Updates & Clean Up

Public Computer Updates

The public computers will be down on Wednesday, March 2, starting at 1 pm.  Holston IT will be updating Envisionware.  Starting Thursday, signs will be out as well as notices beside the computers so we are hoping this will not come as a complete surprise to our patrons.

We have not heard when the update to Workflows will take place. Rebecca may hear some news at the next Circulation meeting.  More information as it becomes available.

Refrigerator Refuse

We have reports of some very unappetizing odors coming from the refrigerator in the staff lounge, so we will be doing a cleaning out on March 1.  Any items that are not marked with initials and a recent date will be tossed.  This includes condiments, bread, drinks, etc.

Thanks!

Thanks to all who are helping keep the kitchen clean.  It IS appreciated!

Becky

Becky called to say things are about the same.  She wanted to thank everyone for all the prayers and support, and will try to keep us updated.

  

Lawn Chair Needed 

Does anyone have an old aluminum lawn chair they don't need?  We'd like to borrow one for a few weeks. See Jeanne or Ambrea.

  

Staff Updates, Malware Alert

Condolences

Our deepest sympathy to Megan on the loss of her father.You can post condolences at the link below.

David Clinton Hopkins


Also, many of you will know Sam Stapleton as a long time patron.  He passed away suddenly this week as well.

Sam Stapleton

Becky B.

Becky's father has been in ill health lately. He is going to go home with hospice care.  Prayers and good thoughts would be appreciated.  Becky is very grateful for all the support she has received and wants to thank everyone.  There is a sign up sheet in the break room for those who would like to donate leave time for Becky.

Malware Alert

Some libraries are receiving emails from @pacificfly.com.   DO NOT OPEN THESE EMAILS. They contain malware which can infect computers.  Please DELETE any such messages immediately!  Thank you!

  

Storytime, Tax Help Update, Teen Programs, Survey

Yes, Storytime Is On!

 Mrs. Michelle WILL be having storytime today!  But the Valentine's Day party is postponed until next Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Tax Help Update!

With a bit of rearranging of schedules, the free Tax Help will be downstairs in the Adult Learning Lab on both Tuesdays and Saturdays.  This should help clear up some confusion about which place to go.  Security will put out a sign up sheet at 4 pm on Tuesdays and at 9 am on Saturdays.  Seating downstairs is limited right now, but extra chairs will remain up in the Gallery.  If need be, Reference will page the next person on the list if she or he is waiting upstairs.

UPDATE:  A People Inc. representative just called to say they will NOT be doing taxes tonight, February 9, due to the weather.

TEL Survey

There is a survey from the Regional Library about the Tennessee Electronic Library.  LIS staff, there is a link in an email sent to both bplref and circ.  Click on it and fill out the survey, please. This needs to be done by February 24.  If you have questions, ask your department head or Amy. Thank you!

Teen Book Clubs

New Teen Librarian Hannahlily is meeting this week with the Tween and Teen book clubs.  They'll be talking about the direction of the clubs, what books they will be reading, activities, etc.  Remind people that updates will be posted on the BPL Teen Facebook page as well as on the BPL Facebook page.

Almost Done!

Construction on the new Teen area and the Jones Creativity Center/Adult Learning Lab is nearing completion.  If all goes well, then we will start moving the books and other materials to their designated locations starting the third week in February.

Workflows Update Postponed

The scheduled update on Wednesday has been postponed, so you won't have to worry about downloading that morning.  It appears that the update will causes some unexpected changes in other parts of the program (mostly reports) so additional work is needed before we update.

 

 

  

 

Nationwide Automatic Contribution & Happy Birthday Becky!

Nationwide Retirement Plan

For those who participate in the Nationwide Retirement Plan, they are adding a feature to allow you to increase your contribution.  The information is posted on the Employee Bulletin Board.   If you do increase your amount, please let the city payroll office know asap.  They will need to make changes so the proper amount is withheld.  If you have questions, call Sandie Seymour at 276-821-6090.

Tax Info

Tax help on Saturday should be down in the ALL Classroom.  Sign-up sheet will be out downstairs.  They are taking about 20 names per session. Numbers may vary depending on how many volunteers show up. 

We now have the 1040 and 1040 EZ Instructions; no forms as yet.  We can go to irs.gov and print them out if folks don't mind the twenty cents per page charge.  Also, they need to know what forms they need.  We cannot advise.

For Virginia State tax forms, patrons can go to the Commissioner of the Revenue office where they will fill out the tax forms.  Their number is 276-645-7316.

 

Happy Birthday!

(For real this time!)

Becky B.  February 3

 

 

Condolences to the Stickley family

As some know, Doris' beloved mother in law, Betty Stickley, passed away.  A full obituary will be in Saturday's Bristol Herald Courier.  Here is a link to the funeral home notice:

Betty Stickley

I apologize for the lateness of this notice, but Akard has been slow to post details. It may finally be updated by the time you see this.  The family will receive friends on Sunday at the funeral home. You can leave messages at the Akard site.

TAX TIME

The first tax returns will be done on Tuesday, Feb. 2.  It's always a rough time with much confusion and this year will be even worse due to the construction.  Brace yourselves! People are already unhappy that they've had to wait for this free service.  The volunteers will arrive at 5:30 pm or a little before, but expect patrons to start showing up and asking hours earlier.  Traditionally, the sign up sheet has not been put out until an hour before time.

I had a notice that one of the boxes of tax forms is scheduled to arrive on February 3.  I don't know which form(s) it will contain. I'll update as we know.  Remember-- we can NOT offer any tax advice.  If someone asks which tax form they should file, we cannot tell them. Refer them to the IRS office on Lee Highway or to the VITA volunteers.

Survey Notice

 Public Survey for Tennessee

From Nancy Roark:

"I participated in a conference call this morning to discuss TN Economic and Community Development's Broadband Assessment.  I wanted to give you a heads-up about it, for several reasons.  First, it is a wonderful way to garner support for better internet infrastructure statewide.  Second, the Secretary of State's office will issue a press release Monday alerting patrons to this survey, and encouraging them to come to their public library to fill it out--particularly if they do not currently have access to broadband at home.  So, you may have patrons asking you about it.  The link to the survey is here:

http://tn.gov/ecd/section/broadband-survey

They also would like us/you to promote this assessment."

Amy is going to publicize this for the library but she wants everyone to be aware of the survey and to encourage our Tennessee patrons to participate.  Tennessee staff are also encouraged!  

There's nothing special that we have to do with this.  Amy just wants everyone to know about it so we don't have the "deer in the headlights" look if a patron asks about it. The patron can use our wifi or get on one of our public computers with their cards or guest passes and fill out the survey.  The usual requirements will apply (in good standing with the library, show ID if no card, etc.)

Schedule Changes, Welcome Brenda, & Birthdays!

Schedule Changes

• GED classes will NOT meet tonight, Monday, January 25th
• ESL classes with NOT meet this week; schedule should resume the first week in February
• Teen Clubs will NOT meet until  the new Teen Librarian arrives the first of February.  Announcements will be made on the BPL and BPL Teens Facebook pages, so have patrons check there for updates.

 Children's programs for today WILL take place, including the American Girl Book Club from 4-5 pm

Welcome, Brenda!

We now have a new cataloger!  Brenda G.  will be taking over Doris' old office to be next to Judy so our Tech Services will be together.  Doris will move into the office next to Brenda.  

We're glad to have you here, Brenda! If we can do something to help you settle in, just let us know!

  

Happy Birthday!

Kay L.  (Outreach)  January 29