Ventress Voice, January 2016

VENTRESS VOICE

Newsletter of the Ventress Memorial Library

Marshfield, Massachusetts

JANUARY  2016         Volume 23,   No. 1

Happy New Year!

From the Director…

Greetings in the New Year! A brand new year is a good time to look back on progress made and plan for future improvements. The Trustees and I are working hard to transform your library into one deserving of this wonderful community. We formed a Long Range Planning Committee to get your feedback to guide us into the future. Thanks to all who completed the survey, and to those who came to our outreach event in November to give input in person. We are taking note of all the suggestions, and you will be seeing further changes at the library based on all the constructive comments. Meanwhile, come on in and enjoy our new Adult Reading Area and sip a cup of coffee or cocoa in this cozy place in from the cold. As always, stop in and say “hello” to me anytime – my door is always open!

Warm regards,

Cyndee

Children’s Corner…

By Jennifer Struzziero, “Ms Jen”, Head of Children’s Services, jstruzziero@ocln.org

The Ventress Public Library is a fun place for kids! The kid’s room features train and Lego tables, along with puzzles and coloring pages.  Shelves full of books, comfortable seating just right for sharing a story, and even a cool Lego display to showcase our monthly Lego club creations.  Thanks to a great turnout at our first annual Noon Year’s Eve party!  We had a blast making crazy hats, dancing the limbo, and counting down with a cider toast to the Noon Year!

Join us the week of January 11th for Winter Story Times: ages 3+ on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and ages 0-3 on Tuesdays & Wed at 10:30 a.m. Thursday 2:00 P.M. Ages 5-7 Storycraft requires advance registration. Children below the age of 8 years old must be accompanied by someone 13 years of age or older in the Children’s Library. A parent or guardian with photo ID (one with a current address) must be present to sign a child up for a library card. “Please Respect yourself, Respect others, and Respect the library.”  The Ventress Memorial Library is breastfeeding friendly. Changing stations are available in the Children’s Room bathroom.

Backroom Bailiwick…

By Nancy Kelly, Head of Technical Services, nkelly@ocln.org

Just a reminder to patrons who are on the lookout for the “hottest” new titles…be sure to check out the “Hit or Miss” shelves during your next visit to the Ventress.  At present we have over 90 copies of the most in-demand titles available for your perusal.  These items are not subject to holds or renewals so the turnover is usually quite speedy. Don’t miss your chance to snag a bestseller! First come, first served…you may get lucky today!!

Reference Notes…

By Chris Woods, Assistant Director/Head of Reference, cwoods@ocln.org

The Reference Department was so happy to welcome Rachel Breen, Information Services Librarian, to the desk in September. A newly-minted 2015 graduate of Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), she brings to the job up-to-date knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas. Please stop by the desk and introduce yourself! Among Rachel’s duties are teaching the “Tech Monday” classes, running the new non-fiction book group (meets one Tuesday per month), coordinating the new Adult Coloring Classes (next one is Saturday, January 16) and planning special events (kudos on her recent “Downton Abbey Tea and Episode Viewing”). Look for more new programs in the coming year. Make sure you “like” us on Facebook to get all the updates including fun photos of events. We are compiling an email list of those who wish to be notified of upcoming programs. To get on this list, please send an email to me at the address above and your name will be included in our next mailing. There is always something going on at the Ventress – your community gathering place!

Circulation Chat…

By Elisha Chandler, Head of Circulation Services, echandler@ocln.org

Have you ever wondered how many books the Ventress Library circulates in a given year? Well here are some statistics to give you an idea of how much material passes over the Circulation Desk. The library circulated 188,739 items in FY 2015, including 9,544 eBooks and eMagazines, and 3,098 audio books; provided 20,085 in interlibrary loans and received 29,074 in loans. Now, that’s a busy library!

Do you notice our new display case in front of the desk? Library Assistant Jaclyn Robinson wants to spread the word about this opportunity for patrons to share their collections, hobbies and interests with fellow library users. We are currently featuring her aunt’s milk glass collection, but would welcome the chance to display your collections in coming months. Ask at the desk for an application!

Ventress Memorial Library, 15 Library Plaza, Marshfield, MA 02050 781-834-5535

Library hours:  Mon-Th 9-8, Fri/Sat 9-4:30 closed Sunday visit www.ventresslibrary.org

Newsletter staff:  Chris Woods/Editor   Jaclyn Robinson/Illustrator

December 2014 "Ventress Voices"

VENTRESS VOICES 

December 2014

By Nancy Kelly

Nancy Kelly is Head of Technical Services at Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield’s public library, located at 15 Library Plaza. She can be reached by calling 781-834-5535, emailing nkelly@ocln.org or visiting www.ventresslibrary.org

New and Noteworthy

New Paperback Collection now featured in New Book area

In response to patron demand for a larger selection of popular paperbacks, the library has started to add more fiction titles in this format.  The collection, housed on dedicated shelves in the New Book area, offers a broad array of new choices in popular genres including romance, cozy mysteries, fantasy and science fiction.  As always, suggestions for new titles are always welcome.

Coming soon – the “Hit or Miss” Collection!

Beginning later this month, Ventress patrons will have a yet another way to get their hands on the latest and greatest “hot” fiction titles!  Dubbed the “Hit or Miss Shelves,” the collection will feature multiple copies of current best-selling hardcover fiction titles.  These specially marked books will be exempt from the “holds” that are customarily allowed on other newly acquired materials.  They will circulate for the usual two week period but will not be eligible for renewal.  The idea behind the “Hit or Miss” collection is to allow Marshfield patrons timely access to popular new fiction titles. These “hot” titles will be prominently displayed in the New Book area and should be ready for perusal within the next couple of weeks.  We invite all fiction devotees to stop by and try their luck at the “Hit or Miss” shelves.

iPads on Parade in the WOW area

For those patrons who would like to try out an iPad without visiting an Apple store, the Ventress is pleased to announce the addition of several new iPad stations in the WOW area of the library.  Installed on the hexagonal catalog table in the center of the library, the iPads are equipped with OCLN catalog access, as well as a variety of software applications. Patrons will find Safari, Apple’s Internet browser, along with Overdrive (for eBooks) and Zinio (for eMagazines) preloaded on all of the devices.  For those patrons wishing to understand how to access e-content via Overdrive and Zinio, the new iPad stations offer an excellent opportunity to have a practical, hands-on learning experience in the library.

 

Techie Tuesdays are in full swing!

 We’ve already had great attendance and response to our first two classes: iPad & iPhone Basics and eBooks, eAudiobooks, & eMagazines. We have two Techie Tuesdays events in December: If you are considering gifting an electronic device for the holidays, come to the Program Room at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 to learn about and test iPads, Kindles, Microsoft tablets, and more. We’ll be sure to show you the awesome library-related apps you can use to download free eBooks and other eContent. Do you have specific questions about a device that you are already using? Bring your device and questions to the Device Drop-In at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16. 

For information on January 2015 classes please see our website www.ventresslibrary.org  NEW!!! Some classes planned for Saturdays and Tuesday nights as well. . .

Come the new year, Techie Tuesdays will feature a series of iPad/iPhone classes, more eBooks classes, an introduction to Google apps (Gmail, Drive, etc.), and some beginner computer classes. To find out more, keep an eye on our events calendar and Facebook page. You can also send an email to librarian Jada Maxwell at jmaxwell@ocln.org to be added to the Techie Tuesdays mailing list which will include announcements about upcoming events and classes.

Holiday Happenings

Just a reminder to check the library’s website (www.ventresslibrary.org) for the most current list of activities available at the Ventress each month. Be sure to click on the “Event Calendar” link to see the full display of holiday and school vacation week offerings for December.  Among the choices this month are: a D.I.Y. holiday ornament making session, an armchair travel slideshow, and an afternoon event designed with Downton Abbey enthusiasts in mind!  This month also brings along a wonderfully tempting variety of musical presentations, movie nights and book group discussions. Be sure to look for details on these and many other program offerings on this month’s Events Calendar.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR VALUED PATRONS!!

October 2014 "Ventress Voices"

By Chris Woods, Assistant Director/Head of Reference Services

A chill is in the air and thoughts turn to school, learning and self-improvement. We at the Ventress Library are here to help! The library offers a wide range of educational tools for students of all ages and ability levels. In addition to the extensive book inventory we have in the library’s collection, we also offer online learning aids and courses on CD. The library would like to announce the addition of two new and exciting resources accessible with your library card number through www.ventresslibrary.org. 

The first is Universal Classroom, which gives access 24/7 to over 500 online non-credit Continuing Education courses in the following subject areas: Accounting; Alternative Medicine; Arts and Photography; Business; Career Training; Computer Training; Cooking; Crafts & Hobbies; Entrepreneurship; Finance; General Education; Health & Medicine; History; Home and Garden; Homeschooling; How To / Do It Yourself; Language Arts; Law/Legal/Criminal; Mathematics; New Age; Office Skills; Parenting and Family; Performing Arts; Personal Care; Pet and Animal Care; Psychology; Real Estate; Reference; Religious Studies; Science; Self-Help; Social Work; Special Education; Spiritual Studies; Teacher Resources; Terminology; Test Preparation; Web Development; and Writing Skills. Learn from the comfort of home. Have your library card number handy to log in through our website!

The second new learning aid is called Transparent Language, a resource that helps you learn or refresh knowledge in a choice of 88 languages. Transparent Language Online is a unique application that bridges the gap between learning a language online and using that language in the real world by allowing users to do both in one program. It features a scientifically-proven methodology, a wide variety of high-quality learning material, and seamless integration of real-life language use by native speakers. It is all packaged together in an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed at any time and from any computer with Internet access. Whether you are taking a trip and want to speak to the natives, or just always wanted to learn another language, log in to www.ventresslibrary.org and click on the home page’s Transparent Language link to get started. Questions? Call or email the Reference Desk at 781-834-5535 or malib@ocln.org.

Welcome to our new Information Services Librarian, Jada Maxwell. Jada grew up on the South Shore and recently returned after 15 years living in and around Seattle, Washington. Jada loves to research, so while she is reacquainting herself with Marshfield and the surrounding area, she is exploring the local history and current happenings. Jada is very tech savvy and looking forward to helping people learn to use technology to connect with library resources and beyond. So bring in your research questions and/or your electronic devices such as laptops, eReaders, tablets and more. Jada will be thrilled to help you! Another new face is our eResources intern Kelly Newell. Kelly, a paralibrarian at Daniel Webster School, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science at University of Maine online. She plans to go on to earn her Master’s degree in the field. Welcome Kelly!

The Reference staff is busily creating curriculums to teach the library staff and the public about eBooks, eMagazines and use of electronic devices. Coming soon is a “Petting Zoo” of devices to be used in the library by interested patrons and the introduction of “Techie Tuesdays” where we answer your questions about technology all day and offer classes at night. Visit your library; don’t get left behind!!

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