VENTRESS VOICE
Newsletter of the Ventress Memorial Library
Marshfield, Massachusetts
OCTOBER 2011 Volume 18, No. 1
VENTRESS VOICE IS BACK!
LIBRARY NEWSLETTER MAKES A RETURN
By Chris Woods, Editor
Recently I was in the Historical Room doing research and I happened upon a notebook that contained back issues of the dormant “Ventress Voice” library newsletter. The newsletter made its appearance in December 1991 as a way to spread library news to patrons and other OCLN libraries in the age before computers and Internet were readily available. As I flipped through the back issues, memories flooded the room. The first issue was lovingly crafted on a Mac plus by a stay-at-home mom with a library degree in a cramped home office tucked inside a double-doored closet. When nap time was over, so was work time, and the doors would close until the next few snatched moments of editorial bliss. In these first issues, an exuberant Town Crier proclaimed from the masthead and news articles reflected the concerns of a different time. Some examples of stories included: “no new cards added to paper card catalogue since May 1991 – try our new electronic catalog to find your books;” “Boston Globe now available for searching in the library on CD-ROM;” troll dolls, a fundraiser by VML Friends, sport “I love the Ventress” outfits; ways to play library Jeopardy; and a list of suggestions how to carve out time to read a good book. Each issue unfolded both milestones and minutiae in library history that captivated this reader. With the demise of the “Voice”, library updates took place on-line through our website. But, in striving to keep up to date, we lose the old content that has been replaced by the new. I approached Library Director Ellen Riboldi with the idea of bringing back the “Ventress Voice” while still maintaining website updates. Reverting to the older format would provide patrons with a paper copy of library news and events today, and a record of what went on for future researchers who “happen upon” back issues in the library’s Historical Room. She enthusiastically assented, and this renewal issue began. The former stay-at-home mom, who is now Head of Reference Services at the Ventress Memorial Library, has come full circle. Now, shall we bring back that Town Crier logo. . .?
WATD 95.9 FM LOVE YOUR LIBRARY CAMPAIGN
Speaking of getting the word out, who wants to be on the radio? Station Director Ed Perry and his daughter Katherine are looking to spread the word about how great our local libraries are with their “Love Your Library” testimonial campaign. If you have a story about how the library has influenced you in a positive way, contact Library Director Ellen Riboldi at 781-834-5535 or malib@ocln.org. You can be interviewed either in the library or go to the radio station to record a 30-second slot for airing. Step up and spread the word about what your library means to you. And, be famous on the radio!!!
BACK ROOM BAILIWICK
By Nancy Kelly, Head of Technical Services
MP3-CDs –Something New in the Audiobook Section!
Do you enjoy listening to books on CD but find that keeping track of multiples discs can be a bit frustrating---especially while listening in your car? Well, Recorded Books, the provider of our Books on CD titles has come up with an ingenious solution. It’s called an MP3-Cd and it’s the answer to a commuter’s dream. An MP3-CD is a disc that contains compressed audio files. The average audiobook is usually recorded on about eight compact discs. This same audiobook may be contained within one MP3-CD. MP3-CDs are played in the same way as standard CDs. In computers, the CD/DVD drive is already set to accept MP3-CDs. Newer automobiles (those manufactured after 2006) are equipped with CD players that are MP3 compatible. We think you will love having only one disc to handle, rather than 8, 9 or 10! There’s no need to switch discs while driving. You will have a more enjoyable listening experience and a much safer trip!
CIRC STATS and CHAT
By Amy Boivin, Head of Circulation Services
New Museum Pass at the Library!
The Ventress Memorial Library now offers a museum pass for the USS Constitution Museum in Boston. The pass covers up to 9 people and includes free admission. Come check it out.
Tech Savvy Updates
The Ventress Memorial Library’s Facebook page is up and running. Weekly updates are posted on the page and are administered by the Head of Circulation Services Amy Boivin and Children’s Librarian Wendy Ward. Go to the library’s homepage and be a Facebook fan of the library! Also the library has a weekly blog of new books, reviews, and readalikes. This blog is updated weekly and written by Amy Boivin. Suggestions are always welcome. The blog can be found under “What Do I Read Next?” on the library’s homepage www.ventresslibrary.org.
Fashion Class for Teens—A Hit!
From the Fashion Runway to the Fashion Rack: A Fashion Class for Teens ran four classes over the summer. The classes were taught by fashion designer Amanda Bartlett and hosted by Head of Circulation Services Amy Boivin. The classes involved answering the question ‘how does a fabulous dress make it from a simple pencil sketch to hitting the floors of Nordstrom?’ and learning what the steps are and how to create a fashion illustration. The age range was 12 to 17 years old and participants had to attend all four classes. This program had a great turnout and the results of the teens’ sketches were amazing. They all did such great work and the designer had wonderful things to say about all of the participants. Check back for sample pictures of the teens’ final work.
CHILDREN’S CORNER
By Wendy Ward, Head of Children’s Services
Fall Story Times
Fall Story Times will begin the week of September 18, 2011. We are offering 3 different story times: 1. Tales for Tots: Infants – 3 years old with a parent or guardian on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. 2. Story Time: 3-4 year olds on their own on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and 3. Story Craft: 5-7 year olds on their own on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m The only story time requiring registration is Story Craft. Registration for Story Craft begins on Monday, September 12, 2011 in the Children’s Room.
New Children’s Department Blogs
Check out our new Children’s Department blogs: The Children’s Corner Blog and the Kid’s Book Group Blog on the children’s section of our webpage at: www.ventresslibrary.org. Also, be sure to check out our webpage periodically for information on special children’s events and performers.
REFERENCE NOTES
By Chris Woods, Head of Reference Services
Consumer Reports is Here!
You’ve been asking and we listened – Consumer Reports is here on the Ventress Library website. The library purchased a license to allow our patrons to access the Consumer Reports product database from our website (www.ventresslibrary.org) using your library card number as your key. Now you can search 24/7 for the valuable information you need before making a product purchase. Includes complete graphs, charts and content of the print edition as well as added website content. In these tight financial times it is more important than ever to make savvy purchase decisions. Enjoy!
Mark Your Calendar for these FREE Events at the Library!
Ø Thurs., Oct. 6, 6:30, Fessenden Wireless History Lecture and Artifact Display
Ø Tues., Oct. 11, 4:30, VML Classic Book Group, Wharton’s “The House of Mirth”
Ø Sat., Oct. 15, 2:30, David Ira Rottenberg reads his “Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig”
Ø Tues., Oct. 25, 6:30, Adult Halloween Program, “Salem Witches and Beyond”
Ø Sat., Oct. 29, 2:00, Wildlife Photography Lecture, Display & Demo
Ø Sat., Nov. 5, 2:00, Gothic Victorian Tales by Candlelight with Rita Parisi
Ø Thurs., Nov. 10, 6:30, Historical Fiction Author Talk/Signing, J. Winfield Currie
Ø Sat., Nov. 12, 1:30,“Veteran’s Day Stories”, Civil War Music - Local History Lecture
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Ventress Memorial Library, 15 Library Plaza, Marshfield, MA 02050
781-834-5535 www.ventresslibrary.org
Hours Mon. –Thurs. 10 – 8, Fri. and Sat. 10 – 4, Closed Sunday
Newsletter staff: Chris Woods, Editor; Jacklyn Robinson, Artist
