The Times, They Are A-Changin'

As most of you may know, there have been some changes at BPL and Avoca.  Susan W. from Reference is moving to Avoca to be the Branch Manager there. She'll have a great crew in Bill and Sue M.  The biggest problem may be in keeping straight which Sue is needed when someone asks for "Sue!" We expect we'll still be seeing a lot of Susan W. here at Main and she'll just be a phone call away!

Main will be welcoming Becky from Avoca!  She'll be bringing her years of experience to Circulation.  We look forward to having Cole's grandma as a part of our staff.

Christy from Circulation will be moving down to Reference.  She'll be taking over Susan's hours. We think she'll be a great addition to the downstairs crew.

These changes will take effect on Monday, October 3.  As of that date, there will not be a Notary available downstairs; Brenda will be the only Notary available.  Susan is working on becoming certified as a Notary in Tennessee.  Once she becomes certified, Avoca will be able to offer that service as well.

We had a special visitor last week:  Gatsby Fitzgerald Neal stopped by to see where his mom is spending all the time she's not catering to his every whim!

"Why, yes, I AM one handsome hound!"

"Mom!  You won't believe all the people who've been by here!"

Ian's first visit, birthdays & flu shots!

 Christine M. brought Moira and Moira's new baby brother, Ian, for his first library visit Monday night!

 Ian just turned two weeks old and is now 7 pounds!

Happy Birthday

Christian    September 27 (not 24!) 

Randall     September 27 

From City Hall:

The Mount Rogers Health District has confirmed that active City employees and their spouses who missed the Wednesday, September 21^st deadline for submitting the completed consent form may bring the completed form on the day they take their flu vaccine.  The vaccines will be administered in Room 210, City Hall on:

 

            Tuesday, October 4, 2011                        1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

            Friday, October 7, 2011                             8:00 am – 12:00 pm 

If you need a copy of the consent form, see Brenda.  This is next week, folks!

It was great to see several staff members at the Jefferson Bass event!  Bill Bass and John Jefferson are both fascinating individuals.  There was a good article in the Bristol Herald Courier.  If you missed it, click  on the following link:

http://www2.tricities.com/news/2011/sep/25/forensic-anthropologist-author-speak-about-body-fa-ar-1334758/

The next event will be Oliver North on Saturday, October 8.  

Jefferson Bass, Rhythm & Roots (and Flu Shots!)

Be sure to mention to patrons about our upcoming Discovery Series event:  Jefferson Bass, aka Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson, will be appearing at Virginia Intermont at the Kegley Auditorium this Saturday, September 24, at 1:30 pm.  Reserved seats are $20 each, but general admission is free.  Dr. Bass is generally considered the father of forensic anthropology-- before CSI, before Kathy Reichs, before Patricia Cornwell, there was Dr. Bass.  He laid the groundwork for all their books and the TV series. Journalist and novelist Jon Jefferson began working with Dr. Bass to write the true story of "The Body Farm" at the University of Tennessee, and they hit it off.  Under the name Jefferson Bass,  they create some compelling fiction based in part on things Dr. Bass learned while solving real cases.    Please be sure to mention this appearance to any patrons you think might be interested-- anyone who likes to read true crime or forensic mystery novels.  This is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity, so everyone should try to take advantage!

Hope everyone had a great time at the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion!  Several staff members were spotted on State Street during the festivities, showing support for the festival and enjoying the music. You may recognize someone in this photo, too--and no, I don't mean the donkey!

From the Bristol Herald Courier:  Sarah Page visits the petting zoo!

Remember, if you want to get a flu shot, fill out the paperwork and take it to City Hall on September 21.  Brenda will be going over there that day, so if you want her to deliver it for you be sure to get it to her by noon on Wednesday.  Yes, that's tomorrow!

Happy National Library Card Sign Up Month!

Hope everyone is planning to attend at least some of Rhythm and Roots Reunion! It should be a wonderful event.

Speaking of wonderful events, we have our own event coming up Saturday, September 24:  Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson aka Jefferson Bass!  They'll be appearing at Virginia Intermont's Kegley Auditorium at 1:30 pm.  Reserved seating tickets are $20, general admission is free.  Be sure to alert our patrons to this rare opportunity!

The National Library Card Sign Up Month is a great way to promote the library to new users!  Just in case you haven't been filled in, anyone signing up for a new card will be entered in a drawing for some lovely prizes.  Details are at Circulation. 

Welcome, Ian Nathaniel McKenzie!

 Yes, on September 12, Moira became a big sister!  Congratulations!

Happy Birthday!

Laura Kelly  September 14

Wanda Battum September 14  

Janice, Michelle, Laurie & Nicki trooped over to Wanda's house for a birthday bash!  They report that Wanda looked fabulous in her pink tiara. Wanda also got Michelle up to speed on the library gossip. The Children's Department took ice cream cups with a special addition:  a joke on each lid! Wanda wanted to tell everyone hello and thanks for all the support.  She really appreciates everything.  Wanda, we're hoping you'll wear your tiara to the library for lunch one day!

In case you hadn't heard, Karen at LAB lost her mother recently.  We send her our deepest sympathies.  You can read the obituary and post condolence here.

You may have noticed all the drug store signs advertising flu shots.  Yes, it's that time of year again!  Flu shots will be offered by the City of Bristol Virginia for employees and their spouses.  This is voluntary.  You do have to fill out a consent form and return it to Human Resources by September 21st. The shots themselves will be administered at Room 210 City Hall on Tuesday, October 4 from 1 until 5 p.m. and on Friday, October 8 from 8 a.m. until noon.

September-- already??!

Our condolences go out to Avoca's  Becky Berry, who lost her mother- in- law recently.  To view the obituary and sign the guest book, click here.

Alert:   Be sure to take a look at the staff bulletin board as there is a post about the Virginia Retirement System.There's a way to check your benefits online.

Happy Birthday!

Jud         September 8

Nicki        September 12

Wanda      September 14

Ashley B. has some new additions:  three baby chinchillas!  The new arrivals have yet to divulge their names, but Ashley is listening closely.  ("The Naming of Chinchillas" is the unwritten sequel to "The Naming of Cats" by T.S. Eliot.) Ashley already had two chinchillas, and Doris has her Chipper. In honor of the new babies, here's a chin and kitten  lol from icanhascheezburger.com!

And since it's Labor Day weekend, here's a suggestion for the two days we're closed:

Have a happy & safe Labor Day weekend!

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!