Mad Libs

Thank you to our friends Barbie, Jillian, and Mewatis for providing nouns, verbs, and adjectives to fill in the blanks of our Mad Lib story! Watch our Facebook page www.facebook.com/missoulapubliclibrary for future invitations to suggest groovy words for more Mad Lib action.

Once upon a time, there was a preposterous boy and a fruity girl. They were zooming to Madagascar when they noticed something sitting by the side of the road.

“Cuttlefish, and lions, and hot dogs! Oh my!” the girl exclaimed. “What is that?”

“I don’t know,” replied the boy adding, “We can find out at the library!”

They masticated as fast as they could, masticating the whole way to the Library. Fortunately, the bipolar library door was open and the hysterical Librarian was sitting at her milking stool, ready to help. The preposterous boy and the fruity girl described the thing and asked what it was.

“Why, that’s easy!” said the Librarian. “It’s a sterilized toilet bowl! I’d know one anywhere! I’ll find an ebook or two about it for you. You can make yourselves comfortable on the ottoman and I’ll be right back.”

While at the Library, the children looked at books about ballet, James Joyce, and Little Bo Peep. The two children agreed: there is so much to see, so much to do @ your Library!

As they left, they told the Librarian, “We’ll be back again tomorrow!”

The End.

Facebook class today @ MPL

New to Facebook or have been wondering what it's all about? Make some time on Wednesday at 12:30 to join us for our Facebook and Beyond class that will cover the basics of this social networking phenomenon. We wil cover the basic how to's and take a look at why the privacy settings are important to, well, your privacy. Give us a call at 721-BOOK (2665) and we'll save a seat for you.

Social networking nerd?

If you are new to Facebook or other social networking tools and would like some expert guidance there is still room in our computer class on Wednesday December 1st at 12:30. Call to reserve your spot and I'll bet that you will learn something helpful. There will be time for questions.
If you aren't familiar with our classroom and the regular schedule of classes that we offer, take a look at our website at http://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/events/Computoclass.htm to see our schedule of offerings. In addition to our live classes every Monday evening and Wednesday at lunch time you can also increase your computer aptitude with our computer skills courses through LearningExpressLibrary http://www.learnatest.com/LEL/index.cfm/learningCenter/computerSkills. Whether you have a MAC or a PC you will find training for all levels of experience covering a variety of programs.

"This Book is Overdue"

I just read the following review from Publishers Weekly and placed a hold on "This Book is Over due ~ How Librarians and Cybrarians Can SAVE US ALL" by Marilyn Johnson.

"In an information age full of Google-powered searches, free-by-Bittorrent media downloads and Wiki-powered knowledge databases, the librarian may seem like an antiquated concept. Author and editor Johnson ( who also wrote "The Dead Beat") is here to reverse that notion with a topical, witty study of the vital ways modern librarians uphold their traditional roles as educators, archivists, and curators of a community legacy. Illuminating the state of the modern librarian with humor and authority, Johnson showcases librarians working on the cutting edge of virtual reality simulations, guarding the Constitution and redefining information services—as well as working hard to serve and satisfy readers. Johnson also makes the important case for libraries—the brick-and-mortar kind—as an irreplaceable bridge crossing economic community divides. Johnson’s wry report is a must-read for anyone who’s used a library in the past quarter century." (Feb.) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Not only did this prompt me to visit our online catalog and place a hold, the idea of a collection of stories about librarians (mostly public librarians) doing all sorts of wild and crazy... and important things, reminded me of our librarians at Missoula Public Library. The image on the cover is of an old-time style Wonder Woman leaping into action to save the day... holding a digital device. (doesn't this picture remind you of our very own Word Woman?)

Since February is "Library Lovers Month", this sounds like a convivial read for everyone who visits the Library. Wouldn't it be fun if we all read it and met back here (comments) or on our our Facebook page and "book-talked" it?

2010 Fans in 2010 Update

Guess what! Over the weekend we passed the 800 mark on Facebook! You still have time to submit a prediction for when you think MPL will reach 2010 Facebook fans in 2010. The deadline to post your prediction is Jan. 31st. To recap, here are the dates that have already been claimed:



Jan 21, Feb 14, Mar 14, Mar 15, Apr 1, May 21,
Jun 10, Jun 23, Jul 11, Jul 22, Jul 25, Aug 17,
Sep 22 Sep 28 Sep 29 Oct 10 Oct 11 Oct 20
Oct 21, Dec 11, Dec 12, Dec 13, Dec 18

Don't forget the 'fine print':

• One prediction per person
• Post your prediction on Facebook www.facebook.com/missoulapubliclibrary by Jan. 31, 2010
• The prediction closest to the date MPL reaches 2010 without going past the date will be accepted as the winner (think The Price Is Right protocol)
• In the event of a tie, whomever posted the prediction first will be declared the winner
  

Make a Prediction and Win

As of January 11, 2010 Missoula Public Library has 744 Facebook fans. When do you think we'll reach 2010 fans in 2010? We're going to award a prize to who ever posts a prediction on our Facebook fan page that is closest to the date MPL hits 2010 fans.

These are the predictions that have been made so far:

Mar 15 Jun 10 Jun 23 Jul 11 Jul 25

Aug 17 Sep 22 Sep 28 Sep 29 Oct 21

Dec 11 Dec 13 Dec 18

If you’re not an FB fan of Missoula Public Library, become one already! By doing so you’ll be privy to all our event updates and be able to connect with a community of people who share your library love. Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/missoulapubliclibrary

Post a prediction then spread the good word of the library by inviting your friends to join us on Facebook. Thanks and good luck!

The Fine Print aka The Rules:

• One prediction per person
• Post your prediction on Facebook by Jan. 31, 2010
• The prediction closest to the date MPL reaches 2010 fans without going past the date will be accepted as the winner (think The Price Is Right protocol)
• In the event of a tie, whomever posted the prediction first will be declared the winner

Blank vs. Blank

Who will reign supreme?
Alien or Dinosaur?
You decide!

Which creature would you favor in a face-off? Tell us by adding a comment to this post, or vote via the MPL Facebook fansite. Which ever fearsome contender receives the most backers by 11:59 pm, Sunday, August 30th will be the featured topic in an upcoming blog post.

The Truth Behind Facebook

The hottest social network out there is definitely Facebook. In honor of teen tech week, here are some Facebook parodies. Enjoy!

We Exist On Facebook!

Well, I finally broke down. I'm teaching some classes next week for parents of teens about social networking, so I thought I would learn about facebook by starting my own profile there and in the process started a Missoula Public Library group. So if you are on facebook take a look and join the group.

I am surprisingly pleased with facebook in general. I didn't think I would be, but it is a lot more personal than the myspace hype machine. It's also much more organized than myspace, which means I still get a little lost. We'll see how it goes.

And if you want to check it out, here is our myspace page. And be sure to look for us on facebook.