Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library

3512 Darrow Road
Stow, OH 44224
Phone: (330) 688-3295
Fax: (330) 688-0448

Library News

This edition of LIBRARY E-NEWS is sponsored by:
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd. Stow, Ohio 44224
Phone (330) 688-3295 Fax (330) 688-0448
www.smfpl.org

Welcome to the February 2004 edition of LIBRARY E-NEWS. This monthly newsletter includes several features containing information about the library. If you would like to join over 860 subscribers by receiving the Library E-News in your e-mail every month, please fill out the following form online or complete a paper registration form at the circulation desk.

For a complete calendar of events at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library go to www.smfpl.org/calendar.htm

Go directly to the following features by clicking on the name of the feature you want to read, or scroll down this page to read all of LIBRARY E-NEWS.

Notices
Upcoming Special Events
New Titles
Recent Library Happenings
Department News
Art on Display
Friends of the Library
Books on Display
Spotlight on Science Fiction
Staff Picks
Website of the Month
Previous Issues

Notices

Community Jazz Band
The Community Jazz Band performs the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room. Their next concert will be Wednesday, February 4, 2004.

Library Board
Regular board meetings have been changed from Monday to Tuesday nights. The next regular meeting of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room.

18 Million!
It's coming...after nearly 80 years of service we are approaching the circulation of our 18 millionth item! Stacked together, that's enough books to reach from Stow to New York City!

Enter our contest and guess when you think we'll hit 18 million. The winner will receive two $18 gift certificates for any Stow or Munroe Falls restaurant (winner's choice). Entry slips are available when you check out materials at the Circulation Desk.

Or maybe YOU will be the one to check out the 18 millionth item! This winner will also receive two $18 gift certificates for any Stow or Munroe Falls restaurant (winner's choice).

Tax Forms
Federal and state tax forms are available at the courtesy desk. If you do not find the forms you need, please consult the Librarians at the Information Desk. The Librarians will not give you tax advice, but will assist you in locating the forms you need. To find forms online go to www.irs.gov and www.state.oh.us/tax. The cities of Stow (www.stow.oh.us) and Munroe Falls (www.munroefalls.com) also have income tax forms online.

Tax Program
Tax Counseling for the Elderly, free assistance for completing income tax forms, will be available Fridays, February 6 through April 9, 2004 from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room. This assistance program is sponsored by AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and the IRS.
Each taxpayer must bring:

a copy of last year's tax forms
any forms showing income you earned or pensions or Social Security paid to you
1099 forms showing interest or dividends that your investments have earned.
receipts or canceled checks for income or property taxes you have paid, or any contributions you have made to charities.

Each taxpayer will be given a one hour appointment. This tax program is designed for low-middle income elderly (60+ years), but younger people may also participate. Participants should have an annual income of $60,000 or less. Please call 330-688-3295 to schedule an appointment.

Corner Gallery Winners
Winners of the three Jack Richards signed art prints are: Jacqueline Mazziotta (Thunder Warning), Donna Malm (Realization), and Emily Leong (Tulips, Light and Shadow). Congratulations!

Library Card Reminder
This is a reminder to stop by the library to check out an item at least once a year. This will keep your library card current, as well as let you see what new materials and services Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library has to offer.

Acme Community Cash Back Program
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library is once again participating in the Acme Community Cash Back Program. Just bring your Acme receipt tapes (dated September 7, 2003 to May 15, 2004) to the Children's Department or put them in the box by the elevator. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library receives one percent of the total amount of the receipts. Over $45,000 in receipts have been collected since September. During the 2002/2003 school year, patrons turned in over $136,000 worth of receipts! Thank you for supporting the library!

Recycling
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library is now participating in a recycling program with Abitibi Recycling Corporation called the Abitibi Paper Retriever Program. The Paper Retriever bin is located behind the library and is available 24 hours. Anyone in the community can drop off the following items suitable for recycling (all items must be clean and dry): newspapers, magazines, shopping catalogs, office and school papers, and mail. Stow-Munroe Falls elementary schools and middle school also participate in this program.

Upcoming Special Events

North Coast Neighbors Share a Book 2004
More than fifty area libraries and community groups have collaborated on the third annual reading promotion designed to rally North Coast neighbors to read and reflect upon one book: Finding Fish by Antwone Fisher.

The Grand Opening Program featuring Antwone Fisher will be held Monday, February 2, 2004 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Public Library. Mr. Fisher will discuss his highly-acclaimed memoir, Finding Fish, which chronicles his difficult years growing up in a foster family on Cleveland's east side. This program is free and open to the public.

This program is coordinated by the Cleveland Area Metropolitan Library System. For more events and information on this reading initiative visit their web page at www.camls.org/shareabook.html.

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library evening book discussion group will be discussing Finding Fish on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. For more information call Amy Garrett at 330-688-3295.

Spring Needlework Show
The Friends of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library will be holding the 30th Annual Spring Needlework Show Wednesday, March 17 through Sunday, March 21. Registration of entries will be Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 14 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Judging will be Monday March 15.

Needlework Show Hours are:

Wednesday, March 17 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 18 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 19 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 21 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

This show was created to encourage needleworkers to share their talents and creative ideas in order to inspire and motivate others. There will be "Judges' Choice", "Popular Choice" and "Best of Show" awards, as well as awards in several categories.

All types of hand needlework will be accepted; however, there must be a minimum of five entries in a category. Categories are: Counted cross stitch (large, medium, small), counted thread (other techniques), surface stitchery (crewel, embroidery, smocking, bead work, etc.), canvas (needlepoint, etc.), quilting (large, medium, small, and machine), hand knitting, crochet, miscellaneous and student (ages 4 to 16).

All ages may enter. Framed entries may not exceed 37 inches in any direction. Limit four quilts per person. There is an entry fee of $3.00 for the first item and $1.00 for each additional item. The fee is waived for students under age 17. For further information call 330-688-3295.

Recent Library Happenings

80th Anniversary Celebration

Many people braved the wintry road conditions Tuesday, January 27 to help celebrate Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library's 80th anniversary.

Pictured at right are Peggy Allen with her two sons, Mike and Matt and friend Nico, all of Munroe Falls. At left are Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel and Children's Department Program Coordinator Betsy Adams.

Monopoly Tournament

The third annual Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Monopoly Tournament took place January 3, with 24 participants, ages 9 to 14. The top six players, winners of Monopoly games and other game prizes, are, from left, back row, Linus Marchetti, age 12, first place; Tyler Wright, 12, fifth place; Shahbaz Minhas, 12, second place; and, front row, Brandon Evans, 11, sixth place; Atif Farooqi, 12, third place; and Imran Minhas, 9, fourth place.

Outreach Service
In January Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library began outreach service to several senior facilities in the Stow-Munroe Falls community. Stow Glen Birch, Stow Glen Cedar, Saltis, and Stow Kent Gardens have been added to our outreach service to Keys Towers and Allen Place. We have signed up 40 new card holders at these buildings, including a new patron 101 years old! The weather has been cold, but our reception was very warm. We have also begun delivery of large print drop collections to three sites, Maison Aine, Briarwood and Stow Glen assisted living.

Thank you to all who donated large print books or made cash donations toward large print materials for our new patrons. We are still in need of large print items if you wish to make a donation. Your generosity allows us to better serve our community.

New Titles
New titles are arriving daily at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. Check out the growing DVD collection, as well as books on CD. Some of the new titles this month are:

Books - Fiction: The Rope Eater by Ben Jones, Monstrocity by Jeffrey Thomas, and Seeing Pink by Erin O'Rourke.

Books - Nonfiction: Black Directors in Hollywood by Melvin Donalson, Harriet Tubman: the Road to Freedom (biography) by Catherine Clinton, Life is a Series of Presentations: 8 Ways To Punch Up Your People Skills at Work, at Home, Anytime, Anywhere by Tony Jeary with Kim Dower and J.E. Fishman, and MBA Programs 2004, published by Thomson's/Peterson's.

Books on Tape: Le Divorce by Diane Johnson, Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz, Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz, ABC Murders by Agatha Christie, and The Sight of the Stars by Belva Plain.

Books on CD: Treason by Ann Coulter and Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.

Videos: Eight Crazy Nights

DVDs: American Wedding, Bad Boys II, and S.W.A.T.

New Large Print books are now located beside the New Mysteries. New large print titles include The Greek Villa by Judith Gould, The Sight of the Stars by Belva Plain, All the President's Children by Doug Wead, and In the Company of Heroes by Michael J. Durant.

Department News

Adult Services

Evening Book Discussions
The Evening Book Discussion Group with Amy Garrett will be held the following dates at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room:

Finding Fish by Antwone Fisher - Thursday, February 26
Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl - Thursday, March 25
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand - Thursday, April 22

For more information, please contact Amy Garrett at 330-688-3295.

Morning Book Discussions
The Morning Book Discussion Group with Chris Caccamo will be held the following dates at 10:00 a.m. in the upstairs meeting room:

To a God Unknown by John Steinbeck - Friday, February 13
Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg - Friday, March 12
Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - Friday, April 9
Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman - Friday, May 14

For more information, please contact Chris Caccamo at 330-688-3295.

Computer Training
The library offers classes for beginning computer users and more advanced users. They include Introduction to Computers, Introduction to the Internet, and training in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Classes are offered both day and evening at no charge. The computer class schedule for March will be released Monday, February 23 at 9:00 a.m. The class calendar can be viewed at www.smfpl.org/calendar.htm. Please call 330-688-3295 if you have any questions.

Computer Volunteer
Computer volunteer, Tom Labbe, is available to help patrons with computer questions during the following hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1:00 - 2:30.

Local History Room

Display Case
The display case outside the Local History Room contains a Farms and Agriculture Display, featuring the Call Farm.

To learn more about the Local History Room go to www.smfpl.org/LH.htm.

Young Adults

Teen Video Game-a-Thon
Saturday, February 18 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Beat the winter blahs at the Teen Video Game-a-Thon. We'll have Playstation 2, X-Box, Game Cube, Nintendo 64, and Atari video game systems set up, and games for each. Come challenge your friends or try out a game or system you've never played before. Stop in anytime after 10:00 a.m. and play as long as you like. Snacks provided. No registration needed. For sixth graders and up.

Chess Club
Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m.

For further information on Teen programs please go to the Teen Services web page at www.smfpl.org./TS.htm.

Children's

Dr. Seuss Movie Night
February 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Prepare for Dr. Seuss's 100th birthday. Stop by to see several short films based on the work of one of our most beloved children's authors. We will stop for several short intermissions, so feel free to leave early or come late. Refreshments will be served. For children of all ages and their families. No Registration Required.

Great Community Read-a-thon
February 16 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for our second annual community Read-a-thon. Participants are welcome to stop by the library meeting room anytime and enjoy the refreshments and comfortable, quiet atmosphere. We will record how much time each participant has spent reading, and prizes will be awarded in four age categories. Help us beat last year's combined time of 102 hours. For all library patrons of any age. No Registration is Required.

Mardi Gras Celebration
February 17 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at the library with crafts, games and fun. For children of all ages and their families. No registration required

Please call 330-688-3295 for further information or go to the Children's Department webpage at www.smfpl.org/CS.htm for a complete list of children's programming.

Circulation
Lucky Days
We want to share with you our excitement about celebrating 80 years of service to the Stow and Munroe Falls communities, so we are having "lucky days" at the library. We'll be hiding special symbols in select books on the adult floor. If you're lucky and find one of them in a book you're planning to check out, turn it in at the Circulation Desk for a small prize. Each month's symbol will have an appropriate theme, such as snowmen for January.

We hope you will join us in celebrting 80 years of service and visit the library to try YOUR luck each month!

Drive-Up Window
Don't forget about the Drive-Up Window service at Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. This is an especially helpful service during inclement weather! The drive-up window is open during regular library hours and closes 15 minutes before library closing.

Pick 5 Bestsellers Club
How would you like to automatically be placed on the reserve list for five of your favorite popular authors? Join our Bestsellers Club and that's exactly what will happen! Just pick up a form at the Circulation Desk and join over 300 satisfied members. Are you already a member, but would like to change an author or two? Ask for an "add/delete" form at the circulation desk. It's just that easy!

Honorees
Arabica gift certificates have been awarded to the following patrons visiting the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library recently: Donald Nugent (first check-out of 2004), Sue McDowell (50,000th check-out of 2004), Kristen Mossor (first window check-out of 2004), Kristen Keller (1,000th window check-out), David Robek (first new registration of 2004), Alfred Eddy (500th registration of 2004), and Gertrude Rubenstein (first Bestseller's Club of 2004).

Cardholders have their privileges at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library!

Art on Display
Visit the Corner Gallery to view the artwork of Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library staff member, Laurie Bulger Chevalley. Laurie comes from a family of artists. Her father and grandfather were both artists. Laurie, of Stow, has a BFA in Painting and a BFA in Graphic Design, both from the University of Akron. Laurie enjoys working in a variety of mediums, such as charcoal, watercolor and acrylic. She has shown her works at Kent State Holiday Show, The Richfield Community Center, Chapel Hill Mall Show, Medina Art in the Park, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, Border's Book Store, and The Charles Mayer Gallery. Laurie is a member of the Artists of Rubber City.

Friends of the Library

The Friends, one of the largest organizations in Stow, is a citizen support group for Library services and activities. They sponsor booksales as well as the annual Needlework Show and other activities. Friends meet the third Tuesday of every month (except December and July) at 2:00 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room.

If you are interested in joining the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Friends of the Library you may call the library at 330-688-3295 for further information, or you may go to The Friends page on the library website (www.smfpl.org/friends.htm) for an online application.

Books on Display

February is "Black History Month". Look for a display honoring Black History Month in the Quiet Study area. Featured are books, videos, and sound recordings. Pick up a flyer listing websites about Black History, including www.time.com/time/reports/blackhistory and www.biography.com/blackhistory.

"Winter Sports" at the Questions and Directions Desk near the front door features books and videos about winter sports, such as skiing, snowboard, and skating. You will find other titles in the 796 section in both the Children's and Adult Departments.

"A Novel Approach to Love" near the Information Desk. Look for books about love and romance in this special display just in time for Valentine's Day. Romance authors include Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Catherine Coulter, and Georgette Hyre. Fans of romance novels will find books reviews on the Romance Reader website at www.theromancereader.com.

Items on display are available for check-out. Please help yourself.

Spotlight on Science Fiction

February's Spotlight shines on "Science Fiction". Science fiction fans will find many favorite authors and series in the Science Fiction/Fantasy section of Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, located in the corner near the mystery books. A new book, The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twentieth Annual Collection, edited by Gardner Dozois, contains twenty-six of the best Science Fiction short stories of 2002. This book is currently located in the New Science Fiction section next to the New Fiction. Other new titles include Deadspawn (Necroscope series) by Brian Lumley, The Golden Transcendence (book three of The Golden Age) by John C. Wright, and The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Jackey.

Popular science fiction authors include Lois McMaster Bujold (official website www.dendarii.com), who writes the Vorkosigan series and Orson Scott Card (official website www.hatrack.com), creator of the Ender series. Harry Turtledove, author of the Worldwar and the Great War series, writes alternate history novels. Connie Willis' best known titles are The Doomsday Book (winner of both the Nebula and Hugo Awards), Bellwether, and Passage. To read more about the Nebula awards go to www.sfwa.org/awards/about_neb.htm. To read about the Hugo Awards go to www.powells.com/prizes/hugo.html.

Fantasy authors include David (and Leigh) Eddings, with series such as The Belgariad, The Mallorean, The Elenium, and The Dreamers. Author Robert Jordan is creator of the very popular Wheel of Time series and Mercedes Lackey is creator of the Valdemar series. Tim Powers is author of Last Call and The Anubis Gates. The SF Site at www.sfsite.com is a great place to learn more about Science Fiction/Fantasy books and authors. The site includes interviews with authors, book reviews and excerpts, columns, awards, and links to other resources.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library also carries many Science Fiction/Fantasy books on tape and CD - just look for the special sticker on the spine indicating Sci Fi or Fantasy. Science Fiction films, such as the action films Minority Report, Independence Day, and The Imposter and family films Lost in Space and Galaxy Quest are on both video and DVD. Sciflicks at www.sciflicks.com is a good source of information about science fiction movies.

Staff Picks

February's staff pick is The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan, recommended by Public Services Assistant Pat Novak. This is a true story of Evelyn Ryan, a mother of ten children and wife of an alcoholic. The author's mother overcame the obstacles of poverty and an alcoholic husband by entering contests. Winning two major contests and hundreds of smaller ones enabled Evelyn to provide her family with items the family could not have otherwise afforded.

Website of the Month

February's Website of the Month is Learn 2 Type at www.learn2type.com. If you would like to improve your keyboarding skills, try this free online typing tutorial. Designed for adults and/or children, you can take the online typing test to check your speed, then sign up for a free account. The interactive exercises automatically adjust to your skill level. According to the site, the better you get, the more challenging the typing exercises become. Come and go as you please and pick up right where you left off.

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