Inventory Improves Library Experience

Marshall Public Library is pleased to have finished the first complete
inventory of the entire collection in ten years. During this process each
item on the library shelves was taken to a computer and scanned.
Although approximately 8% of the collection was checked out at the
time, there were still nearly 137,000 items that were individually
handled by employees. You might wonder why this huge undertaking is
important.

During the inventory, books that were shelved in the wrong place were
located, as were items that were thought to be missing or overdue.
Things that affected library users accounts were fixed to reflect what was
found, which usually meant a reduction in fines. After double checking,
items that really were missing are being removed from the library
catalog. Library records are being updated.

The employees of the library are proud of their accomplishment. It was
hard work, but we look forward to the improved experience you will have
as a result the next time you visit Marshall Public Library.

Kris Castro, Reference Supervisor

Reading is SNOW Cool!

Warm up this winter by wrapping up in a warm blanket and reading.
This January and February,the library is hosting a winter reading
program, "Reading is Snow Cool." This program is for all ages and
reading levels. Registration begins January 12, 2015.

Adults and teens have a READ! Bingo card. When they earn a bingo,
they can bring in their bingo card to receive a coupon for a free book
from our book store/book sale and be entered into a drawing. Children
will set goals of how many hours will be read by March 1. When the goal
is met, they bring in their reading log and then they will receive a prize.

For 5- to 12-year old readers, the goal will be based on how many hours
they read; for those under 5, the goal will be based on hours someone
reads to them. The minimum goal is 3 books for those 5 and older or 5
hours for those under 5. One entry/prize per person.

Mark your calendars because the program will run January 12 through
March 9. Snuggle up with a warm blanket and a good book and set your
goal to read this winter. Registration is going on now on the first floor.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

Binary Code Yarn Project Challenge

In September, the group Spin a Good Yarn was given a challenge to use
binary code for inspiration in their next project. Binary code is used by
computers. The code assigns a string of eight digits to represent each
letter of the alphabet for the computer to read. For example, the capital
letter A is 01000001 while the lowercase a is 01100001.

The group was asked to be creative and use this code in their patterns to
write a name or a favorite saying. 0 and 1 could be knit and pearl stitches.
They could be color changes or even a single crochet and double crochet.
Binary Code Yarn Project Challenge show and tell is at Spin a Good
Yarn’s first meeting in 2015 on January 8 at 7 p.m.

Spin a Good Yarn is a fiber arts group that meets at the library twice a
month on the second and fourth Thursday at 7 p.m. The group is for
adults but all ages and skill levels are welcome to join us as we work on
our projects and discuss books and current events.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

New Displays Upstairs

The holidays are a time for sharing, and the staff of Marshall will be
sharing their favorite Christmas decorations with the public during the
Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25-January 6) and through the
month of January. Each staff member will contribute a piece for the
display with a write-up sharing why that particular decoration is
meaningful to them. This special holiday treat will be housed in the display
cases on the Reference floor near the elevator. Come share some
holiday cheer with your friends here at Marshall Public Library.

How well do you know Idaho? This state is famous for its potatoes and
great natural resources, but did you know it also has small castles, has
hosted major movie premieres, and has played a significant part in many
historic events? To increase awareness of just how great a state Idaho is,
Marshall Public Library continues its Idaho Counties display in January
by featuring the home of our state capital and capitol, Ada County.

Trent Clegg, Reference Librarian

Food for Fines

This year the Marshall Public Library joined with other libraries across
the country to offer a Food for Fines program. We had 70 patrons
participate, and we were able to waive fines from 413 overdue items. Our
final count of canned items was 507, so we collected an extra 94 cans of
food from our generous Staff and Patrons!

All of your donations went to the Idaho Food Bank. If you would like to
continue to help, the Idaho Food Bank is collecting frozen turkeys for
Holiday dinners. You can drop off a frozen Turkey at the Idaho Food
Bank or any Les Schwab location. Thank you for making this a successful
program!

Kristy Lyon, Administration

Shortened Hours in December

The library will have shortened hours throughout December and will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m Monday through Saturday. The shortened hours will allow library staff to complete projects and attend  trainings. The library will also be closed December 24 and 25 and January 1.

We will resume our regular hours of 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through
Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday on Friday, January 2, 2015.

Closed for Inventory December 8-13

The library will close December 8-13 for inventory. During this time, the librarians will check the items on library shelves against what the catalog records show the library owns. You may still return items in the outside drop box, but no items will be due during this week.

Due to the upcoming inventory, no new interlibrary loan requests will be accepted through December 13. The library will open again at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 15, and new interlibrary loans may be
submitted at that time. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

New December Displays

The holidays are a time for sharing, and the staff of Marshall will be sharing their favorite Christmas decorations with the public during the month of December. Each staff member will contribute a piece for the display with a write-up sharing why that particular decoration is meaningful to them. This special holiday treat will be housed in the display cases on the Reference floor near the elevator. Come share some holiday cheer with your friends here at Marshall Public Library.

After learning a little more about your librarians, step over to our other display and find out how well you know Idaho. To increase awareness of just how great a state Idaho is, Marshall Public Library is launching Idaho Counties, a display highlighting a different county in Idaho each month. This state is famous for its potatoes and great natural resources, but did you know it also has castles, has hosted major movie premieres, and has played a significant part in many historic events? This fascinating display launches in December and will begin by featuring wonderful Washington County.

  Trent Clegg, Reference Librarian

Learn a New Language with Pronunciator

If you are studying a language in school or if you simply enjoy the challenge of learning a language on your own, check out Pronunciator on Marshall Public Library’s website.

This online language-learning system is free for all library patrons. With 80
of the world’s most popular languages and ESL courses in 50 languages, Pronunciator is focused on quickly building conversational skills through a combination of interactive online drills, scored quizzes, and downloadable audio lessons and phrasebooks.

Designed to meet the language-learning needs of our entire community, Pronunciator offers five possible levels of instruction for each language covering vocabulary, verbs, simple sentences, and conversation; one level is designed specifically for tourists and business travelers. Each course also has up to 350 hours of audio lessons which patrons can download to a portable device or burn to a CD. Appropriate for children as well as adults, teachers and parents can feel confident referring students to Pronunciator for supplemental instruction.

“Pronunciator is one of our most popular databases,” said Gaila Butikofer, Reference Department Supervisor. “There are many reasons a person learns a language—for work, travel, school, or just for fun—and Pronunciator truly has something for everyone.”

Stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor for an introduction to Pronunciator, or access the program through the library website at www.marshallpl.org. For more information or assistance, please contact the library’s Reference Department at 232-1263 ext. 106.

 Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

Food for Fines November 17-22

Bring canned goods to the Circulation Desk November 17-22 in exchange for waiving your fines!

1 can = $1 in overdue fines waived. Be sure to bring your library card. No outside drop-offs, please. No repackaged, perishable, or expired food.

All donations will go to the Idaho Food Bank.

* Food for Fines does NOT include replacement fees for lost or damaged materials, collection agency fees, card replacement fees, or future overdue fines.

*If you have replacement fees for lost or damaged materials, please ask about setting up a payment plan at the Circulation Desk.

Shortened Hours in December

The library will have shortened hours throughout December and will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m Monday through Saturday. The shortened hours will allow library staff to complete projects and attend trainings. The library will also be closed December 24 and 25 and January 1.

We will resume our regular hours of 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday on Friday, January 2, 2015.

Closed for Inventory December 8-13

The library will close December 8-13 for inventory.

During this time, the librarians will check the items on library shelves against what the catalog records show the library owns. You may still return items in the outside drop box, but no items will be due during this week.

Due to the upcoming inventory, no new interlibrary loan requests will be accepted November 22-December 13. The library will open again at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 15, and new interlibrary loans may be submitted at that time. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

New Magazines for 2015

Marshall Public Library subscribes to many print magazines and newspapers for the public to read. While the most current issue of magazines must stay in the library, all other issues are available for a two-week checkout. Print magazines and newspapers are available for browsing on the second floor.

Some of the new titles we have this year are American History, Bead & Button, Cat Fancy, Discover, Dog Fancy, HGTV, History, Tennis, Vegetarian, World Soccer, and Yoga. Magazines no longer available due to low usage or because the title is no longer being published are Advocate: Idaho State Bar Magazine, E:the Environmental Magazine, Jet, and Ladies Home Journal.

The library keeps microfilm copies of The Idaho State Journal from the present extending back to 1895. If you are interested in reading these older papers, come to the Reference Desk on the second floor and we will teach you how to use the microfilm reader. You may also digitally access more than 2000 magazine and newspaper titles through our Masterfile resource center. Ask a librarian today how to get started with this awesome resource!

Gaila Butikofer, Reference Supervisor

Meet Volunteer Becky

What do you like most about volunteering?

I like learning new things and seeing different areas of the library.

What brought you to the library to volunteer?

I work here and wanted to learn about different areas of the library from where I usually work. I wanted to understand more of the technical side of the library, in hopes that someday I will take some classes to certify in different areas of the library.

What are some of your favorite books, authors, or subjects? And why are they your favorites?

Some favorite books are: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, Cold Comfort Farm, and many more.

I like different genres. I like to read mysteries and some suspense; I like classics and old fashioned books. Some of my favorite authors are: Kate Douglas Wiggins, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Alistair MacLean, Dorothy Gilman, Clive Cussler, Joanne Fluke, Nancy Atherton, and Alexander McCall-Smith.

What do you like to do when you are not Volunteering?

I love to cycle, play volleyball, play disc golf, read, spend time with my family and grandkids.

If you are interested in volunteering at the library like Becky, please visit our website and type your zip code into the widget, or call Kristy at 232-1263 ext. 100.

Fall Book Sale

The Friends of Marshall Public Library (FOMPL) will hold their highly anticipated fall book sale in October! A wide variety of both paperback and hardback books as well as videos and CDs will be available for purchase. Paperback items will be sold for $1 each and hardbacks for $2. All remaining stock will be reduced 50% on Saturday!

Hours for the sale are: Thursday, October 9 - 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Friday, October 10 - 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, October 11 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

All sales are cash only; checks are not accepted. No barcode readers, please! All proceeds will be used to benefit the library. FOMPL is always looking for more friends so if you are interested in joining, ask at the checkout desk on the first floor.

Meet New Employee Laura

Laura Brink is a Michigander who graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in English Literature. Now, she enjoys her time in Pocatello with her husband and German Shorthaired Pointer, Ozzie (named after a Red Wings goalie, not Ozzy Osbourne-she gets that question a lot!). She loves outdoor activities, reading, writing, watching the Red Wings, and jogging with her pup. Her favorite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Laura's ideal moment is drinking a cup of coffee while reading a suspenseful book or a book with a heartbreaking ending. She has a weakness for sugary treats and a tiny obsession with sloths.

Auto Repair Reference Center

This online do-it-yourself auto repair and maintenance resource center is easy to use and contains information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles, covering more than 37,000 vehicles from 1954 to the present. New repair procedures, recalls, and updates are added on a regular basis, and all content has been created by ASE certified technicians.

Quick tips offers a complete guide to vehicle ownership and maintenance, including specifications and maintenance schedules. AutoIQ has video overviews of auto systems. Other features include millions of drawings and step-by-step photographs, over 180,000 enhanced wiring diagrams, labor time guide and estimator, and diagnostic information.

Repair and maintenance information is provided for transmissions, brakes, ignition systems, electrical systems, exhaust systems, heating and cooling, wheels and tires, bodywork, diesel engines, and much more.

To use this exciting money-saving resource, visit www.marshallpl.org and hold your mouse over Research Tools and select Resource Centers. Login to EBSCOhost with the user name marshall and password public and then click on Auto Repair Reference Center. For more information or for passwords to the many other online resources available, please ask a librarian.

Books Cannot Be Killed by Fire: Libraries in World War Two

Libraries are reflections of our world. In a library, we can see a particular community, way of life, or period in time. In World War II when humanity suffered under the sweeping destruction of the Nazis, libraries reflected the fight for freedom as well as the moral questions that arose regarding accountability for war and suffering.

Join librarian Amy Campbell on Tuesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. to learn more about World War II libraries and their part in upholding the human spirit during one of the most devastating times in history. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call Amy at 232-1263 ext. 106.

The Mystery of Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is the best-selling author of all time as well as the playwright of the longest-running stage play in history. How did a wealthy, upper-middle class girl in early 20th century Britain emerge to write the most popular mysteries of all time? What is this spell that her stories and characters weave over us so that her books still sell by the millions and are adapted into movies, TV shows, comic books, and video games nearly 40 years after her death? And what is the truth behind the real life mystery of Christie’s own 11-day disappearance in 1926?

Join librarian and Christie fan Amy Campbell on Tuesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. to explore the fascinating life of Miss Marple and Poirot’s famous creator. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Amy at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Meet Volunteer Cordelia

1. What do you like most about volunteering?

I help Gaila with microfilm searches. It feels good to find information that has special meaning to someone. Also, the microfilm collection goes back to more than a century ago so sometimes I get to read about major historical events as they happened!

2. What brought you to the library to volunteer?

This was my first summer in Pocatello and on my second visit to the library, Amy noticed that I wasn’t familiar with the place and offered to help me. It was a busy Saturday for her. When I found out on volunteermatch.org that the library has volunteer opportunities suitable for me, I signed up right away.

2. What are your favorite books, authors, or subjects?

I like nature and animal books.

3. What do you like to do when you are not volunteering?

Birdwatching.

If you are interested in volunteering at the library like Cordelia, please visit our website and type your zip code into the widget, or call Kristy at 232-1263 ext. 100.

Farewell, Sue

When Sue Van Der Horn and her husband and young family wound their way through the Portneuf Gap and into Inkom after driving the thousands of miles from New Jersey, they looked up at the craggy hills and felt they’d finally come home. That was in 1977. Two years later, on October 29, 1979, Sue began working at the Pocatello Public Library in the technical services department. Her good friend, Lou Chavers, mentioned there was a position available and so Sue applied. When she was hired, Sue did not realize she would be spending the better part of the next four decades surrounded by the books and friends and changing technology that make up the library world. But stay she did, and now, 34 years and 7 months later, she finds it hard to believe so much time has passed.

Along with serving under many different directors and witnessing incredible changes in advancing technology, Sue figures she has touched and processed and stamped and cataloged most of the books that have been added to the library for quite some time. She was trained by Joan Shurtliff to do the intricate and detailed work of cataloging books, and later spent seven years as head of the Technical Services department. She then moved into the position of Associate Director where she spent the years until her retirement. Certainly Sue has witnessed tremendous changes in the library environment as she came on board in the era of typed index cards and the card catalog and is leaving after seeing the library move to the fully integrated Polaris operating system.

But through all those decades of service, some things have remained the same: the good feelings of friendship, love, and harmony among the library staff members, and the responsibility of serving Pocatello by providing excellent books and other library materials to the public. What will Sue do now? “Of course it is hard to say good-bye to my library family,” she says, “but I want to sit on the deck in the mornings and enjoy the garden and a cup of coffee without having to go anywhere.” She has no great plans, but she does want to spend time with her aging parents, enjoy long days with her husband, visit her grandchildren, and most of all, just live spontaneously without a schedule. Thank you, Sue, for your long years of service and your example of quiet, cheerful perseverance. We’ll miss you, but we know we’ll see you often because you’ll always need something good to read. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

Kathryn Poulter, Youth Services Supervisor

Thank you, Bookmobile Volunteers!

Usually we have a monthly spotlight on a single volunteer. This month I would like to thank the many volunteers that have helped with the bookmobile over the last two years.

There were a lot of volunteer and staff hours that went into starting and running the bookmobile. The volunteer drivers were wonderful. Not only did they drive (which I was very thankful for) they were enthusiastic and always looking for more ways to help out. So a big THANK YOU! to all of our bookmobile volunteers!

Don’t forget the Book Wagon will be out this summer on a regular schedule throughout the city parks (check our website or stop in a pick up a schedule) or look for it at the Farmer’s Market and other community events.

Kristy Lyon, Circulation Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator

Summer Reading Kickoff

Marshall Public Library’s summer reading kicks off on Monday, June 2, and runs through August 15.

An Interactive Physics Demonstration hosted by Dr. Steven Shropshire of the ISU Physics Departmet will begin at 5 p.m., and the whole family is invited! Dr. Shropshire will do two additional demonstrations this summer on June 30 and August 4, both at 5 p.m.

Read on for more information on summer reading for children, teens, and adults!

Children’s Summer Reading

We would like to invite everyone from birth to 12 years old to participate in our awesome summer reading program for kids. This year’s theme is Fizz! Boom! Read!, and it’s all about science and experiments and reading and explosions. Come to the library or register online at the library’s website to receive your summer reading log. The reading log has ten test tubes with a word on each test tube. To fill in a test tube, either read a book or do a project related to that word. For example, to fill in the Nature test tube, read a book about nature, or go outside and make a leaf rubbing, or count all the birds you can see in an hour, or some other project you come up with using your imagination. After filling in all the test tubes, come back to the library and turn in your completed reading log for a prize—a free book! Then take another reading log and do it again to earn a second book.

In addition to our regular storytimes, there are many additional activities for children of all ages during the summer.

* Take part in our Summer Art Institute on Mondays at 1 p.m. each week.

* Meet the Book Wagon at a park on Tuesdays. Hear stories and get a free book!

* Come on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. to see special programs and hear stories.

* Join our beginning knitting and crocheting club at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons.

* Watch book-related movies on Thursdays at 2 p.m. to get out of the summer heat.

* Play in our Hands-On Science Stations on Fridays from 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Kathryn Poulter, Children’s Librarian

Teen Summer Reading

Sign up for Spark a Reaction, our teen summer reading program for youth in 6th -12th grades. For each 3 activities you complete, win free books or other prizes.

Join us for Reactor Mondays at 2 p.m. for activities involving food, crafts, or a science experiment, or come to a movie for teens on Spaced Out Fridays at 2 p.m. Additionally we will have a special after-hours TEEN party on Friday, July 25, from 7-9 p.m. And all of this is FREE! For additional information check out the Young Adult BLOG @ http://yanewsmpl.blogspot.com/.

Kath Ann Hendricks, Young Adult Librarian

Adult Summer Reading

The summer reading program for adults is themed Literary Elements. Adults must register so they can receive their literary table of elements that contains seven challenges. Second, complete three challenges and receive the first prize. Then complete all seven and receive a second prize. The program runs through August 15. The challenges include reading books and attending library programs.

Upcoming programs include:

* Chair Yoga June 3 at 7 p.m.

* World Wide Knit in Public Day June 19 at 6 p.m.

* Family Science Program at 5 p.m. (with Dr. Shropshire) on June 2, June 30, and August 4.

* Geek Trivia at 2:30 p.m. at CoHo (904 S 4th) June 14, July 12, and August 9.

* Summer Movies at 6:15 p.m. on June 18, July 9, July 23, and August 6.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

April 13-19 is National Library Week!

The 2014 theme is “Lives Change @ Your Library.” Take this opportunity to explore everything your library has to offer! From computer classes for adults, parties for teenagers, storytime for small children, and board games for the entire family, there is something for everyone at your library!

On Monday, April 14, Marshall Public Library will be offering a drop-in eReader assistance program from 3-5 p.m. Let our librarians help you get your eReader set up with Marshall Public Library’s free eBook service! On Wednesday, April 16, play a game of giant Scrabble with your friends. National Library Week also means the premier of our Awesome Box Display!

Jamie Bair, Circulation Supervisor

Money Smart Week

Celebrate Money Smart Week with Marshall Public Library! All of these financial literacy programs are free and open to all members of the public.

April 8 at 6 p.m. Family Storytime

April 12 at 10 a.m. Scams, Cons, and Frauds: Stay smart and stay safe

April 12 at 11 a.m. Medicare Smart: Medicare changes

April 12 at 1:30 p.m. Health Promoting Teas: A Money Smart wellness alternative

Please note that the babysitting clinic has been postponed. Watch the YA blog for more information.

Meet Volunteer Brandon

What do you do at the library? I organize books and clean them.

What do you like most about volunteering? It feels good when I help others in the community. I also like seeing all the different kinds of books at the library and learning new things.

What brought you to the library to volunteer? I wanted to get a scholarship to go on a trip to Washington D.C. and I thought volunteering would increase my chances. I like reading a lot so I thought that volunteering at the library would be the perfect fit.

What are your favorite books, authors, or subjects? I like informative books about technology. I also like books about social studies because I like to learn about history and other cultures. And I can never turn down the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book.

What do you like to do when you are not volunteering? I like reading, of course. I also like participating in Kendo (Japanese-style swordsmanship), traveling to different places, and going to museums.

Library in Your Pocket

Is your life busy? Do you find yourself trying to squeeze in research at the library or time to read to the kids? Do you have a mobile device? Then you have a Library in Your Pocket!

From creating business plans to researching family history to studying for the GED as well as reading professional journals, learning a language, listening to books and beyond, this portable library is huge. Find the information you need online using databases at www.marshallpl.org under Research Tools. This portable library is available wherever you are. Read to the kids while in a waiting room, look up information on car repairs on the side of the road, find medical information when someone is sick during the night, or listen to a story during a family picnic. Our magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, streaming audiobooks, and e-books cover topics for all ages and interests.

These subscription resources are provided by The Idaho Commission for Libraries and Marshall Public Library. Please visit the library for more information and to obtain passwords for the Library in Your Pocket!

Kris Castro, Reference Supervisor

14th Annual Poetry Wall

Calling all local poets! The library invites you to submit one original poem or one page of original poetry for inclusion in the library’s 14th Annual Poetry Wall.

The poetry will be displayed on the second floor in April in celebration of National Poetry Month and entries are accepted throughout April. All entries become property of Marshall Public Library and are added to the library collection.

For more information, visit the Reference Desk on the second floor or call Amy at 232-1263 ext. 106.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

Awesome Box!

Did you read, listen to, or watch something awesome? We want to know! Beginning April 1, return awesome library items to the Awesome Box. Your item will be checked in and then added to the Awesome Display. You can also view recently awesome items online at marshallpl.awesomebox.io. Your pick for the Awesome Box doesn’t have to be high art or the best book you’ve read all year, it just has to be awesome, however you define the word.

The Awesome Box display and online list is a randomly selected sample of materials Pocatello patrons love at the library. While we want to include all of your awesome suggestions, from time to time we may miss one. We apologize for any awesome suggestions that slipped by. The Awesome Box is a collaboration with the Harvard Library Innovation Lab. It allows the community to see what others have found helpful, entertaining, or mind-blowing.

Jamie Bair, Circulation Supervisor

International TableTop Day @ Your Library!

International TableTop Day is a celebration for all the fans of tabletop gaming. In 2013, there were 3,123 gaming events in 64 countries worldwide, including every state and province in North America and every continent on the planet.

Marshall Public Library will be joining this year as we showcase some of our longer, more difficult games: Dominion, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Risk. This is your chance to be part of a nationwide event and spend a little time playing some fun and challenging board games. Bring a friend or two or your whole family to the library for TableTop Day on Saturday, April 5, starting at 2 p.m. Some refreshments will be available, and you are invited to bring a treat to share.

Kath Ann Hendricks, Young Adult Librarian

Winter Is for Reading

Warm up this winter by wrapping up in a warm blanket and reading. This January and February MPL is hosting a winter reading program, "There's Snow Better Time to Read." This program is for all ages and reading levels.

Participants will set goals of how many books will be read by March 1. When the goal is met, they bring in their reading log and then they will receive a prize. For those under 12, the goal will be based on how many hours they read while the goal will be based on hours someone reads to them for those under five. (Minimum goal is 3 books for those 12+ or five hours for those under 12. One entry/prize per person.)

Mark your calendars because the program will run January 13 through March 3. Grab a warm blanket and a book and set your goal to read this winter. Registration is going on now on the first floor.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

Meet Library Volunteer Jennye

What do you like most about Volunteering?

I want to tell you that working at the library is very exciting to me because I have never done it before. Thank you for asking me.

What brought you to the library to volunteer?

I used to work at the Flying J in McCammon. I used to bag French fries and roll up silverware for the customers and then Bang! I ended up losing my job, and then I started at the library.

What are your favorite books, authors, or subjects and why are they your favorites?

Do you really want to know? I am mostly interested in non-fiction, documentary, and educational books (especially architecture and astronomy). I do not have any favorite authors.

What do you like to do when you are not Volunteering?

After I am done volunteering I go up to the 2nd floor and spend most of my free time looking at books and I get a huge stack of books I like. The same goes with the videos and DVDs. I especially like to check them out because I really want to keep my father entertained. As soon as I finish watching DVDs with him, he is begging me to go back to the library and get some more.

Notes from Judy Minshall, Jennye’s mom

Jennye grew up and still lives in a house her family built between Inkom and McCammon along the Portneuf River. Growing up with no television the whole family learned to read, a lot! Since first grade, reading has been Jennye’s passion. Jennye worked at the Flying J for 11 years, till its closure. Jenny has experience with volunteering working with the Friends of the Marshall Public Library during its annual book sales and with St. Vincent De Paul filling Thanksgiving boxes and helping with clothing donations. Jennye has very eclectic taste when it comes to books. Over the years, she has studied everything from JFK to Roller Coasters. Jennye’s usual style is to browse and explore every book in a specific section; in this manner she has found many “treasures” including some that were essential to her dad when he wrote his book Wilderness Brothers. In the rest of her free time, Jennye enjoys taking care of the family’s chickens, working with Black Rock artist Margo Proksa in clay, studying the Bible, participating in Special Olympics, and reminding her parents of all the things they’ve forgotten to do.

Free Tax Filing at Library

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

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

This program focuses on the low-income or elderly but is open to everyone. Starting on Monday, February 3 and running through April 10, the volunteers will be at the library every Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 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

If you don't have a valid Social Security Card, you can go to the Social Security Office for a proof of Social Security number letter to bring to the library.

• Social Security cards for dependents

If your dependents don’t have a valid Social Security Card, go to the Social Security Office for a proof of Social Security number letter to bring to the library.

• Form W-2 from each employer/p>

• 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

•Copy of divorce decree that shows you are entitled to claiming the child or children for tax purposes and/or earned income credit.

Congratulations to Justine!

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a nation-wide program that celebrates the creative, artistic, and writing skills of students grades 7-12. My Advanced Placement English teacher, Jill Pixton, was the one who introduced me to the Awards, though at first I brushed it off as something to do later.

However, in my attempt to find scholarships, I stumbled upon the Awards again, and decided what the heck, and started prowling my laptop for written works (as unfortunately, the deadline for writing was only a few days away, thus giving me no time to come up with inspiration). In order to register, I had to fill out a basic application, create an account, and, finally, submit my portfolio and my application fee.

I submitted four works, one a poem while the other three were short stories. These pieces had been written a short while ago, namely for the writing group that meets at the Marshall Public Library, Literally Talented Teens, run by Amy Campbell and Kath Ann Hendricks. I have been going to the group since I turned 13, and before that I attended Write On, another group at the MPL for kids, for a couple of years. The groups have helped me out in my writing, and I do believe my skills as a writer have gotten better because of them.

Those skills helped me to attain Honorable Mention for Idaho in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. It isn't like getting first place or anything, but if you take into account that an entire nation of kids is submitting to the Awards, it's a very nice prize to win! I'm very honored to receive the award, and I feel like my confidence was given a bit of a boost.

To be honest, though, I had totally forgotten about the Awards as I have a lot on my plate. Between applying for colleges and scholarships as well as juggling classes and now a part in my high school musical, I didn't have time to think about it that much. Sure, every now and then I would think, Hey, I might get emailed in a few weeks, but otherwise, I kept my thoughts far away from the Awards.

On a final note, I challenge those who are eligible, and who have a love of writing--be it essays, poems, short stories, or what have you--or a love of art--drawing, painting, or design-- to join the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. You might be surprised at how far your work could go.

Justine, Literally Talented Teen Member