WSFA Editorial by Ken Selvaggi

WSFA Editorial            Library Services           2-3-11

By Vice President and General Manager Ken Selvaggi

“Where can you check out movies, CDs, and books at no charge?  Take computer classes at no charge or just use computers provided for you for free?  Tap into Alabama’s virtual library database providing access to thousands of magazines, newspapers and journals at no charge? 

“You can do all this and more at the eleven public libraries in the city and county of Montgomery.

“You can also go to the library and learn nine different languages with interactive language programs, use the video gaming centers, join a book club, or request any book title available in the entire library system be delivered to the library nearest you – all at no charge.

“It is basically the best value you can get.  Nearly 160,000 people in Montgomery have library cards – provided free.  This past year the libraries serviced more than 900,000 visits.

“Not a bad service of our government – particularly in these tough economic times.

“Not a bad resolution to make for this new year either – getting a library card for you and your family members if you don’t have one  – and going more often by yourself or with your family!

“That’s a resolution worth keeping!”

Many Tax Forms Will Be Available at Your Library

Did you know that the IRS has discontinued mailing individual tax packages to taxpayers?

However many forms will be available at your library.

At the Morgan library, for example, the following forms and publications will be available:

Form 1040

Instruction 1040

Form 1040A

Form 1040 EZ

Form 1040 SCH C

Form 1040 SCH D

Form 1040 SCH E

Instruction 1040 SCH R

Please note:

No forms have been received yet. The IRS is now having these forms printed by various printing companies. The various companies do not have their contracts completed at the same time. All forms will be put out as they are received. Not all libraries will have the same forms. You may also print forms and publications from the IRS website. The IRS is encouraging everyone to file electronically to save money.

WOW!!! Have You and Your Child(ren) Listened to a Tumblebook?

   

 

 What is a TumbleBook?

TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love. TumbleBooks are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sound, music and narration to produce and electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.

What will I find in the collection?

Over 150 TumbleBooks, plus educational games, reading comprehension quizzes, and our new Record-a-Book function.

Do I need special software to view TumbleBooks?

All you need is the Flash plug-in which is preloaded on most computers. If you are unable to view the TumbleBooks, you can download the plug-in for FREE at www.macromedia.com/downloads.

Where can I find TumbleBooks?

Go to the Montgomery City/County Library website (www.mccpl.lib.al.us). From our home page, look for the link “Check out our new TumbleBook Library for Children” in the middle of the page.

TumbleBooks Now Available from Your Library

What is a TumbleBook?

TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love. TumbleBooks are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sound, music and narration to produce and electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.

What will I find in the collection?

Over 150 TumbleBooks, plus educational games, reading comprehension quizzes, and our new Record-a-Book function.

Do I need special software to view TumbleBooks?

All you need is the Flash plug-in which is preloaded on most computers. If you are unable to view the TumbleBooks, you can download the plug-in for FREE at www.macromedia.com/downloads.

Where can I find TumbleBooks?

Go to the Montgomery City/County Library website (www.mccpl.lib.al.us). From our home page, look for the link “Check out our new TumbleBook Library for Children” in the middle of the page.

Libraries and the Economy

• In times of economic hardship, Americans turn to – and depend on – their libraries and librarians.
• Libraries are part of the solution when a community is struggling economically. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries support lifelong learning.
• Libraries are America’s great information equalizers – the only place people of all ages and backgrounds can find and freely use such a diversity of resources, along with the expert guidance of librarians.
• As more and more Americans look for employment, libraries are helping level the playing field for job seekers. Only 44 percent of the top 100 U.S. retailers accepted in-store paper applications in 2006- down from 68 percent in 2004. Library staff report that many patrons are turning to library computers and Internet access to find work, apply for jobs online, type resumes and cover letters and open email accounts.
• Many libraries nationwide design and offer programs tailored to meet local community economic needs, providing residents with guidance (including sessions with career advisers), training and workshops in resume writing and interviewing, job-search resources, and connections with outside agencies that offer training and job placement.
• During times of economic downturn, libraries see more users because people cut back on entertainment. People are able to rent movies for free and check out CDs, use databases and download audio books.
• A 2002 ALA study contracted with the University of Illinois Library Research Center (LRC) highlights the increase of library usage in the wake of a recession. This study found that circulation in March 2001 was 8.3 percent higher than would be expected from the trend observed since January 1997.
• When the economy is down, library use is up. Unfortunately, at the same time, tight city and state budgets are closing library doors and reducing access when it’s needed most.

    — from the American Library Association

Web Cams Arrive at MCCPL

Families in Montgomery and surrounding counties who have family members deployed overseas in the military are now able to visit one of two public library locations in the Montgomery City-County Public Library system and visually communicate with them using computers equipped with video web cameras. The new program, called Connecting Families, has put the video webcams and computers in more than 100 libraries throughout the state of Alabama. Families will be able to utilize this service at one of the two libraries – Morgan Memorial, 245 High Street or Rufus A. Lewis Regional Library, 3095 Mobile Highway, when they want to come and use this technology to see and talk to their deployed family members.

According to Rebecca Mitchell, Director of the Alabama Public Library Service, Alabama is the only state in the nation that is offering this service. Connecting Families is a partnership between the Alabama Public Library Service, the Montgomery City-County Public Library and the Alabama Broadband Initiative that Governor Riley launched earlier this year. The program got its start thanks to a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The program is intended to meet the needs of the military families, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but other countries; however, the service is for anyone who has need for it.

MCCPL’s Library Director, Jaunita Owes, announced that the web cams will become a permanent addition to the library’s computer network and as such the citizens of Montgomery County may take advantage of this free service and talk to any member of their family anywhere in the world. Mrs. Owes also stated that with such a sluggish economy, the Library is grateful to Governor Riley and APLS Director Rebecca Mitchell for their vision and the award of the web cams that will continue to enable the library to reach more of its citizens through specialized services.
The Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library is open seven days a week and the Rufus A. Lewis Regional Library is open six days a week. For specific hours of operation please visit the library’s web site at www.mccpl.lib.al.us or call 240-4300 for additional information.