Harrison, ILLs, Holds and more!

Welcome Back, Harrison!

The headline says it all!

 

Interlibrary Loan Renewals

Nicki wants to remind everyone that Interlibrary Loan Books through Agent can NOT be renewed.  These are the ones which check out using a white or blue strip with one of our barcodes and the item name in the record is ILL.  She intends to check the item out twice when it arrives so that if a patron tries to renew it, it will appear that the book has already been renewed.  If the patron says it has not renewed, he or she will be right, but explain that we cannot renew ILL items without express consent from the loaning library.  If the patron wants to try to get an extension, the request must go through Nicki.  If we do not adhere to the loaning library's restrictions, we may not be able to borrow books this way.

 

   
Holds

 In answer to a question from a staff person, Don says, "Hold books are pulled from the shelves the day AFTER the date the patron has been told to pick up the book."  So the books are actually on the shelf for an extra half day past the date the person is told is the deadline.

Donations

While the library has traditionally used donated items to supplement the collection, Lisa has requested a two month moratorium: no one is to take anything out of the donations to add to the library collection. This will give her a chance to evaluate the materials coming in to have a better idea of frequency and quality, and to build her inventory for the Gift Shop as it takes on a new identity.  After June 15, we will come up with a system which will allow the library to resume adding donated items to the  collection  to give our patrons the best selection possible while remaining within our materials budget.

Thanks, Becky!

The Staff Break Room has a spiffy new paper towel holder courtesy of Becky B!  This one allows for easy replacement of towels and is very attractive.  Thank you, Becky, for your thoughtful and helpful donation!

Happy Birthday!

Anna P.  (Volunteer)     April 16

Joyce's Quilts

For those of you who didn't make it to Abingdon for the Block Party, here are a couple of shots of quilts done by our own Joyce!

Adults in the Children's Library, Assistant Supervisor, and More

Adults in the Children's Library

From Jud:  "Back in Feb. there was a reminder about the “no unaccompanied adults in Children’s Library” policy. The reason for the reminder was that an adult had been sent there to use the copier. Let me be more explicit this time: please do not send adults to the Children’s Library to use the copier."

 

In a somewhat related note, Saratoga is trying to fix the coin operated public copier but they aren't sure if they can get the needed part for the coin box.  Reference staff are making copies in the Reference workroom, but if the patron has anything complex, you may want to suggest  Bristol Office Supplies, Minuteman Press, The UPS Store, or other photocopying establishment. Updates will follow as soon as we hear from Saratoga.

Assistant Supervisor for LIS

As many of you may have heard, we have a new position at Main: Assistant Supervisor for Lending and Information Services.  We had four very good, very worthy candidates apply for the job, all bringing their own special strengths and perspectives.  In the end, only one could hold the position.  The winning candidate is Christy Lunsford out of the Reference Department.   Congratulations, Christy!

She'll be working on staff schedules, assigning tasks, and working toward making BPL an even better place for both our patrons and our staff.  It's not an easy job;  it will require everyone's cooperation to make it work, but we have faith that our extremely capable and congenial staff can make that happen. 

Update on Joyce's Quilt Blocks

While we don't know where all seventeen or so are placed, you can see several at the Lights at Stone Mill in Abingdon.  There are other exhibit locations throughout Abingdon where some of Joyce's work may peek out at you, but if you don't want to do a lot of roaming around Wolf Hills, then Lights is your best bet.  Joyce says there are a lot of beautiful blocks out there, many done by the members of her Quilters' Guild.

The Return of Harrison!

Mr. Gilley stopped by to let us know that he hopes to be back next week.  He looked rested and fit, if maybe a little bored. Okay, maybe a lot bored.  He's looking forward to taking up the beat again. Hope to see you Tuesday, Mr. G!

 Events at Main & Avoca

• Dr. Robin Feierabend kicked off the new season of the Health Education Series with "New Hypertension and Cholesterol Guidelines: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly." There will be a new Health Education program every second Thursday of the month in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room.  The start time has been changed to 6:30 instead of 7:00.  Upcoming topics include Summer Hazards, Joint Replacement, and Diabetes.
• ArtSmart Class will meet at 10 am on Saturday, April 12
• Sunday, April 13, three  award-winning poets will be doing a poetry reading in honor of National Poetry Month.  This program will begin at 2 pm in the J.Henry Kegley Meeting Room.
• National Library Week is April 13-19.
• The Children's Department is having the Caterpillar Crawl which will start at the Farmer's Market at 6 pm on April 14.  At 6:30, participants can meet KC the Caterpillar, make crafts, and have a snack in the Children's Library. 
• The final Tax Help session will be on Tuesday, April 15, from 5:30 until 7:30. 
• There will be a library luncheon on Wednesday, the 16th, starting at noon. Members of both City Councils have been invited as well as the Board of Trustees and other dignitaries. We would like as many staff members as possible to attend, but we will also have to keep the library open so we will be looking at the schedule to see what can be done.  Please let Jeanne or Christy know if you wish to attend.  If you do not attend, lunches will still be available. Doris needs to have a physical count so they'll know how many tables and chairs to set up. 

National Library Week, Avoca, & "Block" Party!

The theme for this year's National Library Week is Lives Change@Your Library.  Laurie & Kristin came up with this great display!

In Other Artistic News...

Abingdon is having a Block Party!  Only these blocks are quilt blocks, and the quilts will be hung around in establishments all over town.You can find more information here:

Abingdon Block Party

Let's see, do we know someone who quilts?  Hmmm. Someone did make all those lovely little "sheets" for the bookdrops, one for every holiday and season (and a few just for fun.) Here's a hint:

Yes, indeed, our own Joyce has entered seventeen blocks!  She doesn't know which venues will display her artisty yet, but we'll keep you posted!

Avoca News!

April is going to be a busy month at our branch library!  Starting on Thurday, April 11, the Avoca Friends will be hosting a humongeous Book Sale!  The sale will run Thursday-Saturday; come early for best selection.  The hours are:

Monday & Friday  10:00 am- 5:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am- Noon 

Then on Thursday, April 24, the Avoca Branch Open House will celebrate the rededication of the Children's Area. Stay tuned for details!

Harrison, Teamwork, & More

It was wonderful to see Harrison when he stopped by for a visit! We continue to get very good reports on his progress. He's doing very well, and plans to be back with us next month.  Harrison, the staff sends all their best wishes to you, and want to let you know that many patrons have asked after you.

THANKS!

This is a special thank you to all the staff members who have pitched in and helped us get through some rough days with so many folk out due to illness.  Everyone here did what needed to be done.  It was great teamwork, and it is very much appreciated by both the library and its patrons.  Thanks!

 National Library Week

National Library Week is April 13-19 this year, and we will be having some special events. Details will follow. This year's theme is Lives Change@Your Library.  

 

Happy Birthday!

Nancy T. (Avoca)  April 5

Richard (Security) April 8

Fat Tuesday, Indeed!

The Mardi Gras celebration was one to remember! 

We got to eat, drink, and be merry!

 

Brenda looked quite festive...

As did Melba!

Thanks to catfish chef Don & all those who helped with food & decorations!

This masked woman found the baby in the king cake!

This party was the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of folks.  Janice would have been proud! 

From Jud:

"The library’s gift policy is a “no strings attached” policy: we have complete flexibility to determine how to use anything given to us. The gift shop coordinator is the one with the responsibility of deciding whether a gift will be added to the collection, put on sale in the gift shop, or thrown away."

Also, in case you hadn't heard, there is a slight update to the library conduct policy:  e-cigarettes have been added to the list of banned items, along with tobacco and alcohol. So-- no, patrons may not have the e-vapors.

Emergency Contact

We're updating the phone tree for calls in case of emergency. (Well, all of us named Brenda are doing that.)  Right now we have numbers only, but we are looking at also sending emails from the Switchboard BPL account in addition to attempting to reach you by phone. If you want to have an email notification, please see Jeanne to be sure that an email you can access at home is in the system for you.

Nicki is a Notary!!

Yes, Nicki is now a notary, too!  Congratulations, Nicki!

Mardi Gras Party Update!

Blackbird Bakery is doing king cakes using a traditional New Orleans recipe complete with baby! There are a couple of traditions about the baby:  one is that whoever finds it in the cake will have good luck the next year.   The other is that the finder has to buy the cake next year, which means good luck for everybody else!  We'll let the finder decide that one. 

Why, yes, that means we do plan to have a King Cake from Blackbird! 

Rumor has it that Don will be frying up Cajun catfish, that Brenda's Cajun deviled eggs will make a probably all too brief appearance, and Melba will bring black eyed pea salsa with chips!!!


So wear Mardi Gras colors (gold, green, and purple) and bring your appetite to the Staff Lounge on Tuesday, March 4 at noon to celebrate!

 

Virginia Retirement Hybrid Plan & Mardi Gras!

 From Jud: 
I encourage all employees being paid through the City (not @Work) to make arrangements to attend one of these sessions. Note:  When filling this out, for “employee type” we are all a “political subdivision employee.” 

This will be very important information for all employees who are in the Virginia Retirement System.  If you register, please let Jeanne or Christy know so we can be sure the desks are covered.  We may have to do a little switching, but we want to be sure everyone has a chance to attend.

 

For those who are in the Virginia Retirement System’s Hybrid Plan or those who may be interested in opting-in, a presentation will be held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, on Tuesday, February 4, 9:00-11:00 a.m. One Partnership Circle, Rooms 103 & 104, Abingdon, VA 24210 .  You must register for this workshop by clicking the link below or visiting www.varetire.org. 

https://form.varetire.org/s3/Hybrid-Retirement-Plan-Presentations-for-Members-2014

 

The City of Bristol, Virginia along with the Bristol Virginia Public Schools and BVU will host a Hybrid Plan presentation on March 27, 2014 presented by the Virginia Retirement System officials.  There will be three sessions—9:00-11:00, 1:30- 3:30 and 4:30-6:30 held at the City School Board Administration building in the upstairs board room.  

Mardi Gras Time!!

Yep, it's time for food 'n' beads 'n' food 'n' masks 'n' food 'n' -- well, who cares, as long as there's food? We'll celebrate on the real Mardi Gras day, which this year will be Tuesday, March 4.  (It's always a Tuesday-- "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday," the last day to indulge before Lent.) There will be a sign up sheet in the kitchen so we'll know what folks are bringing.  Cajun food would be nice but not required, especially for folks who do not like things spicy.  Dress in Mardi Gras colors (yellow, green, and purple) and let's have some fun! More details later!