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From our MAC* How Far Can You Go @ Abington Library? ...
Staff Spotlight - Heidi Bardsley ...
Volunteer Spotlight - Eileen Angelini ...
Miss Ellanie - One Book, WWII, Abington Collaborative Project ...
Friends
Calendar of Events:
Adults I Young Adults/Teens I Children I Roslyn Branch
The Ab Lib from Spring 2006 Vol. 5, No. 1
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From our MAC* How Far Can You Go @ Abington Library?
What’s that inverted salad bowl in the ceiling? It’s the cone of silence, and I’m Agent 99, the intrepid mistress of all things technical at Abington Library. Abington Library offers a wealth of electronic resources. From planning a trip to Japan to writing a paper on our incredible inner worlds to fixing the Chevy for a trip “down the shore,” we can help.
Our Internet computers are so popular we had to limit their use to 60 minutes per patron per day.
Using Envisionware, you can reserve a computer when you walk in the door and spend your wait time browsing the stacks. You can use your minutes all at once or over several sessions; Envisionware keeps the count for you.
Our Computer Center offers Microsoft Office Suite as well as Adobe Acrobat 5.0, PhotoShop 7.0, and typing tutor. Plus, you can burn CDs.
Our website (abg.mclinc.org) is a portal into many worlds. Click on “Power Library” for databases covering everything from Searchasaurus (K-5 th grades) to the ERIC professional development collection to the Auto Repair Reference Center (about that Chevy).
Click on the Abington Collaborative Project for an excellent collection of websites vetted for accuracy and scope.
Our online catalog shows you not only what books we have but helps you order books from another library, prints title lists in bibliographical format or finds you the score of the “Fantastiks.” And, on our web site (abg.mclinc.org), it’s all available from home, 24/7, with your library card.
Finally, keep your eye out for our ladybug computers, debuting next month. Just for the toddler set, they feature jumbo keyboards, ladybug accessories and a suite of preschool software.
People always ask me if I went to school for this. Actually, I went to school for Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, proving that anyone can learn to use a computer and go more places than they ever dreamed @ the library.
* MCLINC Automation Coordinator
- Lois Odabas
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Volunteer Spotlight – Dr. Eileen Angelini
Eileen Angelini embodies enthusiasm.
Fortunately, she has many ways to channel it, as a professor, writer, exercise instructor, tennis coach,
mom – and library volunteer.
Eileen joined the Friends of the Abington Township Public Library in 2003 to help support the
Roslyn Branch. She organizes fund-raisers, keeps the Friends informed about branch events, and
generally looks for ways to help out. “The Roslyn Branch is such a warm and inviting branch for
young children,” Eileen says. “It’s got a huge personal touch.”
Eileen fondly recalls her hometown library in Leominster , Massachusetts . In 1976, as part of her school’s Bicentennial studies, the children read biographies. Eileen, who loved “Little Women,” chose a book about Louisa May Alcott. After that, she was hooked. “I read every single biography of every single woman in the library in alphabetical order!” Eileen recalls with a laugh.
Her love of reading – and learning – have stood her well. Eileen has a Ph.D. in French studies from Brown University , and is an associate professor of foreign languages and director of the foreign language program at Philadelphia University (where she also met her husband, Bob O’Malley). Among her many writing credits, she is co-author of three upcoming student editions of classic French works. She also co-produced and directed “La France Divisée,” a World War II documentary.
A believer in the “healthy body/healthy mind” connection, Eileen teaches fitness at the Hatboro Area YMCA, as well as classes for expectant and new mothers through Abington Memorial Hospital . She also has coached at international tennis tournaments for scholar-athletes.
When Eileen and family moved to Roslyn in 2001, they were hoping to find a library that they could walk to – and the Roslyn Branch fit the bill. Ever since, Eileen and daughter Maureen have been regulars, attending Baby Days and eventually graduating to story times and Pajama Parties. Today, at the age of 6, Maureen comfortably “knows her way around” the children’s collection.
“That’s worth a million dollars to me!” Eileen says – with, of course, enthusiasm.
– Cathy Kress
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Staff Spotlight – Heidi Bardsley
Ever need to know what's going on at the library? Just ask Heidi Bardsley. Somehow she's always in the know. But then she should know the ins and outs of this library – she's been here 26 years!
Heidi has lived in Abington or Roslyn her whole life. She was born in 1952 right after twin brothers and right after her parents bought their first house. A sister and another brother came after, making her the middle child. Soon after her birth, Heidi had to have surgery. She has had some troubles, but overcame them, even winning an award for just that in high school. She went to Manor Junior College , originally going for a library science degree, but after the college dropped that program, she graduated with a
general liberal arts degree. While at Manor, a nun at the library wanted to tutor Heidi, but was told she couldn't. Heidi has always felt gratitude toward that librarian.
After graduation, Heidi worked at an insurance agency, then at Home Health Care in Blue Bell, eventually winding up in Springfield Township for five years. Because Heidi doesn't drive, getting there became too difficult. Since she loves to read, she started volunteering at our library, which led to full-time work here in 1981. "And the rest," she says with a shy smile, "is history." Here, she is the manager of the bulletin board in the foyer. She also gets the newspapers and copiers ready for the public. She shelf-reads and does shelf-straightening (makes sure books are in order and neat). She does a myriad of other jobs whenever asked.
Heidi loves to travel. She's been all over Europe from Scandinavia to Greece and in the United States from Alaska to Florida . She’s also been to Australia and New Zealand . She enjoys traveling solo but in group tours. That way she does what she wants and doesn't have to figure out how to get places. Michael Rechel, head of Technical Services, calls her independently wealthy, but Heidi offers a different reason for her ability to travel: "Hey, listen, I don't own a car. So that's no insurance bills, gas, inspection or repairs."
Heidi plays recorder with four others at Glenside United Church of Christ. She has mastered the sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorders. She also plays handbells at Abington Presbyterian Church. She reads "romance novels." When asked if she meant "bodice-rippers" she looked shocked and quickly said, "No, Danielle Steel, Judith Michael, that sort, not bodice-rippers!"
Heidi has a talent for anything culinary. Like her mother before her, Heidi subscribes to "Tastes of Home" magazine and explores recipes there. When the library made up a staff cookbook, she had the most entries: six recipes, mostly desserts. Ask Heidi for anything chocolate and you'll be in heaven.
As Heidi sums up, "I like to keep busy and I try very hard at everything I do."
-Karen Burnham
 Miss Ellanie
For more information, email: kburnham@mclinc.org, http://abg.mclinc.org
ONE BOOK, ONE ABINGTON – Riding the Bus with My Sister by Rachel Simon
On March 1, Abington Township Public Library initiated its first "One Book, One Abington"
program with the book, Riding the Bus with My Sister, by local author Rachel Simon.
Rachel has been well-known in this library for many years. To add flavor to her writing, she used
library books for research and, when she launched her first novel ( The Magic Touch), she chose
this library as one of the first places in which to do so.
Ms. Simon presented a moving slide-show that illuminated the story of her relationship with her sister, Beth. Rachel spoke candidly about her struggle with relating to Beth, who has been diagnosed as mentally retarded.
Beth has one main activity: She rides buses. All day. Actually, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. She has her favorite seat and - of course - her favorite drivers. She keeps a list of her top 10 favorite drivers and these ratings change frequently, depending upon the driver's behavior.
For years, Rachel felt that the best way she could demonstrate her love was to "take care of” Beth, essentially, by controlling her life. This caused a great strain on their relationship. After a lengthy estrangement, Rachel decided that the best way to get to know her sister would be to participate in Beth's daily routines, which consist, chiefly, of "serial bus riding." Rachel became fascinated and learned that there are other people who also pursue this activity.
The most important lesson that Rachel (and, I hope, the audience) learned is that when you love someone, you love who they are; trying to change or control these qualities is not love. Once you realize this, the relationship changes totally. A lesson Rachel is glad she learned.
WWII LECTURE SERIES AT ABINGTON FREE LIBRARY IS CONTINUING! Tom Brennan has stepped into Don Lee’s shoes by managing the WWII Lecture Series – at least until Brandon Traister gets back from Iraq in May. “I just couldn’t see it fading away or even stopping for a few months,” Tom explains. “It’s just too valuable an event – too many stories have to be told. I don’t really know what I’m doing, but with help, we can limp along.” Tom has often enhanced the veterans’ stories with his collection of WWII artifacts. He even has the jeep that appeared in the movie M*A*S*H! And again, thank you, Don, for your years of hard work!
ABINGTON COLLABORATIVE PROJECT Ever “Google” something and come up with hundreds of thousands of hits, finding that most are not helpful? Enter the Abington Collaborative Project, an effort to create a site that provides valuable, trusted source listings for major subject areas. The project is the result of collaboration among librarians and the web page developer at Abington Township Public Library and students and teachers at Abington High School .
From this site you can compare animal skeletons at eskeletons.org, find out what 1950s America was really like, or discover which career is best suited for you. Students can use the site to improve their information-seeking abilities as well as to help them progress in independent research, thus developing necessary college skills.
This quality resource is freely available from the library’s website, abg.mclinc.org. There are plans to add more subjects, a search feature, and a visual map drawn by student Naomi Hardy.
Credits: This project would not be possible without the inspiration, hard work and expertise of Jay Bhatt, reference librarian at Abington Township Public Library, and Naomi Hardy, Abington High School junior, poet laureate and library volunteer. Valuable support from Nancy Hammeke Marshall, executive director of Abington Township Public Library; Mimi Satterthwaite, Reference Department head at Abington Township Public Library, and B.J. Neary, Abington High School librarian. Thanks also go to Karen Burnham, webmaster of Abington Township Public Library.
– Miss Ellanie (as told to Jeanne Zucker, Michael Rechel and Karen Burnham)
Roslyn Branch Library
For information: 215- 886-9818 or http://abg.mclinc.org/roslyn/index.htm
ROSLYN BOOK SALE !
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
All book-sale-books are 25¢. Ongoing.
MASTER GARDENER SERIES - All ages welcome.
Join us on Monday nights from 7-8 p.m. for a series of Master Gardener programs.
March 20 - Gardening in Small Spaces with Elaine Hannock: Learn how to create a fabulous front/backyard garden.
April 3 - Simply Roses-a Practical Approach to Their Selection and Care with Mary McKnight: An introductory class, with recommendations for roses that would be suited to our area.
April 10 - Seed Propagation/Seed Starting with Peggy Rastiello: Hands on demonstration with easy to grow seeds.
All of the presenters are Penn State Master Gardener volunteers. Registration begins March 7.
Sign up for the entire series or register for each program separately.
SPRING STORY TIMES
March 20 - May 25. Registration begins March 6.
Ages 3-6: Mondays at 1:30 p.m.
Ages 2-3: Thursdays at 11 a.m. This program is meant for the child and parent/caregiver to enjoy as a pair.
BABY DAYS - ages 8 months - 2 years.
March 21 & 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 11 a.m. Registration begins March 7.
Babies and caregivers will sing songs, read stories and do finger plays.
Celebrate National Library Week at the Abington Township Public Libraries!
DAVE SMITH - ONE-MAN SIDESHOW - Fun for ages 5 & up
Juggling, unicycling, plate spinning, comedy & more!
Two FREE, 45-minute shows:
Monday, March 27 – 7 p.m. Roslyn Branch Library Registration begins March 7.
Wednesday, April 5 – 7 p.m. Abington Free Library Registration begins March 27.
ART AT THE LIBRARY - ages 6-10.
Join artist Diana Trout from 7-8 p.m. Limited to 20 children each session.
Please register for each program separately. Registration begins April 3.
April 24 - Diana will read and discuss the book Bedhead by Margie Palatini
and then have the children do a self-portrait using pencils and markers.
May 1 - Diana will read The Dotby Peter H. Reynolds and initiate a discussion about the
creative process and artistic blocks. The children will then draw one of their favorite things.
May 8 - Diana will read the book Tar Beachby Faith Ringgold and then have the children make a story quilt.
KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE for children entering kindergarten in the fall and their parents.
Saturday, May 6,
11 a.m. - noon – Listen to stories, make a craft, tour Roslyn Branch, and have fun
while you learn about the library!
PAJAMA PARTIES FOR AGES 3-6
Monday, May 15, June 5 & 12, 6:30-7 p.m.
Registration begins April 24 . STORIES, SONGS, FINGERPLAYS, CRAFTS
Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to cuddle.
Roslyn READS! for Beginner Readers. It is important to practice your reading over the summer! The Roslyn Branch is offering a fun program where beginner readers in kindergarten through entering 3 rd grade will be matched with a young adult (age 12-17) to listen to stories and practice reading aloud. Program dates: June 26 – Aug 14.
Monday afternoons from 1:30-2:30 p.m. OR Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration begins May 30.
Roslyn READS! for Young Adults. Would you like to help young children (kindergarten through 3 rd grade) practice their reading skills over the summer? The Roslyn Branch is seeking young adult volunteers (ages 12-17) to help in this worthwhile endeavor. You can sign up for one hour per week--you get to read some great children's books and inspire young children to become successful readers! Required training session: Join us at Abington Free Library on Monday, June 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a workshop on read-aloud techniques. Registration begins May 30. Program dates: June 26–Aug 14 Monday afternoons from 1:30-2:30 p.m. OR Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Registration begins June 6. Earn service learning hours! Certificates will be awarded.
Please arrive on time for the program!
We urge that each child obtain a library card. Your child will enjoy choosing books each week and having you read to him or her at home. Have your MCLINC card ready when checking out books.
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.
All Roslyn programs are FREE!
Abington READS! – for beginning readers This program is designed to offer encouragement in reading to young readers who have completed kindergarten, 1 st and 2 nd grades. Your child will have the opportunity to listen to stories, practice reading aloud and select books to borrow with their young adult partner (a Junior/Senior High student). The summer is an important time for young readers to practice and gain confidence in their reading ability. Program begins June 20 and runs until Aug 8. Sessions: Select one session per week: Mondays from 6-7 p.m. * OR Mondays from 7-8 p.m. *
Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays from 11 a.m. - noon . *Mon, July 3 TBA. Sign-ups will begin on May 30.
See the Young Adult/Teens article for more information. Sign up at the Information Desk.
Children's Department at Abington Free Library
For information please call 215- 885- 5180, ext. 28. http://abg.mclinc.org/childrens/index.htm
SPRING PRESCHOOL STORY TIMES
Week of March 6 through week of April 10. No advance registration required.
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.
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.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK at the Abington Township Public Libraries!
DAVE SMITH ~ ONE-MAN SIDESHOW ~ Juggling, unicycling, plate spinning, comedy & more!
Fun for ages 5 & up. Two FREE, 45-minute shows:
Monday, March 27 - 7 p.m. Roslyn Branch Library Registration begins March 7.
Wednesday, April 5 - 7 p.m. Abington Free Library (Community Room) Registration begins March 27.
BOOK DISCUSSION for homeschoolers in grades 4-6
Tuesday, April 11, 3-4 p.m. Featured book: When the Circus Came to Town by Laurence Yep. Registration begins March 27.
WORLD WAR II SERIES FOR AGES 7 & UP - PARENTS & TEENS WELCOME!
April 27 from 7-8 p.m. - Japanese-Americans in Combat
Allen Okamoto was a foot soldier with the 100th-442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all-volunteer,
Japanese-American fighting unit established in 1943. Mr. Okamoto will share what it was like to fight
on the front lines in Italy and France . Registration begins Monday, April 17.
KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE for children entering kindergarten in the fall and their parents.
Saturday, April 29, 10-11 a.m. – Listen to stories, make a craft, tour the Children’s Department,
and have fun while you learn about the library!
SCIENCE IN THE SUMMER for children who have completed grades 1-5
A four-day course on bioscience will be offered Monday, June 26 – Thursday, June 29. Morning and
afternoon sessions will be available. Children may enter registration lottery starting Monday, May 22.
All programs will be held in the Community Room.
For more information call the Children’s Department
at (215) 885-5180, ext. 28.
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MORE GREAT PROGRAMS ARE IN THE WORKS!
FOR UPDATES PLEASE CHECK OUR WEB SITE:
http://abg.mclinc.org
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.
A workshop for high school students and parents …
IVY LEAGUE AND HIGH LEVEL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: How to Successfully Navigate the Admissions
Process. Workshop leader: Byron L. Goldstein, independent college admissions counselor
March 23 from 7 - 8:15 p.m. Registration begins March 1.
DRAWING GAMES - Thursday, April 20 from 7-8 p.m. Sign-up begins April 3. Everyone can be an artist!
Play some fun drawing games. Develop your drawings into abstract art pieces by adding watercolors or markers and patterns.
ORIGAMI CLUB - Wednesdays March 22, April 26, May 17, 7-8 p.m. Call to register.
Join Diana Trout and have fun learning origami – the art of folding. Beginning and experienced folders are invited. Learn basic folds, the vocabulary, culture and history of origami, following instructions in origami books, and much more.
MUSIC TO ART - Grades 7 – 12, Thursday, May 18, 7 – 8 p.m. You are invited to bring CDs and MP3s of your favorite music. We’ll make mixed media art pieces in response to the music. After a basic drawing is completed, the shapes can be colored in. Your finished artwork can be developed while listening to your favorite music. Anyone can be an artist!
TEEN JOURNALING Ages 13–18. Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Join Diana Trout (artist and journaling enthusiast) for creative journaling. Use art, poetry and writing to put your thoughts on paper. Bring your own journal or notebook, other supplies provided. Registration begins June 5.
Abington READS! – for Young Adults Abington READS will give you the opportunity to volunteer to help younger students (kindergarten - 2 nd grade) practice reading over the summer. We need young adults (ages 12-17) to help in this successful program. Sign up for one hour per week for at least 4 weeks.
Required Training Session: Join us on Mon, June 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to learn read-aloud techniques.
Registration begins May 30. Program begins Tues, June 20 and runs until Aug 8. Registration begins May 30. Sessions: Mondays from 6-7 p.m. *, Mondays from 7-8 p.m. *, Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays from 11-noon *Mon, July 3 TBA
Adult Programs at Abington Free Library
For information: 215-885-5180, ext. 15, http://abg.mclinc.org/calendar/AdultPrograms.htm or kburnham@mclinc.org
WWII LECTURE SERIES – CONTINUES! - 3rd Tuesday at 3 & 7 p.m. Thank you, Tom Brennan, for continuing this series!
March 21 - Sam Feinberg on his experiences after January 1945.
April 18 - Leigh Fraser on her experiences at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp with display items by Tom Brennan.
A workshop for high school students and parents …
IVY LEAGUE AND HIGH LEVEL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: How to Successfully Navigate the
Admissions Process Workshop leader: Byron L. Goldstein, independent college admissions counselor
March 23 from 7-8:15 p.m. Registration begins March 1.
SOCRATES CAFÉ - Every second Wednesday of the month from 10:30 - noon
New - Additional day and time! Every fourth Friday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.
DAYTIME BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP - 1st Thursday at 1 p.m.
April 6 - Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return to His Jewish Family by Stephen J. Dubner
May 4 - The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
June 1 - Summer by Edith Wharton
OLD YORK ROAD GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY - 2nd Tuesday, 7-8:45 p.m.
April 11 - Dinner at Williamson Restaurant - Thomas Keels, author of Philadelphia Graveyards & Cemeteries
May 9 - Upper Moreland Historical Society - Joe Thomas oral histories and artifacts from the society.
June 13 - Flag program
ADULT LITERACY
April 11 - 7 p.m. – Learning Styles: how do we learn, how do our students learn, and “This Works for Me.”
April 17 & 18 - 6:30–8:45 p.m. – Spring tutor training. Both nights mandatory!
May 10 - 7 p.m. – Tutor support meeting. New materials for ABE, GED, ESL.
June 14 - 7:30 p.m. – Tutor-Student Reception to honor all tutors and students.
RUTH ABEL MEMORIAL SEMINAR – 7 p.m.
April 19 - Poetry of Ted Kooser, Poet Laureate. Packets available soon.
May 17 - Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Books available for purchase soon.
June 17 - To Be Announced
SOCIETY HILL AND OLD CITY – 7 p.m.
May 25 - Forensic architect and author of books on Philadelphia architecture, Robert Morris Skaler discusses his latest book, Society Hill and Old City. which tells the story of the two neighborhoods from Colonial times through neglect to restoration.
Friends of Abington Libraries - News & 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 still on sale at the Abington Free Library upstairs at the Circulation Desk.
Books are $25 each. You can save a great deal more than the cost of the book by using coupons for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Get yours while supplies last!
VISIT OUR BOOKCELLAR – See our new arrivals daily! Our wide range of fiction and nonfiction books along with video and audiotapes, CDs and DVDs are waiting for your purchase.
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 sociable group and enjoy the comradery and satisfaction of helping our library to grow.
Proceeds of all sales benefit Abington Libraries.
- Friends of Abington Library, Bill Tinsman, President
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