Congratulations to Amy, Sign Language, Happy Birthday!

As you may have heard, Amy has taken a job as the new director of Holston River Regional Library in Johnson City.  She will do a superb job and I know she will be an asset to the whole region.  Unfortunately for us, that means she will be moving on from BPL.  We will miss her greatly! Her last day will be October 18.

Sign Language Classes

Joyce wants to let everyone know that Belle Meadows Baptist Church is going to offer a seven week Beginner Sign Language Class beginning October 3.  Classes will be on Thursdays starting at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall behind the church.  Church members will get a discount.  It may be possible to get Continuing Education credits for this course. The church is located at 619 Wagner Road, Bristol, VA For more information and to find out what textbook is needed, contact Cathy or Andrew Metcalf at 423-723-3068. Please do not contact the church.

Happy Birthday!

Garry  Oct. 2

Lisa  Oct 6

It's Bristol, Baby; Kayla; R&R; Leave Time

It's Bristol, Baby!

The long awaited board book is here!  We have copies for sale in the Gift Shop, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum will have copies as well.  There is a website with a delightful song courtesy of Bill and the Belles:

Bristol Baby

There's also an article from the Bristol Herald Courier.

Welcome, Kayla!

Kayla Byrd will be joining us as our new Director of Programming. She previously worked at the Washington County Tennessee Library in Jonesborough.  She will be starting September 24, and we are excited!

Leave Time

Some employees may have noticed a difference in their expected leave time as noted on the pay stubs.  Bristol, Virginia has made some changes to the amount of time given, per the Employee Handbook.  If you have any questions, check with Brenda D. or your supervisor.

Rhythm and Roots

R&R is almost upon us!  Remember to let your supervisors know if you are planning to work so we can save parking spaces for you.  If you are not planning to work, we need to have leave slips. Thanks!

R&R Parking Spaces, Reminder, Moon Viewing

Rhythm & Roots Paid Parking

The Friends of the Library are still selling parking spaces for Rhythm and Roots. The best way to contact them as to availability is via email: friendsofthebristollibrary@gmail.com.

Checking Material Out

Some staff members are failing to check out materials.  This causes problems when an "available" item cannot be located and deprives us of circulation numbers. Please be sure your items are properly checked out before taking them out of the library.

Moon Viewing

This week we'll have two opportunities for Moon Viewing, courtesy of the JCC! Join them on Thursday, Sept. 5 or Friday,  September 6 for a chance to use the telescope.  You can use this as part of your Continuing Ed requirements.  Friday is also Art D'Vine.

Welcome, Thanks, & Codes!

Welcome, Damean!

We're delighted to welcome Damean to the BPL staff! He has taken the position of Tech Services Assistant and has already rolled up his sleeves and started right in to work. Damean comes to us with library experience already, and is an author with his own website and blog.  Check it out at dameanmathews.com.  If you haven't had a chance to meet him yet, please stop by and introduce yourself.

Door Code

The door codes have been entered into the system so you should now be able to enter the building by typing your code onto the key pad beside the Employee Entrance.  Your code should be the same as the time clock code. If you didn't have a time clock code, then it should be the old alarm code.  If you don't have either of those things, check with Amy.

Do try your codes.  If there's a problem, let Amy know.  Also, keys will continue to work, but the codes are easier than the finicky door.

Thanks!

The hot dog feast was fabulous, thanks to all the wonderful staff contributions.  It was all greatly appreciated!  Cooks-- take a bow!

(Hot) Dog Days, Birth Days, and Starry, Starry Nights

Farewell to Dog Days

We are celebrating the end of Dog Days with a hot dog feast!  Brenda G. will bring the dogs, Jeanne will bring chili (canned, you will be glad to hear), and a dessert will be provided but if you want to bring something sweet, go for it!  Check the whiteboard in the staff area for a list of who plans to bring what.

Star and Moon Gazing

The JCC had a very successful program with a public viewing of the sky using the new telescopes and they plan to do it again on September 5 and 6.  Times will follow.  Continuing Education credit will be available for staff who wish to participate. 

Happy Birthday

Brenda D. August 15

Justin  August 16

Kristin August 21

T.J. August 24

Congratulations, Shoes, Drinks, and More

Good Luck, Lauren!

Lauren has taken a new job at Washington County Public Library in Abingdon.  We will miss her smiling face here, but wish her all the best! Her last day will be July 31. Lauren, be sure and stop by to see us whenever you're in Bristol!

Shoes for Display

We're going to do a display of biographies and would like to have some shoes to go with the books (as in, "Walk Awhile in Their Shoes.") We're looking for a variety of footwear, but we suggest you bring just one of a pair if you want them back-- but don't bring anything you can't live without. Things do have a habit of (ahem!) walking off here.   Ballet slippers, boots, sneakers, flip-flops -- whatever you would like to bring in.  Thanks!

Drinks in the Library

The Board has decided that people can have drinks in the library, provided the drinks have lids.  No food is permitted outside the designated areas, however, and no drinks are allowed by computers.

Jeanne Sends Thanks...

... to the Kitchen Witch for the cute cat toys and the cuter note.  Thank you, KW! Both are much appreciated.  The cat toys are so cute that I'm not sure I want the cats to have them. Decisions, decisions....

Happy Birthday

Don  July 24

Joe (Volunteer at Main) August 9

Condolences, Door Key Pad, Birthdays

Condolences

I am sad to report that two of the BPL family have lost loved ones recently.

Kim's father passed away on June 21:  Sammy Waldron

Lauren's grandmother passed away in South Carolina.  Arrangements are incomplete.

Staff Entrance

The key lock has been difficult lately, as many can attest.  A key pad will be installed to alleviate the situation.  Joyce says that installation is scheduled for August 8 & 9.  At this point we don't know if there will be one pass code or if everyone will have his or her own but we'll let you know when we do.

Thanks to Joyce for her hard work on this!

Happy Birthday

Bill (Avoca)  July 6

Jaden (YA) July 19