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Popular Books And DVDs You Can Catch Up With This Memorial Day Weekend

05/24/2013

Are you looking for something to read or watch this Memorial Day weekend?

Here’s your chance to discover some popular materials you might have missed from last year’s releases.

Check out the books and DVDs we recommend that are available through your Lorain Public Library System.

List Compiled by Valerie Smith

Lorain Public Library System Public Services Coordinator

BOOKS – FICTION

CALICO JOE by John Grisham

This novel, a departure from his more well-known legal thrillers, is a surprising and moving novel of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption, set in the world of Major League Baseball. Whatever happened to Calico Joe? In the summer of 1973 Joe Castle was the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone had ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas dazzled Cub fans as he hit home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shattered all rookie records. Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher. On the day that his father finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren Tracey threw a fastball that would change their lives forever… (Also available in Large Print, book on CD, downloadable audiobook and eBook.)

CAPTAIN VORPATRIL’S ALLIANCE by Lois McMaster Bujold

Captain Ivan Vorpatril is happy with his relatively uneventful bachelor's life as a staff officer to a Barrayaran admiral. Cousin to imperial troubleshooter, Miles Vorkosigan, Ivan is not far down the hereditary list for the emperorship of a three-planet empire. Thankfully, new heirs have directed that headache elsewhere, leaving Ivan to enjoy his life on the planet Komarr, far from the byzantine court politics of his home world, Barrayer. But when an old friend in Barrayaran intelligence asks Ivan to protect an attractive young woman who may be on the hit list of a criminal syndicate, his chivalrous nature takes over. Danger and adventure have once more found Captain Vorpatril. Fans of the science fiction Vorkosigan Saga series had long been hoping to hear Ivan Vorpatril’s story. Finally Bujold delivered on that hope last year and provided readers with the witty and unpredictable “space opera” adventure that Ivan deserved. If you have never read novels in this series, don’t worry. This one can stand alone but will then impel you into wanting to read more about the whole Vorkosigan family. Start with SHARDS OF HONOR – YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! (Also available as a book on CD and downloadable audiobook.)

DEADLOCKED by Charlaine Harris

This was the newest novel in the series that spawned the HBO series, TRUE BLOOD. A young girl has died at a vampire party to which Sookie was summoned to attend. It looks as though Sookie Stackhouse’s lover, Eric, might be responsible for her death. Eric swears he didn't do it, the police don't believe him, and even Sookie isn't so sure. Nor is she inclined to take his word for it, not having caught him enjoying the victim's blood minutes before she was killed. (Also available as a book on CD.)

DEFENDING JACOB by William Landay

Landay’s legal thriller was named one of the best books of the year by Entertainment Weekly and was on the New York Times best sellers list. Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student. (Also available in Large Print, book on CD, downloadable audiobook and eBook.)

FAITHFUL PLACE by Tana French

Faithful Place is the highly praised third novel about the Dublin Murder Squad. Here the author takes readers into the mind of undercover cop, Frank Mackey, as he wrestles with his own past and the family, the lover and the neighborhood he thought he'd left behind for good. Frank stayed away from Faithful Place, his childhood Dublin neighborhood, for 22 years after his girlfriend Rosie Daly disappeared before they could elope together. Then someone finds Rosie's suitcase hidden in an abandoned house in that same neighborhood. (Also available as a book on CD and eBook.)

A GAME OF THRONES (A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, BOOK 1) by George R. R. Martin

Martin’s fantasy novels are enormously popular; starting with the first book in the series can get you hooked. Here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. (Also available as a book on CD, downloadable audiobook or eBook.)

GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn

This critically acclaimed suspense writer provides a masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. Amazon describes Flynn’s writing as a toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose and promises that this nerve-fraying thriller will confound you at every turn. On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? (Also available in Large Print, book on CD, downloadable audiobook and eBook.)

THE SHOEMAKER’S WIFE by Adriana Trigiani

Two star-crossed lovers--Enzo and Ciro--meet and separate, until, finally, the power of their love changes both of their lives forever. Set during the years preceding and during World War I. (Also available in Large Print, book on CD, downloadable audiobook and eBook.)

SING YOU HOME by Jodi Picoult

Zoe Baxter is finally pregnant after a 10-year struggle with fertility problems. When she loses the baby, she and her husband Max soon divorce. In time, she falls in love with another woman, and they decide to try for a child using Zoe and Max's frozen embryos. But Max's new pastor is vehemently opposed to the "homosexual agenda." (Also available in Large Print and as a book on CD.)

WHERE WE BELONG by Emily Giffin

Marian Caldwell has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door, only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves. (Also available in Large Print, as a book on CD and as a downloadable audiobook.)

WINTER OF THE WORLD by Ken Follett

Follett's Fall of Giants, the first novel in his extraordinary historical epic The Century Trilogy, was an international sensation. Winter of the World picks up right where the first book left off, as its five interrelated families enter a time of turmoil, beginning with the rise of the Third Reich through the Spanish Civil War and the great dramas of World War II, to the explosions of the American and Soviet atomic bombs and the beginning of the long Cold War. (Also available as a book on CD and downloadable audiobook.)

BOOKS – NONFICTION

HOW CHILDREN SUCEED: GRIT, CURIOSITY AND THE HIDDEN POWER OF CHARACTER by Paul Tough

A foremost New Yorker and New York Times journalist reverses three decades of thinking about what creates successful children, solving the mysteries of why some succeed and others fail and of how to move individual children toward their full potential for success. This provocative and profoundly hopeful book has the potential to change how we raise our children, how we run our schools and how we construct our social safety net. It will not only inspire and engage readers; it will also change our understanding of childhood itself.

KILLING KENNEDY: THE END OF CAMELOT by Bill O’Reilly

This book recounts the murder of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and how gunshots on a Dallas afternoon not only killed a beloved president but also sent the nation into the cataclysmic division of the Vietnam War and its culture-changing aftermath. (Also available as a book on CD and in Large Print.)

NO EASY DAY: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A NAVY SEAL: THE FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE MISSION THAT KILLED OSAMA BIN LADEN by Mark Owen

For the first time anywhere, the first-person account of the planning and execution of the Bin Laden raid from a Navy Seal who confronted the terrorist mastermind and witnessed his final moments. (Also available as a book on CD and downloadable audiobook.)

OPERATION MINCEMEAT: HOW A DEAD MAN AND A BIZARRE PLAN FOOLED THE NAZIS AND ASSURED AN ALLIED VICTORY by Ben Macintyre

From the acclaimed author of Agent Zigzag comes an extraordinary account of the most successful deception - and certainly the strangest - ever carried out in World War II, one that changed the prospects for an Allied victory. The purpose of the plan - code named Operation Mincemeat - was to deceive the Nazis into thinking that Allied forces were planning to attack southern Europe by way of Greece or Sardinia, rather than Sicily, as the Nazis had assumed, and the Allies ultimately chose.

THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: RECIPES FROM AN ACCIDENTAL COUNTRY GIRL by Ree Drummond

My name is Ree. Some folks know me as The Pioneer Woman. After years of living in Los Angeles, I made a pit stop in my hometown in Oklahoma on the way to a new, exciting life in Chicago. It was during my stay at home that I met Marlboro Man, a mysterious cowboy with steely blue eyes and a muscular, work-honed body. A strict vegetarian, I fell hard and fast, and before I knew it we were married and living on his ranch in the middle of nowhere, taking care of animals, and managing a brood of four young children. I had no idea how I'd wound up there, but I knew it was exactly where I belonged. The Pioneer Woman Cooks is a homespun collection of photography, rural stories, and scrumptious recipes that have defined my experience in the country. This book received almost 8,000 votes from the online Goodreads “Choice Awards 2012”. (Also available as an eBook.)

QUIET: THE POWER OF INTROVERTS IN A WORLD THAT CAN’T STOP TALKING by Susan Cain

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from Vincent van Gogh's sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie's birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, Susan Cain charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. (Also available as a downloadable audiobook and as an eBook.)

STEVE JOBS by Walter Isaacson

Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years, as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues, the author has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. (Also available in Large Print and as a book on CD.)

A THOUSAND MORNINGS by Mary Oliver

Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver returns to the imagery that has come to define her life's work, transporting us to the marshland and coastline of her beloved home, Provincetown, Massachusetts. In these pages, Oliver shares the wonder of dawn, the grace of animals, and the transformative power of attention. Whether studying the leaves of a tree or mourning her adored dog, Percy, she is ever patient in her observations and open to the teachings contained in the smallest of moments. This collection won more than 5,500 votes as best poetry of 2012 on Goodreads, the world’s largest website for readers and book recommendations.

WILD: FROM LOST TO FOUND ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL by Cheryl Strayed

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State – and to do it alone. She had no experience as a long-distance hiker, and the trail was little more than “an idea, vague and outlandish and full of promise.” But it was a promise of piecing back together a life that had come undone.

DVDs

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN

Unquenchably curious young reporter Tintin and his fiercely loyal dog Snowy discover a model ship carrying an explosive secret. Drawn into a centuries-old mystery, Tintin find himself in the sightlines of Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine, a diabolical villain who believes Tintin has stolen a priceless treasure tied to a dastardly pirate. With the help of Snowy, Captain Haddock, and bumbling detectives Thompson & Thompson, Tintin will travel half the world to find the final resting place of the Unicorn.

CHIMPANZEE

Tim Allen narrates this documentary about Oscar, a baby chimpanzee. At the start of the film Oscar is enjoying his life with his mother in the jungles along the Ivory Coast. Without warning, young Oscar is orphaned during an attack from a rival group of chimpanzees. Afterwards, he attempts to survive on his own, and be accepted by the other chimps. Oscar struggles until he is adopted by the alpha male of his group.

FLIGHT

A seasoned airline pilot miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on board. After the crash, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on the plane.

GAME OF THRONES, SEASON ONE

Game of Thrones, the first book in author George R.R. Martin's sprawling fantasy saga A Song of Ice and Fire, serves as the basis for this brawny, lusty series about courtly intrigue and civil war in a sprawling fantasy kingdom. TV and fantasy veteran Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings, Sharpe's Rifles) leads the massive cast as the warrior-noble Eddard Stark, who reluctantly assumes the role as the Hand of the King after the mysterious death of his predecessor.

HUGO

Hugo was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 5. Tells the tale of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. When Hugo encounters a broken machine, an eccentric girl and the cold, reserved man who runs the toy shop, he is caught up in a magical, mysterious adventure that could put all of his secrets in jeopardy.

LAWLESS

The true story of the infamous Bondurant brothers: bootlegging siblings who made a run for the American Dream in Prohibition-era Virginia. In this epic outlaw tale, inspired by true-life tales of author Matt Bondurant's family in his novel The Wettest County in the World, the loyalty of three brothers is put to the test against the backdrop of the nation's most notorious crime wave.

LOOPER

In the year 2074, the mob sends problem people back in time, where a hired gun awaits to eliminate them. Joe is one such hired gun, good at what he does. But problems arise when the mob tries to 'close the loop,' and Joe comes face-to-face with his future self during a hit. When Joe's future self escapes after he hesitates to finish the assignment, Joe must chase himself down and finish the job.

THE LORAX

In a place where the brown Bar-ba-loots frisk and the Humming-Fish splash around, you will find the Lorax. The Lorax speaks of the trees, which the Once-ler is chopping down as fast as he pleases. Will the Once-ler change his destructive ways and heed the wise warnings of the Lorax?

THE LIFE OF PI

Based on the bestselling novel by Yann Martel. A young Pi Patel, overcoming a cataclysmic shipwreck, finds himself stranded on a lifeboat on the Pacific Ocean with another survivor, a ferocious Bengal tiger, named Richard Parker. Upon release, Life of Pi became a critical and commercial success, earning over $600 million worldwide. The 3D live-action/computer-animated adventure film received eleven nominations for an Academy Award and won in four categories.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Old school grandparents Artie and Diane get more than they bargained for when they get stuck babysitting their type-A daughter's overprotected kids. But things go from hectic to hysterical when Artie realizes the kids are running the house with their newfangled technology. By playing by his own rules, which include sugary snacks, old fashioned games and tough love, Artie manages to outsmart the kids and achieve the impossible - bringing the family closer together.

PITCH PERFECT

Arriving at her new college, Beca finds herself not right for any clique but somehow is muscled into one that she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together. When Beca leads this a cappella singing group out of their traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mash-ups, they fight to climb their way to the top of college music competitions.

PUSS IN BOOTS

This beautifully animated fairytale with Latin flare was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. A story about the events leading up to the sword-fighting cat's meeting with Shrek and his friends.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY

In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live quietly among us. But when tenacious and tiny Arrietty is discovered by Shawn, a human boy, their secret and forbidden friendship blossoms into an extraordinary adventure. (DVDs – Television and Feature Release Films from 2012)

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman who was dispatched to kill her.

Get Deep Discounts On Books At Domonkas Branch Library This May

05/22/2013

Looking to buy books at great prices?

Score great bargains on books and other items this May at the Book Sale at Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch Library.

The Domonkas Branch Library is located at 4125 E. Lake Road, Sheffield Lake.

The Book Sale is open to the public and sponsored by the Friends of the Domonkas Public Library of the Lorain Public Library System.

The Sale will be open to the public:

Thursday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, May 24 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Penny-A-Book Day - Books are only a penny each this day, while they last!

A Preview Sale will be held Wednesday, May 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission to the Book Sale Preview is reserved for members of the Friends of the Domonkas Public Library of the Lorain Public Library System. New members may join, or former members may renew their annual membership that evening.

For more information, call the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410.

Shred Your Documents For Free At Our Main Library Saturday, May 25

05/20/2013

Shred it and forget it!

Don’t be a victim of identity theft. Shred documents you don’t need that contain sensitive information, like your Social Security number, date of birth, medical information, old tax documents or bank account numbers. Shred those unwanted credit card offers you get in the mail too.

Attend Shred Day at our Main Library in Lorain, Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Friends of the Lorain Public Library, Inc. are sponsoring this free community Shred Day event in the Main Library's parking lot, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain.

Personal documents, confidential papers, etc. will be shred on-site for you at no charge using equipment provided by the Shredding Network of Wickliffe, Ohio.

Please, only household paper will be accepted, no business waste.

Paper only is to be brought for shredding. Documents should not be bound. (NO BOOKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.) Pages should be removed from plastic folders, three-ring binders, etc. Do not include binders in your box of paper to be shredded. Please remove paper clips. Staples do not need to be removed from documents.

All paper documents will be put into toters (large containers on wheels). The documents will then be loaded into a mobile shred truck and shredded on-site. The shreds will then be brought back to the Shredding Network facility the same day. All shreds are baled and shipped to paper mills where they will be pulped and turned back into usable paper products such as cardboard.

For more information, call the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 254.

Meet The Breeds: Over A Dozen Dogs Came To Our Main Library In May

05/20/2013

Who let the dogs out?

The Lorain County Kennel Club brought over a dozen show or obedience dogs to Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library in May.

We hosted "Meet the Breeds" event Saturday, May 4.

The Main Library is located at 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain.

See photos of the spectacular dog show event! Video is also coming soon.

The breeds included a Scottish deerhound, a Portuguese podengo, an English mastiff and a pug.

Is a Samoyed just super, or is an Irish Setter the one to set you smiling?

These dogs had a few tricks up their fur.

One of the dogs even jumped through hoops for you!

Families had a barking good time.

Our North Ridgeville Branch Library Celebrated 10 Year Anniversary With An Open House Party

05/19/2013

It’s time to celebrate!

Lorain Public Library System’s North Ridgeville Branch Library marked its 10-year anniversary since opening at its current location on Bainbridge Road.

We celebrated by hosting a 10th Anniversary Open House at the North Ridgeville Branch Library on Saturday, May 4.

The North Ridgeville Branch Library is located at 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville.

The North Ridgeville Branch Library Open House featured music, giveaways, library history tours, a photo booth, a live broadcast by WEOL, refreshments and more!

See photos of the North Ridgeville Branch Library Open House party!

An enjoyable time was had by regular library patrons, and it was a great way for new visitors to discover what the Library has to offer!

The Open House, free and open to the public, was cosponsored by The Friends of the North Ridgeville Branch Library, Inc.

“We’re pleased that the community wanted the North Ridgeville Branch Library to grow as the community was growing,” said Karen Sigsworth, North Ridgeville Branch Librarian Supervisor. “This new library has helped us to better serve the needs of the families coming in,” she said.

The 10 Year Anniversary Open House celebration featured:

Keyboard Music - 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Photo Booth - 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dulcimer Music - 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All afternoon:
• Giveaways
• Light refreshments
• Library history displays
• Zinio free digital magazine demonstrations
• Craft for children
• North Ridgeville City Schools art exhibit
• Library tours in public and staff work areas
• A live broadcast by WEOL

North Ridgeville Branch Library History

Lorain Public Library first began providing service to North Ridgeville with a Bookmobile in 1939.

From a storefront in the Tran Building on Avon Belden Road, to the Old Town Hall on Center Ridge Road, to a 5,000 square foot former bank building at 6401 Jaycox Road, the North Ridgeville Branch Library has moved, grown and continued to evolve.

Thanks to the community's support of an operating levy in November 1999, the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF), and the donation of land by the City of North Ridgeville, a 27,500 square foot library building was constructed at the current 35700 Bainbridge Road site.

The Grand opening of the new building on Bainbridge Road was May 4, 2003.

Read the history.

Invest In Your Community! Support The Foundation Of The Lorain Public Library System, Inc.

05/17/2013

Lorain Public Library System provides free information, entertainment and technology like no other resource in Lorain County can provide!

Do you love your library? Take part in strengthening our local community by supporting your local Lorain Public Library System.

The Foundation of the Lorain Public Library System, Inc. is asking for your monetary support so the Library System may continue to provide its invaluable resources.

The Foundation of the Lorain Public Library System, Inc. was established in 2002 to build private and public support for a fully-funded Library System. The Foundation’s purpose is not to replace existing monetary resources, rather to provide supplemental funds.

Did you know?

Libraries spur community development and contribute to an educated and competitive workforce.

Studies have shown that for every $1 spent on libraries, $5 or more is returned to the community.

Here’s How to Donate:

The Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit. All gifts are tax deductible.

Your gift can be cash, stock, planned giving or a bequest. You may designate your contribution for a specific purpose. You may make a memorial gift.

You may choose to pay via check, PayPal or credit card.

Make checks payable to The Foundation of the Lorain Public Library System, Inc., P.O. Box 39194, North Ridgeville, OH 44039.

Or visit www.LPLSFoundation.org and click “Make a Donation.”

For more information, contact Joanne Eldridge, director of the Lorain Public Library System, at 440-244-1192, ext. 227.

Give To A Worthy Cause!

Funds raised by The Foundation are used to further the educational objectives of the community, support capital projects and sponsor special services such as literacy tutoring and reading programs.

The Lorain Public Library System’s funding is unique in the state. Most county-wide library systems are funded by county-wide levies. Lorain Public Library System is not part of a county library system. Our Library System is funded by levies in each community where a Library is located.

Lorain Public Library System is committed to spending levy dollars only in the community where they are collected. Therefore, funding for system-wide programs must come from state funds and private donations.

As state funds have been slashed, the need for private donations has never been greater.

Support The Foundation of the Lorain Public Library System, Inc.

Your generosity will help to ensure that your Library System remains a vibrant and sturdy foundation of a strong community.

It''s Children''s Book Week; Check Out The Books We Recommend.

05/15/2013

Children's Book Week is May 13 through May 19!

Check out the children’s books we recommend.

Read more about this annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading here.

Children’s Book Recommendations
Compiled by Erika Bobka, Children’s Librarian at Lorain Public Library System

• My First Day by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page (Ages 5-9)
Did you know that wood ducks are actually born in trees and jump to the ground shortly after hatching to find water? Steve Jenkins looks at the first 24 hours in the lives of 22 different animals in this simple, yet informative work of nonfiction. The detailed and interesting facts about each animal included at the end of the book will satisfy the curiosity of young nature lovers.

• Goodnight Underwear by Harriet Ziefert (Ages 5-8)
Everyone’s favorite bear in underwear is back in an all new adventure. Bear and his friends pack their sleeping bags, flashlights and their underwear (of course) as they head out for a night of camping in the woods. This clever and funny twist on the classic storybook Goodnight Moon will have kids laughing their pants off as bear and his pals try to survive a night filled with pranks, bug bites and stormy weather while trying to get a peaceful night’s sleep.

• Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman (Ages 4-7)
Chaos seems to ensue whenever tiny panda Chu lets out a spectacular sneeze. Can Chu make it through a busy day without sneezing and causing trouble? Adam Rex’s entertaining and detailed illustrations will have kids laughing along with the action in this sweet and silly picture book.

• Ol’ Mama Squirrel by David Ezra Stein (Ages 4-8)
Ol’ Mama Squirrel is fearless and will chase away anyone or anything she thinks might be after her baby squirrels including dogs, people and even airplanes! When a fierce and rather large grizzly bear comes to town, however, will Mama Squirrel have finally met her match? Kids will be joining in with a “chook, chook, chook” as all the squirrels in town gather to battle the bear in this comically illustrated tale.

Attend Two Student Art Shows In May

05/08/2013

We’re celebrating art and student artists this May!

Come out to Lorain Public Library System’s Avon Branch Library and North Ridgeville Branch Library during May for great student art show exhibits.

Read library location dates below.

Student Art Shows in May

1) Friends Of The Avon Library Student Art Show

Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon

On Display: May 1 through May 31

Come to the Art Show featuring works by local student artists! The art will be on display during regular library hours.

A reception for artists, patrons and friends will be held at the Library Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.

The Art Show is sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library.

For more information, call the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743.

2) May Art Show at North Ridgeville Branch Library

North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville

On Display: May 1 through May 18

Come view the North Ridgeville City Schools' annual student art exhibition that includes artwork from all grade levels.

The art will be on display during regular library hours.

For more information, call the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

Dig Into Reading This Summer With The Lorain Public Library System''s Summer Reading Program

05/03/2013

Get ready for our Summer Reading Program!

Our Summer Reading Program (SRP) fun begins with a Beach Party Kickoff Event on Saturday, June 8 at noon at Lakeview Park in Lorain (1800 West Erie Avenue).

This annual kickoff event, in partnership with the Lorain County Metro Parks, celebrates the beginning of Summer Reading as well as the start of the Lakeview Park beach season.

The fifth annual Kickoff at Lakeview Park will feature crafts, games, face painting and fun photo opportunities. The kickoff party will also feature a Construct-a-Saurus and an inflatable maze that is fun for the whole family!

Each library location will also have special programs to kick off our summer “underground,” so check our online Events Calendar for juggling programs, live animal shows or a fossil dig!

Beginning on Monday, June 10, stop in at any Lorain Public Library System location or the Bookmobile and pick up a reading record. Or print your own reading record at home by visiting our website at www.lorainpubliclibrary.org.

Dig Into Reading – Summer Reading Program for Children
Preschoolers through 5th graders earn a free book for every four hours they read. Plus, for every four hours read, you can enter a drawing to win your own portable digital microscope or an inflatable rock wall. One microscope and one rock wall will be given away at each location and the Bookmobile. Children who complete 20 hours of reading are also invited to a special ending program at each location, which may include an archeological dig, a puppet performance or more live animals! The Children’s Summer Reading Program is sponsored by a generous grant from The Stocker Foundation.

Groundbreaking Reads – Summer Reading Program for Teens
Sixth through 12th graders have their own program. For every five hours read, you earn a free book. You also get an entry into a drawing to win grand prizes! Four grand prize winners will be drawn at each location and on the Bookmobile. Special programs will be held for teens at different locations all summer including a life-size game of Clue®, a video game party, a recycled craft program and karaoke. The Teen Summer Reading Program is sponsored through generous grants from The Foundation of the Lorain Public Library System, Inc., Friends of the Library and Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, NA.

Groundbreaking Reads – Summer Reading Program for Adults
Adults will be enjoying “Groundbreaking Reads” at each of our locations as well, so stop in to see what prizes are available at your location.

2013 marks the 38th year the Lorain Public Library System has held a Summer Reading Program!

The goal is to keep everyone reading during the summer!

For more information on our Summer Reading Program, call any Lorain Public Library System Library or the Bookmobile.

Introducing Zinio - Enjoy Free Access To Nearly 100 Magazines

05/02/2013

Zinio™ calls itself the world's largest newsstand and the ultimate app for magazine lovers.

Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) is pleased to now be offering Zinio™ digital magazine collection to its library patrons!

LPLS patrons can now enjoy full digital copies of nearly 100 magazines through Zinio™ for free!

Access Zinio™ on the right hand side of our homepage at www.lorainpubliclibrary.org

Included are the latest editions of Consumer Reports, Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Marie Claire, Newsweek, ESPN The Magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Family Handyman, Harper’s Magazine, Cosmopolitan, PCWorld, National Geographic Interactive, Vanidades USA, O, The Oprah Magazine and many more!

So sign up for Zinio™ today and get started reading some of your favorite magazines online.

The digital magazines can be viewed on a Mac or PC computer as well as on mobile devices like the iPad and iPhone, and on devices using Android.

Creating A Free Zinio Account:

You must have a Lorain Public Library System library card and an email address to use Zinio™.

1) Log onto Zinio™ and create a LPLS library Zinio account by following the instructions.

2) Browse the magazines available for download and check out magazines.

3) You will be prompted to install the free Zinio Reader (app) onto your computer or mobile device and create a Zinio viewer account.
Enjoy your magazines!

*You must use the same email address and password for your Zinio viewer account that you used to create your library Zinio account.

Need more help?

Read more step-by-step instructions for creating and logging into your Zinio account here.

See also a video on Zinio step-by-step setup instructions.

Logging In To Your Zinio Account:

You'll log in to LPLS Zinio page each time you want to check out a new magazine.

1) Enter your email and password.

2) You will be directed to the magazines available for download.

3) Click on the cover of the magazine and transfer the issue to your library.

What makes Zinio™ so cool?

• As far as viewing and “borrowing” magazines, more than one person can take out the same magazine at a time.

• Patrons with vision problems will be able to enlarge the font sizes.

• You may view one page or get two pages to fill your screen. Pages are seen in full color.

• You are able to print pages exactly as they appear in the magazine.

• You are able to click on hyperlinks that direct you to new web pages.

• Every time you log on, the Zinio platform will remember the last page you read, across all your devices.

• Search for magazines by keyword, title or genre.

• There’s no need to worry about returning magazines. There’s no due date.

• To download the new edition of your selected magazine, simply redownload that particular magazine.

We are offering this service as part of our dedication to providing patrons with more ways to use our library services. The library is very responsive to the interests of our users, said Valerie Smith, LPLS Public Services Coordinator.

Happy Reading!

Read Poetry From The Winner Of Our Zombie Haiku Contest

05/01/2013

Matthew Greiner, a 6th grader from St. Anthony of Padua school in Lorain, is the winner of our Zombie Haiku Contest!

Congratulations!

Read his winning Haiku poem “Zombies.”

“Zombies”

By Matthew Greiner, 6th grader at St. Anthony’s

Here come the zombies
Rotting flesh and stinky breath
Gonna eat your brains

Our Zombie Haiku Contest

To celebrate May’s Zombie Awareness Month and April’s National Poetry Month, we held a Zombie Haiku Contest for 6th through 12th graders in April. The winner won a zombie prize, and gets the winning haiku featured during May on our website!

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry.

Haiku is an unrhymed verse form written in 17 syllables divided into three lines of five, seven, and five syllables.

An Educated Boater Is A Safe Boater: Attend An Ohio Boater''s Education Course At Our Columbia Branch Library

04/29/2013

Blue, sunny skies and warm temperatures are finally among us, and boaters are getting ready to hit the water.

Before you take your boat for a joy ride on Lake Erie, here’s a great opportunity for you to learn boating safety.

Sign up for a new exciting, educational boating safety course series coming to Lorain Public Library System’s Columbia Branch Library in April and May. A fee is required for materials – see below.

The Ohio Boater's Education Course, presented in four sessions by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft, will take place at our Columbia Branch Library:

Mondays April 29, May 6, May 13 and May 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Columbia Branch Library is located at 13824 W. River Road North, Columbia Station.

The fee is $5 for materials.

This 8-hour, 4-session course covers the fundamentals of boating and water safety.

Learn the basics about safe boating: the equipment required by the state, watercraft laws and navigation Rules of the Road. Also, receive instruction on basic safety, risk management and aids to navigation.

Come aboard for a learning experience that will keep you, your family and friends, and other boaters safe on the water this summer.

Preregistration is required. Call the Cleveland Watercraft Office at 216-361-1212 to register.

Gain Financial Wisdom With Lorain Public Library System

04/20/2013

Your Lorain Public Library System has the resources to help you effectively manage or invest your money, and help you build or repair credit.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, and April 20 through April 27, 2013 has been designated Money Smart Week @ Your Library by the American Library Association in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Money Smart Week’s mission is to promote personal financial literacy.

Books We Recommend
Compiled by Adult Services Department Staff, Lorain Public Library System

Here is a list of recommended books from our collection to aid you whether you’re looking to better handle or save your money; working to reduce your debt and repair your credit; whether you’re starting out in your financial life or hoping to build that nest egg.

• Personal Finance For Dummies by Eric Tyson (2012)

• Money Rules: The Simple Path To Lifelong Security by Jean Chatzky (2012)

• The Money Class: How To Stand In Your Truth And Create The Future You Deserve by Suze Orman (2012)

• How To Be Richer, Smarter, And Better-Looking Than Your Parents by Zac Bissonnette (2012)

• Smart Consumer's Guide To Good Credit: An Expert's Guide To All The Tools You Need To Get Good Credit In A Bad Economy by John Ulzheimer (2012)

• Teach Yourself Investing In 24 Easy Lessons by Ken Little (2012)

• The Debt-Free Spending Plan: An Amazingly Simple Way To Take Control Of Your Finances Once And For All by JoAnneh Nagler. (2013)

Websites We Recommend

Plus, check out this list of websites we recommend that educate on financial responsibility for every stage of life. Get help on consumer credit and loans; preventing foreclosure; investing in your 401(k); avoiding scams or identity theft; or knowing your rights and options when managing your student loans. Some links are in Spanish.

Community Leaders And Teen Volunteers Presented A Read-A-Thon At Avon Branch Library

04/19/2013

In celebration of National Library Week, over one dozen community leaders and teen volunteers read children’s books aloud during Avon Branch Library’s Community Read-A-Thon on Saturday.

And behind it all is a 14-year-old teen volunteer.

Maggie Lieb, 14, Avon Branch Library Teen Volunteer and Girl Scouts member, said she has been helping to organize this Read-A-Thon because she loves reading and helping the community.

The Read-A-Thon will also help Lieb as she works toward attaining a Girl Scout Silver Award— the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. (Cadettes are usually 6th, 7th, or 8th graders, usually ages 12 through 14.)

The Read-A-Thon, “It’s an opportunity to get involved with the community and help out other people,” said Lieb, the main organizer of the event.

Many came to listen to the reading of cherished children’s books at Lorain Public Library System’s Avon Branch Library’s Community Read-A-Thon Saturday, April 20 from noon to 2 p.m.

Avon Branch Library is located at 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon.

Many came to listen to teachers, family members, a principal and other community leaders read their favorite children's books in our children's area.

Hosted by the Avon Branch Library Teen Volunteers Group, our teen volunteers also read in between our invited guests.

The Teen Volunteer Group, created in May of 2012, currently has 47 teen volunteers between 6th through 12th grades. They help with the Friends of the Avon Library’s Book Sales and Bake Sales, and the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival.

The Read-A-Thon was geared for families with children of all ages, and appealed to both children and adults.

Leaders participating in Saturday’s Read-A-Thon included a middle school principal, a Cub Scout leader, a school board member, a pediatrician, council members, a school superintendent and a librarian.

Maggie Lieb is an 8th grade Avon Middle School student who’s quite active. She’s volunteered for the Avon Branch Library for the last two years, and volunteers at her church, Girl Scouts and area parades. She also plays the clarinet in her middle school’s concert band.

Looking to the future, Lieb said she’s interested in the science field of botany, and wants to attend Lorain County Community College.

The Read-A-Thon is meant to get children and the public as a whole excited about reading.

“The children get involved in the community, and they’re excited to read the stories,” Lieb said.

Our Main Library In Lorain Celebrated Its 55th Anniversary

04/15/2013

As part of National Library Week, Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library in Lorain celebrated its 55 ½ Anniversary since moving from its 10th Street building to its present Sixth Street location.

Two open houses were held to celebrate the new building’s opening. The first open house for the Lorain community was held on November 23, 1957. Then on April 18, 1958, another open house was held to which dozens of librarians from all over northern Ohio were invited.

We celebrated our 55 ½ Anniversary Celebration at the Main Library Thursday, April 18 at 6:30p.m.

The Main Library is located at 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain.

The Main Library may be marking its 55th Anniversary but the Lorain Public Library System celebrated its 100th birthday in 2001.

The evening of April 18, the Main Library celebrated this milestone with a brief history program about the Lorain Public Library.

Tours of the Main Library were given and refreshments were provided by Friends of the Lorain Public Library, Inc.

Looking Back on the Early Days of the Lorain Public Library System:

The Lorain Public Library Association was incorporated on April 22, 1901, and operated in rented quarters for a period.

In 1902, the Library trustees received a Carnegie Foundation grant providing $30,000 to construct a library building in Lorain. The cornerstone for the new library on 10th Street was laid on August 19, 1903.

But the Carnegie Library building was outgrown in the 1940s. In 1946, Lorain city voters approved a special levy to build the present Main Library building at Sixth Street and Reid Avenue. Construction was completed in 1957, and the move was completed toward the end of that year.

Lorain Public Library System celebrated its 100th birthday in 2001 with the addition of a child-scaled model of the Lorain Lighthouse in the children’s area and a wall mural depicting the city’s Lake Erie shore.

Come to the Main Library to see them for yourself!

In 2001, Lorain Public Library System also created its mascot Browser® and launched the new Bookmobile.

We Celebrated Day Of The Child With A Live Percussion Cultural Party

04/15/2013

Percussion performer and storyteller Baba Jubal Harris says learning should be a fun experience.

For over 30 years, he has been teaching and performing music throughout the United States and West Africa.

And he recently brought his lively, entertaining, cultural and educational music class here!

In honor of Day of the Child, Lorain Public Library System’s Columbia Branch Library presented energetic performer Baba Jubal Harris Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The Columbia Branch Library is located at 13824 W. River Road North, Columbia Station.

It's a great cultural, musical event rooted in West African traditions.

Families with children of all ages were invited.

Baba Jubal Harris, a Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio performer, shared dance, music and stories originating from West Africa that spread around the world, with plenty of opportunity for audience participation.

The event featured storytelling of folktales in between live musical performances using various percussion instruments.

See a video of a previous performance by Baba Jubal Harris.

Rooted in West African music and oral traditions

The live music program is culturally centered in the West African tradition of music, storytelling and dance.

Baba Jubal Harris said he explains in the program how West African folktales, storytelling traditions and music have spread to and influenced the rest of the world.

“Following the Slave Trade as it came out of Africa, the storytelling traditions, dance and music from West Africa, for example, spread to Brazil, the Caribbean and finally to the United States,” Harris explained. “West African music has influenced cultures all around the world,” he said.

Many music genres like gospel, beatbox and hip-hop have their origins in the rhythmic styles of West African music and oral traditions, he explained.

Harris said he brings instruments for audience participation including samba drums, rhythm sticks and a djembe drum, originating in the West African countries of Mali and Guinea.

A highly educational music experience

Children have loved learning to play percussion instruments with Baba Jubal Harris, often learning math skills, cognitive skills and social skills in the process.

“It ignites their imagination,” Harris said. “It allows them to express their joy in learning. I call it edutainment: learning and having an enjoyable time while you’re doing it,” he said.

Through his music classes, children learn about other cultures and “learn community values, values that are reflected in the folktales like honesty,” he said.

Harris said becoming more aware of other cultures is very important because “it expels myths, the negative things that people say about other cultures and breaks down barriers.”

Baba Jubal Harris’ musical experience

Baba Jubal Harris began his music training at the age of 14 when a local musician taught him how to play the Afro-Cuban percussion.

He is currently a master craftsman in the Ohio Arts Council - Arts Learning program, a traditional artist apprenticeship program.

Harris has been bringing the joy and excitement of music and percussion to children in Northeast Ohio schools, universities, art centers and festivals for more than 20 years, according to Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio.

He is the founder of the Inner Peace Drum Circle, an intergenerational percussion group in Cuyahoga County. He’s also a part of the Heart Beat Drum Circle.

Harris was born in Cincinnati, Ohio but he has also lived in various parts of West Africa including Gambia, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

In 2009, he received an Artist Workforce Fellowship from the Cuyahoga County Partnership for Arts and Culture.

He said he really enjoys putting on these musical performances.

“It’s a way to share peace and happiness with lots of people,” Harris said.

We Held A Zombie Haiku Contest For A Chance To Win A Zombie Prize

04/14/2013

April is National Poetry Month; May is Zombie Awareness Month.

We called all 6th through 12th graders to write a zombie haiku poem and enter it in our Zombie Haiku Contest!

Poems were dropped off at Lorain Public Library System’s (LPLS) Main Library April 8 through April 20.

The Main Library is located at 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain.

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry.

Winners will get a zombie prize and their haiku featured on our LPLS website during the month of May!

Good luck!

For more information, call the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 449.

Attend Training Sessions To Become A Project LITE Tutor And Help An Adult Learn Basic Reading Skills

04/01/2013

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity at the Library?

Becoming a Project LITE literacy tutor may be just right for you!

Many adults struggle with basic reading skills, and Project LITE tutors learn the skills to help them.

Project LITE (Learning through Investing Time and Energy) is Lorain Public Library System’s adult literacy program.

We are having a four-week series of classes to better equip tutors with the materials and techniques needed to work with adult learners.

Project LITE Tutor Training takes place at Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library:

Tuesdays, April 2, April 9, April 16 and April 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Main Library is located at 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain.

How does Project LITE work?

You can make a difference by teaching an adult how to read. Project LITE staff members train volunteers to become tutors capable of teaching others how to read.

Tutors are then matched one-on-one with students who want to learn how to read. Tutors and students devote about three hours a week to the reading program.

Meeting times are set at the convenience of the tutor and the student. Teaching materials are provided at no cost to the tutors.

To qualify as a tutor, you must be 18 years of age or older, have your high school diploma or GED, and attend the four free training sessions.

Tutors are asked to commit to four three-hour sessions of training, a total of 12 hours of training. Tutors and students are also asked to commit at least one year to the Project LITE literacy program.

Elizabeth Meadows, Library Associate and Project LITE coordinator said:

"The most successful tutors are those who enjoy reading themselves, and someone who is patient enough to help someone else learn to enjoy reading. It takes a lot of patience.”

And it can be a highly rewarding experience for both the tutor and the student.

“The tutors say they enjoy watching someone else learn,” Meadows said.

For more information or to register for the training sessions, call the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 443.

Get Connected At Lorain Public Library System With These Free Computer And eMedia Classes

02/25/2013

Become more tech-savvy and get connected at your Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) Libraries!

We are offering free tech classes for adults covering computers, the Internet, Microsoft Office programs, eMedia and mobile devices including eReaders and tablets.

See the class list for March below.

Can’t decide whether you want to buy a Kindle, Nexus or a Nook?

Come learn the pros and cons of the latest mobile devices.

Plus, bring your own device to learn about it or to troubleshoot a problem.

Arun Singh, LPLS Library Associate and Computer Trainer, is teaching many of these computer classes at our Libraries.

“These eMedia classes are more relevant than ever before,” he said.

Singh, who rejoined LPLS in November, holds a master’s in accounting, has CompTIA A+ computer certification and is certified in Microsoft Office technologies.

He previously worked at LPLS during the early 2000s for over eight years.

“It’s a great deal of satisfaction helping people learn,” he said. “And that’s what we’re about at the Library.”

Computer Classes For March At LPLS Libraries

Computers For Beginners
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Monday, March 4 at 3 p.m.
Get started here with the basics such as using a mouse, identifying computer parts and an introduction to the Windows operating system. This class includes an opportunity to receive a Certificate of Completion mouse skills certificate.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

eMedia
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Monday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Participants will learn about the various types of media - eBooks, music, audiobooks and more - that can be downloaded using the Library's Overdrive media, Bookflix and Freegal services. The instructor will demonstrate some of the commonly available-to-purchase devices that are now on the market. The participants will learn about the various kinds of eBooks that can be downloaded or viewed on one's computer.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

eMedia
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Tuesday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m.
Participants will learn about the various types of media - eBooks, music, audiobooks and more - that can be downloaded using the Library's OverDrive media, Bookflix and Freegal services. The instructor will demonstrate some of the commonly available-to-purchase devices that are now on the market. The participants will learn about the various kinds of eBooks that can be downloaded or viewed on one's computer.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

Word For Beginners
South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, Lorain
Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Participants will learn about the basics of typing and saving documents using the 2007 edition of Microsoft Word. Learn ways to format and print documents and copy and paste techniques. Participants need to be comfortable using a mouse to attend this class.
Preregistration is required by calling the South Lorain Branch Library at 440-277-5672.

Computer And Internet For Beginners
Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon
Thursday, March 7 at 3 p.m.
A hands-on introduction to identify computer parts and how the Windows operating system works. Also learn to surf the net, including how to use Internet Explorer during this hour-and-a-half workshop.
Preregistration is required by calling the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743.

Basic Email
Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake
Thursday, March 7 at 6 p.m.
Learn the basics of email, setting up your own email account, replying, forwarding and sending attachments. Hands-on practice is included. Class size is limited.
Preregistration is required by calling the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410.

Tech Help
Columbia Branch Library, 13824 W. River Road North, Columbia Station
Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Bring your questions to this informal session about the use of computers, tablets, eReaders, the Internet and so on.
Preregistration is required by calling the Columbia Branch Library at 440-236-8751.

Tech Help
Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon
Saturday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m.
Bring your questions to this informal session about the use of computers, tablets, eReaders, the Internet and so on.
Preregistration is required by calling the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743.

Internet For Beginners
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Monday, March 11 at 6 p.m.
Become familiar with Internet basics, visiting websites, and using Internet search engines to find information. Discover the most useful websites for accurate health information, etc. Learn about the LearningExpress Library service available through the Library's website. Participants must be comfortable using a mouse to attend.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

Facebook And Twitter For Beginners
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn the very basics about these popular social networking websites, including an overview of what they consist of, how to create accounts, and how to keep yourself and your children safe in these online environments.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

Facebook And Twitter For Beginners
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Tuesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn the very basics about these popular social networking websites, including an overview of what they consist of, how to create accounts, and how to keep yourself and your children safe in these online environments.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

Excel For Beginners
South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, Lorain
Wednesday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
Participants will learn about the basics of using the 2007 edition of Microsoft Excel to set up a spreadsheet workbook. The instructor will demonstrate how to input data, compose simple spreadsheet formulas, and choose layout and print format options. A limited amount of hands-on practice time will be available. Participants need to be comfortable using a mouse to attend.
Preregistration is required by calling the South Lorain Branch Library at 440-277-5672.

Kindle 101
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Library staff will be presenting information on using the Kindle eReader to download library books and providing basic tips and tricks on using the device in general. Come prepared with all of your Kindle questions.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

Email For Beginners
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Friday, March 15 at 3 p.m.
Become familiar with email account setup and use. Learn how to use the Library's online catalog. Have an opportunity to ask the instructor to demonstrate how to find information that you are most interested in locating. Participants must be comfortable using a mouse to attend.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

Word For Beginners
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Monday, March 18 at 6 p.m.
Participants will learn about the basics of typing and saving documents using the 2007 edition of Microsoft Word. Learn ways to format and print documents and copy and paste techniques. Participants need to be comfortable using a mouse to attend this class.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

Online Job Searching And Resumes
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Participants will be shown a variety of online resources available for job hunters. Receive samples of resumes and instruction on techniques for composing and saving resumes. Learn how to email resumes as attachments or input resume information onto websites.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

Online Job Searching And Resumes
North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Participants will be shown a variety of online resources available for job hunters. Receive samples of resumes and instruction on techniques for composing and saving resumes. Learn how to email resumes as attachments or input resume information onto websites.
Preregistration is required by calling the North Ridgeville Branch Library at 440-327-8326.

eMedia
Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon
Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m.
Participants will learn about the various types of media - eBooks, music, audiobooks and more - that can be downloaded using the library's OverDrive media, Bookflix and Freegal services. The instructor will demonstrate some of the commonly available-to-purchase devices that are now on the market. The participants will learn about the various kinds of eBooks that can be downloaded or viewed on one's computer.
Preregistration is required by calling the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743.

eMedia
South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, Lorain
Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m.
Participants will learn about the various types of media - eBooks, music, audiobooks and more - that can be downloaded using the library's OverDrive media, Bookflix and Freegal services. The instructor will demonstrate some of the commonly available-to-purchase devices that are now on the market. The participants will learn about the various kinds of eBooks that can be downloaded or viewed on one's computer.
Preregistration is required by calling the South Lorain Branch Library at 440-277-5672.

Tech Help
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m.
Bring your questions to this informal session about the use of computers, tablets, eReaders, the Internet and so on.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

Excel For Beginners
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Monday, March 25 at 6 p.m.
Participants will learn about the basics of using the 2007 edition of Microsoft Excel to set up a spreadsheet workbook. The instructor will demonstrate how to input data, compose simple spreadsheet formulas, and choose layout and print format options. A limited amount of hands-on practice time will be available. Participants need to be comfortable using a mouse to attend.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

eMedia
Columbia Branch Library, 13824 W. River Road North, Columbia Station
Wednesday, March 27 at 6 p.m.
Participants will learn about the various types of media - eBooks, music, audiobooks and more - that can be downloaded using the library's OverDrive media, Bookflix and Freegal services. The instructor will demonstrate some of the commonly available-to-purchase devices that are now on the market. The participants will learn about the various kinds of eBooks that can be downloaded or viewed on one's computer.
Preregistration is required by calling the Columbia Branch Library at 440-236-8751.

eMedia
Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain
Thursday, March 28 at 3 p.m.
Participants will learn about the various types of media - eBooks, music, audiobooks and more - that can be downloaded using the library's OverDrive media, Bookflix and Freegal services. The instructor will demonstrate some of the commonly available-to-purchase devices that are now on the market. The participants will learn about the various kinds of eBooks that can be downloaded or viewed on one's computer.
Preregistration is required by calling the Main Library at 440-244-1192 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 450.

Bon Voyage: Terri Frederick, LPLS Public Relations Officer

01/03/2013

Described by her colleagues as the hardest working, friendliest, most cordial employee they’ve known, Terri Frederick, has retired from the Lorain Public Library System.

Serving as the LPLS public relations officer for 24 years, Frederick leaves a deep mark in the library system as well as the local community.

“She put her heart and soul into that job,” said LPLS Director Joanne Eldridge. “She’s very conscientious, compassionate, positive, and genuine, and has great generosity,” she said. “We are well regarded in the local community because of her efforts.”

Accomplishments

Those efforts included grand-scale projects that greatly changed and improved the library system including working with volunteers to gain support for dozens of library levies, and helping to promote the construction or renovation of six system library buildings.

Frederick also worked on the dedication event for the Toni Morrison Reading Room at the Main Library in 1995.

“It was pretty awesome to hear her give her recollections of growing up in Lorain, and how the Library made an impact on her life,” Frederick said of the Lorain native and Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison who attended the reading room opening ceremonies.

For the library system’s 100th anniversary in 2001, Frederick said she was also grateful to have been involved in creating the library’s mascot Browser® and launching the new Bookmobile.

Collaborative endeavors she said, bring her great pride and gratification.

And efforts she reiterates were possible thanks to the dedication of many people including numerous library staff, Library Friends groups members, volunteers, citizens groups, The Foundation of the Lorain Public Library System, Inc., and other library supporters.

“They are so energizing to be around because they care so much about their community as well as the Library,” Frederick said.

This team work is precisely one aspect of her job Frederick said she’s always cherished.

“Small, dedicated groups of people with a vision, with commitment can really make a difference,” Frederick said. “I really appreciate working collaboratively.”

Library Changes

In over two decades, she has witnessed the library system experience great changes including a gradual shift toward nonprint materials, a growing and more diverse patron base, and dwindling state funding. She’s seen the library system’s growing trend toward eReaders, eBooks, and online use.

“I don’t get so hung up on what format that book might be in; my personal hope is that I can always have access to that material, that information in some way,” she said.

She’s also seen the Library transform from being primarily a provider of information and books to becoming a community place for entertainment, learning and connection.

And she’s seen LPLS become part of the CLEVNET library consortium that allows the library system to offer over 10 million items and one of the largest eMedia collections in the country.

“What I’ve appreciated about working here is that we are very progressive and we really try to listen to our communities,” Frederick said “This institution is amazing in what it offers.”

Library Journey

When she landed her job at Lorain’s Main Library in 1989, Frederick, a Lorain High School grad, said “it was like returning home.”

Born in Amherst and raised in Lorain, she grew up using Lorain’s Main Library, and its library branches on the East and West side of town.

Her grandma, an Italian immigrant who had to leave school after the eighth grade and made the Library her own university, first introduced little Frederick to Libraries and reading.

“My grandma used the Library then as her way to learn,” Frederick said, “She would say that nobody can take your education from you. So, our time together was usually spent around books and food,” she laughed.

Her love for reading and books also started as a young girl thanks to her family of avid readers and teachers including her dad, who was a teacher and a principal, and her stepmother, who was also a teacher.

Before LPLS, she worked in public relations/marketing and taught PR courses at Capital University and Lorain County Community College.

Having earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism and public relations from Kent State University, she started her professional career life in the advertising department at Lorain’s The Morning Journal.

A New Life Chapter

After retiring, Frederick said she looks forward to reading, using Libraries more for her personal pleasure, attending and even ushering at Cleveland Indians games, volunteering where she’s directly helping and serving people, and spending more time with her family.

She and her husband, Jeff, married 35 years, have two adult married children and two grandchildren. Their daughter, husband and two children live in Hope Mills, N.C., and their son and wife reside in Fishers, Ind.

But retiring has been a bittersweet experience; she said she will miss her Library family.

“I am surrounded (at LPLS) by people who are caring, have a lot of knowledge and are always willing to share,” she said of the library system staff.

Her colleagues say they will miss her.

“Terri is the most patient person in the planet,” said Debra Jackson, LPLS public services coordinator. “If everybody needed to learn something from Terri it would be how to talk to people cordially.”

Valerie Smith, who has worked at LPLS for 38 years and currently serves as the public services coordinator, described Frederick as a caring, committed professional.

“Terri has always been a delight to work with,” Smith said. “We all have appreciated her these many years. We will miss her caring and thoughtful personality, her patience with those of us who kept coming up with last minute urgent projects, and her high degree of committed professionalism,” Smith said.

Described also as a steadfast, passionate worker who goes above and beyond, Frederick said she’s enjoyed promoting the library system all these years.

“I am in an environment that supports learning, which is a basic value that I grew up with,” Frederick said “I also see every day how the Library touches the life of someone or groups of people.”

May Books and Libraries continue to take you on great voyages!

Best of luck Terri Frederick!

Bon Voyage: Debra Jackson, LPLS Public Services Coordinator

01/03/2013

Described as a hard worker, highly influential and an effective manager of large crowds, Debra Jackson, one of the longest serving employees at the Lorain Public Library System has retired after a 26-year tenure.

She began her career at LPLS as a children’s librarian and department manager and retires as the public services coordinator.

“She is a consummate professional, very rational, and very pragmatic,” said Terri Frederick, LPLS public relations officer.

Jackson has served in many roles at LPLS including the circulation system/operations manager, the liaison to the Lorain Auxiliary Police who provide the library security, and liaison to the CLEVNET library consortium staff.

LPLS is part of CLEVNET, allowing the library system to offer over 10 million items and one of the largest eMedia collections in the country.

Library Journey

Before LPLS, Jackson worked at a small local public library in Ohio where she also served as a children’s department manager. Before working for public libraries, she served as a school librarian in Minnesota.

She holds a master’s in library science degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Since high school Jackson knew she wanted to work in the Library world, and she has never worked professionally in another career.

Yet her interest in Libraries, books and reading extend to an earlier time; her family has been instrumental in molding her career path.

She comes from a family of avid readers including her parents, and of teachers including her aunt who was an English teacher, and a cousin who is a college English professor.

“My parents took me to the Library when I was a small child,” Jackson fondly recalls, “We come from a family that’s always been involved with books in various ways.”

Accomplishments

Helping the clerical staff through some of the major automation transitions is one of Jackson’s most cherished accomplishments, she said.

Through her involvement with a CLEVNET committee in 2004, Jackson helped train many library clerical staff on the new library automation system called Sirsi Dynix. CLEVNET trained in all, over 4,000 library clerical staff.

Sirsi Dynix, like an electronic library catalog, is the leading provider of automated system software that helps the Library track its collection and provides other library related services.

“We are well-regarded by the CLEVNET consortium because of her hard work,” said LPLS Director Joanne Eldridge.

Jackson said she’s also proud to have helped organize multiple well-attended, successful family library events.

Programs that she says left her cherished and humorous memories of the Library.

She organized the library appearance of Liz Hermann, from Cleveland’s Channel 43’s Kids Land, a popular show of the 90s; and of Cleveland Indians Pitcher Scott Bailes.

Jackson also worked on the dedication event for the Toni Morrison Reading Room at Lorain’s Main Library in 1995. The Lorain native and Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison attended the reading room opening ceremonies.

In standing room only, jam-packed family library events, Debra commanded the room ensuring the event ran smoothly in order, Frederick recalls.

“I have many memories of big programs that she was willing to take on and I’ve never seen anyone like her be able to handle a crowd so well,” Frederick said.

Library Changes

In over two decades, Jackson has witnessed gradual yet great Library transformations including dwindling state funding; a growing and more diverse patron base; and an increasing use of technology and nonprint materials including DVDs, audiobooks and eBooks.

“I don’t think (printed) books are going away. There’ll still be a place for them,” she said, adding she finds benefits to both printed books and eBooks.

Jackson has also seen the library system shift from being solely an information providing institution to also including a recreational role.

She advises others deciding to enter the Library field to “keep flexibility and an open mind because the changes are coming so quickly,” she said.

She’s also witnessed the growing patron usage of public computers whether it be the unemployed looking for jobs, creating resumes or filing for unemployment; the student completing homework and research; the patron filing taxes or, surfing the web for socialization and entertainment purposes.

“Public use computers are such a big deal here,” Jackson said.

A new chapter is about to begin in Jackson’s life, and she’s looking forward to among other things, spending time volunteering.

Library Family

Yet retirement can be bittersweet – she leaves her Library family.

“Debra has been a wonderful mentor to me,” said a teary-eyed Frederick, “She has been one of the most influential people that I’ve worked with here because she knows public libraries so well.”

Eldridge described Jackson as a hardworking, overachieving and conscientious manager.

“Debra and I are more than colleagues,” Eldridge said. “We’ve been to conferences together and we’ve learned so many things.”

Valerie Smith, who has worked at LPLS for 38 years and currently serves as a public services coordinator, described Jackson as a knowledgeable manager with broad experience.

“Debra’s terrific people skills and knowledge about our regular patrons has been invaluable to our library system,” Smith said.

“Her broad experience working as a librarian in a variety of Libraries and at different levels – such as children’s librarian and public services coordinator in charge of circulation services – has helped all of us do our jobs better,” Smith said.

Jackson said being surrounded by such a diverse patron base as well as new book releases have also made working at LPLS so enjoyable all these years.

And she loves how “Public Libraries are open to everybody,” she said.

May Books and Libraries continue to take you on great voyages!

Best of luck Debra Jackson!

Get Healthy And Fit This New Year At Lorain Public Library System Libraries

01/02/2013

It’s a New Year and there’s ample opportunity for a new, improved, fitter, healthier you!

Let us help you keep your New Year’s resolution of getting fit and staying healthy.

Lorain Public Library System has a wide collection of health, fitness and wellness books, magazines and DVDs to help you lose weight, build muscles and keep a nutritious diet.

Learn, through Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga and Zumba routines, how to correct your posture and alleviate back problems, relieve stress, and get a full-body workout!

Make getting fit and staying healthy a fun process with our resources.

Happy New Year!

Resource list prepared by Librarian Scott Machol, Lorain Public Library System, 11/13/12

Gentle Yoga for Back Pain by Laurie Sanford

Over 65 million Americans suffer from back pain each year, making it one of the most common reasons why people in the United States seek medical care. Back problems—such as sciatica and herniated discs—may be a result of injury, arthritis, increased stress on the spine over time, or a myriad of other causes. However, it is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Yoga can become an integral part of improving your overall health and well-being. Gentle Yoga for Back Pain shows you how to integrate yoga into your exercise routine to promote back health.

Complete Guide to Fitness & Health edited by Barbara Ann Bushman

You know the importance of good health, but how do you achieve it? And how do you maintain it through the years as your body and lifestyle change, introducing obstacles to physical activity and optimal nutrition? In ACSM’s Complete Guide to Fitness & Health, you will find the answers and much, much more. This book features step-by-step instructions and full-color photos for the most effective exercises, sample workouts, practical advice, age-specific physical activity guidelines, and strategies for incorporating exercise into even the busiest of lifestyles.

Walk Off Weight: Burn 3 times More Fat with This Proven Program by Michele Stanten

Slim down and firm up with this revolutionary new walking program from Prevention magazine's Fitness Director, Michele Stanten, for permanent weight loss! Over the course of 8 weeks, you'll learn innovative interval walking and workout techniques that will blast fat and tone all of your trouble spots three times as fast as conventional walking. Routines are as short as 20 minutes, there's no need for a gym, and there's no fad dieting - you just walk off the weight faster and easier than you ever thought possible!

The Women's Fitness Book by Kelly Thompson

The Women's Fitness Book is like having a personal trainer in the palm of your hand. It includes advice on healthy eating and weight loss; tips on motivation, setting goals, and nutrition; instruction on how to establish and maintain fitness levels; and questionnaires and tests to accurately assess readers' starting point and progress. The Women's Fitness Book is a comprehensive tool, providing everything necessary for women to get healthy, sculpt the body they want, and maintain that healthy body for life.

15 Minute Home Workout by Alycea Ungaro

Whether you want to focus on body-sculpting with Pilates, fire up your muscles with strength-training exercises, get a stronger back, sculpt beach-ready abs, or relax and revive with yoga, Home Workout has an exercise program to suit every goal and mood. Featuring four complete routines from each of these books in the 15 Minute series - Everyday Pilates, Gentle Yoga, Better Back, Total Body Workout, and Abs Workouts, Home Workout offers the home exerciser fantastic choice, expert guidance, and great results! This book also includes a DVD.

The Body You Want in the Time You Have: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Leaner and Building Stronger Muscles with Workouts That Fit Any Schedule by Myatt Murphy

The former fitness editor of Men’s Health magazine presents the ultimate no-excuses workout book for time-pressed men and women at every fitness level. For most people, the hardest hurdle to overcome in following a fitness regimen is simply finding the time to do it. But as this book shows, it is possible to burn fat, build muscle, and stay fit—no matter how much (or little) time one has.

Pilates for Every Body: Strengthen, Lengthen, and Tone--with This Complete 3-Week Body Makeover by Denise Austin

Pilates for Every Body makes Pilates body conditioning technique available to anyone, regardless of fitness level, offering full-body workouts that require only a mat, a chair and towel or blanket. For each move, Austin offers visualizations and other tips to achieve the correct posture for each pose. She also includes mini-routines to help readers get into condition fast and target specific problem areas as well as special tips for beginners or out-of-shape individuals and those with back problems or stiff and painful joints.

T'ai Chi for Seniors: How to Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peace by Philip Bonifonte

T’ai Chi for Seniors gives you all the information you need to undertake a safe, health-improving exercise regimen. These ancient Chinese exercises are fun and low impact and help to alleviate the pains of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other "senior" diseases. Whether you are just beginning T'ai Chi or simply looking for a supplemental text to use out of class, this is your guide.

MAGAZINES

Cooking Light

Cooking Light is a trusted source for those who want to cook and enjoy healthy, delicious food. Whether you’re in a hurry to prepare a quick and easy dinner tonight or need a game plan for the perfect party, Cooking Light offers nutritious, kitchen-tested recipes for everyday living or special occasions. And whether you’re a novice or an adventurous cook, you’ll find great food and healthy lifestyle tips in every issue.

Fitness

With so many sources of health information out there, it's great to find a single magazine devoted to collating, simplifying, and explaining it all. Fitness is a woman-oriented magazine that presents a practical and realistic guide to maintaining a lifestyle that's healthy for the body, mind, and spirit, complete with everything from exercise and dieting tips to advice on beating stress.

Men’s Health

Men's Health is an essential read for guys who want to look better, feel better, and live better. But Men's Health isn't just a magazine. It's the solution - for every bit of chaos, confusion, or suffering that the world can inflict on the male of the species. Belly fat. Exercise plateaus. Exercise excuses. The fast-food menu. The magazine gives men the tools, strategies, and motivation to handle all of this and more.

Prevention

Prevention provides lively, trusted, credible family health information that women need in an inviting, invigorating, approachable format. America's leading healthy lifestyle magazine is based on a simple and powerful promise: Make little changes; get big results. Prevention speaks to readers in a reassuring, familiar voice about family health, food, nutrition, workouts, beauty, cooking and more.

Runner’s World

Runner’s World will motivate and inspire you. Each monthly issue of Runner’s World brings you advice on new running techniques, introduces you the latest running products and national and international race information. You will find the strategies, tips and advice to fuel your performance, prevent injuries, burn fat, shed stress, and achieve your personal goals. Runner’s World is filled with the powerful information that will help you run faster and farther and have more fun doing it.

DVDs

Kathy Smith Matrix Method: Power Walk for Weight Loss

This is not your ordinary walking workout! Kathy Smith’s Power Walk for Weight Loss is a new spin on her favorite exercise. She’s combined the latest techniques for total body toning with walking to give you all-over results fast! Finally, you can sculpt your abs, and define your arms and shoulders, all while you walk! Plus, you'll burn more calories in less time!

Absolute Beginners: Step & Dance Aerobics by Nekea Brown

The Absolute Beginners Step & Dance Aerobics workout program is designed to help the exerciser that is just starting out. The detailed tutorial segment will teach you step and dance terminology and how to effectively perform all of the basic moves for your session. Great for active seniors too!

Discover Tai Chi for Beginners with Scott Cole: Workout Essentials

Open up to the pearls of wisdom that organic movement has to offer. Welcome to Discover Tai Chi for Beginners Workout Essentials. Enjoy soaring confidence, reduced stress, and exhilarating movement as you explore the mysteries of the ancient martial art of Tai Chi. Join wellness veteran and Tai Chi expert, Scott Cole, as he guides you through the seamless program of basic postures to renewed strength, flexibility, mobility, and vitality.

Yoga Weight Loss Workout for Dummies

Now you can experience all the traditional benefits of yoga — such as balance, flexibility, and strength — with an added calorie-burning advantage. Yoga Weight Loss Workout for Dummies offers step-by-step instruction for both standing and mat exercises and includes useful modifications so that you can move at your own pace and level. You can build stamina, strength, and flexibility while you burn extra calories.

Total Stretch for Beginners by Tamilee Webb

Everyone, from the absolute beginner to the most accomplished athlete, can benefit from stretching on a regular basis. Whether preparing for a sporting event or just winding down from a stressful day, stretching can prevent injuries, improve posture and circulation and help you become more limber and relaxed. Now, renowned fitness instructor Tamilee Webb has developed stretching routines that will provide increased flexibility and vitality to people of all ages, lifestyles and levels of fitness. Total Stretch for Beginners will stretch the major muscle groups to help prevent injuries soreness.

Click Here To View Upcoming Fitness Programs Sponsored By The Lorain Public Library System »

Upcoming Fitness Programs Sponsored by the Lorain Public Library System

01/02/2013

It’s a New Year and there’s ample opportunity for a new, improved, fitter, healthier you!

Let Lorain Public Library System help you keep your New Year’s resolution of getting fit and staying healthy.

Burn off those excess pounds, build muscles, and relieve that stress by participating in our various free fitness classes.

Lorain Public Library System Libraries will be offering Zumba, Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Relaxation Meditation classes and more!

Make getting fit and staying healthy a fun process with our health, fitness and wellness programs.

Happy New Year!

Line Dancing

Monday, January 7, 21; 6 p.m.
Monday, February 4, 18; 6 p.m.
Monday, March 4, 18; 6 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, Lorain, 440-277-5672
If you enjoy music, dancing, or just having fun, this is the program for you. Learn some of the most popular line dances and become the life of the party. Preregistration required.

Tai Chi For Adults

Saturday, January 12, 26; 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 2, 16; 10:30 a.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, 440-949-7410
Recover from the holidays, renew your focus and reduce your stress with Tai Chi. This gentle yet structured martial art is often described as meditation in motion and can be practiced by anyone at any skill level. Preregistration required.

Zumba

Monday, January 14, 28; 6 p.m.
Monday, February 11, 25; 6 p.m.
Monday, March 11, 25; 6 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, Lorain, 440-277-5672
Get the workout of your life while dancing to Merengue, Salsa and other hot Latin beats. Preregistration required.

Zumba Fun

Saturday, January 19; 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 16; 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 16; 10:30 a.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Columbia Branch Library, 13824 West River Road, N., Columbia Station, 440-236-8751
Join Maggie Savoy for a fun, basic Latin dance workout with Zumba. Please wear tennis shoes only. No flip-flops. Preregistration required.

Zumba

Monday, January 21; 6 p.m.
Monday, February 4, 18; 6 p.m.
Monday, March 4, 18; 6 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain, 440-244-1192, ext. 450
Zumba makes working out fun and effective! Join the Zumba workout craze and shed pounds while dancing to Merengue, Salsa, and other hot Latin beats. Preregistration required: ext. 450.

Family Line Dancing

Thursday, January 24; 5 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain, 440-244-1192, ext. 449
Families with children of all ages, join us as we dance the afternoon away! An instructor will teach the basics of popular line dances in this free class. Preregistration required: ext. 449.

Fit In Avon

Saturday, January 26; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon, 440-934-4743
January 26 is Fit in Avon Day at the Avon Branch Library. Stop in the Library and check out our selection of fitness books and DVDs, find out where you can get fit in Avon and try some free fitness classes throughout the day. For more information and to sign up for a free class, call the Avon Branch Library at 440-934-4743.

Tai Chi For Children

Saturday, January 26; 11:45 a.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, 440-949-7410
Five to 9 year olds, learn about Tai Chi and how to warm up, exercise, relax and cool down. Preregistration required.

Line Dancing 101

Monday, January 28; 6 p.m.
Monday, February 11, 25; 6 p.m.
Monday, March 11, 25; 6 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library, 351 W. Sixth Street, Lorain, 440-244-1192, ext. 450
If you love to dance, even without a partner, this is the program for you. Line dancing, a fun way to group-dance, is more popular than ever. Have lots of fun and get some exercise while learning some of the most popular and newest line dances and become the life of the party. Preregistration required: ext. 450.

Know The 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

Wednesday, February 20; 7 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, 440-949-7410
This one-hour workshop presented by the Alzheimer’s Association will stress the importance of early detection for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. As 10 million baby boomers develop Alzheimer’s, early detection of the disease becomes critical to future planning. Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and getting diagnosed early is vital to receiving the best help and care possible. Preregistration required.

Relaxation Meditation

Saturday, March 9, 23; 2 p.m.
At Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, 440-949-7410
Adults are welcome to melt their stress away by learning relaxation and meditation techniques. Beginner's yoga poses may be incorporated. Preregistration required.

Click Here To View Resources To Help You Stay In Shape »

Two Longtime Library Colleagues And Friends Will Retire Together

12/21/2012

Debra Jackson and Terri Frederick, of Avon Lake, both fell in love with libraries and reading at a young age, come from a family of teachers and readers, and strongly believe in the power of a Public Library.

The two longtime Lorain Public Library System colleagues and friends will retire at the end of this year after serving in their leadership roles well over two decades.

Jackson, public services coordinator, leaves the library system with a 26-year legacy; Frederick, public relations officer, leaves with 24 years.

Retiring Together

As difficult as leaving their home away from home may be, the pair both expressed they were glad to be retiring together.

In Jackson, Frederick found a confider. When she first arrived at LPLS and did not understand an aspect of her job or of the Library, Frederick said she would turn to Jackson for knowledge and support.

“She is very willing to help you learn something that you need to know,” said Frederick. “The teacher in her makes her an excellent go to person. She makes information understandable and usable.”

It wouldn’t be long before the pair would develop more than a business relationship, and build a friendship.

Jackson, who preferred to be interviewed on her friend than herself, energetically described Frederick.

“Terri is the most patient person in the planet,” Jackson repeatedly said. “She’s so calm and patient with everybody. She’s very cordial with everybody,” Jackson said.

And understandably, retirement has been an emotional experience.

“This is hard because we’re personal friends,” Jackson said of Frederick “Because I’ve known her so long and watched her kids grow up.”

Their coworkers describe Frederick as nice, but Jackson said the pleasant demeanor runs in the family.

“As nice as Terri is, her whole family is that nice,” Jackson said “Her husband and the kids. I’ve gotten Christmas and birthday cards from her daughter,” she said.

Accomplishments

Described by their colleagues as two hardworking overachievers, Jackson and Frederick successfully organized many well-attended children and family events.

Jackson, who worked at LPLS first as a children’s librarian and department manager and then as a public services coordinator with a circulation/operations manager role, helped organize a wide variety of popular family programs.

Frederick, in her public relations and marketing role, was also instrumental in helping to promote and to host those popular events.

They helped orchestrate successful library events including: the appearance of Liz Hermann, from Cleveland’s Channel 43’s Kids Land, a popular show of the 1990s; the attendance of Toni Morrison, cherished Lorain native author, for the dedication of Lorain’s Main Library’s reading room in the author’s honor; and the appearance of Cleveland Indians Pitcher Scott Bailes.

These programs’ success brings pride and humorous memories to the pair.

Recalling the “cookie incident” still brings laughter to the two accomplices, Jackson and Frederick.

They were transporting cookies for a Library event that would honor African-American authors.

“Terri must have stepped on the brakes and all the cookie boxes went flying in the back; all the boxes fell in the back of her van,” Jackson said. Luckily, the cookies never left the safety of their boxes. “We saved the cookies,” Frederick added.

One of the most memorable qualities Frederick holds of her friend’s work style is Jackson’s ability to bring order to any crowded room.

A very popular children’s program, Frederick recalled how Jackson managed to keep the children calmly waiting for their turn to meet the presenter.

Frederick said Jackson told the children if they wanted an autograph and to meet the presenter, they had to stay seated. And stayed they did. The program ran smoothly and all children were able to enjoy themselves.

“Debra takes control,” Frederick said “You know that if she’s involved in it, she will take charge and it’s going to get done.”

Yet no one can control the changes an institution faces, changes that provided both challenge and opportunity, and changes they witnessed together.

Library Transformation

In over 20 years, they’ve seen the Library gradually shift from a mostly print to a nonprint material providing institution. They’ve seen the growing trend toward eReaders, eBooks, computers and online use.

They’ve weathered dwindling state funding and learned to maximize the resources available.

They’ve also witnessed the library system grow to serve a larger, more diverse patron base.

And they’ve seen the Library transform from primarily a provider of information to now also a community place for entertainment, learning and connection.

Both plan to spend more time after retirement reading and volunteering.

Frederick said retiring does not mean the duo will be parting ways anytime soon.

“Debra can’t get away from me because she lives right down the street,” Frederick joked “I’m glad we’re retiring together so we will be doing regular lunches.”

“It is nice we’re going to retire together,” Jackson added.

Best of luck Debra Jackson and Terri Frederick!

Lorain Public Library System Board Of Trustees Welcomes Two New Members

12/19/2012

The Lorain Public Library System’s (LPLS) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members:

Elaine Novak, of Lorain, and Susan Jane Hatch, of Sheffield Lake. They will begin serving in their roles on January 1.

Board President Anthony Campana said Novak and Hatch were selected because they are both longtime library advocates and users; both bring valuable, practical and professional experience to their role on the Library Board; and they both bring an understanding and appreciation of our library system’s entire service area.

Novak will serve a full term as Trustee for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2019. She is replacing outgoing Trustee Victor Leandry, who served a full, seven-year term.

Hatch will fill the unexpired term of Trustee Douglas Petersen, for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. Petersen served for 14 years on the Library Board.

Elaine Novak

Novak is a longtime library user and advocate. She and her husband, Rick Novak of the Lorain Port Authority, have long supported the Lorain community, she said. Her two daughters graduated from Lorain City Schools and have each achieved their higher education degrees.

“The Library provides an opportunity to share information and connect with the world that everyone has a right to have,” she said.

Novak, who has a background in Human Resources and Education, has previously served on the LPLS Board of Trustees.

Novak said she wants to continue to maintain fiscal security for the library system and wants to maintain access to information and technology for everyone.

“The Library is not just a building with books anymore,” Novak said. “The Library is a meeting place where knowledge is shared, a place for technology, to connect online and connect with the world,” she said.

During her previous tenure on the Library Board, she played a role in the planning and design of the South Lorain Branch Library.

She also advocated for the placement of computer portals with Internet access throughout the Branches, and for the placement of the infrastructure necessary for the 21st century technology.

She also brings extensive experience working with levy campaigns for the LPLS library system, Lorain City Schools and the Lorain Port Authority.

Susan Jane Hatch

Hatch, whose background includes office management and education, is currently serving as the secretary for The Friends of the Domonkas Library.

She said her goals while serving on the Library Board include spreading the perception of the Library as a friendly place for learning new skills, keeping the Library up-to-date and looking to fulfill its future needs.

Serving her first tenure on the Library Board, she said, “This is a good fit for me at this time.”

She and her family are also longtime library users and advocates.

“I have five children and we lived at the (Domonkas) Library. You get to a point that you want to give back, she said. “This is something where I might be able to serve back,” she said.

Hatch and her husband have four daughters, one son and 16 grandchildren.

Her children now live in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Columbus, and Lakewood.

The Library has played an important role in her family.

Utilizing mostly the Domonkas Branch Library, her five children used the Library for their homework and research, her third oldest daughter volunteered at the Library, and she and her parents have helped organize The Domonkas Friends Book Sales, she said.

“A Library is a wonderful, magical place that transports you somewhere else,” Hatch said.

“In a day and age that everything costs so much money, the Domonkas Branch Library and all of Lorain Public Library System offers so much and for free. That’s one of the greatest benefits of Libraries,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to this,” (serving on the Library Board), she said.

Lorain Public Library System Board Of Trustees Welcomes Elaine Novak

12/19/2012

The Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) is pleased to welcome Elaine Novak, of Lorain, to its Board of Trustees.

“There is a great need in the community for a Library,” Novak said “I want to make sure that it is maintained for the future generations,” she said.

Novak will serve a full term as Trustee for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2019. She is replacing outgoing Trustee Victor Leandry, who served a full, seven-year term.

She said her family lived close to Lorain’s Main Library back in the 70s. Novak said her best memories of Lorain’s Main Library were taking her children to the story times, and seeing her mother-in-law’s painting displayed there.

Her oldest daughter now lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and twins where she works for a research organization. Her youngest daughter, who is planning her marriage, works in Columbus in a consulting firm.

Your first encounter with a Library can be an unforgettable experience.

For Novak, she still clearly recalls the sights and smells of books and evergreen at the Fremont Public Library she visited as a child.

“The Fremont Public Library was this large old building full of books. Every Christmas, an evergreen tree was placed in the middle of the room with two large windows where sunrays would stream in. It was beautiful,” she said.

“You fall in love with the Library when you have that experience,” she said.

She has a background in Human Resources and Education and has previously served on the LPLS Board of Trustees.

Novak said she wants to continue to maintain fiscal security for the library system and wants to maintain access to information and technology for everyone.

When asked if she prefers print books or their modern, digital versions, Novak said she uses both. She has a Nexus Google eReader and had a Kindle a few years ago.

Though she says she still can’t get away from the joy of having a hardbound book in her hand.

“I couldn’t get away from print. I love the smell of books,” she said “But now I read two books at a time – one in print, the other on my eReader,” she laughs.

Some of the books she’s recently enjoyed are The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood, and Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Her favorite authors include Margaret Atwood, Faulkner, Shakespeare, and Vonnegut.

During her previous tenure on the Library Board, she played a role in the planning and design of the South Lorain Branch Library.

She also advocated for the placement of computer portals with Internet access throughout the Branches, and for the placement of the infrastructure necessary for the 21st century technology.

Novak also brings extensive experience working with levy campaigns. Her levy experience includes LPLS, Lorain City Schools and the Lorain Port Authority.

Novak first started working on a LPLS levy campaign over 20 years ago.

“I found out the (Main) Library needed volunteers to help with the levy campaign,” she said. “I packed my youngest in a stroller and went to help. I first worked on securing addresses for mail outs,” she said.

With Libraries receiving less state funding, money is a bigger issue today than 20 years ago, she said. But she believes accessibility to Libraries and online privacy concerns continue to be issues today.

“The Libraries are stretching their resources to accommodate for that growth in library use, in suburban areas for example,” she said.

“This is why being on the Board provides me a unique opportunity,” Novak said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to discuss these issues.”

A position on the Library Board brings responsibility and opportunity, she said.

“A library system is a way to disseminate knowledge and allow children and adults from every walk of life to have equal accessibility to great words from the classics of Shakespeare to the top ten bestsellers, to the newspapers on the iPad, to the Internet,” Novak said.

“It should be equally accessible to everyone,” she said. “My responsibility is to make sure the Library continues to fulfill that role,” she said.

Lorain Public Library System Board Of Trustees Welcomes Susan Jane Hatch

12/19/2012

The Lorain Public Library System (LPLS) is pleased to welcome Susan Jane Hatch, of Sheffield Lake, to its Board of Trustees.

“A Library is a wonderful, magical place that transports you somewhere else,” Hatch said.

“In a day and age that everything costs so much money, the Domonkas Library and all of Lorain Public Library System offers so much and for free. That’s one of the greatest benefits of Libraries,” she said.

Hatch will fill the unexpired term of Trustee Douglas Petersen, for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. Petersen served for 14 years.

Hatch, whose background includes office management and education, is currently serving as the secretary for The Friends of the Domonkas Library.

She is also currently taking classes in American Sign Language, and she hopes to help someone “hear” the answers to his or her questions one day, she said.

Serving on the Library Board “is a good fit for me at this time,” Hatch said.

“I have five children and we lived at the (Domonkas) Library. You get to a point that you want to give back, she said. “This is something where I might be able to serve back,” she said.

She and her husband have four daughters, one son and 16 grandchildren.

Her children now live in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Columbus, and Lakewood.

The Library has played an important role in her family, who share the love of reading.

“I’m a big proponent of reading and my children love reading,” Hatch said.

Some books she’s going to start reading include C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy, Silent No More: Victim 1's Fight for Justice Against Jerry Sandusky, and Medusa's Gaze and Vampire's Bite: The Science of Monsters by Matt Kaplan.

That’s if her husband doesn’t get to those books first.

“Every time I bring home a book from the Library, my husband disappears with it,” she laughed. “He likes to read about one novel a year, preferring other book genres, but for some reason ends up picking the books I bring.”

Reading and Libraries have always been a part of her life.

At Domonkas “My children did their homework and their research for school, made friends there,” Hatch said. “It was a nice, warm welcoming place.”

Her best memories of Domonkas were taking her children to story times and borrowing books from the Library, and even using the computers.

“I happen to love computers now, but I didn’t start out that way,” she laughed. “I’m converted to computers now.”

At Domonkas Branch Library, she and her family have attended adult and children craft classes and cooking classes. Plus, she’s attended book clubs.

Her parents were also members of the Friends of the Domonkas Library and helped with its Book Sales.

As a grandmother now, she hopes to pass along the love of Libraries to her grandchildren.

At the most recent Domonkas Book Sale, she was able to buy great children’s books for her grandchildren.

Her family also shares the belief in civic service.

Driven by her Christian belief of serving, her third oldest daughter used to volunteer at the Domonkas Branch Library, she said.

The Library – A Magical Place

Hatch’s first cherished memory of a Library dates back to when she was a child and her mom would take her to a Parma Library for story times.

“The Library had this one section of the wall shelves where a librarian would tap it and this hidden door would open, and the children would enter into this magical place, a special room for stories” she said.

Hatch also said she really appreciates that LPLS is part of the CLEVNET library consortium.

LPLS is one of 38 Libraries that is a CLEVNET member, allowing us to offer over 10 million items and one of the largest eMedia collections in the country to our library patrons. “Books are so easy to find online,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to this,” (serving on the Library Board), she said.

Get To Know: Ingrid Marie Rivera, Public Relations Associate

12/07/2012

Get To Know:

Ingrid Marie Rivera
Public Relations Associate at Lorain Public Library System (LPLS).

Started at LPLS: February 27, 2012

Education: A Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science from The Ohio State University, and an Associate of Arts degree from Lorain County Community College. Currently taking a graduate level Latin-American Literature class in Spanish at Cleveland State University.

City of Residence: Lorain. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

• Describe what you do at LPLS:

I promote the Lorain Public Library System through a variety of print publicity and through social media. I plan to incorporate more photography and videography in the near future.

• Share any former, fun, interesting jobs you’ve had (not Library related):

I used to work as a reporter for The Morning Journal newspaper in Lorain, and for the bilingual, Latino newspaper La Prensa in Toledo where I’ve written articles in English and Spanish. I’ve now transitioned into public relations and I love it!

• Why work at a Library? What brought you to the Library world?

I grew up using the South Lorain Branch Library and Lorain’s Main Library. While in school and college, I would use the Library for researching papers, finding books, and using the computers.
I’ve always believed in the value of Libraries, so it was a no-brainer when I learned of this career opportunity. I believe in this Library and am so proud to represent it!

• Describe what you love the most about working in the LPLS Library setting:
I believe in lifelong learning. I love to learn, I love books and I love to read, so this Library is the perfect fit for me! I also love to see others get excited about learning. I feel so blessed to be a part of this library system that is so beneficial to this community. The Library is a community center that provides free access to information, technology and entertainment for everyone.

1) Do you have any hobbies?
I love to read and write, including writing poetry. I enjoy running or walking in nature. I love to swim and stay fit. To add to the list, I would like to do more cooking and sewing. Plus, I absolutely love visiting museums, theatres and libraries, and traveling! I’ve also been enjoying playing video games like Sonic the Hedgehog lately… Should I go on?
I’m always looking for new exciting hobbies to try. My next ventures include painting, horseback riding, and figure ice skating – why not?

2) What are you reading now?
Here’s a few:

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s Don Quijote de la Mancha.

Ted C. Fishman’s China, Inc: How the Rise of the next Superpower Challenges America and the World.

Ana Lydia Vega’s Encancaranublado y otros cuentos de naufragio.

3) What music is in your iPod?
A wide variety! Christian, classical, cultural, Puerto Rican, Mexican and other Latino music, R&B music, pop music, country, and more!

4) Do you have any pets?
I had three cats named Nino, Pachuli and Luna and one dog named Friday- a mix of German shepherd and Pit Bull. I have a freshwater fish aquarium and will soon get a saltwater aquarium.

5) What are your favorite foods?
I love Puerto Rican, Mexican, Indian and Chinese food!

6) Your favorite sports teams?
The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns!

7) What other talents, skills do you possess?
I also speak Spanish and some French. I’m a photographer and videographer.
I write songs, play some piano, and would like to learn how to play the guitar. I used to play the clarinet in Lorain’s Southview High School’s marching band and concert band. I just love music and the arts.
As a lifelong learner though, I’m always looking to extend this list!

Keep Track Of Your Favorite Series Fiction On eSequels!

12/05/2012

Do you enjoy reading series fiction but are having trouble keeping track of those novels you’ve already read?

Would you like to discover new authors, or need ideas on what new fiction series to read?

Try eSequels – the online database guide to series novel fiction books, available through your Lorain Public Library System (LPLS).

Easily search the database for thousands of series fiction titles by the author’s name, book title, character’s name or the location of the novel. You can also search by a subject or keyword.

“It’s hard to keep track of which novels you haven’t read,” said Valerie Smith, LPLS public services coordinator. “This is a personalized reading list that you can print off and use like a shopping list when looking for new books to read.”

“It’s an excellent product that delivers for us. It’s cool,” Smith said.

Lorain Public Library System offers its patrons free access to this valuable database.

Connect to the eSequels online database through your Lorain Public Library System website.

Click on the Good Reads and More button on the right hand side of Lorain Public Library System’s home page, and eSequels is the last entry on the Welcome to Reader's Corner page.

The eSequels database includes a brief description of the author and a list of the author’s published series fiction with brief descriptions of each novel’s plot and the year of publication. If available, the database also offers the author’s website address.

The database strives to be current and lists the series in the correct reading order.

Included are mystery, feel-good or family oriented reads, romance fiction novels and more series fiction.

“This is good for those people who enjoy reading about the same characters in more than one book,” Smith said.

Allow this database to amplify your reading.

If you have a favorite series fiction author, this is a great place to check for novels you may have missed or find recently published works.

“It might clue you into a series of an author you may not have been aware of,” Smith said.

Use eSequels if you know what kind of topics, themes or subjects you prefer to read, but don’t know what author to read next.

Search the database for books on a particular location, vocation, hobby or subject such as books that include veterinarians as the main character.

Plus, you can suggest an author be added to the database list.

Keep in mind that this database does not include children’s books, short story collections or nonfiction books. The database focuses mostly on U.S. and British authors’ novels, but does include some international authors’ books translated into English.

“This database will definitely spark ideas if you don’t know what to read next,” Smith said.

Bring Your Children To Domonkas Branch Library Mad Science Series

11/28/2012

Listen up children! Make Thursdays your science experiment day and turn the Library into a laboratory!

Lorain Public Library System’s Domonkas Branch Library is still hosting its monthly

Mad Science Series, held on Thursday evenings.

Come see what you’ve been missing!

Make a volcanic eruption, learn about ultra-violet (UV) light, construct your very own drag racer cup and more!

“Kids like science,” said Pamela Coghlan, Domonkas Branch Librarian Supervisor. “This series gives them an opportunity to learn about science through fun, hands-on activities.”

Children of all ages are invited to test experiments and make learning fun!

Domonkas Branch Library is located at 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake.

Upcoming Mad Science Series at LPLS’s Domonkas Branch Library

Mad Scientist Series - Glow Water
Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake
Thursday, December 27 at 7 p.m.
Kids of all ages are encouraged to explore the delights of ultra-violet (UV) light with this hands-on experiment.
Preregistration is required by calling the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410.

Mad Science Series - Drag Racing Cups
Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake
Thursday, January 10 at 7 p.m.
Get ready, get set, go! Kids of all ages construct your very own drag racer out of a disposable coffee cup to explore the properties of kinetic energy. All supplies will be provided.
Preregistration is required by calling the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410.

Mad Science Series - Homemade Finger Paints
Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake
Thursday, February 14 at 7 p.m.
Kids of all ages make their own homemade finger paints from common household ingredients and then create a special Valentine's Day surprise. Please bring at least one empty baby food jar, or other small container. All other supplies will be provided by the Library.
Preregistration is required by calling the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410.

Mad Science Series - X-Ray Glasses
Domonkas Branch Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Sheffield Lake
Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
Kids of all ages will assemble a set of unique spectacles, which will demonstrate the incredible properties of light. All supplies provided by the Library.
Preregistration is required by calling the Domonkas Branch Library at 440-949-7410.

The Lorain Public Library System Helps Every Child Get Ready to Read

11/19/2012

Learning to read begins before children start school. Young children need to develop important language and literacy skills before they can actually learn to read.

Parents and other caregivers can start now to help their children develop these skills. Every Child Ready to Read®, a national research-based program, demonstrates how parents can use five familiar and easy-to-use practices to develop language and other early literacy skills in children from birth to age five.

The Lorain Public Library System offers programs that explain why the skills are so important, demonstrate how to help children learn the skills, provide titles of high-interest books that are age appropriate, and send parents and caregivers home with early literacy activities they can incorporate into their family’s daily routine.

The programs are based on research about language, early literacy skills, and how children learn. We know that children from birth to age five learn primarily through interactions with their parents and other important adults in their lives as well as from their environment. Every Child Ready to Read® gives parents and other caregivers simple, but powerful ways to help children develop the language and other skills they need to learn to read.

According to the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA), the divisions of the American Library Association that developed Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library®, parents and other caregivers are in the best position to help young children learn these skills because:

Parents know their children best and can help them learn in ways and at times that are easiest for them.
Young children have short attention spans. Parents and caregivers can engage children in language and literacy activities for short bits of time throughout the day.
Parents are tremendous role models–children are more likely to want to read if they see that their parents value and enjoy reading.
Children learn best by doing—and they love doing things with their parents.

Parents can give children a tremendous advantage in school and in life by helping prepare them for reading success. For more information about scheduling an early literacy program as well as other materials and resources for parents and caregivers, stop in at any Lorain Public Library System location or the Bookmobile.

Our Libraries also offer a variety of free story programs throughout the year. These story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers help children begin an appreciation for books and reading. The story programs feature pre-reading skills for parents and children including finger plays, music, rhythm and crafts. Click here for details about upcoming programs, or contact your local Lorain Public Library System Library.

KnowItNow: Chat With A Librarian Live Online Even After Your Library Has Closed

09/19/2012

Did you know you can chat with a Librarian live online during regular Library hours and even after your nearest Lorain Public Library System Library building (LPLS) is closed?

Introducing: KnowItNow, Ohio’s Online Reference Service. It is a collaboration of multiple Libraries and independent qualified Reference Librarians throughout the State of Ohio – working to answer your questions online.

“It’s like having a Librarian at your fingertips,” said Cheri Campbell, Lorain Public Library System Librarian, “This is a service for convenience. If your Library is not open, here we are online,” she said.

Get answers to all kinds of questions. Available Reference Librarians will help you find resources for homework, help you in your research, suggest books to read, and just answer questions that satisfy your general curiosity.

You may submit questions online through either real-time live chat or email, and via your mobile phone’s text messaging. You may also access KnowItNow via a mobile phone application.

To send a text message, text knowitnow to 66746.

Librarians are waiting for your questions on KnowItNow all seven days of the week, except for certain holidays, from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m.

You may submit questions after hours via email from 1 a.m. until 7 a.m., and the next assigned Librarian will answer your questions.

Access KnowItNow online via the Lorain Public Library System website: www.lorainpubliclibrary.org. Click on the KnowItNow 24/7 button on the right side of our website, or find KnowItNow online at: www.knowitnow.org

Over 60 public and academic Libraries in Ohio participate in KnowItNow.

KnowItNow was founded by the Cleveland Public Library in 2001. It expanded to all CLEVNET Libraries including LPLS in 2003, and then became a statewide 24 hours, seven days a week service, open to all Ohio residents in 2004.

Though Librarians on the KnowItNow service are no longer available 24/7, any questions after service hours may be submitted via email.

KnowItNow is the busiest service of its kind in the world with an average of 9,000 sessions per month. In 2011, over 71,000 questions were asked.

Campbell said she has received all kinds of questions, from patrons asking who was the 14th U.S. President, to asking the location of a certain restaurant, to needing help researching a topic for a grade school or college paper.

“We will get you started but we won’t do all your research or homework,” Campbell said.

KnowItNow is funded through the independent federal agency Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, awarded by the State Library of Ohio.

“Although KnowItNow is not new, the texting feature is fairly new,” Campbell said “KnowItNow is still a work in progress.”

For more information on how to use KnowItNow, contact the Lorain Public Library System’s Main Library Reference Desk at 440-244-1192, ext. 253 or 1-800-322-READ, ext. 253.