Spring is coming! Help us celebrate by submitting an original poem you have written relating to Spring.

All poems will be posted on the Green Free Library's new blog located at: http://greenfreelibrary.blogspot.com/

This is not a contest, but it is a chance to be published on the web. Adults may also provide links to other works they may have on the web.

Kids age 16 and under may display their first name and last initial along with their school.

E-mail entries to thegreenfreelibrary@gmail.com or drop off a typed copy at the Green Free Library by 03/14/09

KNITTING CLUB

Do you knit? If not, would you like to learn how?

Every Wednesday (weather permitting) between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, The Purl Girls, a group open to teens and adults meets upstairs at The Green Free Library to work on various projects and get instruction and assistance from each other and from the group's founder;Wanda Short.

One special project that Wanda is encouraging new knitters to begin with is a small blanket for an ASPCA orphan to snuggle in. This project is nicknamed the Cozies for Critters Campaign. Blankets can be any color, and any type of yarn.

Any one can do this!(even me-if I can do it any one can)

If you are interested just stop by any Wednesday, no need to call or sign up. All you need is a set of knitting needles and some yarn. You do not need to know how to knit, but if you do come on up and help us newbies.

FOUR NEW DVD'S ADDED TO OUR COLLECTION

We have added 4 new DVD's to our collection.

Appaloosa based on the book of the same title by Robert D. Parker.

Starring: Jeremy Irons, Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Rene Zellweger, Timothy Spall, Lance Henriksen.

Rated R for Violence

Body of Lies

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Alon Aboutboul

Rated R for for strong violence including some torture, and for language throughout.

Nights in Rodanthe based on the book of the same title by Nicholas Sparks.

Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere, James Franco, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

The Secret Life of Bees based on the book of the same title by Sue Monk Kidd.

Starring: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Nate Parker, Paul Bettany.

Rated PG-13

WOW! LOOK AT ALL THE NEW BOOKS!!

The Green Free Library has recently added sever great new books from Gum Drop Books.

These books are for kids from Pre-school on up through High school, but adults will love them too! (I know I do!)

There are books on pets, wild animals, sports, poetry and more. Stop in soon to learn all you ever wanted to know about puking penguins, rock climbing, or monster trucks.

The Green Free Library is open Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM and Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. You must have a library card to check out books.

If you are under 17 years of age, your parent or guardian must accompany you when you apply for a card.

If you are 17 or older, you must have a Pennsylvania driver's licence or State ID. You may also use a Civilian ID that is available at the Tioga County Court House for a nominal fee, or a current military ID if the sponsor still active.

If you do not have a PA driver but own property in Tioga county, please bring a copy of your Real Estate Tax bill and your driver's license or photo ID.

If you do not own property and you do not have a PA driver's license you may obtain a library card with full borrowing privileges by placing a $25 deposit. This deposit is refundable when you either obtain a PA driver's license, or surrender the card.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR PRESIDENT?

The third Monday in February has been designated Presidents Day. Many people find this confusing as both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were born in February. So whose birthday is it?

Well technically, neither president was born on February 16, which is the day Presidents Day fall on for 2009. George Washington, the first president of the United States of America was born on February 22, 1792. Abe Lincoln was born on February 12; 1809.Washington’s birthday was not celebrated nationally until 1832 even though it was recognized in 1796, when he was in his last full year as president. Lincoln’s birthday was recognized in 1865 shortly after he was assassinated, but only on a state level, and not in every state.

In 1968 Congress passed legislation that placed any federal holiday on a Monday. In 1971 President Richard Nixon combined Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into the Federal holiday called President’s Day. It would be celebrated on the third Monday in February regardless of the date, and would not only honor the two great presidents that had birthdays in February, but also pay tribute to all who had served as president of this great country.

The Green Free Library has a large collection of books on the history of the United States and its presidents, both past and present. Stop in today and check the card catalog, or ask a staff member for assistance.

HEY TEENS!

Did you know that The Green Free Library has Playaways in some of your favorite titles?

What's a Playaway?

A Playaway is a great new way to listen to an audiobook without having to lug around a big cassette or CD player. The entire book is already loaded on to a durable Playaway unit that is about the size of most Mp3 players. It runs on 1 AAA battery that is supplied by the library (an extra battery is included in the case). All you have to do is plug your own headphones or earbuds into the Playaway and press the start button.

What if I don't have any headphones?

No problem. If you don't have a set of your own, the library has earbuds at the Circulation Desk (where you check books out) for only $1. These are new and unused and you get to keep them!
Of course you are welcome to buy headphones or earbuds anywhere, just make sure whatever you get is compatible with a 3 mm stereo jack.

Can I listen to a Playaway in the car?

Yes, it is possible to listen to a Playaway in the car if you have an adapt tor. These are available online, at Radioshack Playaways also work in most Mp3 player docking stations if you decide you want to listen without headphones or earbuds.

What titles does the library have?

The library is just starting its collection of Playaways for teens. Current titles available are:

Buttermilk Hill, by Ruth White APL J WHI

The Green Glass Sea, by Ellen Klages APL J KLA

Heads or Tails, by Jack Gantos APL J GAN

Killing Mr. Griffin, by Lois Duncan APL J DUNSadako and the Thousand

Paper Cranes, by Eleanor Coerr APL J COE

Armageddon Summer, by Jane Yolen & Bruce Coleville APL YA YOL

Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher APL YA CRU

The Battle of Jerich0, by Sharon M. Draper APL YA DRA

Day of Tears, by Julius Lester APL YA LES

Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey,
by Margaret Peterson Haddix APL YA HAD

Freaks, by Annette Curtis Klause APL YA KLA

Gentlehands, by M.E. Kerr APL YA KER

I Am Morgan le Fay, by Nancy Springer APL YA SPR

The King of Attolia, by Megan W. Turner APL YA TUR

Lucas: A Story of Love and Hate, by Kevin Brooks APL YA BRO

Pacific Crossing, by Gary Sota APL YA SOT

The Rag and Bone Shop, by Robert Cormier APL YA COR

Rowan and the Ice Creepers, by Emily Rodda APL YA ROD

Under the Blood Red Sun, by Graham Salisbury APL YA SAL

How long can I borrow a Playaway for?

Playaways circulate just like regular books. They are checked out for a three-week period, and as long as no one else is waiting for that title, they may be renewed for another three weeks. If you check a Playaway out and do not return it or renew it by the due date, there will be a 10 cents a day late fee. You can not , however, return them in the book drop. You must return them inside the library during the hours it is open.

Is there anything else I should know about Playaways?

Well, you can adjust the volume, and the speed which is great, but the best feature is that if you have to turn the Playaway off before your story ends, it automatically bookmarks your spot so you can start listening again from right where you left off without having to search for it.

The Green Free Library also has over 100 Playaways in Adult Non-Fiction and Fiction which may also interest you. All the same rules apply and Adult Playaways may be checked out by anyone of any age, just as J and YA Playaways may be also.

If you enjoy Playaways please feel free to recommend additional titles for purchase by the library. You may either leave a comment on this blog, stop by the library, or E-mail suggestions to: thegreenfreelibrary@gmail.com.

TAX FORMS AVAILABLE AT THE GREEN FREE LIBRARY

With the April 15 deadline quickly approaching many people are scrambling to get the forms they need to file their taxes. Well, stop rushing around and stop in at The Green Free Library for all your tax form needs.

We have several federal forms available at the library, as well as a large binder of reproducible forms. If you still can't find what you need, we will direct you to the IRS website where many forms, schedules and publications can be downloaded and printed. You may also opt to file online through one of the sites listed on the IRS website, or at web site of your choice. Some tax sites offer free FEDERAL filing if your income is below a certain level. If you earn more there may be a fee.

The library also carries the basic forms needed to file PA State Income tax. Additional forms may be available at local Representative Matt Baker's office at 74 Main Street in Wellsboro, PA.

Even though residents are expected to file and pay their local taxes on time, Centax sure was not in any hurry to mail out the forms this year. If you did not receive your local tax forms for the Wellsboro Area School District, or if it is your first time filing, forms may be downloaded and printed at the Centax web site. You may also choose to file online. Just remember to check the site for the correct percentage for the township you live in.

Townships covered by Centax for local tax filing in the WASD are:

• Wellsboro Boro


• Charleston Twp


• Delmar Twp


• Duncan Twp


• Middlebury Twp


• Shippen Twp

TWO NEW DVDs

The Green Free Library has added two new DVDs to its collection.

The 4oth Anniversery Edition of Mary Poppins is one supercalifragilisticexpialidocious movie that the entire family will enjoy. Though it's not clear why it is called the 40th Anniversary edition when the film was released in 1964? Oh well, it is still a great film based on the books by P.L. Travers.

The movie stars Julia Andrews, who won an Oscar for her role of the magical British nanny named Mary Poppins. It also stars Dick Van Dyke as the very musical chimney sweep named Bert who fancies the nanny.

The father's character of George W. Tomlinson is played by David Tomlinson, while the mother's character of Winifred banks is played by Glynis Johns. Jane and Michael their two children are played by Karen Dotrice and Mathew Garber, respectively.

The second DVD added this month is The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. This movie stars Rob Brown as Ernie Davis and Dennis Quaid as Ben Schwartzwalder. It is based on the book entitled Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, by Robert C. Gallagher which we also have.

Ernie Davis was the first African American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. He was born in New Salem, Pennsylvania and moved a few times before his family settled in Elmira, New York when he was 12 years old. He played in Elmira's Small Fry Football league and was named Small Fry All-Star in 1952 and 1953.

In high school he played football for Elmira Free Academy and was named Elmira player of the year and All-American in both his junior and senior years of high school.

Even though over 50 colleges offered him scholarships, Davis decided to go to Syracuse University where is football career continued rocketing him into the Pros. Please visit the library and check out the DVD to learn the rest of his story.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The Friends of The Green Free Library will be meeting on Tuesday February 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM. If you are interested in joining this organization, please stop by during the meeting, or visit the library for more information. You will also find a printable form at http://www.greenfreelibrary.org/Friends.htm that may be mailed in, or dropped off at the library. FYI The Friends of The Green Free Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization that helps raise money to support the library and also to provide various programs for the community during the year.

Wednesday Story Hour theme is Valentine's Day. Stories, crafts and treats will all relate to this theme. Story hour begins at 10:15 A.M. See earlier posts for dates of additional programs.

Once again the weather is crazy this season. One day its hot the next its freezing. Please check the local radio stations or call 570-724-4876 before coming if there is ice or snow.

WEDNESDAY MORNING STORY HOUR

Come join the fun at the Wednesday Morning Story Hour. The Green Free Library sponsors a weekly story hour for toddlers & preschool age children on Wednesdays at 10:15am. This week’s theme is Groundhogs Day. A belated celebration in honor of the little critter even though he did predict 6 more weeks of winter! Stories and crafts will revolve around Groundhogs.

The Story Hour Schedule for the remainder of the year runs as follows:

February 04, 2009 -Groundhog Day
February 11, 2009 - Valentine’s Day
February 18, 2009
February 25, 2009
March 04, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 18, 2009 - St. Patrick’s Day
March 25, 2009
April 01, 2009
April 08, 2009
April 15, 2009 -Author Appearance
April 22, 2009 - Arbor Day
April 29, 2009
May 6, 2009
May 13, 2009

The Green Free Library is open to the public, and adheres to a non-political, non-ecumenical policy even when presenting children’s programs. Everyone is welcome and we ask that all visitors respect the rights of others to hold their own beliefs. Programs presented weekly are usually theme based relating to seasons, or animals and snacks are sometimes provided on special occasions. As the library staff are not aware of any allergies or diet restrictions of the children attending it is the parent or caregivers responsibility to monitor their charges.

FEBRUARY/MARCH ROATATING DVD COLLECTION

The new rotation of DVDs from James V. Brown Library in Williamsport is here. This collection will be available for check out for the next 2 months (Feb/Mar). All adult patrons with a library card may check out 2 DVDs at a time from this collection for a period of 2 days. Anyone checking out JVB DVDs on a Friday will be asked to return them on Monday since the library is closed on Sundays and no DVDs may be returned in the bookdrop. This 2 day policy allows more patrons to enjoy the rotating collection in the 2 month period each is available. Fines of $1 per day, per DVD will accrue on any DVD not returned by the due date. DVDs are not renewable. This policy also applies to DVDs and VHS tapes owned by The Green Free Library. There is a $5 per item fine for any audio or visual materials left in the bookdrop.

JVB DVDS IN THE FEB/MARCH ROTATION

21
BABY MAMA
BE KIND REWIND
CASSANDRA'S DREAM
FORBIDDEN KINGDOM
LEATHERHEADS
MADE OF HONOR
MARRIED LIFE
MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY
PENELOPE
REDBELT
RUINS
SHINE A LIGHT
SMART PEOPLE
SON OF RAMBO
SPEED RACER
STARGATE CONTINUUM
STOP LOSS
STREET KINGS
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS

JVB CHILDREN'S DVDS IN THE FEB/MARCH ROTATION
CAMP ROCK
CARE BEARS: UPS AND DOWNS
CORY IN THE HOUSE: NEWT & IMPROVED EDITION
HANNAH MONTANA: BEST OF BOTH WORLDS CONCERT (3D VERSION/INCLUDES 4 PAIRS 3D GLASSES)
NAKED BROTHERS BAND: POLAR BEARS
NIM'S ISLAND
SESAME STREET: COUNT ON SPORTS
SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE: ROCKABERRY ROLL
SUITE LIFE OF ZACH & CORY: LIP SYNCHININ' IN THE RAIN
THOMAS & FRIENDS: HENRY AND THE ELEPHANT
VEGGIE TALES: BIG RIVER RESCUE
WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE: WIZARD SCHOOL

SPOTLIGHT ON THE DVD PENELOPE RATED PG RUNNING TIME 90 MINUTES

Christina Ricci stars as Penelope, a lonely heiress who has spent her entire life trying to break a strange family curse that left her with the nose of a pig.
Also starring:

• Reese Witherspoon
• Catherine O'Hara
• James McAvoy (as the handsome aristocrat who helps Penelope learn that loving herself is more important than breaking the curse)

Penelope is a wonderful modern day fairy tale for the entire family.

SAYING FAREWELL TO THREE GREAT AUTHORS

The Literary community mourns the passing of 3 great authors in the last few weeks.

Sir John Clifford Mortimer died Friday January 16, 2009 at his home in Oxford England. He is best known for his series of books written about the character Horace Rumpole.

Mortimer, like Rumpole was also a barrister as well as an author and playwright. He was born April 21, 1923 in London

The Green Free has many of his works including: Dunster;Felix in the Underworld; and several of the Rumpole series.

John Hoyer Updike was born March 18, 1932 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He died on January 27, 2009 in Danvers, Massachusetts. His most famouse were were the Rabbit series(Rabbit, Run; Rabbit Redux; Rabbit is Rich; Rabbit At Rest; and Rabbit Remembered. Both Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest received the Pulitzer Prize Award.

During his lifetime, Updike published more than 25 novels, over a dozen short story collections, and hundred of poems, stories, criticisms and reviews.

The Green Free Library's collection contains 40 of his works including the Rabbit series; Hugging the Shore: Essays and Criticism and his childrens books: A Child's Calendar and A Helpful Alphabet of Friendly Objects.

James Winston Brady died also on Monday January 27, 2009 at his home in Manhattan, New York. He was born November 15, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York and served several years in the Marine Corp before beginning his career as an author, publisher and columnist.

He is perhaps best known for his weekly column "In Step", for Parade, but also helped start the Page Six gossip column at the New York Post.

The Green Free Library has several of his fiction and non-fiction works including "The scariest place in the world : a marine returns to North Korea" and "The Marines of autumn : a novel of the Korean War "

To see what other works The Green Free Library has by these, and other authors check out our on line catalog.