Notices, Thanks, Amy

Thanks for the Feast!

Heartfelt and stomach full thanks to all those who participated in the Fall Feast!  So much delicious food and so much good company made for a special day to recognize our October birthday folks.  We appreciate you all.

Farewell for Amy

The Board will be hosting a farewell reception for Amy in the J.Henry Kegley Meeting Room on Thursday, October 17, from 2:30-4:00 pm.  Refreshments will be served. It will be open to the public.

Flu Shots

The City of Bristol, Virginia will be offering free flu shots to active city employees again this year.  There are two opportunities for vaccines at City Hall:

Tuesday, October 22 9:00-11:00 am

Tuesday, October 29 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

There is a form that must be filled out before you receive a vaccination.  Copies are available at the time clock or you can make a copy from the one attached to the employee bulletin board.

Additionally, you can take a copy of your insurance card to any participating pharmacy to receive a vaccination at no charge.

Hybrid Employee Notice

You should be receiving information from VRS concerning the Auto Escalation.  You have until December 16 to opt out.

Job Posting

Our website now has a link to the job description  for Executive Director of the Bristol Public Library. Advertising in other venues has also begun.

Condolences

W. Curtis Burnette passed away last week.  He was the husband of former BPL Board member Charlotte Burnette.  Their late daughter, Terry, painted the beautiful cat portraits in the YA section as well as some of the abstract art in the library.  The complete obituary is here.

Fall Feast, Halloween, and Raspberry Pi!

Fall Feast!

 Tuesday, October 8 Noon

Most folks are looking forward to the cooler temps predicted for next week, so we thought we would celebrate with a Fall Feast!  We'll have traditional Appalachian food. The library will supply soup beans and cornbread. Feel free to bring whatever side dishes you would like.

Happy (Early) Halloween!

Michelle will be having the Children's Halloween party on Thursday, October 17, to avoid conflicts with the various school celebrations. The party will be from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, and staff are welcome to come in costume. 

Raspberry Pi

Due to popular request, the JCC will be having an introduction to Raspberry Pi class on October 9 from 2-3 pm. This would count as Continuing Education for interested staff members.  Be sure to check with your supervisors if you would like to attend.

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