Press Releases September 2003

The Main Branch of the Allegany County Library System will resume its Sunday Hours starting on Sunday, September 7. The Library will continue to be open from 1PM to 5PM on Sundays until the Memorial Day Weekend next year.

The Library System is gearing up for their Back-To-School Open House, which you will not want to miss. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 17, from 4 to 7 PM with the theme “The LibraryóSchool Connection.”

September 4, 2003

Shumans Return to Library for Clutter Program

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

Amy and John Shuman will be at the South Cumberland Branch of the Allegany County Library System for a repeat of their popular program “Clearing Your Clutter”. The program will be on Monday, September 15 from 7 to 8:30 PM.

In this very popular program, Amy and John tell fun stories about how they have gotten rid of material possessions in various ways, how they sorted out what was important to them, and how it has changed their lives substantially. Detailed “how-to’s” are given, so participants can go home and begin the process--however it fits their lifestyle. Although the Shumans began clearing “physical” clutter, they also share how their emotional and spiritual lives have changed.

“We have had such a demand to get the Shumans back for this program,” commented Linda Burkey, Coordinator of Community Outreach. “They agreed to do it this one more time for the library. This is a great time of the year for this program, getting your house all cleared out before winter comes.”

September 8, 2003

Libraries' 2003 Back to School Open House September 17

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

All branches of the Allegany County Library System will be holding their 2003 Back-to-School Open House September 17 from 4 to 7 PM. Students, parents, grandparents or other caregivers, and teachers are encouraged to attend.

“The Library—School Connection” theme for 2003 stresses the library’s role as a supplier of information and educational tools for students and teachers throughout the county. Every year scads of new and updated resources are added.

“Once people realize what we have to make their school year easier, they tend to use these resources,” commented Linda Burkey, Community Outreach Coordinator. “Being a good library user and being a good student or teacher seem to go hand in hand.”

“Not everyone knows we have materials and tools for the really good students and those who are struggling in school, and everyone in between. We will still be offering on-line, one-on-one tutors again this year, to help all level of students. This service is just one of many available through us on your home computer. You will find out how to access this resource and our Microsoft Office facilities, which a lot of students are using to type their reports and to make PowerPoint slide show presentations for school.”

While you are at the library on September 17^th, don’t forget to register to win one of the many door prizes we have for the event: duffel bags containing school supplies or win a pizza for yourself and a librarian will come to your school for a class visit.

September 9, 2003

Baltimore Zoo's ZOOmobile is Coming to Libraries

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

Baltimore Zoo’s ZOOmobile will be bringing their “edzoocation” program to Allegany County Library branches around the county on Tuesday, September 16 and Wednesday, September 24. On September 16, “The Great Animal Puppet Pageant”, the zoo’s program for 3 to 6 year olds, will be at the Main Branch on Washington Street at 11AM. “Fear: Friend or Foe?”, a program for students in grades 4 to 8, will be at the LaVale Branch starting at 4PM.

In the “Great Animal Puppet Pageant”, kids try to figure out which animal will be chosen as the most important member of the animal kingdom? Watching the puppets, they decide which animal to crown in the royal puppet court. There will be some very important live Zoo animals to meet up close after the show. This program lasts about 30 minutes.

In “Fear: Friend or Foe?” students say whether they are afraid of creatures that crawl, creep or slither? Some of the zoo’s most fascinating Animal Ambassadors convince you to stay calm. Learn why many feared animals are essential in maintaining a balanced environment and healthy ecosystem. This program lasts about 50 minutes.

On September 24, “The Great Animal Puppet Pageant” will be repeated at the South Cumberland Branch starting at 10:30AM, and “Fear: Friend or Foe?” will be repeated at the George’s Creek Branch starting at 5PM.

“Come see who you share your world with,” exclaimed Janice Beall, library staff member . “It’s a great opportunity for children to experience the Baltimore Zoo,” added Children’s Librarian Becky Grimm.

The ZOOmobile visits are designed to be entertaining as well as educational. They offer children interaction with live animals, called Animal Ambassadors, that reflect the wide range of animals that share this Earth with us. These visits are a result of the library system partnering with the zoo earlier this year to apply for a grant that will make further edzoocational programs possible.

These visits, made possible by funding from Columbia Gas, also allow some in-service training for teachers at local area elementary schools.

September 11, 2003

"One Book, One Allegany County" Activities Beginning September 17

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

The “One Book, One Allegany County” program will hold its first Book Discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird on Wednesday, September 17 at the George’s Creek Regional Library in Lonaconing from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. William Dye, a retired English teacher, will be leading this discussion. Everyone is invited to join in on the discussion or just listen to it. Come to just be part of this unique community building experience taking place here this fall.

“Lee Greenwood’s song says ‘I’m proud to be an American’; let your participation in this program say, ‘I’m proud to be an Allegany Countian’,” encourages Linda Burkey, on staff at the Allegany County Library System. Other Book Discussions will follow on September 21 at the LaVale Library from 7-9 PM led by Bernice Friedland, retired English teacher and former Library Board of Trustee member; September 23 at the Frostburg Community Library at 7:30 led by Fred Powell, from Main Street Books; September 30 at the Book Center in Cumberland from 7-9 PM ; October 1 at the Westernport Library at 7PM led by Rev. Harry Coleman; October 20 at the South Cumberland Library from 7-9 PM led by Keith Schlegel from Frostburg State University; and October 21 at Main Street Books in Frostburg at 7:30 PM led by Fred Powell, who first suggested the “One Book” program be done in Allegany County.

The Cumberland Theatre will be performing the play by playwright Christopher Sergel From October 8 to the 26. On October 3 A Discussion of the Play with the actors will take place following the Matinee. Continuous Reads, with a lot of people taking turns reading the book in its entirety, will be conducted on September 19 from 10 AM-8 PM at Canal Place in Cumberland and from 9 AM-7 PM at City Place in Frostburg. Scales ‘N Tales Appearances will take place on September 19 at 12:30 PM at Canal Place in Cumberland and at 2 PM at City Place in Frostburg.

Two short videos, “In Context: To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Gregory Peck: His Own Man” are available to borrow to show to your groups to foster discussions One Book, One Allegany County seeks to promote literacy and strengthen our sense of community through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. From August 19 through October 26th, adults and teens throughout Allegany County have been asked to read Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. Readers are encouraged to talk about the book with friends and family and to take part in one or more of the public discussions. If it’s been awhile since you have read the book, --maybe since high school?-- now is a great time to reread it. Try it from an adult’s perspective; the activities of the children will have you laughing, even though the book is actually about the serious subject of racial prejudice.

To Kill a Mockingbird is available in many formats: audio book, video, and large print editions. Copies may be borrowed from local libraries at no charge or may be purchased at local bookstores. Pick up a book, and get a “One Book, One Allegany County” commemorative button to show your support. On September 19, showing either a copy of the book or your support button will get you a discount on some items at Tree House Toy Shop or on a small cone at Queen City Creamery. Stay tuned to local media as more events are added. An up-to-date listing of all events will also be available on the library’s website at http://lib.allconet.org For more information about volunteer opportunities call Carol Clulee at 301-759-3562 or the South Cumberland Library at 301-724-1607. To find out more about One Book, One Allegany County, visit http://lib.allconet.org

September 12, 2003

Free Online Homework Tutors Available Through Library System

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

If you’re stuck on a homework assignment in Math, Science, Social Studies or English, try one of the Allegany County Library System’s free on-line homework tutors available on any of the public computer work stations at any branch or available on your home computer at http://www.tutor.com/allegany

The live homework help designed for students from grades 4 through 12, gives one-on-one assistance during 20-minute sessions. Live homework help is available between 2 PM and Midnight, seven days a week.

Tutors are certified teachers, university professors, graduate-school students, students at accredited 4-year colleges, and professionals who are experts in their fields. All have received criminal background checks, reference checks, and have been certified through the Tutor.com Training Program.

Have the question you want answered ready when you log onto the computer! You will also need a library card number if accessing from home. Then it’s as easy as following these 4 easy steps: STEP 1. Select your grade level. STEP 2. Select the subject area. STEP 3. Tell us if you have used Tutor .com before. STEP 4. Click “Go”.

The tutors will help you with your question, but they won’t simply give you the answers. Students and tutors can interact in a variety of ways, including chatting, using whiteboards to write or draw ideas, sharing documents, and browsing the Internet together.

Don’t stay stuck; let a tutor help you!

Frostburg Book Club Will Discuss Anne Perry Book on September 18

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Pat Merrbach

Frostburg Public Library

65 E. Main Street

Frostburg, MD 21532

The Frostburg Book Club will meet at the Frostburg Branch of the Allegany County Library System on Tuesday afternoon, September 18 at 2PM to discuss Anne Perry’s Cater Street Hangman, a mystery set in Victorian England. It was in this novel that Inspector Thomas Pitt and Charlotte Elisson make their debuts in the search for a serial killer.

The Book Club meets the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at the Library. Everyone is invited to attend their discussions. Copies of their book selections can be borrowed from any library branch.

September 12, 2003

Library Book Group Meets September 25

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

South Cumberland Branch Library’s Book Discussion Group will meet Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM to discuss Arthur S. Golden’s Memoirs of a Geisha, the story of the young orphaned girl Chiyo, starting with her childhood living alongside a fishing village in what she calls her “tipsy house” on a cliff, on into her years late in life with her prominent businessman husband.

This first novel by Golden is historical fiction at its best. Set in the Japan of the 1920’s to 1960’s, it has probably became the international bestseller it is because of all the time researching about Japanese society and geisha life that the author has done, including a stay in the home of Mineko, a top geishas during the 1960’s and 70’s.

In his acknowledgements at the end of the book, Golden thanks Mineko and talks about, in his words the “other-worldly sense my wife and I felt while watching tennis on television in our living room with our new friend, a Japanese woman in her forties who also happened to be one of the last geisha trained in the old tradition.” This took place during her visit to Boston. This book does transport you to another world.

Golden holds degrees in English and art history, with a specialty in Japanese art.

The Book Group for their October 23 read has chosen Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. Everyone is invited to attend the discussions held regularly on the 4^th Thursday of each month. Copies of the books are available at any branch of the library system.

September 17, 2003

"Slumber Party Story Hour" and Much More at Westernport Library

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Nancy Sudine

Westernport Public Library

66 Main Street

Westernport, MD 21562

Story Hours for children ages 3 to 6 at the Westernport Library will now be held on Tuesday evenings at 6 PM instead of the afternoon 2PM as previously announced. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6PM a “Slumber Party Story Hour” will take place. It’s pajama time! And all children are to wear pajamas and bring their friends to share popcorn, stories, and a movie.

Regular Craft Nights with Evening Story Hours will be also be starting up again on Monday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 PM. These programs for all ages include stories, songs, and activities focusing on a theme for fun and adventure.

Toddler Times for children aged 18 to 36 months and a parent will be held at 10:30 AM every Thursday. These programs designed to stimulate and entertain include games, stories, and other activities. Pre-registration is required for this program.

The Cumberland YMCA will once again be starting their “Parent Power” classes at the Westernport Library on Fridays from 10 AM to Noon. The classes begin Friday, Sept. 19, at 10AM. There will be snacks, crafts and other supervised activities for preschoolers, as well as adult conversations for parents, and family fun. Pre-registration is not required.

Come on out to the Westernport Library and have a good time with your friends and family this fall!

September 17, 2003

Library System Announces Fall Computer Classes

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Linda Burkey

South Cumberland Library

100 Seymour Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

The Allegany County Library System will offer free computer classes on Tuesdays, starting October 7 and continuing through January 27, 2004. All classes are free of charge, last for about an hour, and are perfect for the adult who is trying to learn about computers on their own. They will be held at the Gates Computer Training Lab located in the Frostburg Branch of the library system at 65 E. Main Street.

Please sign up for each of the following classes you are interested in attending:

“Introduction to the Internet” on Oct. 7 at 10AM, is a class designed for people with no prior experience using the Internet. Learn about browsers, search engines, and hyperlinks. We will perform simple searches on a search engine, and enter web site addresses for direct access to sites.

“Using STAKS the Library Catalog”-Oct. 14 at 11AM, shows you how to get the most out of searching for titles in the library. The class will cover sample searches, how to view your own patron record and renew your own books, and more.

“Using Reference USA”-Oct. 21 at 10AM. Come to this class to learn how to locate addresses and telephone numbers of friends and relatives and more using the Reference USA! database.

“Create an Inventory of Your Collectibles with Excel”-Oct. 28 at 5PM. Come learn to use Excel to help you organize that collection of glassware, stamps, action figures, or whatever it is you collect!

Classes in November will include the following: “Internet for Seniors”-Nov. 4 at 10AM; and “Finding the Information You Want on the Internet”-Nov. 18 at 5PM.

In December try one of the following: “Creating Calendars Using Microsoft Publisher”-Dec. 2 at 11AM; “Introduction to the Internet”-Dec. 9 at 10AM; or “Introduction to the Computer”-Dec. 16 at 10AM.

Start off the new year right by learning something new in January: “Microsoft Word 2000 Basics”-Jan. 6 at 11AM; “Microsoft Word 2000 Intermediate”-Jan. 20 at 11AM; and “Online Resources for Avid Readers”-Jan. 27 at 10AM.

Pre-Registration is required for all classes. Call 301-687-0790 to register of for more information; or pick up a “Computer Class Schedule & Sign Up Sheet” at any branch library.

“These classes are great for the individual who doesn’t have the time or doesn’t want to make a big commitment, but who would still like to get some training,” comments Linda Burkey, Coordinator of Community Outreach for the library system.

“They are designed to be informal and fun with Lisa McKenney as your instructor. Each individual will get to work comfortable at his or her own computer terminal for real hands-on experience. The Gates Computer Lab really is a beautiful place for inducing learning how to use a computer.” The classes are open to the public and are free.

September 23, 2003

Reception Honoring Levy and Hafers at Library

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Debbie Hartman

George's Creek Regional Library

76 Main Street

Lonaconing, MD 21539

A reception will be held at the George’s Creek Regional Library on Saturday, October 18^th at 2 PM honoring Ruth Baer Levy and the Senator Hafer Family.

Ruth Baer Levy prints have recently been donated to the library in her memory by her family. Her artwork shows scenes from Lonaconing history including a view of town, coal miners, Lefty Grove and more. The pictures are housed in the Quiet Study Room.

The reception will also honor the Senator Hafer Family for their recent donation of a collection of old books made to the library in memory of their family.

Everyone is invited to attend! “It’s a perfect opportunity to stop by the library and see all we have to offer,” added Debbie Hartman, Branch Manager. “I’d call the library in Lonaconing a ‘Happening Place’. There’s just so many activities taking place there,” commented Linda Burkey, Coordinator of Outreach for the library system. “Lonaconing may be a small town, but it has library services to rival many large cities. Computer technology and a terrific Interlibrary Loan System make such service possible. Check it out and see what you’ve been missing. There is no charge to belong.

Don’t forget to check the library’s Meeting Room. There you will find Lefty Groves’ Most Valuable Player trophy and many more historical items from the George’s Creek region.

September 23, 2003

Frostburg Library Book Club Selects Books to Read

PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System

Contact: Pat Merrbach

Frostburg Public Library

65 E. Main Street

Frostburg, MD 21532

The Frostburg Book Club recently released their list of book selections to read and discuss thru April 2004. This list shows the diversity of reading done by the group: Oct. 16--Bel Canto: A Novel by Ann Patchett; Nov. 20--Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya; Dec.-- No Meeting; Jan. 15-- America’s Women: Four Hundred Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines by Gail Collins; Feb. 19-- House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus; March 18--Callander Square by Anne Perry; and April 15-- Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

Come experience the fun of broadening your horizons, making friends, enjoying a social time, and taking your reading to a whole new level as only participating in a book group can do. The club meets the third Thursday of the month at the Frostburg Community Library at 2 PM. New members are welcome to join in on any of the discussions. Information on this group is available at the Circulation Desk or by calling 301-687-0790. Copies of the books being discussed are available at your local library.

October’s selection, Bel Canto: a Novel, might just help you experience from a different perspective what has been happening in the world lately, from inside one of a multi-national cast of characters sharing a terrorist episode in South America.