June 2012
Hall County Library System Newsletter
June 2012
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In This Month’s Edition
Library Fines to Increase
Blackshear Place Youth Programs
Blackshear Place Adult Programs
Upcoming Closings
July 4 Holiday
Library Fines to Increase
Effective July 1, 2012, PINES will be increasing library fines from .10 per item per day to .20 per item per day. This will not be retroactive and will only impact items checked out July 1 or later.
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
Summer Reading Program 2012: Dream Big Read!
Children ages zero months through rising 5th graders can sign up now for the Summer Reading Program. Children can read at home, on vacation, or at the library to earn prizes. Pre-readers have activities and special prizes as well. All children who sign up get a free pass to INK!
First Summer Reading Performances
All Hands Productions Puppet Show June 5 and June 6
Storyteller Barry Stewart Mann June 12and 13
Reptiles and Swampwise with Okefenokee Joe June 19and 20**please note this program does contain LIVE animals**
Magician Ken Scott July 17 and 18
Gainesville Branch Tuesday 10:30AM Blackshear Place Branch Tuesday 2:30PM
Murrayville Branch Wednesday 10:30AM Spout Springs Branch Wednesday 2:30PM
****Summer Reading performances are most appropriate for elementary school age children but everyone is welcome as space allows. NO Photography, cell phones, or texting during performances. Groups and daycares call (770) 532-3311 ext. 129 for reservations.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this month: INK, Friends of the Hall County Library System, Target, Wendy’s, McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Publix, Skate Country, Great American Cookie Company, and Texas Roadhouse. Also a big thank you goes out to Celeste Morris, who volunteered her time and materials to make a beautiful bat cave for the children’s room at the Gainesville Branch. Stop by your local library branch to see how the children’s room is celebrating the Summer Reading Program this year.
Dream Big and Meet the Atlanta Falcons!
Ever DREAM of being a football player? This summer you can meet a professional one. Come to the Wednesday June 13 performance of Storyteller Barry Stewart Mann at the Spout Springs Branch at 2:30pm and also enjoy a story with the Atlanta Falcons. This program is for K-5th graders. All are welcome as space allows.
Storytimes
Summer Storytime Mini Session
Summer Storytime Mini Session starts June 4 and ends June 30.
· Baby Steps (Ages 0-24 Months) 10:30AM Mondays Gainesville Branch and Fridays Spout Springs
· Preschool Storytime (Ages 2 and up) 10:30AM Mondays Spout Springs Branch and Fridays Gainesville Branch
· Family Storytime (All Ages) 3PM Wednesdays Blackshear Place
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.
Family Campfire Storytime
Dream Big and Read with your family this summer by the campfire. All families are invited to a Family Camp Fire Storytime on Monday, June 4 at 6:30PM at the Gainesville Branch. Enjoy mythology stories as we explore the stars with the library’s planetarium, enjoy s’mores, and complete a craft. After the library closes at 8pm those who wish to stay can hear some (mild) scary campfire stories. This program is free and is open to the public. Brought to you by Friends of the Hall County Library System and Target.
PJ Storytime
There will be no PJ Storytimes in June due to our Family Campfire Storytimes. The dates for July will be July 2 at 6:30PM at the Gainesville Branch and July 10 at 6:30PM at the Spout Springs Branch. Children are encouraged to wear their PJs and bring a bedtime friend!
Teen Summer Reading Program: We Own the Night
Rising 6th graders through rising 12th graders can now sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Teens can read and do activities for prizes, as well as enter to win large prizes such as an Amazon Kindle. Teen Summer Reading Program 2012 brought to you by Friends of the Hall County Library System, Target, Texas Roadhouse and Publix Super Markets.
Teen “Own the Night” Programs
Friday, June 8at 5PM Gainesville: Teen After Hours: The Hunger Games **Reservations Required only for the Hunger Games Program**
Monday, June 18 at 2:30PM Blackshear Place: Extreme Magic with Arthur Atsma
Monday, June 25 at 2:30PM Spout Springs: Teen Iron Chef
Monday, July 9at 2:30PM Gainesville: Mix and Match Crafts for Teens
Monday, July 16at 2:30PM Spout Springs: Are you a Werewolf? Plus our Wrap Up Party
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 more. 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. For more information call (770) 532-3311 ext. 129.
For more information about any of the library’s family programming, visit the library website (www.hallcountylibrary.org) or call 770-532-3311, ext. 129.
Youth Events by Branch
Drop in Craft Day
Drop by on Thursday, June 14 between 12pm and 8pm to make a special craft.
Family Game Night
Thursday, June 14 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Up for a game of tennis, golf or bowling? Join us for an evening of electronic gaming and favorite board games. All ages are invited. No registration necessary.
Matinee Monday
Monday June 25 at 3:30pm Disney invites you to travel across the globe in an all-new, treasure-hunting adventure with the Buddies! Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha and Mudbud embark on their biggest adventure yet: to the ruins of ancient Egypt. Rated G; 2012
For more information about any Blackshear Place event please call 770-532-3311 ext. 151
or email Kathy White or Ashley Martin.
Teen After Hours Event
After the library doors close, a reaping will occur! Teens are invited to a Hunger Games program on Friday, June 8at 5PM at the Gainesville Branch. Teens will enjoy refreshments from Peeta’s bakery, Capitolize themselves, play Hunger Games trivia, and play a survivor game with their district’s teammates. This program is by reservations ONLY for rising 6th graders through rising 12th graders. Reservations can be made by calling (770) 532-3311 ext. 129. Parents must also complete a parent after hours release form.
For more information about any Gainesville event call 770-532-3311 x129 or email Adrianne Junius.
Kids’ Free Movie Thursday
Thursday, June 14 at 3:30 PM – Can an elephant really fly? When the stork delivers a baby elephant to Mrs. Jumbo, veteran of the circus, the newborn is ridiculed because of his truly enormous ears. He is left without a friend in the world until the street-smart Timothy Mouse decides to become his manager and a telephone line full of delightful jive-talking crows convince him he can fly. There's nary an imperfect moment to be found in this raucous, tender, sublime film, which has been delighting audiences for generations. 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 x171.
Spout Springs Branch
Free Movie Fridays
Two showings each Friday – 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
June 1 - Hiccup is a young Viking who defies convention when he befriends one of his deadliest foes -- a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested
June 8 - Merlin trains a young lad destined to be the King of England. Rated G
June 15 - You loved him in Shrek...now see where the one-and-only swashbuckling feline found his fame - and a very big pair of boots! Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested
June 22 - A classic story about childhood and the places we go to figure out the world we live in. Based on the celebrated book by Maurice Sendak. Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested
June 29 - The amazing true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who banded together to save her life. Rated PG – Parental Guidance Suggested
Tuesday Crafternoons
Every Tuesday @ 2:30pm
Kids are invited to join us on Tuesdays for a fun hour of crafting (while supplies last).
Kids and Kritters Storytime
Join us for pet stories read by Kelley Uber of the Hall County Humane Society Thursday, June 21 @ 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.
This Month in Adult Services
Events by Branch
Blackshear Place Branch
Blackshear Place Book Club
June 4 at 6pm Join us to discuss The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble.
Afternoon Movie
Join us Thursday, June 21 at 12:15pm. Silent movie star George Valentin bemoans the coming era of talking pictures and fades into oblivion and self-destruction, but finds sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer lighting up talkies like no one else. Rated PG-13. Movie is FREE and open to everyone.
For more information about any of these programs email Janine or call 770-532-3311 x151.
Gainesville Branch
Gainesville Book Club
Tuesday, June 12 at 10:30am Join us to discuss our most recent selection, The Distant Hours by Kate Morton.
Father’s Day Card Workshop
Saturday, June 16 at 10:30am Join Trish Calvery from Stamping Up as she shows us the art of 3-D Card Making. This workshop is FREE and open to everyone over age 13.
Couponing Workshop
June 18at 10:30 Learn saving techniques and exchange coupons. This workshop is FREE and open to everyone.
For more information about any of these programs email Janine or call 770-532-3311 x116.
Back in Time at the Movies
Monday, June 18 at 2:00 PM –James Stewart won the New York Critics Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mr. Smith, an idealistic country boy who goes to Washington as a short-term senator. The good country boy battles the “good old boys” in a fight worth fighting. Disillusionment sets in slowly as he realizes the political games being played in the nation's Capitol. His fight to expose the corruption to the public brings the film to a moving finish. 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.
Spout Springs Branch
Thursday, June 7 from 10:30AM–12PM We will be discussing Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell.
All About Alzheimer’s Disease
Thursday, June 14 from 6:00-7:30pm. This program, provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, includes information on detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and much more. If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s time to learn the facts. Reservations strongly encouraged. Reserve your spot today by contacting Mary Poland at 770- 532-3311 ext. 198.
Watercolor Workshop
Saturday, June 16 from 10AM-3PM Learn about color, composition, brush strokes and other painting techniques from local artist, Ms. Ellene Breedlove-Davis. Beginners are welcome. All supplies are furnished. Reserve your spot today by contacting Mary Poland at 770- 532-3311 ext. 198. There is a $35 supply charge.
Grief 101
Thursday, June 21 from 1:00-2:00pm If you or someone you know has recently experienced the loss of a loved one, this program may be helpful. A licensed social worker with Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center will discuss what to expect throughout the grieving process and how grief affects the individual both emotionally and physically. Free and open to the public.
For more information or to register for any Spout Springs program please contactMary Poland at
770- 532-3311 ext. 198.
From the Director
Dear Patron,
I have been a book peddler most of my life. I have also had to learn bookkeeping, basic accounting, fleet and building maintenance, building design, furnishings, human resources and a smidge of just about any routine performed in a library. I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and understood why I am follicle challenged.
The budget cycle is always entered with trepidation. After it was over last year, we closed two facilities, laid off 20 employees and sweated through this year hoping no disaster struck for we were operating on thin margin.
This year we were asked to submit a budget for FY2013 opening a new facility without any additional money. It was ugly but we developed a plan and then that iceberg came floating out of Atlanta and hit our hull dead on. Health insurance! There are only 61 public library systems in the state ranging in size from tiny Elbert County to multicounty systems like the one headquartered in Bainbridge. Fifty-seven of the systems acquire their health insurance for fulltime employees through the State of Georgia. It is the same plan your local school systems participate in.
A few weeks ago, after we already submitted our budget to the county, we were told the state intended to increase our health insurance rates. They doubled overnight! Well, your library system’s board is just like every other in the state. We are struggling: underfunded to deal with the foot traffic we have and wrestling with a tough economy by robbing from both Peter and Paul. We have been rapidly giving up the things people ask of us every day just to keep the doors open some of the time. I myself have given up any hope of ever reaching the Pearly Gate.
What happened with health insurance? We had been paying a percentage of the salary for each employee - 18.534%. Last month it went from a percentage to a flat rate or $743.00 per employee per month. Library directors throughout the state did a collective ‘ouch.’ The state was originally considering $912.00 per month or $10,990.00 per year per employee but the collective groan was so large it reduced the rates by almost a couple hundred dollars per month for each employee. But the state health board is set on getting all of us to the $912.00 watermark in the next two years.
I am going to simplify this by giving you a typical example of one of our average employees. (I am changing the name.) You know Ms. Jones since many of you have spoken to her on the phone or she has assisted you at a checkout desk. She makes $24,000.00 per year and is lucky she only has to support herself on that or would be asking the state for additional assistance. Ms. Jones health insurance had been costing us $4,448.00 per year. In July it will cost $8916.00 and in two years $10,990.00. Now if Ms. Jones worked for the school system her employer rate (that’s us) would only go to $5352.00. What is the difference? She is doing the same basic tasks. There is nothing unique in her qualifications. But in the schools she would be called a classified employee by the state but in the same job in a public library she is treated as certified.
This distinction is enough to drive me nuts! You must understand that I am one of the few employees that work in this library system who are required to be certified by the state. But Ms. Smith and all our other employees’ rates have doubled in less than a month because they have been misclassified. And there is no way I can call them something different to lower the rates for in state government a rose is not a rose is not a rose.
Please do not suggest going to the county for we have always gotten the best priced insurance in town. And we still will even after the increase. Yes, our insurance costs are less than what the county pays for its employees.
I thought negotiating the discounts on books was tough but navigating the treacherous waters of this economy is killing me. You are once again going to experience changes in how we operate next year. I just hope I can catch you in the stacks with a few books. We might be able to afford them.
Adrian Mixson
Library Director
Staff Picks: Grab a Great Beach Read!
Library Administration
Adrian Mixson, Director
Tourist Season by Carl Hiassen: Miami at its best. Where else can you find a novel opening with a water skier discovering a body while on the Miami River doing his thing or whacky environmentalists deciding the best way to stop beach growth is to do away with tourists. You will always remember Florida crocs after you put this book down.
Lisa MacKinney, Assistant Director
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones: A supernatural mystery with a little romance and a truly remarkable heroine. A fun new series.
Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler: For those who have experienced a less than perfect family vacation, this is for you.
Kathy Evans, Special Needs Library Manager
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress
Adult Services
Jeanne Hozak, Director
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Second Thyme Around by Katie Fforde
We’ll Always Have Parrots by Donna Andrews
Brian Hood
The Cracker Queen: a memoir of a jagged, joyful life by Lauretta Hannon
Ronda Sanders
Carrot Cake Murder (Hannah Swensen Mysteries) by Joanne Fluke: A murder takes place during a family reunion.
Blackshear Place Branch
Barbara Perry, Manager
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
Emily Braselton
The Princess Bride by William Goldman: My favorite beach read is “The Princess Bride,” by William Goldman. I’ve always loved the movie, and the book is just as amazing. It’s romantic, full of adventure and funny, a perfect summer book!
Circulation Services
Emily McConnell, Manager
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Murrayville Branch
Donna Peacock
Savannah from Savannah, Savannah Comes Undone, and Savannah by the Sea by Denise Hildreth
Technical Services
Linh Uong, Manager
Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson - The Undead series, book 1
Last Chapter and Worse: a Far side collection by Gary Larson
Rootabaga Stories by Carl Sandburg
Lara Wrightson
The Queen and I by Sue Townsend
Spout Springs Branch
Paige Mellinger
Savannah from Savannah, Savannah Comes Undone, and Savannah by the Sea by Denise Hildreth
Jim Rutland
Any books by these authors: Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, Stuart Woods, Harlen Coben.
Youth Services
Adrianne Junius, Director
Love the One You’re With Emily Giffin: This takes place in Atlanta and New York, perfect for any Southern glamour girl!
Beautiful People by Wendy Holden
Phyllis Haynes
Elinor and Violet: Two Naughty Chickens at the Beach by Pattie Beling Murphy
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
Jenny Wren
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin: Although the size of this book might scare off the casual reader, the story is fantastically compelling and fast-paced! Perfect for beach reading.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt: My pick for non-fiction light reading, this book provides a fascinating history of the city of Savannah, Georgia, combined with the modern events of a murder case.
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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