April 2012

APRIL 2012

Good Friday Closing

           The library will be closed from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm

                        to observe Good Friday on April 6.

 

TAXES ARE DUE  APRIL  17TH

With taxes due on April 17th, the library still has the tax forms available.  Tax forms are available in a variety of formats.  All library locations have free copies of federal and state tax forms, and most locations have municipal and school district forms.  Federal, state, and school district forms can also be printed for no charge from web sites accessible on the library’s Internet computers.  Although the library does not offer tax advice or interpretations of instructions, we can however help you contact the appropriate institution for assistance. 

The Sheri Mosier Memorial Collection

The Sheri Moser Caldecott Memorial Area is nearly completed!  Memorial funds directed the the Children's Department of the library were used to modify shelving in the children's area to create space for a newly purchased collection of Caldecott Award winning picture books.  We were able to replace our entire collection as well as greatly increase our children's mystery and science fiction areas. 

The library gratefully acknowledges the kind donations in Sheri's memory.



EnvisionWare PC Management & PC Reservation

Beginning May 2012 all library Internet computers will be managed using EnvisionWare Software.

Users will no longer sign in using clipboards.

Simply choose an available computer and enter your library card number to gain access.

Users will have the option to reserve a computer, however, computer reservations will be on a “first available” basis.

Wii Gaming Night

Back by popular demand, the library's monthy Wii Gaming night will be held Friday, April 27 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  Kids ages 8 to 13 are invited to come to the library and challenge their friends in with a popular Wii game.  Snacks will be served. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.

Sign-up begins April 13.



For more information, visit our website www.mercer.lib.oh.us

March 2012

Wii Gaming Night

Friday, March 16
5:30 to 7:30

Kids ages 8 to 13 are invited to come to the library and challenge your friends in Wii Sports BOWLING and snacks will be served. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Sign-up begins March 9.

Bedtime Storytime

March 29

7:00pm

All preschool age children are invited to come in their pajamas and listen to nursery rhymes and bedtime stories.

Teddy bears and blankies are welcome.

Cookies and milk will be served. 

Young Adult Book Discussion

The Mercer County District Library's Youth Department along with the Celina High School Book Discussion Group are joining together to have a combined discussion each month. The choice for February is the Uglies by Scott Westerfeld which is about Tally who is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license --for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally

will be there. But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever. The group is open to all ages 10 and up. Stop by the library and pick up your copy of the book and let us know you would like to come to the discussion on Thursday, March 15 at 7pm.



CELL PHONE NOTICES

The Mercer County District Library now offers another convenient customer service: text message notices. Borrowers opting for this service will receive text messages to their cell phones when requested materials are on hold for them. If a borrower has unlimited texting in their cell phone plan, there is no charge for this service—making this the most convenient way of all to receive notices from your library.

Easter Story and Craft
Easter story and craft hour will be on Saturday, March 31st  from 10:00am to 11:00am. Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to come and enjoy an Easter craft, games and listen to stories. If you are interested, please call 419-586-4442 or stop by the library to register.
Sign up begins March 16th!

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

BOOK STORE

Open the 1^st Saturday of

each month

9 am to 1 pm

 Offering gently used books and book-related items.

Directly north of the library, on Main St., Celina, Ohio

For more information, visit our website www.mercer.lib.oh.us

February 2012

February 2012

TAX FORMS

Tax Forms…You Need ’Em – We Got ‘Em.  We have tax forms available in a variety of formats.  All library locations have free copies of federal and state tax forms, and most locations have municipal and school district forms.  Federal, state, and school district forms can also be printed for no charge from web sites accessible on the library’s Internet computers.  Although the library does not offer tax advice or interpretations of instructions, we can however help you contact the appropriate institution for assistance. 

Young Adult Book Discussion

The Mercer County District Library's Youth Department along with the Celina High School Book Discussion Group are joining together to have a combined discussion each month. The choice for February is the Uglies by Scott Westerfeld which is about Tally who is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license --for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally

will be there. But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever. The group is open to all ages from 9 to 90. To join the group, stop by the library and pick up your copy of the book and let us know you would like to come to the discussion on Thursday, March 15 at 7pm.

Wii Gaming Night - Friday, February 10

Sign-up today for the library's Wii Gaming Night to be held on Friday, February 10 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  Come and compete against others to win prizes playing Super Smash Bros. BRAWL on the the big screen.  Multiple Wii Consoles will be set up with popular Wii Games.  Pizza, popcorn and pop will be served.  This event is open to ages 8 to 13 and space is limited, so sign up NOW!!

 

Valentine's Story and Craft Hour

Children ages 6 to 10 may come to the Valentine’s Story and Craft hour on February 11th from 10am to 11am. Enjoy doing a craft, playing games and listening to a story. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to the first 24 children. Stop in or call the library to register.

Book Signing

Saturday, February 11

12 Noon to 1:30 P.M.

Join is for a program and book signing with Fritz Zimmerman, author of "The Nephilim Chronicles: A Travel Guide to the Ancient Ruins in the Ohio Valley". Come listen to his informative presentation on the early people who built the mounds in Ohio, Indiana and other states.

Mineral Tours

The Langsdon Rock & Mineral Collection is available for viewing during regular library hours.  Free guided field trips are offered for educational groups of any age level. Participants get hands on experience using our gold miner’s pans and kits. These programs are flexible, depending upon the age group and the goals of the leader. These mineral tours are lead by Professor Ken Strickland and Marilyn Thobe. Call the library to schedule your mineral tour!!

Bedtime Storytime

All preschool age children are invited to come in their pajamas and listen to nursery rhymes, do finger plays,  listen to a bedtime story and do an evening activity too! Come and join us on  Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00pm. Pajama time is the last Thursday of every month at 7:00pm during the school year. Hope to see you there!!

For more information, visit our website www.mercer.lib.oh.us

January 2012

2012 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wii Gaming Night - Friday, January 6th

Sign-up today for the library's second Wii Gaming Night to be held on Friday, January 6th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  Dance and compete against others to win prizes playing Just Dance 3 on the the big screen.  Multiple Wii Consoles will be set up with popular Wii Games.  Pizza, Popcorn and Pop will be served.  This event is open to ages 8 to 11 and space is limited, so sign up NOW!!




Want to learn more about the Internet?  Sign up for one of the Internet Basics Computer Classes in January.  There are currently two class times available, Tuesday, January 10th at 6:00 pm and another on Friday, January 13th at 1:00 pm.  These classes are Free and open to anyone wanting to learn basic internet skills, space is limited so call or stop by today to sign up.
 

Did you get an eReader for Christmas?  Didn't make it to the library's "Have your Cake and eBook Too" event?  Well it's not too late, bring your NOOK, Kindle, iPad, iPod Touch or other device to the library and one of our knowledgeable staff can show you how to download free eBooks from the library's iDownloads page.  Call ahead to ensure staff availability. 

 A fresh new look @ the library. 

The Mercer County District Library continually strives to better serve the community.   To provide a more open and inviting environment for patrons to enjoy, we have recently moved some shelving and rearranged the Adult Reference, and Juvenile sections of the main library in Celina.  Stop in and see the difference.  Your suggestions and comments are always welcome and encouraged.

 A special thank you to all who helped make the Holiday Food Drive a success with more then 250 items collected for the CALL Food Pantry. 

For more information, visit our website www.mercer.lib.oh.us

December 2011

Holiday Closings

Tuesday, December 13	Close at 5:00 pm	Staff Christmas Party
Saturday, December 24	CLOSED	Christmas Eve
Monday, December 26	CLOSED	Christmas Day Observance
Saturday, December 31	Close at 12 noon	New Year’s Eve
Monday, January 2	CLOSED	New Year’s Day Observance

Library Food Drive - December 2011

Please join our library staff as we help the local Food Pantry restock their shelves this month.   Items collected will be given to the C.A.L.L. food pantry.  C.A.L.L. stands for Community Action Life Line and serves all Mercer County residences in need of assistance.  Any and all non-perishable food items and paper products are appreciated.  The pantry specifically is in need of the following items:  Cake Mixes, Canned Meats, Canned Pastas, Ketchup, Pastas, Peanut Butter, Soups and Personal Care Items.  Next time you're coming to the library, bring a non-perishable item with you and drop it in the box by the front desk.  Thank you for your help.

Winter Computer Classes Scheduled

The Mercer County District Library has been offering free computer classes to the public for over 15 years. There is absolutely no charge to attend, and anyone is welcome. Sign-up at the circulation desk or by calling the library, there is a limit of the first 7 people in the class. The classes are hands on in a computer lab setting. The Winter 2011/2012 schedule is as follows:

Computer Class Schedule Mercer County District Library
Date	Time	Class
Tuesday, December 6	6:00 pm	Computer Basics
Friday, December 9	1:00 pm	Computer Basics
Tuesday, January 10	6:00 pm	Internet Basics
Friday, January 13	1:00 pm	Internet Basics
Tuesday, February 7	6:00 pm	Advanced Internet
Friday, February 10	1:00 pm	Advanced Internet

Additional Internet Computers now available

Due to high user demand, the Mercer County District Library has added three new Internet Workstations and two Laptops for library patrons to use.   This brings the total number of computers available to library users to15!  Anyone interested in using the Internet computers need only a valid library card.  The computers can be used one hour per day. Adult patrons can also gain access to the Internet using one of the library laptops. Stop by the circulation desk for more information or to sign up for one of the computers.

Princess Party with Snow White!!

Come join a real live Snow White who will host a lovely tea-time with your little princess on Saturday, December 10th from 11:00 am  to 1:00 pm! Girls ages 4-9 are invited to play games, make a craft and enjoy music and dancing. Your little lady may also wear a princess costume if she chooses, but it is not a must. Space is limited to 15 girls, and registration is required. Sign-Up begins on Friday, December 2nd.

Santa is coming...

Come to the library on Thursday, December 15th  at 7:00 pm to see Santa. He will be coming for the monthy Pajama Time.  Children of all ages are invited to come in their pajamas and listen to nersery rhymes, finger plays, and bedtime stories.  Teddy bear buddies, blankets & cuddlies are welcome too.  Cookies and milk will be served.  Don't forget your list for Santa, see you there!

Family Movie Night

Come to the library on Friday, December 16th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for Family Movie Night.  The feature movie will be Elf starring Will Ferrell.  All ages are invited to come and discover their inner elf.  Pizza, Popcorn, and juice will be provided.  Registration is required and a Parent or guardian must attend with children.

Sadly, the Mercer County District Library said good-bye to one of its own on November 25th.  Janet Schmackers had been the Head Librarian of the Zahn-Marion Branch for the past 30 years.  She was a long-time friend and co-worker, and her ever present smile and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. 

For more information, visit our website http://www.mercer.lib.oh.us/ 

November 2011

  

The library will be CLOSED Thursday, November 24 for Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen Friday, November 25th at 9am. We hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!!

                                                                                                          

Looking for NEW books?

The Mercer County Library has many New Book Lists available.  Both Fiction and Non-Ficiton titles that have just been released as well as what will be released in the coming months.  Now you can pick up a copy of New Christian Ficiton titles.  This month's list of New Christian Fiction includes:

Allan, Christa.  The Edge of Grace.  Unable to cope with her brother's news that he is gaty, Caryn Becsker rejects him.  But when David is attacked and nearly killed, Caryn is forced to make hard choices about family, fatih, andher own future; choices that take her to the very edge of grace.

Byrd, Sandra.  To Die For.  To Die For is the story of Meg Wyatt pledged forever as the best friend to Anne Boleyn since their childhoods on neighboring manors in Kent.

Girzone, Joseph F. The Homeless Bishop.  Carlo Brunini is an Italian bishop who wants to understand why Jesus loved the poor.  He takes an 18-month sabbatical and moves to New York City to live among them and as one of them.

Gunn, Robin Jones.  Canary Island Song.  Carolyn, a fifty something widow in this stand-alone by Gunn ("Sisterchicks"), has not been the same since she losst her husband seven years ago.

To see the rest of the titles on the list or to pick up a copy of the other Monthy New Book Lists, stop by the library.  All of the lists are available at the circulation desk and by the New Book Shelf.  Place your request now for these new and soon to be released books.
                                                                                                           

Upcoming Children's Programs

@ The Mercer County District Library 

Thanksgiving Story & Craft

  

Saturday, November 12

10am - 12pm

It's a repeat of our ever-popular Charlie Brown Thanksgiving party! This event is for families. Pre-registration is required. We'll have crafts and games as well as the famous Charlie Brown Thanksgiving "dinner"! Lots of fun for all! Sign up begins Friday, November 4th and we'll reserve by groups of two or more and a parent or guardian must attend with children. Call 419-586-4442 to sign up.

Princess Party with Cinderella

Saturday, November 19

12noon - 2pm

Come join a real live Cinderella who will host a lovely tea-time with your little princess! Girls ages 4-9 are invited to play games, make a craft and enjoy music and dancing. Your little lady may also wear a princess costume if she chooses, but it is not a must. Space is limited to 15 girls, and registration is required. Sign-Up begins on Friday, November 11th.

Pajama Time

Thursday, November 17th

7:00pm - 7:30pm

All preschool age children are invited to come in their pajamas and listen to nursery rhymes and bedtime stories. Cookies and Milk served. 
Teddy bears and blankies are welcome. 

Wii Gaming Night

Friday, November 11

5:30 to 7:30

Kids ages 8 to 13 are invited to come to the library and challenge your friends in Mario Kart and snacks will be served.  Pre-registration is required.  Sign-up begins November 1st.





For more information, visit our website www.mercer.lib.oh.us

                                                                                                             

October 2011

Amazon Kindle, NOW Compatible

We are pleased to announce that Amazon Kindle is now compatible with your library's eBook collection. All browsing, searching, and checkout of eBook titles can be accessed through the library's iDownloads page. When a user checks out a Kindle Book, a "Get for Kindle" link will be presented that opens a new window (or tab) at Amazon prompting the user to login to their Amazon account. Fulfillment will occur at Amazon's website so you will need an Amazon account to access the library eBook in the Kindle format. No purchase or credit card is required to create an Amazon Kindle account. Once signed in, select which Kindle device or free Kindle app you want to deliver the title to. At launch, browse, check out, and fulfillment of Kindle Books from your library can be completed from we browsers on PC and Mac, iPad, and numerous other tablet devices.

Learn Skills with LearningExpress & your library card

LearningExpress offers a wice variety of practice tests (ACT, College Prep, Civil Service, Occupational Practice, ASVAB, etc.), exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? Find resume and job skill help too! Find it at http://www.ohioweblibrary.org/. Look for the LearningExpress A+ icon at the bottom of the page.

Friends of the Library Fall Author Program - Karen Harper

Sign-up NOW and JOIN US FOR AN EVENING
WITH OHIO AUTHOR
Karen Harper
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
7:00 P.M.
RICHARDSON-BRETZ BUILDING

Karen's books have been published in a variety of foreign languages including most recently Japanese and Greek. Two have appeared in Good Housekeeping Magazine, and many are in large print and audio books. Her MIRA novel, Karen's Amish novel, DARK ANGEL, won the Mary Higgins Clark Award, and she is currently writing a new romantic suspense trilogy set in Amish country. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, Karen writes both contemporary novels and historical novels, the latter mostly set in Tudor England. These include MISTRESS SHAKESPEARE, THE QUEEN'S GOVERNESS, THE LAST BOLEYN and THE FIRST PRINCESS OF WALES. THE IRISH PRINCESS will be out in Feb. 2011, in time for St. Patrick's day. Though she is now a full-time writer, Karen still loves to teach by giving writing workshops and talks about getting published.

Below is an interview with Karen Harper at the Ohioana Book Festival

Halloween Story & Craft Hour

Saturday, October 22 @ 10am

Come join the Halloween fun on October 22nd from 10-11 as we make a craft, play games and listen to a spooky story. Come in your Halloween costume too! Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Sign-up begins Friday, October 14th.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Family Day!
Saturday, November 12

10am til 12 noon

It's a repeat of our ever-popluar Charlie Brown Thanksgiving family day. This event is open for families and requires advanced registration. We'll have a craft, games and the famous Charlie Brown Thanksgiving "dinner"! Lots of fun for all! Sign-up begins Friday, November 4 and we will reserve by groups of two or more and a parent or guardian must attend with their child/ren.
Call 419-586-4442 to sign-up!

Don't forget to post your comments, questions and thoughts below.

Become one of our followers and "Friend" us on Facebook.

For more information, visit our website www.mercer.lib.oh.us

September 2011

Winter Hours to begin on September 6th

As the days get shorter, the library will be opened longer! Starting Tuesday, September 6, the library will be on Winter Hours. The library will be open:

Monday	9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Tuesday	9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Wednesday	9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Thursday	9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday	9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday	CLOSED

Fall Author Program

Pat Nekola will be returning to the library for the Friend's of the Library's author program to share her chocolate creative ideas! She will be demonstrating new and amazing dishes using chocolate on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 6:30 in the Richardson-Bretz building behind the library. Space is limited, so please pre-register by calling 419-586-4442 or stopping by the circulation desk. Have you attended one of her programs? Please share your thoughts and comment below!

Mercer County Library goes Web 2.0 

To keep up with the ever-changing virtual world, new features have been added to the library website! The website now has handy new links to make finding information about your favorite library easy and fun, including this blog designed to make the monthly newsletter easily accessible. Also, the Good Reads book club and the Based on the Book discussion group now have blogs to keep you up to date on the monthly choices and discussion times. Access the blogs by clicking on the "Book Discussion" tab on our home page and selecting which group to gain access. Also, like our page on Facebook to keep current with what's going on at the library. 

More Wii Games Added

Several new Wii games have been added to the library's collection. Wii games go out for a week at a time to patrons 18 years and older and there is a limit of two per household.  Stop by the library and get in on the fun! Here are just a few of the NEW games available:
The $1,000,000 pyramid
Chuck E. Cheese's sports games
Just dance 2
Minute to win it
Are you smarter than a 5th grader game time
Squeeballs party
Fishing master. World Tour
Hot wheels battle force 5
Sonic Colors

@ Your Library

Mango Language teaches courses in French, German, Japanese, ESL and more!  It's a virtual classroom that works with your schedule and at your speed.  Find it at http://www.ohioweblibrary.org/.  Look for the Mango icon at the bottom of the page.  Watch the tutorial to learn more about Mango Language:

Final Thought
With all of the new technologies available today, do you think traditional books are on their way to becoming obsolete?  Is there a place for books in your life?  Post your thoughts below.

For more information or to search the catalog, visit our website http://www.mercer.lib.oh.us/