Librarians on Parade

This weekend was a busy one. Not only did we have a party, we also represented the library at the annual Parade of Lights parade. None of us really know what we were doing, but we got lots of cheers and heard, "I love the library!" more times than I could count.

We gave away two full bags of magnets, candy canes and temporary tattoos. I had no idea marching in a parade was such fun, I guess that's why Missoula has parades all the time. I know we'll participate in parades in the future after this one.

Special thanks to Joyce's husband who took some great pictures of us marching. See more of his work at edoylephotography.com.

More free music from MPL

Our classical music database offers weekly free music downloads and this week is...Mozart's Serenade No. 11 in E flat, K. 375 performed by the Ensemble á Vent Français Bordeaux Aquitaine, Michel Arrignon, conductor.
To get this free download go to the E-databases link on our homepage and go into the Classical Music Library from the Alexander Street link.

Ain't No Party Like a Library Party

This weekend a large portion of our staff got together to send our Interlibrary Loan Librarian Myra into her retirement (which is still forthcoming).

In order to protect our collective reputation, this picture is the only proof you'll get that lots of us were in the same place at the same time.

With the Kids, We're All Right

We participated in the Missoula Downtown Association's annual display window contest and took first place in the Children's Choice category! They dropped off a delicious plate of Bernice's Bakery cookies, which are already all but gone. Special thanks go to Molly and Laura (aka Word Woman) for coming up with the idea and making that idea a reality.

Here's an admittedly bad picture of the display. It almost looks like the sun is shining brightly on the snowmen, but don't worry, they'll be around for a while yet. And maybe this weekend we'll get some real snow so these won't be the only snowmen downtown.

Word Woman

Welcome to another astounding installment of Word Woman's Weekly Work-Out! Don't let the cold, dark days of winter get you down --- keep your brain from going into hibernation by improving your vocabulary! Here's a double word score Word of the Week illuminating two words which are often confused:

Ensure: (verb) to guarantee; to make safe; to protect; to make sure
as opposed to
Insure: (verb) to provide insurance; to take out insurance -- "Word Traps", Jordan L. Linfield & Joseph Krevisky, Innovation Press, 1993.

Example: If you wish to ensure your family's financial security, be certain that you are well insured.