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!