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The Ab Lib from Winter 2005-06 Vol. 4, No. 4 
From our Director - Winter 2005-06
Dear Library Friend and Patron,
As we approach the end of this year, the Library once again looks to the community it serves so well for financial support. The Library staff and Board of Trustees, together with support from the Commissioners of Abington Township, have worked exceptionally well to overcome the ongoing cuts to state funding by balancing our budget while providing a high level of library service to the Abington community.
You are well aware of the fabulous transformation of the Abington Township Public Library over the past several years. As a result, we are able to make new technology available and teach our patrons in the use of it, provide study space, maintain and enhance our 110,000 volume print collection, provide programming for adults, children and community organizations, maintain a wonderful Branch Library in Roslyn, and serve the more than 1,000 people who walk through our doors every day. We are happy to report that use and demands on the Library’s operations have risen to record levels, but the Library faces increasing constraints on its operations, given the reduction in state funding.
As we conclude 2005, we ask that you consider a gift to the Abington Township Public Library. Your contributions may result in tax benefits for you if made by the end of the year. Your generosity in the past has been appreciated, and we thank you for your continued support in making the Abington Township Public Library an exemplary community resource.
- Nancy Hammeke Marshall
Click here to see how to donate.
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Winter 2005-06
Volunteer Spotlight – Elaine Shay
Chatting with Elaine Shay is always challenging: her penetrating mind and lively intellect associate freely, and a conversation that starts in one place often ends up in quite another, with frequent side trips along the way. Elaine’s wide-ranging interests and experiences place her at the head of a highly motivated family that includes her four children (three daughters and one son) and four grandchildren (again, three girls and one boy). |
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After her husband, Robert, died in 1992, Elaine continued a family tradition by joining the Library Board in 1995. Mr. Shay had served as board treasurer for many years; following in his footsteps, Elaine became board treasurer in 2002. She regards service to the Library Board as a family commitment that she hopes will be carried on by her daughter Heather.
Prior to joining the Library Board, Elaine served on the boards of the Abington Township School District and the Eastern Center for Arts & Technology. Her other interests and activities include: traveling (her children live in Jenkintown, California, Florida, and Michigan, and she maintains a second home in Phoenix); singing (alto in the Adult Chorale at Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park); dogs (St. Bernards); and serving as chairman of the board for the Shay family business (Montefiore Cemetery in Jenkintown).
Aside from her family, Elaine’s greatest passion seems to be her work as a volunteer reader for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic in King of Prussia . When she talks about RFBD, her already twinkling eyes really light up!
Elaine never seems too busy to exchange a pleasant word. When you see her in the library or around the township, strike up a conversation: her open, direct smile and brisk, but cheery, style will give your day a lift!
- Michael Rechel
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Winter 2005-06
Staff Spotlight – Fran Rubinsohn
The devil, they say, is in the details, but our details are managed by an angel in disguise, Fran Rubinsohn. When you come to the library, you want to look your book up, go to the shelf and find it. It seems easy, but somebody has to attend to a mass of details to make sure every book is in its place. Is the call number right? Does the book still exist or has it been withdrawn? If you can’t find it, does that mean we don’t have it? Could it be lurking on the shelves somewhere, all lonely and unaccounted for? Details, details. Fran’s job at Abington Library revolves around reconciling the details. She patiently sorts through piles and lists of books to make sure all of their records are correct and up to date.
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Michael Rechel, our head cataloger, says, “While I understand that no one is indispensable, Fran is, most assuredly, irreplaceable.”
It’s a job for a puzzle enthusiast and Fran loves to do the New York Times crossword puzzle. She’s also been caught up in the sudoku craze. For those who don’t know, sudoku is a deceptive little puzzle that’s a cross between a Rubik’s cube and a crossword.
Fran was born in Greensboro, N.C. and graduated from Duke University. She married soon after that and moved with her new husband, Louis Rubinsohn, to Philadelphia and eventually Abington.
They raised three children here, two daughters and a son, David Rubinsohn, who is the famous face of WHYY-TV’s semi-annual pledge drives.
Fran and her boss, Michael, head, Technical Services |
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Louis and Fran became active in amateur musical theater, first with the Abington and then the Lenape Valley Music Theater. Fran is the accompanist for the Young People’s Theater Program sponsored by the Abington YMCA. Louis, sadly, passed away a few years ago.
Fran has seen many changes in her 30+ (!) years at the library. Most memorable was the end of the card catalog, for which she had so diligently typed cards for so many years. She wasn’t going to let that go to waste, so she carted home all the old cards and still uses them for scrap paper. She says her children love getting notes from her scribbled on the backs of old catalog cards.
- Lois Odabas |
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Miss Ellanie
For more information, http://abg.mclinc.org
Greetings! So much is happening here that I have quite a few things to tell you!
Grocery Shopping Benefits the Library - It’s time to re-register with eScrip!
Who knew our patrons could help the library so much just by going shopping?
From 1995 to 2005, Genuardi's and the Jenkintown Acme have given the library just over $35,000
to Books-on-CD and Adult Literacy through their community give-back programs.
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We still benefit when you bring us your Jenkintown Acme register tapes, but Genuardi's has switched to a program called eScrip, which tracks purchases by registered shoppers.
In order for the library to continue to receive contributions from Genuardi's, our patrons must register with eScrip each year.
Under the old turn-in-your-tapes system, the library received about $3,600 a year from Genuardi's and Acme. Unfortunately, because fewer people have signed up for eScrip, this system now yields only around $2,300 a year -- a drop of 64 percent!
It's easy to register. Just come by the library or go to abg.mclinc.org and click on "donate" under "Library FAQ." Remember, our group name is Abington Township Public Library and our group ID number is 1718260. Thanks so much!
WWII Lecture Series at Abington Free Library is ending -- The WWII Lecture Series has been quite a success story: eight years of well-attended monthly programs – just over 100 of them! We have coordinator Donald Lee to thank for its creation, popularity and ingenuity. Speakers have come from all branches of the armed forces on all continents and from many home fronts. We’ve listened to veterans’ experiences, seen fascinating memorabilia and even attended USO reenactments.
Don eventually delegated a lot of responsibilities to dedicated volunteers. They publicize the events, assist in fine-tuning the presentations, handle reservations, tape the programs, etc. But now Don needs to delegate everything. "It's cutting into my loafing time!" he jokes humbly. Sadly, without a leader, the series is coming to an end following the lecture on Dec. 20, 2005 . Thank you, Don, for your years of hard work! [late breaking news - As he's dedicated to the series and though he has no free time, Tom Brennan, volunteer, WWII collector and retired teacher, has offered to take over coordinating the WWIILS until Brandon Traister gets back from Iraq in April. Thank you, Tom!]
American Red Cross Blood Drive -- Come donate on Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Abington Township Building board room. The blood shortage in our area is critical! Schedule an appointment with Maria Wyrsta at 267-536-1003 or sign up online at www.pleasegiveblood.org. It's a tough week to donate, but the need is great. Thank you!
Abington Library has installed new software to expedite your time on the Internet -- You may go to any available workstation and begin your time. If no computer is available, go to the PC Reservation Station (on the bank of computers facing the information desk) and make a reservation. You will get a receipt with the time of your reservation and the number of the computer that will be reserved for you.
– Miss Ellanie (as told to Cathy Kress) |
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Winter 2005-06
Friends of Abington Library /News and Views
Inquire about our activities by calling 215 - 885 - 5180 ext. 36, http://abg.mclinc.org/friends/index.htm
The Friends wish to thank all who participated in our Election Day bake sale and the jewelry silent auction in November.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS are on sale at Roslyn Branch Library and at three locations in Abington Free
Library: upstairs at the Circulation Desk and on the lower level in the Children's Department and the Bookcellar. Books are $25 each. You can save much more than the cost of the book by using its coupons
for shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
VISIT OUR BOOKCELLAR -- New arrivals daily! See our wide range of fiction and nonfiction books along with
video and audiotapes, CDs and DVDs.
Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for Sunday hours.
THE FRIENDS INVITE YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER! Come meet our friendly group and enjoy the satisfaction of helping the library to grow.
Proceeds of all sales benefit Abington Libraries. - Friends of Abington Library, Bill Tinsman, president
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Please Note - These events occurred in the winter of 2005-06.
Winter 2005-06
From the Roslyn Branch Library
For information: 215-886-9818 or http://abg.mclinc.org/roslyn/index.htm
If you are unable to attend one or more sessions, kindly call the library in advance. This will allow others on the waiting list to attend the program as well as prevent waste of craft materials .
ROSLYN BOOK SALE! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. All books 25¢. Ongoing throughout the fall.
The Abington Township Public Libraries present |
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Festive fun for ages 2 and up! Join us for two FREE shows: |
Thursday, Dec 15, 7 p.m.
Abington Free Library Community Room
(215) 885-5180, ext. 28
Monday, Dec 19, 7 p.m.
Roslyn Branch Library
(215) 886-9818 |
Registration for both programs begins Dec 5. |
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FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Jan 16: Ages 2-5 from 6-6:45 p.m. Ages 6-12 from 7-8 p.m.
Stories, games, crafts, refreshments and more! Registration begins Jan 2.
PAJAMA PARTIES FOR AGES 3-6
Mondays from 6:30-7 p.m. , Jan 23, Feb 13, March 20
Registration begins Jan 9.
STORIES & SONGS + FINGERPLAYS A CRAFTS
Children are invited to wear their pajamas
and bring a stuffed animal to cuddle.
STORY TIMES FOR AGES 3-6
Mondays at 1:30 p.m. beginning Jan 23 and continuing through Feb 27.
STORY TIMES FOR AGES 2-3
Thursdays at 11 a.m. beginning Jan 26 and continuing through March 2.
Registration begins Jan 9.
DR. SEUSS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Feb 27: Ages 2-5 from 6-6:45 p.m. Ages 6-12 from 7-8 p.m.
Dr. Seuss's birthday is March 2. Celebrate with stories, crafts and refreshments!
Registration begins Feb 13.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
March 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Ages 5-12 Learn an Irish jig! Listen to Irish folktales!
Crafts and refreshments. Registration begins Feb 27.
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Please Note - These events occurred in the winter of 2005-06.
Winter 2005-06
Children's Department at Abington Free Library
For information please call 215-885-5180, ext. 28. http://abg.mclinc.org/childrens/index.htm
PUPPETS PIZZAZZ - Festive fun for ages 2 and up! Dec 15, 7 p.m. Registration is under way.
“OVERCOMING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP”
Thursday, Jan 5, registration begins Dec 19. 6:30-7 p.m. Parent mentoring time 7-8 p.m. Presentation by education consultants Andrea Trainer and Donna Randolph
This advocacy program will explore ways in which parents can maximize their children’s academic opportunities. All grade levels will be covered.
WINTER PRESCHOOL STORY TIMES
Week of Jan 9 through week of Feb 13. No advance registration required.
MORE GREAT PROGRAMS ARE IN THE WORKS!
FOR UPDATES PLEASE CHECK OUR WEB SITE: http://abg.mclinc.org
All programs will be held in the Community Room.
For more information call the Children’s Department
at (215) 885-5180, ext. 28.
2-year-olds: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
3-year-olds: Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m.
4-year-olds: Thursdays, 2-2:30 p.m.
TODDLER STORY TIMES
For children ages 12-23 months who are walking independently
Wednesday, Jan 18, 25, and Feb 1, 10:15-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:30 a.m.
Registration for Abington Township residents begins Jan 11.
Registration for out-of-township residents begins Jan 15.
LITTLE CRAWLERS STORY TIMES
For children ages 6 months and up who are not yet walking independently
Wednesday, Feb 15, 22, and March 1, 10:30-11 a.m.
Registration for Abington Township residents begins Feb 8.
Registration for out-of-township residents begins Feb 12.
DROP-IN STORY TIMES
Every Tuesday, 11-11:30 a.m., through May 23
For children of all ages. Led by members of the Jenkintown Kiwanis Club.
No advance registration required. Children must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.
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Please Note - These events occurred in the winter of 2005-06.
Winter 2005-06
Young Adult/Teens at Abington Free Library
For information: Linda Jones, Young Adult librarian, 215-885-5180, ext. 13, e-mail ljones@mclinc.org.
You may also ask at the adult information desk or go to http://abg.mclinc.org/teen_website/index.htm.
YOUNG ADULT READING OLYMPICS BOOK CLUB for Grades 9-12
Meet for discussion, pizza and drink on the first Thursday of the month from 7-8 p.m.
To register, contact Linda Jones at 215-885-5180, ext. 13.
Choose books from the following lists.
Jan 5
MYSTERY
Cry in the Night
Haunting of Hill House
So Yesterday
CLASSICS
Farewell to Arms
Inherit the Wind
To Kill a Mockingbird
Of Mice and Men
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Feb 2
NONFICTION
Black Like Me
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Riding the Bus With My Sister
Geeks
SCIENCE FICTION
Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus
Invasion: A Memoir
MULTICULTURAL
Kite Runner
The Wedding |
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March 2
BIOGRAPHY
It’s Not About the Bike
Chinese Cinderella
Angela’s Ashes
Bad Boy: A Memoir
Persepolis
WAR
Honk and Holler Opening Soon
Things They Carried
Journey Back
Farewell to Arms |
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Please Note - These events occurred in the winter of 2005-06.
Winter 2005-06
Adult Programs at Abington Free Library
For information contact Library Office 215-885-5180, ext. 15, http://abg.mclinc.org/calendar/AdultPrograms.htm
DAYTIME BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP – Every 1st Thursday at 1 p.m.
Jan 5 - Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama
Feb 2 - Remember Me by Trezza Azzopardi
March 2 - The Other Boleyn Girl: A Novel by Philippa Gregory
April 6 - Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return to his Jewish Family by Stephen J. Dubner
OLD YORK ROAD GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY - Every 2nd Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Dec 13 - Holiday program - circle discussion
Jan 10 - Bring your family heirloom and tell the interesting story.
Feb 14 - Road locks - panel discussion of how to break through your brick walls
March 13 - Map Madness - Bring a map of your ancestor's residence, country, cemetery and tell us the story behind it.
April 11 - Dinner at Williamson Restaurant - Thomas Keels, author of Philadelphia Graveyards & Cemeteries
SOCRATES CAFÉ – Every 2nd Wednesday from 10:30 – noon .
Giving Philosophy Back to the People. Open discussion.
WORLD WAR II LECTURE SERIES – Tuesday at 3 & 7 p.m. Read “Miss Ellanie” for WWIILS news.
Dec 20 - The 422 nd Regimental Combat Team at St. Vith , Belgium with Samuel Fineberg
THE RUTH R. ABEL MEMORIAL SEMINAR at 7 p.m. in the Shorday Room.
Dec 14 - Discussion on Walk on Water, a film by Eytan Fox.
Dr. Richard Tyre is our discussion leader. Registration is a must! Call 215-885-5180, ext. 15
IN 2006 ABINGTON WILL CELEBRATE ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY AS A FIRST-CLASS TOWNSHIP
The library is working out the details for a “One Book, One Abington” program. The book will be Riding the Bus with My Sister, written by local author Rachel Simon. An event with the author will be held Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Call the library for details, 215-885-5180, ext. 15.
GRAMMAR, COME ALIVE – Thursdays at 10 a.m. in the Shorday Room.
March 9, 16 & 23 - Bring grammar to life with Prof. Burton Klein.
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Please Note - These events occurred in the winter of 2005-06.
Winter 2005-06
Adult and Family Literacy at Abington Free Library
For information 215-885-5183 or http://abg.mclinc.org/adult_literacy/index.htm
TUTOR SUPPORT MEETING
March 15 -- 7 p.m. Health Literacy: How we can help ABE and ESL students.
Guest speaker from the medical profession.
LEARNING STYLES
April 11 -- 7 p.m. How do we learn, how do our students learn, and "This Works for Me."
SPRING TUTOR TRAINING. Both nights mandatory!
April 17 and 18 -- 6:30-8:45 p.m.
TUTOR SUPPORT MEETING
May 10 -- 7 p.m. New materials for ABE, GED and ESL tutors.
TUTOR-STUDENT RECEPTION
June 14 -- 7:30 p.m. Gala reception to honor all tutors and students. Plan to come!
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