We have changes implemented for the Smyrna Public Library beginning January 2009!
First, many THANKS go out to the Town of Smyrna, Mayor and Council and the State Division of Libraries for this year’s library budget. Our goals this year are to do our best in this time of “penny pinching.” Our new budget will reflect these hard times, but we still hope to continue to fulfill the need of the Library’s comprehensive plan to be a lifelong learning provider to this community.
Although our hours will be altered to save on costly utilities, we will continue to offer dedicated friendly service to all of our patrons. We will also concentrate on enhancing our special programs and improving our collections to include removing the many outdated and old books and audios by adding more current titles and best sellers, from purchases or through donations. We also hope to add three new newspaper subscriptions. Our young adult section has gained popularity and we will be adding titles to increase teen usage. With the help of the Delaware State Library, we will be upgrading the new library computer system to better serve our patrons needs.
Second, the Library’s new hours will be Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with NO Saturday hours.
We will not be downsizing our staff so that we may better serve the hundreds of people we see on a daily basis.
We have added two used non-internet computers to handle to the need for resume writing so the six internet stations may be well utilized. We have to curtail game playing during peak hours to give unemployed individuals a better chance of accessing online job searches, job applications and testing, so if your child or adult comes home complaining that we will not allow game playing, or music video playing on the internet computers during peak usage, it’s true. We will however offer some after school programs to help keep children busy, but we are not a babysitting service, so loitering students causing loud or disruptive disturbances will be sent home, so that patrons using the library can relax and enjoy a nice quiet peaceful atmosphere.
New children’s programs
The Children’s Room will see some new special programs this year! The first will be an after school children’s Pet Care program from 3:30-4 p.m., weekly. The program will start in February and registration will be available at the front desk in late January (space is limited to 14). This will be open to the public and free of charge.
Our second new program will be geared towards teens. One will be an Anime club focusing on Zelda and Naruto. Both will have game strategy discussions and costume role play, (again space is limited to 14). These afterschool programs expect to begin in early March, registrations will begin in early February. Information will be located at the Library’s front desk.
Computer courses for adults
For the adults, a basic introduction to offline computer programs (Word 07, Excel 07, Power Point 07) will be offered in the late afternoons. This program is not set yet as we are in the process of finding a volunteer to instruct it. For more on our new adult programs please call or watch the paper for the time and dates.
Book sale
The display case will house a collection of books the library has found to have a high marketable collection price and some are in great condition. Anyone interesting in purchasing a first edition or a specific author they may collect. Please check this out! Books will change monthly and proceeds will fund our summer reading program plus our new library.
Volunteers needed
The library is looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:
• Book sale room – requires two people two hours, three times a week, work includes packing and unpacking books brought up from basement, stamping and arranging books by author’s last name on shelves.
• Stack management – seven people needed-one for each section, help maintain in Dewey Decimal order the non-fiction, fiction, large print, young adult, reference, CD’s/audio’s / videos and the children’s section of the library, time required one hour, three times a week, candidates must be familiar with the Dewey decimal system and the alphabet.
• Story time – helping with story time on Wednesdays, Thursdays (preparing crafts) and/or Friday.
Please call for more details 653-4579.
Story times for two age groups
For the kid’s room this month, Our Tiny Tots’ Story Time (an interactive program without craft) is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. This program is free and open to families with children birth to less than 3 years of age.
Older Children’s Story Time (with craft) is held every Friday morning at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. This program is also free and open to families with children 3-6 years of age.
For school groups needing a special story time or a special tour program please call ahead for scheduling.
On Wednesday, January 7, Tiny Tots’ Story Time will present “SHAPES AND COLORS.” Join the toddlers as they listen to a reading from “Is it red? Is it Yellow? Is it Blue?”
On Friday, January 9, Children’s Story Time will present “FAMILY!” Join the children as they listen to a reading from “When We Married Gary” by Anna Grossnickle Hines. Following the story, we will make a special craft to take home.
On Wednesday, January 14, Tiny Tots’ Story Time will present “MESSY!” Join the toddlers as they listen to a reading from “MRS. WISHY-WASHY’S SPLISHY-SPLOSHY.”
On Friday, January 16, Children’s Story Time will host PNC BANK. Join the children as they listen to a reading from “What Do Banks Do?” by Roberta Basel. PNC Bank will have a special gift for each child as well as banking information. Following the story, we will make a special craft to take home.
On Wednesday, January 21, Tiny Tots’ Story Time will present “NATIONAL HUGGING DAY!” Join the toddlers as they listen to a reading from “Hugs All Around.”
On Friday, January 23, Children’s Story Time will present “NATIONAL PIE DAY!” Join the children as they listen to a reading from “All for Pie, Pie for All!” by David Martin. Following the story, we will make a special craft.
On Wednesday, January 28, Tiny Tots’ Story Time will present “MICE!” Join the toddlers as they listen to a reading from “Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack.”
On Friday, January 30, Children’s Story Time will present “GROUNDHOGS DAY!” Join the children as they listen to a reading from “Fluffy Meets the Groundhog” by Kate McMullan. Following the story, we will make a special craft to take home.
New books arrivals
Adult Books: Fire and Ice by Garwood, Blood Sins by Hooper, Born to Run by Grippando.
Large Print Books: Cold Hearted by Barton, Bodies Left Behind by Deaver, 19th Wife by Ebershoff, I See You by Glass, McKettrick Christmas by Miller, Goliath Bone by Spillane.
Children’s Books: Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter Series) by Rowlings.
Library closed Jan. 19
The Library will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19.
SMYRNA, Del. —
