9 July 2014

July 9, 2014 As you noticed, there was no new blog last week as the Library, along with the rest of Vicksburg, was without power. I am going to age myself here. I remember when libraries were not so dependent on electricity. If you look at the original half of the library you will notice the large windows, that was to allow light into the building so that people could read. When books were checked out, the patron signed out on a card that was kept in a pocket in the back of the book. At that time patrons signed their names but later, as privacy became more of a concern, their patron card number was written down. The card catalog was usually of oak construction and had 3 x 5 cards that gave the title, author and call number of the book. You would look under the author's name or the book title and sometimes under a subject heading to get the call number to find the book. Under this system, you did not need electricity to keep your library open but it was very labor intensive. Some books only had two catalog cards but some of the non-fiction titles could generate a dozen cards, more or less. Each card had to be typed individually or hand written, then the cards had to be filed in the card catalog under the author last name, title and under each subject heading. Do I want the old system back? NO! I may be nostalgic but I am not stupid. With the electronic cataloging system you can do all of the work in one step and when the information is saved onto the operating system all of the information about the book is instantly available to the public. When you go into the patron record it is easier to track the reserves that patrons have placed, you can track any fines or fees and you get an automatic notice to update the patron records. The old system was great for its time but that time is past. The only time it is missed is when the power goes out and then do you want to be at work when the power is out or repairing the damage a storm may have done to your house? The Doctor Who program is being rescheduled for August. Many people have phoned in to ask if it is being rescheduled so keep an eye on our website for further information. The program will still feature a showing of one of the Doctor Who specials and it will also be a kick-off party for the start of the new season of Doctor Who. The new season starts on August 23 on BBC America. The Summer Reading Programs are very popular this year. Science is fun and both the middle and elementary students are having fun doing the experiments. The next Teen program is IRON CHEF on Thursday, July 10. They even get to eat what they make! Remember, your child can still sign-up for the summer reading program. There are nearly three weeks left for them to register and read their minutes. If you would like to volunteer to help with the programs contact Miss Kristi at 649-1648. Books are being acceptted for next year's book sale. Again we ask that you not bring in text books, encyclopedias or magazines. Remember, the Library is supported by its patrons, mostly through the millage approved by the voters back in 1986. But donations also make a big impact on the library. A donation in cash is always appreciated but we also have a wish list that can be found on the shelf by the Young Adult new book shelf. They are mostly items that can be used for the Children's Department but there are others. You can also make a donation in rememberance of a person or event for the purchase of books or other materials or you can make a donation to the Vicksburg District Library Foundation Fund. Please contact me or another staff member if you are interested in giving some extra support to the Library. Well the storms are over and regular patterns of the Summer Program are set so I hope to be back on track to posting a new blog on Wednesdays. Be safe and read a lot. John Sheridan, Director