Winter 2005 Library Newsletter

The

Library Letter News from the St Marys Community Public Library

From Our Director

We Need Your Help! In an effort to better serve you, our customer, we are asking that you take a few minutes to complete the enclosed survey. We want to make sure that we are meeting your educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs. Completed surveys can be mailed, placed in the outside library book drop or returned in person. Your opinion is important to us. We are heading into a budget year that is uncertain. By sharing your reading, viewing and listening interest with us we can better serve you and spend the materials budget more economically. Your library is funded through the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF) that is part of the Local Government Fund. We have been advised by the Ohio Library Council that the Ohio General Assembly may seek to develop some plan to dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, all three local government funds, including the LLGSF. These funds have historically been the state’s commitment toward returning monies to local communities that are needed to operate counties, townships, cities, villages, and libraries. We are currently working with the HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS: 140 SOUTH CHESTNUT ST. ST. MARYS, OH 45885 TELEPHONE: (419) 394-7471 FAX: (419) 394-7291 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.stmarys.lib.oh.us

Winter 2005 Auglaize County Commissioners to educate our legislators on the importance of the Local Government Funds. Our Board of Trustees adopted a resolution at their October meeting stating the importance of the Local Government Funds that will be sent to Senator Jordan and Representative Seaver. We are asking that you write letters of support beginning in January 2005. We need to protect public library funding as the state begins consideration of the next 2006-2007 biennium budget. Talking points for your letters should be: 1. Our goal is to preserve the Library and Local Government Support Fund; 2. Remind legislators that the investment they make in public libraries is not only worthwhile but important to you the people they serve; 3. Ohio’s formula for funding libraries at the state level instead of the local level has been successful for almost two decades; 4. Please keep this formula intact so that libraries can continue providing the same level of service to the patrons in their communities and 5. Tell you legislators how your public library has served you during the past several years. Letters are to be mailed to: Senator Jim Jordan Senate Building Room 128, 1st Floor N. Columbus, OH 43215 [email protected] Ohio Representative Derrick Seaver 77 S. High St., 10th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111 [email protected] We try to be good stewards of the money that we receive and feel that the St. Marys Community Public Library is “Making a Difference” for those we serve. Please write your legislators on our behalf. Susan Heckler Pittman Library Director

DINNER & A MOVIE December 7 Û January 25 Û February 22 Û Adults are invited to bring a potluck dish to share at 6:00 PM, and the Library will provide tableware and drinks. Afterward, stay to enjoy new friends and a classic movie. Please register at the Library.

Business Person’s Breakfast Scheduled On February 3, from 7:30 to 9:00 AM, local businesspersons are invited to the Library for a very special catered breakfast. Following breakfast, there will be a program highlighting the businessrelated materials and services available at St. Marys Community Public Library. Sign up early for this annual and very special program.

Patron Appreciation on Valentine’s Day! Visitors to the Library will be treated extra special on Valentine’s Day, with sweet treats and surprises. This annual tradition is our way of showing you how much we value your patronage. Please come to the Library during our regular hours and let us show you that we care.

Holiday Open House Slated On Sunday, December 5 from1-3 PM the Library will be open to the public with holiday music, crafts, Santa and refreshments. Everyone is welcome to come and join the festivities.

Library offers used books at Winter Book Sale Don’t miss the new winter Friends of the St. Marys Community Public Library used book sale December 17, 18 & 19 in the basement of St. Marys Hobby Center and Trading Company, 111 West Spring Street. Mary Dull, Book Sale Chairperson, lists the sale hours as Friday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, December 19 from noon to 4 p.m. Members of Friends of the Library are invited to attend a special “Friends Only” Presale on Thursday evening, December 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Friends of the Library memberships will be available at the door for those who haven’t yet joined the Friends.

Thanks to Our Donors for Gifts in the Following Months August: A gift by the Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau; a gift by Dr. James Robenstine; donation in memory of Ned Johns by Donald and Catherine Laden; gift from the Estate of Mary Seigle. September: In honor of Donald Glaser by the Prudential Foundation; a gift by the Sears Roebuck & Company; in memory of Ned Johns by Mark, Linda Lunz & Family. October: A gift by Dr. James Robenstine; a gift by Mika Sasaki; in memory of Dorothy Bertke by Mr. & Mrs. Darwin Zeigler; a gift by Donald Glaser; in memory of JoAnn Mohr by Peg Grimm, Grady & Diane Shaner and Terry & Joyce Finke; in memory of JoAnn Mohr by Jean & Jeff Vossler, Roberta & Tom Yingling, Tony & Robin Laman, Ken & Debbie Baker, and John & Terri Maze; in memory of Ned Johns by the Family of Ned Johns.

Winter calendar Registration is necessary for all programs unless otherwise noted.

december Û Dec. 1 – Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Stories and fun for children three-years-old through Kindergarten. Û Dec. 13 – Family Story Time at 7:00 p.m. Families with young children are invited—the whole family is welcome!

For Kids!

Young Adults’ Winter Programs Young adults in grades 7 through 12 have their own special section at the library and their own programming. Û Jan. 15 – After-school Movie. 3:30 to 5:00 PM.

JANUARY Û Jan. 5, 12, 19, & 26 – Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Stories and fun for children three-yearsold through Kindergarten. Û Jan. 17 – No School Program from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crafts and surprises for students in grades 1-6. No registration is necessary. Û Jan. 17 – Family Story Time at 7:00 p.m. Families with young children are invited—the whole family is welcome!

Û Feb. 23 & 24 – YA Chess Tournament. There will be two challenging afternoons of mind-bending fun from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Gather together all your BRAINIAC friends and play!

FEBRUARY Û Feb. 2 & 9 – Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Stories and fun for children threeyears-old through Kindergarten. Û Feb. 14 – Family Story Time at 7:00 p.m. Families with young children are invited—the whole family is welcome! Û Feb. 18 – No School Program from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Crafts and surprises for students in grades 1-6. No registration is necessary.

CALDECOTT MOCK-ELECTION on January 8 The St. Marys Community Public Library is holding a Caldecott Mock-Election workshop on January 8, from 8:30 AM to noon. Evaluate the best picture books of 2004 with presenter Floyd Dickman, member of the Caldecott committee in 1986, 1994 & 2002. Participants will examine over 70 of the best picture books from 2004 and will vote on and discuss them as a group.

The Caldecott Mock-Election Workshop costs just $12, which includes a materials packet and continental breakfast. A selection of books will be available for purchase at the workshop at a generous discount to participants. Continuing Education Units will be available upon completion of the program from the St. Marys City Schools. Preschool Certification CEU’s will be available at the end of the program from Mr. Dickman.

St. Marys Community Public Library 140 S. Chestnut Street St. Marys, OH 45885 (419)394-7471

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“The library will provide creative & factual resources to meet the educational, informational, cultural & recreational needs of the community.” – SMCPL Mission statement

Bernadine Potbury and Jane Stewart craft holiday ornaments at the annual Holiday Workshop at the St. Marys Community Public Library. At left, completed ornaments hang to dry.

Inside this newsletter, you’ll find library programs for December, January & February: ADULT PROGRAMS, pg. 2 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, pg. 2 USED BOOK SALE, pg. 2 CALDECOTT WORKSHOP, pg. 3 YOUTH CALENDAR, pg. 3