Abington Township Public Library

Management gurus often advise people to “work smarter, not harder.” Our Library staff does both, year after year. Take a look at our accomplishments of 2006:

Even with the above accomplishments, and others too numerous to list, we are not content to rest on our laurels. In 2006 our Board hired a consultant to craft a strategic plan to serve as a guide for the upcoming years. We interviewed community leaders, staff, our patrons, and conducted a telephone survey. The results were overwhelmingly positive – but I knew they would be. How could it be otherwise with such a hardworking and talented group of people, Board, staff, volunteers, working to do what is best for the Library and its users in all situations.

Beautiful Book of the Month:
Colours of Architecture by Andrew Moor (Dewey 721.04496 MOO) There is a whole world beyond stained glass windows – enameled, laminated, backlit, etched and sandblasted glass is used to decorative and structural advantage.

Happy in the Kitchen by Michel Richard (Dewey 641.5 RIC) I’d be happy, too, if I could produce food half as beautiful and innovative as this chef, who is so enamored of crispiness he calls himself Captain Crunch.

Behind every productive librarian is a great volunteer. We were fortunate when Liz Feldstein walked into the library in 1991 and asked if she could volunteer. Initially she volunteered only in the summer, because she was working full time and going to Chestnut Hill College to get her BA in history. In 2001, she received her degree and came on board year round.

Over the years Liz has checked hundreds of gift books, weeded books, tutored me in Microsoft Excel, updated databases, pulled rentals, worked on booklists, checked book reviews, and is currently working on an annotated Classics fiction booklist, one of her favorite projects. She has also given me sound advice on library matters and brought an outsider’s fresh perspective.

I am amazed what Liz can accomplish in a short time. I often joke that when she stops volunteering it will be time for me to retire. I knew I had a treasure when my family moved to a new house in 1993 and Liz arrived on moving day with towels and a bucket to wipe all the kitchen shelves. What amazes me is that Liz has a full-time job as a bookkeeper, exercises frequently, volunteers at a nursing home and she still rarely misses a week at the library. She is also a board member of the Greater Glenside Civic Association.

Liz volunteers at the library not only because she loves books, but because of her strong commitment to community service. Liz grew up in North Philadelphia with four siblings, and attended Philadelphia High School for Girls. She moved to Jenkintown in 1991, and now lives in Glenside with her significant other, Bob. Liz enjoys taking long walks, fine dining, gardening and reading historical fiction, books on nature, science and biographies.

Liz, you are a real asset to the community. Thank you for the countless hours you spend in the library volunteering. But most of all, thanks for being a wonderful friend!

She has a cheery hello, a great smile, and an impish laugh. And, says a co-worker, “Gloria’s the most organized librarian I’ve ever met – and librarians are VERY organized!” Said another, “And she’s always so calm about things, too. She always finds a way to do things.”

Gloria was born in Seoul, Korea. When she was in 3rd grade, Gloria’s family moved to Seattle, where she says, there are “wonderful libraries.” From there she knew she wanted to be a librarian. In high school, her family moved to Huntingdon Beach, California. She went to UCLA as an undergraduate and
majored in history. Then she went on to get her Masters in library science at U.C. Berkeley, where she met her husband, Dan, who now works as a research manager for Rohm & Haas. They have three sons, Andrew, 17; Kevin, 16; and Jonathan, 12.

After Berkeley, Gloria managed a special library at Medi-Physics, a nuclear medicine company in the Bay Area. She was a children’s librarian in Oakland and then in Los Angeles County. Moving east, she worked at the Philadelphia Library on Logan Circle, then for Upper Merion Library.

In 1987, Gloria became head librarian at our Roslyn Branch, and she “loved it, loved it, loved it.” “Although I had never worked in such a small library before, there was such variety at Roslyn, and I enjoyed getting to know the patrons personally.” In 1989, Gloria left Roslyn Library to become an adult reference librarian at Abington Library. Since then, she has been our “selector extraordinaire,” responsible at one time or another other for our fiction collection, mysteries, large-print books, science fiction, books-on-tape and CD, poetry, literature, foreign languages, videos and biographies.

Gloria compiles and updates more than 20 fiction booklists that cover genres from adventure to suspense, from cozy mystery to horror/occult. She just finished compiling historical fiction lists (U.S., world, and Europe). You can pick them up at the Information Desk or catch them online <abingtonfreelibrary.org> under Reading Room. Gloria also manages the fiction book sale, which she calls “the best book bargain in the world!” Current year books cost only $5, and the price goes down a dollar for each year. “You can’t beat it!”

Gloria enjoys taking long walks with friends, cooking, and reading non-fiction biographies. Her favorites this year are: Katherine Graham’s Personal History, and C. S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy. Some of her favorite authors are Rose Tremain, Jane Austen, Miss Read and G. K. Chesterton. She is also an avid sports fan.

Reference Department News - New Play List
For more information call 215-885-5180, ext. 13 or http://abg.mclinc.org

Most public libraries own many multi-author play collections, including such series as the annual Best Plays of … . Over the years, reference librarians have been challenged to find ways of accessing the contents of these invaluable collections. Some libraries, in the “bad old days” of card catalogs, provided brief single-card entries for the plays in such collections, but card catalog space quickly became a serious problem, and the practice was abandoned. Then we saw the publication of reference tools such as H.W. Wilson’s Play Index or Ottemiller’s Index to Plays in Collections; however, using these tools to discover whether or not the local library owns a particular play is complicated and frustrating for the patron. Even the advent of computerized catalogs didn’t help matters much.

While working at another MCLINC library, I created a very simple play index that was designed to list the contents for only those multi-author collections of plays that were owned by that library. Built on a very simple Microsoft Word document, this “play index” contains a brief author, title, and location reference for each play in each collection indexed, and only the collections owned by the library are included. Because of its simplicity, it is very easy to add to this play index, and it can be expanded almost indefinitely.

I brought this index with me to Abington and, over the past four years, we have, with the aid of several volunteers, expanded the index by adding to it the contents of many more play collections than were owned by the library for which I created it. Francesca Hoeffel is the latest volunteer to work on this project, and she recently finished indexing the collections that we have been able to identify among our holdings.

To date, Abington’s play index provides author-title-location information for some 125 multi-author play collections. It is available at the Reference Desk in both print-out and searchable online (Reference workstations only) format. So, if you need the text of a play and can’t find it listed in our online catalog as a separate publication or in a single-author collection, ask at the Reference Desk … there’s a good chance we can hook you up with the play script you need!

Miss Ellanie - Prof. Burton Klein
For more information: http://abg.mclinc.org

On certain Thursday mornings the Abington Free Library sparkles. On those mornings the Shorday Room holds comfortable chairs, a well-dressed man and only the posterboard on an easel that he has illustrated (but the most talented and engrossing actors don't need many props) That's when Professor Burton Klein of Strayer University, formerly of the College of New Jersey and former Philadelphia Schools' administrator, lends his vivacious energy to a multifaceted series of talks.

Starting May 10, Prof. Klein will show us how to win life’s arguments with Aristotle’s teachings.

His other talks have included: "Grammar, Come Alive," and “Me? A Power Speaker,“ in which he showed
us how to command an audience’s attention.The "Enhance the Novel" series was designed to increase our novel reading pleasure modified from a writing course he teaches in college.

Prof. Klein improved our chances of getting a job or realizing a better one in the series: "The Resume Sparkles. The Job Follows." There we learned the answers to the queries: "I thought I "nailed' the interview. Where did I go wrong?" and "I wonder why my résumé didn't get me an interview."

Prof. Klein and his beautiful wife, Sandy, love exploring this globe, and, as a world traveler, he shared tips and secrets learned from his own mistakes in the "Avoiding Traveling Troubles and Finding the Fun" series. Always affirmative, he has revealed the best of what he has seen in his travels.

Come to the Library and learn what his group of regulars knows: Burton Klein is Abington Free Library's favorite professor! .

- Miss Ellanie (as told to Karen Burnham)

Find out about our activities by calling 215-885-5180, ext. 36 or visit us at abingtonfreelibrary.org

DAILY ARRIVAL OF NEW BOOKS IN OUR BOOKCELLAR - Peruse books for your purchase. We are located in the lower level of Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, next to the Children's Department. All books, movies and music are available for sale at unbelievably low prices!

Hours: Monday, noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, noon-4 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

NEW MEMBERS / BOOKCELLAR VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED - Support our Libraries by joining our most sociable group. Enjoy comradery and the real satisfaction of being a part of our Library's growth!

You are invited to attend our next meeting at Abington Free Library: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17.

All funds from activities of the Friends go to support our libraries.

I hope to see you soon…

- W. O. Bill Tinsman, President, The Friends of Abington Township Public Libraries

DRAW MANGA - March 26 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., ages 10 and up. Join local teens
at the Roslyn Branch Library and learn how to draw your own Manga characters! Register now.

MASTER GARDENER PROGRAMS - Join us for this series on Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m.
April 9 – Lavender - Wow I Didn’t Know That with Jane Irvin-Klotz
April 23 – Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds with Marc Radell
May 7 – Horticultural Therapy with Robyn Buseman
All of the presenters are Penn State Master Gardener volunteers. Register now.

STORY TIMES - Mondays at 1:30 p.m. for ages 3-6: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14 21, June 4
STORY TIMES - Thursdays at 11 a.m. for ages 2-3: April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7

JUGGLING FUN! - Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m.-noon, local teens offer a juggling workshop for
children ages 8-12 at all levels of experience. There is a limit of 10-12 participants. Register now.

LEARN ABOUT TOYS AND GAMES IN COLONIAL TIMES! - Monday, April 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This program is for children ages 7-10 and will be led by local teens. Light refreshments. Registration begins March 26.

BABY DAYS - Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for babies ages 8 months to 2 years: April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

KEN KAPLAN, STORYTELLER - April 30 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 3 and up. Family Program.

BOOK SALE
25¢ per book. Sponsored by the Friends of the Abington Library. Proceeds benefit Abington and Roslyn libraries.

TODDLER STORY TIMES (ages 12-23 months)
Four Wednesdays, February 28 & March 7, 21, 28 (No session on March 14)
10:30-11 a.m. Advance registration require - register now.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIMES (ages 2-5)
Begin week of March 5 and continue through week of April 9.
Two-year-olds: Tuesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. Advance registration required - sign up now.
Three-year-olds: Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. No registration required.
Four- and five-year-olds: Thursdays, 2-2:30 p.m. No registration required.

DROP-IN STORY TIMES (all ages)
Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. through May 22. Led by members of Jenkintown Kiwanis Club.
No advance registration required; all children must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.

DOGGONE GOOD READERS (ages 7-9)
Two Saturdays, March 3 and April 7, 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. Children read aloud in small
groups to certified therapy dogs. Both sessions are currently full; programs will continue in the summer.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP FOR HOMESCHOOLERS (grades 4-6)
Two Mondays, 1-2 p.m.
March 12 – Featured book: The Cay. Registration is under-way.
April 9 – Featured book: The Search for Delicious. Registration begins March 26.

CINDERELLA TALES (grades K-3)
March 21, 1 p.m. Listen to Cinderella tales from different traditions and make a craft. Register now.

AMERICAN GIRLS PARTY (ages 7-11)
Thursday, March 22, 7-8 p.m. Dress as your favorite American Girls character; bring a doll for display. Register now.

SPRING STORIES & SONGS with storyteller Ken Kaplan (ages 3 and up)
Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m. (National Library Week)
Storytelling with lots of movement, comedy and surprises. Registration begins April 9.

A VISIT WITH MOTHER GOOSE (ages 3-5 with parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, May 2, 10:30-10:50 a.m.
Carol Spacht presents traditional nursery rhymes with audience participation.
Registration begins April 16.

SCIENCE IN THE SUMMER: OCEANOGRAPHY
June 25-28 (4-day course - morning and afternoon sessions available)
For children who have completed grades 1-5. Enrollment is by registration lottery.

WRITER’S SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, March 5, Wednesday, April 4, Monday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Given by Sheva Friedman, a published poet, creative writing and memoir writing instructor. Register in Library Office or call 215-885-5180, ext. 15.
A supportive writer's group is where members critique, suggest, comment, offer feedback with a constructive "touch." A member can sort through what he/she wants to hear, and decide what to keep and what to reject. This Writer's Support Group is open to all levels of ex-perience. All of us bring our ideas, our writer's blocks, our goals, and hopefully, our humor!

GUITAR WORKSHOP SERIES.
Wednesday, March 14, 28, April 18, May 9, 30,
Thursday, June 21. For ages 15 and over at 7 p.m.
For ages 14 and under from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Register in the Library Office
or call 215-885-5180, ext. 15..

Play title: AS YOU DESIRE ME by Luigi Pirandello
Performed by: Philadelphia Readers’ Theatre
(the live literary magazine)
Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m.
Philadelphia Readers’ Theatre is a group of actors, writers and directors who produce and appear in readings of plays, fiction and other literature in and around Philadelphia. Their most recent performance was “The World of Sholom Aleichem,” in November 2006 at the Elkins Park Library. Register in Library Office or call 215-885-5180, ext. 15.

WOMEN AND THE PRESS: the Struggle for Equality
March 27 at 7 p.m. - Patricia Bradley, Ph.D.
will discuss her book, Women and the Press, a history of women in media from 19th century to
the rise of Katie Couric. Dr. Bradley also uncovers many stories of "lost sisters."

ADULT LITERACY EVENTS - 215-885-5183
April 4 from 1-3 p.m. Assessment Workshop. Rebecca Wagner, guest presenter, TABE and BEST standardized tests
April 11 at 7 p.m. Tutor Support Meeting - Materials, old and new, tried and true and the dictionary as a teaching aid.
April 23 and 24 from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Spring Tutor Training. Both nights mandatory! Welcome to all new volunteers.
May 16 at 7 p.m. Tutor Support Meeting - Program testing for Adult Basic Education (TABE) and English as a Second Language (BEST) Continuing education program credit.
June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Gala reception honoring students and tutors. Guests invited. Come one, come all!

MEMOIR WRITING
Tuesday, April 10 from 1-3 p.m.
Given by Sheva Friedman, a published poet, creative writing and memoir writing instructor.
Register in Library Office or call 215-885-5180, ext. 15.
Memoir writing is a personal narrative about your life experiences. Each life is unique; memoir writing is about your journey, your ride, your achievements, insights, values, turning points, dreams, reflections and dealing with change. Join us in a workshop and take a journey to your creative center!

RUTH R. ABEL MEMORIAL SEMINAR
April 18 at 7 p.m. Shorday Room.
Poetry packets will be available soon.
Dr. Richard Tyre is our discussion leader.
Registration is a must!

WIN WITH ARISTOTLE
May 10, 17, 24 at 10 a.m. Shorday Room
Prof. Burton Klein will show us how to
win life’s arguments with Aristotle’s teachings.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL HARP ENSEMBLE
Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of Irish, Scottish and Medieval music played by Ellen Tepper and her students. Register for this free event in the Library Office or call 215-885-5180, ext. 15.

DAYTIME BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Every first Thursday at 1 p.m.
April 5 – Father Joe by Tony Hendra
May 3 – The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
June 7 – The Way Home by Ernestine Bradley
No registration required. Walk-ins welcome!

WWII LECTURE SERIES
Every third Tuesday at 3 and 7 p.m.
April 17 - Wounded & Captured at Normandy, Bob Levine
May 15 - WWII Memoir (8th Airforce), Charley McCracken
June 19 - Captured at Sicily with the 82nd Airborne, Tim Dyas

SOCRATES CAFÉ
Every second Wednesday from 10:30 - noon
Every fourth Friday from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Giving Philosophy Back to the People.

BASIC COMPUTER CLASSES - Feb, March & April
Beginning Internet Searches, E-Mail Assistance, Using the Library Catalog:
Wednesdays from 6:30–7:30 & Thursdays from 3:30–4:30
Basic Word Processing:
Mondays from 6:30–7:30 & Wednesdays from 6:30–7:30
Small group or individual instruction by the Abington High School Computer Aides. Main Floor and Computer Room.

The Ab Lib from Spring 2007 Vol. 6, No. 1