Wednesday, July 23, 2014

July 2014

Library offers much more than books, but those, too
By Cyndee Marcoux, Director

Big changes are afoot at the Ventress Memorial Library! If you haven't been to the library in the past six months, it's a good time to make the trip. What's that, you don't know where the library is? Well, we need to correct that immediately. The library is located in Library Plaza right behind the Dairy Queen.

Come on, admit it you know where the Dairy Queen is. Everyone knows where the Dairy Queen is. Well the staff of the Ventress Library wants everyone to know where the library is, too! The Ventress Library wants to be your gateway to the newest materials, the best programs and the latest technology.

We are working very hard to provide you, our community, with popular and educational materials to read, listen to and view, to present programming on a wide variety of topics for all ages and to have trained staff available to assist you with databases and the latest portable devices.

The library has recently purchased several iPads, Microsoft Surface Pros, Samsung Galaxy and Kindle Fire tablets. If you need help with any of these devices stop by and we will be happy to assist you! We are also adding two Windows 8 touch screen laptops, updating all the existing computers to Windows 7 and installing Microsoft Office 2013. We have also begun moving furniture and shelving in an effort to make the library's atmosphere more welcoming.

Watch for more changes to both the inside and outside of the building in the coming months. Check out the new landscaping around the flagpole provided by the library's building trust.

Meanwhile, The Board of Library Trustees has made reducing the wait time for the latest bestselling books and DVDs a priority. The library has begun purchasing multiple copies of bestselling books and movies to ensure you get them quickly. In addition, The Friends of the Ventress Library will continue the popular rental book program. You can rent a bestseller purchased by the Friends at $1 for one week or $2 for two weeks.

What a deal and not only are you getting that bestseller for a real bargain you are also supporting the Friends of the Ventress Library! Speaking of the Friends, they are currently seeking new members. The Friends meet once a month, typically on the first Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in helping the Friends help your library please attend the next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 9 in the library's history room.

Have you checked out our new website? If not please do www.ventresslibrary.org. We hope that you find it more user-friendly. Please let us know what you think by sending a quick message via the Contact Us form. Another new service is now available - we now have two Notary Publics on staff. This is another free service provided by your library! However, we do ask that you call first to verify that a Notary is available.

Finally, be on the lookout for a survey from the library.

The library will be sending a survey to 250 homes randomly selected. This is the first step in writing a new long range plan. If you receive a survey, please take five minutes to fill it out and mail it back to the library. Stay tuned for more information on new services next month. Hope to see you soon! Cyndee Marcoux is the director at Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield's public library, located at 15 Library Plaza. She can be reached by calling 781-834-5535, emailing malib@ocln.org or visiting www.ventresslibrary.org