Changing Lives Through the Library

The Liberal Memorial Library will be celebrating National Library Week beginning Monday, April 14.

During the week-long celebration, the Library will be holding several drawings for stuffed animals, chocolate, candy and of course, books!

We’ll also have a jelly-bean counting and coloring contests.

And since this year’s theme is “Lives change @ your library,” let us know how our Library has changed your life. We’d like to know and let others know as well. You can write it down and we’ll post it up on the wall to share with others.

Also, if you’re unfamiliar with the Library, come on down and we’ll be happy to show you around. Just ask a staffer and we’ll be happy to give you a tour of all our services.

During National Library Week and throughout April, libraries host special events to highlight the unique role libraries play in changing people’s lives.

Today’s libraries can help you and your family discover a new and exciting world. Visit your library for computer resources for teens and adults, help with your job search, access to subscription databases, library-recommended websites and homework help.

You also can obtain information about how to become a U.S. citizen, bilingual resources and neutral financial information to help you make important decisions.

Libraries are an oasis if you are looking for adult education classes, or for a recommendation on the best books or e-books to expand your horizons. Open the door to change, visit your library!

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Putting the Spotlight on Magazines

Did you know that the Liberal Memorial Library has almost 100 magazines for you to peruse? –Most monthly, some quarterly, a few weekly and some bi-monthly.

The magazines run the gamut from entertainment, sports, home and garden, fitness, money/finance, news
food/cooking, men’s and women’s interests. There are also magazines for kids and young adults.

Current magazines can’t be checked out. You can only read them at the Library. However, we have back issues from as far back as a year to six months ago and you can check those issues out.

And if there’s an article you’re looking for in a magazine we don’t carry, we can probably get the article for you through interlibrary loan. We probably can’t get you the magazine but we can probably get you the article. So come down to the Library and I’m sure there’s a magazine for you.

Here’s a list of magazines that the Library carries:
AARP Membership (American Association of Retired Persons)
AARP News Bulletin
AARP the Magazine
American Girl
Americas (Spanish Edition)
Architectual Digest
Arizona Highways
Automobile
Babybug
Better Homes & Gardens
Boys Life
Car & Driver
ChickaDEE
Christianity Today
Cobblestone (Discover American History)
Consumer Reports
Cosmopolitan en Espanol
Country
Country Living
Country Woman
Crafts n Things
Cycle World
Discovery Girls
Ebony
Family Circle
Fortune
Fortune 500
Girls Life
Glamour
Golf Digest
Good Housekeeping
GQ Gentlemens Quarterly
Highlights for Children
Horticulture Magazine
Hot Rod
House Beautiful
In Style
Jack & Jill
Jet
Kids Discover
Ladies Home Journal
Latina Magazine
Martha Stewart Living
National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic Society Membership
National Parks
National Wildlife
National Wildlife Federation Conservation Newsletter
New Yorker, The
Oil & Gas Journal
Outdoor Life
People en Espanol
People Weekly
Poder Hispanic
Popular Mechanics
Popular Science
Prevention
Psychology Today
Publishers Weekly
Quilter's Newsletter
Ranger Rick
Readers Digest
Real Simple
Redbook
Reunions Magazine
Reunions Workbook
Rolling Stone
Saturday Evening Post
School Library Journal
Scientific American Magazine
Series Made Simple
Shape
Sports Illustrated
Sound & Vision
Southern Living
Southwest Art
Sunset Magazine
Taste of Home
Texas Highways
Time Magazine
Travel & Leisure
True West
True West Source Book
TV y Novelas
Unconventional Oil & Gas Report
Vanidades Continental
Vanity Fair
Vogue
Western Horseman

Now if you’re into the electronic age and don’t need the feel of paper flipping between your fingers then we have something for you. As explained in last week’s column, there is Zinio. It’s an electronic newsstand in which you can borrow and read magazines right on your tablet or computer. And you can keep them forever!

It’s a free service which patrons can access through the Library’s website at www.lmlibrary.org. Click on the Zinio link, choose a magazine, set up a couple passwords and you’re ready to read on a computer or tablet.

There's a wide selection of magazines on Zinio, including several that the Library does not carry.

Just remember, you need a Liberal Memorial Library card to use the service.

Here are some FAQs for using Zinio:
* You will need to create two accounts to use Zinio for Libraries. One account for the library portal where you can check out magazines for free and another account with zinio.com (or via the Zinio app on your mobile device) to read magazines and manage your library online.

* Both accounts must use the same email address in order to synch properly. If you create a Library Portal account using a different email address than your existing Zinio.com account, you can edit your Zinio.com account to change your email address on record to match
.
* Please be aware – You can only check out magazines for free via the Library portal. If you subscribe to any magazine directly through Zinio.com or the Zinio app – you will be charged for it.

* Zinio.com and the Zinio app offer “Free Samples” but these are not free magazines from the Library. If you choose to partake of any of these “Free Samples” you will be asked to pay for them after a certain number of issues.
Zinio.com may send you emails offering you the opportunity to pay for a subscription to a magazine that you receive through the Library portal. You do not have to pay for any magazine that you checked out through the Library portal.

For more information or any questions or any questions about our magazine collection or Zinio, come down or call the Library. We’ll be happy to help you out!

New DVDs bring Action, Laughs and Monsters to the Library

The Liberal Memorial Library provides plenty of opportunities for entertainment. One of the most used services is our DVD collection. Since DVD rental places in town have gone by the wayside, the Library has done quite a job in filling that niche.

 Not only do we have major motion pictures, but television series, documentaries, and instructional videos plus plenty for the kiddies and young adults. And just like with our books, if we don’t have a DVD you’re looking for we can try and get it for you through InterLibrary Loan.

Here are some of the new DVDs we have at the Library:

2 Guns – A DEA agent (Denzel Washington) and a naval intelligence officer (Mark Wahlberg) find themselves on the run after a botched attempt to infiltrate a drug cartel. While fleeing, they learn the secret of their shaky alliance: Neither knew that the other was an undercover agent.

Pacific Rim – When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

We’re the Millers – David Burke (Jason Sudeikis) is a small-time pot dealer whose clientele includes chefs and soccer moms, but no kids-after all, he has his scruples. So what could go wrong? Plenty. Preferring to keep a low profile for obvious reasons, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his supplier, Brad (Ed Helms). In order to wipe the slate clean-and maintain a clean bill of health-David must now become a big-time drug smuggler by bringing Brad's latest shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his neighbors, cynical stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston) and wannabe customer Kenny (Will Poulter), and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise teen Casey (Emma Roberts), he devises a foolproof plan. One fake wife, two pretend kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the "Millers" are headed south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang.

The World’s End – The third installment of director Edgar Wright's trilogy of comedies starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, following the successes "Shaun of the Dead" (2004) and "Hot Fuzz" (2007). In "The World's End," 20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hellbent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by Gary King (Pegg), a 40-year-old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their hometown and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub –The World's End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind's. Reaching The World's End is the least of their worries.

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The Library will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King’s birthday. You can still use the drop boxes to drop off your boxes and DVDs.

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There’s still space and time to sign up for our Cowboy party on Saturday, January 25th from 10-11:30 for children ages four and up.  Registration is required and you can sign up at the front desk or children's desk. Dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl and mosey on over for tons of fun!

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And don’t forget about our first Recipe Swap of the New Year on Monday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. We had such a good time last year, let’s make it bigger and better in 2014! Come on down and share your recipes with other foodies and aficionados that share your passion.

Graphic Novels can be "Super" Without the "Hero"

When you think graphic novels, you’re probably thinking Batman, Superman, Spider-man and Captain America. But graphic novels cover more than just the superhero genre. It can be fiction or non-fiction, comedy or romance, science fiction or western. Graphic novels can cover the spectrum of genres.

If you’re looking for a graphic novel that is different and a little more challenging, the Library has something for you. And graphic novels run the gamut – in terms of age – from children to young adult to adult.

Check out these new graphic novels at the Library.

Maus by Art Spiegelman is definitely not for kids. It may look like a kid’s book with mice and pigs and cats, but it’s not. The book tackles the subject of the Holocaust and survival in a concentration camp in graphic novel form. The characters are portrayed as animals – Jews are mice, Poles pigs, Germans cats, Americans dogs, and French frogs.

Boxers (Boxers & Saints) by Gene Luen Yang is a story about China’s Boxer Rebellion in the late 19^th century.

In 1898 China, bands of foreign missionaries and soldiers roam the countryside, bullying and robbing Chinese peasants. Little Bao has had enough. Harnessing the powers of ancient Chinese gods, he recruits an army of Boxers - commoners trained in kung fu who fight to free China from "foreign devils." Against all odds, this grass-roots rebellion is violently successful. But nothing is simple. Little Bao is fighting for the glory of China, but at what cost? So many are dying, including thousands of "secondary devils" – Chinese citizens who have converted to Christianity.

For something more traditional, Batman: Death of the Family depicts the return of the Joker and his twisted plan to gain revenge against not only Batman, but his super-hero family. Does the Joker actually succeed? It’s a suspense-filled, thrill ride right down to the final pages.

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If you’re into romance, we’ve got what you’re looking for. The Library recently received the entire six-book Harmony series written by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Jodi Thomas. The series takes place in the small town of Harmony, Texas where you’ll read about the romance and escapades of its citizens. The books are: Welcome to Harmony, Somewhere Along the Way, The Comforts of Home, Just Down the Road, Chance of a Lifetime and Can't Stop Believing.

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We’re having a book sale from Thursday, December 5 to Saturday, December 7. The book sale will be open during Library hours. There will be hundreds of books for sale – fiction and non-fiction and hardcover, paperback and large print. Hardcovers will be 10 cents while paperbacks will be five cents. First come, first serve with no reserves or holds.

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Don’t forget about our annual Gingerbread House Decorating event. Kids from to 4-11 can come down to the Library and decorate gingerbread houses for free! The event is on December 14 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sign-ups are required and begin on Monday, December 2.

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Musical events return to the Library in December with a Bell Ensemble and the Redskin Singers.

A Bell Ensemble will grace the Library with an assortment or holiday and instrumental music through the bells on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. Among the songs being played include Angels we Have Heard on High, Carol of the Bells, and Amazing Grace.

The Redskin Singers return to the Library once again for their annual presentation on Thursday, December 12 at 7:10 p.m. Come down and listen to the some traditional and not-so-traditional holiday fare from the local youth at Liberal High School.

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The Library will be closed until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3^rd. We will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. All due items can still be returned through the drop boxes.

Music soothing the community at Liberal Memorial Library

Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,
To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.

I've read, that things inanimate have mov'd,
And, as with living Souls, have been inform'd,
By Magick Numbers and persuasive Sound.
What then am I? Am I more senseless grown
Than Trees, or Flint? O force of constant Woe!
'Tis not in Harmony to calm my Griefs.
Anselmo sleeps, and is at Peace; last Night
The silent Tomb receiv'd the good Old King;
He and his Sorrows now are safely lodg'd
Within its cold, but hospitable Bosom.
Why am not I at Peace?

--William Congreve, in The Mourning Bride, 1697

In this complicated world of ours, lately, it seems hard to find commonality. However, one thing that we can agree on is that music and song has a place in all of our lives. Whether that music is pop, rock, country, rap or classical, there is something on the music spectrum that we all enjoy and brings us all together.

The Liberal Memorial Library hosted two musical performances last month – the Swingin’ Saints Jazz Band and Scenic Roots. You couldn’t have two more diverse music styles between the two, but the community came out in force and supported both groups.

The Swingin’ Saints Jazz Band, under the direction of Seward County Community Instrumental Music Instructor Darin Workman and comprised of 14-18 community and student musicians, took the community back to the days when Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman were the kings of swing and ruled the music world.

Trombones, trumpets, and saxophones along with the piano, drums and bass brought the swing era back to Liberal as the community brought their lawn chairs and gathered out in front of the Library and listened to great music.

Scenic Roots is the sister duo of Erin and Amber Rogers from Concordia. Their music is a little bit different from the swing band, but no less toe-tapping or inspiring – it’s old fashioned bluegrass with banjos, guitars and dulcimers. The community welcomed them with open arms and packed the Library.

While the Library will take a break from the musical scene this month, we’ll kick it back up again in December. The First United Methodist Church Bell Ensemble will grace the Library with an assortment or holiday and instrumental music through the bells on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m.

And a tradition continues, as the Library will once again play host to the Redskin Singers on Thursday, December 12 at 7:10 p.m.

Even though my esteemed colleague Doreen Wright wrote about this last week, it bears mentioning once again. The Liberal Memorial Library, in partnership with Southwest Kansas Library System, member libraries, and RBdigital from Recorded Books, is pleased to offer Zinio for Libraries.

It’s a free service which patrons can access through the Library’s website at www.lmlibrary.org. Click on the Zinio link, choose a magazine, set up a couple passwords and you’re ready to read on a computer or tablet.

Zinio’s unique technology digitally recreates a magazine page for page, including full color pictures, intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive elements such as audio and video. (Insert “big name” magazines that library has) are just a few of the popular titles available.

Just remember, you need a Liberal Memorial Library card to use the service.

Events for November:

* Library and Lunch: The Silent Wife by A.S.A Harrison on Tuesday, November 12 at noon.

* Book Signing: You Never Know by Shyla Suddeth on Saturday, November 16 at 10 a.m.

* Hunger Games/Catching Fire party (middle school/teens) on Thursday, November 21 at 4 p.m.

* Book Chat: Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Two Librarians Talking

(This week we’re doing something a little different. This week’s column is a conversation between Casandra, the children’s librarian, and me. Enjoy the conversation.)

Phil:  What do you think a library is for?

Casandra:  Obviously, books.  But then, a library also gives people access to computers and the internet and information, entertainment (DVDs and popular magazines) and a link to the community (programing, a meeting room for the public and a place to just relax).   And it’s all for free. 

Phil: Growing up that's what I thought the library was only good for - books. I would go to the Library and find all the books I needed for my school papers - copy them and be on my way. But as got older I found the Library to be a much cooler place than that. I would go into the microfiche room and read old newspaper. It was so cool and nostalgic looking up the sports stories and movie ads of my youth.

You know the one that I want to push is that we're here to peddle information and try to empower people. The Library is a place of vast knowledge and the community is given the opportunity to unlock it.

One thing that does bother me a little is that people expect the Library to do everything for them. We're more than happy to help you out, but I think we're facilitators. What do you think?

Casandra:  Fair enough.  The library can't do everything for everyone.  But at the same time, if someone asks a question, I hope that I can give them a correct answer.  Not everything has to be a learning experience.  For example, if a kid asks how to spell a word, I won't hand him a dictionary and tell him to look it up. 

And I think that you forget that at the library you can be pretty anonymous.  Sure, you need the paperwork to get a library card, but you can turn off your borrowing history so that no one (not even people working at the library) can see what you checked out in the past.  We have self-checkout stations, so that you don't even have to show the staff what books you are checking out.  Your secrets are safe here at the library. 

Phil: Exactly. We're here to help, but to a point. We're here to point them in the right direction within reason. And you make a good point about privacy. We'll never give out information or discuss what a patron is reading. They shouldn't have to worry or embarrassed about what they're reading. What they're reading is their business and nobody else’s.

And they should be able to read whatever they want. Whether it's Fahrenheit 451 to Slaughterhouse-Five or Harry Potter.   
 

Casandra:  Seriously?  Fahrenheit 451?  If you want books that push the button, then that is probably the last book that I would choose.  If you want recommendations for racier, more controversial books, I have better ones that I could recommend. 

Phil: I'm sure you can. It is pretty amazing that those books have been challenged or banned. If people have problems with these books ... well I can only imagine what can come up with.

Casandra: How did we get from privacy to banned books? 

Phil: You’re right. I sort of went off on a tangent. As you know, I do that once in a while. But the bottom line is whatever you read or do at the library is your business as long it’s not bothering anyone else.

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The Liberal Memorial Library will host “Kansas Brewers and Breweries,” a presentation and discussion by Cindy Higgins on Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m.

As settlers streamed into Kansas, brewers set up their mash tuns and wort kettles when making beer was still an art and state prohibition a bemusing notion. Higgins will discuss these brewers of early Kansas, their role in their communities, and how they have influenced Kansas brewers today.

“Predominantly German, the first Kansas’ brewers were more than beer makers,” Higgins said. “They were culture custodians and entertainment sponsors who fostered a sense of community within the state’s many German enclaves.”

 “Kansas Brewers and Breweries” is part of the Kansas Humanities Council’s The Way We Worked Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and discussions examining the theme of work and working in Kansas and how these stories help define us. 

Higgins is a journalist and Kansas historian whose research interests focus on Kansas industry before technological mechanization dramatically changed work and labor in the early 20th century.

For more information, you can call the Liberal Memorial Library at (620) 626-0180 or you can visit us on the web at lmlibrary.org or check us out on Facebook.

The Kansas Humanities Council conducts and supports community-based programs, serves as a financial resource through an active grant-making program, and encourages Kansans to engage in the civic and cultural life of their communities.  For more information about KHC programs, contact the Kansas Humanities Council at (785) 357-0359 or visit online at www.kansashumanities.org.

Sign up for a Library Card at the Liberal Memorial Library

September is National Library Card Sign-up month.
Come down to the Liberal Memorial Library and sign up for a card today. It’s easy and free!

Here’s information on library policies and how to get a library card.

Liberal Memorial Library’s collection includes more than 77,000 items: books, audio books, DVDs, magazines, music CDs, reference materials, and puppets, through the Kansas Library Card.

Library cards are free to all residents of Kansas. Out-of-state residents are also eligible.

All library patrons over the age of 18 MUST present a government-issued form of identification and a utility bill.

Library cards are sent through the United States Postal Service to library patrons and should arrive within one week of application.

A patron cannot check out items until they receive their card in the mail.

Children are entitled to the same check out privileges as adults. They must have a parent or guardian present to get a library card. This parent or guardian will be held responsible for the safe return of all library property and any fines or fees that are accrued.

The staff asks that parents or guardians monitor the appropriateness of library materials that their children borrow. The library staff is not responsible for making that judgment as individual families have different ways of deciding what is suitable for their children.

All materials in the library may be checked out for two weeks, except for DVDs which may be checked out for one week.

All library patrons must have their own library card to check out materials.

In an effort to circulate as many materials as possible a patron is limited to no more than 15 items: which may include four DVDs, six audio CDs (including audio CD books and music CDs), six magazines, one e-reader, and four interlibrary loan items.

Overdue items are $.10 per day except for DVDs which are $1 per day.

Materials may be renewed in person, by telephone, or online.

Most materials may be renewed twice unless another patron has reserved the item.
DVDs, pre-literacy kits, and items that have placed in the New York Times Bestsellers cannot be renewed.

A request for renewal of interlibrary loan materials must be made three days before the due date or they may not be subject to renewal.

*SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES*
Knitting sessions for Click for Babies: Saturdays on September 7 and 21 at 9 a.m.

Chess: Mondays in September 9, 16, 23, 30 at 6 p.m.

Affordable Care Act Watch Parties: Thursdays on September 12 and 26 at 7 p.m.

Family Place Library Workshops: Thursdays September 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Library and Lunch: Tuesday, September 10 at 12 p.m.

Dungeons & Dragons: Tuesday, September 10 at 4 p.m.

Spanish story time on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Mexican Independence Day Carnival: Saturday, September 14 at 11 a.m.

Teen Gaming: Tuesday, September 24 at 4 p.m.

Book Chat: Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Recipe Swap: Monday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on these events, you can contact the Library at (620) 626-0180 or visit the website at www.lmlibrary.org.

Noodles, noodles, noodles!

The Liberal Memorial Library will be going noodles on Monday night, August 26, at 6:30 p.m.

The Library will be hosting its monthly Recipe Swap and the theme is, you guessed it, noodles! And because it’s noodles, we’re going to have a special presentation. How special? So special that we’ve brought someone all the way from China to come to Liberal and make his world-renowned famous noodles.

The talented Tian Feng Shan will grace us with his presence and noodle acumen. Tian will be making Chinese noodles from scratch. Watch as he combines the ingredients to make the dough and then the fun really begins. Like a magician, he stretches the dough again and again and before your very eyes, noodles are created.

And afterwards we’ll sample the strands of deliciousness!!

So come down and watch all the noodle fun this Monday!

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The Liberal Memorial Library is offering another Family Place Library workshop.

The five-week program involves toddlers and their parents and caregivers; featuring local professionals who serve as resources for parents; emphasizing the role of parents as the first teachers of their children; facilitating early intervention; and teaching strategies for healthy child development and early literacy.

The five-week workshop begins on August 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library, running every Thursday through September 26.

Some of the local professionals who will be attending the program include Diane Hensley, the parent and family liaison for USD 480, Jan Nondorf, the executive director of PACT, Parents and Children Together and Susan Lukwago, a nutritionist with the Seward County Health Department, plus others.

The program is open and free to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. 

The Family Place Library workshop this past spring had over 15 families and 40 children attend.

The Family Place Library give parents and caregivers an additional place for children, between the ages of zero and five, to play, read and socialize with other children. Parents can interact with their kids through play, get answers to their parenting questions and meet other parents.

And remember, Family Place Library is fun and not just a workshop where parents come and listen. 

For more information about Family Place Library and the workshops, come down to the Library or call (620) 626-0180.

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Attention! Attention! Calling all knitters and crocheters! The Liberal Memorial Library is once again “knitting” to raise awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking an infant.

The Library is participating in the CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps campaign, which invites knitters and crocheters to make purple colored baby caps.

 

This year, there will be a series of “knit ins” held Saturdays during September. The dates are September 7 and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The public is invited to come and make baby caps. We’ll supply the yarn and serve snacks and refreshments.

The caps will be donated to Kansas Children’s Service League who will distribute them in November and December to new babies by hospitals and birthing centers across the state.

Last year, the Liberal Memorial Library donated close to 100 caps to the cause.

For more information about the CLICK for Babies campaign, including patterns for caps, guidelines and details about the national campaign are available at www.CLICKforbabies.org.

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Don’t forget that the Library has Tumblebooks, which are e-books with audio for kids.  Children can read along, or just have the book read to them.  All books play directly in your internet browser window, so there is no software or files to download to your computer. Additionally, Tumblebooks has been set up so that no login is required to access our account.

Just go to our website, lmlibrary.org, and click on the Tumblebooks icon.

There are no limits to how many books or other materials you use on Tumblebooks. 

Most materials will be for children elementary grades 2-3 and younger, though older students may enjoy access to classic stories like Anne of Green Gables or The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood.

Other options and materials:

• Reading comprehension quizzes and games (word searches, puzzles) for most books.  Some of these features do not yet work for mobile access, but that is coming soon. 
• Videos, most commonly associated with non-fiction books.  Example: Meet the Meerkat has a short video provided by National Geographic.  
• Language Learning section contains picture books translated into other languages.  There are currently books in Spanish, French, Chinese, and Russian. 
• Playlist feature--add multiple titles to a playlist for uninterrupted storytime on your computer! 

Databases are hidden gems at the Library

One of the hidden gems of the Library is our access to the Kansas State Library databases. It is one of the most valuable resources that the Library has to offer. The information that you can find is vast and right at your fingertips.

How do you find the databases? It’s easy. Log in to a computer, go online and get to the library web page at lmlibrary.org. Then right below the banner on top of the page, you’ll see several categories across the page. Move the mouse to online databases and a drop down menu will appear. You’ll see Databases for Kansas Residents, click on it and then you’re off.

Here are some of the resources you’ll find in the databases.

GENERAL RESEARCH

* MasterFile Premier: Delivers articles, reference books, and an extensive image collection for every subject area, including access to Consumer Reports.
* Academic Search Premier: Scholarly multi-disciplinary research database.
* Student Research Center: Browse or search topics from current events to art to math. Includes biographies and images.
* Newspaper Source Plus: Access full articles from over 850 newspapers. This database now includes transcripts of television and radio news.
* Kansas Periodical Index: Find articles in 14 current and discontinued Kansas publications, 2002-2012. The index contains citations only, no full-text or links to articles.
* Encyclopedia Britannica Online (select a version):

Public Library Edition
Academic Library Edition
School Library Editions

EN ESPAÑOL


* Mango: Aprendizaje de idiomas, incluye ingles para hispanohablantes. Folleto en español.
* Learning Express: Incluye recursos para hispanohablantes y preparación para examen de ciudadania Estados Unidos de América.
* MedicLatina: Colección de revistas especializadas en la investigación médica, en español nativo.
* Fuente Academica: más de 450 publicaciones académicas de América Latina, Portugal y España que cubren todas las áreas temáticas principals. La base de datos se actualiza semanalmente.
* Enciclopedia Britannica: Enciclopedia Moderna para adultos y estudiantes y Britannica Escolar Online para estudiantes de 6 a 12 años de edad.

TEACHER/LIBRARIAN PROFESSIONAL SOURCES

* ERIC (Education Resource Information Center): Online digital library of education research and information sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education.
* Professional Development Collection: Education journals and reports.

LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts).


LEARNING MODULES

* Mango: Courses in over 40 languages (basic & complete lessons available). Creating a username and password is optional, but doing so will allow you to pick up where you left off between learning sessions.
* LearningExpress: Learning Centers by subject (up to college level), computer software tutorials, and practice tests for college and occupational exams and the GED. The Job & Career Accelerator section provides help with resumes, interview skills, and exploring occupations.

BOOKS

* Kansas EZ Library: Learn to use the statewide digital audiobooks and ebooks library on your home computer or mobile device.
* EBSCO Book Collection: Non-fiction: Online access to a variety of non-fiction for all ages. Books are read within your internet browser.
* NoveList: Explore authors or a specific book to discover read-a-like recommendations, book discussion guides, reviews, and more.
* Literary Reference Center: Browse and search full-text of literary works alongside journal articles, author biographies, and reviews.
* Kansas Library Catalog: Search materials held at libraries across Kansas. If you are interested in borrowing an item found in this catalog, please contact your local school or public library for Interlibrary Loan. Mobile Device Access Link (no flash)
* Talking Books Catalog: Books, magazines and other materials available to qualified patrons through the Talking Books Program.
* WorldCat (OCLC): Catalog of library holdings worldwide.


POPULAR TOPICS

* Auto Repair Reference Center: Access to repair, maintenance, and service information.
* HeritageQuest: Genealogical resource to search federal census records (1790-1930), family and local histories, and more.
* Genealogy Connect: Collection of nearly 600 genealogy research and reference publications in searchable PDF format.
* History Reference Center: Articles, full text of historical documents, biographies, historical photos, maps, and videos.
* Kansas History, Territorial through Civil War Years, 1854-1865: Expansive and unique collection of historical documents that include personal narratives and memoirs, pamphlets and political speeches, sermons and songs, legal treatises and children's books.
* Art Full Text: Database specializing in fine, decorative and commercial art, folk art, photography, film, and architecture.
* Legal Collection: Journals covering current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world.
* Agricola: Research agricultural information dating back to 1970. Contains records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Library.
* GreenFile: Scholarly, government and general-interest titles covering all aspects of human impact to the environment.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL

* Consumer Health Complete: Browsable medical database including drug information, topic fact sheets, medical dictionaries, and ebooks.
* MEDLINE: Information on medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, and more. Created by the National Library of Medicine.
* ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health: Research nursing, allied health, alternative & complementary medicine topics.

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY

* Small Business Reference Center: Business basics, start-up kits, industry information, and access to ebooks on a variety of business and career topics.
* Business Source Premier: Coverage in all disciplines of business, including marketing, management, accounting, finance and economics.
* Computer Source: Latest information and trends in technology.
* Vocational & Career Collection: Created for technical schools, this collection covers trade and industry journals.

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SUMMER READING ACTIVITIES FOR THIS UPCOMING WEEK:

(All activities are free and open to the public.)

Lunch and Library will be held on Tuesday, June 11 at noon in the Cooper Clark Room. The book "Where’d You Go, Bernadette" by Maria Semple will be discussed.

Did you know that underground tunnels exist beneath us on Main Street? Find out more from Lidia Hook Gray on Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m. We’ll head underground, take a look at a local business and learn a little history about the buildings and tunnels that are connected to one another.

The Liberal Memorial Library and Dr. Patrick Ross of Southwestern College present “Life in A Dirt Cup” on Wednesday, June 12 at 4 p.m. You’ll find out that soil is more than just dirt, but a living ecosystem with a diverse array of inhabitants. And you might even get to make your own soil from basic ingredients and predict what is needed to make soil that is good for different types of organisms.

Unleash your inner hero as we delve into the magical world of Dungeons and Dragons with Brad Kearn on Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. Learn about how you can guide your heroes through quests for treasure, battles with deadly foes, daring rescues, courtly intrigue, and much more. We’ll also be serving pizza and lemonade.

Join us for a movie on Friday, June 14 at 2 p.m. Star-crossed garden gnomes have obstacles to overcome when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness? Popcorn and lemonade will be served.

Find out what’s Beneath the Surface at the Liberal Memorial Library

Summer Reading begins this upcoming week at the Liberal Memorial Library! Activities and programs kick things off on Tuesday, May 28 and programs and activities will run through the end of June. And if you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for?!

In last week’s column, we let you know what was going on with the children’s portion of summer reading. But the fun’s not limited just to the kiddies this summer. There’s plenty of fun stuff for the teens as well.

So what are we going to do? We’re going to find out what’s Beneath the Surface this summer. That’s the theme: Beneath the Surface. We’re going to take it figuratively and literally.

Here’s a list of activities for the teen/young adult summer reading program:

* We will kick things off with a movie on Wednesday, May 29 at 4 p.m. A scientist whose radical theories have completely tarnished his reputation goes backpacking across Iceland and finds a cave that leads him deep down into the bowels of the planet. He discovers a fantastic and dangerous lost world in the center of the earth filled with bizarre landscapes and terrifying creatures.

* It’s time to unleash some energy and join us for Zumba on Thursday, May 30 at 3 p.m. Zumba fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation, blending upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration!

* Join us as we explore wild and crazy hairstyles courtesy of the SCCC/ATS Cosmetology Department on Wednesday, June 5th at 1:30 p.m. Express your true self with a hairstyle that matches your personality. Maybe it’s big hair? Or perhaps a mohawk? How about a beehive? Learn about the out of control hairstyles through the years.

* Did you know that underground tunnels exist beneath us on Main Street? Find out more from Lidia Hook Gray on Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m. We’ll head underground, take a look at a local business and learn a little history about the buildings and tunnels that are connected to one another.

* Unleash your inner hero as we delve into the magical world of Dungeons and Dragons with Brad Kearn on Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. Learn about how you can guide your heroes through quests for treasure, battles with deadly foes, daring rescues, courtly intrigue, and much more. That’s Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. See you at the Library.

* Join us for Tai-Chi as we find serenity in motion on Wednesday, June 19 at 4 p.m. Terri Barnes introduces us to the art of Tai Chi. She will help us meditate through movement as we connect our mind and body through gentle activity. That’s Wednesday, June 19 at 4 p.m. See you at the Library!

* We’ll take a look at Mermaid Art on Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m. Susan Copas leads us through a wondrous art adventure with the mystical and magical creatures known as mermaids. In the end, you’ll have created your own mermaid masterpiece. That’s Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m. See you at the Library!

* Join us for yoga as we find self-awareness and inner peace on Wednesday, June 26 at 4 p.m. Alli Lyon introduces us to yoga, which is more than stretching exercises. It is also about creating balance in the body through the development of both strength and flexibility. Relax and find your spiritual self. See you at the Library!

And remember, it’s more than just books for young adults (and everyone else) during the summer reading program.

***

Just, that we do have a Kindle Fire available for check out.

If you’ve always wanted to see what a tablet can do, here’s your chance to find out first hand. Here’s a great opportunity to check out the wonders of what a tablet can do. You can surf the web, read a book, watch a video and do so much more.

All you have to do is come down to the circulation desk and ask for the Kindle Fire. Borrowers have to be at least 18 years old and sign a borrowing agreement adhering to the Library’s policies and terms for the device. Once you’ve done all that, you’ve got 14 days to check out one of the coolest devices around. (And don’t forget, late fees do apply!)

***

For the latest events and happenings at the Library, check out our webpage at www.lmlibrary.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/lmlibrary.

Comic Books: Not Just for Kids

You’ve come a long way baby. What am I talking about? Comic books, of course. And what about Comic books today? Well, they certainly aren’t your dad’s comic books.

These days, comic books have an air of sophistication. They’re complex and deal with real life situations, but still capture the imagination and fantasy that we crave and desire, that allows us to escape from the real world.

Comic books have evolved from the simple drawings and dialogue to the lush and detailed artwork and thought-provoking conversations.

In days gone by, when I was a college freshman, comic books were big a part of my life. How can a college student still reading comic books? How immature can you get? They’re for little kids. That’s what my roommate thought. He told a friend of mine in those hushed tones, “He reads comic books.”

Fast forward 30 years and it wouldn’t be out of line to say that comic books are well accepted. You’ll probably find just as many adults as youngsters reading comic books. In fact, publishers will have one character with several comic book titles targeting different age groups from little kids to teens to adults. The spectrum of comic books has grown wide and diverse.

I also credit the surge in comic book popularity to the silver screen. From the blockbuster hits of Spider-man, Batman, Iron Man and Thor, they made superheroes cool to everybody.

One negative thing I will say about today’s comic books is that, at times, they try so hard to be sophisticated, that they become convoluted. Some stories become so complicated because of the twists and turns and plots and subplots that it makes your head spin. Yeah, sometimes the KISS formula does work – Keep It Simple Stupid.

Okay, enough of my comic book diatribe. Let’s get on to the important stuff. The Library will be celebrating Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And what do you do on Free Comic Day? Give away free comics, what else???!!

We had such a great turnout last year and it was so much fun that we decided to do it again. And just like last time, we’ll have drawings for special prizes along with giveaways and of course, there will be free comic books!!!

This is a great opportunity to introduce your kids or re-introduce yourself to the wonders of comic books and check out what you’ve been missing.  So come down on Saturday, May 4 to the Library and pick up your free comic books while supplies last. 

                                                                        ***

Recipe Swap will be on Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cooper Clark room.

Every month we’ll have a different topic or theme. This month we’ll be searching for a little sweetness in our recipes as take on desserts. We’ll be sharing our favorite recipes for sweet delights.

And even if you don’t have a dessert recipe one or not really interested in desserts (as absurd as that may seem), that’s fine. Come on down anyway and meet people who want to share their passion with you – cooking. Hope to see you there!

                                                                        ***

Join us at the Library for “El dia de los niños – El dia de los libros” or Children’s day/Book Day on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m.

There will be stories, songs and games in Spanish for this special night time story time.

                                                                        ***

For the latest events and happenings at the Library, check out our webpage at www.lmlibrary.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/lmlibrary.

Looking for Answers? The Library can Help.

What is a library? By definition, “it’s a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale.”

What if you asked somebody on the street that question? The answer would probably be a place where you can read and check out books for free. Well, that was it back then. Nowadays, it’s probably more like use computers and the internet and check out DVDs.

But what I think people don’t realize is that we’re much more than that. The Library is a place of information and as librarians we’re here to help them get that information.

It seems that when people need help they turn to us. And it’s where people are directed to go when they need help.

And as one librarian said to me, “Well, duh! That’s what we’re here for.”

And I get it. We are here to help people.

It’s about people not knowing where else to go. It’s about people looking for help. It’s about people looking for answers. And that’s what we’re here to do. The Library will do the best it can to provide answers. A lot of people might be under the impression that the patrons looking for help are just lazy. They don’t want to do the work. They just want someone to do it for them.

There may be some that do, but most of them just want a helping hand. They may seem that they want you to do it all for them and they may not want to because they’re scared, but if you nudge them you’ll find that they actually want to learn how to use the resources the Library has to offer.

When you first get them started, it seems like they’re completely lost and they want you to do it for them. But then you realize that they simply need to gain confidence. They may look at you with a blank stare at first, but once you get them rolling, they realize they can do it themselves and they’re on their way.

Along the way, you’ll find that the patrons are patient and appreciative. They’ll start telling you about themselves and wanting to share their life with you. In the end, you’ll have they really don’t take you for granted. I think they really understand that the Library is a place where they can come in and get help. And the point above ties in to National Library Week and the Family Place Library.

We just celebrated National Library Week and wanted to show our appreciation to the community by giving out pizza for the teens and coloring books for the kiddies. We held events and drawings and gave away prizes.

We also continued with our Family Place Library program on Thursday. It was our second session of a five-week program. We had 15 families and 49 individuals join us for the workshop on “Parenting through Play”. The next session will be Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. with Kay Burtzloff, executive director of United Way.

These events point to the theme of National Library Week, which is “communities matter.” We want Liberal and the surrounding communities to know that you matter to us. And we hope that we matter to you.

***

Recipe Swap will be on Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cooper Clark room. Every month we’ll have a different topic or theme. This month we’ll be searching for a little sweetness in our recipes as take on desserts. We’ll be sharing our favorite recipes for sweet delights. And even if you don’t have a dessert recipe one or not really interested in desserts (as absurd as that may seem), that’s fine. Come on down anyway and meet people who want to share their passion with you – cooking. Hope to see you there!

***

Don’t forget that Saturday, May 4 is Free Comic Book Day. It was so much fun last year that we decided to do it again. We’ll have drawings for special prizes and giveaways and prizes and of course, free comic books!!!

***

And just a reminder, that we do have a Kindle Fire available for check out.

If you’ve always wanted to see what a tablet can do, here’s your chance to find out first hand. Here’s a great opportunity to check out the wonders of what a tablet can do. You can surf the web, read a book, watch a video and do so much more.

All you have to do is come down to the circulation desk and ask for the Kindle Fire. Borrowers have to be at least 18 years old and sign a borrowing agreement adhering to the Library’s policies and terms for the device. Once you’ve done all that, you’ve got 14 days to check out one of the coolest devices around. (And don’t forget, late fees do apply!)

***

For the latest events and happenings at the Library, check out our webpage at www.lmlibrary.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/lmlibrary

Children's Healthy Fun Fair

It’s that time of year again and you know what that means. The Children’s Healthy Fun Fair is coming up once again. On Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., lots of interested children, accompanied by their parents, will be making their way to the Ag Building on the Seward County Fairgrounds to join in the festivities. Each year the Fair offers fun activities, healthy snacks, great giveaways, and helpful information to attendees, all free of charge.

The event, which is geared for children from preschool to sixth grade, but open to all ages, focuses on the health and well-being of children through exhibits, activities, healthy snacks and lots of great information. It is open to the public with free admission.

The Children's Healthy Fun Fair started out in 2004 at the Liberal Memorial Library, but has grown so large over the years that it has moved to the Ag Building. The event has drawn over 30 participating agencies and 600-plus attendees.

Some of the activities have included fingerprinting with free fingerprint kits for parents to take home and complete for each of their children, basketball, bowling, X-box Kinect and Wii Fit.

All of these activities and information provided by the participants are intended to help the health and well-being of children not only physically, but to help them be aware of a healthy environmental surrounding as well.

Participants in the Children’s Healthy Fun Fair include: Seward County Health Dept., Southwest Guidance Center, PACT, SCCC/ATS Respiratory Therapy students, UMMAM, USD 480 preschool, Liberal Police Department, Liberal and Seward County Fire Departments, Liberal Parks & Rec, Saint Francis Community Services and many, many more.

For more information on the Children’s Healthy Fun Fair, you can contact the Library at (620) 626-0180.

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The Library will be holding its monthly Recipe Swap on Monday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cooper Clark room. Every month we’ll have a different topic or theme. This month we’ll be searching for a little green in our recipes as we look ahead and focus on a meal for St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll be sharing our favorite recipes from the Emerald Isle – Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew and many others.

And even if you don’t have an Irish recipe one or not really interested in that type of cuisine, that’s fine. Come on down anyway and meet people who want to share their passion with you – cooking. Hope to see you there!

                                                                     ***

And just a reminder, that we do have a Kindle Fire available for check out.
If you’ve always wanted to see what a tablet can do, here’s your chance to find out first hand. Here’s a great opportunity to check out the wonders of what a tablet can do. You can surf the web, read a book, watch a video and do so much more.

All you have to do is come down to the circulation desk and ask for the Kindle Fire. Borrowers have to be at least 18 years old and sign a borrowing agreement adhering to the Library’s policies and terms for the device. Once you’ve done all that, you’ve got 14 days to check out one of the coolest devices around. (And don’t forget, late fees do apply!)

                                                                      ***

For the latest events and happenings at the Library, check out our webpage at www.lmlibrary.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/lmlibrary.