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From our Director - Format Choices ...
Staff Spotlight - M.G.Snyder ...
Volunteer Spotlight - Turquoise ... Reference Department News ...
Miss Ellanie - Summer Programs, Audio to Go, CoinOp Printing ...
Friends
Calendar of Events:
Adults I Young Adults/Teens I Children I Roslyn Branch
The Ab Lib from Summer 2006 Vol. 5, No. 2
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From our Director
Everything I know about the Civil War came from reading Gone With the Wind. As a child growing up in the Midwest , everything I knew about Judaism came from the All-of-a-Kind Family series of books.
Recently, I received a spam email from somebody selling the All-of-a-Kind Family series on CD.
And to the dismay of my family, I spent a great deal of Memorial Day weekend supine on the couch, watching eight hours of the new Gone With the Wind Collector’s DVD edition – and there are eight more hours to go!
So, all these years later, these wonderful titles are available in many formats: the book, the large-print book, on tape, on CD, video, DVD, and, as of June, via downloadable audio. The library provides these classic, almost ancient  , books in the most modern ways possible. It is important to us to preserve the best of the past.
But right now the Library is thinking about its future: We are in the midst of conducting a five-year Strategic Plan that will identify the community needs and building requirements. We hope to identify and prioritize our roles in the community, address the impact of technology on our operations, identify barriers that prevent some people from using the library and take a good look at the building.
So far, the process has been rewarding and fun! The staff and trustees are busy interviewing community leaders, library users, and local officials. We are learning a lot about our staff and services – most of it extremely positive. One person we interviewed said: “I’m impressed by the fact that the library is conducting this planning process.
It is pro-active, and I hope it is coming from a position of strength.” The process is coming from a position of strength, and we look forward to presenting the plan to the public in the fall.
- Nancy Hammeke Marshall
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Volunteer Spotlight – Turquoise Walker-McKissick
So, you’re planning a wedding and you need to find the sheet music for “Till There Was You.” Or you need the printed music of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables to prepare for an audition. You may want to find any of thousands of other songs, for any number of reasons. You can find them in our library’s collection by keyword searching the song title in the online catalog. But did you ever wonder why - or how - these songs came to be listed in our catalog?
Look no further than Turquoise Walker-McKissick, a dedicated 16-year-old volunteer from Abington High School . Almost every Tuesday during the past two school years, Turquoise has spent hours typing every song title listed in the dozens of songbooks in our collection. What a wonderful service for our library’s clientele!
An Abington native, soft-spoken Turquoise attended Roslyn Elementary School . In September, she will be a senior at AHS, where she has been active in Key Club; CPYA, a community service group; and the NAACP. She has a brother and a sister, enjoys dancing and singing, and, for a while, ran track. When asked, Turquoise is decisive about her desire to attend Spelman College , the distinguished and historically black college for women in Atlanta . She aspires to become a lawyer.
During her two years of volunteer service at the library, Turquoise also assisted with the removal of nearly 12,000 discarded items from our database and played a pivotal role in identifying and preparing individual records for some 300 volumes of the Dictionary of Literary Biography that were added to the database. Of late, she has been responsible for pulling music CDs with broken jewel cases (more than 200, to date!) and replacing these cases with sturdier, less breakable containers.
Turquoise’s hard work and determination have yielded unseen benefits that are, nevertheless, deeply appreciated by library staff and clientele. Her efforts have enhanced the library’s services to the community, and her quiet, gracious presence is a pleasure to all of us who work with her.
– Michael Rechel
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Staff Spotlight – M. G. Snyder
Sometimes it takes the biggest heart to do the smallest job. Such is the case with M.G. Snyder. (We know what M.G. stands for, but we’ll never tell!) M.G. works at our Roslyn Branch and at Abington. In both libraries a good part of her job consists of paying attention to small details. She listens to and repairs books on tape, videos, books-on-CD and DVDs. At Roslyn, she also works the circulation desk and processes new books.
M.G. was born in the East Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and attended Melrose Academy
as a child. Believe it or not, she met her late husband Jack in first grade. Although he went to a different school, she spotted him at church. He was wearing a sailor suit with a big red sailor tie and collar, and he had curly red hair to boot. She didn’t see him again until 7 th grade, when the young rascal whistled as he sped by her house on his delivery route. Their first date (in high school) was a trolley ride up Old York Road to the old Yorktown Theater in Elkins Park .
Jack was called to serve in WWII, although he was honorably discharged after a training accident and before he could see combat. M.G. went to the University of Pennsylvania and majored in kindergarten and primary education. There were, as she says, “men at Penn,” but it was Jack who met her at the altar four years after she graduated.
M.G. taught for four years before she got married. She had three children and stayed home to rear them. When her youngest hit high school, she went back to substitute teaching and then taught remedial reading in the Cheltenham School District for several years.
When she retired from teaching for good, she found she needed to stay involved with her community, which led her to Abington Library in 1983. She has been here and at Roslyn ever since.
M.G. treasures the quiet workspace at the library; but she is anything but quiet herself. She has a wry sense of humor, she loves to eat out and she loves the seashore.
– Lois Odabas
Reference Department News - For more information http://abg.mclinc.org
NEW BOOKS recently purchased for the Reference Collection will help high school students doing literary research. We were delighted to add the Twayne Companion to Contemporary Literature in English to our list of resources. This two-volume set contains important criticisms of works such as The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Mama Day by Gloria Naylor. We have also recently acquired The Oxford Book of American Poetry and The Oxford Companion to the Photograph.
AUDIO TO GO – The Library is excited to offer a new service that provides downloadable audio books.
You will need your library card, a computer with Internet access, Windows Media Player (Series 9) and free digital audio book software called OverDrive Media Console. The collection consists of more than 450 titles, ranging in topics and genres. The materials are suitable for children, young adults and adults. What a great way to start the summer – selecting and downloading your audio book from home! Thanks go to the District Center in Norristown for making this available to all Montgomery County residents.
SUMMER COMPUTER CLASSES will be offered during July and August. For classes on the Internet, Word and Excel sign up at the Information Desk or call 215-885-5180 and then press 5.
Please stop by and visit us soon at the Information Desk! – Mimi Satterthwaite, Head of Reference
Miss Ellanie - For more information: http://abg.mclinc.org
Summer is filled with wonderful library programs for all ages!
See Abington's Summer Reading Club and Roslyn's Summer Reading Club. This year’s theme is “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales.”
Abington READS! and Roslyn READS! are in full swing.
Express Yourself, the popular teen journaling program, will start in July.
In the WWII Lecture Series, Sgt. Brandon Traister will compare Iraq to wars past.
Burton Klein’s Travel Series is not to be missed !
Learn about the “Art of Looking at Art.”
There’s even a guitar workshop series!
Read more about these and other programs in this publication.
Check out Audio to Go in Reference Department News - downloadable audio books with no late fees!
The library now has a coin-operated print release station. Pages printed from computers
on the main floor, including the Computer Center, have to be paid for to be “released”.
The prices remain the same: black and white pages are 15¢ and color pages are 50¢ each.
Come see the 4th Annual Abington Book Cart Drill Team in Glenside ’s 4th of July Parade!
- Miss Ellanie (as told to Karen Burnham)
Friends of Abington Libraries - News & Views
Inquire about our activities by calling 215 - 885 - 5180 ext. 36, http://abg.mclinc.org/friends/index.htm
SILENT AUCTION - Please donate unique, small collectibles, accessories, jewelry and miscellaneous items from now until August for the Silent Auction. Bid during September on these articles in the library display case.
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.
Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri; noon - 4 p.m. , Wed; noon - 8:30 p.m. , Sat; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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
Roslyn Branch Library
For information: 215 - 886 - 9818 or http://abg.mclinc.org/roslyn/index.htm
ROSLYN SUMMER READING PROGRAM! See website and flyers
Children of ALL ages may participate by reading for details.
independently, reading with others, or being read to by a friend or family member. Children read for at least 20 minutes a day and record the titles in a log.
Bring your children in to register starting June 15. Each child will receive a reading log, a coupon for a free Rita’s water ice, and a place on our recognition wall. Upon com-pleting the program each child will also receive a free book.
HOP IN FOR SUMMER FUN!
PRESCHOOL FUN DAYS
Stories, songs and crafts. Registration begins June 26.
Thursdays for ages 2-3, 11-11:30a.m. or Tuesdays for ages 3-6, 11-11:30 a.m.
July 6, 11 - SOMETHING FISHY
July 13, 18 - BACKYARD BUGS
July 20, 25 - PUPPY PALS
July 27, Aug 1 - FUN AT THE FARM
Aug 3, 8 - PIG PIZZAZZ
Aug 10, 15 - FEATHERED FRIENDS
PAJAMA PARTIES FOR AGES 3-6
On Monday evenings from 6:30-7 p.m.
June 5 and 12 Call to register.
STORIES, SONGS, FINGERPLAYS, CRAFTS
Children are invited to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to cuddle.
Children ages 5 and up can play the
PAWS, CLAWS SCALES AND TALES GAME
Earn coupons that you can trade for prizes from our treasure chest. You can participate at any time.
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS Fridays, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
BRING LUNCH & A BEVERAGE. DESSERT WILL BE PROVIDED.
For children entering 2nd or 3rd grade
July 7 - Jake Drake, Bully Buster by Andrew Clements Regis. & book pickup June 19.
July 21 - Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade by Suzy Kline - Regis. & book pickup July 3. For children entering 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade
July 14 - Harry Kitten and Tucker Mouse by George Selden Regis. & book pickup June 26.
IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE
Barnes & Noble Bookseller is sponsoring a special event on
Friday, Aug 25 at 2 p.m. for children ages 3 and up.
A costumed character and special reader will delight youngsters with the book
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff.
Bring your camera!
Registration begins August 7.
FAMILY FUN DAYS FOR AGES 3 AND UP
Six Fridays, 11 a.m. (Shows run 45-60 minutes) July 14th Bike Safety program starts 10 a.m.
JULY 7 - ANIMAL MENAGERIE - Explore the world of animals with singer-entertainer Allison DeSalvo.
Registration begins June 26.
JULY 14 - Two separate programs
BIKE SAFETY with Pat Fallon (Mont. Co. Health Dept.) Play Bike Jeopardy. Enter a raffle. Someone will go home with a new bike helmet!
FURRY FABLES - Let storyteller Kristin Pedemonti guide you “Around the World with Animal Folktales.”
Registration begins July 3.
JULY 21 - BASIC PET CARE - Kimberly Bonnani, humane educator from the Montgomery County SPCA , will teach you about basic pet care with a live dog, cat and bunny! Registration begins July 10.JULY 28 - REPTILE RAMBLINGS - Like reptiles? You’ll love James Galloway’s skinks and snakes. Touch the animals after the show. Registration begins July 17.
AUG 4 - ANIMAL MAGIC - Ventriloquist-magician Linda Holliday’s tricks will keep you guessing! Registration begins July 24.
AUG 11 - MAGIC TREE HOUSE (BOOKS 1-3) - Favorite performer Mr. Malcolm brings three “Jack and Annie” stories to life. Registration begins July 31.
ROSLYN BOOK SALE! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. All sale books are 25¢. Ongoing.
ROSLYN READS! FOR BEGINNING READERS
The Roslyn Branch is offering a fun program where readers entering first through third grades will be matched with a young adult (ages 12-17) to listen to stories and practice reading aloud. The young adults will receive training on read-aloud and listening techniques. Program dates: June 26 – Aug 14; Mondays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration begins May 30.
ROSLYN READS! FOR YOUNG ADULTS
The Roslyn Branch is seeking young adult volunteers (ages 12-17) to help in this worthwhile endeavor. Sign up for one hour per week, read some great children's books and inspire young children to become successful readers! Required Training Session:: Come to Abington Free Library on Mon, 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; Mondays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Children's Department at Abington Free Library
For information please call 215 - 885 - 5180, ext. 28. http://abg.mclinc.org/childrens/index.htm
ABINGTON SUMMER READING CLUB! See website and flyers
Children of ALL ages may participate by reading independently, for details.
reading with others, or being read to by a friend or family member. Children read for at least 20 minutes a day and record the titles in a log.
Bring your children in to register starting June 15. Each child will receive a reading log, a coupon for a free Rita’s water ice, and a place on our recognition wall. Upon completing the program each child will also receive a free book.
HOP IN FOR SUMMER FUN!
All participants must be Abington Township residents.
PRESCHOOL FUN DAYS for ages 2-3
Thursdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:30 a.m.
June 22 - Flutterby, Butterflies Regis. begins 6/12.
July 6 - Mr. Golden Sun Regis. begins 6/26.
July 20 - Bumbling, Buzzing Bumblebees Regis. begins 7/10.
Aug 3 - Use Your Noodle Regis. begins 7/24.
PERFECT PET CARE for ages 4 and up
Aug 3, 7-8 p.m. Veterinarian Dr. Christina White will explain how to keep pets healthy. Meet her golden retriever and make a pet tag. Registration begins July 24.
JUNIOR FUN DAYS for ages 4-6
Mondays, 10:15-11 a.m. or 11:15-noon
July 10 - DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Regis. begins 6/26.
July 24 - DOWN ON THE FARM Regis. begins 7/10.
Aug 7 - S-S-S-SNAKE STORIES Regis. begins 7/24.
DOGGONE GOOD READERS for ages 7-9
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26; 10:15-10:45 OR 11-11:30 a.m.
Practice your reading to a licensed therapy dog. Bring your own books or choose from a selection provided by the library. Advance registration is required, beginning July 17.
BOOK BUDDIES for children entering 2nd or 3rd grade
Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Now offering each discussion twice!
Session 1 : July 6 - Arthur and the Lost Diary Regis. & book pickup June 22.
July 13 - 26 Fairmount Avenue Regis. & book pickup June 29.
July 20 - Horrible Harry and the Dragon War Regis. & book pickup July 6.
July 27 - Zero Grandparents Regis. & book pickup July 13.
Session 2 : Aug 3 - Arthur and the Lost Diary Regis. & book pickup July 20.
Aug 10 - 26 Fairmount Avenue Regis. & book pickup July 27.
Aug 17 - Horrible Harry and the Dragon War Regis. & book pickup Aug. 3.
Aug 24 - Zero Grandparents Regis. & book pickup Aug 10.
BRING LUNCH & A BEVERAGE. DESSERT WILL BE PROVIDED.
LITERARY LUNCHES for children entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade
Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m.
July 12 - Landry News Regis. & book pickup June 29.
July 19 - When the Circus Came to Town Regis. & book pickup July 6.
July 26 - Stone Fox Regis. & book pickup July 13.
Aug 2 - Pictures of Hollis Woods Regis. & book pickup July 20.
BRING LUNCH & A BEVERAGE. DESSERT WILL BE PROVIDED.
ART ESCAPE for ages 6-10
Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. Creative workshops blending art, stories & fun
July 13 - SELF-PORTRAIT AS A FISH…OR YOUR FAVORITE PET Registration begins July 6.
July 27 - PET-SHAPED BOOKS Registration begins July 20.
Aug 10 - SECRET CREATURES Registration begins Aug 3.
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS FOR AGES 3 AND UP -
Six Wednesdays, 7 p.m. (Shows run 45-60 minutes)
JULY 5 - ANIMAL MENAGERIE - Explore the world of animals with singer-entertainer Allison DeSalvo. Registration begins June 26.
JULY 12 - FURRY FABLES - Let storyteller Kristin Pedemonti guide you “Around the World with Animal Folktales.” Registration begins July 3.
JULY 19 - THERAPY DOG TRAINING & CARE - Learn about therapy dogs from members of Abington Memorial Hospital ’s Animal-Assisted Therapy team. Meet and greet the dogs! Registration begins July 10.
JULY 26 - REPTILE RAMBLINGS - Like reptiles? You’ll love James Galloway’s skinks and snakes. Touch the animals after the show. Registration begins July 17.
AUG 2 - ANIMAL MAGIC - Ventriloquist-magician Linda Holliday’s tricks will keep you guessing! Registration begins July 24.
AUG 9 - MAGIC TREE HOUSE (BOOKS 1-3) - Favorite performer Mr. Malcolm brings three “Jack and Annie” stories to life. Registration begins July 31.
PARENT BOOK PREVIEW/DISCUSSION GROUP from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Registration is required.
July 17 - Kids Are Worth It: Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline by Barbara Coloroso. Registration begins July 3.
July 31 - Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Dorothy Corkille Briggs. Registration begins July 17.
Young Adult/Teens at Abington Free Library
For information: YA librarian, 215-885-5180, ext. 13, Adult Information Desk abg.mclinc.org/teen_website/index. htm.
TEEN JOURNALING Ages 12 – 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 BEGINNING READERS
Abington Free Library is offering an opportunity for children entering first through third grades to practice reading this summer with a junior/senior high student in our program Abington READS! Your child will listen to stories, practice reading aloud and select books
to borrow with a young adult partner. Program begins June 20 and runs until Aug 8. Select one session per week: Mondays from 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. (no program on Monday, July 3); Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.- noon .. Sign-ups will begin on May 30.
ABINGTON READS! – FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Abington READS! gives you the opportunity to volunteer to help younger students (entering first through third grades) practice reading over the summer. We need young adults (ages 12-17) to help in this successful program. You can sign up for one hour per week for at least four weeks. It’s fun -- you get to read great children’s books and inspire young students to become successful readers! Required training session: Join us on Mon, June 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a workshop on read-aloud techniques. Registration begins May 30. Program dates: June 20 - Aug 8. Sessions: Mondays from 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. (no program on Monday, July 3); Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – noon .
Adult Programs at Abington Free Library
For information: 215-885-5180, ext. 15, http://abg.mclinc.org/calendar/allEvents.htm or kburnham@mclinc.org
WWII LECTURE SERIES – 3rd Tuesday at 3 & 7 p.m.
June 20 – Comparing Iraq to Wars past - Sgt. Brandon Traister
July 18 - A Marine’s Experience at Okinawa - Cpl. Eric Turner
Aug 15 - Battle in Stalingrad - Mikhail Rabinovich
OLD YORK ROAD GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY - 7-8:45 p.m.
July 11 - Computer updates - panel discussion
Aug 8 - Lineage panel - Learn about the DAR and others.
DAYTIME BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP - 1 p.m.
July 6 - Brick Lane : A Novel by Monica Ali
Aug 3 - Planning meeting
SOCRATES CAFÉ
Every second Wednesday of the month from 10:30-noon
Every fourth Friday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.
PARENT BOOK PREVIEW/DISCUSSION GROUP from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Registration (in Children’s Department) is required.
July 17 - Kids are Worth It: Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline by Barbara Coloroso. Registration begins July 3.
July 31 - Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Dorothy Corkille Briggs. Registration begins July 17.
ADULT LITERACY – Check the website for more about Adult Literacy!
Aug 22 - 7 p.m. Tutor support meeting: Hear program teachers and committee members talk about our literacy program.
Sept 18 and 19 - 6:30-8:45 p.m. Fall tutor training. Both nights mandatory. Welcome to all new volunteers.
TRAVEL SERIES – 10 a.m. in the Shorday Room
Sept 7, 14, 28, Oct 5 and 12 - Burton Klein will share travel tips and theme-based trips. Be entertained while you learn!!
THE ART OF LOOKING AT ART at 7 p.m.
Sept 28 - Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent, comedian, retired podiatrist
GUITAR WORKSHOP SERIES – 2 nd Monday (eight session from Sept 2006 to April 2007) at 7 p.m.
Richard Kaufman. No experience necessary. Guitars provided. Learn chords. Fun and friendly.
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