Staff news, and Miss Callie turns reviewer!

First of all, a big "WELCOME BACK!" to Brenda!  We missed you!

Welcome to new security guard, Lee Frazier!  He's taking Art's place.  He's a doting grandfather and as a bonus,  he loves to cook! We do love good cooks around here, so he should fit in nicely.

As most of us know, Laurie in Children's lost her dad last week.  Laurie would like to thank everyone for all the kindnesses during this very difficult time.  The flowers, messages and prayers have been a great comfort.  If you would like to read the obituary and sign the guest book for her dad, click here.


William Ivey, one of our long time patrons, passed away last week.  Dr. Ivey started the Mental Health Support Group which has met at the library for several years.  His wife, Jerry, is another regular.  You may have seen Jerry's lovely dollhouse in the workroom, too.  You can read his obituary here.


We have a guest reviewer at the Bookblog!  Miss Callie Machado shares her impressions of Ellen Hopkins' visit. There's even an adorable photo of the author-- Callie, that is,  not Ellen.  Read her review here.  Remember, we'd love to have book reviews from staff-- or their pets!--to appear on our bookblog.

Joan H. wanted everyone to see her new babysitter for little David:

"He's ain't heavy, he's my brother!"

Next time you see Joan, ask her to tell you the latest DJ story!

And when you see Marva and Tommy, ask to see their great photos from the New York trip!

Hello, Farewell, and Happy Birthday to Brenda!

We have a new employee! Stormi Phillips has joined our Circulation staff! Stormi is a student at Mountain Empire Community College, majoring in accounting.  She'll be working on weekends starting this month.  Welcome, Stormi!

Happy Birthday, Brenda!

Yes, our own Brenda will be celebrating her birthday on August 15.  Unfortunately, we won't be able to throw her a party here, but Janice will be taking some goodies to her.  Be sure to sign the card, and if you would like to bring something, you'll need  to have it here by the morning of August 15.

As most of you may know, Art in Security has taken a new job as a school bus driver. He says he'll be back to visit, though.  We'll miss you, Art, but best of luck in your new position!



 

Exciting Upcoming Events, Avoca & birthdays!

We've got some very exciting programs coming up in the Discovery Series!  Next up is Ellen Hopkins, YA author, who is wildly popular.  We expect a lot of inquiries as word gets out.  We've already had a call or two about the September program as well, featuring forensic pioneer Dr. Bill Bass and journalist Jon Jefferson.  Together they write mysteries under the name "Jefferson Bass."  Here are instructions from Sarah:

Good Morning Everyone!

I just wanted to let everyone know that if anyone calls about any of the Discovery Series tickets to please transfer them to me (Ext. 6148) and I will take it from there. If someone is here to pick up tickets that they have already had set aside. It is most likely that they are at the Circulation desk waiting for them to pay and pick up. If you have any questions, please let me know.

 

Thanks for all of your help!
Sarah

And speaking of exciting programs, next Tuesday, August 9, Chef Richard of the Southeast Culinary & Hospitality College will be signing his new cookbook Taste of the South here in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room (aka the Big Meeting Room.) Cookbooks will be available for $20.  There will be tasty samples, too! The event starts at 6 pm.

News from Avoca:  Becky called to report that the Avoca Branch Library will be closed on Thursday, August 4,  for some building repairs.  They hope to reopen on Friday, but it will depend on whether or not the repairs are finished.  Cross your fingers for them!

By the way,Becky says that Granny Sue is becoming quite the celebrity!  She certainly makes small children's faces light up when they see her! Also,  the Avoca Friends are also gearing up for another year of service and fun.There are still a few copies of their cookbook for sale.  There are some fabulous recipes in there!

It was Paula's birthday, so Nancy & Nicole took Paula & Hammie to local pet store to pick out birthday toys and treats!

And speaking of birthdays. . . 

Best returns of the day on August 8 to the birthday twins, Janice H.  & volunteer Nancy Young! And many happy returns to Pam Neal on August 9!

Late news:  Get well wishes to Brenda who had to have eye surgery!  Everything went just fine and we expect her back soon.  That's our Brenda-- you can't keep a good woman down! 

Rhythm & Roots Reunion, The Amends & a free kitten to good home!

As you may have heard, the Board has approved closing the Main library for Rhythm and Roots Reunion. We will be closed to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 16-18.   Those who wish to use vacation days may do so, otherwise check with your supervisor to see when you can get in your hours. This year the Piedmont Stage will be in front of Inari Wines, right beside the library.  The street will be blocked off and closed to traffic.  

The Bristol Herald Courier had a nice article on the program with James Howe.  You can read it here:
http://www2.tricities.com/news/2011/jul/21/nationally-known-author-visits-bristol-public-libr-ar-1186239/

Did you know Nicki's son Christopher is in a band?  The Amends released their first album  last week.  To hear samples or to order their album, go to their Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/theamendsband  And yes, Nicki is one proud mother!

As promised, here is a photo of Rebecca's kittens. Aren't they adorable???

There's a tortoiseshell, an orange boy, and two dilute tortoiseshell/calicoes (the light gray and orange ones.) One of the little dilutes is still available for adoption! You could have a Princess Di!

Chitchat!

 Congratulations to everyone involved in the James Howe program!  The response was wonderful, and there were a lot of happy people saying nice things about the library. Great job!

We've just heard that one of our favorite patrons, Bill Ivey, is finally back home.  He and wife Jerry hope to be back visiting the library soon.

Another visitor over the weekend was Nancy P, except she was actually behind the desk instead of in front of it.  Nancy may be filling in for Circ staff from time to time.  She was afraid she might have forgotten too much, but we're sure it'll all come back.

Happy Birthday!

Don the Music Man                July 24

(Don shares his birthday with another staff member who doesn't like to celebrate the date.  Quiet best wishes to her.)

Former Teen Librarian Tonia stopped by to visit.  She is still loving working five minutes from home.  She said she'd forgotten how big this place is!  She's invited Mr. Barry to visit and display his musical prowess.  That should be fun!  Read about it here! The red hair looks good, Tonia!

Joan also stopped by.  She's enjoying spending time with her grandsons, and little David spent the night with her.Naturally, he was as good as gold. 

Some of you may remember Dana Harr, who was Children's Librarian before Mrs. Michelle. Dana is now living and teaching in Wyoming.  She was back in town last weekend and she and Joyce had a good time catching up. 

Miss Allie stopped by to greet everyone on Tuesday, courtesy of her mom and handmaiden, Debbie.  Miss Allie has the most gracious manner imaginable and is very considerate towards her subjects.

We're awaiting a visit from Gatsby, the young Basset hound who is still trying to train Pam Neal!

Ask Rebecca about her adorable new additions, too!  Her latest stray cat had four kittens!  Three are already spoken for, but there's one little sweetie still looking for a home. Photos will be posted later. 

Kay would like everyone to know that there is a Pancakes for Puppies breakfast at Applebee's on Volunteer Parkway this Saturday, July 23 from 7:30 am til 10:00. You can have a wonderful breakfast for just $7.50 and a portion of the proceeds will go to pay medical expenses for some rescued dogs.  As many of you may know, Kay volunteers at the Sullivan County Animal Shelter and has saved many a life there.

Things to remember:

1. Wear pink on Wednesdays

2. Susan's Nook Book Club meets on Wednesdays at noon or Thursdays at 4:00 pm in the staff lounge

3. Check the Staff bulletin board in the hall near the staff entrance for updates
4. If you have any news to pass along, just let Jeanne know!

In the Pink!

 If you haven't signed the pink ribbon shirt, please check at the Circ desk or see Janice H.  It will be delivered on Thursday.  The ever talented Joyce made the shirt and she did a beautiful job as you can see!  Thanks to Melba for acting as Vanna White and modeling!  It's great to see so many people are remembering to wear pink on Wednesdays!

We had a good turn out for both showings of Farmageddon! It brought in folks from all around the area, too.


It's not too late to join Susan's Nook Book Clubs!  One meets on Wednesdays at noon, while the other meets at 4 pm on Thursdays.  See Susan in Reference for more information!

Happy Birthday!

Art Booher (Security)          July 18

Raise, LAB & Cowboys!

Obviously, Grandma Joan is a big influence on David Hutton!

Happy Birthday!

Bill McKenzie  July 6

Speaking of Avoca, they'll be celebrating the end of Summer Reading Program this week!  I hope there will be pictures taken to be posted online (hint, hint).  

Remember, Farmageddon will be shown this Saturday at 2 pm and 6 pm! It's a must see documentary for anyone concerned about the family farm and where and how our food is actually produced.

Be sure to see Brenda to sign the paperwork for our raise if she hasn't already tracked you down! We got a 1% raise this year. Also, there have been some changes to our insurance.  If you haven't checked out the changes, you may wish to do so.

The Art of the Highlands Art Exhibit will remain in the Virgie Fleenor Gallery through July. If you haven't had a chance to take a look at it, please treat yourself! There are some wonderful pieces.   

 The Patricia Freedman Literacy Academy is closed so staff can take some time off.  LAB will reopen on July 11. The Mount Rogers GED classes are meeting as scheduled.

If you've noticed that the McGlothlin-Street Main Reading Room (aka the adult reading area with the new books)  is looking most festive these days, thank Charlotte!  She's our reference volunteer who has a flair for decoration.  She's been making our displays look great for several months now.  Thank you, Charlotte!  For August we'd like to do a Cowboy theme as a way of pushing our Westerns and giving Janice Hoelscher an excuse to wear a Stetson. (I don't think Security will let her wear her six shooter.)  If anyone has any Western themed decorative items they'd like to donate to the cause we'd certainly  appreciate them!  Just be sure that it's something you wouldn't mind if it were damaged or disappeared because we all know accidents happen. . . as do disappearances. Git along, little doggies!

And thanks, Charlotte, for all your hard work for us!  We really appreciate it!