IS THAT THE NEW DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION?

The long-awaited train table has finally arrived at The Green Free Library. Despite a lengthy delay, (isn't that always the way with construction and transportation projects?) it is up and running in the children's area. This coveted addition to the library was purchased with grant money received earlier in the year.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

image courtesy of NASA images (the big blue marble)



Today, April 22, 2009 is Earth Day. Earth Day was established as a grassroots effort to save the planet and life as WE know it way back in the 1970's. Credit is given to Gaylord Nelson, who at that time was the U.S. Senator for Wisconsin, for having the foresight to recognize the hazards of overpopulization, as well as the environmental crisis that was already sweeping the planet.

Today, more and more organizations and individuals, are recognizing the need to save and conserve the Earth's resources; many of which are non-renewable. This means when they are gone, they are gone.

The Green Free Library has several books in is collection on how to "go green", how to recycle and how to protect the environment. If you think of it, just using the library is a great way to help. Borrowing a book from the library instead of buying it, will help cut down on waste that fills the landfills. Also the Friends of the Green Free Library accept donations of gently used books and other materials for their annual booksale-thus these items are re-cycled (sometimes multiple times!).

Everone can do their part today, and everyday, to help save the Earth. It's as easy as recycling cans, bottles, plastic and cardboard. Or how about turning off that light when you leave the room? Did you know that appliances that aren't in use still may be using energy? This goes for coffee makers and toasters as well as computers and monitors. Pulling the plug when you aren't using them will not only conserve otherwise wasted energy, it will save you $$$ as well. (Money that you could always donate to the library LOL!)

WOULD YOU WANT TO BE A PENGUIN??

Last Wednesday's storytime special guests were definitely a crowd pleaser! I'm not sure I would want to be a penguin since I don't like raw fish, but a large number of kids who attended the long awaited event were clearly giving it a thought while they listend to If You Were a Penguin written by Florence Minor and Illustrated by Wendell Minor.

Please enjoy these photos taken by Leslie Wishard, Director of The Green Free Library, during the visit of Wendell and Florence Minor. The author/illustrator team are also husband and wife and came to our corner of PA through the One Book, Every Young Child program, which is made possible through with the help of :

· Pennsylvania Department of Education
· Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
· Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
· Please Touch Museum
· State Museum of Pennsylvania
· Pennsylvania Library Association
· Pennsylvania Public Television Network
· Pennsylvania Center for the Book
· Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children
· The Pennsylvania Child Care Association
· PennSERVE
· HSLC/Access PA
· Verizon

This program was supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by Pennsylvania's Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

Children and library staff prepared a wonderful display of artwork, and books written and or illustrated by the Minors: as well as all the books about penguins that the library owned were put on display.

A bountiful feast of penguin themed goodies was also provided. At the conclusion of the program, the Minors were presented with a gift basket full of Tioga County products such as honey from Draper's Bees, maple syrup from Miller's, and an assortment of yummies from Highland Chocolates. A great way to say a big THANK YOU to the Minors for the delightful and educational presentation, as well as showing them that Tioga County has a lot to offer.







Each family was presented with a free copy of the book, If You Were a Penguin to take home. If you missed the program there is a copy available to check out at the library, or purchase your own copy through the link below.

APRIL DVDS

The Green Free Library has added two more popular DVD titles to its collection.

Doubt

Miramax Films 2008 release. Running time 104 minutes.
Rated PG-13 for thematic material. Parent's click here for details.

Written and directed by John Patrick Shanley.

Starring:

Meryl Streep as Sister Aloysius Beauvier
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Father Brendan Flynn
Amy Adams as Sister James
Viola Davis as Mrs. Miller
Joseph Foster II as Donald Miller
Alice Drummond as Sister Veronica

Summary from the Webpac: 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. Father Flynn is a charismatic priest who is trying to upend the schools' strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier. The Sister is the iron-gloved principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. With the winds of political change, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James shares with Sister Aloysius her suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without any proof, besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn. This threatens to tear apart the community with it's irrevocable consequence.


And for the kids

The tale of Despereaux

Framestore Animation in association with Larger Than Life Productions ; Relativity Media; Universal Animation Studios; Universal Pictures

Running time 94 minutes. Rated G

Directed by Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen

Based on the book of the same title, written by Kate DiCamillo. The library also has this title available for your reading pleasure.

Screen story written by Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi and Gary Ross.

Voices:

Matthew Broderick as Despereaux
Dustin Hoffman as Roscuro
Emma Watson as Princess Pea
Tracey Ullman as Miggery Sow
Kevin Kline as Andre
William H. Macy as Lester
Stanley Tucci as Boldo
Ciar`n Hinds as Botticelli
Robbie Coltrane as Gregory
Christopher Lloyd as Hovis
Sigourney Weaver as the Narrator
Bronson Pinchot as Town Crier

Summary from Webpac: Once upon a time in the far away kingdom of Dor lived a brave and virtuous mouse with comically oversized ears who dreamt of becoming a knight. Banished from his home for having such lofty ambitions, Despereaux sets off on an amazing adventure with his good-hearted rat friend Roscuro. The two go on a very noble quest to rescue an endangered princess and save an entire kingdom from darkness.

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter to the patrons and guests of The Green Free Library.
Even if it’s hard to tell by the weather, Easter is definitely a harbinger of Spring. It is a time to enjoy family and friends, perhaps engage in religious reflection and to experience a sense of renewal as the tiny green shoots struggle to push through the last layer of frost, and the budding daffodils and crocus shiver in the icy morning dew.

Not only is it a great time to think about cleaning out the winter cobwebs in your mind, it is also the perfect time to start cleaning out some of the books, CDS, DVDS and VHS tapes that you no longer use or need.

The Friends of the Green Free Library accept donations all year round for their annual book sale in June. Hard covers, paperbacks, movies and music in good, clean condition are greatly appreciated. Materials such as old encyclopedias, magazines and outdated textbooks can not be used and actually end up costing the library money to dispose of..

The library staff also check donations for items that may be added to the circulating collection. This helps the library save money and it saves a few trees as well!

Why not make everyone happy and start collecting items today? Just box them up, or recycle some of those plastic bags (please try to double bag if possible-books are heavy and they need to be carried to the basement). If you have just one or two boxes/bags, come on in the front door and set them on the bench. If you have several boxes/bags, call ahead at 570-724-4876, or pull around the circle and stop next to the door on the side with the lattice work trellis, That door is kept locked, so you will need to come in the back door, or front door and a staff member will be glad to open it up for you. If you have a trailer full of boxes, or need help getting donations to the library, just call the library at 570-724-4876 and a staff member will take your name and phone number to forward to Friends members that are in charge of the book sale. Its so easy to donate-there are no excuses not to!

KNOWLEDGE IS FREE

As you may recall, the marketing class from MU, in cooperation with The Green Free Library, hosted a Knowledge Yardsale on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Thank you, MU students. The weather was beautiful, and several local people turned out to see what was happening.

There was fun and food for all, but even more important a whole lot of knowledge was given away for free! The knowledge of what great resources you can find at The Green Free Library.

Power Library is just one of those resources. It provides information and access to magazine and newspaper articles, car repair manuals, health information, a major encyclopedia and image resources for teachers, writers and any one else who is interested plus much, much more!

There are also special reference materials specifically for school-age youths. They are available to homeschoolers, as well as students in public or private schools.

All you need to access them is a Green Free Library card, which is also free! It is easy to get a library card, just come on in with your PA driver’s license, citizens ID, or your parent or guardian if you are under the age of 17. If you don't have one of these forms of ID, a photo ID and a $25 refundable deposit may be substituted. (Special arrangements are available for property owners who only live in the area part-time).

Once you have your card, you may access Power Library from any Internet accessible computer. Just start here.

Tutorials on how to search Power Library resources may be found here.

SPECIAL GUESTS COMING TO VISIT

Guess who is coming to visit The Green Free Library next week? No, it’s not the Easter bunny.

Okay how about “What’s black and white and read at the library on Wednesday April 15?” Give up?

The answer is: If You Were a Penguin, a book by Wendell and Florence Minor

The authors themselves will join story hour patrons and guests from local pre-schools to read and share information on all the fun and playful activities that penguins engage in.

Wendell and Florence Minor are a husband and wife team that work together to create books that children not only enjoy, but that teach and inspire them as well. Wendell Minor has also illustrated several books written by other authors too.

The dynamic writing duo are part of Pennsylvania’s One Book, Every Young child program, which was developed four years ago to ” highlight the importance of early literacy development in pre-schoolers ages 1-5”.

Their book entitled If You Were a Penguin, published in 2008, was chosen as the 2009 selection for this program. Each family with a child between the ages of 3-6 years who attend the program will receive a copy of this book (paid for by The Friends of The Green Free Library).

As well as reading from the book, the authors will help parents and caregivers find ways to engage the children in activities such as talking about the illustrations and cover art, discussing their favorite parts, and additional activities that will help support the development of literacy at an early age.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s One Book program click here.


For additional information on the authors click here.


To see what other books The Green Free Library has in its collection, that are illustrated by Wendell Minor, click here and type Wendell Minor in the Keyword search box then hit enter, or click the GO button. Follow the same steps using Florence Minor to find books written by Florence Minor that are in the library’s collection.

Staff and Story hour groups have been working to prepare a special surprise to welcome the authors to The Green Free Library. Check back next week to find out what it is.


One Book, Every Young Child is made possible through with the help of :

· Pennsylvania Department of Education
· Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
· Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
· Please Touch Museum
· State Museum of Pennsylvania
· Pennsylvania Library Association
· Pennsylvania Public Television Network
· Pennsylvania Center for the Book
· Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children
· The Pennsylvania Child Care Association
· PennSERVE
· HSLC/Access PA
· Verizon

This program was supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by Pennsylvania's Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

AMERICAN GIRL MYSTERIES ADDED

Do you like mysteries? Do you like history? Why not combine the two and check out these new titles:

Lady Margaret's ghost: a Felicity mystery / Elizabeth McDavid Jones. 2009

The tangled web: a Julie mystery / Kathryn Reiss. 2009

The cry of the loon: a Samantha mystery / Barbara Steiner. 2009

Clues in the shadows: a Molly mystery / Kathleen Ernst. 2009

Traitor in Williamsburg: a Felicity mystery / Elizabeth McDavid Jones. 2008

The light in the cellar: a Molly mystery / Sarah Masters Buckey. 2007

Peril at King's Creek: a Felicity mystery / Elizabeth McDavid Jones. 2007

The stolen sapphire: a Samantha mystery / Sarah Masters Buckey. 2006

The curse of Ravenscourt: a Samantha mystery / Sarah Masters Buckey. 2005


The Green Free Library has recently added several new mystery books to its American Girl book collection. These are new and different titles than the American Girl History Mysteries. Each of the original American Girl characters including Felicity, Molly, Samantha, and Julie will lead you, the reader on a daring, mysterious adventure set within the era that each lives.

The library hopes to continue adding to this collection to include titles about the other American Girls as well. (Kaya, Josefina, Kirsten and Addy)

The library already owns the core collection of American Girl books, plus several of the History Mysteries, and the monthly magazine, as well as:

Welcome to Addy's world, 1864; growing up during the American Civil War Sinnott, Susan, 1999

Welcome to Kirsten's world, 1854: growing up Sinnott, Susan, 1999

Welcome to Molly's world, 1944: growing up in World War two in America Gourley, Catherine 1999

Welcome to Kit's world, 1934: growing up during America's Great Depression Brown, Harriet 2002

Check back for more information about the newest American Girl. Meet Rebecca will be released soon,in late May or early June. Rebecca is a Jewish girl from the late 1800s to early 1900s. This series is being written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MONETARY SUPPORT

It is time to close the annual appeal. A big thank you to everyone that dug deep at a difficult time to help support The Green Free Library.

As many of you know, the budget for this year is incredibly tight. In order to help supplement the decreased funding, the board allowed us to send out the first appeal letter asking for donations since the capital campaign launched several years ago for renovations.

Donations in the amount of just over $8,900 were raised, slightly short of the goal of $10,000. Even though the first annual appeal (as we are calling it) has ended the library will gratefully accept donations throughout the year. The Green Free Library is a non-profit organization so any donations you make are considered tax-deductible and we will be happy to provide you with a receipt.

Why does the library need so much money?

The Green Free Library relies on interest provided through investments and endowments. As everyone is aware the economy is in bad shape, and the stock mark is doing poorly, thus the amount of interest earned is less than usual. The cost of basic utilities has almost doubled in the last year, supply costs have increased, and even books cost more.

Doesn’t the library get money from the State?

Yes, but once again that money has been reduced by several thousand dollars. Costs have gone up, funding has gone down. Get the picture?

The Director is also working diligently to search out and apply for grants to provide additional and continued services to benefit library patrons of all ages.

Can’t the library reduce its spending?

Well let’s see, if we turn off the lights it’s hard to read the titles of the books. If we turn off the heat, it gets mighty uncomfortable for staff and patrons. If we stop buying books, that kind of defeats the purpose of being a library, doesn’t it? Though we have reduced the number of books we purchase. Unfortunately this means some people don't see their favorite authors on the shelf.

With the decline in the economy providing less disposable income for families, and putting several individuals out of work, public library usage has risen drastically. Public libraries provide many, many services for free.

Here at The Green Free Library you can check out books, magazines, music CDS, movies on VHS and DVD, audio-cassettes/CDS/CD-ROMS to learn a foreign language and books on AC/CD/and Playaway for FREE!

There are also four public Internet Access computers and Wi-Fi service for those with their own laptops that are available for FREE! (Printing however, does cost 10 ¢ per page-and is only available through the library’s computers at this time.)

If you would like to make a donation to The Green Free Library visit here for downloadable forms, or just stop by the library. Any donation, no matter how big or how small is appreciated. One $25 donation will buy an adult best seller, or 2 children’s’ books.

The Library is doing everything it can to keep services free, and available to all who need them in this difficult period of America's history. In order not to reduce hours of operation, we are relying on the generosity of the community.

If you cannot afford to make a cash donation the library will also be pleased to accept gifts of new DVDs or those that have been viewed only once or twice and are not scratched. Some books in very good condition and recently published may also be used on the shelf, other items will be donated to the Friends of the Green Free Library for their annual booksale in June. These items are also tax-deductible, though the staff of the library, and the Friends only acknowledge the types and numbers of items received with signed receipt. It is up to those making the donation to provide a value for tax-records.

ROTATING DVD COLLECTION CHANGES AGAIN

ROTATING DVD COLLECTION
FOR APRIL-MAY 2009

Selections for adults and older children

30 Days of Night
Ballet Shoes
Birds of America
Charlie Bartlett
Felon
Get Smart
Go-Getter
Happening
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Incredible Hulk
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Iron Man
Journey to the Center of the Earth (3-D glasses included)
PromotionRed
Sex and the City
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Trans Siberion
Visitor
You Don’t Mess with the Zohan

Selections for younger children or family viewing

Alvin & the Chipmunks: Funny, We Shrunk the Adults
Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipmunk Adventure
Arthur: Big Brother Binky
Care Bears: King of the Moon
Bob the Builder: Let’s Build the Beach
Horton Hears a Who!
Elmo’s Summer Vacation
Garfield: A Cat and His Nerd
Land Before Time: Through the Eyes of a Spiketail
Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue
Speed Racer, the Next Generation: The Beginning
Thomas & Friends: Percy Takes the Plunge
Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out
Veggie Tales: Lessons From the Sock Drawer

DVDs in this collection rotate throughout the library system, staying at each library for a period of 2 months. Any adult cardholder may check them out during that time. In order to make the collection available to as many patrons as possible within the 2- month timeframe, a cardholder may check out only 2 DVDs at a time, and only for a 2-day period. (Except of course on Fridays, then it is 3 days since we are closed on Sunday!J
As soon as they return them, they may check out 2 more.

Patrons may also check out the DVDs and VHS tapes that The Green Free Library owns as well. These items may be checked out for a period of 1-week, and up to 4 at a time. The 4-movie limit may also include DVDs from the Rotating Collection as well. For example, a patron may choose to take out 2 JVB (rotating DVDs) and 2 GFL DVDs. The JVB DVDs are due in 2 days; the GFL DVDs are due in 1 week.

Due to the temporary nature of the collection, DVDs in the Rotating Collection do not show up on the webpac (card catalog), nor are they available to be placed on hold.

NEW DVD FOR SUPERHERO LOVERS ADDED

If you are a fan of Superheros, The Green Free Library as just added this recent release to its collection:

Bolt (Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures)
Running time about 97 minutes. Special features: All-new exclusive "Super Rhino" short. Motion picture released November 2008. DVD released March 2009.

Rated PG for mild action and peril. Parent’s for additional details click here.

Screenplay written by Dan Fogelman and Chris Williams.

Directed by Byron Howard and Chris Williams

John Travolta as the voice of Bolt
Miley Cyrus as the voice of Penny
Susie Essman as the voice of Mittens
Mark Walton as the voice of Rhino
Malcolm McDowell as the voice of Dr. Calico
James Lipton as the voice of The Director
Greg Germann as the voice of The Agent
Diedrich Bader as the voice of Veteran Cat
Nick Swardson as the voice of Blake
J.P. Manoux as the voice of Tom
Dan Fogelman as the voice of Billy
Kari Wahlgren as the voice of Mindy
Chloe Moretz as the voice of young Penny
Randy Savage as the voice of Thug
Ron Moss as the voice of Dr Forrester


Summary from webpac: Super-dog Bolt is the star of a hit TV show. His life is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue. When Bolt is accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penney, his beloved co-star and owner, Bolt immediately springs into action to save her from the forces of evil. With the help of his number one fan and loyal partner, Rhino, and an alley cat named Mittens, they embark on an extraordinary mission to reunite with Penney. Along the way, Bolt realizes that you don't have to be a Superhero to be a hero.

WHO IS THE BEST JAMES BOND?

The first new DVD for April is available for check-out at The Green Free Library. If you are an adult and already have your library card you may borrow this or any other DVD or VHS tape in our collection for a 1 week period. There is also a rotating collection from the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport. These DVDs go out for 2 days, except on Friday when they go out for 3 since we are closed on Sunday.:)

Quantum of Solace ( Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Eon Productions)

Running time 106 minutes

Motion picture release date November 2008. DVD release date March 2009.
Rated PG-13; for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content. Parents click here for details.

Written by Paul Haggis and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade

Directed by Marc Forster.

Starring

Daniel Craig as James Bond (Right, we’ll talk about this later)
Olga Kurylenko as Camille
Mathieu Amalric as Dominic Greene
Judi Dench as M
Giancarlo Giannini as Renee Mathis
Gemma Arterton as Strawberry Fields
Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter
David Harbour as Gregg Beam
Jesper Christensen as Mr. White

Summary from the webpac: Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's water supply.

This film continues immediately after the events of Casino Royale. Casino Royale is actually the first novel written by Ian Fleming about the character James Bond 007. He wrote it in 1953. Quantum of Solace however did not come from an original Ian Fleming work. Fleming died in 1964. In that short period of time he created many James Bond 007 novels and short stories. Check with The Green Free Library to see which titles are available.

Ian Fleming
· 1953 Casino Royale
· 1954 Live and Let Die
. 1955 Moonraker
· 1956 Diamonds Are Forever
· 1957 From Russia with Love
. 1958 Dr No
· 1959 Goldfinger
· 1960 For Your Eyes Only - short stories
· 1961 Thunderball
· 1962 The Spy Who Loved Me
· 1963 On Her Majesty's Secret Service
· 1964 You Only Live Twice
· 1965 The Man with the Golden Gun
· 1966 Octopussy and The Living Daylights - short stories

After Fleming’s death several other authors continued the character of James Bond. They included British authors Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham), John Gardner, Charlie Higson. The first American author to write about James Bond was Raymond Benson.

To commemorate Fleming’s 100th birthday, Sebastion Faulks was commissioned to write a new Bond novel. Devil May Care was published on May 27, 2008. The library does carry this title as well.

So on to the movies. Many of the original titles have been adapted into movies and TV programs. The biggest question surrounding these movies being- Who will play the part of James Bond 007? And subsequently who was the best James Bond. Personally I have never watched a Bond movie with Daniel Craig. In my opinion, he is not James Bond.

The first (and best) James Bond was Sean Connery. He ruled the screen in the following:

· Dr. No 1962
· From Russia With Love 1963
· Goldfinger 1964
· Thunderball 1965
· You Only Live Twice 1967
· Diamonds are Forever 1971

George Lazenby played Bond in 1969. The movie was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. His performance as Bond was greatly criticized though he did gain a Golden Globe nomination.

The next best Bond, in my opinion was Roger Moore. His performances as 007 included:

· Live and Let Die 1973
· The Man With the Golden Gun 1974
· The Spy Who Loved Me 1977
· Moonraker 1979
· For Your Eyes Only 1981
· Octopussey 1983
· A View to a Kill 1985

Timothy Dalton portrayed Bond in 2 films:

· The Living Daylights 1987
· License to Kill 1989

Pierce Brosnan followed with:

· GoldenEye 1995
· Tomorrow Never Dies 1997
· The World is Not Enough 1999
· Die Another Day 2002

And finally along came Daniel Craig to star in Casino Royale 2006 and Quantum of Solace 2008.

APRIL 1st

The exact origin of April Fools day remains a mystery, even today. Many historians believe the practice began under the reign of King Charles IX of France. In 1564 he decreed that each new year would begin on January 1st instead of April 1st. French tradition regarding the celebration of the New Year involved exchanging gifts and visiting each other. Some French subjects either rejected their king’s decree, or were not aware of it, and continued to observe April 1st as New Year’s Day. These people became the butt of their friends’ jokes and pranks and were called April Fools.

Other historians believe the practice developed when Pope Gregory XIII reformed the Gregorian calendar. This reform not only moved the start of the year to January 1, it created a leap-year system and eliminated 10 days from the month of October 1582 to correct the drift of the calendar.

One other theory dates clear back to Constantine. When a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman Emperor they could do a better job of running the empire than he did. Constantine made one of the jesters named Kugel king for a day, and Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day each year. Unfortunately after The Associated Press released this theory provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University, it came to light that they and every newspaper that published the article were in fact April Fools!!

There are many other theories spanning all periods of history and many different cultures as to the true origin of April Fools Day. The only consistent fact is that it is still practiced today all over the world. If you would like to know the top 100 April Fools Hoaxes of all times visit this site.