Author Gregg Olsen visits library

New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen will be at Pocatello’s Marshall Public Library this Friday evening, April 24, 2009.
Olsen is the author of seven nonfiction books and two novels, including Starvation Heights and The Deep Dark. The Idaho Library Association named The Deep Dark as Idaho Book of the Year for 2005. It tells the story of a deadly fire in Kellogg, Idaho’s Sunshine Mine in May 1972. Throughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Everyone is invited to bring copies of Gregg Olsen’s works for the book signing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as books will not be available for purchase that evening. Because the Library closes at 6:00 p.m. Friday, the book signing will take place in the community room off the main lobby.
Call the Library at 232-1263 ext. 22 for more information.

Grant Research Training at the Library

Pocatello’s Marshall Public Library is announcing EIFIC Training Night. This class will introduce area non-profit groups to the wealth of information housed in the EIFIC collection. EIFIC, Eastern Idaho Funding Information Center, is a collection of books, journals, and computer databases that provides non-profit groups with centralized access to the largest amount of funding information possible. Many of the resources available on grant writing and funding are available for check-out.
The training will focus on the library’s great sources of information including The Foundation Directory Online. Updated continuously, The Foundation Directory Online publishes the most accurate details available on U.S. funders and their grants. This database makes grant searching easier by allowing searches by foundation name, state & city, type of recipient, types of support, and by subject.
EIFIC Training Night will be Thursday, April 30, 2009, from 7 – 8 p.m. Call the library to register as space is limited, 232-1263 x22.

New Writing Group for Kids 9-12 Years Old

Attention young poets, novelists, journalists, and scribes of all types! We want you for Write On!, the Marshall Public Library’s newest creative writing group.

Write On! meets twice a month to share writing and encouragement. All children between the ages of 9 and 12 are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity for kids to express their creativity through writing. The first meeting is on Monday, March 30 at 4 pm. If you have any questions, please call Amy at 232-1263 ext. 22.
We have been established

RETIREMENT READY? SEMINARS AT THE LIBRARY

These difficult economic times affect the stock market and the retirement prospects for many,whether you are already retired or still investing and planning for retirement. The University ofIdaho has developed an extension program entitled “Retirement Ready?” to help addressconcerns about the stock market and your prospects for a comfortable retirement. It is appropriate for all ages, including young people who are just beginning to think about investingfor their future.

This program will be held at Pocatello’s Marshall Public Library on April 15, 2009 and April 22 2009 at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Courses will last approximately 2 ½ hours. The first evening’s topics will include estimating your retirement living expenses, determining savings required, reviewing your net worth, understanding investment choices, risks and associated fees, and determining your risk tolerance. The second evening will cover the risks and rewards of short and long term investing, how taxes affect wealth building, understanding the importance of asset allocation and portfolio rebalancing, sustainable withdrawal rates, preserving your investments with wise withdrawal strategies, and learning about alternative ways to fund your retirement years.

Instruction will be provided by Dr. Jim Schaffer, Extension Educator in financial management with the University of Idaho. The fee to attend will be $10 per person or $15 per couple. Handouts will be provided of pertinent information and resources to help you improve your understanding of investing and retirement planning. To register, contact Audrey Liddil at the Extension Office at 236-7310.

Where is the Associate Director?

Normally you will find me in the center of the Administrative Office surrounded by piles of papers and books. However, I am President of the Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA), a professional organization composed of librarians from five states (Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, and Alaska) and two Canadian provinces (British Columbia and Alberta) and must travel as part of my responsibilities.
It is my duty as President of PNLA to act as ambassador at the annual conferences held by each state or provincial library association. In March I had the experience of a lifetime when I traveled to Kodiak, Alaska for the Alaska Library Association conference. This month I will be in Oregon, British Columbia, and Alberta. PNLA finances my travel expenses, the Associations waive the registration fees, and I learn a lot! And wherever I go, I am an ambassador for Pocatello, the state of Idaho, and the Marshall Public Library…an honor unto itself.

Kathy Watson, Associate Director

Calling Home Because of You

Cell Phones for Soldiers and Marshall Public Library would like to thank the Pocatello community for their generous support and donations of used cell phones. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, including:
• Gold, silver, and platinum from circuit boards
• Copper wiring from phone chargers
• Nickel, iron, cadmium, and lead from battery packs
• Plastic from phone cases and accessories
Over 500 phones have been brought in. That is approximately 32,280 minutes for our soldiers to call home. We are still taking cell phones. The donation box is located on the first floor of the library. One cell phone equals one hour of talk time for a soldier abroad. For more information visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
Becky Hadley

Grant and Funding Help at the Library

In these challenging economic times, the Eastern Idaho Funding Information Center (EIFIC) located inside Pocatello’s Marshall Public Library offers resources to those searching for grants, scholarships, or ways to fund small businesses. This collection of over 100 print items and online databases enables grant seekers to gather information much quicker than traditionally.
While there are not many grants available to for-profit businesses, EIFIC has information about types of funding for those seeking to start their own business. Information concerning all aspects of starting and operating a small business are available, including many items that can be checked out.
EIFIC, along with Partners for Prosperity, is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center in New York City and is free and open to all during regular library hours. Library staff will provide information to help begin searching. No appointment is necessary. If your nonprofit organization would like a presentation about EIFIC, please contact Kris Castro or Gaila Butikofer at 232-1263 ext. 22. Kris Castro