Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Here's wishing everyone a safe and joyous New Year!  May 2018 be a healthy and happy year for you and yours.

Tax  Preparation

The free tax help will start on February 3 and runt until April 14.  The times are Tuesdays 5 pm- 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm.  They'll be setting up in the JCC again this year.

We have not been notified as to when the tax forms will ship.

In Memoriam

William D. "Danny" Gross, one of our long time patrons, passed away recently.  Here's a link to his obituary:                  William D. Gross

Mystery fans are mourning the sudden death of Sue Grafton, author of the Kinsey Millhone mysteries.  Her daughter posted the news on Facebook and said that the long running series will end with Y is for Yesterday.  The link to her FB page is Sue Grafton

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas!

Many thanks to all who have brought goodies to share!  Everything from soup to nuts has shown up in the break room, not to mention cookies, salsa, cookies, candy, cookies, pizza, cookies, and chips. It has all been greatly enjoyed and appreciated.  On behalf of the myself and my fellow staffers, THANK YOU!

Also there was birthday cake and a birthday cookie.  Much to celebrate!

Which brings us to....

Happy Birthday!

Christy H.  December 28

Selena December 29

Tax Info

Calls for tax forms have already started coming in.  We have ordered copies of 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, and the accompanying booklets.  These will be all we can get for free.  Other forms will be available online at  www.irs.gov.  We do NOT yet have a shipping date for any of the forms.  People, Inc. will be here to help filling out forms, but again we don't have firm dates as yet. It appears they will start February 3 and have the usual times:  Tuesdays 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. They will be using the JCC again this year.  We'll let you know when the details are confirmed.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Checking In, Alarms, Party

Children's Books

Rebecca reports that we've had several instances of children's books not being checked in.  Please, folks, be sure returned books are properly checked in.  Better to check them in twice to be sure and to not check in at all!

Door Alarm

Just to remind you all, there have been some changes to the door alarms.  You no longer punch in the star after you enter your alarm code.

What a Party!

Thanks to Amy for a lovely party! The food, decorations, and warm welcome were all first class.  Also thanks to all those who made such delicious contributions to the feast.  Judging from the amount of laughter, everyone had a a fabulous time.

And look!  Cats!

Oh, yeah, there were also some people there.

Ornament Alert! And Happy Birthday!

 Ornaments and Quilling

Ambrea has a sign up list for a staff ornament and quilling class in the break room.  The class will be Friday, December 8, right after work.  There will be pizza!  Please let Ambrea know ASAP so she knows how many to prepare for and how much pizza to buy. It should be a lot of fun!  And did I mention pizza?

Happy Birthday!

Kim   December 8

Party@Amy's!

When:  Saturday, Dec. 2, after the library closes*

Where:  Amy's house, 617 Ash Street, Bristol, TN

* Drop in whenever you can after 5 p.m.

Bring a covered dish or dessert to share! 

The library will provide the turkey, ham, green beans, meatballs, rolls, and mashed potatoes.   

Christmas Cards, Fundraising, Dinner, & More

Christmas Cards for Service Personnel

Rebecca thoughtfully provided cards for people to fill out for the Red Cross Christmas card drive.  These cards will be given out to stateside military as well as EMS, police, firefighters, and other first responders.

Board of Trustees

This month the Board of Trustees will be meeting at the Avoca Branch Library on Thursday, November 16, at 4 pm.  Staff are welcome to attend; just make arrangements with your supervisors.

BPL Foundation

 The Foundation will be sending out fundraising letters before the Christmas holidays.   Please direct any questions to Amy.

Thanksgiving Dinner @City Hall

BPL will be providing a cake for the dinner this year, which will be on Thursday, November 16, from 11 am until 1 pm. Staff who wish to attend should make arrangements with their supervisors.

Notes for Joyce

When it becomes necessary to leave a note for Joyce, please sign the note. If she has questions, then she'll know who to ask.

Happy Birthday

Karen S.   November 21

Teen Program, JCC, Thanks for Lunch, and More

Teen Program

As most of us are sadly aware, Hannahlily will be taking her leave of us next week. She is wrapping up the Tween Book Club, Teen Book Club, and Anime Club this week.  She wanted to remind everyone that there are no Teen or Tween Book Clubs or Anime Clubs until a new person is hired.  Gena will be coming in on weekends to handle the Board Game Club, Open Gaming, and Teen Coloring.)

Jones Creativity Center

New calendars are out for the JCC in November.  A new person has been hired to assist but his hours haven't been set yet, so times may change. At present, the JCC is scheduled to be closed on November 8 and November 16.

Veterans Day

We will be closed on Friday, November 10, and on Saturday, November 11, for Veterans Day.  Signs are already on the doors but it never hurts to start reminding patrons so someone isn't disappointed when the library is closed.

Also, we do have boxes to collect cards again this year, sponsored by  the Red Cross.  The cards will be going to service members stationed stateside and to community responders (police, firefighters, etc.) Cards cannot be sealed.

Thanks!!

Many thanks to Ambrea for providing us again with lunch.  The chicken and rice was good to the last grain!  There were many other goodies, including Kristin's delectable Apple Cheesecake with Shortbread Crust.  The recipes will be available in the upcoming staff cookbook-- bring in those recipes now!

Also thanks to our kitchen helpers this month!  The Kitchen Witch took a look at the sign up sheet and wants to reward Christy H., Candess, Ambrea, and Kristin.  Check with Jeanne for your rewards.

Sue Wolfe

Speaking of recipes, Susan sent two of her specialties for inclusion in the cookbook.  (Copper Pennies, yum!)  She wanted to tell everyone hello and to let us know that she is now officially a Hippie.   All went very well and she looks forward to being back to see everyone!

City Thanksgiving Luncheon

The City of Bristol, Virginia will be holding Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 16.  Staff members who wish to attend should make arrangements with their supervisors so we can be sure all desks are covered.

Staff Christmas Party

While details are still being worked out, the party is planned for Saturday, December 2.  Stay tuned to the blog for more details!

And Speaking of Food. . .

We will be collecting food for the Bristol Emergency Food Panty all this month. 

Farewell, Congratulations, and More!

 Fond Farewell

It's always hard to say goodbye to friends and colleagues. Sadly, Hannahlily will be leaving us next month.  We've loved having her here and wish her all the best in the future.  Please come back and visit us often!

 Congratulations!

As some of you may have noticed, Ambrea is wearing a new piece of jewelry-- a ring, to be exact!  Yes, Justin asked and she accepted.  Best wishes to the happy couple!

Be A Hero

That's the title of our latest addition to the professional reading shelf.  It's a book on what to do during an active shooter incident, and fits in well with some of the things we learned during out Staff Training Day.  Remember, you can earn an hour of CE credits for reading it.

 

Barred List

Several people have asked about the list of those persons who are banned from library property.  While paper copies are available at Reference and Security, there is also an Excel list on Common Data.  Click on the  folder "Barred Patrons" and you'll have access to three lists:  currently barred, previously barred, and permanently barred. When you click on a list, it will ask for a password, but just click on "Read Only."  Nicki will keep it updated.

Food!

We'll celebrate Halloween with one of Ambrea's wonderful lunches, served in the Staff Lounge starting at noon on Tuesday, October 31.  Please bring in a dish of your choosing and/or a recipe for the cookbook!

Happy Birthday!

 

Christy L.  October 20

Brenda G.  October 21

Ashley       October 25

Judy           October 27

Story Corps

There was a wonderful story on NPR's Story Corps about a man who lived in a library as a child and the effect it had on his life.

Story Corps

Training Day!

Training Day!

We have a lot to cover on Monday, October 16, during our Training Day! There will be doughnuts when you arrive at 8:30 am.  Lunch will be catered as well.  Expect a full day but hopefully an informative and fun one!

Halloween Favorites

 Starting October 23, we're planning a series of reviews of mystery and/or horror books for the BPL bookblog.  If you have a favorite you'd like to review or just recommend some of your favorite books and movies for this spirited season, please feel free!  The more the merrier!
 

Happy Birthday

Becky W. (Volunteer)  Oct. 14

Payroll changes, Staff Training Day, Flu Shots, and More!

Payroll Changes

From City Hall:

We are changing banks to HomeTrust effective with this payroll, Friday October 6, 2017.  In the past, some of you may have seen the direct deposit hit your bank account on Thursday instead of Friday.  We do not know when your individual bank will show your direct deposit, but do know that funds will be available on payday, Friday October 6^th.

If you have any questions, please contact the Payroll Department.

Flu Shots

The City of Bristol, Virginia is offering free flu shots for employees on Monday, October 23, from 1:00 pm until 4:43 pm.

If you are unable to attend, you may go to a participating pharmacy and get the shot there.  Complete instructions and details are posted on the staff bulletin board. You will need to have a copy of your current insurance card to receive the free vaccination.

Staff Training Day

Remember, the library will be closed to the public on Monday, October 16 for  Staff Training.   There are a number of things planned, and it should be a very informative and educational day.  @Work folks, you are invited too.

 

Afterwards, we may paint rocks again if there is enough staff interest.  Please let Ambrea know.  If so, we will plan on pizza and painting again! 

Happy Birthday

Lisa  October 6

Flu Shots, Fall Book Sale, and More

Flu Vaccinations

The City of Bristol, Virginia is offering free flu shots for employees on the following dates:

• Wednesday, October 4 from 8:00 am until noon
• Monday, October 23 from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm

If you are unable to attend either session, you may go to a participating pharmacy and get the shot there.  Complete instructions and details are posted on the staff bulletin board. You will need to have a copy of your current insurance card to receive the free vaccination.

Thanks!

Thanks to Ambrea and Brenda G. for the delicious lunch! Especially the squash casserole, which amazingly just vanished, poof.  I have no idea what happened to it.  Not a clue.

Now a few folks have still failed to "pay up" for the food.  Please give Ambrea a recipe for the cookbook in return for all her efforts.  If you don't have a personal recipe, the folks in reference will be happy to help you find one.

Thanks also to Ambrea, Candess, Christy H, and Brenda G for doing KP Duty.  The Kitchen Witch has gifts for all of you!

Avoca Fall Book Sale

The Avoca Branch Library will be hosting a book sale on Oct. 5-7th.  Check the flyer for hours.  It should be a great sale!

BPL Rocks!

Remember, we will be painting rocks and eating pizza on Friday after work, which is better than painting pizza and eating rocks.  Just ask any dentist.  Join in on the fun! Avoca, this means you too!

Obituaries

We lost two of our long-time patrons recently. Both ladies will be missed.  Click on the links below for the obituaries.

Debbi Troball

Dee Flannagan

Food, Rocks, & . . . Frogs?

Food!

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, there will be lunch in the breakroom!  Of course, we all know that there is no such thing as a free lunch.  To partake of the almost free food, we are asking that everyone bring a recipe to give to Ambrea for the library cookbook.  That's it!  Just a recipe.  Of course, if you would like to bring more than one, we'd even let you have seconds. 

BPL Rocks!

On Friday, Sept. 22, staff can gather in the breakroom after closing to paint rocks! It should be a lot of fun.  Ambrea has left a couple of examples on the counter.  There will be pizza, too!  Bring your own drink, a friend or family member if you wish, and we'll rock out!

Happy Birthday!

Rhythm & Roots, Fridge, Birthdays, & BPL Rocks!

Rhythm & Roots

 From Amy:

 The BCM called me to let me know what parts of our property they will be using for the festival.  It is pretty much the same as last year, with the addition of the first item on the list below.  They will be setting up and closing off Piedmont on Thursday thru Sunday night.  The use of the property includes:

• Placing a television screen on the sidewalk near the intersection of Goode Street and Piedmont Avenue

• Placing portable restrooms in the public parking area, located to the northeast corner of the library building.  (This is the Piedmont parking lot, lower level, for those who are directionally challenged, like Jeanne.)

• Placing a portable light tower to provide lighting to the restroom area.

Abuse Alternatives

The Abuse Alternative group will be placing the silhouettes in the library on Friday, Sept. 29 in observance of Domestic Violence Month.  They will be taken down on October 6.

Refrigerator Clean Up:  September 14

It’s been awhile since we cleaned out the fridge, as was evidenced when Joyce found a spoiled gallon of milk which had leaked all down into the drawers.  Much cleanup had to take place and it had spoiled some other items. As a result,  we’re asking everyone to go through and mark a date on your items in the refrigerator.  Things without dates may end up in the trash.

BPL Rocks!

Some of you may have heard of the “Kindness Rocks” that people are leaving for others to find and enjoy.  Ambrea, Nicki, and Kristin decided this would be a fun thing for us to do!  After the library closes on Friday, Sept. 22, we will have a pizza and rock painting party!  We’ll provide the pizza, paint and rocks, you bring your own non-alcoholic drinks, and we’ll have a great time!  We will put some of the rocks around downtown Bristol with the hashtag BPL Rocks.  Ambrea has set up a Facebook page BPL Rocks for folks to log in and comment. "Joe Bristol" has already joined, by the way.  We may use this to promote our One Bristol, One Book community read in October.

Please let Ambrea know if you plan to attend so she’ll know how much pizza to order!

Happy Birthday!

Nicki  September 12

Laura  September 14

R.I.P., Rebecca's Phone

Rebecca's cell phone has gone to that great switchboard in the sky.  She will be getting a new one over the weekend.  Until then, she can be reached via email or office phone if you need to get in touch for schedule changes, calling in sick, etc. You can also contact Ambrea.

Continuing Education Computer

The good news is that someone decided to use the computer in the old security cubby for a webinar.  The bad news is that we didn't have a user name and password set up.  That has now been rectified and the information is posted at the computer.

Happy Labor Day, R&R Reunion, more

Rhythm and Roots 

As many know, we will not be getting day passes to Rhythm and Roots.  However, they are still accepting volunteers to worth the festival. For every four hours worked, a volunteer will receive a one day pass.  All volunteers will also receive a R&R t-shirt.  You can register here.

Please let your supervisors know if you are planning to work the days the library is closed.  

Also, as patrons find out we will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, they may need alternatives.  Please remind them that the Avoca Branch Library will be open Friday and Saturday.

Cookbook

Ambrea is gathering recipes to create a Bristol Public Library Cookbook.  Please take a card from the staff bulletin board, write down a recipe, and give it to Ambrea.

Happy Birthday

Patrick  September 8

Happy Labor Day!

Have a happy and safe Labor Day, and we'll see you on Tuesday!

We Survived the Eclipse! Birthdays, Continuing Education, And More

Continuing Education

 The old Security cubby (shared by Kay!) is now a Continuing Education resource center.  There is a small but growing collection of books on library related topics such as maker spaces, wordpress for libraries, difficult conversations, etc.  You can earn an hour of CE time by reading one of the books.  Also, you can use that computer for webinars.

Policy Updates

The Staff Manual has had minor updates.  There is a new Circulation policy which has some significant changes, especially to our service are which now includes all of the Tennessee counties in the Holston River Region and adds Scott County in Virginia.  Copies will be available if you wish to peruse them.

 

The Great Eclipse of 2017

Yes, we managed to survive the eclipse mania.  Thanks to all the staff who handled the "Do you have any eclipse glasses" queries with grace and a smile.  You are the best!

Thanks to Rita for the awesome photos!  Remember, she's doing a photography class on Monday, September 25, at 2 pm!

Kitchen Witch

A new Kitchen Witch has flown into the Staff Lounge.  Isn't she lovely?

Kudos to Candess!

Wonderful Candess has taken it upon herself to clean the sink in the staff lounge.  Brenda G. says she's never seen it look so nice!  The Kitchen Witch agrees, and visited Blackbird Bakery to get her a little treat. Thank you, Candess!

Kristin August 21

T.J.  August 24