Mansfield Public Library

Better Prices for Mystic Aquarium

2010-08-02T16:46:00.004-04:00

Mystic Aquarium has recently lowered their prices for those of you who borrow library passes. Prices now include $6.00 off adult admission and $4.00 off child admission (up to two adults and two children per pass) through April 30, 2011. This is a substantial savings, and we hear that Mystic is a great destination! It's a quick drive down Rt 95. The library has passes for Saturdays and Sundays only. Go to our website at www.sailsinc.org/mansfield to reserve your pass or give us a call at 508-261-7380.

Pawtucket Red Sox Passes!

2010-04-01T15:27:00.001-04:00

The Friends have wonderfully purchased passes to the Pawsox for us! We have a pass for most home games, and you may book them on line from home, or give us a call. The passes will admit a family of up to 6 people for $18.00.

Fine Free Days

2010-04-01T15:23:00.002-04:00

We're having fine free days April 12 - 24. Return your overdue items during that time period, bring a non-perishable food item for the town's food pantry, Our Daily Bread, and we'll waive your fines. This does not apply to lost or damaged items, previously returned items, or museum passes. Please give us a call at 508-261-7380 if you have any questions!

THE BOOK THIEF

2010-01-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

We'll be discussing THE BOOK THIEF at our Feb. 16, 7 p.m. book discussion group. All are welcome!

Robert Parker display

2010-01-28T13:09:00.002-05:00

We currently are featuring a display of titles by Boston's beloved author, Robert B. Parker, who died January 18, 2010. Many of us have enjoyed his Spenser, Sunny Randall, and Jesse Stone novels.

Next week's display will go in quite a different direction, with "bonnet novels." These are novels that feature Amish characters and lifestyles. These novels, including those by authors Beverly Lewis and Dale Cramer, have become very popular in the last few years. Many of them feature romance, but they are very "clean cut." There are also a few Amish mysteries...
Check them out!

Tax forms are here

2010-01-27T15:32:00.001-05:00

The tax forms from the IRS and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have arrived.

Massachusetts poets reading aloud...

2010-01-04T14:02:00.002-05:00

Go to massbook.org for a wonderful webcast of Massachusetts poets reading their works. The readings took place during the second Massachusetts Poetry Festival in Lowell.

New Jodi Picoult book in February 2010

2009-11-30T16:12:00.003-05:00

Jodi Picoult, who is possibly the most popular author at our library, has a new book coming out in February: HOUSE RULES. It is about a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome who becomes a murder suspect. The title is already in our card catalog, so holds may be placed. This will undoubtedly be in high demand, and we'll have multiple copies.

Toys for Tots

2009-11-13T13:33:00.002-05:00

The Mansfield Rotary Club has dropped off two big boxes for Toys for Tots. Bring in a new gift now for a deserving child! According to the club's website, 1/2 of the toys collected go directly to Mansfield's West Side Benevolent Circle right here in Mansfield, and the rest are distributed through southeastern Massachusetts by the Marine Corps.

Want to learn a foreign language?

2009-11-05T12:23:00.001-05:00

Our compact discs and books on cassette for learning languages are quite popular. We've been looking into on-line learning for languages, but have found them too expensive, basically, in relation to our demand. We discovered www.livemocha.com, which is apparently free. Take a look and let us know what you think.

What To Do About the Flu

2009-10-27T16:28:00.000-04:00

Updated info!

LOVING FRANK

2009-10-22T11:09:00.001-04:00

LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan is our title for November's book discussion. Join us at 7 p.m. on November 17. We meet in our comfortable Certuse Room (our historical room) and feel free to bring a beverage or snack.

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-22T10:56:00.002-04:00

We were talking here this week about the new movie, Where the Wild Things Are. I saw a great review in the Globe, and it did mention that the movie is not for under 10s. Of course, it is based on a picture book from 1963, which has entertained generations of children. I remember I purchased it for my 4 year old nephew in the early 70s, and my mother said "It will scare him to death." It didn't... October is the month for frights! What one of us finds scary, the other doesn't. Try to remember what books have frightened you! I gave up Stephen King years ago because they were sooooo scary, but went back recently and read a couple. Many thrillers are too scary for me, yet they are one of the most popular fiction genres. Then, there are those folks who LOVE to be scared, and horror titles are their cup of tea. Horror flicks certainly attract lots of folks, too. Looking for horror books? We've got a book called ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FANTASY AND HORROR FICTION and one called READ ON - HORROR FICTION, both of which will lead you to some great titles. Or, how about THE YEAR'S BEST FANTASY AND HORROR?

Our Live Homework Help

2009-08-27T16:00:00.002-04:00

We've just renewed our subscription to Live Homework Help, available through our website. Our Live Homework Help program now offers free academic and career resources plus tutoring for all students and adults. K-12 and college students can get help with homework, studying, projects, essay writing and test prep in every subject, including algebra, statistics, chemistry, physics, social studies and English. Adults can get help with resume writing, GED prep, and academic support. All sessions are on-line and one-to-one with a live tutor. Getting help is easy. Just go to www.sailsinc.org/mansfield and click on Live Homework Help on the left of the home page. Let us know if you have any questions!

Our E-mailed Newsletter

2009-08-05T12:03:00.003-04:00

If we have your email address, we email you a newsletter once a month to tell you about library activities and facts. If we don't have your email address, and you'd like to receive the newsletter, please email me at mansfieldpl@sailsinc.org, or to jcampbel@sailsinc.org.
In July we started using Constant Contact as our newsletter format, and hope you enjoy it.
Suggestions are always welcome. Thank you!

MA Broadband Institute

2009-08-05T11:55:00.005-04:00

The MA Broadband Institute wants you to make your voice heard about broadband availability at work and at home. Take the survey!

www.massbroadband.org/mapping/survey.html

NoveList

2009-07-30T16:40:00.003-04:00

I sometimes feel like I'm beating a dead horse talking about NoveList, but we just renewed our subscription and we want it to be used! NoveList is under "on line" on our website.
NoveList Plus is a database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 125,000 titles. It also includes other content of interest to readers, such as Author Read-alikes, What We’re Reading, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Annotated Book Lists. I use it practically every day. Whenever I come across a new author and would like to start at the beginning of the series, NoveList is where I go to print a list. When I want to read reviews, NoveList is where I go. When folks say "can you suggest an author like Nora Roberts,"
NoveList is where I go. Last year we expanded our subscription to include non-fiction titles also. Take a look, and let us know what you think!

Adult Book Discussion in September

2009-07-30T16:37:00.003-04:00

We'll be discussing EMPIRE FALLS by Richard Russo in September, on the 15th. Join us!
Titles for the rest of the fall have not been chosen, so we'll be discussing those choices too.
We meet in the Certuse Room (our historical room) and you are welcome to bring refreshments.
Please contact the library if you need additional information!

100 best beach books ever

2009-07-30T15:49:00.002-04:00

NPR has published an audience picks list of 100 beach books ever. When I think of beach reading I think of "light and fluffy" and most of these in no way qualify...it seems to just be a list of good books. Take a look, and see how many you've read.

Library Survey

2009-07-17T16:05:00.002-04:00

We recently sent out a survey to over 2000 of our cardholders. We're also putting a link to the survey on our website. We are currently working on a strategic plan for the library's next several years, and are interested in knowing what library services are important to you.
We're interested in your compliments and your criticisms too. Please feel free to fill out the linked survey, and contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your time!

Library Budget Cuts

2009-06-19T10:39:00.004-04:00

The library experienced a $32,000+ cut to the budget for fiscal year 2010, which begins July 1.
We lost a 10 hour a week position. The person lost processed many of our adult and young adult materials, so we expect to experience a lag time in getting out new materials. Other staff members will be called away from other duties, as possible, to do this work. Also, we lost the funding for Sunday hours. We regret the library will no longer be open on Sundays. In addition, we will be closing at 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Approximately $12,000 of the cut came from our budget for materials, so we'll be purchasing less for you to borrow and enjoy this year. We also lost a 20 hour a week desk position, when a staff member resigned to move out of state in May. We still have the money for that position in our budget, but as there is a hiring freeze, we cannot fill it. The library will be asking the Board of Library Commissioners for a waiver this fall, as we do not meet their requirements for funding, which could lead to the loss of state aid, which was over $30,000 in the past year.
Please let us know if you have any questions.

Red Sox raffle basket

2009-06-19T10:37:00.002-04:00

Time is running out for you to purchase raffle tickets for our Red Sox basket! This basket was donated to our Friends of the Library to raise funds. It includes a $20.00 gift card to Stop & Shop, two scratch tickets, a Sox toy, a Sox towel, and a number of other items. Tickets are 50 cents a piece, and the drawing is June 22. Buy your tickets now!

Mansfield High School Summer Reading

2009-06-16T13:25:00.000-04:00

Check our website for a link to the high school's 2009 summer reading list.

Our Downloadable Audiobooks

2009-06-16T13:17:00.002-04:00

This just in from Overdrive, the provider of our downloadable audiobooks:

OverDrive WMA Audiobooks Now iPod-compatible!

With the newly released OverDrive Media Console v3.2 for Windows, users can transfer nearly all the digital audiobooks in your current download collection to their iPod® or iPhoneT.
Now, when you add new audiobooks from Books on Tape, Listening Library, Hachette Audio, Penguin Audio, BBC Audiobooks America, Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media, Harper Audio, and many more, they're iPod-ready. Clink the link to get the info!

Food for Fines starts June 22

2009-06-11T14:22:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder we've got "Food for Fines" starting June 22 and ending July 5. Bring in a non-perishable item for Our Daily Bread with your overdue items and we'll waive your fines...this doesn't apply to previously returned items, museum passes, or lost or damaged items. Ask us if you have any questions.

Job Seeker Support

2009-06-11T14:18:00.003-04:00

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has created a great website for those who are seeking employment.

We have shortcuts and favorites set to this site on our Internet stations.

Consumer Reports on-line

2009-06-08T15:40:00.002-04:00

You may now access Consumer Reports On-Line from home, with your library card! Check out all the databases you can check out from home...

Red Sox Basket raffle

2009-05-29T10:22:00.002-04:00

An extremely generous library user has put together a gorgeous basket of Red Sox themed items for the Friends to raffle. We'll start selling tickets late today. The Friends provide us with museum passes, expensive reference items, audio books for children, programs for children and adults, and more. Please support them by buying a raffle ticket, making a donation, or purchasing a book bag or Mansfield afghan.

Family Program June 17

2009-05-28T12:05:00.002-04:00

The Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department is funding a family program at the library on June 17, 6:30 - 8 p.m. The Infractions have been on the nightclub, college, wedding and concert scene for over seven years. Their music includes funk, hip-hop, contemporary ska and swing.

The group includes a four piece rhythm section and a three piece horn section. Check out their website!

Book Discussion Group postponed again

2009-05-28T12:02:00.003-04:00

I regretfully say that our June book discussion group meeting, scheduled for June 16, has had to be cancelled. Last night the Board of Selectmen voted to postpone Town Meeting to June 16, as reliable state aid figures have still not been received. We will probably have our next meeting on Tuesday, September 15, but a July 21 meeting is also possible. Watch this space for updates.
I am truly sorry for this erratic schedule!

Fine Free June 22 through July 5.

2009-05-26T13:49:00.002-04:00

Look under the bed, behind the couch, under the car seat! Overdue items returned from June 22 through July 5 will not be charged fines. This does not apply to previously returned items, lost or damaged items, or museum passes. We do ask that you make a donation of a nonperishable food item to Our Daily Bread, Mansfield's food pantry. We have a drop box right in the library. Please call us if you have any questions, our number is 508-261-7380.

Book Discussion for June

2009-05-21T13:57:00.002-04:00

Our book discussion group will meet on Tuesday, June 16, with EMPIRE FALLS by Richard Russo as our choice of the month.

new landscaping out front

2009-05-21T13:48:00.004-04:00

Through an initiative of the Mansfield Beautification Committee, an "Adopt a Spot" program was launched in April. Luckily for us, Presentato Landscape Company adoped our front entrance, and the difference is amazing! Some time ago, our DPW put together a "dog bone" from granite left over from curbing projects. That dog bone is now beautifully planted with trees, daylilies, hosta, grasses, and shrubs. Above, see the before and after shots...unfortunately, they are reversed! In addition, the Mansfield Garden Club continues to plant and maintain our center island. We do offer hearty thanks to the Garden Club and Presentato Landscape Company.

Memorial Day

2009-05-19T16:51:00.001-04:00

Just a quick reminder that the library is closed on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.

Consumer Reports Online

2009-05-13T12:14:00.000-04:00

We now have Consumer Reports Online on our Internet and Ibistro computers, all with a shortcut on the desktop. We'll soon be adding a link on our website, so you'll be able to use the site from home. CR is definitely one of our most-used magazines, so we hope you'll enjoy this online access!

Boston Public Library ecards

2009-05-12T12:18:00.001-04:00

Sign up for a Boston Public Library ecard--it's easy and you can access databases and downloads. You have to be a resident, employee, or property owner in Massachusetts and be at least 13 years old. This is fantastic, so check it out!

Book discussion for May

2009-05-06T14:07:00.001-04:00

We rescheduled our discussion of MY ANTONIA to May 20 so it would not conflict with town meeting. Now town meeting has been postponed, but we certainly can't change the book discussion again! Please join us May 20!

Placing a hold?

2009-05-06T14:01:00.002-04:00

When you are placing a hold on an item, make sure you aren't placing a hold on the large print copy of the book, unless, of course, that is what you want! We recently discovered that about 10 people had placed holds on the large print edition of TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer. We only have one copy of that book in large print, so those folks would be waiting a long time. We've got six copies of the regular size print, and the holds list for Mansfield residents was almost gone. Often, and I don't know why, the large print edition of a book pops up first when you search the title, as happened with TWILIGHT. If you have any questions, do call us at 508-261-7380.

We've installed a "people counter"

2009-04-30T11:33:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we installed a people counter on our door. It is too high to count young children, unfortunately, but we worried it would get "played with" if we left it too low. We were quite amazed with our count for the first day: 623!! It would be over 700, I'm sure, if it counted the little folks! We know we are busy, our circulation is certainly up. There are lots of folks, though, who come in to read the papers, use our computers, use wifi, do research, etc., who don't check out items. We'll be following these "people count" numbers for a while.

Strategic Plan

2009-04-23T11:37:00.003-04:00

The Trustees of the Library have embarked on creating a new strategic plan. Our goal is excellence in library service, and we'll be forming a committee to envision what we plan to achieve in the next five years. The American Library Association suggests a list of "service responses" and asks us to priorize three or four of them for our library. During the next month or so, we will be creating an online survey for our users. Here are a list of the choices that will be included...remember, we'll be narrowing them down to 3 or 4!

Be an Informed Citizen: Local, National, and World Affairs

Build Successful Enterprises: Business and NonProfit Soupport

Celebrate Diversity: Cultural Awareness

Connect to the Online World: Public Internet Access

Create Young Readers: Early Literacy

Discover Your Roots: Genealogy and Local History

Express Creativity: Create and Share Content

Get Facts Fast: Ready Reference

Know Your Community: Community Resources and Services

Learn to Read and Write: Adult, Teen, and Family Literacy

Make Career Choices: Job and Career Development

Make Informed Decisions: Health, Wealth, and Other Life Choices

Satisfy Curiosity: Lifelong Learning

Stimulate Imagination: Reading, Viewing, and Listening for Pleasure

Success in School: Homework Help

Understand How to Find, Evaluate, and Use Information: Information Fluency

Visit a Comfortable Place: Physical and Virtual Spaces

Welcome to the United States: Services for New Immigrant

May book discussion group

2009-04-13T16:55:00.002-04:00

We'll be choosing a new date for our May discussion of MY ANTONIA, because the May 19 date conflicts with town meeting, which I must attend. The new date will be on our library calendar after the April 21 discussion of THE HOURS and MRS. DALLOWAY.

Media drop ready for your returns

2009-04-13T16:53:00.003-04:00

We've retrofitted one of our book drops, so you may now return dvds, audio books, and videos when the library is not open. We can probably call this an experiment. You've been asking for this convenience for a long time, we hope it works for all of us! Please remember to check and see that all discs are included before you return the item. Thanks!

Neat sites on the web

2009-04-13T16:51:00.001-04:00

Marylaine Block runs a consulting business and posts a "Neat New Things on the Web" nearly every week. This is her most recent column. The peep link is really, really cute!

Resources for Job Hunters

2009-04-10T16:17:00.001-04:00

Check this website from the Southeastern Regional Library System:

http://www.semls.org/resource/support/JobSearchWebsites.htm

Dog On It

2009-04-06T12:43:00.003-04:00

One of the library's voracious readers raved about a new book called DOG ON IT by Spencer Quinn. I think it is the author's first novel. Bernie runs the Little Detective Agency and Chet is his sidekick, a dog. The entire story is told from the dog's point of view, and it really is fun.
I'm listening to it on audio. The reviews have been really good, the title is suggested for mystery lovers, not just canine lovers!

Books certainly are enthralling!

2009-04-06T12:39:00.002-04:00

Great opinion piece in the 4/5/09 Sun Chronicle...very dear to this librarian's heart, anyway! Aren't you curious about what he was reading? There are thousands of books in the library that can grab one's attention...

Adult Book Discussion Group

2009-03-23T14:13:00.002-04:00

We'll be discussing Virginia Woolf's MRS. DALLOWAY and Michael Cunningham's THE HOURS at April's book discussion group at 7 p.m. on April 21. Please join us, or join us for the May 19 discussion of MY ANTONIA.

Audio Books

2009-03-23T14:02:00.002-04:00

As someone who will ride around the block a few times to continue listening to a great audio book, I just want to say that listening is great fun! Last week I drove around the block when I was on the last disc of TELL ME WHERE IT HURTS by Dr. Nick Trout. Dr. Trout is a vet at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston. He's originally from Great Britain, and the audio book is wonderfully narrated by Englishman Simon Vance. I'd read somewhere that Simon Vance is a great narrator, and came across this audio book by looking to see if we had any titles narrated by him. And voila, there it was on our shelf. Animal lovers would enjoy this title, but do keep a few tissues at hand. The "book" has some laugh-out-loud parts too (at least to me!). The instant I finished TELL ME WHERE IT HURTS I popped the first disc of TESTIMONY by Anita Shreve into my car's cd slot. The story is loosely based on the sex scandal that took place at Milton Academy a couple of years ago. What makes this audio book particularly interesting is the number of narrators it includes...at least 10 or more, so far. Most have only 1, but this title has lots of different characters "speaking" with a different narrator for each. It really does hold the listener's interest.

We purchase audio books from Recorded Books, Books on Tape, and BBC Audiobooks. In addition, as part of Sails, we subscribe to Overdrive, which permits you to download audio books to your computer or MP3 player.

Providence Journal

2009-03-09T16:41:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, we've been notified that the Providence Journal is no longer delivering to Mansfield, so we are no longer subscribing. We may be able to get the Sunday edition, however. You can read some content on-line at projo.com.

Stimulus package info

2009-02-26T14:05:00.001-05:00

I noticed a link to www.recovery.gov on the Boyden Library website...it gives information as to where the money is going.

New Features in Ibistro

2009-02-17T14:36:00.001-05:00

On Monday, February 23rd, Ibistro (our on-line catalog) is going to have a new, updated look. Click the link to get some info on these upcoming features.

Norton Public Library decertified today

2009-02-12T15:07:00.002-05:00

The Norton Public Library was "decertified" by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners today, and we've had lots of questions about it. The MBLC requires a certain level of taxpayer support for Massachusetts libraries, and the Norton P.L. was over $200,000 short of the required support this year. This lack of support made them ineligible for "certification." Because of this, our library's Trustees voted to suspend "reciprocal borrowing to Norton and other decertified libraries, which means we will no longer lend our materials to Norton residents. We feel very bad about this situation, and hope Norton gets back on its feet soon. If we lend materials to Norton, Mansfield taxpayers are subsidizing Norton. A comparison to this might be phrased like this: If Norton cuts back its snow plowing budget, Mansfield plows would not be used to plow Norton roads. As I write this on February 12, Norton residents may still borrow our materials. This privilege will probably be suspended early next week. Norton residents are certainly welcome to come to our library and use our resources within the building. Norton residents may want to contact their Board of Selectmen about this issue, as well.
Please call me if you have any questions! Janet Campbell, Library Director 508-261-7380.

Welcoming a new family member

2009-02-04T15:50:00.001-05:00

Our display case this month features great photographs of foster and adoptive families, from the state's Department of Social Services, Attleboro office.

Keeping track of your reading

2009-02-04T15:41:00.002-05:00

Folks sometimes ask if we can tell them what items they have borrowed in the past. Sometimes they are wondering if they've read something previously, or they want to reread something they enjoyed in the past. Up until now, this was not something we could do. Sails has just made an adjustment in patron records, and as of today we can "turn on" a feature for you that will keep track of your borrowed items from now on. It will not show items borrowed before today.
Due to staff and time limitations, we will not be able to review this history at our main desk, but later this month you'll be able to access this feature through Ibistro, available at home or at our on-line catalogs. Just as when you log in to review your account, you'll be able to access your "history." I want to emphasize this is something you can "opt" into, it is not automatic. As we register new library users, we'll offer this option, but for previously registered users it will be something to ask for. Also, there are many people who want to keep their borrowing record invisible. That's a choice too! Let us know if you have any questions.

Adult Book Discussion Group

2009-01-30T10:47:00.002-05:00

We'll be discussing YEAR OF WONDERS by Geraldine Brooks on February 24. Beginning in March, we're switching our meetings to the 3rd Tuesday of the month. In March we're discussing THE NAMESAKE by Jumpta Lahiri, and in April we're going to discuss two books:
THE HOURS by Michael Cunningham and MRS. DALLOWAY by Virginia Woolf. New members are always welcome! Please call Janet Campbell at the library (508-261-7380) if you have any comments, questions, or recommendations.

downloadable books

2009-01-29T13:48:00.001-05:00

We're glad to announce that many of our downloadable books may now be used on ipods! Here's a note from Sails:

Announcing the addition of OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks, and OMC for MAC!
We are proud to announce the addition of MP3 Audiobooks to our collection. The MP3 Audiobook format can be used with the iPod®, iPhone™, the iPod Shuffle and virtually any MP3 player for listening-on-the go. Now you can enjoy Audiobooks, eBooks and Music anywhere 24/7!To download our MP3 content, please make sure you have OverDrive Media Console v3.0 (or newer) for Windows or OverDrive Media Console v1.0 (or newer) for Mac installed on your computer.

Downloadable books

2009-01-16T10:23:00.001-05:00

Our downloadable books are now for ipods too! Check out our overdrive site...

http://sails.lib.overdrive.com/

The value of your library

2009-01-15T15:27:00.002-05:00

Here's a nifty "value" calculator to see how much money you save by borrowing library materials instead of buying them.

http://sailsinc.org/Value/value.htm

Tax forms here!

2009-01-15T15:14:00.006-05:00

The IRS has sent us the tax forms for 2008. We've not yet received Massachusetts forms, and I've heard that Telefile will not be available this year...you may be able to file on line.

For the IRS, check www.irs.gov/

Literacy Center Display

2009-01-06T16:27:00.003-05:00

Check out our display case this month. It features lovely black and white pictures of tutors and their students from the Literacy Center. We often provide space for the volunteers and their students. Do ask our reference librarian if you have any questions.

http://www.theliteracycenter.com/

The value of your library

2009-01-06T09:53:00.001-05:00

The Maine State Library recently posted a "calculator" so you can figure out the value of your library. It is lots of fun to do...Please let me know if you fill it out!

The late Donald Westlake

2009-01-05T15:01:00.002-05:00

I heard today that the author Donald Westlake had passed away last week. He was a very prolific author, with many enthusiastic readers. I didn't read a lot of his books, but did read SMOKE, which I found hilarious...We now have a display of books by Westlake, including SMOKE, as well as books he wrote under other names: Richard Stark and Tucker Coe.
Westlake had been writing for over 40 years, and was 75.

Financial Fitness Calendars

2008-12-23T14:51:00.002-05:00

The Massachusetts Society of CPAs has given us 50 or so "2009 Financial Fitness" calendars, and we're distributing them on a first come, first served basis. The calendar contains tips and tools for improving financial health. The MSCPA encourages you to get a calendar, and start 2009 off on the right foot!

Need a gift suggestion?

2008-12-16T10:07:00.003-05:00

The Friends of the Mansfield Public Library have beautiful Mansfield afghans to sell! We have one hanging on our wall for you to see. The price is $48.00, and they make a great gift for college kids, relocating families, friends, and yourself. Just ask at the desk.

A message from Sails dated 12/1/08

2008-12-02T16:41:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday a process was set off which accidentally emailed overdue notices to anyone who had items checked out. This has caused tons of email to be sent to people who should not have been notified. SAILS apologizes for all the inconvenience and appreciates your patience during the resolution.

Adult Book Discussion Group

2008-12-02T16:31:00.005-05:00

We met last week for our third meeting, and our next get-together is on December 23, when we will be discussing GILEAD by Marilynne Robinson. Our group meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month, and new members are always welcome!

Institute of Contemporary Art passes

2008-12-02T16:29:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Library, we're now offering a pass to the ICA in Boston. We have a limited membership, so passes are available Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and some school vacation days. Please check our on-line museum pass booking site or call the library for booking and/or availability...and have your library card in hand. It is required to book a pass!

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

2008-11-18T15:03:00.003-05:00

Thanks to our Friends of the Library, we're soon to offer passes to the ICA, Boston. Passes will be available on weekends and several other days per week. Watch our newsletter for more info!

Toys for Tots

2008-11-10T14:04:00.002-05:00

The Mansfield Rotary Club delivered two boxes for Toys for Tots gifts today. The boxes will be picked up by December 11. Someone asked today if they were looking for anything in particular, and if you are feeling flush and generous, bikes are something often wished for. Also, we've heard the Westside Benevolent Society needs cash!

What others are reading

2008-10-21T11:36:00.002-04:00

The Hennepin County Library, Minnesota, has lots of reading ideas to share.

Man Booker Prize announced

2008-10-17T13:47:00.004-04:00

Aravind Adiga has been awarded the Booker Prize for his book THE WHITE TIGER. According to the Booker website, the book's synopsis is as follows:

"Born in a village in heartland India, the son of a rickshaw puller, Balram is taken out of school by his family and put to work in a teashop. As he crushes coals and wipes tables, he nurses a dream of escape - of breaking away from the banks of Mother Ganga, into whose depths have seeped the remains of a hundred generations. The White Tiger is a tale of two Indias. Balram’s journey from darkness of village life to the light of entrepreneurial success is utterly amoral, brilliantly irreverent, deeply endearing and altogether unforgettable."

The prize, which started 4o years ago, is awarded to the book considered the best novel of the year written by a citizen of the British Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland.

Adult Book Discussion Group

2008-10-16T13:34:00.002-04:00

Our new book discussion group will meet to discuss NEVER LET ME GO, by Kazuo Ishiguro, on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m. The group will meet in our historical room (not the big main meeting room). Contact Janet Campbell at the library (508-261-7380) if you need further information.

Kids' Book Discussion Group

2008-10-16T13:32:00.002-04:00

The library is now sponsoring a book club for children in grades 4 and 5. The group will be led by Lynne McDonnell, and will meet the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.
The group size will be limited, and sign-ups have not yet begun. Watch this space for an announcement

Providence Children's Museum is closed

2008-09-15T14:44:00.003-04:00

We've just been notified that the Providence Children's Museum is closed all of September and through October 27 for renovations.

Community Calendars are Here!

2008-08-25T10:50:00.002-04:00

The recreation dept. delivered Mansfield's community calendars today. They are limited in supply, so we are able to distribute one per family. Get your calendar today!

Emergency Preparedness

2008-08-21T14:24:00.003-04:00

Scott Leite, Mansfield's Health Agent, has dropped off little cards that will help you prepare for an emergency! One side of the card lists emergency and non-emergency numbers for the town of Mansfield, and the other side lists an "emergency supply reminder." It includes a list of items to have on hand in case of an emergency, and it includes water, prescriptions, flashlights, candles etc. These cards are available for adults to take.

Share Your Story

2008-08-20T16:57:00.002-04:00

Please take a survey and help us tell our Massachusetts government why library and library network funding is so important.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=6T1x6BH_2fALl8J3j2zGocRg_3d_3d

Live Homework Help

2008-08-20T16:26:00.002-04:00

We're working on getting the word out that Live Homework Help, our on-line tutoring service, is now for elementary students through adult learners...including folks studying for their GED.
The Sun Chronicle's new Mansfield reporter, Matt Kakley, plans to do a feature article about this service, and we'd love to include someone who uses it in the article, even with a photo! If you know of a student who has enjoyed the benefits of Live Homework Help, please let me know! Thanks!
Janet Campbell, Library Director, 508-261-7380 or email me at jcampbel@sailsinc.org.

Book Discussion Group

2008-08-15T11:07:00.002-04:00

Our newly forming book discussion group will begin on Tuesday, September 30. We had to change the date due to a scheduling conflict. If you're interested in attending this meeting, please contact me! Thanks...
Janet Campbell, Library Director jcampbel@sailsinc.org or 508-261-7380

Booklist Online

2008-08-08T15:07:00.004-04:00

Booklist is a magazine to which we subscribe, it is geared to librarians and is in our professional section, not out with the general magazines. We've just subscribed to Booklist Online which you will be able to access through our website by logging in with your library card.

It includes book reviews, articles, booklists, blogs, columns, etc. Let us know if you like it and find it useful.

Trying to save money?

2008-08-06T16:35:00.000-04:00

Looking for some ways to save a few dollars this summer and have some fun too? Thrifty Fun is a great website chock full of ideas on travel, crafts, gardening; whatever you can imagine. The site is searchable and you can also post questions to the participants.

NoveList Plus

2008-07-24T16:13:00.003-04:00

Regular readers of this blog, our library newsletter, or our "Reader's Friend" newsletter concerning new books each month will know how fond I am of NoveList, to which we subscribe. If you click on the "on-line" link on the left of our home page, it will take you to our databases, of which NoveList is one. NoveList, sub-titled "your guide to fiction" helps readers find fiction titles they want to read. It includes series' lists, read-alike lists (i.e. if you like Nora Roberts, you'll like...), author interviews and links to their websites, award winners, etc. Today we decided to upgrade to NoveList Plus, which just debuted this spring. NoveList Plus is a great reader's source for information of the same kinds but includes fiction as well as non-fiction.
We're looking forward to this expanded product in a week or so and will let you know how it is...and we'd love to know if you use it.

Book Discussion Group to Begin

2008-07-24T15:59:00.003-04:00

Blog readers here will be the first to know...we're starting a book discussion group here in September. It will begin the week of September 22, on a week night to be announced...probably Tuesday or Wednesday. We'll meet at 7:00, and will meet in the library/coa meeting room.
We'll meet once a month, and the focus will be on fiction, with possibly an occasional non-fiction title. We've not had a book discussion group here in quite some time, but we're looking forward to examining some interesting titles! Titles chosen will be easily accessed through our Sails library consortium, but if we have multiple copies, we'll make them available. Please get in touch with the library's director, Janet Campbell, if you are interested in attending this group, or have any questions!

Saving money in tight economic times

2008-07-16T09:15:00.002-04:00

Yahoo has a link on its website today to an article that was in U.S. News a few months ago, and it features ways to save money. It includes things like taking bubble baths, cooking dinner at home and using leftovers for lunch the next day, etc., but what interested us the most was the # 4 suggestion "Use the Library." We provide free Internet service, and you can take advantage of free books, dvds, and audio books. In tight times, libraries are always even busier as folks take advantage of all we have to offer...and we hope you do!

Our blog

2008-07-11T11:45:00.002-04:00

Recently someone sent me a comment on the Ellen Degeneres post. I was absolutely tickled, and it made my day. Please send us comments, suggestions, compliments, or complaints!
You can reach me, the library's director, at jcampbel@sailsinc.org. Thanks!

Summer Reading

2008-07-11T11:30:00.003-04:00

Our reference librarian has a little summer reading "contest" going for adults, and of course activities are held many times a week for young readers! Check the event calendar on our website for all that is going on. We've got the usual supply of new travel books, with an emphasis on staying close to home this year. A quick perusal of the display today showed most of them out in circulation, but it is always okay to place a hold! You can do it from home or here in the library, or we can do it for you. Let us know if you need help!

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

2008-07-11T11:28:00.002-04:00

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was published on this date in 1960. According to a blurb in Publishers Weekly, "It won the Pulitzer Prize, and librarians voted it the best novel of the 20th century."

June, then summer fun!

2008-06-05T12:28:00.002-04:00

We're encouraging everyone to use our Live Homework Help, as we do want to continue to subscribe. Forty one students used it in May, which is a great number. Some months have not been so great. We considering not renewing our subscription to this wonderful service, but the more use we get, the less likely we'll let it go.
"Miss Kitty" is all geared up for summer reading! She's got a variety of events planned, and sign up begins June 21. Children of all ages may participate! Watch for schedules that will be available soon. Children in early grades at the schools will receive schedules there. Special family programs are held on Monday night.

Safety Tips for Parents and Children in Public Places

2008-04-17T14:37:00.002-04:00

Recently a child was attacked at the New Bedford Public Library...you may have read about it in the newspapers. His mother was within earshot, but he was not within her sight. Libraries are public buildings, and the variety of people who use are building is large. Please keep your child within earshot AND within sight at all times. We recently saw a sign in a public library that said "Please keep your child within hugging distance." Children under 8 should never be further from a parent than that. Older children in public are at risk too, and should be taught safety procedures. Our doors are busy, and frequently open...children can move through them very quickly. In addition, our shelves can block the view from what is happening. Please help us keep everyone safe!

Ellen Degeneres on librarians

2008-04-17T14:32:00.002-04:00

This is from Ellen Degeneres' blog, and it struck me funny!

My Thought...And I Do Have One
SHHHHHHHHHHHH!Today I’d like to talk about librarians. I don’t know how many of them watch my show. If they do, they probably watch my show while reading or working on the Dewey Decimal System. They probably don’t watch much TV at all. They just wait for the transcripts. If they do watch the show, they probably keep the sound turned down and put their fingers up to their mouths and say, “Shhhhhhhh” every time the audience laughs.
Librarians are the opposite of cheerleaders. At the library, if you make any noise, they deal with you immediately. First you get the silent, “How dare you?” look. If that doesn’t work, they give you the universal zip the lip signal. And if that doesn’t work, they do the lock up the lips and throw away the key move. I always trick them. I pretend to throw away the key, but keep it in my hand and slip it in my pocket. I’m sure I’m gonna get some phone calls from angry librarians. Of course, I won’t be able to hear what they are saying.
Have you ever been yelled at by a librarian? It tickles. I bet when they go out at night, librarians are totally different. It’s probably something like “Librarians Gone Wild.” I bet its just like the “Whitesnake” video. You remember the video? They take their glasses off, the wind starts blowing in their hair and end up on the hood of a Camaro. ..It’s because they can’t see. They think it’s their bed.

Live Homework Help

2008-04-09T12:10:00.003-04:00

It is time to remind everyone again that we offer Live Homework Help through our website!
It is available for children in grades 4 through beginning college, and is available from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day except major holidays. After students have used it, they fill out a little questionnaire, and we receive the answers each month. Comments are overwhelmingly positive. Spring brings flowers and lots of projects and reports for students, and Live Homework Help is ready to assist!

Internet and Printing

2008-04-09T12:03:00.002-04:00

Big changes are here in the sign-up for our Internet stations! Two weeks ago we started using "PC Reservation" which allows you to sign up yourself instead of stopping at the desk. When stations are open, you can just walk up to an open one and sign in, using your library card # and your pin #...your pin is usually the last four numbers of your phone. If all the stations are in use, there is a reservation station right next to our printer where you can sign in for a particular time or for "next available." When you sign in, you need to specify Internet (as opposed to JUV Internet, which is for kids up to age 15 that have permission slips) or for word processor. All our word processing stations are part of this too. If you owe us money over $3.00, your card will not work and you'll need to pay your overdues. Last week we instituted a print management feature too. When you choose to print from the Internet or from the word processors, you'll now need to choose what you are printing and also feed the coin machine in order to get your copies. We know this will save you from printing things you didn't need to print, as well as save us from spending tax paper dollars on wasted paper. Do let us know if you have any questions.

NoveList

2008-03-13T16:44:00.002-04:00

Readers of this blog have seen several references to NoveList, which is linked on our website.
Recently NoveList (which helps you find books you'll like, help guide you through series, help you find a book by just typing in a plot description, etc) has undergone an overhaul. I took a look today, and find it tricky to work with...there is definitely a new learning curve. If you are used to using it, please take a look, try it out, and give me some feedback! The old NoveList was terrific, and I'm sure this one is too, we all just have to get used to it.

Federal Tax forms

2008-02-28T16:47:00.002-05:00

We're not receiving as many tax forms from the feds as we used to, so many people are doing their taxes online or electronically. We still do have forms, of course, and here's a link to the IRS site (title of this article). Mass.gov also has links to Commonwealth of Massachusetts tax forms.
Let us know if you can't find what you need. We're not tax experts, so can't give advice, but we can find forms!

3 Cups of Tea

2008-02-28T16:41:00.002-05:00

Well, our first "community read" is coming to a close, with a wonderful, wonderful event with Greg Mortenson last night. He truly is an example of how one person can change the world. Nearly 650 people attended his talk and book-signing, people were lined up for about an hour to get an autograph! We've also got a hike in the Blue Hills scheduled for March 2 at noon.
Belatedly, but still something to look forward to, we've got a cooking demo with local cook Florencia coming up in April, when Florencia will be dishing up some central Asian meals.
Lots of folks are still reading 3 CUPS OF TEA, and we've got lots of copies available if you haven't had a chance yet. The book is available in hardcover, paperback, large print, and on audio compact disc.

Greg Mortenson's program Feb 27

2008-02-15T12:33:00.005-05:00

Tickets for Greg Mortenson's appearance here on February 27 went like the proverbial hotcakes on distribution day, February 9. We know there are lots of disappointed folks out there, and we're very sorry about that fact. The response to our program has been phenomenal. Last night's program on Islam, whose speakers were students from Al Noor Academy, was very thought provoking and we had nearly 70 people there to enjoy it. Keep your eye on the library's calendar on our website for additional programs still to come.

Information Databases

2008-01-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

We've told you before about all the wonderful databases we have available through our Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Library System and through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. We just received an update of databases available from the MBLC, and it includes lots of new titles for all ages, including teachers, school administrators, and librarians!

There's a collection of more than 4,200 scholarly periodicals, including much full text. We even have the full-text of the New York Times back to 1995, and it is updated daily. Something new is Inform, geared to Spanish language speakers and students. Massachusetts History Online includes full-text articles gathered from almost 50 sources that directly relate to MA history.

You are sure to find help, whether researching for a high school or college paper, checking a health resource whether as an academic or a consumer, reading about popular culture, or reviewing current events.

THREE CUPS OF TEA

2008-01-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

We're really gearing up for our Mansfield Reads month, starting next week! Borders is now also sponsoring our event, as well as the Friends of the Mansfield P.L. and the Mansfield Cultural Council, a local agency, funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Border is highlighting Greg Mortenson and his book.

Greg Mortenson tickets available 2/9/08

2008-01-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

Tickets for Greg Mortenson's program, which is scheduled for February 27 at 7 p.m. at Mansfield High School, will be available beginning February 9. Tickets will be available at the library beginning at 10 a.m., and are free. The program is suggested for ages 10 and up, and will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are being distributed at the library only, must be picked up, and are limited to 4 per person. They are available on a first-come, first served basis.

The Virtual Catalog

2008-01-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

We have had access to the "Virtual Catalog" for about five years, and it permits you, our user, to access dozens of libraries in Massachusetts that are not members of our Sails consortium. When one of you requests an item we don't have, our next step is to check the Virtual Catalog. You, too, can do it...there are links in our on-line card catalog, Ibistro, and on our website. Here's some facts from the Virtual Catalog:

The Virtual Catalog project has been underway for five years; about 20 library systems are now connected. The Virtual Catalog will search the following library catalogs:

CLAMS, Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing
C/W MARS, Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing
FLO, Fenway Libraries Online
Minuteman Library Network
MBLN, Metro Boston Library Network (including the Boston Public Library)
MVLC, Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
NOBLE, North of Boston Library Exchange
OCLN, Old Colony Library Network
SAILS
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Massachusetts, Boston
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
MBLN, MVLC, and FLO card holders must enter the Virtual Catalog as guest users at this
time. You cannot reserve material (i.e.,"place a hold") through the Virtual Catalog interface at this time.

Items that we request through this catalog take longer to arrive than usually happens for local requests, but most do come. If you can't find the item you want in the Virtual Catalog, we can usually request it through Interlibrary Loan. Our "ILL" requests go through another Massachusetts library, but items can come from all over the country...and we sometimes send items as well. Please let us know if there is something you are looking for and have been unable to find, or if you have questions about the Virtual Catalog. Some of our library users are VERY familiar with it, and use it very frequently!