Elvis has never left the Library.
Although this year marks 78 candles for him, you get the gifts. Click anywhere in the photo to find them.
Happy Holidays from Us to You
Cherrydale patrons picked up some special “gifts” this holiday season… Surprise Library Books!
Of course, these gifts have to be returned after three weeks… but then they can be exchanged for something new and wonderful:
Despite knowing they’d have to be returned, these special gifts were met with excitement and the anticipation that only a gift can bring. And the Cherrydale Branch Librarians had a lot of fun wrapping them up.
We know that the gift of literature never gets old, and with well over half a million items to choose from in the Arlington Public Library, we are certain that everybody can find something that they love.
Did you get one of our wrapped presents? Let us know what you thought of your literary surprise!
The eBook Dilemma for Libraries
Welcome to one of our periodic looks at how the Library chooses and acquires the materials that end up on our shelves. In this case, we’re talking about the virtual shelves that hold our eBook collection.
Here’s the latest from the acting chief of the Library’s Materials Management Division, Rachel Wood.
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Disappointed with the gaps in the Library eBook collection? So are we.
Having offered eBooks for five years now and with 10,000 titles to choose from — including best-sellers, kids’ books and favorite series — you can surely find something great to read. But if you’re looking for a particular title, you should know that only a third of the top publishers are willing to sell eBooks to public libraries.
National Public Radio recently aired a valuable explanation of the issues involved.
The Library strives to obtain books that people want to read, especially best sellers, and ordering the eBook format is now a regular part of the process. But often public libraries just can’t get an eBook edition for you.
Here’s what that means using this week’s list of New York Times combined print and eBook best sellers. You’ll only be able to click on those titles that we were able to obtain for the Library eBook collection:
Fiction
Non Fiction
Another issue: the Library eBook collection is hard to search.
Overdrive, the only eBook vendor to offer titles for Kindle, has its own database and it can be hard to browse. We’re happy to help you learn the tricks to finding things faster, but we want better. We’re working to pull all the titles available online into our in-house catalog, so you can find both print and eBooks in one place.
Sometimes it’s quite hard to get library eBooks onto your reader.
It can take more clicks, and sometimes even a cable, to get library books onto your eReader. Publishers call that “friction” and hope the extra effort will steer you toward buying the book instead of borrowing it. We want you to be able to download library books as easily as checking out hard copies. In the meantime, we’ll do all we can to help you with the downloading process.
Please don’t give up yet.
We’re determined to make things better. Through the American Library Association and Urban Libraries Council, Arlington Public Library is working to get more publishers on board and make our eBooks easier to use. We encourage you to let publishers know what you think, too.
We’re also watching for new and better ways to get you the content you want. We can’t reveal the details right now but later this month the Library will have something special–and digital–to offer readers of popular magazines.
And just a reminder: If you’re a fan of classic literature, you can fill your eReader for free with some of the greatest writers who ever lived, with no waiting lists and no expirations. Thanks to Project Gutenberg, you can get to know Lincoln and “Les Misérables” well beyond the multiplex. For keeps.
Let us know.
How is the collection working for you? What changes would you like to see?
Feel free to leave a question or comment in the space below. And thanks for all your support of our efforts.
Behind the Scenes is our periodic look at how the Library works, brought to you by acting chief of the Library’s Materials Management Division, Rachel Wood.
New Times for Tech Tutoring at Aurora Hills
Questions about your new eReader? Thinking about trying Skype?
We can help! Call the Aurora Hills Branch Library to schedule a 45-minute appointment with one of our staff members. You choose the technology topic, and the staff will provide tutoring to help you get started with the basics.
Appointments for Monday, Feb. 4:
- 3:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m
- 5:00 p.m.
To make an appointment, call 703-228-5715 or visit the Aurora Hills Branch Library. Space is limited, so schedule promptly.
Registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Learn more about Technology Training at the Library.
Paws-to-Read at Aurora Hills in 2013!
Stress-free reading practice for kids – with dogs who love to listen
This winter we’re expanding our well received Paws-to-Read program to the Aurora Hills Branch Library!
Starting in January, the PALS reading-therapy dog teams will be at Aurora Hills on the 3rd Thursday of each month, to listen non-judgmentally as kids practice reading out loud.
Slots are available for 15 minute sessions, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m:
- Thursday, Jan. 17
- Thursday, Febr. 21
Sign up in person at Aurora Hills Branch Library, or by calling 703-228-5715.
Guess That Caldecott – Final Round!
What Caldecott Award-winning book did this illustration come from?
In recognition of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Award in January, we’re holding a “Guess That Caldecott” contest!
If you recognize this illustration (from the last 25 years of the Caldecott) submit your answer by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27:
- Use the online form
- Visit the Central Library Youth Services Desk
The winner of our contest will receive a copy of the book that wins the 2013 Caldecott. In the event that there is more than one correct answer, we will determine the winner through a random drawing of all correct answers.
Need a hint? Check out our Countdown to Caldecott page for a running list of the previous winners!
Helping Through Newtown's Public Library
Books Heal Hearts Project
You can help the residents of Newtown, Conn. by contributing to their Cyrenius H. Booth Library “Books Heal Hearts” project.
Donations go to providing special book titles that work toward consoling and coping.
All donations are tax-deductible.
Thank You For Making Our Open House So Much Fun!
An Evening of Stories, Crafts, Cards and Snacks
Nearly 300 kids, teens and adults dropped by the Central Library Youth Services room Wednesday, Dec. 19, for a festive Winter Holidays Open House.
With stories and songs, seasonal (and glittery) craft activities, and delicious refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library, a good time was had by all:
Our Teens had a great time at the Open House too, making cards, hanging out, and helping with the crafts and snacks:
And we had a special guest story reader – the Library Director!
Visit flickr to see all the photos.
This little guy had so much fun, he had to take a nap…
Every Doggy Pawty!
Barking Jingle Bells and Exchanging Doggy Treats
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Columbia Pike Branch Library held a party for all the wonderful Paws-to-Read volunteer people and dogs.
We tried to tell the kids that this was the dogs’ night off, but some just couldn’t help working overtime! And the dogs didn’t seem to mind at all.
Learn more about Paws-to-Read at the Arlington Public Library.
Winter / Spring 2013 Elementary Program Schedule
Fun for Kindergarten – 5th Graders
All programs are free; some require advanced registration. All are on a first-come-first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Download and Print Schedule (pdf)
No programs March 17 – April 1, 2013
Fairies, Fables and Funny Folktales
Storyhour includes kings and queens, genies and ogres, readers’ theater, crafts and more!
Columbia Pike Branch Library: Wednesdays, Jan. 16 – May 15, 4:00 p.m.
Drop-in
Kids Club
Elementary school kids are invited to come participate in fun activities.
Please call for full schedule of activities.
Aurora Hills Branch Library: Wednesdays
Jan. 16, 30 Feb. 6, 20, March 6, April 17, 24, May 15, 22; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Drop-in; Call 703-228-5715 for more information.
Central Library: Wednesdays
Jan. 9 – March 20; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Drop-in; Call 703-228-7692 for more information.
Paws to Read
Children practicing their reading with therapy dogs.
Call program location to register.
Aurora Hills Branch Library: 3rd Thursday of every month; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Call to register: 703-228-5715
Central Library: 2nd Monday/month and 4th Monday/month; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Call to register: 703-228-5946
Cherrydale Branch Library: Saturdays, Jan 19, Feb 23, Mar 16, Apr 20; 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Call to register: 703-228-6330
Columbia Pike Branch Library: 1st Tuesday/month and 3rd Tuesday/month; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Call to register: 703-228-5710
Shirlington Branch Library: 2nd Wednesday/month; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Call to register: 703-228-6545
Westover Branch Library: 2nd Tuesday/month and 4th Tuesday/month; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Call to register: 703-228-5260