Eclipse glasses

We have finally received our eclipse glasses!

Although we'd anticipated receiving a thousand, we've at least received 500.  Here's how they'll be distributed:

• 50 for staff (at the time clock)
• 50 for Children's
• 50 for Teens
• 100 for Avoca
•  250 for Bristol

We'll be distributing 100 glasses on August 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room as part of Eclipse Safety Event; we'll give away the remainder on August 18 at 1:00 p.m. in the Gallery.  Children's and Teens will give away their glasses as part of their programs; Avoca will have their glasses available at a time of their choosing.

Glasses will only be available at these times and on a first come, first serve basis.  Only one pair of glasses per person allowed.

We'll also be doing a live stream of the eclipse on August 21 beginning at 12:00 p.m. so we'll let people know even if they don't get glasses.

If you have any questions, just let Ambrea know!

Eclipse glasses, JCC, birthdays

Eclipse Glasses

We have been told that we will indeed be getting some eclipse glasses.  Ambrea will be distributing most of them at a time and location to be announced later.  We will post signs ahead of time.  For people inquiring about glasses, tell them to watch our Facebook page and to check the BPL Events blog as complete details will be posted there.

http://bristolpubliclibraryevents.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/bristolpubliclibrary

 Jones Creativity Center

Since Katie accepted a new job, the JCC is short staffed.  T.J. is keeping it open as much as he can, but hours have been curtailed.  Also, he had some previous commitments which he will honor, meaning that the JCC may be closed on some days.  There is a new schedule out; if you need a copy, please ask.  Also, T.J. will be coming in early to administrative tasks, though the lab won't be open to the public.  You can transfer phone calls to him, but don't send anyone back until you are sure the JCC is actually open.

Food & Painting

Next Wednesday, August 9,  there will be food! Feel free to bring in anything you would like to contribute.

On Friday, August 11, after closing, Ambrea will have a Staff Canvas Class which should be loads of fun! 

Condolences

We lost two of our long time patrons in July. They were both avid library users and supporters and they will be missed.

Susan Johnson met Melon at BPL

 Susan Smith Johnson

James T. Houser

Get Well Wishes

Justin is on the road to recovery and we hope to see him back Real Soon Now! Joan is already back at Avoca after her little slip, but it takes more than that to keep her down

One of our long time patrons, Dr. William Wade, is also recovering.  Nevermore Book Club has really missed him.  We hope to see him soon, too!

Return of the Kitchen Witch!

The Kitchen Witch awards Christy H. and Kristin prizes for pulling KP duty!  Thank you, ladies!

Happy Birthday

Janice H.  August 8

Joe Lawson (Volunteer) August 9

Pam Neal  August 9

Brenda D.  August 15

Justin August 16

Training Day, Help4TN

October 16

Amy is planning a staff training day for Monday, October 16. Main and Avoca will be closed to the public so that the staff can all get together for the day.  This should give everyone 8 hours of Continuing Education.

Help4TN Legal Website

This is a very good, 30 minute or so tour of the Help4TN website which deals with legal information for Tennessee.  It has some forms, pamphlets, and sources of help.  It also explains some things that we can say and what we can't or else be guilty of offering legal advice, which we cannot do.
Help4TN

Happy (Belated) Birthday

Don  July 24

Food, GED Classes, Job Club, Legal Webinar

Food on Wednesday!

Clancy is going to bring in pulled pork, Ambrea will supply baked beans, and Brenda G. is making peanut butter fudge! Slaw and croissants will be available. Please feel free to bring whatever food or drink you'd like to share.

GED and ESL Classes

Mt. Rogers is on summer schedule, so classes are not meeting as regularly as they have been.  The full schedule should resume in the fall. If there are questions, patrons should contact Mount Rogers for more information. The main number is 1800-322-7748.

Job Club

The Job Club will be meeting Tuesdays at 2 pm in the Jones Creativity Center. This is hosted by Occupational Enterprises and offers assistance with resumes, job searches, online applications, and more.  It's free of charge.  For more information, call or text Tanya: 276-254-3165.

Legal Webinar

It's never too soon to start working on the 2017/18 Continuing Education Hours! On July 18 at 9:30 CST (10:30 EST) there will be a legal webinar about about the difference between offering advice and offering information.  It's an important distinction  and useful for staff to know.   The webinar will be archived for later viewing if this date and time is not convenient. We are advised that Internet Explorer or Edge works well with the software. Pre-registration is not required. Here is the link:   http://stateoftennessee.adobeconnect.com/rhghb7fxrpiy/

Updated link for the archived webinar:  http://tsla.libguides.com/archweb.  Select the Help4TN Webinar, which can be found on the right below the TSLA Archived Webinars.  You can also Google "Help4TN webinar" and it should lead you to the same website.  If you need any additional help, Ambrea has found the website on her computer and she can send you a link.

Insurance cards, Peanut, New Fiscal Year, Canvas Class

 Insurance Cards

From Trish Henderson:

"Everyone,

Only those employees transitioning from KA250 to KA500 health insurance plans may have received incorrect insurance cards in the mail over the weekend. 

Anthem is currently correcting this problem and those with KA500 should be getting new cards very soon.  Any employee that currently has a doctor appointment or needs to use the health insurance card immediately, may use their e-services with www.anthem.com/tlc to obtain a pdf of their member ID card.  If problems occur please contact HR at (276) 642-2325 for assistance."

Happy New (Fiscal) Year!

July 1 has seen some changes at Bristol Public Library!  For one thing, the Lending and Information Services Department has been split into Circulation and Reference, returning them to their original states.   We will still work closely together.

Almost everyone is seeing a new job description to better suit the job they actually perform.  Evaluations are ongoing. Some staff members have seen a change in job title and duties.

• Brenda G. is now Assistant Director for Technical Services and Statistics
• Rebecca Dunn is now Circulation Supervisor
• Ambrea is now Assistant Director for Programming and Promotions

Congratulations! There will be an adjust period for all concerned but we have a terrific staff, all of whom want to make the library the best it can be.

Staff Canvas Class

 
Due to popular demand, Ambrea is going to have a Staff Canvas class on  Friday, August 11, starting at 5 pm! Take a wild guess as to which painting Jeanne plans to do....

Peanut Report

Peanut is still at the vet's but may get to come home by the weekend.  He lost his left hind leg, but is on the mend.  Thanks to all who have contributed to the Make Peanut Better jar!  We'll leave it in the Staff Lounge for awhile yet.

Eclipse Sunglasses, Continuing Ed, Peanut, Happy Fourth!

Eclipse Glasses

We have been getting questions about sunglasses for the eclipse since a local TV station ran a story telling people they could pick up such glasses at their local libraries.  We have applied to get glasses but at this point we don't know when or if we will receive them.  The sponsoring institution has already given out their original allotment of 2.5 million but are hoping to get more.  In our area, the libraries that received glasses include Sullivan County, Tennessee; Johnson City, Tennessee; Elizabethton, Tennessee; Russell County, Virginia; and Buchanan County, Virginia.  There is a map you can check to see who in the region has them:

http://spacescience.org/software/libraries/map.php

Continuing Education

Don has set up a new site for staff to record Continuing Education hours.  He will put a link on the various desktops so it can be accessed from multiple computers.  You will be able to see your hours as well as everyone else's, so it will be easier to track your progress and perhaps to find out about various interesting online educational opportunities.

Congratulations to all those who achieved their hours for 2016/17!

Peanut Update

Peanut is still at the vet's as he was injured more severely than was first thought.  The good news is that he is on the mend.  He's improving slowly but he IS improving.  We still have the Make Peanut Better jar in the Staff Lounge.  Thanks to all who have donated!

Staff Building Contest, Job Descriptions, Food, Birthdays

Building Contest!

Brenda and Rebecca contemplate some creations.

We have some intrepid souls who have been flexing their creative muscles in honor of this year's Summer Reading Program!  Blocks are in the Staff Lounge as is a sign up sheet for others who want to participate.  Constructions will be on display at the Circulation Desk starting July 5.  Build whatever you want:   a bridge, a robot, a better mousetrap, it's up to you.

Job Descriptions

Amy will be discussing individual job descriptions with staff over the next few days.  This is preparation for evaluations to come.  This will become an annual event.

July 12:  Food!

Clancy will be bringing pulled pork, Ambrea will bring baked beans and peanut butter cookies, and other folks are welcome to bring what they like for a staff lunch.  Many thanks to these wonderful folks!

Happy Birthday!

Rebecca  June 29

Bill (Avoca)  July 6