Abington Public Library News          January 12, 2011

Abington Public Library Receives Gifts

The Board of Library Trustees of the Abington Public Library is pleased to announce three generous gifts which will greatly enhance library services for users of all ages. A new reading corner in the Children's Room, three new computers with flat-panel monitors also for the Children's Room and an Accu-Cut machine, used to prepare materials for children's programs, have been donated in memory of Helen L. Kennedy, dedicated member of the Friends of the Library, by the Conroy, Kennedy and O'Neill families. This gift creates a dedicated reading area for elementary school-aged children and has greatly enhanced access to the library catalog, Internet and electronic materials for children and parents.

A donation in memory of Joyce Lee Bumpus has provided eight new computers and flat panel monitors for public Internet and library catalog use in the Reference Area. The Abington Public Library continues to be the sole source of Internet access for many members of our community and these new computers, with up-to-date operating systems and software, are already proving popular with library users.

The Friends of the Library recently donated two new computers and flat-panel monitors for the Nero Young Adult Room, doubling the ability for this age group to access technology. The Friends also provided funds for software licensing for many of the public computers. Henry DiCarlo, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees said “With the town again providing funding for basic Library operations, the Trustees are able to direct these generous donations to enhancing and expanding much needed services. There will now be a richer and more efficient Library experience for a broad range of patrons; including families, children, young adults, students and job seekers .”

Ken Gloss - Old and Rare Book Lecture - Tuesday February 7

The Abington Public Library is pleased to welcome Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the Brattle Book Shop in Boston, on Tuesday February 7 at 7:00 PM. In addition to his prepared lecture on the value of old books, attendees are encouraged to bring their own old books and Mr. Gloss will offer a free verbal assessment of books brought to the lecture. Books for verbal appraisal are not limited to one per person. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Questions may be addressed to Library Director Deborah Grimmett at ablib@ocln.org , or at 781-982-2139

New Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group forming at the Abington Public Library

Do you enjoy reading non-fiction? Are you interested in a wide variety of topics including history, current events, weather, politics and science? If your reading selections include a rich variety of non-fiction titles, then you are urged to join the new Non-Fiction Book Group forming at the Abington Public Library. The first session will be held on Thursday February 16 at 7:00 PM in the library's Copeland Room. Participants should read Fatal Forecast: an Incredible True Tale of Disaster and Survival at Sea by Mike Tougias, which may be borrowed from the library; reserve by choosing the “Search the catalog” link at www.abingtonpl.org . Will Adamczyk, library trustees and a librarian in another South Shore town will be the volunteer facilitator for this discussion group.

The group will meet monthly on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm; subsequent dates include March 22, April 12 and May 17. The addition of the Non-Fiction Book Group brings the number of monthly book discussion opportunities offered by the Abington Public Library to six, three for adult readers, one for teens and two groups for elementary school aged children. Questions about the Non-Fiction Book group, or any of the other library book discussion groups, may be directed to Library Director Deborah Grimmett at ablib@ocln.org or via telephone at 781-982-2139.

Barn Babies - Saturday January 14

Animals at the library?! You bet! Barn Babies, a traveling zoo with chicks, bunnies and more, will visit the library on Saturday, January 14 at 1:30pm and 2:00pm. Each 30 minute session accommodates 20 children. Registration for this event opens on Tuesday, January 3 at 10:00am.

This program is suggested for children ages 3 and older. Thank you to the Joyce Lee Bumpus Fund for sponsoring Barn Babies this winter season!

New Mystery Book Discussion Group forming at the Abington Public Library

Mystery lovers are invited to join the new Tuesday Mystery Group at the Abington Public Library. For the first meeting participants are asked to read any Lee Child novel whose main character is Jack Reacher. Discussions will be facilitated by Beth Stone Anderson Godfrey. The group's inaugural meeting will be held on Tuesday January 24 in the library's Copeland Meeting Room. Additional meetings will be held on Tuesday February 28, Tuesday March 27, Tuesday April 24 and Tuesday May 22; all meetings will begin at 7:00 PM. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library with funds donated in honor of former Abington resident and Friend of the Library, Mary Lane. Questions may be addressed to Library Director Deborah Grimmett at ablib@ocln.org or by telephone at 781-982-2139.

eBooks Demystified: The Library – eBook Connection

On Tuesday January 17 at 7:00 PM, the staff of the Abington Public Library will present “ eBooks Demystified: The Library – eBook Connection ”. This program will help eBook users explore the rich digital resources provided by the Old Colony Library Network and by the Abington Public Library through the Advantage collection. Library users are encouraged to bring their eBook Reader devices to learn how to borrow eBooks and eAudio from the Library's collection. Library staff will show users how to search the digital collection, add items to their eBook bag, checkout items, and how to transfer library eBooks to many different kinds of devices. This program will also be informative for people considering purchasing an eBook reader, or giving one as a gift. Library Director Deborah Grimmett said “Requests from residents for assistance in accessing eBooks have increased dramatically during the last few months. This hands-on program will answer the practical “how-to” questions which so many readers have.” For more information about this program or about borrowing library eBooks, please contact the library at ablib@ocln.org or at 781-982-2139. The library's eBook collection may be found by visiting the library website at www.abingtonpl.org , selecting “Download eBooks and Audio” from the left hand menu, and logging in with a library card.

Winter Preschool and Toddler Programs - General Information

The Abington Public Library is excited to offer a full schedule of programs for toddlers and preschoolers this winter! Some activities will require registration. Parents/caregivers with questions should contact Lauren Budd, the Children's Librarian, at 781-982-2139, or via email at ablib@ocln.org . For additional reminders and updates about programs at the library, add the Abington Public Library as a “like” on Facebook!  Thank you to the Friends of the Library for funding Toddler Time, Story Hour and Drop-In Story Hour this winter!

Toddler Time

Toddler Time is a story time for babies and toddlers with short stories, rhymes and ongs. Two sessions of Toddler Time will run on Wednesday mornings. The first session will meet from 10:30am to 10:50am. The second session will meet from 11:15am to 11:35am. Space is available for 15 Abington children under the age of three in each session. Children must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. The winter session of Toddler Time begins on Wednesday, January 25. Registration will open on Wednesday, January 18.

Preschool Story Hour

Story Hour is for children aged three to five and includes stories, songs and occasional craft projects. Two sessions of Story Hour will run each week. The first session will meet n Wednesday afternoons from 1:15pm to 2:00pm. The second session will meet on Thursday mornings from 10:15am to 11:00am. Space is available for 24 Abington children in each session. Please note children must be at least three years of age on or before January 20, 2012. Children must also be able to separate from their parent/caregiver for the duration of the program. The winter session of Story Hour begins on Wednesday, January 25 and Thursday, January 26. Registration will open on Wednesday, January 18.

Drop-In Story Hour

Drop-In Story Hour is for children aged three to five and includes stories, songs and occasional craft projects. Drop-in Story Hour does not require registration and will meet on Monday mornings from 11:00am to 11:30am. Children must be at least three years of age and able to separate from their parent/caregiver for the duration of the program. The winter session of Drop-In Story Hour begins on Monday, January 23.

Abington Public Library News          Recent and Noteworthy

Downloadable eBooks exclusively for Abington Borrowers

The Abington Public Library now offers a “Virtual Branch” website with a collection of new and best-selling eBooks for Abington card-holders. The Overdrive Advantage collection is only visible and accessible to Abington users; you must sign in with your Abington library card. Abington borrowers also enjoy continued access to the rest of the titles in the Old Colony Library Network's shared download catalog. Library card holders can check out and download digital media anytime, anywhere by visiting www.abingtonpl.org , and selecting “Download ebooks and audio”. In order to find materials available exclusively to Abington library card holders, borrowers should log in with their card number and pin, before searching for titles.

Users may browse the electronic collection website, check out with a valid library card, and download to PC, Mac®, and many mobile devices. Users may need to install free software such as the OverDrive® Media Console™ for audiobooks. To read eBooks, users may need Adobe® Digital Editions. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a variety of devices, including iPod®, iPad®, Nook®, Kindle®, Sony® Reader™, and many others. Some audio titles can also be burned to CD to listen on-the-go. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no overdue fines. This service, powered by OverDrive, is free for patrons with their library card. Funding for Abington's participation in the Overdrive Advantage program is made possible by State Aid to Public Libraries and the Jennie Lincoln Fund.

New Children's Librarian Appointed

The Board of Library Trustees of the Abington Public Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Budd to the position of Children's Librarian. Ms. Budd recently completed her Master of Science in Library Science degree at Simmons College in Boston. he has been employed at Tufts University. Henry DiCarlo, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees said “ The Trustees are very pleased that this year's budget restored the funding for a Children's Librarian and allowed the Library to recruit such an enthusiastic and talented individual. We expect that Lauren's recent academic experience and training will help us better serve the technologically focused members of the Abington community, particularly the children, young parents and our very active young adult group."

Children's programming has long been a priority for the Abington Public Library. The Library will once again offer a full schedule of activities for children and teens including raditional storytimes, book discussion groups, the summer reading program, and school class visits. Ms. Budd will be responsible for planning and implementing children's programs, as well as selecting library materials for collections in the Children's Room and the Nero Young Adult Room. She will also provide reference services for children and teens and will serve as the Library's primary liaison to both public and private schools for grades K – 8. Ms. Budd said “As someone who has always enjoyed reading books for kids and teens, I am beyond excited to join the Abington library and be a part of youth services. Please stop by and say hello!"

Library Hours Restored

The Library will be open: Mondays from 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Tuesdays from 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Wednesdays from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Fridays from 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Board of Library Trustees is pleased that the budget allows the restoration of hours of public service lost in 2009. The Abington Public Library is a member of the Old Colony Library Network and offers books, magazines, books on CD, DVDs, and electronic books, as well as museum and attraction discount passes, public Internet workstations and wireless internet, and programs for the community. Please visit the library website at www.abingtonpl.org , or “like” the library on Facebook for more information. Questions may be addressed to Library Director Deborah Grimmett via email at ablib@ocln.org or at 781-982-2139.

New Online Resources Available at the Abington Public Library

World Book Web                      

Your Abington Public Library card now provides online access to the World Book Web Public Library Edition. This resource has something for all our patrons: World Book Online for Kids targets younger users; World Book Online Info Finder meets the needs of elementary and middle school students; World Book Online Reference Center is for high school and adult researchers. Log on to the library Web site at www.abingtonpl.org , lick the World Book Web button, and enter your library card number. If you need a library card, please stop by the circulation desk with proof of Abington residence. This resource is provided by the Jennie Lincoln Fund.

Library Awarded Federal Grant for Services for Teens and Tweens

The Trustees of the Abington Public Library are pleased to announce that the library has won a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The $11,700 grant will be used over the next two years for the library's “Serving Teens and Tweens” project which will expand programs, materials and other library services to Abington's children and teens in grades six through twelve. The library submitted the proposal in March 2010 and funds have recently been received. The project will continue through fall 2012.

Under federal legislation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Library Services and Technology Act of 1996, provides funds to each state using a population based formula. The State agency receiving the funds may use the appropriation to support statewide initiatives and services; they may also distribute the funds through grant competitions or cooperative agreements to public, academic, research, school and special libraries. Federal funds support primarily activities using technology for information sharing between libraries and other community services. They also fund programs making library resources more accessible to urban, rural or low income residents, or others who have difficulty using library services. For more information about the federal IMLS/LSTA grants, please visit the IMLS Web site at ww.imls.gov or visit the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners web site at www.mass.gov/mblc .

Tumblebooks Database for Kids

The Abington Public Library is pleased to announce the arrival of its newest database, TumbleBooks. TumbleBooks is an online collection of animated, talking picture books. hese e-books were created by taking existing picture books and adding animation, music, sound and narration to create an electronic picture book that you can read or have read to you. This is the first database the library has offered exclusively for young children. For more information, or help accessing TumbleBooks please contact Children's Librarian Emily Miranda at 781-982-2139 or ablib@ocln.org.  Visit the Children's Page to try Tumblebooks Now!

Museum Pass Reservations Online

The Abington Public Library is pleased to announce that library users may now make reservations for Museum passes online from the Library website, www.abingtonpl.org . Abington residency and a valid Library card are required to reserve all museum asses.The Library has a variety of passes which offer discounted admission to local museums. Attractions include the Children's Museum in Boston, the Children's Museum in Easton, he John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, the Mystic Aquarium, Plimoth Plantation, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the Sports Museum of New England. The Abington Lions Club funds the pass for the Children's Museum in Boston, the Mystic Aquarium donates the pass to the Aquarium, and all other passes are provided through the generosity of the Friends of the Library. Discounts and admission rules vary for each pass; visit the Library website for more information.

Library Wireless Internet Service

The Abington Public Library provides free Internet access points or “hot spots” for users with portable computers capable of receiving wireless  signals. This service, provided as a free community service by Comcast, may be used during regular library hours and allows users to access the Internet from their laptop computers when sitting at tables in the main areas of the library within range of the access points. Printers however, are not available via the wireless connection.

All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices. As with most public wireless “hot spots,” the eless connection in the library is not secure. Another wireless user could potentially intercept any information being sent or eceived.

All users of the library's wireless access are expected to use the service in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Those choosing to use this free wireless service are also expected to abide by the Abington Public Library's Internet Use Policy. Copies of this policy are available at the circulation desk.