-257-2120 or visit them (the same parking lot as Lawrence Bros. Supermarket) to reserve your seat. Many visitors at the library ask for this type of instruction, so I am happy to let you know this class has arrived! Learn the basic settings, some apps, and how to explore your device. There is a $35 fee, though it is only $29 for Lifetime Learning Academy (students over 55 years).
To learn about other pending community or continuing education classes, visit their online Fall Schedule at http://issuu.com/enmuruidoso/docs/fall_2013 .
The GED® Test is modernizing. As of January 2014, the exams will be computer-only. Cera (at New Mexico Workforce Connections, 575-258-1730) organizes the classes to prepare you for these exams. The GED® training occurs at different times of day, depending on what works for your schedule or how well you can discipline yourself to work independently. During the next few months you may still prepare for some of the topics with printed materials available at Ruidoso Public Library, or online, including a tutorial on what computer skills you may wish to practice before the test day. FinishtheGED.com explains many details. The Prepare tab on this page includes the computer skills tutorial and sample questions. This video below (also available here) explains how the calculator has been built into the computer test.
To learn about other pending community or continuing education classes, visit their online Fall Schedule at http://issuu.com/enmuruidoso/docs/fall_2013 .
 |
| FinishTheGED.com |
The GED® Test is modernizing. As of January 2014, the exams will be computer-only. Cera (at New Mexico Workforce Connections, 575-258-1730) organizes the classes to prepare you for these exams. The GED® training occurs at different times of day, depending on what works for your schedule or how well you can discipline yourself to work independently. During the next few months you may still prepare for some of the topics with printed materials available at Ruidoso Public Library, or online, including a tutorial on what computer skills you may wish to practice before the test day. FinishtheGED.com explains many details. The Prepare tab on this page includes the computer skills tutorial and sample questions. This video below (also available here) explains how the calculator has been built into the computer test.
If you need a little more convincing (or more information to share with someone looking into GED® credentials, the following are straight from the horse's mouth.
Attention GED® test-takers: Increase your chance of success. Adults who take the GED® test on computer are finishing faster and scoring higher. People say that testing on computer is “easier,” “less stressful,” and “simple.” Try the GED® test on computer risk free—we’re so confident you’ll like it that if you don’t pass your first test, you’ll get a free voucher for the next one.
Attention GED® test-takers: Increase your chance of success. Adults who take the GED® test on computer are finishing faster and scoring higher. People say that testing on computer is “easier,” “less stressful,” and “simple.” Try the GED® test on computer risk free—we’re so confident you’ll like it that if you don’t pass your first test, you’ll get a free voucher for the next one.
Visit GEDtestingservice.com/riskfreeGED to see if you qualify.
Learn More:
- Free Test on Computer Tutorial: Preview how the GED® test on computer works right now. You can click through questions and practice using the system.
- Locate Nearest Test on Computer Site: Like the GED® test on computer? Find the site nearest you by selecting the “Test on Computer” box and entering your zip code in our online locator tool.
- Register and Schedule Online: With testing on computer, you can get your GED®test scheduled today with our easy-to-use online system. Get started today!
Your future is calling. With the GED® test, you can answer the
call!
If you’ve already started the GED® test, you’re almost
there. The current version of the GED® test is expiring at the end of 2013
and your scores will expire too if you don’t finish and pass the test by then.
If you act soon, you won’t have to re-take the parts of the test you’ve already
passed.
Don’t feel prepared to finish the GED® test? Don’t worry—we
can help! Even with your busy
schedule, you can prepare, plan, and succeed. The GED® test and preparation materials are also available in Spanish.
Passing the GED® test is a key to opening doors to college,
a better job, and the respect you deserve. Don’t miss this chance to turn one
small step into your next big opportunity! Finish your GED® test by the end of
2013 and earn your high school credential.
Monday, August 19, 2013
When you've been hacked
A few weeks ago, I learned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an informative website. They offer a blog of resources for dealing with many problems:
Scams
Spam
robo-calls
and many more issues.
These range from:
Privacy and Identity
Mortgages
Credit
Jobs
Health
Do Not Call List
Free Credit Reports
Just this week, I read about steps to take to minimize your (or my!) risk of losing your email, bank, or social network accounts to a hacker. They also covered steps to take to help recover your identity afterwards, in the event your (or my!) account is hacked. The details are here:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0376-hacked-email
I will continue to share links as I happen upon them. Please feel free to reach out to Ruidoso Public Library if you know of one that taught you something.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Sample these titles for free on your computer, phone, or e-reader
Major publishers want to whet your reading appetite. Check out this link for excerpts and first chapters of new books. These titles will receive a lot of advertising and media-hype hoping to catch your eye. If you have the time, let us know in the comments whether (after reading several) they deserve attention on par with the media campaigns.
A similar title from last year is available if the titles or authors catch your eye and/or jog your memory for last year's blockbuster books.
If the image above does not load, then try looking for Buzz Books 2013 at your favorite online ebook store (Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, iBookstore, Kobo, Sony, Google Play, Powell's, etc.). The ISBN is 9780985491086.
Library staff are not able to read, review, or even hear about every new book available. (This article offers a quick explanation of just how many books are released every year.) Marie adds over 3,000 titles each year to Ruidoso Public Library's shelves. When publishers release over 300,000 new books (not counting self-published or anniversary releases), it is easy to see how 1% looks lovely on our shelves, but is only a single drop in a very large bucket. We welcome your insight and input on which titles to watch.
A similar title from last year is available if the titles or authors catch your eye and/or jog your memory for last year's blockbuster books.
If the image above does not load, then try looking for Buzz Books 2013 at your favorite online ebook store (Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, iBookstore, Kobo, Sony, Google Play, Powell's, etc.). The ISBN is 9780985491086.
Library staff are not able to read, review, or even hear about every new book available. (This article offers a quick explanation of just how many books are released every year.) Marie adds over 3,000 titles each year to Ruidoso Public Library's shelves. When publishers release over 300,000 new books (not counting self-published or anniversary releases), it is easy to see how 1% looks lovely on our shelves, but is only a single drop in a very large bucket. We welcome your insight and input on which titles to watch.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Christian Fiction sampler from New York Public Library
Many of my ideas for posts arise from other blogs and articles in the library "blogosphere," such as today's. A librarian from New York's Public Library wrote about how to find one popular genre of stories. I have edited the article and links to reflect the Ruidoso Public Library's collection.
If you have questions about a specific genre or format (such as audio or graphic novels) please ask in the comments below, by email, or phone.
You can say it started in 1678 with the publication of John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress. Then along came Hall Caine'sThe Christian (1897) and C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia in the 1950s. Fast forward to the 21st century, major news magazines such as Time were talking about the Left Behind series. Yes, my interest was piqued when I read a 2002 Time magazine cover article titled "Apocalypse Now"about the popularity of the series. I checked them out of the library and read each one in order. I was intrigued and fascinated.
Hi
Frank Peretti - This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Monster, and The Visitation
William P. Young - The Shack, Crossroads
If you have questions about a specific genre or format (such as audio or graphic novels) please ask in the comments below, by email, or phone.
God in the Stacks: The Scoop on Christian Fiction
You can say it started in 1678 with the publication of John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress. Then along came Hall Caine'sThe Christian (1897) and C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia in the 1950s. Fast forward to the 21st century, major news magazines such as Time were talking about the Left Behind series. Yes, my interest was piqued when I read a 2002 Time magazine cover article titled "Apocalypse Now"about the popularity of the series. I checked them out of the library and read each one in order. I was intrigued and fascinated.
I decided to give a little more attention to the genre. My interest intensified over the last few years as I observed the genre really taking off and expanding into many sub-genres. I found various list of authors online and decided I would read at least one book by every author in the genre. It was an ambitious feat and I faced the challenge of new authors being published regularly and also, reading every book published by an author I particularly like.
I also discovered many authors not mentioned on the Internet by doing a keyword search in the catalog on "Christian fiction." ...[F]ound the king of legal thrillers — Robert Whitlow. We have Jimmy in large print.
Christian Fiction can be defined as follows, according to a Library Journal Book Buzz on Christian Fiction (2009):
"...Most readers would agree that there is a core of biblically-based attitudes, values, and actions, and likely there would be very little, if any, profanity, sex or violence. Generally, Christian fiction has religious themes infused into a regular genre story. ... Christian fiction gives readers characters and situations that demonstrate the growth of faith, depth and breadth of moral responsibility, the possibility of conversion and redemption, and examples of Christian living for men and women of all ages, races and cultures."
Christian Fiction are books written by primarily Christian authors with one or more of the following characteristics: an overarching Christian theme, embracing Christian values and behavior, characters who have faith in God. The Christy Awards and later on the Carol Awards were established to recognize best fiction published in the genre. Pilgrim Progress is an allegorical work of the journey of a Christian from this world to heaven. In the Chronicles of Narnia, Jesus is Aslan the Lion, the ever present guide. The Left Behind series is a fictional series based on Biblical prophecy and historical facts about events regarding the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus as King.
If you have read and enjoyed faith based fiction, here are some others you may enjoy. You can borrow them from the Ruidoso Public Library with a library card. If you are a digital reader, you can download and read library e-books for free. I have enjoyed many of them on my tablet while waiting for appointments.
Amish Fiction
Beverly Lewis - The Courtship of Nellie Fisher: The Longing, The Parting, The Forbidden
Mary Ellis - Abigail's New Hope
Mary Ellis - Abigail's New Hope
Fiction
Jonathan Cahn - The Harbinger
Karen Kingsbury - The Bailey Flanigan Series: Leaving, Longing, Loving
Karen Kingsbury - The Bailey Flanigan Series: Leaving, Longing, Loving
Hi
storical Fiction
Lynn Austin - Song of Redemption
Kathleen Morgan - A Love Forbidden
Janette Oke - Dana's Valley
Tracie Peterson - Hope Rekindled
Francine Rivers - A Voice in the Wind
Kathleen Morgan - A Love Forbidden
Janette Oke - Dana's Valley
Tracie Peterson - Hope Rekindled
Francine Rivers - A Voice in the Wind
Legal Thriller
Murder/Mystery/Crime
Romance/Romantic Suspense
Supernatural/Science Fiction
Frank Peretti - This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Monster, and The Visitation
William P. Young - The Shack, Crossroads
Monday, July 1, 2013
Good Day for a Picnic, and other ideas to enjoy the summer
Summer is a great time to connect with your kids and/or the outdoors. Try these titles to find ideas for foods to pack or how to keep the experience fun. Enjoy the forest before it closes, or just practice in your backyard.
Good Day for a Picnic Simple Food that Travels Well
Hungry Monkey: A Food-loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater
Camping with Kids
Best Hikes with Children in New Mexico
For more adventurous hikers:
Trail guide Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear, Sacramento & Guadalupe Ranger Districts by John W. Stockert ; In cooperation with the staff at Lincoln National Forest.
If it is too hot to hike, these books provide points with purpose for a local road trip.
Travel guidebooks of local historical markers
This one was a staple during my childhood here. It explains the colors, sediments, and geo-history seen staring out the car window.
Roadside Geology of NM
Did I miss one? Let me know, by email or comment below, if you recommend another library book for picnicking or local tour information. Thanks in advance!
Good Day for a Picnic Simple Food that Travels Well
Hungry Monkey: A Food-loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater
Camping with Kids
Best Hikes with Children in New Mexico
For more adventurous hikers:
Trail guide Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear, Sacramento & Guadalupe Ranger Districts by John W. Stockert ; In cooperation with the staff at Lincoln National Forest.
If it is too hot to hike, these books provide points with purpose for a local road trip.
Travel guidebooks of local historical markers
This one was a staple during my childhood here. It explains the colors, sediments, and geo-history seen staring out the car window.
Roadside Geology of NM
Did I miss one? Let me know, by email or comment below, if you recommend another library book for picnicking or local tour information. Thanks in advance!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Partnering with Lincoln County Health
Cora at the Lincoln County Health Offices, next door to the library, would love your help.
She collects specific recyclables for a group called TerraCycle Personal Care and Beauty Brigade for the benefit of Feed My Starving Children. Cora is also planning a Mobile Packing event for Ruidoso this Fall. A later blogpost will share the details for that event as they become available.
The idea is: collecting these items earns money. TerraCycle then contributes that money to Feed My Starving Children. FMSC meals cost less than a quarter (22 cents). Each item submitted from the list below earns two (2) pennies for FMSC.
This is a win-win situation. You can recycle your disposables while helping a charity. TerraCycle finds buyers to reuse the plastics in paving stones for your garden among other items.
Cora is collecting the following recyclables at the Lincoln County Health Center (105 Kansas City Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345). If you have other ideas for displaying a collection container, please post a comment below.
lipstick cases
mascara tubes
eye shadow cases
shampoo bottles (including caps, triggers
conditioner bottles
bronzer cases
foundation packaging
body wash containers
soap tubes
soap dispensers
lotion dispensers
shaving foam tubes (not cans)
powder cases
chapstick tubes
lotion tubes
face soap dispensers
face lotion jars
eyeliner cases
eyeliner pencils
eyeshadow tubes
concealer tubes or sticks
hair gel tubes
hair paste jars
lip liner pencils
NB: Hair spray cans, nail polish bottles, and nail polish remover bottles are not acceptable.
She collects specific recyclables for a group called TerraCycle Personal Care and Beauty Brigade for the benefit of Feed My Starving Children. Cora is also planning a Mobile Packing event for Ruidoso this Fall. A later blogpost will share the details for that event as they become available.
The idea is: collecting these items earns money. TerraCycle then contributes that money to Feed My Starving Children. FMSC meals cost less than a quarter (22 cents). Each item submitted from the list below earns two (2) pennies for FMSC.
This is a win-win situation. You can recycle your disposables while helping a charity. TerraCycle finds buyers to reuse the plastics in paving stones for your garden among other items.
Cora is collecting the following recyclables at the Lincoln County Health Center (105 Kansas City Rd, Ruidoso, NM 88345). If you have other ideas for displaying a collection container, please post a comment below.
lipstick cases
mascara tubes
eye shadow cases
shampoo bottles (including caps, triggers
conditioner bottles
bronzer cases
foundation packaging
body wash containers
soap tubes
soap dispensers
lotion dispensers
shaving foam tubes (not cans)
powder cases
chapstick tubes
lotion tubes
face soap dispensers
face lotion jars
eyeliner cases
eyeliner pencils
eyeshadow tubes
concealer tubes or sticks
hair gel tubes
hair paste jars
lip liner pencils
NB: Hair spray cans, nail polish bottles, and nail polish remover bottles are not acceptable.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Luggage-friendly travel guides at the library (or online if you are already on the road)
The titles above are available on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Download before you leave the library or anywhere on the road with your card number.
Now you may discretely plan your day or route without waving a guidebook around like a white flag.
You may download individual pages or sections or the entire book. You may return to stream (or surf) the material, depending on your internet access.
Think of all the extra space you might find in your suitcase.
P.S. Ruidoso Public Library will not open Monday for Memorial Day. We are open Saturday, May 25th and Tuesday, May 28th. Drop in early to stock up!
Monday, May 6, 2013
help your student write with these handy guides
Recently, a friend described her daughter's writing assignment at school. This mom was at a loss for how to help with the research and writing, without taking over the assignment, from the student or the teacher. Luckily, several options are available through Ruidoso Public Library.
If you have time to stop by, we have books (!) not just on content, but on the writing and research process, though these are often grade-level specific, especially for upper grades.
If you, like most parents I meet at the library, are down to the last weekend before you hear there is any paper at all, no fear. While we do close at 4pm on Fridays and 2 pm on Saturdays (and Children's closes 30 minutes earlier), we have several resources available 24/7 via internet and your library card number.
Where to begin? Research, as I am learning at school myself, is a conversation. As students, we are late to the party and have to catch up by reading. After some general reading, pick a few topics of interest and look for them. Remember to try synonyms to find more references. After more reading, begin to think about what you have read. Most important of all, ask questions about who wrote the information (and whose voice is not yet heard), question whether that information fits with what you know, and then look for information to answer your questions.
Depending on the teacher and assignment, writing about the whole process (and what you learned to try instead next time) is a great step in learning. Even if it is the last weekend, there is time to look, read, rest and think, and repeat on Saturday and Sunday.
You are not alone, either. If the links below fail, find the Magazines or Opposing Viewpoints links from the homepage's e-branch tab (and Children's page, too!). Inside Junior Edition, Kids Edition, Student Edition, or Kids Infobits (depending on your student's age/level), look for Teacher Toolbox. Luckily, they all have the same feature. The Toolbox page offers several lessons and links to handouts you may print out. For example:
How to Make a Concept Web
How to Write a Topic Sentence
Make an Outline
Cite a Source
Build an Argument
Write a Conclusion
How to Judge Information (encyclopedia v. magazine v. web)
If in Opposing Viewpoints, find Resources, in the black bar. Scroll to the bottom for Students: Tools for Getting Started and Wrapping Up.
If you have time to stop by, we have books (!) not just on content, but on the writing and research process, though these are often grade-level specific, especially for upper grades.
If you, like most parents I meet at the library, are down to the last weekend before you hear there is any paper at all, no fear. While we do close at 4pm on Fridays and 2 pm on Saturdays (and Children's closes 30 minutes earlier), we have several resources available 24/7 via internet and your library card number.
Where to begin? Research, as I am learning at school myself, is a conversation. As students, we are late to the party and have to catch up by reading. After some general reading, pick a few topics of interest and look for them. Remember to try synonyms to find more references. After more reading, begin to think about what you have read. Most important of all, ask questions about who wrote the information (and whose voice is not yet heard), question whether that information fits with what you know, and then look for information to answer your questions.
Depending on the teacher and assignment, writing about the whole process (and what you learned to try instead next time) is a great step in learning. Even if it is the last weekend, there is time to look, read, rest and think, and repeat on Saturday and Sunday.
You are not alone, either. If the links below fail, find the Magazines or Opposing Viewpoints links from the homepage's e-branch tab (and Children's page, too!). Inside Junior Edition, Kids Edition, Student Edition, or Kids Infobits (depending on your student's age/level), look for Teacher Toolbox. Luckily, they all have the same feature. The Toolbox page offers several lessons and links to handouts you may print out. For example:
How to Make a Concept Web
How to Write a Topic Sentence
Make an Outline
Cite a Source
Build an Argument
Write a Conclusion
How to Judge Information (encyclopedia v. magazine v. web)
If in Opposing Viewpoints, find Resources, in the black bar. Scroll to the bottom for Students: Tools for Getting Started and Wrapping Up.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Money Smart Week (R) 2013
 |
Tuesday, April 2, from 10-11 am, Vera from First National Bank
will speak on How to Apply for a Mortgage.
If that time does not work for you, or you have more questions, try a different perspective on Wednesday, April 3 at 4pm.
Later on Tuesday, April 2, from 11 am to noon, Debra Hendricks, of New Mexico’s Aging and Long Term Services Department, will present
"Extra Help," a program to reduce your Medicare expenses.
Wednesday, April 3, 10 am, begins with Credit Scores: what they are,
what affects them, and how to improve them with Billy Jones of Ruidoso Credit
Union. I saw this presentation last year and thought it could be useful for
most anyone. Then at 4pm Wednesday is
the second mortgage application explanation by Lorri McKnight of City Bank New Mexico who will present a different perspective.
On Thursday, April 4, at noon, Rachel Weber of New Mexico’s
Workforce Solutions offers Frugal Living Tips to Save Money. Then at 4:30 pm, also on Thursday, April 4, Rutalee
Todd-Jernigan of the Farm Bureau Financial Services will help you increase your
financial smarts. Come with any
questions you have.
We wrap up Friday at noon with Ismael Camacho one of the state’s
Assistant Attorneys General. Mr Camacho
presents “Don’t Get Burned” to help you explore the risks of identity theft and
scams, including how to protect yourself.
If you'd like to see the calendar, it's here. For more information about Money Smart Week and the Federal Reserve, try this link.
Money Smart Week is an registered service mark of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
We hope to see you! If your schedule does not allow a visit, comment below or email us ahead of time. We can check into saving you a set of the handouts to pick up later. If you think of a friend or acquaintance who might like a class, feel free to share this post's URL with them on Facebook, Twitter, or by email, too.
Monday, March 25, 2013
DIY AR finder (RSVP for April touch screen class)
A few weeks ago, the ladies in Children's mentioned how many parents ask for reading suggestions for their children, but also want to know the Accelerated Reading (AR) score and level. Cheryl and Kari Dawn are happy to help, but often very busy. Luckily, another librarian created a 3 minute video explaining the process. If you have not visited the children's webpage lately, the links are there to the video, the ARbookfinder website, and the blog post where I learned about it.
The AR Bookfinder is not linked to Ruidoso Public Library's catalog of books available on the shelf. Are you a coder interested in developing an API (code or program) to link them? Currently, anyone is welcome to look up the book or level you are interested in the bookfinder, then take the title to the library's catalog to see if it is available. Alternately, find many books that catch your eye at the library, then look each up at the bookfinder website.
Ideally, AR helps motivate reluctantly learners to adopt a lifelong habit of reading. When this is not the case, there are many more avenues to try. Audiobooks let active kids hear and learn new vocabulary in context and keep up with their peers' reading level, or multitask homework with chore time, athletic events travel, or just a chance to run around. Disclaimer: don't cross the street without removing headphones or earbuds, to listen for cross traffic. Visual learners may revel in graphic novels, such as illustrated classics or a biography of Steve Jobs.
Summer Reading Programs, such as Cheryl's and Kari Dawn's, are a great way to keep up the reading habit between school years. Students retain more information year-on-year and start learning new material sooner each fall when they participate in Summer Reading Programs. Keep an eye on the Children's and Teens' pages on our website for details on when and how to sign up, a calendar of events, and this year's grand prizes. Last year, one reader won an e-reader, several won bicycles, and even a hefty gift certificate.
P.S. April 16th, at 10 am, Robert Walshe and Jennifer Stubbs will have a beginners' orientation for touch-screen devices. RSVP by April 9th at 575-258-3704 or by email, or even comment below, with the type and size of device you have. It's on our calendar, too. Apples, Androids, Windows 8, smartphones, tablets, and mediaplayers (such as iPod touch or Galaxy) are all welcome.
The AR Bookfinder is not linked to Ruidoso Public Library's catalog of books available on the shelf. Are you a coder interested in developing an API (code or program) to link them? Currently, anyone is welcome to look up the book or level you are interested in the bookfinder, then take the title to the library's catalog to see if it is available. Alternately, find many books that catch your eye at the library, then look each up at the bookfinder website.
Ideally, AR helps motivate reluctantly learners to adopt a lifelong habit of reading. When this is not the case, there are many more avenues to try. Audiobooks let active kids hear and learn new vocabulary in context and keep up with their peers' reading level, or multitask homework with chore time, athletic events travel, or just a chance to run around. Disclaimer: don't cross the street without removing headphones or earbuds, to listen for cross traffic. Visual learners may revel in graphic novels, such as illustrated classics or a biography of Steve Jobs.
Summer Reading Programs, such as Cheryl's and Kari Dawn's, are a great way to keep up the reading habit between school years. Students retain more information year-on-year and start learning new material sooner each fall when they participate in Summer Reading Programs. Keep an eye on the Children's and Teens' pages on our website for details on when and how to sign up, a calendar of events, and this year's grand prizes. Last year, one reader won an e-reader, several won bicycles, and even a hefty gift certificate.
P.S. April 16th, at 10 am, Robert Walshe and Jennifer Stubbs will have a beginners' orientation for touch-screen devices. RSVP by April 9th at 575-258-3704 or by email, or even comment below, with the type and size of device you have. It's on our calendar, too. Apples, Androids, Windows 8, smartphones, tablets, and mediaplayers (such as iPod touch or Galaxy) are all welcome.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Also in Universal Class:Education (GED or Home schooling)
Remember Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday, March 10. The clocks "spring" forward one hour.
Images from Universal Class
While the name Universal Class tries to express itself fully, today's blogpost digs into the school-age focused options, simply to clarify. Some of the courses are designed to involve both parents and children or teachers and students, rather than ask kids to enroll and work online directly. Some courses are targeted at older students or non-traditional students approaching the GED from many different levels of experience.
You are welcome to try any class; age is no object. Whether your interest or need is for science, mathematics, grammar, history, or another language, I hope you find something useful. This is not the complete list, by far; peruse other options here.
ABCs of Algebra
Algebra 101
Basic Math 101
ABCs of Geometry
ABCs of English Grammar
English Composition
Basic Research Skills
Essay Writing 101
ABCs of Physics
Biology 101
Astronomy 101
Chemistry 101
Geography 101
American Civil War 101
American Revolutionary War 101
American Government
American History Review
Ancient Civilizations 101
Economics 101
Economics 201
Computer Basics 101
ESL Basic Grammar
ESL Basic Writing Skills
First Grade Curriculum 101
Second Grade Curriculum 101
Third Grade Curriculum 101
GED Test Preparation
Images from Universal Class
While the name Universal Class tries to express itself fully, today's blogpost digs into the school-age focused options, simply to clarify. Some of the courses are designed to involve both parents and children or teachers and students, rather than ask kids to enroll and work online directly. Some courses are targeted at older students or non-traditional students approaching the GED from many different levels of experience.
You are welcome to try any class; age is no object. Whether your interest or need is for science, mathematics, grammar, history, or another language, I hope you find something useful. This is not the complete list, by far; peruse other options here.
ABCs of Algebra
Algebra 101
Basic Math 101
ABCs of Geometry
ABCs of English Grammar
English Composition
Basic Research Skills
Essay Writing 101
ABCs of Physics
Biology 101
Astronomy 101
Chemistry 101
Geography 101
American Civil War 101
American Revolutionary War 101
American Government
American History Review
Ancient Civilizations 101
Economics 101
Economics 201
Computer Basics 101
ESL Basic Grammar
ESL Basic Writing Skills
First Grade Curriculum 101
Second Grade Curriculum 101
Third Grade Curriculum 101
GED Test Preparation
Monday, February 18, 2013
Did you know this blog is mobile?
I didn't. Until I was poking around in the settings.
Voila! Here's the QR code to scan with your tablet or smart phone, if you'd like to catch up with these fun notes while waiting in line or just killing time.
The first step is to open this blog on your smartphone or tablet: http://ruidosopubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ Or, if you have already bookmarked the library's homepage on your device, select the "Library News" tab. Your device will automatically know to ask for the mobile version.
What's the point? I find I do less work on my mobile device, but love to read, especially blogs and Facebook. Sadly, I am too lazy to type (reply or interact) on my mobile, when I am far more interactive on a laptop or desktop. I have big hands; maybe I should explore more voice controls?
What does the blog look like on mobile?
What is your experience with mobile technology? Do you see it around you yet? Are you up to three or more mobile devices? What could the library do to help you? (These questions might also show up in the little quiz widget at the bottom of the right-hand column in the desktop view.)
-introductory training sessions?
---ebooks on your smartphone?
---just how to use it at all?
-text message (SMS on cell phone) reminders when books are due?
I cannot guarantee we can host classes on every smartphone, but there are many similarities. And I am not sure about the text message notifications, since we have so many visitors and different phone systems. *But* if we hear a lot of interest for it, then I will have a reason to look into it. If you are interested in a class on how-to use your smart phone or tablet, please tell me (comment below or email) the type of phone you have (Apple, Android) or if you prefer tablet (and which brand).
P.S.: The Children's Department is looking for small plastic lids. They hope to include home-made car crafts this summer and need tires. Ideally the sturdy, similarly sized milk jug and juice lids, but not the flimsier, larger lids on butter tubs or mayonnaise jars.
Voila! Here's the QR code to scan with your tablet or smart phone, if you'd like to catch up with these fun notes while waiting in line or just killing time.
The first step is to open this blog on your smartphone or tablet: http://ruidosopubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ Or, if you have already bookmarked the library's homepage on your device, select the "Library News" tab. Your device will automatically know to ask for the mobile version.
What's the point? I find I do less work on my mobile device, but love to read, especially blogs and Facebook. Sadly, I am too lazy to type (reply or interact) on my mobile, when I am far more interactive on a laptop or desktop. I have big hands; maybe I should explore more voice controls?
What does the blog look like on mobile?
 |
| mobile version of blog |
What is your experience with mobile technology? Do you see it around you yet? Are you up to three or more mobile devices? What could the library do to help you? (These questions might also show up in the little quiz widget at the bottom of the right-hand column in the desktop view.)
-introductory training sessions?
---ebooks on your smartphone?
---just how to use it at all?
-text message (SMS on cell phone) reminders when books are due?
I cannot guarantee we can host classes on every smartphone, but there are many similarities. And I am not sure about the text message notifications, since we have so many visitors and different phone systems. *But* if we hear a lot of interest for it, then I will have a reason to look into it. If you are interested in a class on how-to use your smart phone or tablet, please tell me (comment below or email) the type of phone you have (Apple, Android) or if you prefer tablet (and which brand).
P.S.: The Children's Department is looking for small plastic lids. They hope to include home-made car crafts this summer and need tires. Ideally the sturdy, similarly sized milk jug and juice lids, but not the flimsier, larger lids on butter tubs or mayonnaise jars.
Monday, February 11, 2013
More in Universal Class: Health
Maybe you visited the Village's health fair last month? The library had a table loaded with flyers and posters and bookmarks on the different ways the library can help you understand and explore health issues. If you didn't, this blogpost is an excellent alternative because much of the same material is below. As a library, we are not health experts and cannot advise. We can connect you with the county health office [575-258-3252], the state's nursing hotline [ 1(877) 725-2552], or other reliable sources of information. As with legal questions, please visit us at the library and let us know if you would like a little more privacy (such as the Archive Room) to ask your questions, or reach out to us through email.
Outside of the articles, nursing specific, and direct-from-the-government's National Institute of Health tutorials, videos, FAQs, and guides, the library provides you access to classes to explore health topics, too. As mentioned in earlier posts, these classes are free to you, start whenever you are ready, and go as fast or slow as you need. There may be videos to watch or text to read online (or print and keep for later reference). The instructor may suggest other sites for further exploration and assignments to help you apply the new knowledge.
This is a list of the more health-focused courses among the 500 available. Each is a link to open the course (you will need your library barcode number and your email to create an account in order to start).
Reiki 1st and 2nd Degree
Outside of the articles, nursing specific, and direct-from-the-government's National Institute of Health tutorials, videos, FAQs, and guides, the library provides you access to classes to explore health topics, too. As mentioned in earlier posts, these classes are free to you, start whenever you are ready, and go as fast or slow as you need. There may be videos to watch or text to read online (or print and keep for later reference). The instructor may suggest other sites for further exploration and assignments to help you apply the new knowledge.
This is a list of the more health-focused courses among the 500 available. Each is a link to open the course (you will need your library barcode number and your email to create an account in order to start).
Monday, January 14, 2013
Do you run a business? Or think about it?
[Edit note: on January 30, 2013, I edited all the class links in the bottom list to open inside the Ruidoso Public Library's subscription so you can get the free access with your library card number now. My apologies.]
Ruidoso Public Library is full of resources specifically selected for a community like Ruidoso or Lincoln County, where new businesses, small business, home-based or online businesses are the heart of our economy. Whether you are an employee, the manager, or an owner, the library has *Free* classes that you can take at your convenience. The next several posts will explore different sets of courses, including health, homeschooling or GED preparation, New Age/Spiritual/Religious Studies, Writing, Law/Legal, and many different hobbies. Over 500 courses are available, and I won't describe them all, but if something takes your fancy, feel free to stop by the library for assistance, if the links don't work, or to let us know about a subject that is missing.
Before I list courses, I will try to explain how this works. The library subscribes to Universal Class so you may log in with your library card number, for free, anytime, day or night, any day of the week. If you have not done much online, one of the first things to do is learn how to take an online class. These courses have videos to watch and listen to, or just read the text articles/lectures. Each section may take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how new the material is for you, and how many of the supplemental links you explore. There are assignments, quizzes, and exams, which are graded. At the end, there is a document you may print or email as proof of the time you spent.
What does this mean for you? As an employee, it might help you feel more confident making phone calls or facing difficult customer situations. As a manager, assigning a course might help you provide employee development or address a specific safety concern. Maybe you are desperate for a pay raise, but need some strong evidence to prove how you are applying yourself in ways to help the company. These courses require the self-discipline to apply yourself, but you can do all the segments at once, or spread out over days and weeks (up to six months). Outside of your time, they are free. And if you don't have the home computer/internet thing yet, you are welcome to use the public stations at the library. This is a slow time of year and we can help you get started on the computers, though you do need an email address to create your Universal Class account. If enough people comment below, or call the library, I can look into a class on creating your first email account, too.
For employees looking to improve their resumé or support a request for an increase in pay:
Interview Skills
Customer Service
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Place Safety
Waiter or Waitress Training
Telephone Skills and Quality Customer Service
For managers' skill sets:
Payroll Fundamentals
Marketing for Small Business
Employment Law Fundamentals
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Place Safety
Worker's Compensation
Understanding Business Administration 101
For business starters/owners:
Small Business Guide
Pet Sitting
Home Business Guide
Daycare
Start a Concierge Service
Of interest to all types:
Sexual Harrassment Compliance
Bookkeeping and Accounting for all
Accounts Payable Management
Accounts Receivable Management
Anger Management
Assertiveness Training
Confidence Building
Negotiation Skills
Dealing with Difficult People
Retail Business 101
Creating an Effective Sales Team
Ruidoso Public Library is full of resources specifically selected for a community like Ruidoso or Lincoln County, where new businesses, small business, home-based or online businesses are the heart of our economy. Whether you are an employee, the manager, or an owner, the library has *Free* classes that you can take at your convenience. The next several posts will explore different sets of courses, including health, homeschooling or GED preparation, New Age/Spiritual/Religious Studies, Writing, Law/Legal, and many different hobbies. Over 500 courses are available, and I won't describe them all, but if something takes your fancy, feel free to stop by the library for assistance, if the links don't work, or to let us know about a subject that is missing.
Before I list courses, I will try to explain how this works. The library subscribes to Universal Class so you may log in with your library card number, for free, anytime, day or night, any day of the week. If you have not done much online, one of the first things to do is learn how to take an online class. These courses have videos to watch and listen to, or just read the text articles/lectures. Each section may take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how new the material is for you, and how many of the supplemental links you explore. There are assignments, quizzes, and exams, which are graded. At the end, there is a document you may print or email as proof of the time you spent.
For employees looking to improve their resumé or support a request for an increase in pay:
Interview Skills
Customer Service
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Place Safety
Waiter or Waitress Training
Telephone Skills and Quality Customer Service
For managers' skill sets:
Payroll Fundamentals
Marketing for Small Business
Employment Law Fundamentals
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Place Safety
Worker's Compensation
Understanding Business Administration 101
For business starters/owners:
Small Business Guide
Pet Sitting
Home Business Guide
Daycare
Start a Concierge Service
Of interest to all types:
Sexual Harrassment Compliance
Bookkeeping and Accounting for all
Accounts Payable Management
Accounts Receivable Management
Anger Management
Assertiveness Training
Confidence Building
Negotiation Skills
Dealing with Difficult People
Retail Business 101
Creating an Effective Sales Team
Monday, October 22, 2012
A re-introduction to our homepage's resources: the Reference tab
I've noticed myself blithely clicking through the library's homepage, hardly noticing what has changed. As staff at the library, I ought to be acutely aware of the resources at hand. So, to re-acquaint myself, I will take you, dear reader, with me on a trip through the library's homepage.
Libraries are all about order and sequence, but this time I will hop around the tabs instead of starting on the far left and working to the right. Or maybe I just want to start with the Reference Tab. Allons-y!
When your mouse hovers on the Reference Tab, two options appear: Ancestry and ABE/ESL students. The Ancestry option works inside the library building; it takes you to our subscription for Ancestry Library Edition, which is similar to Ancestry.com. Look up a name, learn how to interview a relative to preserve family history, or connect with other potential family.
The ABE/ESL option stands for Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language. This tab suggests some fee and a few free sites to support anyone preparing for the US Citizenship Exam, GED, or California's Distance Learning Project.
When you click on the Reference Tab, the screen displays a plethora of link options, in fact 23 groups! Here is a brief overview of the categories:
About Computers (how-to classes from the very basic to the mildly advanced)
Business & Finance (small business beginnings to stock market information)
Consumer Information (Ruidoso's Chamber of Commerce and links to the federal government)
Create Free e-mail (most of these sites require a cell phone with text-messaging to get started anymore)
Education (how to start homeschooling, find money for college, or create a citation for your paper)
Elections (see where your precinct is, where to vote, request an absentee ballot, read the League of Women Voters or Project Vote Smart's interviews with candidates, sample ballots when available)
Fast Facts (what you used to ask the librarian for: statistics, local facts, safety recalls, or almanacs)
Federal Student Aid (guides to the FAFSA--often required for students to work in college)
For Seniors (local health services, NM's Aging & Long-Term Services Dept, and Social Security info)
Health (Doctor Finder, travel updates, and scientific or medical journals)
Jobs (State and Federal job listings and help sites; information for career seekers/changers)
Language (quote dictionaries and dictionaries for all ages)
Legal Forms (Bankruptcy, divorce, contract examples, and basic assistance)
Lincoln County Libraries (find Capitan, Corona, ENMU, public schools, and digital libraries in the county)
New Mexico Facts (Cities, maps, tourism, genealogy and government links)
New Mexico Law Library (more forms, regional court specifics, statutes, and municipal codes)
New Mexico Links (MVD's driver's manual, oral history projects, and fun sites)
People (find people, phone numbers, businesses, or census data)
Reading Suggestions (social networks for book lovers, a database of all mystery books ever, find which book is next in a series, or find a suggestion to try next)
Research (encyclopedia, more genealogy, maps, other municipal codes)
Tax Help (state and federal websites and forms and how to file in other states)
Village Emergency (where to register your physical address with the village or county to hear about evacuations or frozen pipes on your cell phone while you are out of town)
Other (look up ZIP codes, the World Fact Book, and read about jobs and salaries in the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Dept of Labor)
Was that too much for one blog-post? Probably. If you find a broken link, please comment below or send an email to the library. I check them every year, but that may not be often enough these days.
Libraries are all about order and sequence, but this time I will hop around the tabs instead of starting on the far left and working to the right. Or maybe I just want to start with the Reference Tab. Allons-y!
 |
| The bar of tabs on the homepage |
When your mouse hovers on the Reference Tab, two options appear: Ancestry and ABE/ESL students. The Ancestry option works inside the library building; it takes you to our subscription for Ancestry Library Edition, which is similar to Ancestry.com. Look up a name, learn how to interview a relative to preserve family history, or connect with other potential family.
The ABE/ESL option stands for Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language. This tab suggests some fee and a few free sites to support anyone preparing for the US Citizenship Exam, GED, or California's Distance Learning Project.
When you click on the Reference Tab, the screen displays a plethora of link options, in fact 23 groups! Here is a brief overview of the categories:
About Computers (how-to classes from the very basic to the mildly advanced)
Business & Finance (small business beginnings to stock market information)
Consumer Information (Ruidoso's Chamber of Commerce and links to the federal government)
Create Free e-mail (most of these sites require a cell phone with text-messaging to get started anymore)
Education (how to start homeschooling, find money for college, or create a citation for your paper)
Elections (see where your precinct is, where to vote, request an absentee ballot, read the League of Women Voters or Project Vote Smart's interviews with candidates, sample ballots when available)
Fast Facts (what you used to ask the librarian for: statistics, local facts, safety recalls, or almanacs)
Federal Student Aid (guides to the FAFSA--often required for students to work in college)
For Seniors (local health services, NM's Aging & Long-Term Services Dept, and Social Security info)
Health (Doctor Finder, travel updates, and scientific or medical journals)
Jobs (State and Federal job listings and help sites; information for career seekers/changers)
Language (quote dictionaries and dictionaries for all ages)
Legal Forms (Bankruptcy, divorce, contract examples, and basic assistance)
Lincoln County Libraries (find Capitan, Corona, ENMU, public schools, and digital libraries in the county)
New Mexico Facts (Cities, maps, tourism, genealogy and government links)
New Mexico Law Library (more forms, regional court specifics, statutes, and municipal codes)
New Mexico Links (MVD's driver's manual, oral history projects, and fun sites)
People (find people, phone numbers, businesses, or census data)
Reading Suggestions (social networks for book lovers, a database of all mystery books ever, find which book is next in a series, or find a suggestion to try next)
Research (encyclopedia, more genealogy, maps, other municipal codes)
Tax Help (state and federal websites and forms and how to file in other states)
Village Emergency (where to register your physical address with the village or county to hear about evacuations or frozen pipes on your cell phone while you are out of town)
Other (look up ZIP codes, the World Fact Book, and read about jobs and salaries in the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Dept of Labor)
Was that too much for one blog-post? Probably. If you find a broken link, please comment below or send an email to the library. I check them every year, but that may not be often enough these days.
Monday, July 9, 2012
#8: What happened to Reference?
One library stand-by is The Reference Collection:
the maps,
encyclopedias,
NADA guides for car prices, and
almanacs.
Ruidoso Public Library still carries these. Luckily many are available online 24/7. Personally, I still like a printed atlas to identify a trip destination or plan the route and what side trips to include. Then I can check Yahoo, Mapquest, or Google for the shortest route and turn by turn directions. (Can you tell I don't have a GPS?)
Ruidoso's greatest need for maps was highlighted this summer during the Little Bear Fire. For future, INCIweb has the latest news as a direct feed from the Incident Command Post. The Southwest New Mexico Weather site also provided timely map resources. If your computer can handle it, GoogleEarth (works on iPads, too) can open the maps and images as they are released by federal or state agencies.
We have several encyclopedias, most are subject specific (such as Native American Tribes, Music History, Popular Music, or Children/Students). If (like most people) this is a last minute school assignment, these resources are online: GALE (many academic journals; use your library card number to access), Opposing Viewpoints (articles, books, and pictures about several angles of each topic; also requires card number), and GVRL (a whole e-book-shelf of encyclopedias, from animals to environment to history). These online resources are published by the same companies that make the print books, but for money-reasons put the materials online instead of printing them out anymore. If your teacher said, "No online resources," please have him or her call me, Jennifer Stubbs, at the library (though if this is a last-minute assignment you may not have time to call?).
Are you looking to buy or sell a car? We have the current issues of the NADA appraisal guides. If you can't get here, Kelley's Blue Book Values and Edmund's have gone digital, too.
Finally, we have almanacs:
The Old Farmer's Almanac,
The World Almanac,
Time's Almanac, even
Llewellyn's.
Or if you need the 2am Sunday morning access, GALE (above) has The World Almanac and Book of Facts, though it may not be as easy to thumb-through. (That link may not work as GALE requires your card number to log in.) The Old Farmer's Almanac is also available online, as is The Farmer's Almanac.
the maps,
encyclopedias,
NADA guides for car prices, and
almanacs.
Ruidoso Public Library still carries these. Luckily many are available online 24/7. Personally, I still like a printed atlas to identify a trip destination or plan the route and what side trips to include. Then I can check Yahoo, Mapquest, or Google for the shortest route and turn by turn directions. (Can you tell I don't have a GPS?)
Ruidoso's greatest need for maps was highlighted this summer during the Little Bear Fire. For future, INCIweb has the latest news as a direct feed from the Incident Command Post. The Southwest New Mexico Weather site also provided timely map resources. If your computer can handle it, GoogleEarth (works on iPads, too) can open the maps and images as they are released by federal or state agencies.
 |
| Photo by Surya Prakash SA at Wikimedia Commons |
We have several encyclopedias, most are subject specific (such as Native American Tribes, Music History, Popular Music, or Children/Students). If (like most people) this is a last minute school assignment, these resources are online: GALE (many academic journals; use your library card number to access), Opposing Viewpoints (articles, books, and pictures about several angles of each topic; also requires card number), and GVRL (a whole e-book-shelf of encyclopedias, from animals to environment to history). These online resources are published by the same companies that make the print books, but for money-reasons put the materials online instead of printing them out anymore. If your teacher said, "No online resources," please have him or her call me, Jennifer Stubbs, at the library (though if this is a last-minute assignment you may not have time to call?).
Are you looking to buy or sell a car? We have the current issues of the NADA appraisal guides. If you can't get here, Kelley's Blue Book Values and Edmund's have gone digital, too.
Finally, we have almanacs:
The Old Farmer's Almanac,
The World Almanac,
Time's Almanac, even
Llewellyn's.
Or if you need the 2am Sunday morning access, GALE (above) has The World Almanac and Book of Facts, though it may not be as easy to thumb-through. (That link may not work as GALE requires your card number to log in.) The Old Farmer's Almanac is also available online, as is The Farmer's Almanac.
 |
| image at Wikimedia Commons |
Monday, July 2, 2012
#7 Be loud at the library; meet a new book
One of a library's better known activities might be book discussion groups. Ruidoso Public Library hosts one on the first Wednesday of each month (except in July, when the federal holiday pushes it to the second), at noon. You are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch (one of the few exceptions to the no eating or drinking in the library rule). Our library director, Corey Bard, and librarian, Sharon Stewart, join Sherry York and anyone interested in sharing a book or learning about novel novels (pun intended).
I have heard of book clubs that meet at pubs, private homes, and through church groups. If you are interested in creating a group, or need any help finding discussion guides or title suggestions, please ask us. Book clubs have gone online, too. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ hangouts can bring together people who cannot leave their homes or have crazy schedules that only let you socialize asynchronously (i.e. 2 o'clock in the morning). If you have not read a book in a while, maybe because you felt the stories were all the same, a book club can help you jump out of that rut.
The books discussed at the June meeting follow (click on the links to check local availability):
Seasons of grief and grace: A sister story of AIDS, triumph, and family by Susan Ford Wiltshire
Same sweet girls by Cassandra King
The tooth of time by Sue Henry
Images of America: Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs by Lyn Kidder
Delay, deny, hope they die by Bill Dement
My life as a Cambodian refugee: Escape to America by Tony M SaVaun
Erotic resolution: a Flint Rock novel by Glenn Smith
Texas Tango, same author
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
El Sicario by Molly Molloy, Charles Bowden, and El Sicario
The Rope by Nevada Barr
Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly
Dead end in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Hole in my life, same author
One second after by William R Fortschen
Ruidoso Public Library is closed Wednesday, July 4, for the federal holiday. We are open Tuesday and Thursday, regular hours.
 |
| Book club meeting aboard GTMO Queen, by By Army Staff Sgt. Blair Heusdens [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
I have heard of book clubs that meet at pubs, private homes, and through church groups. If you are interested in creating a group, or need any help finding discussion guides or title suggestions, please ask us. Book clubs have gone online, too. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ hangouts can bring together people who cannot leave their homes or have crazy schedules that only let you socialize asynchronously (i.e. 2 o'clock in the morning). If you have not read a book in a while, maybe because you felt the stories were all the same, a book club can help you jump out of that rut.
The books discussed at the June meeting follow (click on the links to check local availability):
Seasons of grief and grace: A sister story of AIDS, triumph, and family by Susan Ford Wiltshire
Same sweet girls by Cassandra King
The tooth of time by Sue Henry
Images of America: Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs by Lyn Kidder
Delay, deny, hope they die by Bill Dement
My life as a Cambodian refugee: Escape to America by Tony M SaVaun
Erotic resolution: a Flint Rock novel by Glenn Smith
Texas Tango, same author
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
El Sicario by Molly Molloy, Charles Bowden, and El Sicario
The Rope by Nevada Barr
Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly
Dead end in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Hole in my life, same author
One second after by William R Fortschen
Ruidoso Public Library is closed Wednesday, July 4, for the federal holiday. We are open Tuesday and Thursday, regular hours.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)