Franklin County Public Library Week 2011

Photo of proclamation presentation: (left to right) David Keller, Chairman, Franklin County Commissioners, Reverend Stephen Harris, Library Board, Bernice Crouse, Executive Director, Franklin County Library System, Robert Thomas, Franklin County Commissioner & Robert Ziobrowski, Franklin County Commissioner.

On Tuesday, May 3, the Office of the Franklin County Commissioners proclaimed May 15- 21, 2011 Franklin County Public Library Week. The dates will be celebrated with local libraries offering a fine free week and free programs focusing on five different areas of literacy. Library employees are to be recognized for their dedication to offer continued high quality service, despite budget restraints due to state cuts.

Franklin County Commissioner, Robert Thomas said, “We must remain educated in this country. The library tax has been a key, not only to saving the libraries, but also to enable them to keep up with the changing times, especially technological advances. Significant changes in the way libraries provide information has allowed Franklin County Library System to continue to provide the services that community members need.”

Bernice Crouse, Executive Director, Franklin County Library System expressed appreciation to the commissioners for their support during a time when some other Pennsylvania counties provide little or no financial support to their public libraries. She stated that the libraries have more use now than ever before during hours of operation, as well as 2010 seeing an increase in use of online services that are accessible 24/7.

A focus for local public libraries in 2011 is to offer a balance of free programs and materials for everyone across the five main areas of basic literacy, health, community, finances, and technology. Commissioner Robert Ziobrowski praised the effort and said "The public library is perhaps our most egalitarian institution. It strengthens our democracy."

Crouse acknowledged the challenge of maintaining programs and materials, as well as remaining up to date technologically, while losing over $250,000 over the past two years in state funding. She explained that “public libraries are moving toward becoming ‘brokers of knowledge’, provided by qualified staff, rather than physical storehouses of information”. Several cost cutting measures have been indentified and implemented, allowing the system to be able to stay on top of technological offerings.

Downloadable audio books are now available at local libraries through the system’s website, with downloadable e-books hopefully coming later this year. Since the libraries’ computers and free internet service are always at capacity, laptops with Wi-Fi capabilities for patron use in libraries are being as budgets allow.

Franklin County Commission Chairman, David Keller said “We applaud the library system and its board for stretching every dollar as far as they can. Many residents of the community are amazed that the local libraries can still provide as many quality programs and the high level of service that they do, even with the drastic reduction in funding they have recently faced.”

Fine Free Week and Food Drive
In honor of Franklin County Public Library Week, from May 16 – 21, Franklin County Library System will waive fines for overdue library books in exchange for non-perishable food donations for local food banks. By returning late books to local libraries during business hours along with a non-perishable item per book, patrons and the community will both benefit greatly.

Free Special Programs
Free programs in the areas of health, technology, finance, community, and basic literacy are scheduled throughout the week. The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, May 16 – “Diabetes Education Workshop” at Besore Library in Greencastle from 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Session will provide instruction for managing diabetes and will be conducted by Certified Diabetes Instructor, Starr Seip. Call the library or (570) 617-3650 to register.

Tuesday, May 17 - One Book Every Young Child program, featuring the book Whose Shoes: A Shoe for Every Job by Stephen Swinburne at Grove Family Library for children and a parent or caregiver. Storytime will be at 10:00 am for children ages 3-5 yrs. old and Laptime at 11:00 am for age birth to 3 yrs. old. Program provided by Miss Sonja and Miss Amanda.

Wednesday, May 18 – “Raising a Money-Smart Child”, by Marissa Pinto Burt from Edward Jones at Grove Family Library on Ragged Edge South in Chambersburg. The program will be from 1:00-2:00 pm and is geared toward children ages 4-10 and a parent or grandparent.

Thursday, May 19 – “The Future of Chambersburg” a town hall meeting with Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Superintendent Dr. Joe Padasak and Greater Chamber of Commerce President, David Sciamanna at Coyle Free Library on Main Street at 6:30 pm. There will be a presentation and a question and answer time at the end.

Friday, May 20 – “e-book Workshop” at Coyle Free Library on Main Street in Chambersburg from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Learn about e-books and audio e-book devices, including the Kindle, Nuk, iPad, and MP3. Learn where and how to select and download e-books for free, and about new and upcoming e-book services from your public library website, by Jill Yaich, Reference Librarian.

Grove Friends Book & Bake Sale

The Friends of Grove Annual Book and Bake Sale will be held on Thursday, May 5th, Friday, May 6th, and Saturday, May 7th at Grove Family Library. A wide variety of books will be for sale in the Community Room at the library at 101 Ragged Edge Road South. The sale proceeds benefit Grove Family Library to fund programs and purchase new books.

All kinds of books will be sold from 50 cents and up. A large selection of book titles will be available – from new release fiction, children’s books, paperbacks and nonfiction.

This year the sale will begin on Thursday with a “Sneak Peak” from 2:00 – 7:30 pm. Those attending will get first pick of the books. Reception and refreshments served at 6:00 pm.

Friday book and bake sale hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Saturday book and bake sale hours are 9:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Peruse the wide selection of used books and taste the homemade baked goods. Puzzles, raffles and Mother’s Day gifts too!

The Friends of Grove Family Library is a volunteer organization of approximately 50 members which works to raise public support for the library through monetary, material and volunteer donations. Their goal is to help the library meet community needs beyond budget constraints, especially in this time of shrinking library budgets due to cuts in state funding. For additional information or questions, contact Friends of Grove president, Kathy Springer at 504-8367 or email her at kmspringer121@comcast.net

Free Computer Classes April 2011

The Franklin County Library System will be offering a variety of free computer classes in April in the evenings at the following locations.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Blue Ridge Summit
3:30-4:30- Internet Basics
4:30-5:30- Computers and Careers
5:30-6:30- Microsoft Office Tutorial

Thursday, April 21, 2011
Fulton County Library
5:30-6:30- Microsoft Publisher Basics
6:30-7:30- Microsoft Power Point Basics

Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Coyle Free Library
5:30-6:30- Social Networking
6:30-7:30- Email Basics

Thursday, April 28, 2011
Besore Library Greencastle
5:30-6:30- Internet Basics
6:30-7:30- Excel Basics

For more information or to sign up please contact your local library or Jill Yaich at 263-1054 ext. 205 or jyaich@flcspa.org.

PA One Book Every Young Child Kick Off

Two librarians from Franklin County Library System attended the kick off event of the 2011 Pennsylvania One Book Every Young Child program in the Capital Rotunda in Harrisburg last Tuesday, March 29. Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett spoke about the importance of reading to young children and her support for the program.

Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job by Stephen Swinburne is the featured book for 2011. Thousands of copies of the book are being distributed for free throughout the state to preschoolers through libraries, Head Start, and childcare centers. Your local public library also has copies to borrow, in case your child is too old to receive a free copy or does not get one before supplies run out. Preschoolers already participating in public library programs should ask for a free copy at their Franklin County Library System branch. Free copies will also be given out (while supplies last) at special partnership events this spring and summer. The library system also has a "traveling trunk" of activities connected with the themes of the book, provided by the state. It is available through the Bookmobile/Outreach Department (717-264-9863 x202) to preschool educators, by reservation only.

Steve Swinburne taught those in attendance at the kick off a new song called "Whose Shoes Will You Wear?" He autographed books for state legislators and others present. Deputy Secretary of Education for Commonwealth Libraries M. Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Public Welfare and Education for Office of Child Development and Early Learning Todd Klink, and Verizon Pennsylvania President Gale Y. Given also spoke briefly.

Grants from Verizon Pennsylvania and the Library Services and Technology Act supported this project at a state level. Locally grants from Rutters Farm Stores and M & T Bank supported the purchase of books to be distributed to children through the library outlets.

Coyle Teens: Chair Decorating Contest

For teens only, Coyle Free Library is hosting its first ever Chair Decorating Contest. Registration and chair pick up begins Friday, February 18 at 4 pm through Friday, March 4 at 8 pm. Coyle Free provides the chairs and those who register take home a chair to decorate. What a great chance to get creative and think outside the box!

Decorated chairs must be returned to Coyle by Monday, March 14 at 8 pm to be considered in a public judging lasting from Tuesday, March 15 through March 18. Winners will be announced at 4 pm on March 18, followed by a showing of the movie “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”. 1st place prize: $50 Michael’s gift card, 2nd place prize: $25 Target gift card, 3rd place prize: $10 Sheetz gift card.

For more information, to register or to vote for your favorite chair, stop by Coyle Free Library, 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg.

Grove Library Authors' Night

The panel of authors at Grove Library Thursday night was fascinating! The six authors included Mike Silvestri, Cate Masters, Eileen Graham, Dody Myers, Valerie Malmont and Ken Gibble. Together their works ran the gamut from fiction to biography, from poetry to mysteries, science fiction and historical romance. Each one shared tidbits from their writing careers.

Forty listeners asked questions and learned how they might find writers in themselves.

Then each author stayed to sell and autogrph their books.

Artists Gala at Grove Family Library

Everyone had a good time Monday, January 31st, at the Grove Family Library 5th Anniversary Artists Gala! Attendees enjoyed viewing a lovely display of art and sampled delicious snacks. All art work will be on display through the end of February. Stop in and see the beautiful pieces today!

Besore Spring Fling Silent Auction Donations Needed

“Spring Fling with the Library”
Capital campaign Fundraiser- THURSDAY MARCH 17 TH 2011
Lilian S Besore Library--- Greencastle

You are invited to participate in the major fundraiser of the Greencastle Library for their capital campaign. Our goal is to raise $1.2 million to break ground in 2012. We need to renovate the existing building, make the facility handicap accessible along with a small expansion to better serve the community needs. We will be having a “taste of the town” formatted event along with a silent auction during the evening. This event will be held at the Green Grove Gardens center between Greencastle and Shady Grove. They have generously donated the use of the facility for the evening. There will be 12-15 area eateries represented with tables for tasting.

We are asking you or your business to be apart of this event. The silent auction will consist of donated items, gift cards, services, art work, trips or anything else that would be something those attending would wish to purchase. All of the monies will go to the library that evening. We would like to have your response as soon as possible or by the deadline of Feb 15th.

For any questions and also to confirm your interest along with a description of the donated item, please call:
Patti Divelbiss—597-7908 or Karen Amsley 597-3269

Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library Spring Fling

From The Echo Pilot:

The Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library Capital Campaign committee will hold a major 2011 fundraising event on St. Patrick’s Day Thursday, March 17. The goal for the night is to raise $10,000 for the planned library renovation.
“Spring Fling With the Library” will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Green Grove Gardens Conference Center. The use of the facility has been donated for the evening that will benefit Greencastle’s library.
The “Spring Fling” will include tasting tables “set” by 12 different area eateries, along with a table for tasting from Tuscarora Mountain Winery. A silent auction of many donated items and gift cards will also be part of the event, along with musical entertainment.
Plans are for a fun evening and a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Ticket prices will be $40 for individuals; $75 per couple; or $275 for a table of eight. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 7 in the library and at the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce, both located on East Baltimore Street, and in Carl’s Drug Store, North Antrim Way, all in Greencastle.
Two-hundred tickets will be offered for sale and the committee expects to have a sell-out crowd due to the amount of interest already generated in the community.
The Greencastle library will close at 5 p.m. that day so that both patrons and staff may attend.
Hicks Chevrolet-Buick-Volvo of Greencastle will donate a shuttle service that evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m. when the doors will open. They will transport people from the lower parking lot to the main building at Green Grove Gardens. The shuttle will also be available following the event to return patrons to their cars, as needed. Activities will conclude around 9 p.m.
Any Greencastle area business that would like to be included in either the food area or silent auction should call Patti Divelbiss at 597-7908 or Karen Amsley at 597-3269 prior to Feb. 15.
The full amount of the campaign is $1.2 million to renovate the existing building along with creating complete handicap accessibility and enlarging the facility to include a children’s area and community room large enough to seat 100 people.