Bristol Herald Courier--HELP!

Folks, we just discovered that due to a switch in personnel in handling the newspapers, we are missing another entire MONTH of newspapers.  The gap is September 1-October 11, and November 7.

If anyone has ANY of these papers, please bring them in ASAP.  The Tennessee State Library & Archives needs them for microfilming and I had assured them that we had all the papers except for the ones I noted in the previous post.

I've been trying to contact other libraries that might have them but no luck so far.

Jeanne

Inside Edition Alert, Kimberly Bradley, Newspaper Hunt & More!

Inside Edition Alert

 Tonight, Feb. 22, the syndicated program Inside Edition will be doing an expose the dangers of libraries, both crime and porn. From their press release:

AN INSIDE EDITION INVESTIGATION: WHO IS LURKING IN YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY? 

To be broadcast Wednesday, Feb. 22  

New York, NY – Feb 22^nd –   It’s the last place you think you’d be a victim – the public library.  But an INSIDE EDITION investigation found that crimes are being committed across the country in these supposedly safe havens, from petty thefts to violent, sexual assaults. Also disturbing is that library computers are being used by some patrons to watch graphic, adult videos, which is perfectly legal and often even permitted in libraries.

  You may want to be ready for questions from the public.  In our area, the program comes on WKPT Channel 19 at 6 pm.

Local and Award-Winning Author, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, To Speak at the Bristol Public Library

 

Local and award-winning author, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, will speak to the public about her life and her newest book Jefferson’s Sons on Wednesday, February 29^th at 7pm.

While studying chemistry in a Massachusetts college, Bradley realized chemistry was what she loved to learn, not what she loved to do. She decided to take an Introduction to Children’s Literature class and that’s where it all began. After graduating with her degree in Chemistry, Bradley began writing freelance pieces for magazines, and ghost-writing.

 

In 1994, Bradley decided to move on from being a Chemist and become a full-time writer. Not long after, she and her family moved to Bristol, Tenn./Va.

 

In 1998, her first novel, Ruthie’s Gift, was published and Publisher’s Weekly “Flying Start” award and was on six state book award lists. Since then, she has published fourteen books, in all age groups from preschool to young adult.

 

Her most recent book, Jefferson’s Sons, was published in 2011. It has received many starred reviews and was recently named an ALA Notable Book for 2012. This book tells a story of Thomas Jefferson’s four children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. While they do get somewhat special treatment, they are still slaves and are told to never mention who their father is.

This event will be held in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room at the Bristol Public Library. Ms. Bradley’s presentation is free and open to the public.  Following the presentation will be a question and answer session followed by a book-signing.

Candy Contest

Remember, this Friday, Februray 24 at 11:00 am is the fabulous candy contest!  If you know any candymakers, please encourage them to enter.  Prizes will be awarded! 

NEWSPAPERS NEEDED!

We are searching for some copies of the Bristol Herald Courier for last year.  The company that made our microfilm copies ceased filming without our knowing, so we discarded some papers.  The Tennessee State Library is going to film them but we are missing copies of certain dates.  If you know of anyone who keeps newspapers, please pass the word along!  We need:

January 1, 2011-April 17, 2011

May 2, 2011

May 6, 2011

June 10, 2011

July 1, 2011

July 3, 20ll

August 15, 2011

These are the ones we know we're missing right now.  We may find other gaps and will let you know.

   

Guinness World Record Attempt!

The local Civitan Clubs want to set a record for "The Most People in Two Cities and Two States at the Same Time!"  Join the crowd on Saturday, May 5, at noon on State Street in Downtown Bristol!  The even is free, but a one dollar donation will be appreciated.  If you want to participate, please sign up at the Bristol Trainstation.  They need to have names to verify the number of people attending the event.

Staff Notes

Joan and Crowe stopped by to visit after their watercolor painting class!  They're adding "artist" to their list of achievements.  Joan is planning to enter the candy contest as well.

"I'd be willing to model for a price!"

Policies, Pickins, & Sweets!

 Policies

The question of policies has come up a lot lately.  As a public library, our inclination has been to try to accommodate people whenever we can.  We are here to help. 

While it’s true our policies aren’t carved in stone like the Ten Commandments, we DO have policies for a reason.  We can and sometimes should make exceptions, but these should be rare.  Sometimes we get in the habit of routinely making exceptions; when that happens, it’s as if we don’t have any policies at all.

This is all by way of saying that we do need to make an effort to enforce our existing policies. Failure to do so leaves us with no recourse when someone complains that we’re showing favoritism to someone else by letting that person check out more DVDs or get on the computer owing fines or wander around with a drink, because the complainer is right:  we have.  If there is a pressing and legitimate excuse to bend policy, we can do that; but need to make as much effort to uphold the policies as we can.  If you’re not certain about a policy, check with your supervisor.  Sometimes too the various departments need to get together to be certain that the policies are being carried out in a similar manner everywhere in the library. We all need to be on the same page.

Slim Pickins!

Slim Pickins, the Tennessee High School Bluegrass Band, stopped by Main last week to take some photos around our fabulous fireplace.  They even treated us to a song before they left!  They are wonderful musicians.

"Say 'Grammy!'"

Wanda Update

Wanda is back home now, getting settled in.  Janice mailed the card we all signed for her.  If you'd like to send cards, please feel free.  She would appreciate it if we'd keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

There's still time to sign up for the 6^th Annual 

Homemade Candy Contest

 

A reminder that there is still time to sign up for the Bristol Public Library’s 6th Annual Homemade Candy Contest on Friday, February 24^th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room.

 

This event is free and open to the public. Entry forms will be available at the library and on the Bristol Public Library website and should be returned on or before 10:30 a.m. the day of the event.

 

Each contestant should submit approximately 30 pieces to be split between 3-4 judges and distributed for other contestants to enjoy. Samples should be submitted on a non-returnable dish. Recipes should be printed on the back of entry form, or on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper and are subject to be printed in library publications or website. Entry form should be filled out in its entirety. Contestants will be separated by categories by types of candy and by age group.

 

A pastry chef from the Southeast Culinary & Hospitality College will perform a demonstration while judges look over candies. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to participants.

 

For questions, call 276.821.6148 or email marketing@bristol-library.org.

Gift Shop Candy Winner

 

Christy Collins was the lucky winner of the enormous Valentine chocolate heart.  Congratulations!

 P.S. There are Melon Valentine cards.  If you didn't get one and would like one, see Jeanne (who got confused as to whom she had given one and to whom she hadn't.)

Discovery Series Announcement!

This Wednesday we'll learn about all the terrific guests for this year's programs!

Bristol Public Library Announces 2012 Discovery Series Schedule

The Bristol Public Library is pleased to announce the 2012 Discovery Series Schedule. The past four years have been very successful for the Discovery Series. The Discovery Series committee was formed three years ago to ensure that we bring only the best and most sought after speakers, authors, and workshops. We are very pleased by the final decisions made to the line-up and anticipate outstanding attendance to these events. It is our hope that we will continue to magnify Albert C. Noble’s Mission by Expanding Minds and Building Community at your Bristol Public Library.

The schedule will be announced at our press conference Wednesday, February 8th at 10:00 am in lower court area between the staircases at the Bristol Public Library.

More Tax Info, Candy Contest, & Staff News

Candy Contest!

The Sixth Annual BPL Homemade Candy Contest will be Friday, February 24 at 11:00 AM!  Pre-registration is required.  Forms and complete instructions are available at the Circulation and Reference.  There will be prize & a Pastry Chef demonstration.  Pass the word!  We'd love to have a great turn out!

 

More Tax Information

Yes, there's more!  This year the volunteers need for folks to some extra items, which include a photo i.d., social security cards for dependents and spouses who are included on the return, bank statements with interest, etc.  There should be a sheet at Circulation with thise items listed.

Staff Updates

Wanda has been back in the hospital.  She had a heart attack and spent several days in ICU. She's at the Hospice House for a couple of days while things are being set up for her at home.  There's a card for her at Circulation if anyone would like to sign and/or add a note just to let her know we're all thinking of her. She would appreciate prayers and good thoughts.

A star is born! Doris trekked to Johnson City to be on "Daytime TriCities" with Amy Lynn. Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, the theme was "Romance Books."  She did a fabulous job!  She's a TV natural.  You can watch here: Doris on Daytime TriCities

Happy Birthday!

Becky Berry     February 3

  

Tax Help, New Policies, & More

We would like to send out our sincere condolences to Harrison and Mary Jo Gilley on the loss of their brother in law, Cecil Bailey.  You can read the obituary here. You can also sign the guest book if you wish.

Tax Help!!

The People Inc. volunteer tax preparers will be here starting Saturday, February 4!  They will be on the same schedule as the past few years which is 

Tuesday evenings 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Saturdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

In both cases, this is weather permitting.  As usual, we will not be taking reservations; it's first come, first serve.  The list of things to bring includes photo ID, Social Security cards, and a copy of last year's federal and state tax returns.  There is a complete list of items on the flyer at Reference and Circulation. 

New Policies

The Library Board approved some new policies recently.  These are posted at our website under "About Us."  The link is http://www.bristol-library.org/about-us/mission-policies

One of the new policies concerns adults who are in the Children's or YA areas without being in the company of a child or teen.  The policy is as follows:

Adults who are unaccompanied by children may use the youth areas (Children's Library and Young Adult Area) if such use is seen as appropriate by staff.

The Library reserves the right to direct unaccompanied adults to other areas of the Library when

• their presence is not specifically tied to the use of materials in the youth areas, 
• their presence might intimidate youth from using the areas, or
• their presence restricts access to furniture when the areas are heavily used.

The Library may occasionally schedule times during which the youth areas are accessibly only to appropriately-aged patrons and Library staff; for example, the Young Adult Area during after-school hours or during a meeting of a youth reading group. 

Genealogy Workshops 

Susan Wolfe will be conducting two genealogy workshops this month!  The first one will be held at Avoca on Tuesday, January 24, 2 PM.  The second will be here at Main, on Saturday, January 28, 3 PM.  No registration is required.  Spread the word!!

Thank You!

Nancy Young is one of our long time volunteers.  For over a decade, her dulcet tones have brought glad tidings to patrons waiting for books. Nancy is always ready to lend a hand.  She was a smash at the 2010 Christmas party with her rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as rewritten by Janice. Thank you, Nancy! We hope to see you around for another decade, at least!

Nancy always gets into the spirit of the season!

Happy Birthday!

Kay La Spina  January 29 

Tommy Woodby January 31

Children's Book Awards

The Newbery and Caldecott Awards have been announced!  You can see a list of the Medalists and Honor books at the Bookblog.

Happy New Year!

Yes, you read that right!  January 23 is Chinese New Year. The date varies from year to year because it's based on a lunar calendar.  This is the Year of the Dragon; specifically, it's a water dragon year.  Traditionally, dragon years are considered to be exciting, volatile and full of upheavals of one sort of another, and everything is a bit larger than life for good or ill. Because this is a water dragon, some sources say that it might be a bit muted. The dragon is also a symbol for luck, wealth and longevity. Practitioners like to point out that it was in 1952, the last water dragon year, that Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne and she is at this point the second longest reigning monarch in British history, right behind Queen Victoria.  So, once again:  Happy New Year!

Beth Holloway Event

The Bristol Herald Courier jumped the gun on us a bit and made the announcement before some details could be finalized.  Here's the information from Sarah:

Beth Holloway

March 22nd at 7pm

Tickets are available for $50

Ticket includes:

Private Meet & Greet at 6pm

Reserved Seating to Public Presentation at 7pm

Complimentary copy of her book Loving Natalee

 

 

The event will be held here at Main in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room. If you have a question not covered above, please direct inquiries to Sarah or Anita.  Thanks!

  Nook Census!

We're trying to account for all of our Nooks.  Christian knows about the ones Pam & Nicki have, but we're still short a couple. If you still have one of the library's Nooks, please let Christian know.  Thanks!

 

 

Happy Birthday!

Melba  January 23