April 2012
Hall County Library System Newsletter
April 2012
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In This Month’s Edition
Blackshear Place Youth Programs
Blackshear Place Adult Programs
Countdown to the Release of the 1940 Census
Mark your calendars... April 2nd is the date the 1940 census will be available for public viewing. Closed by law for 72 years, the 1940 census population schedules will be available free of charge at your local library or on your home computer April 2, 2012, beginning at 9:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time) at http://www.archives.com.
There is no name index so users will have to use old-fashioned research. Users can locate people by identifying the enumeration district in which they lived in 1940 and then browsing the census population schedules for that enumeration district. To get a head start visit http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/ for strategy and research tips.
From the regional newsletter of The Friends of the National Archives-Southeast Region
Computer Classes
The library system offers free computer classes on a variety of topics. Classes will be held in the computer training labs at the Gainesville, Spout Springs, and Blackshear Place Branches. For class schedules, please click here.
This Month in Youth Services
Storytimes
The next pajama storytimes will be held at 6:30pm on March 5 and April 2 at the Gainesville Branch, and March 14 at Spout Springs Branch. Everyone is welcome. Children may wear their jammies and bring their favorite bedtime buddy.
Spring Storytime Session ends April 13
Baby Steps (0-18 Months)
Gainesville Mondays 10:30AM
Spout Springs Fridays 10:30AM
Toddler Storytime (18-36 Months)
Gainesville Tuesdays 10:30
Spout Springs Wednesdays 10:30
Preschool Storytime (3 and Up)
Gainesville Tuesdays 11AM
Spout Springs Mondays 10:30AM
Family Storytime (All Ages) NEW!!!!!!!!!
Blackshear Place Wednesdays 3PM NEW TIME!!!!!!
Murrayville Wednesdays 10:30AM
Groups must make reservations. If you need a sign language interpreter please call (770) 532-3311 ext. 129.For more information about any of the library’s family programming, visit the library website or call 770-532-3311 ext. 129.
The next pajama storytimes will be held at 6:30pm on April 2 and May 7 at the Gainesville Branch, and April 10 at Spout Springs Branch (NEW DAY for Spout Springs). Everyone is welcome. Children may wear their jammies and bring their favorite bedtime buddy.
Clifford The Big Red Dog: Tour de Georgia!
In honor of Children’s Book Week, Clifford the Big Red Dog is touring Georgia’s libraries. All ages of youth are invited to meet Clifford and enjoy stories Wednesday, May 9 at 3PM at the Blackshear Place Library. This event is FREE and brought to you by Georgia Public Library Service. Groups and daycares please call (770) 532-3311 ext. 151 for reservations.
Teens: We Need Your Help
We are looking for teens to volunteer at the library this summer. We need volunteers to assist with our Summer Reading Program, shelve books, prepare crafts for programs, assist with children’s programs, and other library needs. Please fill out an application on our library website under the “teens” section OR stop by any branch to pick up a teen volunteer application and a parent permission form. All volunteers must be 14 years old and up and have reliable transportation.
We will also be holding a Teen Advisory Board meeting Monday, April 23 at 6:30PM at the Gainesville Branch.We will discuss the Summer Reading Program, volunteer opportunities, book buddies programs, and other TAB business. For more information call (770) 532-3311 ext. 129.
Youth Events by Branch
Read to the Dogs
Tuesday, April 3from 3-5 pm. Features 10 minutes of one-on-one time reading with Gu, Maggie, Mr. Sheffield or Maxwell. This program is intended for kids who are learning to read. Dogs are registered with Therapy Dogs International. By appointment only; call 770-532-3311 x151 or e-mail Kathy White.
Wonka Day
Join us Wednesday, April 4 as we celebrate the day with Willy Wonka. We will have games, crafts, storytime, snacks and the movie. Events run throughout the day, so drop by any time. Chocolate Storytime will take place at 3:00, with a movie and snacks to follow.
Drop in Craft Day
Drop by on Thursday, April 19between 12 pm and 8 pm to make a special Earth Day craft that you can take home.
Family Game Day
Thursday, April 19 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm Up for a game of tennis, golf or bowling? Join us for an afternoon of electronic gaming and favorite board games. All ages are invited. No registration necessary.
Matinee Monday
Monday, April 23at 3:30pm When young Roy moves from Montana to Florida with his family, he ends up befriending two kids who are fighting to protect the home of a group of endangered burrow owls from a real estate developer. Rated PG; 91 minutes; 2006
Kids and Kritters
Join us for pet stories read by Kelley Uber of the Hall County Humane Society on Monday, April 30 at 3:00pm. What type of pet will Kelley bring?
For more information about any Blackshear Place event please call 770-532-3311 ext. 151
or email Kathy White or Ashley Martin.
Drop in Gardening Craft
All ages of youth are invited to drop by the youth services desk any time between 2:30pm and 6:30pm on Thursday, April 19 to make a garden craft.
Board Game Day
Up for Candy Land, Clue, Scrabble and more? All children are invited to Board Game Day at the Gainesville Branch's Youth Services Department on Monday, April 30 at 3:30PM.
For more information about any Gainesville event call 770-532-3311 x129 or email Adrianne Junius.
Kids’ Free Movie Thursday
Thursday, April 19 at 3:30 PM – Pure of heart Charlie Bucket, along with four grossly gluttonous girls and boys, win the chance to tour eccentric recluse Willy Wonka's magical candy factory and the chance to win a lifetime supply of chocolate in this adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic. Free refreshments provided by the Hall County Friends of the Library and the Ron Vedder Family. For more information or the title please call 770-532-3311 ext. 171.
All Day Craft
Tuesday, April 3 Stop by the library during operating hours to decorate an “egg.” All ages--no reservation required.
Happy Earth Day!
Friday, April 20 @ 10:30am Captain Conservation will be joining us for a special storytime. All ages; no reservation required.
Celebration of Earth Craft
Friday, April 20 All Day Stop by during operating hours to create a portrait showcasing the beauty of our planet. All ages; no reservation required.
Kids and Kritters Storytime
Join us for pet stories read by Kelley Uber of the Hall County Humane Society Thursday, April 26 @ 4:00pm. What type of pet will Kelley bring?
For more information or to register for any of these programs email Katy or call 770-532-3311 x192.
Events by Branch
Blackshear Place Branch
Blackshear Place Branch
Join us Monday, April 9 at 6pm as we discuss Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. Everyone is welcome.
Family Movie
Join us Thursday, April 26 at 3:30pm and again at 5:30pm for the inspiring story of Winter the Dolphin who survives and flourishes despite a severe injury.
For more information about any of these programs email Janine or call 770-532-3311 x151.
Bible Bindery Day
The Hall County Library System will be hosting Bible and Old Book Repair Day on Tuesday,
April 3 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Ken Jewell, a representative of the National Library Bindery
will be on hand to give free estimates of the cost of repairing or restoring valued old books or family
Bibles. Books to be repaired at the Bindery Company in Roswell will be left with Mr. Jewell. The
books will be returned to the Gainesville Library for pick up within two months.
Extreme Couponing
Tuesday, April 9 at 10:30am– Join us as we discuss helpful money saving tips and best deals around town. Exchange coupons and look at websites geared toward saving you money. This program is free and open to everyone.
Sitting Up with the Dead
Have you ever dreamed of being locked in the library? Have you wanted to research genealogy “to your heart’s content”? On Friday, April 13, genealogists will have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams by “Sitting Up with the Dead” at the downtown Gainesville branch library. Participants begin arriving at noon, pick up their name tags and acquaint themselves with the Sybil Wood McRay Genealogy & Local History Collection. At 5:00 p.m. the library will be closed to the public. No registrants will be admitted after 6:00 p.m. The second floor will remain open until midnight for genealogists. The cost is $12.00 per person for a boxed dinner, beverages, and a late night snack. Registration forms can be found online at www.hallcountylibrary.org or at any library branch. Checks and registration forms must be received by Monday, April 9. For more information, call 770-532-3311 ext. 116.
Gainesville Book Club
Monday, April 23 at 10:30am Interested in joining a new book club? Join us to discuss Timeline by Michael Crichton.
Volunteers Needed
During the week of May 6 -May 12, the Hall County Library System is conducting its annual Materials Availability Survey. We are seeking individuals who would be willing to volunteer in two hour increments (Monday-Friday from 10:30AM-12:30PM, 1:00PM-3:00 PM or 3:00PM-5:00 PM) at the Gainesville Library. You can volunteer as many times as you like or just one two hour time slot that week. Please contact Brian Hood at (770) 532-3311 x 114 by April 20 to sign up for a specific time slot. We greatly appreciate your help with this important project.
For more information about any of these programs email Janine or call 770-532-3311 x116.
Back in Time at the Movies
Monday, April 23 at 2:00 PM – From 1953, a superior film version of Cole Porter's stage hit and adapted from Shakespeare's "The Taming Of The Shrew," this movie includes outstanding songs such as "So In Love," "Too Darn Hot" and the humorous "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." Fred and Lilli, now divorced for one year, are brought back together for a play in which the couple act a great deal like the characters they portray. A dispute on opening night could end the production before it begins. Free refreshments provided by the Hall County Friends of the Library and the Ron Vedder Family. For more information or the title please call 770-532-3311 ext. 171.
Lunch and Learn Gardening Series
Spout Springs Branch Meeting Room
Every Thursday at 12:00 noon
Each Thursday in April, the Master Gardeners of Hall County will bring the latest practices in gardening. Even if you’re working, bring your lunch and enjoy the program during your lunch hour. You may prefer to purchase lunch at our Friends Café. Everyone is invited to attend and the programs are FREE.
April 3 Who are the Master Gardeners? with Master Gardener Joan Rigel (includes Q&A)
April 10 Organic Pest Control with Master Gardener Jelle Tamminga
April 17Annuals and Perennials with Hall County Extension Agent Michael Wheeler
April 24 Vegetables with Master Gardener Ron Brechter
Early Bird Book Club
This group will meet Thursday, April 5 at 10:30am and continue to meet the first Thursday of each month. This month’s selection is Triptych by Karin Slaughter.
Monday, April 9 from 6PM-7:30PM Representatives from the Financial Aid and Admissions Offices of Gainesville State College will be here to answer questions regarding the admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, non-traditional students and much more.
Watercolor Workshop
Learn about color, composition, brush strokes and other painting techniques from local artist, Ms. Ellene Breedlove-Davis. Beginners are welcome. All supplies are furnished. Spaces are limited.
There is a $35 charge to attend the workshop. Please pre-register and pre-pay by April 19.
To register, contact Mary Poland, 770-532-3311 x198.
For more information or to register for any Spout Springs program please contactMary Poland at
770- 532-3311 ext. 198.
From the Director
It is budget time again. You would not really know it since things have been peaceful considering how the county was in such turmoil last year. But some things have not changed. The county is again looking at a local revenue shortfall. The state is again cutting library budgets by another 2%. And the library board has been asked to open a new branch in North Hall sometime this year.
Library funding is complicated and when you consider the tradeoffs that occur when entering into agreements with the state for providing access to databases, Internet, staff training and an integrated catalog that PINES provides, it is nearly impossible to determine actual costs if the county had to provide the services. We even joined an accounting consortium that saves us $23,000 per year over the cost if we had to pay for it on our own. Basically our cash money used to operate comes from the county in the form of property taxes. The remainder of our funding comes from state grants, fines, fees, an occasional local grant, and gifts. In the past few years revenue from all sources has been as shaky as quicksand. Services provided by the state have been impacted by funding cuts to Georgia Public Library Services. Yet cash remains the easiest way to explain what has been happening.
In FY2009 the cash revenue for the library system from all sources was $3,505,837. For FY2013 - or 5 operating years later – the revenue will be $2,522,994 or 28% less. And a lot has transpired in the last 5 years.
So sometime in the fall the library will be opening a new facility as requested by the county. If the local revenue remains the same everyone will have less access to their local branch for all facility hours will change. There will be far less material on the shelves. Patrons need to remember that it takes staff to put materials into collections, move materials around the county, talk to patrons about lost items, answer questions, keep computers running and deal with problem individuals. Storytimes just do not happen or books find their way back on the shelves by themselves. A book borrowed from Valdosta does not just mysteriously appear in our library. While we use volunteers most of us do not want everyone knowing what we read or looking over our shoulder when we use a computer. And most volunteers I encounter do not want to be put into a position of chasing a problem person from a building.
If your library is not open on a Saturday or a couple of nights blame the economy but in the fall the library board will be treating everyone equally.
I hope to catch you in the stacks with an armful of books.
Adrian Mixson
Library Director
Staff Picks:
Spring Break Celebration
Share these childhood favorites with your children and grandchildren…or maybe read them yourself.
Library Administration
Adrian Mixson, Director
Freddy the Pig by Walter R. Brooks: I grew up reading Freddy. Brooks’ books were on the shelves in whatever elementary school I was attending. I went to at least one new one every year. Freddy was the friend who outsmarted the adults that made a kid’s life troublesome; not every kid had a Mr. Wilson (Dennis the Menace) for a neighbor. And he was a pig! Who doesn’t like pigs! Freddy now has an international fans club. Yes, he is on the Internet. And he is what: far older than me. There must be something timeless in the oinker’s life that we remember as we age.
Lisa MacKinney, Assistant Director
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder: My mother used to read this to me over and over again. When she had read all she could without losing her voice, she would play “Ma” and I would play “Laura” as we acted out scenes from the book. My favorite was sitting by the fire making imaginary hay logs to burn. These were some of my favorite times with my mother.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: One of the first mysteries I ever read. It hooked me completely and made me a mystery lover for life! The heroine, Turtle, was one smart and tough girl.
Lydia Hahne, Business Manager
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: One favorite book I read as a child was called The Best Christmas Pagent Ever. The characters in the book were hilarious, but the story also opened my heart to the true spirit of Christmas.
Adult Services
Janine Cline
Busy Town by Richard Scarry, Dulaire’s Norse Mythology, and Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume: I learned to read on Busy Town by Richard Scary. Another book we had that we drew pictures out of constantly was Dulaire’s Norse mythology. Odin’s big eye and Loki’s crazy hair definitely got our imaginations going. Another favorite was “Otherwise known as Sheila the Great” by Judy Blume.
Brian Hood
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks: One of the greatest books from my childhood was the Indian in the Cupboard. I can remember my sixth grade English teacher reading that book in class during one of our reading breaks. I was fascinated with that book because it involved a boy named Omri who was given a cupboard and a magical key. One day he decided to lock his plastic toy Indian in the cupboard for safe keeping but little did he know that the cupboard would bring his plastic Indian to life. Throughout this book you learn about the adventures of Omri and Little Bear. It has everything such as Indians with machine guns, cowboys, World War II soldiers and time travel. The way the characters from the different time periods interacted with each other and the concept of bringing toys to life made me ponder as a child what could happen if I could bring my toys to life. This book is part of a series and was made into a feature film. I would recommend it for any young reader starting out on their journey through literature.
Blackshear Place Branch
Barbara Perry, Manager
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: I loved the adventuresome spirit and ingenuity of the children in “setting up house” in the boxcar.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri: My copy was large format with dreamy illustrations of a peaceful life in the Swiss Alps.
5 Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney: Special to me because it was a gift from my Grandparents.
Gabriele Koecher
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf: “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf was in my optometrist’s office (in English!) and my mom would read it to me there. She must have been translating, I think. In any case, I have always liked stories of somebody who would not act according to the conventions. My other favorites are German books that are unknown here.
Circulation Services
Emily McConnell, Manager
The Tailypo : a ghost story / told by Joanna Galdone: This book is probably the reason I grew up to be a Stephen King fan. I remember my school librarian reading it to us around Halloween in 1st or 2nd
grade…..I absolutely loved it!
Cheryl Diaz
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: I can’t describe how much this book touched me as a child in elementary school. I remember the deep feeling of loss I felt after reading this, and reading about the love that one animal can have for another truly amazed me at that age.
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson: I remember reading this and falling in love with the old scoundrel. I loved that the dog was clearly the smart one of the bunch. I cried for days and days after reading the outcome of this book, and I read both the sequels, hoping that somehow Old Yeller would come back in them!
Michelle Davis
Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight: This was the first Chapter book that I remember reading as a child. I was about 9 years old and my teacher read some of it to us in class. She stopped at a cliff hanger, would Lassie make it back to her family? I couldn't wait to check it out from the school library. The ending made me cry and I think that is when I developed my love for reading.
George Souza
Frederick by Leo Lionni: One of my favorite books as a child was Frederick by Leo Lionni. It takes place in the Winter, my favorite season. While the family of mice are collecting and storing food supplies for Winter. Frederick collects words, colors, and sun rays. When the drab days of Winter set in, Frederick saves the day with what he has collected. I loved the poem that he recites. He proves that everyone has something to contribute, no matter how large or small.
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths: The other book I loved was D'Aulaires'book of Greek Myths. I borrowed the book from the school library. I kept it for 3 months, reading it over and over again. I could never pick a favorite myth from that book. My teacher was contacted by the librarian. Miss Renner asked me if I lost the book. I told her no, I had it in my desk. I showed it to her and then told all about the Greek myths. She smiled and said that the librarian needed the book back but was sure that she would let me check it out again. She did, but sternly reminded me to bring it back in 2 weeks. I learned so much about mythology from that book. To this day I use it as a reference.
Barbara Von Eppinger
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott:I read and loved “Little Women”. I liked the closeness of the family – the sisters especially – and how their relationship helped each of them to become brave, strong young women.
Murrayville Branch
Rick Kiser, Manager
Bub, or The Very Best Thing by Natalie Babbitt: What is the very best thing you could share with any child? Natalie Babbitt has the answer with “Bub.” Not only is this a wonderful story, but it is so applicable in our world today. The little Prince knows the answer, but the King and Queen have to learn. You will fall in love with this book for its message and its illustrations. (Be sure to read the dedication to learn about the pictures.)
Spout Springs Branch
Mary Poland, Manager
Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse by Anna Sewell: I loved horses and I loved this book! This book helped me understand the importance of keeping a positive attitude through both good and bad times in life.
Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard: This is just a great adventure book.
Paige Mellinger
Nancy Drew series and American Girl series: Nancy Drew and American Girl were my favorites. I think both of these series encourage young girls to be smart and strong, people of good quality, and to remember that what is on the inside IS what counts.
Technical Services
Lara Wrightson
BFG by Roald Dahl: Sophie is a little girl living in a London orphanage. The Big Friendly Giant whisks her away to the land of the giants where they concoct a fabulous plot against the mean giants-but to pull it off they need some help from the Queen of England! I loved this book because of the friendship between Sophie and the BFG, and the clever way they got the help they needed.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: Lucy escapes into a magic land called Narnia by way of an enchanted wardrobe, where she and her brothers and sister battle an evil witch. I loved the idea of escaping into another world where a little girl could be a powerful person.
Youth Services
Adrianne Junius, Director
A Little Princess by Frances Hodges Burnett: My mother used to read this to me at night before I went to bed when I was 8. I loved reading a chapter every night trying to find out what would happen to poor Sarah Crewe. My mother has since passed away, and it is one of most cherished memories I have. I cannot wait till my twin girls are old enough to be read this book at night. What little girl doesn’t want to be a princess? This novel shows real princesses are not just about crowns and royalty, but about a kind and giving heart.
Little Kritter Books (series by Mercer Mayer): The local burger place used to give these books away in the kid meals. I would beg my parents to go every night so I could get my Little Kritter book. Little Kritter shows the wonderful relationships and events children have in their everyday life. The illustrations are wonderful and almost could be an “I Spy” type of activity when a parent is done reading the book to their child.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: When I was in third grade, Friday was Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing day. Mrs. Green, my teacher, would read us a chapter from the book. Our whole class would laugh all afternoon at the antics Peter’s little brother Fudge got into. Four years ago I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Blume; she is an inspiring woman and children’s author who has touched millions of children’s hearts (and funny bones).
Phyllis Haynes
Sam the Firefly by P.D. Eastman and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss: I read both of these to my children. Ashley’s aunt gave them to her and we read them over and over. Every time I see these books I think of my kids when they were little. Brings back happy memories!
Gail Hogan
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss: This book seemed to have everything that I could want as a 10 year old girl: A loving family who survive on a tropical island using their brains, sprinkled with adventure, excitement and even a little romance. Just remembering it makes me want to read my copy all over again.
Jenny Wren
The Cay by Theodore Taylor: After their ship is torpedoed by a German submarine during WWII, a boy, blinded by a blow to the head, and an old man, both from different social classes, are stranded on a tiny Caribbean island. This award-winning story illustrates the power of love in overcoming societal prejudices. I adored this book so much that I turned it into a play for my sixth grade English class!
Your Account
To get more information on your library account, please contact Circulation Manager.
Editors Lisa MacKinney and Jeanne Hozak
For more information please call (770) 532-3311 ext. 134 or visit our website.
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