Free Online Classes

We invite you to join our new, free online classes designed to encourage our patrons to explore Web 2.0 technologies. If you visit our website, you’ve seen our Blog, our Tweets and our Flickr pages. Now, we’re offering you a self-paced online program to help you explore and learn about new Web 2.0 technology and how it can be useful to you in life and in your relationship with your library. Anyone can participate, whether you are familiar with Web 2.0 or if you’re totally new to the social networking world . You can explore Communications 2.0, Twitter, Social Networking Sites, RSS feeds and other “Cool Tools”. Are you ready to get started? First, please register @ mplweb204u.pbworks.com and when you receive your confirmation email, you can begin a fun, rewarding online experience!

Equipment Needed: A computer with Internet access, a sound card to listen to podcasts, headphones (if you plan to participate in a public area), Quicktime or Windows Media Player for videos. And, remember you can also participate while you're in Web Alley!

What are you waiting for? Sign up today and have fun!

Books on my desk

I work in the technical services department at Missoula Public Library. This behind-the-scenes department is where all the cataloging and processing action happens to get items shelf-ready for you to checkout and enjoy. If you've ever noticed the term "in-processing" in the library catalog, it means that the item listed is downstairs in the technical services department being assigned a call #, labeled, barcoded, dust jacket covered and more.

My desk is usually piled high with young adult & kids' book goodness waiting to be added into the catalog and processed. I thought it would be fun to share a few of the titles that are sitting on my desk right now.

Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
Tagline: They're going to have fun even if it kills them. Again.
This is book three of the Morganville Vampires series Call #: YPB CAINE

Do They Scare You?: Creepy Creatures by Sneed B. Collard III
This book was donated to us by the author and invites children to examine how strange looking creatures like tarantula, viperfish, and bats live and survive. Call #: J 591 COLLARD

Gambit Classic vol. 1
This volume collects the comics originally published in magazine form as Uncanny X-Men #266-267 and Gambit #1-4.
Call #: YC XMEN GAMBIT V.1

Urban Dictionary: Fularious Street Slang Defined compiled by Aaron Peckham
I've got mad street cred now, fo' shizzle!
Call #: Y 427.09 PECKHAM

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
The classic novel with a slight twist!
Call #: Y GRAHAME

These are just a few of the books that are sitting on my desk. You are welcome to place a hold on any one of them. My question for you is this, what books are sitting on your desk?? Post a comment and tell all of Missoula!

June is Audio Book Month...have you been caught listening to a book yet? If not, I triple-double-dog dare you to try one out. Here is a brief list of why you should borrow an audio book today:


* Hands-free enjoyment of a story -- no pesky pages to turn
* The roadtrip or commute miles will fly by
* Hours of entertainment for FREE! The library has tons of audio books available for check-out, all free of charge as usual
* Variety - everything from bestsellers to classics are available for kids, teens, and adults
* Portability-- downloadable audio books are available via MyMontanaLibrary2Go. Logon with your library card number to start downloading a book to your home computer, iPod, or MP3 device. (The library has MP3 players available for checkout, just ask at the Accounts Desk.) More iPod compatible titles are being added every month. Our Reference staff can help you get started at the library's download station.

Go ahead-- listen to a book today!

Goodbye Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson died at the age of 5o today, and whether you love(d) him or hate(d) him, you can't deny his unique pop cultural influence. To date, Thriller is still the biggest selling album of all time; the album became emblematic of the 80's, a generation marked (culturally) by unfortunate fashion options, an enthusiasm for slasher flicks and music videos, designer drugs (and subsequent government initiated anti-drug programs), and a reinvigorated belief in the transformative power of capitalistic ventures. A weird era, to say the least. And, appropriately, when I re-watched the music video of Thriller-- I hadn't seen it since I was a kid-- I thought, "This video is seriously one of the weirder music videos I've ever seen." (Not that I've seen a ton of music videos lately. But still.)

Now that Michael Jackson is dead, I have to wonder, just how much of his legacy will live on after him? I imagine that many of the social and moral debates he sparked in his later years will fade from memory, but what about the moonwalk? I'd be sad to see it go for good. And I personally think it'd be a shame if people didn't continue to occasionally reference and/or parody the once ground-breaking products of the man's performative, um, genius (see link below).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkTQwP2gFxU

Word Woman

Welcome to another mind-bending episode of Word Woman's Weekly Work-Out! A mind is a terrible thing to waste, so keep yours fresh as a daisy by expanding your vocabulary. Here's the Word of the Week to get you started:


Docent:
Pronunciation:
\ˈdō-sənt, dō(t)-ˈsent\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
obsolete German (now Dozent), from Latin docent-, docens, present participle of docēre
Date:1880

1 : a college or university teacher or lecturer
2 : a person who leads guided tours especially through a museum or art gallery

-- "docent." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009.
Merriam-Webster Online. 25 June 2009


Example: The docent at the museum was very knowledgeable, adding tidbits from her own research to the script provided by the curator.

What are you reading?

Everybody's looking forward to a vacation this summer, right? What books are you packing? Here's your chance to make a recommendation to us! We're looking for great recommendations (or books to avoid) in all styles, so post a comment and share your summertime selections.

If you're not sure what to pick up, stop by our Staff Picks display in our browsing shelves near the checkout stations - you're sure to find something you'll like!

Altered Books This Weekend!!

I'm writing on this again because I don't want anyone to miss out. It's just TOO FUN to miss. Imagine a big room full of friendly people of all ages, music, treats, craft materials, and tons of books that are ready for you to turn into art. People have made animals, tricycles, hands, even a big hot dog. But other people do fun collages, neat little diaramas, origami, and just plain old delightful decorations. Whatever your creative spirit leads you to. Come on over to the Missoula Public Library's Large Meeting Room this Saturday, June 27, from 2 till 4:30. You don't need to bring anything but you can bring your own materials if you wish. We'll be displaying our creations on First Friday, July 3, and letting people vote on favorites in the kids, teens, and adults categories. Winners will receive some nice artsy prizes. Come on and join us!!

Word Woman

Welcome to another exciting episode of Word Woman's Weekly Work-Out! Here's a news flash courtesy of our departing co-worker:

In the coming week, the English language will consist officially of at least one million words, according to the Global Language Monitor, which tracks the use of new words. (see Telegraph for source) Great news for word lovers everywhere! Let's celebrate with the Word of the Week:

Sesquipedalianism: The practice of using very long words. Also called sesquipedalism, sesquipedality. (adj. - sesquipedal, sesquipedalian) -- "-Ologies & -Isms: A Thematic Dictionary", Howard G. Zettler, Ed., Gale Research Company, Detroit, 1978.

Example: Jeremiah's sesquipedalianism made conversation with him well nigh incomprehensible to anyone but his fellow English professors at the University.

It's here again: Father's Day. If you're father is anything like mine, you'll be stressing out-- as I am-- trying to find the perfect way to honor him on Sunday. Since I feel completely inadequate when it comes to holiday fanfare, I've turned to others for ideas about how to honor the man who is partially responsible for my existence. Here's some of the ideas friends and coworkers have given me:

1. Take Dad on a scavenger hunt to his favorite fishing hole or brunch spot.
2. Collectively "roast" him: that is, record a bunch of friends and family members as they recollect about Dad, quote Dad-isms, reenact Dad (mis)adventures, etc. Then present the product to Dad on his special day.
3. Make a pinata filled with pictures of Dad through the ages, golf balls, his favorite candy, coupons for ice cream cones, and whatever else you think will make Dad happy.
4. Build a birdhouse in his honor. Um, right.
5. Consider making him a special dad-themed treat, such as the "Want Some Mower Cupcake" shown above. Here's a link to that recipe, which comes from the website Family Fun: http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=52174

Alright, kids: have fun!

Everybody's doing it

We're not big fans of peer pressure, but this time we'll make an exception. Seems like everybody's rediscovering the library lately. You've probably heard the national (see the Today Show segment at http://bit.ly/U09P9) and local news stories covering the fantastic new influx of residents using the library. Missoula Public Library is on the curve of the trend, too, with a record high number of checkouts in May in the history of the library!

We can't say exactly what's stirring the most interest: our redesign is now complete making the library a comfortable and fun place to be, summertime is a traditional rush time, plus new users are trying to make the most of the economy. But we're happy to see you!

If you haven't been in lately, you should stop by and browse our new display shelves, hang in our teen room, or take a load off in our comfy seating. If you're reading this you've probably already explored some of our amazing online services - but I'm betting there are a few you haven't discovered yet (did you know you can text with a reference librarian live 24-hours a day?!?).

We're busy and we're excited about it. So join the buzz and talk up the library with all your friends and family. They'll be so impressed with everything you know, and you got it all for free!

It's True.

As mentioned by Joyce already, I'm moving away from the Missoula Public Library. I recently accepted a job as a Library Director in Iowa.

I'm really going to miss this library. MPL is progressive and not afraid to take risks. We've been trying to push the envelope technology-wise and I think the patrons of Missoula benefited from it greatly. I learned more than I could ever have hoped while working here, and plan to use what I've learned as I move forward.

If you want to follow my adventures eastward, you can follow me at twitter.com/bmmsben. It's been great working with the patrons and staff of the library for all these years. I'll truly miss Montana, and Missoula specifically

PS - If you want free cake, come to the library this Friday and go to the reference desk at 4 pm. I'll be there as well.

'Zine Workshop for Teen Writers

A teacher from Zootown Community Arts will be coming to the MPL Young Adult Writers' Group on Friday, June 19 to talk about 'zines and help us create our own 'zine filled with our own work. Whether you're a regular in the Writers' Group or not, feel free to come and bring words and images to help us assemble a brand new, one-of-a-kind, rockin' sockin' 'ZINE! (By the way, a 'zine is just a homemade, self-published or distributed literary/art magazine or booklet.) We're in our regular Writers' Group spot in the Small Meeting Room downstairs. See you from 4:00 till 6:00 on Friday!! (We have snacks!)

Farewell and Adieu

We're having mixed emotions here at the library as two of our fantastic staff members are preparing to leave us. We're very sad to see them go, but excited for their new ventures. Anita will be heading West, while Ben will be moving East. So we at least know that no matter what direction our own traveling takes us, we'll find friends along the way. Join us to wish them luck at a Farewell Party on Friday, June 19, at 4 p.m. in the reading area near the reference desk. We'll have goodies to eat to help ease the pain!

The good news is, we are already working toward filling their positions here at the library so our staff will be as available as always to help you find something fun to read/watch/listen to this summer. They'll be hard acts to follow, but we're looking forward to welcoming new, innovative faces to our staff.

World-Wide Cinema

Seen all the recent DVD movies and just can't figure out what do watch this weekend? Try a foreign film. We know - sounds dry, dull, boring. Right? Don't be fooled. Our World-Wide Cinema series picks the best of the best, showing award-winning movies from all over the globe, and puts them on the big screen. These films are all you can hope for from a movie - funny, poignant, thought-provoking, and even entertaining.

World-Wide Cinema is at the library (for free!) every second Friday at 7 p.m. - so we know what you're doing tonight! It is intended for the mature audience due to adult themes, language and sexual content. Of course, if you can't make it, we add the movies to our collection after we screen them so you can always check it out later.

See the world from right here in Missoula.

I checked the weather forecast. It looks like we have a fairly good chance of getting more rain during this upcoming week, which is good news for all the gardeners in the valley. Although I'm no master gardener and although I don't have yard space for a garden, I am doing my best to keep the tomatoes and cucumbers in my community garden plot alive. To that end, I've been looking into some Missoula area resources for gardeners. The Library has, naturally, been my particular champion; Molly, our Non-fiction book selector, has done a wonderful job of keeping our collection of gardening books up to date.

The individuals who work at Garden City Harvest have also always been helpful and enthusiastic about answering my gardening questions and making suggestions about where I might procure whatever it is I need to get to make my garden the envy of other gardeners who also have plots at my community garden site. (When we started gardening together this year, my gardening partner reinforced to me that the real point of gardening at community garden site is "to win.") I recently learned, too, about a network of Missoula gardeners, called 1000 New Gardens, who are dedicated to helping each other and others in the community establish and maintain organic vegetable gardens. Here's the web information for those two resources:

GCH: http://www.gardencityharvest.org/
1000 New Gardens: http://1000newgardens.wordpress.com/about/

And, as far as the rainy forecast goes, if you're worried about getting wet but you hate walking around and bumping into other people with an umbrella, perhaps you could considering investing in "the polite umbrella;" it's handy pull strings allow you to scrunch the umbrella away from from passerbys on a crowded sidewalk. http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=89529106732&h=XYXLR&u=UmuDe&ref=nf

Word Woman

Welcome to another mind-bending installment of Word Woman's Weekly Work-Out! A mind is a terrible thing to waste, so keep yours in good working order with mental exercises like crossword puzzles, word searches or sudoku. Or, you can expand your vocabulary by learning new words. Here's the Word of the Week to get you started:

Youtuber	:
	One who spends so much time browsing youtube videos that they have metaphorically taken root, in the manner of a potato or other root vegetable. A couch potato of the new millenium. May 13, 2009 Urban Word of the Day -- DonBito/ Feb 5, 2009/ http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=youtuber/Urban Dictionary.

Example: Ann complained to Kari that, since they had dropped cable in January, her husband had become a veritable youtuber, taking root in front of the computer for hours at a time.

Disclaimer!!

You may notice that some novels have disclaimers stating that characters and events described in the story are indeed fictional and any similarity to real people or events is purely coincidental.

Last week I was processing (getting the book ready to go on the library shelves) a copy of Michael Alan Nelson's graphic novel The Gathering** (vol. 2 of the Fall of Cthulhu series) and found this disclaimer on the title page. I just had to share it with you all.

"The characters and events depicted herein are fictional. Any similarity to actual person, demons, anti-Christs, aliens, vampires, face-suckers or political figures, whether living, dead or undead, or to any actual or supernatural events is coincidental and unintentional. So don't come whining to us!" - Boom! Studio (TM) Publishers

I guess they just about covered everything!


** book call #
YC
NELSON
V.2

National Audio Book Month

Most would agree that June is a fabulous month! Classes are letting out, the days are longer, and the sun is shining (most of the time) in Missoula. June is also National Audio Book Month. If you haven't ever listened to a book, give it a try already!

Missoula Public Library has an awesome selection of fiction and non-fiction titles on cassette-tape and CD that you can checkout for four weeks. There is something for everyone! You also have access to downloadable audio books using your library card at MontanaLibrary2Go online. These titles "checkout" for two weeks and can be downloaded to your PC or laptop, and are transferable to your MP3 player. The library even has MP3 players available for check out and an audio book download station located across from the reference desk for your convenience. You'll never have to worry about overdue fines or misplacing a downloadable audio book title since it is digital and will automatically "check-in" after two weeks.

Call 721-BOOK or stop by the reference desk for a quick downloadable audio book tutorial; or step into the library's Entertainment Central to browse audio books for kids, teens, and adults.

Watch this blog for more tidbits and reviews of audio books. Until then, have fun listening!

Summertime reading

Summertime and the readin' is easy... (sung to the tune of Gershwin's "Summertime" - my apologies to Gershwin). We're getting into the groove of summer with lots of books, lots of activities, and lots of people signing up for our summer Family Reading Program.

For those few of you who haven't hear about our annual event, the Family Reading Program - lovingly referred to as FRP - is open for all ages to track their time spent reading this summer in exchange for very cool prizes donated by great local merchanst like Dairy Queen, the Good Food Store, Del's Place, and the Carousel. You can track the time you spend reading a book (and we have plenty of options), listening to an audio book (did I mention we offer downloadable audios right from our web site?), or being read to for the preschool and younger crowd.

On top of that, we have activities for kids entering first grade and older (see our list at http://bit.ly/91xvf). Plus, see our Teens Only page for info on the hip-hop, recycling, t-shirt, and anime events we have all summer (http://bit.ly/qJ9R8), and our "Page Turners" readers club for those in-between (entering grades 4-6) check our Events calendar at http://bit.ly/2ggbf3.

There's something to do all summer long at the library.

National Donut Day

Yes, today is National Donut Day. I suspect that this frivolous "holiday" is more of a money making brain-gem dreamt up by PR folks working for donut-making corporations than a celebration of the ring shaped cake that so many of us know and love.

In truth, I find donuts difficult to stomach; most taste too sweet and too processed for my palate. However, I here set aside my personal biases to embrace the specialness of this day and to present you with a few bits of donut lore, review today's donut, and address briefly the donut's prospects for the future:

1. Legend has it that we have a clumsy cow to thank for the existence of donuts; the said cow apparently knocked a bucket of oil over a pile of raw dough, thus creating the prototype of today's donut.

2. Possible reasons for the hole in the middle of the donut:
a. During a storm at sea, the man who credits himself with inventing the donut shape of the donut, Captain Hansen, stuck a piece of fried cake on one of the spikes of his ship's steering wheel when making a wild grab for it.
b. As a result of a visit from an angel, Captain Hansen was made to understand that the donut must be relieved of its center.
c. Captain Hansen was a cheapskate and so took a chunk out of the middle of the donut to cut down on the cost of donut making ingredients, an explanation that seems less interesting than the others but perhaps more plausible.

Today the donut enjoys various modern permutations of itself: for example, you might, during a trip to the Pacific Northwest, pay a visit to Mighty-O, Seattle's well loved vegan donut shop, or you might, when finishing a meal at a high-end restaurant, find yourself tempted by a dessert listing featuring donuts, such as "Fresh Donuts with Deconstructed Bananas Foster."

One can only wonder where the donut will go next: I imagine a virtual donut, a no-calorie donut, a donut with wings that can make a man fly. Whatever the case, it is my semi-sincere hope that donuts and donut-lovers everywhere will enjoy bright and boundless, donut-laden futures.

Word Woman

Welcome to another mind-bending episode of Word Woman's Weekly Work-Out! Summer is a great time to get out and have some fun in the sun, but don't forget to keep your brain entertained as well. Summer reading is fun, and great exercise for the mind. We have a Family Reading Program going on for the months of June, July and August that anyone can participate in simply by dropping in at the Children's Desk here at the library and picking up a folder. Or, call us or check our website for further information. Now, let's get started with the Word of the Week:

Ailurophile: a lover of cats, also called a felinophile. -- "-Ologies & -Isms: A Thematic Dictionary", Howard G. Zettler, Ed., Gale Research Company, Detroit, 1978.

Example: Jane and Harold had a very difficult time living together, as she was an ailurophile and he was an ailurophobe*.

* Bonus word: an ailurophobe is someone who is afraid of cats.

Oprah + Books

I recently learned of a Chicago woman calling herself Lo, who conducted a social experiment by living an entire year based on the advice of Oprah Winfrey. She chronicled her experiences (blissful and hellish) in a blog entitled Living Oprah. Whether you're a fan of Oprah or not, this blog is an interesting look at the "manner in which power is wielded by celebrities and...about how willing we are to hand over our power to our gurus."

Lo, short for Living Oprah, prepared recipes, enacted meditation practices, adopted home decor ideas, and read books as espoused on Oprah's talk show and magazine. She kept track of all the time and money it cost to live an Oprah inspired lifestyle. Apparently it wasn't easy or cheap. Luckily when it came to books Lo was able to save cash by borrowing from her local library.

You can save cash too, Missoula Public Library has a subscription to O: the Oprah Magazine and owns several titles from Oprah's Book Club (TM). Click here to view titles available in the library catalog.