These links are very helpful!

A news article "E-Health Innovations Could Transform Medical Care" posted in Thursday's News & Record by the Vice President of Health Care for Dell Corp, Ms. Linda Rebrovick, along with Holt Anderson, Executive Director of the NC Healthcare Information & Communications Alliance, informed the public that according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, health care costs in NC increase 10.6% every year--the 2nd highest annual rate of increase in the nation! And the state government spends $10 BILLION annually on health care--the ninth highest in the nation! Whew! Where's my treadmill?
Happy New Year!
Carol

Last New Year's Posting!

We've covered exercise and cooking....what's left?

How about personal finances?

We've hit the big three, but check out a post by Ross over at In the Stacks if you need a list of literary hits and misses of 2005 by USA Today. You can check the Information Portal and request the titles to be held at your favorite branch.

Thanks for reading,

George

More New Year's Help...

Try searching the Information Portal (catalog) for Healthy Cooking. Don't forget that you will need your Library Card and a PIN to request the item.

While you're at it...try searching for other terms as well...vegetarian cooking and low-fat diet recipes.

Thanks for reading,

George

New Years Resolution...

Need a little help this year? Why not let the Library offer some ideas.

Follow this link to search our catalog for exercise. Don't forget, you can request items and have them held at you favorite Library.

Thanks for reading,

George

HoHoHo--Happy Holidays!
The Pre-School Storytimes on Wednesday, Dec. 21, Thursday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 28 are cancelled. Our Winter Schedule will begin January 4th.

The Horizon looks great!

Don't forget to check out the Library's new Information Portal...or as most people call it--the catalog.

New and improved and in beautiful color! You can see the cover of the book, read reviews and find similar titles with just a few clicks.

You can also log into your account on the Information Portal to renew items, see what is on hold and check your personal information.

Thanks for reading,
George

A Christmas Shopping Tip

On the top of my shopping list, wherever I go, is a reminder
to bring reading materials for the long lines I will undoubtedly
encounter at the check out during the holiday season.
Whether it's a board book for the preschooler, a magazine for the fussy teen or a light, easy-to-hold paperback for the husband (already overburdened), the shopping lines always move quickly if we're reading!
Happy Holidays!

Don't forget to check out our magazine collection!

Literally. We have over 65 general interest titles for children, teens and adults. The current issue is on display and older issues can be checked out.

For more serious study...homework or just general research...don't forget about NCLIVE. It is an online group of databases covering many subjects, including: education, business, psychology, medicine, and North Carolina. Plus much. much more than I can mention here

ALF Booksale a HUGE Success!

Over 100 people stopped by the auditorium on Saturday, November 19 to purchase new and used books. All of the proceeds went directly to the Archdale Library Book Fund (we use it to buy reference books, North Carolina titles, and children's books).

Thanks to everyone that stopped by and to all of the ALF volunteers that spent so much time organizing, helping, and selling all of the books.

Thanks for reading,

George

Holiday Happenings at the Archdale Library

The public is invited to join The Home Educators Flute Choir, directed by Meredith Stephens, during a performance at the Archdale Library on Tuesday, Dec. 6 during the Family Night Holiday Story Program, starting at 7pm.
Refreshments will be served afterwards. There is no charge.

Register your school-age children for the afternoon craft-time held on Thursday, Dec. 29 from 2:30-3:30. Enjoy holiday craft-time with stories and refreshments. Space is limited-there is no charge. Call 431-3811 for more info.

Brand New Bulletin Boards!

The two bulletin boards that decorate the back wall of our Children's Area were done as a service project for Eagle Scout Landon Brock.

Thanks, Landon!

Stop by and see them sometime.

Thanks for reading,

George

Storytimes on Thursday, Nov. 17, and Thanksgiving Week are cancelled. Regular schedule continues December 1st!

I'm looking forward to a vacation trip on Friday; not only will I enjoy a visit with mom (she's promised to teach me how to drive her golf cart!) but I'm hoping to chat with Mickey, Goofy and Cinderella. Has anyone else checked out other libraries while you're out-of-state? I have been able to visit a few but none in Florida. I'll report back next week!

Smart Start Parenting Collection
The Smart Start Parenting Collection is geared towards parents and caregivers that work with pre-kindergarten children (birth through pre-k). It covers a lot of different areas--from education, crafts, creative play, parenting, and much more.

Stop by today and check it out!

Thanks for reading,

George

Art Display by Trinity High Students

Thanks to Amy Stewart, art teacher at Trinity High School, for the student art that is on display in our Children's Area.

Thanks for reading,

George

A recent article in the USA Todaydescribed "go bags" created by a San Francisco couple. The couple was concerned of the recent natural disasters and whether they'd be properly prepared. They went shopping for canned goods, blankets, first aid kits. USA Today devoted 3/4 of a page with important lists of necessary items every family should have ready, just in case...I wish I had found "reading materials" listed!
Without electricity, tv, computers, etc. aren't available to entertain. I was reminded that many Wilma-affected areas of Florida are still without electricity--I'm hoping parents have some great family-reading materials stashed away!

Exercise your voting muscle!

Archdale Public Library is an Early Voting location.

"What's that mean?", you ask.

Well...anyone already registered to vote in Randolph County can come by and vote early. It is considered a No-Excuse Absentee Ballot.

Here's the skinny:
10-4 on Friday (11/4)
and
10-1 on Saturday (11/5)

On Election Day, the Library will be a regular precinct for the Archdale area. For more information, call the Board of Elections at 819-3900.

Thanks for reading,

George

Thinking a " Little Chicken Soup" isn't quite enough to help a house-bound, newly-released hospital patient, I found myself considering a recently published, long-awaited bestseller as a get-well gift for a friend.
Or, should it be something different, maybe a little Feng Shui, or some Heloise to cheer her up? But what if she already had the book I was considereing? Now, I'm feeling ill trying to decide!
I realized then that the library was once again, the smart place to start my search! I could select a few magazines, videos, this might even be a great time to tackle a classic she's never had time to read; I could even bring home a cookbook for the husband! If the books were poor selections, I could come back to visit with another surprise!
Now where's that cookbook! If I'm ready for a visit I better start baking that casserole!

A little kindness goes a long way, especially when there's a horde of hungry munchkins waiting for a goodie!
Luckily, the Archdale Bakery and Lowe's Food are also interested in hungry munchkins; they have offered to donate goodies for our annual Halloween Party, which will take place Tues., Oct. 25 at 7pm. Mrs. Marian Tillman and Ms. Judy West, Archdale Alf's, have offered to judge our best-decorated mask contest.
Now, for the biggest treat...which mask should I bring in????

Ozella's Underground Railroad Quilt Code on display through the end of October.

This is one of the many quilt pieces in our lobby display case.

Bear's Paw: reminded fugitives to follow the actual bear's footprints, which would indicate the best path and also lead to food and/or water. This path would normally run through the Appalachian Mountains.

Stop by and read what the various patterns meant and put your name on the list for the book that reveals the code: Hidden in Plain View : A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin, Raymond G. Dobard.

Thanks for reading,

George

A friend's dinner party introduced a new kitchen gadget I hadn't seen before. A simple, clear, plastic sheet draped over a special cookbook --the sheet gave protection from smudges, drips, floury fingerprints, keeping the aroma of spices and herbs out.
I thought how useful this could be. Protecting books is an important message we give to library patrons, young and old;
Wow, I need one of these! Then I realized that the old cookbooks I use (not as often as before and not the library copies) are like family photo albums, with drips and smudges recording the special 1st anniversary dinner (a rare combo of burnt and raw, all on the same plate!) or the birthday cake, or the honey drops for the baklava we offered the high school latin class.
I decided I didn't need that fancy gadget after all!

Book Sale Coming!

The Archdale Library Friends (ALF) is holding their bi-annual used book sale on Saturday, November 19, 2005 from 9-3. All proceeds benefit the Archdale Public Library.

Be sure to drop off your donations to the book sale at least a week in advance. Call 431-3811 for more information. Be sure to show up early…the best deals will go quickly!

Thanks for reading,
George

Second Annual Author Breakfast was a huge success!

Over 35 people joined Helen Goodman, Gail Gurley, Jon Farlow and Jerry Bledsoe (above l-r)for a reading/booksigning event on Saturday, October 8. Each author spent about 30 minutes discussing their writing, reading from their works and taking questions.

Wonderful refreshments were provided by ALF members. Kudos to Harriet for putting together such a memorable event. The question is, though, who will be there next year?

Thanks for reading,

George

Happy Opening to Archdale's littler sister branch!

Yesterday was the celebrated opening of the new Seagrove Library. What is special about this library is that the site plan and the blueprints were based on the designs that Dean Spinks did for Archdale back in 1992. So if you would like to step back in time and see what Archdale Public Library looked before the 1998 addition, be sure to stop by Seagrove and check them out. It is larger than the old Archdale building but retains the same layout and amenities.

Thanks for reading,

George

Halloween Treats @ the Archdale Library

In addition to great, spooky tales for all ages, here's a selection from a book of
"Halloween Nights...21 Spooktacular Poems":

The Scary Dictionary
The biggest book you'll ever see
Hides deep inside the library.

It sits upon an antique stand
Waiting for your trembling hand.

Don't be afraid, don't try to hide.
Just open it and look inside.

Words like Crawly, Creepy, Crud
That make your thumping heart go thud.

Words like Fear and Frankenstein
that send cold shivers up your spine.

Beward that awful burning need
To look inside and start to read.

'Cause every word that's mean and scary
Is found inside the dictionary!

Also:
"What to Wear on Halloween?"
Last year I went as Frankenstein,
the year before, a ghost.
This year I'd like to go as what
We kids all fear the most.

I've searched through stores all over town
For one old scary ghoul,
But none have masks that look just like
Our principal at school.

The Archdale Library will host it's annual Halloween Party on Tues., Oct. 25 from 7-8 pm; Our theme this year is a Masquerade Party--bring in a decorated mask or pick up one at the Archdale Library to decorate at home for a fun, spooky-time! Costumes are optional--Besides our Best Mask Contest, spooky stories & refreshments will be served--all children will receive a goody-bag! Please remember children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.

New Adult Fiction Titles!

The March by EL Doctorow
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Seven Lies by James Lasdun
First Warning by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
13 Steps Down by Ruth Rendell
Exposure by Talitha Stevenson

Give us a call at 431-3811 and let us know if you would like to request one (or more) of these titles.

Thanks for reading,
George

New Adult Nonfiction titles at the Archdale Public Library*...

Deal Breakers: When Does Mr. Right Become Mr. Not-On-Your-Life by Michele Avantario
For some women, it’s a moustache. For others, it’s a cheating heart. Whether you’re playing the field or are considering a trip down the aisle, you’ve got to determine whether to stick it out or move on in your pursuit of true love. Find out what your deal breakers are...

The Lady and the Panda by Vicki Constance Croke
The true adventures of the first American explorer (Ruth Harkness) to bring back China's most exotic animal.

The Better Brain Book by David Perlmutter
Tools for improving memory and sharpness and preventing aging of the brain.

The Indoor Plant Bible by Dorte Nissen
The essential guide to choosing and caring for indoor, greenhouse, and patio plants.

Reader's Digest Flower Gardening by Julie Bawden-Davis
A practical guide to creating colorful gardens in every yard.

Sweet Gratitude by Judith Sutton
Bake a thank-you for the really important people in your life.

Poker for Dummies by Richard Harrock
Bridge for Dummies by Eddie Kantar
The ever popular Dummies series return with two guides to very popular card games.

Kitty Bartholomew's Decorating Style by Kitty Bartholomew and Kathy Price-Robinson
A hands-on approach to creating affordable, beautiful, and comfortable rooms.

Thanks for reading,

George

*Reviews and synopses are borrowed and all of these titles can be requested at any RCPL location.

Bledsoe, Farlow, Goodman, and Gurley! (Oh my!)

Join us for the Second Annual Writer’s Forum Breakfast!
Sponsored by the Archdale Public Library and the Archdale Library Friends (ALF)
Saturday, October 8th
Archdale Public Library
9:30-Noon

Jerry Bledsoe, Helen Goodman, Gail Gurley, and John Farlow will be present to discuss their books.

Light breakfast will be served. Ample time will be provided to ask questions and to purchase books for signing.

It is a free program, but registration is required. Call 431-3811 to register.

Authors:
Jerry Bledsoe—Angel Doll, Before he Wakes, Bitter Blood and others.
John Farlow—Holy War, Brouhaha, and reporter for the Tri-County Chatter
Helen Goodman—Jess and Murder in Eden.
Gail Gurley—Birdhouse: a Gift of Hope, Tales from the Sunroom, forthcoming NASCAR title and reporter for the Tri-County Chatter.

I experienced some end-of-summer blues this weekend down at So.Myrtle--taking my last dip in the ocean (for the season), running around town trying to locate an internet cafe and arriving 2 1/2 hours too early for the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival. This wasn't as depressing as finding just one young teen with a paperback and her sun lotion (ok, I didn't walk the whole beach). Of course my tote was filled with magazines, newspapers, everything but the sun lotion!
If you're looking for a hot spot to start off the fall season, Thursday's children's hour is celebrating Fire Safety month by hosting a visit from the local Fire Dept. on Thurs., Oct. 6 at 10:30--you do not need to bring a hose, just your little ones!

Archdale Photo's

We have some pictures of the Branch on the RCPL website. Click here to load the Archdale Picture Gallery!

Thanks for reading,

George

Since Kari at the Reference Blog is not allowed to post any Harry Potter news, I figured that I would help her out a little (Don't tell Ross in Asheboro).

Check out the link for the exciting new trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film (which, of course, is based on a book). And later, don't forget to stop by and check out copies of the previous three Harry Potter films on DVD and video from us.

Thanks for reading,

George

The Newest Technology Breakthrough at Archdale Public Library!

The Built-In Orderly Organized Knowledge device is available for use at the Archdale Public Library. Click on the link to learn more!

Thanks for reading,
George
(ps) The link was originally given to me by Harriet.

Bush Hill was great!

ALF's presence at Bush Hill was well received and a lot of interest was shown in the Heart of the Community quilt. Jeannie, Nancy, Shari, and Judy enjoyed the time interacting with friends, neighbors and library supporters!

"The Heart of the Community"

Here is a picture of the beautiful quilt that was on display Saturday at the Bush Hill Festival in the Archdale Library Friends Booth. It is going to be displayed at various locations throughout Randolph County over the next six months. We will let you know when and where in a future posting.

Thanks to Nancy and Pame for all of their dedication and amazing work on the quilt.

Thanks for reading,

George

With the summer season coming to an end, the families of Thursday's storytime will enjoy a picnic at the Creekside Park (below the library's parking area) on Sept. 15 at 10:30. Refreshments will be served along with games and stories! Of course, we'll move inside if the weather is crappy! Here's to the last weeks of summer!

Bush Hill and ALF!

Just a reminder about the Bush Hill Festival this Saturday. ALF (Archdale Library Friends) will have a booth displaying a beautiful quilt...be sure to stop by and see it. It was done by Nancy Toth and Pame Whitaker.

You might also see me walking around.

Thanks for reading.

George

I can't believe this is Labor Day Weekend! It's special not only because we're having a longer weekend, it's special 'cause my daughter's 18th birthday is on the 5th! Grandparents' Day will be celebrated all week at Archdale Library with storytimes and an afternoon, school-age children's scrapbook program on the 8th. Don't forget to register!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Reasons to get a card and use it:

1. All of the free stuff!

During this time of rising gas prices, the Library is truly a haven for everyone. We have books, videos, DVD's, magazines, and computer software for checkout--you just need a library card. Click here to find out how to get one.

2. Leave the driving to us!

If we don't have the particular book, video or DVD, we can order it from another Randolph County Library Branch and have it here within 2-3 days. That way, you can leave the driving to us! We have daily courier service to save you time and money.

Check back for more great reasons to get a library card.

The Archdale Library Friends (ALF) booksale is coming Saturday November 19, 2005.

Until then, feel free to stop by the ALF continuous booksale booktruck by the circulation desk. All books are $2.00. We also have a paperback area. Each paperback is 50 cents. All proceeds benefit ALF and the Archdale Public Library.

Thanks for reading,
George

Did you know that you can get e-books from home?

Just visit any Randolph County Public Library Location and use NetLibrary on the NCLIVE website. Set up an account and then you can use it from home (make sure you set up the free account by clicking in the upper right hand corner of the NetLibrary site).

To get to NetLibrary from home, visit the Library's website and enter your card number. Once you type in your card, you will get the password for NCLIVE. From there, you can get to NetLibrary from here.

Thanks for reading,

George

Who Put the Alphabet in Alphabetical Order?

Thanks to one of my favorite bands, They Might Be Giants, I now have a new philosophical question.

Lyrics from Who Put the Alphabet in Alphabetical Order
All right!
Back in ancient times
You know that things then weren't that easy
So many different tribes
So many different ways of writing
So, who put the alphabet in alphabetical order?
I wonder
Who put the alphabet in alphabetical order?
Oh
Now I've got a question
With an answer that you might find easier
You've got to use your mind
To remember all the letters in order
Now, you put the alphabet in alphabetical order
Come on!
You put the alphabet in alphabetical order
We're going to put the alphabet in alphabetical order now
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y and Z
Now I know my ABCs
Next time won't you play with me?
Oh, I put the alphabet in alphabetical order
Yes, I put the alphabet in alphabetical order
I did it!

And I am singing it over and over in my head.

thanks for reading,

George

Can't Wait for a Book? Paris Can Help

Wow...book vending machines. What's next? Reference question vending machines...or even Librarian vending machines?

What kind of vending machine would you like?

George

Bush Hill Festival is coming...

George

What the Well-Dressed Librarian is wearing these days...

ALA introduces Banned Books bracelet.

Just in case someone was looking to buy someone a present. I should probably get the To Kill a Mockingbird bracelet...but I will probably end up with the Captain Underpants one. Gotta love Dav Pilkey.

George

"It must be wonderful to work in a library. You get to read all day."

Working in a public library, you hear this several times a day. Reading is a passion for most of us and we all dream of the perfect job that would allow us to read all the livelong day. But our job is to serve the customer--you.

We do get to read...book reviews, dustjackets, and library related journals. We don't get to read the fun stuff until we get home or (like me) on our lunch break. I get most of my reading done during lunch. What am I reading now?

Beach Music by Pat Conroy.

Pat Conroy writes beautifully. The words dance on the page and oftentimes I will read a sentence several times, just to soak in the mesmerizing imagery. I've read it once before, but I felt like I needed to revisit it. My favorite sentences are still there. Almost like an old friend that I had missed for so long. Reading Pat Conroy makes you realize that people are born with innate gifts. His is storytelling. He can build a perfect sentence that leaves you sated, while at the same time, salivating for the next line.

I fear to say much more. I don't want to ruin any of it and typing about it makes me long for the words right now. Needless to say, it is in my personal top ten. Actually, it might be in the top five.

Thanks for reading,
George

Welcome to the Archdale Public Library blogspot--By the Park.

We are actually neighbors of Creekside Park in Archdale (and Randolph Community College). Stay tuned for more information about us, Archdale, books and upcoming events.

Be sure to stop by and see us. You'll always feel welcome at Archdale Public Library.