The library staff just hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. It's just one small way to say thank you to the many volunteers that help keep our library running. Without our volunteers, the library would not be able to offer as many services as we do now with their help. Our volunteers shelve books, process interlibrary loan books, help with publicity, process new books, update the collection, and help with programs. They do so much it is impossible to list everything! And let's not forget the Friends of the Library! Their efforts provide the funds for concerts, children's programs, books, and so much more!
The Monroe community is full of kind and generous people who work with almost no recognition. Our small party is just a token of our appreciation.
Margaret Borchers
Library Director
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Want ebooks?
A very nice gentleman called me to complain that the library ebook service, Overdrive, did not contain titles representing a certain topic that he was interested in. I explained to him that our library is just starting to build a collection of ebooks and it would take some time to build the collection to a point where it adequately met the needs of the Monroe community. Not to be trite, but this does not happen overnight. The library print collection of over 80,000 books took many years to acquire.
My caller understood, and I offered to include some of his suggested titles in a future ebook order. To my surprise, the next day, he introduced himself at the library circulation desk and handed me a check for $100 for ebooks. "Let's make this the start of a campagin for Monroe residents to help the library get more ebooks", he said. So I am putting out the call for donations: Want ebooks, please donate!
The library's book budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 has been cut by $10,000 (15%). At a time when we should be leaping ahead with the new technologies we are instead forced to go backwards. Please help if you can. For more on the library ebook collection and how to access it from your home computer please come to the Monroe Technology Fair on Saturday, May 21. You are also welcome to inquire at the Reference Desk whenever the library is open.
My caller understood, and I offered to include some of his suggested titles in a future ebook order. To my surprise, the next day, he introduced himself at the library circulation desk and handed me a check for $100 for ebooks. "Let's make this the start of a campagin for Monroe residents to help the library get more ebooks", he said. So I am putting out the call for donations: Want ebooks, please donate!
The library's book budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 has been cut by $10,000 (15%). At a time when we should be leaping ahead with the new technologies we are instead forced to go backwards. Please help if you can. For more on the library ebook collection and how to access it from your home computer please come to the Monroe Technology Fair on Saturday, May 21. You are also welcome to inquire at the Reference Desk whenever the library is open.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Libraries Cut Once Again
Governor Malloy has made cuts in the CT State Library budget that will have a devastating effect on two of this state's most cost-effective methods of resource sharing. Connecticard is the program that allows a library card holder to borrow books from any library in the state. Connecticar is a system of vans that support the Connecticard program by moving the books between libraries. It allows patrons who may not be able to travel themselves to pick up an item to have it delivered to their hometown library. This service allows access to almost all of the books residing in the 169 municipalities in our state, including the academic libraries.
Last year, patrons of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library borrowed 27,095 items from other libraries and conversely, 31, 531 items belonging to Monroe were loaned to non-residents. Connecticard provides a reimbursement payment to cover part of the cost of providing these materials. Over 20,000 of these items traveled through the Connecticar van system. On the state level, over 2 million items were transported between libraries.
Isn't this what our political leaders have been asking us to do, share resources? Our State Library has had this system in place for many years, and to lose it for less than the $1 million being saved in the budget is ridiculous. If the libraries in CT lose these two vital services it will isolate them from each other and force duplicate purchases. Connecticard and Connecticar allow libraries to share across town lines.
I ask the governor and his staff to take another look at the cuts in the State Library budget. If you believe these services are worthwhile I ask you to contact the governor and your local representatives and ask them to restore the cuts to the library budget.
Last year, patrons of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library borrowed 27,095 items from other libraries and conversely, 31, 531 items belonging to Monroe were loaned to non-residents. Connecticard provides a reimbursement payment to cover part of the cost of providing these materials. Over 20,000 of these items traveled through the Connecticar van system. On the state level, over 2 million items were transported between libraries.
Isn't this what our political leaders have been asking us to do, share resources? Our State Library has had this system in place for many years, and to lose it for less than the $1 million being saved in the budget is ridiculous. If the libraries in CT lose these two vital services it will isolate them from each other and force duplicate purchases. Connecticard and Connecticar allow libraries to share across town lines.
I ask the governor and his staff to take another look at the cuts in the State Library budget. If you believe these services are worthwhile I ask you to contact the governor and your local representatives and ask them to restore the cuts to the library budget.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Cupcake Love
Decorate cupcakes for your valentine with us on Sunday, Feb. 13 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Everyone is invited, children are welcome with a parent's help. A $3.00 donation is requested to help with supplies. Each person can decorate four cupcakes. We provide a box for you to take them home. We have lots of candy hearts and special fixins for you to make some beautiful creations!
Costco is helping by donating some of the cupcakes, so let them know you appreciate the support they give to our library.
With all the snow, ice and related stress we are all experiencing; come to the library on Sunday, Feb. 13 and enjoy yourself!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Overdues & Snow
If your library items are due and it's snowing or the roads are bad, give us a call. We will renew them or make arrangements so you are not charged a fine. Can't get through on the phone? When you bring your overdue items back just mention to a staff member that they are late because of bad weather. You must tell the staff, or the fine will go on automatically.
We don't want you to put yourself in danger just to get your library items back on time.
On a happier note: If you are stuck in the house by bad weather you can access library databases and the library catalog on the internet. The libary homepage is http://www.ewml.org/
Find new databases here: http://www.ewml.org/databases.htm
Morningstar - an all-inclusive database providing comprehensive data and analysis of over 35,000 investments including stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. It's the one-stop tool for collecting information, getting reliable analysis, learning about investments, and creating a portfolio.
BYKI - is an online language-learning system available for over 70 languages. It offers simple steps to memorize words and phrases in a new language, including their meaning and proper pronunciation, in the shortest possible time. First create an account at the library, then you will be able to access BYKI Online from any computer with internet access.
Reference USA - An Internet-based service offering access to a database of millions of businesses and consumers. Students, job seekers and researchers can use this tool to create marketing plans, conduct analysis, raise funds, locate people and more.
If you need help or have questions, just call our Reference Desk at 203 452-2850 #6
We don't want you to put yourself in danger just to get your library items back on time.
On a happier note: If you are stuck in the house by bad weather you can access library databases and the library catalog on the internet. The libary homepage is http://www.ewml.org/
Find new databases here: http://www.ewml.org/databases.htm
Morningstar - an all-inclusive database providing comprehensive data and analysis of over 35,000 investments including stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. It's the one-stop tool for collecting information, getting reliable analysis, learning about investments, and creating a portfolio.
BYKI - is an online language-learning system available for over 70 languages. It offers simple steps to memorize words and phrases in a new language, including their meaning and proper pronunciation, in the shortest possible time. First create an account at the library, then you will be able to access BYKI Online from any computer with internet access.
Reference USA - An Internet-based service offering access to a database of millions of businesses and consumers. Students, job seekers and researchers can use this tool to create marketing plans, conduct analysis, raise funds, locate people and more.
If you need help or have questions, just call our Reference Desk at 203 452-2850 #6
Monday, November 8, 2010
Open on Sunday!
Margaret Borchers, Director of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, is pleased to announce that the library will be open on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning December 5, 2010 through May. The training of additional staff required a late start this fall, but in the future the Sunday opening will begin in early October. In addition, the Saturday hours will continue throughout the year with no summer closings.
The expansion of library hours is made possible by the generosity of the Library Board of Directors. As beneficiaries of the Wheeler Trust, the board has the authority to supplement the normal budgetary amount received by the library from the Town if that budget limits the purchase of needed items or operating expenses. The trust is not to be used to replace Monroe’s budgetary contribution, but rather, to enhance it when necessary.
For some time the Director and board members have been aware that limited hours restricted many residents from access to the library. The intention of the Wheeler Trust was to provide a “state of the art” facility for the use and convenience for Monroe residents; expanding operating hours allows an increase of services, which the library staff and board members are proud to offer.
The expansion of library hours is made possible by the generosity of the Library Board of Directors. As beneficiaries of the Wheeler Trust, the board has the authority to supplement the normal budgetary amount received by the library from the Town if that budget limits the purchase of needed items or operating expenses. The trust is not to be used to replace Monroe’s budgetary contribution, but rather, to enhance it when necessary.
For some time the Director and board members have been aware that limited hours restricted many residents from access to the library. The intention of the Wheeler Trust was to provide a “state of the art” facility for the use and convenience for Monroe residents; expanding operating hours allows an increase of services, which the library staff and board members are proud to offer.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thanks a Bunch!
Jim Lazor & Troup 62 created the new garden at the library back entrance last month. Thanks Jim for all your hard work in preparation for the Eagle Scout Award.
The garden looks great!
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