Winter Dreams and New Board Games

Many thanks go to the Friends of Marshall Public Library (FOMPL) for the funds to purchase new board games for the library! The new games include some replacements and some brand new ones that I am very excited about.

Among the new games are Mouse Trap, Flip Out,Mastermind, Buzz Word, Story Cubes, Monopoly-Electronic Banking, Dominion, Ticket to Ride, and The Settlers of Catan. FOMPL also gave the library replacements for Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders which will be stored in hanging bags in the children’s area with the puzzles. New copies of Life and Sorry were also purchased.

We have tentative plans for a board game night in February so keep your eyes peeled and we will keep you posted!

The Friends are generous in helping us obtain special things for the library that are not in our regular budget. All proceeds from our yearly book sales and the on-going book sale by the Circulation Desk help make these things possible. If you would like to become a FOMPL, please ask at the Circulation Desk.

Don’t forget about our Annual Winter Dreams open-mike night which will be held on Friday, January 10, from 6-7:30 p.m. Teens are invited to bring something to read and a treat to share in this fun after-hours coffee house setting with an audience of their peers.

Kath Ann Hendricks, Young Adult Librarian

Spanish Language Collection Reunited

The library has moved all adult Spanish-language and dual language Spanish/English books to one location to make them easier for patrons to find and browse. These books are now on the second floor by the Reference Desk.

An Evening at Downton

The library is celebrating the return of the popular British program Downton Abbey to American television with “An Evening at Downton,” a program for adults on Monday, January 6, at 7 p.m. Abbey Enthusiasts will be treated to tea, snacks, trivia, and general gossip of the goings-on at the Big House. Guests are requested to don their fanciest hat for the celebration.

Downton Abbey is a British period drama that follows the lives of the Crawleys, a noble family, and the servants who maintain Downton Abbey through war, social change, and family upheaval. The first three seasons of the series are available for checkout at Marshall Public Library. Season four premiers on PBS on January 5.

Jamie Bair, Circulation Supervisor

Free Computer Classes @ Your Library

Registration is now open for the library’s January computer classes! Whether you are interested in learning how to use computers or you want to expand the computer skills you already have, these classes are for you.

Classes are geared towards older beginners. The beginner’s class includes basic instruction from using a mouse to how to navigate online and set up an email account. The Internet research class is for people who have the basic computer skills already and want to know more about search engines like Google and websites like Wikipedia.

Classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited so stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor today to register. If the class that you are interested in is full, be sure to add your name to the waiting list for the next set of classes.

The library is always eager to add more computer classes to our roster! If you are interested in volunteering to teach a class, please talk to Amy on the second floor or call her at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

Health Care Changes Explained @Your Library

Major health insurance changes are coming and many Idahoans have questions about how this will impact them. Marshall Public Library in Pocatello and Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck have partnered with Blue Cross of Idaho to bring information to all members of the public.

On Wednesday, September 18, from 7-8:30 in the evening at Marshall Public Library and at Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. until noon, Blue Cross of Idaho representative David Michel will present information on the Affordable Care Act and the Idaho health insurance exchange. He will also answer questions you may have about open enrollment and what individuals and small business owners can expect.

A lot is changing in health insurance. Make sure you know how it impacts you by attending one or both of these programs. Both programs are free and open to all members of the public. For more information on these programs, call Amy Campbell at Marshall Public Library at 232-1263 ext. 106 or Susan King at Portneuf District Library at 237-2192. For more information on the health insurance changes and the Idaho health insurance exchange, visit http://www.getcoveredidaho.com.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

Tribute to Maria Callas on Second Floor

In January 1953, opera singer Maria Callas made her first recordings for England’s Electric & Musical Industries, Ltd. 60 years later, her recordings are still some of EMI’s biggest sellers.

Marshall Public Library is celebrating this 60 year association with a display of Callas artifacts and memorabilia related to her 1953 EMI recordings. Other information regarding her entire EMI output is also part of the presentation. 36 years after her death, come see why Maria Callas is still remembered.

For more information on any of our displays, please call Trent Clegg at the library at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Trent Clegg, Reference Librarian

Celebrate Your Freedom To Read

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. This year it is held September 22-28, it highlights the value of free and open access to information.

We would like to celebrate the freedom to read by displaying several books that have been challenged across the nation. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.

Check out the display on the first floor. And, YES, these books do check out. Celebrate your freedom to read and check one out today.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! What an important little rectangle a library card is: it can unlock whole worlds of adventure and learning for children or adults who use it regularly. First grade students from District 25 visit the library on a special field trip with their classes, and it is an enriching experience if those children can each leave with a library book to borrow, read, and enjoy. In order to sign up as many children (and parents) as possible, Marshall Public Library will be present at several of the Back-to-School night events to issue cards. We will also have a sign-up booth at the Portneuf Valley Farmers’ Market and at other area venues. This is a wonderful opportunity to help children advance on their road of knowledge and education.

Kathryn Poulter, Youth Services Supervisor

We Bid a Fond Farewell

Bonnie Reed retires

I came to Marshall Public Library on August 1, 2000. I worked at the Circulation Desk for the first five years. I enjoyed working with the patrons. I have been upstairs in Technical Services for eight years. I love unpacking and processing the new books. I also do mending, catalog magazines, clean discs, etc., and help with ordering the supplies we need.

I have loved working here! I plan to spend more time with my family and friends when I retire. I enjoy playing the piano, reading, doing embroidery, and crocheting. I have many other projects in my house that I might now have time to do.

I will continue to collect lighthouses. I’m thinking about a trip to the Oregon Coast next year. I’ve enjoyed my time here at Marshall Public Library. I will miss my coworkers, especially Tammie and Sheri.

Caralee Workman moves to a new career

What a fun five years I’ve had! Although I am excited to move on in my chosen career of education, I am very sad to be leaving the library staff. I have met many great people and have built lasting friendships.

The library is a wonderful place with amazing patrons and it’s a great environment you can bring the whole family to. I loved teaching the various community education classes, and I especially loved helping patrons one on one with their various tablets and e-readers while promoting our e-books. I will miss this place and the people I associated with on a daily basis. Thank you, everyone, for the great memories.

Katlynn Marchant enters ISU program

A familiar face will be leaving the Circulation Desk at the end of this month. Starting this fall, Katlynn Marchant, one of Marshall Public Library’s Circulation Librarians, will be attending Idaho State University’s Dental Hygiene Program.

Katlynn tells us, “I have enjoyed my time working here at the Marshall Public Library. I will miss working with and serving the wonderful community of Pocatello. I have loved getting to know the wonderful people that come here and I have learned much from interacting with them during my time here. I am sad to be leaving such a wonderful place, but I am excited for the challenges and the opportunities that await me in furthering my education and completing my degree program.”

World Book Goes Digital

World Book has burst out of its binding, gained an electronic edge, and Marshall Public Library wants to plug you in. Now more than just a set of books, World Book is a dynamic, multi-faceted online study aid and reference tool for kids of all ages.

On Wednesday, August 21, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m., Marshall Public Library hosts World Book representative John Ybarra, in hourlong seminars that showcase the dizzying array of online features designed to give any student an edge in life, both inside and outside the classroom. From tips on writing a paper and citing sources to managing money and finding a job, World Book has all the answers.

These seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the library at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Trent Clegg, Reference Librarian

Library Card Sign-up in the Community

As summer winds down, the library is shifting gears in preparation for National Library Card Sign-up Month in September.

Through the end of August, librarians will be out and about registering new library card patrons! Keep an eye out for your friendly neighborhood librarians at Back to School nights for elementary school students and at Idaho State University’s annual community event Welcome Back Orange and Black on August 26!

All that is needed to start an account with the library is a valid photo ID with your current address. The library’s booth at Welcome Back Orange and Black will also feature a fun game of trivia, information on our library, and prizes!

Jamie Bair, Circulation Supervisor

Garden Thyme @Your Library

After one last snowstorm, spring has finally truly arrived and many of our community’s green thumbs are itching to get both their thumbs and all their fingers in the dirt.

Growing a vegetable or herb garden is a relaxing pastime that a family can share together and a way for an individual or a family to save money on grocery bills. It’s also simply fun and satisfying to plant a seed and nurture its growth into a plant.

On Monday, May 13, at Marshall Public Library, lifelong gardener and owner of the online business dadsgardenseeds.com Glenn Cox will present a program on growing your own garden. He will also discuss an important but often overlooked component of healthy gardens: honeybees.

The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and admission is free to all members of our community. Everyone in attendance will get a free packet of seeds. This is a great all-ages, family program. For more information on this program, please call Amy at the library at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

Teens and Their Money

Marshall Public Library’s Thursday evening program Teens and Their Money continues in May!

On May 2 and May 9 at 6:00 p.m., these programs just for TEENS will help them set money goals, learn how to manage their money, find employment, and save for college or other interests. Programs are presented by Janaan H. Haskell, Field Director for the Center of Economic Education at Idaho State University; Idaho Department of Labor; and Idaho State University’s Financial Aid Officer Carey Jennings.

The first of these programs was well-attended and received positive feedback. Don’t miss the last two!

Kath Ann Hendricks, Young Adult Librarian

New Computer Instructor in June

Caralee Workman is a familiar face on the first floor of the library, but she will soon have an additional library role to play: computer instructor.

Teaching a combined Microsoft Word and Powerpoint class allows Caralee to share both her computer expertise and her love of teaching. From students to job seekers to grandparents who want to type family newsletters, Word and Powerpoint are important and fun computer skills for everyone to have.

With classes starting in June, Caralee is eager to teach her students how to create and save Word files and why PowerPoint is not just for businessmen. For more information on Caralee’s class or on the Beginning Computers, Microsoft Excel, or Taming the Internet classes, please talk with Caralee on the first floor or Amy on the second floor.

Enjoy Reading with Us

If you love reading and discussing good books, then book it to the library and join one (or all!) of our book groups!

May 8 @6 p.m. A Breath of Eyre

May 13 @7 p.m. The Violets of March

May 14 @7 p.m. A Study in Scarlet

May 20 @2 p.m. Plum Island

Celebrate Money Smart Week @your Library

Marshall Public Library is celebrating Money Smart Week!

Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. The American Library Association has partnered with the Chicago Federal reserve to bring financial literacy classes into our nation’s public libraries.

MONOPOLY DAY

Monopoly Day kicks off Money Smart events on Friday, April 19, at 3 p.m. A special TEEN Monopoly Party will begin after the library closes at 6 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. We will have several boards available for this gaming event and participants are welcome to bring additional Monopoly games of their own. Both of these events will be held in the Kid’s Corner.

SCAMS, CONS, AND FRAUDS

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, Dianne Brush from the Pocatello Police Department will present the program “Scams, Cons, and Frauds.” The community education officer for crime prevention, Brush will address why older people are the most targeted group for financial scams, how to recognize and avoid the scammers, and what information we should never release to someone over the phone or by email.

CRAZY FOR COUPONING

Also on April 20 at 10 a.m., local coupon expert Sally O’Keef will teach beginning couponers how to get the most out of their hard-earned money. A stay-at-home mom who started couponing shortly after the birth of her first child, O’Keef used coupons to maintain her family’s standard of living after her husband returned to school. Years of practical experience give her a unique perspective on how to use coupons properly and effectively and she is eager to share these tips with you.

THE THRILL OF THRIFTING

At noon on Saturday, April 20, Debra Spitzer presents “The Thrill of Thrifting.” One of the best ways to save money, especially for families with young children, is through thrift store shopping. At thrift stores, you can find new or nearly-new clothing and household goods and decorations for pennies on the dollar—if you know how to thrift shop smartly. Spitzer will reveal the tricks of smart thrifting and give her audience members the tools they need to start a life of thrifting on their own.

COUPON EXCHANGE BOX

You can not only look but also touch and take items from this display on the second floor! Look through the coupons and take what you would like. Be sure to bring in coupons from home that you don’t want and leave them for the next coupon browser.

SPIDERS SPRINGING FROM...SILVERWARE!

If you want to witness the curious phenomenon of spiders created from silverware, come to the second floor display case and see the altered arachnids as well as repurposed old Christmas cards and costume jewelry that are happily living new lives. Repurposing items saves money and is fun too!

For more information on these programs and other Money Smart Week activities, please call the library at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

eBooks? Yes!!

Announcing the introduction of eBooks to our library collection!

Now you can check out books to read on your iPad, computer, Android device,Nook, and Kindle Fire. With the library’s new eBook Cloud Library from 3M, you can be reading in minutes. All you need is a library card and a compatible device.

Find the link on the library’s home page marshallpl.org, or go to ebook.3M.com, or search the app store for the 3M eBooks app. Set up your account with your current library card and pin, login, and start browsing.

You can check out two eBooks at a time for 14 days each and they are automatically returned. There’s no need to visit the library to check out or return these books, and you’ll also never have overdue fines with these books! The 3M Cloud Library is an innovative way to browse, borrow, and read popular fiction and non-fiction eBooks from Marshall Public Library.

National Library Workers Day

Who has the best job in town? Employees at Marshall Public Library say they do and on National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 16, they’ll let you know why!

As part of their observance of National Library Workers Day and National Library Week, the folks at Marshall will share why they have the best job in town. Simple reasons and special stories will all be posted for patrons to read. Come to the library and find out why working there is so wonderful.

You can also participate by submitting your favorite library employee for a star at the website for National Library Workers Day at www.ala-apa.org/about/nlwdstars.html.

For more information on National Library Workers Day at Marshall Public Library, please call Trent at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Trent Clegg, Reference Librarian

Celebrate Poetry @your Library

Pocatello’s Marshall Public Library celebrates National Poetry Month in April with a Poetry Wall displaying original work from local poets.

The Poetry Wall is on display on the second floor. The Bonneville Community Senior Center’s Creative Writing Group is honored this year with an entire panel devoted to their members’ writing. This group has been meeting for over 30 years and the skill of the members is apparent in their poems. Local poets of all ages have submitted work to be displayed and the talent of our local writers is amazing to see!

You may still participate in this year’s Poetry Wall. Please mail or bring your work to the following address:

Poetry Wall c/o Amy Campbell Marshall Public Library 113 South Garfield Pocatello, ID 83204 232-9266 (fax)

For more information, call Amy at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

13th Annual Poetry Wall

Marshall Public Library is calling for submissions for the 13th annual Poetry Wall!

All local poets of all ages are invited to submit one original poem or one page of original poetry for inclusion in the Poetry Wall. Entries are accepted throughout March and April.

The poetry will be displayed in April in celebration of National Poetry Month. All entries become property of Marshall Public Library and are added to the library collection. Individuals, creative writing groups, and classes are encouraged to submit their poems.

You may drop off your entries on the second floor at the Reference Desk or you may mail your entries to the following address:

Poetry Wall c/o Amy Campbell Marshall Public Library 113 South Garfield Pocatello, Idaho 83204 232-9266 (fax)

For more information, please call Amy at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

John’s Short Reviews of Long Books

Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, & the Prison of Belief by Lawrence Wright

This book reads like bad fiction. It’s well written. It’s just that I would have trouble believing the actions and choices of the people in the stories if they were characters in a novel. It’s all true, however. The Church of Scientology is a litigious organization and the author, Lawrence Wright, has been very careful only to use sources that he can document. Highly recommended.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

This book was published in the 1990s. It concerns a wounded soldier who journeys to his love and his home, deserting the Confederate Army once he is sufficiently recovered to leave the hospital. I just read it recently for the first time and am reviewing it because it is the best fictional work on the Civil War, and one of the best works of fiction overall, that I have ever read. It shares its framework in some ways with the Odyssey and looms just as mythically large. The language is beautiful.

John Bickelhaupt, Reference Librarian

Check In @your Library During Teen Tech Week

Check In @ your Library during Teen Tech Week March 10-16 as we celebrate all things “tech” that your library has to offer from computers to databases to CDs and DVDs...and even e-books!

There will be a display of “Old Tech” stuff and a list of five challenges to complete to be entered into a drawing for free books and jump drives.

Follow me for updates on twitter @kayalib and on the YA Blog yanewsmpl.blogspot.com or just come in and pick up a paper copy of the questions for the daily challenges. This is open to youth in grades 6-12. Each correctly answered question will give you one entry into the drawing to be held on Monday, March 18.

From 4:30-6:30 on Monday, March 25, we will sponsor a READ poster workshop! Have you ever wanted to be a celebrity? Here’s your chance to use GIMP (a free photo-editing program) to edit a photo and use our software to put yourself in a READ poster.

For more information about this and other Teen programs, contact Kath Ann at 232-1263 ext. 111.

Kath Ann Hendricks,Young Adult Librarian

Book Awards Announced

The recent ALA Media Awards have been announced. Not only do wehave a new Newbery Award for outstanding contribution to children’s literature but we also have a young adult title which has won the Michael W. Printz Award (I call it the Newbery for teens).

The Newbery Winner is: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla told from Ivan's point of view, is a charming, soul searching, and inspirational book about a real gorilla that once lived in a circus themed mall in Washington State.

It is written in short sentences and paragraphs because, as Ivan puts it, "Humans waste words. They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot. Everyone knows that the peels are the best part."

This book will appeal to children and animal lovers alike.

The Michael W. Printz Award is: In Darkness by Nick Lake

15-year old gangster Shorty finds himself trapped in a collapsed hospital after the 2010 Haitian earthquake. To maintain his somewhat tenuous sanity, he speaks his life story to the darkness surrounding him. As he weakens and faces the truth that his rescue may never come, hallucinations parallel with visions of Haitian rebel leader Toussaint L'Ouverture who led a slave revolt and helped force Napoleon and the French out of Haiti two hundred years ago.

Shorty describes his life coming of age in the poorest of slums in a world where daily violence sometimes leads to unexpected humanity.

Both of these books are available for checkout at Marshall Public Library. Many other books have won awards and you can find a complete list at www.yalsa.ala.org.

Kath Ann Hendricks, Young Adult Librarian

Free Tax Help from the AARP

Confused about your taxes? Having trouble filing? Help is here for you at your Library!

Volunteers from the American Association of Retired People who have received training from the IRS and the Idaho State Tax Commission staff this program. They are ready to assist you in the electronic filing of your Federal and state tax returns. And it’s absolutely free!

This program is focused on the low-income or elderly but is open to everyone. Starting on Monday, February 4, the volunteers will be here every Monday evening from 5-8:30pm and every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 3 pm. No appointments will be taken and it is first come, first served.

Bring the following (if necessary) with you:

Valid picture ID and social security cards or a document from SSA with your name and SSN

Social Security cards for dependents

Form W-2 from each employer

Form 1099-INT or 1099-DIV (to report interest and dividends)

SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 (to report social security and railroad retirement)

1099-R (to report pension income)

List of your medical, taxes, interest, contributions, and miscellaneous expenses (to itemize your deductions)

Copy of last year’s tax return

Child and disabled dependent care

Finally Home!

After 16 years away from Marshall Public Library, Becca Hyde has accepted the position of Early Childhood Librarian--and she couldn’t be happier! In the 80s and 90s, she worked in both Circulation and Children’s Services presenting storytimes, giving library tours, and many other librarian duties.

The years of her absence were quite full with raising her darling (most of the time) children, volunteering in schools, managing the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market with her husband, Joe, and recently being the choir accompanist for three choirs at Pocatello High School. However, there was always a dream and a hope of coming back to work at Marshall Public Library with the best team of devoted workers anywhere.

And so she is thrilled to be back and once again reading stories. The new Family Storytime, which is held every Tuesday evening at 6pm, is something Becca is excited to add to her storytime duties. She hopes that many families who cannot attend in the day will want to try it out, especially as it is for families with children of all ages. Becca is not alone in knowing that regardless of how crazy and sometimes disheartening life can be, if you have a good book to read then it’s a great day!

Library Wins Million Minute Challenge!

We at Marshall Public Library would like to thank our patrons for the great effort everyone put forth in the national Million Minute Family Challenge. In its 12th year, the Million Minute Family Challenge encouraged interaction and communication among family and friends by setting a national goal of playing games for a total of one million minutes from September 1 through Dececember 31.

As a group, our final tally was 113,488 minutes which ranked us in first place nationwide! Our library patrons should be proud of their accomplishment. The final tally nationwide was 1,060,940 minutes. Our in-house grand prize winner with a total of 11,260 minutes was Clockstoppers. They will receive a new board game to continue playing well into the new year. We also held the in-house raffle and the winners are: Team Three Star, Puzzlemania, The Boarding Party, and Suz10y Q10’S. Congratulations! Each winner needs to come in and pick up their new card game.

As a result of this competition, we have seen families join together laughing, having fun, and enjoying time with each other. Many people took this challenge to heart and played games together and communicated in positive ways throughout the community. We have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this challenge and look forward to participating again next year.

Caralee Workman, Circulation Librarian

Friends Purchase New Laptops

Thank you to the Friends of the Marshall Public Library for purchasing four new laptops and a new room for our library!

The Marshall Public Library has offered free computer classes for several years. Classes have always been taught at the public Internet stations,which meant that the teachers saw only the backs of their students’ heads and class was often interrupted by the buzz of daily library business.

This generous gift from the Friends means that teachers and students can now see each other’s faces in the privacy of an enclosed space, and it has transformed the dynamic of the classes with students asking more questions and understanding and responding better to instruction. This means that the connection between teacher and student that is vital for the best classroom experience is stronger than ever!

The ability to use computers to gather information is now a part of basic literacy. The Friends’ recognition and support of the library’s role in digital literacy will truly transform lives.

The Friends of the Marshall Public Library is a volunteer organization that raises money to support library resources and programs. If you are interested in becoming a Friend, please call Eliza Schmidt at 234-2102 or Tracy Van Dyke 241-9344.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

New Look for the New Year

If you haven’t been upstairs at the Library since the new carpet was installed, please take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the new layout. After moving 40,000+ books and magazines, 46 shelving units (several times), 16 book cases and dozens of other items of furniture, a new look has emerged.

Look at all the space! (It’s a secret where we found it.) See if you can find some secluded areas to use, away from the areas of highest traffic. All the carpet in the building is now the same, and it is delightful.

Many groups ask to use rooms in the library for meetings and filling all of those requests has not always been possible. In order to help meet this need, the Friends of the Marshall Public Library have donated a meeting room that can be scheduled in the same way as other meeting rooms in the Library. Groups of up to eight people can be accommodated in this new area on the second floor.

Many thanks go to the library staff, men from City Parks and Recreation, Haywire Robotics Club, and other volunteers who worked hard to make this change happen!

Come and enjoy.

Kris Castro, Reference Supervisor

Chief Theatre Display

Pocatello was once home to no less than nine movie theatres before the era of the Cineplex. Perhaps the grandest of these was The Chief, which burned to the ground twenty years ago in 1993 leaving only a mosaic at the entrance to a parking lot in its wake.

During the month of January, Marshall Public Library will host a display about The Chief by local historian Jack McCurdy spanning its 56 year history. The display will be located on the second floor at the head of the north stairwell.

Trent Clegg, Reference Librarian

Welcome New Staff Member Kristy

I am so happy to become a member of the staff of Marshall Public Library.

Having been born and raised in Pocatello, the MPL was a strong part of my growing up. I have fond memories of weekly trips to the library and not so fond memories of getting into my first car accident in the library parking lot.

I enjoy spending my time with my husband and daughter and wrangling our two dogs, cat, and turtle. I am a voracious reader of just about anything and I am particularly interested in the history of our area.

After surviving a computer software change and getting new carpet upstairs in my first few months, I can’t wait to see what other challenges are in store here at the Library.

Kristy Lyon, Circulation Librarian

Set Your Winter Reading Goal

It is time to register for Marshall Public Library’s winter reading program, "There's Snow Better Time to Read." This program will be for all ages and reading levels.

Each reading level will set a goal of how much reading they will do before March 1. When the goal is met, they will enter their completed reading log into a drawing.

Here is the breakdown for each level:

Ages 0-5 years: These young participants will need a bit of help because their goal will be based on the number of hours someone reads to them, with a minimum of 5 hours.

Ages 5-12 years: Participants’ goal will be based on how many hours theyread, with a minimum of 5 hours.

Ages 12 to 112 years: Participants will set a goal of how many books will be read by March 1, with a minimum goal of 3 books.

As you can see, there is something for all ages and reading levels. The program is going on now and will run through March 4. Register now in the lobby at MPL.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

Million Minute Family Challenge-- Amazing News!

We are pleased to announce that we achieved our lofty goal of 100,000 minutes! Thanks to all who participated and helped us reach our goal. We willannounce our in-house winners in next month’s newsletter.

Caralee Workman, Circulation Librarian