The Ab Lib from Summer 2007 Vol. 6, No. 2
From our Director
How I love my iPod! My children gave me one for Mother’s Day last year, and I’ve spent the intervening time loading more than 500 songs onto it. The greatest thing about it is I now have all my favorite music from high school and college, the songs that are so evocative of a certain time and place, at my fingertips.
Tragedy struck about five months ago. While unloading the dryer, I was horrified to find my iPod, complete with ear buds, in the machine. It had gone through both the washer and dryer. I turned it on immediately and it was dead as a doornail. I was beyond distraught. (Hysterical, is the word I think my husband used, as in “How can you be so hysterical over a toy?”)
Here’s where the librarian in me kicked in. I Googled “iPod washing machine.” Not only was I reassured to find out that I am far from the only person in the world who has done this, but the solution offered up worked, and I was able to restore everything.
Tragedy struck again last month. All my music disappeared for no discernible reason. But I found the answer using the Internet and several books in the library (iPod for Dummies was written with me in mind). This summer I’ll be listening to books from our downloadable audio collection.
Surveys show that people go to friends and family for information first. Why? Convenience, habit, comfort level? But it was the library that came through for me: The information I found here helped me keep the links my iPod represents between my past, present and future, intact. We hope you’ll remember to turn to us first the next time something goes kerflooey. We’ll have the answer.
Beautiful Books of the Month:
Work: the World in Photographs (Dewey 779.93317 PRO), documents the extraordinary variety of human labor in the world’s major regions.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Celebrating Ten Years 1997-2007 (Dewey 759.13 LYN), offers a comprehensive overview of O’Keeffe’s painting, drawings and sculptures, including more than 300 color plates.
- Nancy Hammeke Marshall
Volunteer Spotlight – Barbara Casper
One of our brightest smiling faces belongs to volunteer Barbara Casper (“the friendly ghost,” she says with a laugh). Barbara came into the library a few years ago with a generous donation of cookbooks, took one look around and decided to stay. She has been a volunteer ever since.
Barbara was born in South Philly and grew up in West Philly, graduating from West Philadelphia High School, which she remembers as being “old, even then,” and as having beautiful woodwork.
She had her son and her daughter young, and they both graduated from Abington High School. When the youngest graduated, Barbara began to wonder what to do with the rest of her life she was only 40, after all. By chance, and on Mother’s Day, no less, she opened the newspaper to a full-page ad for an open house at Manor Junior College. She went to the open house and wound up graduating from Manor with an associate’s degree as a medical assistant. She went on to work for many years in the surgical suite at Hahnemann Hospital.
Barbara likes to read, of course. Some of her favorite writers are Harlan Coben, Stuart Woods and Anne Rivers Siddons. She likes all kinds of music, including Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Maroon Five and Bruce Springsteen. She’s been lucky enough to be very close to the stage at Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow concerts.
When asked what she likes best about working at the library, she immediately answers, “the people.” She likes the people she works with, as well as the chance to chat with the patrons. Since her main job as a volunteer is to call people for held books, she is really heartened to see how many people are reading.
Barbara lives with her second husband, David. They have four children and seven grandchildren between them. The grandchildren range from two years old to a college junior.
– Lois Odabas
Staff Spotlight – Susan Cohen
At first sight, you know this woman is an artist. If her jewelry (distinctly original and made by her) and clothes (a collage of colors, textures and forms) don’t give it away, look at her eyes, slightly downcast but piercing. She sees clearly.
People who know her know she’s one smart cookie and uncommonly full of common sense. If you feel fragile, she’s a bulldog, a cheerleader, or a comforting blanket for you. She has an amused smile and is quick to laugh. Not many people have these qualities in equal parts, but Susan comfortably holds them all.
Susan’s dad owned Jack’s Men’s Shop, the one with the giant penguin, a Hatboro landmark. “Who knows where that penguin is now!” “My father had to quit school to work in his father’s shop, so he was
a nut for education. He dreamed I would go to medical school.” Susan said her mother, Hannah, managed the home and had her family experience what America had to offer, from cross-country trips to Broadway shows.
Susan’s talents were recognized early. She took whatever accelerated art programs were offered. She went to art school and spent her senior year in Rome. She also lived in Northern California, Boston and Providence before she landed back home.
Susan came to the library in 1980. She processes Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and book orders and accepts these when they come in. She manages both the incoming and the outgoing deliveries of books between county libraries, our beloved “pony.” She sorts through donations and decides whether the books go to the librarians or the Book Cellar. In other words, Susan sees every book that comes into the library. When Susan started, books were ordered by hand, from paper catalogs; ILL requests were made over the telephone; and book budgets tallied on old catalog cards. Today everything from searching, purchasing and budgeting is done online.
Susan’s art is featured on websites and magazines that she has labeled “obscure.” She collaborated with Diana Trout, former staffer, and others to create two art zines: Springfed and Something I Forgot, which include poetry, essays, short stories and artwork. You don't just look at the art Susan creates, you fall into it. How to define it? Collage? Stamp art? Multi-media? These two- and sometimes three-dimensional art works are made up of one image pushed into another accented with surprising and pleasing color combinations. They create a dialogue or journey in your mind.
– Karen Burnham
Reference Department News
For more information call 215-885-5180, ext. 13 or abingtonfreelibrary.org
Here are highlights from Reference and Information this spring!
We have updated our collection of building codes reference books. In addition to the codes we have also recently purchased the Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, edited by Cyril M. Harris, McGraw-Hill 2006. Please check out our selection of non-fiction booklists, which includes a listing of building code standards, put together by your local reference librarians.
We have access to two genealogy databases. Ancestry.com is available from inside the library only and HeritageQuest.com is available from in the library and from home. You must have a valid library card from a Montgomery County public library to access these databases. Thanks go to the District Center in Norristown for making this available to all Montgomery County residents.
This summer computer classes will be offered during July and August. We will schedule classes on the Internet, Word and Excel. Please contact the Information Desk to register: call 215-885-5180 and then press 5.
 This spring we provided a new service on Sundays in the months of March and April, traditionally our busiest months. The service is called “Roving Reference.” In plain English this means we had an additional librarian to browse through the library and assist patrons on Sundays. This enabled us to provide better service and reduce the waiting time for patrons. We hope to provide Roving Referenceagainin the spring 2008.
Please stop by and visit us soon at the Information Desk!
- Mimi Satterthwaite, Head of Reference |
 Miss Ellanie
For more information: abingtonfreelibrary.org
Hearing your applause, seeing your absolute delight in our efforts and waving your library cards in the air as we passed meant the world to us. All this showed you really appreciated all our hard work and enthusiasm.
For this, the Abington Township Public Library Book Cart Drill Team wants to give you a big, heartfelt "Thank you" - and to let you know that, unfortunately, we will not be able to participate in the upcoming July 4th Greater Glenside Patriotic Parade due to scheduling problems. |
 We truly hope that we will be able to return for the summer 2008 parade. We have enjoyed performing for you and hope the fun can continue next year.
Good-bye for now!
- Jackie Guyton (for a vacationing Miss Ellanie) |
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Make Reading Count: The Secret to Raising an Avid Reader
Learn techniques to enhance your reading time with your children ages 2-4 during
this free parent workshop led by Carolyn DuBois, Abington Free Library Children’s Department head. Program will be held at the Center for Parenting Education,
1130 Old York Road, Abington. Call Abington Free Library 215-885-5180, ext. 29 to
register for one of two sessions: Monday, July 30, 10-11 a.m., or Tuesday, July 31, 7-8 p.m. |
News & Views of The Friends of Abington Libraries
Learn about our activities: Call 215-885-5180, ext. 36, or read about us at abingtonfreelibrary.org.
NEW BOOKS COME IN EVERY DAY TO OUR BOOKCELLAR – You are invited to browse our selection. 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 very reasonable prices!
Hours: Monday, noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, noon-4 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS: Ruth Gebhardtsbauer, Sally Levick, Heidi Poste and Linda Twyman.
NEW MEMBERS/BOOKCELLAR VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED - Support our Libraries by joining our most sociable group. Enjoy comradery and the satisfaction of being a part of our Library's growth!
Funds from all Friends activities go to support our libraries.
We hope to see you soon.
- W. O. Bill Tinsman, President The Friends of Abington Township Public Libraries
Roslyn Branch Library - Summer 2007
For information: 215-886-9818 or http://abg.mclinc.org/roslyn/index.htm
2412 Avondale Avenue, Roslyn, PA 19001
 If you check out ten books or more you can fill out a raffle ticket to win a $25 gift certificate to George's Dreshertown Shop n Bag! You may enter as often as you like. Drawing will be held in September.
Children of ALL ages may participate in the Summer Reading Club by reading 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 13. (Those who have signed up through school do not have to re-register.) Each child will receive a reading log, a coupon for a free Rita’s Water Ice, and a place on our recognition wall. All children must be Abington Township residents.
Children will receive a free sticker or stamp at the library for every book read. Books on tape/CD, graphic novels and magazines also count toward summer reading.
Reading logs may be turned in to Abington Free Library or Roslyn Branch Library any time between Aug 13 and Sept 10. Every child who turns in a log will receive a free book.
GET A CLUE: SUMMER FUN STARTS HERE!
PRESCHOOL FUN DAYS
Stories, songs, and crafts
Tuesdays for ages 3-6, 11-11:30 a.m.
Thursdays for ages 2-3, 11-11:30 a.m.
July 3, 5 Let's Solve a Mystery
July 10, 12 Digging for Dinosaurs
July 17, 19 Discover Nature
July 24, 26 I Love Colors
July 31/Aug 2 Guess Who? Guess What?
Aug 7, 9 Summer Snacks are yummy!
Aug 14, 16 Creepy Crawly Bugs
Registration begins June 4.
Children ages 5 and up can play the
Get a Clue @ Your Library game.
Earn coupons which you can trade for prizes from our treasure chest.
You can participate at any time.
LITERARY LUNCHES - Fridays from 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Bring lunch and a beverage. A snack will be provided.
For children entering 2nd or 3rd grade
July 6 - Horrible Harry and the Dragon War by Andrew Clements Registration & book pickup June 18.
July 13 - Stuart’s Cape by Sara Pennypacker
Registration & book pickup June 25.
For children entering 4th, 5th, or 6th grade
July 20 - The Landry News by Andrew Clements
Registration & book pickup July 2.
July 27 - The Skull of Truth by Bruce Coville
Registration & book pickup July 9.
NATURE PROGRAMS for ages 5-12
Fridays from 11 a.m.- noon:
June 22 - PEST PATROL
Would you like to get rid of those
nasty pests (bugs, weeds, etc.) in your
backyard? Mary McKnight, a Penn State
Montgomery County Master Gardener Volunteer,
explains how to do just that.
June 29 - FEEDING THE BIRDS IN YOUR BACKYARD Learn what kind of food the birds like to eat and build a birdhouse. Stephanie Bennett, a Penn State Montgomery County Master Gardener Volunteer, is the educator of this fun and fact-filled program.
Registration begins June 4.
 The Roslyn Branch is offering a fun program where beginner readers in kindergarten through entering third grade will be matched with a young adult (age 12-17) to listen to stories and practice reading aloud.
The young adults will be volunteering as part of a service learning experience. They will receive training on read-aloud and listening techniques. See Young Adult/Teen article for more details.
Program dates: June 18 – Aug 13 Monday afternoons from 1:30-2:30 p.m. or Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration begins June 4.
Special thanks to the following businesses:
George’s Dreshertown Shop n Bag, Rita’s Water Ice, Burger King and International House of Pancakes. Also a big thank you to the parents in our community who have supported Roslyn Library by donating prizes, bringing their children to our programs, and checking out books.
FAMILY FUN DAYS FOR AGES 3 AND UP
Six Fridays, 11 a.m. (Shows run 45-60 minutes)
July 13 - PUPPETS PIZZAZZ
This rollicking puppet show will please any crowd.
Registration begins Monday, June 25.
July 20 - SCIENCE SLEUTHS
Scientific experiments and storytelling come together in this exciting presentation by Piccirillo Sciencetelling.
Registration begins Monday, July 2.
July 27 - UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES AT THE LIBRARY
Mystery abounds in this magic show
featuring the amazing Brian Richards.
Registration begins Monday, July 9.
Aug 3 - TRICKY TOSSES
Enjoy a morning of fast-paced fun
with the Juggling Hoffmans.
Registration begins Monday, July 16.
Aug 10 - MUSICAL MYSTERIES
Two of a Kind presents songs about
reading and (gasp!) a missing library book.
Registration begins Monday, July 23.
Aug 17 - MY WEIRD SCHOOL & NATE THE GREAT
Actor Mr. Malcolm performs favorite books by Dan Gutman and Marjorie Sharmat. Registration begins Monday, July 30.
Barnes & Noble is sponsoring a special event at the Roslyn Library on Friday, July 6 at 11 a.m. for children ages 3 and up. A costumed character and special reader will delight youngsters with the book Corduroy by Don Freeman.
Bring your camera! Registration begins June 13.
BOOK SALE
25¢ per book. Sponsored by the Friends of the Abington Library. Proceeds benefit Abington and Roslyn libraries.
Children's Department at Abington Free Library - Summer 2007
For information please call 215-885-5180, ext. 28. http://abg.mclinc.org/childrens/index.htm
Children of ALL ages may participate in the Summer Reading Club by reading 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 13. (Those who have signed up through school do not have to re-register.) Each child will receive a reading log, a coupon for a free Rita’s water ice, and a place on our recognition wall.
Children must be Abington Township residents to participate in summer programs.
Abington Free Library registrants will receive a time log that is redeemable for prizes upon completion of 5, 10 and 15 hours of reading (while supplies last).
Reading logs may be turned in to Abington Free Library or Roslyn Branch Library any time between Aug 13 and Sept 10. Every child who turns in a log will receive a free book.
GET A CLUE: SUMMER FUN STARTS HERE!
PROGRAM REGISTRATION GUIDELINES
All summer program participants must be Abington Township residents. Registration begins at 10 a.m. on advertised dates. A library card number is required. You may register in person or call (215) 885-5180, ext. 28. If your child cannot attend a program, please call the Children’s Department so that we may admit another child. Some registration procedures have changed.
PRESCHOOL FUN DAYS (ages 2-3)
Thursdays, 10-10:40 OR 11-11:40 a.m.
June 21 - ANIMAL TALES Registration begins June 11.
July 5 - SILLY HATS & KOOKY CAPS Registration begins June 25.
July 19 - DYN-O-MITE DIN-O-SAURS Registration begins July 9.
Aug 2 - IT’S A COLORFUL WORLD! Registration begins July 23.
JUNIOR FUN DAYS (ages 4-6)
Mondays, 10:15-11 OR 11:15-noon
July 9 - GET A CLUE: GUESS WHO Registration begins June 25.
July 16 - WHOSE HAT IS THAT? Registration begins July 2.
Aug 6 - NAME THAT TUNE Registration begins July 23.
DOGGONE GOOD READERS
Saturdays, July 14, 21 28 & Aug 4, 11, 18
10:15-10:45 OR 11-11:30 a.m. - AGES 6-9
Children who wish to practice their reading skills are invited to read aloud in small groups to licensed therapy dogs. Children may bring their own books or choose from a selection provided by the library.
Children must sign up in advance; registration will begin on the Monday before the scheduled session. Children do not have to come all six weeks; however, they must be able to read and attend programs independently.
BOOK BUDDIES - Book discussions
for children entering 2nd or 3rd grade
Thursdays, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Session 1:
July 5 - JAKE DRAKE, BULLY BUSTER
Registration & book pickup June 21.
July 12 - MARVIN REDPOST, SUPER FAST, OUT OF
CONTROL! Registration & book pickup June 28.
July 19 - SONG LEE AND THE "I HATE YOU" NOTES
Registration & book pickup July 5.
July 26 - ARTHUR’S MYSTERY ENVELOPE
Registration & book pickup July 12.
Session 2:
Aug 2 - JAKE DRAKE, BULLY BUSTER
Registration & book pickup July 19.
Aug 9 - MARVIN REDPOST, SUPER FAST, OUT OF
CONTROL! Registration & book pickup July 26.
Aug 16 - SONG LEE AND THE "I HATE YOU" NOTES
Registration & book pickup Aug 2.
Aug 23 - ARTHUR’S MYSTERY ENVELOPE
Registration & book pickup Aug 9.
BRING LUNCH & A BEVERAGE. DESSERT IS PROVIDED.
LITERARY LUNCHES - Book discussions for children entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade. Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m.
July 11 - FLYING SOLO Registration & book pickup June 28.
July 18 - MORGAN’S ZOO Registration & book pickup July 5.
July 25 - SECRET LETTERS FROM 0 TO 10
Registration & book pickup July 12.
Aug 1 - WAIT TILL HELEN COMES
Registration & book pickup July 19.
BRING LUNCH & A BEVERAGE. DESSERT IS PROVIDED.
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS FOR AGES 3 AND UP
Six Wednesdays, 7 p.m. (Shows run 45-60 minutes)
July 5 - UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES AT THE LIBRARY
Mystery abounds in this magic show featuring the amazing Brian Richards. Registration begins July 2.
July 11 - PUPPETS PIZZAZZ This rollicking puppet show
will please any crowd. No registration required.
Limit 100 attendees, including adults.
July 18 - SCIENCE SLEUTHS Scientific experiments and storytelling come together in this exciting presentation by Piccirillo Sciencetelling. Registration begins July 16.
Aug 1 - TRICKY TOSSES Enjoy an evening of fast-paced fun with the Juggling Hoffmans. Registration begins July 30.
Aug 8 - MUSICAL MYSTERIES Two of a Kind presents songs about reading and (gasp!) a missing library book.
No advance registration required.
Limit 100 attendees, including adults.
Aug 15 - MY WEIRD SCHOOL & NATE THE GREAT
Actor Mr. Malcolm performs favorite books by Dan Gutman and Marjorie Sharmat. No advance registration required. Limit 100 attendees, including adults.
ART ESCAPE - Thursdays, 7-8 p.m.
Creative workshops blending art, stories & fun for ages 6-10. Register for any ONE program starting July 2.
You may register for additional programs, space permitting, on the dates listed below.
July 12 - ANCIENT EGYPT Registration reopens starting July 9.
July 26 - HIDDEN MESSAGES Registration reopens starting July 23.
Aug 9 - PLACES YOU’LL GO MAZE BOOKS Registration reopens starting Aug 6.
Young Adult/Teens at Abington Free Library - Summer 2007
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.
Abington READS Volunteer to help younger students (kindergarten through 2nd grade) practice reading over the summer.
Teens (ages 12-17) can sign up for one hour per week for at least four weeks.
Required Training Session: Join us on Sat, June 9 from 11 a.m. – noon for a workshop on read-aloud techniques. Attendance is mandatory if you have not previously attended a training session. Registration begins May 29.
The program runs June 18 - July 31. Registration begins May 29.
Sessions:
Mondays from 6-7pm Tuesdays from 6:30 7:30pm
Mondays from 7-8pm Tuesdays from 10:15-11:15am
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Grades 6-12.
July 11, 18, 25, Aug 1 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. Register at the Information Desk or call 215-885-5180 x13. |
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library = hotspot |
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downloadable audio books - abg.mclinc.org
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Bill Wine, KYW Newsradio movie critic,
will be at the Abington Free Library on Thursday, Sept 27, from 7-8:30 p.m.
Registration for this program, which is sponsored by the
Pennsylvania Humanities Council, begins Sept. 6.
Call 215-886-9818 or visit the Roslyn Library to register. |
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Adult Programs at Abington Free Library - Summer 2007
For information: 215-885-5180, ext. 15, http://abg.mclinc.org/calendar/allEvents.htm
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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. |
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RUTH R. ABEL MEMORIAL SEMINAR
June 6 at 7 p.m. Shorday Room.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Books are available in the library office and through the library hold system. Dr. Richard Tyre is our discussion leader. |
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DAYTIME BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Every first Thursday at 1 p.m.
June 7 - The Way Home by Ernestine Bradley
July 5 - The Professor and the Madman
by Simon Winchester
Aug 2 - Planning Meeting
Sept 6 -The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides No registration required. Walk-ins welcome!
No registration required. Walk-ins welcome! |
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OLD YORK ROAD GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Every second Tuesday, 7-8:45 p.m.
Check out our website!
June 12 - Document Your Past for the Future,
Legacy Motion Pictures
July 10 - Finding the History in Your Home
Aug 14 - Computer NightSept 11 - Presbyterian Archives, Marion Rosenbaum |
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ADULT LITERACY EVENTS - 215-885-5183
June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Gala reception honoring
students and tutors. All are welcome.
Aug 14 at 7 p.m. Tutor Support Meeting, Literacy Live |
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WWII LECTURE SERIES
Every third Tuesday at 3 and 7 p.m.
June 19 at 3 p.m. - 6th Marine Div. at Okinawa, Eric Turner
June 19 at 7 p.m. - 4th Marine Div. at Iwo Jima, Henry Apice
July 17 - Normandy with the 90th INF Div, Bob Levine
Aug 21 - Captured at Sicily with the 82nd Airborne, Tim Dyas
Sept 18 - B-24s in the Pacific “Snoopers,” Stephen Perrone
Oct 16, 6–9 p.m. 10th Anniversary Celebration at Williamson |
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SOCRATES CAFÉ
Every second Wednesday from 10:30 - noon
Every fourth Friday from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Giving Philosophy Back to the People. |
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