Closed January 1 & 2

Russell County Public Libraries are closed January 1 & 2, 2012. We reopen with new hours on January 3rd. Read our previous blog entry or our webpage for the new hours.

New Library Hours

Lebanon Library
9 am – 7 pm     Monday
9 am – 7 pm     Tuesday
9 am - 5:30 pm Wednesday
9 am - 8 pm      Thursday
9 am - 5:30 pm Friday
10 am – 2 pm   Saturday
2 - 5 pm           Sunday

When the libraries open on January 3, 2012, new hours will be in effect. These changes are based on patterns of patron use so will better meet the needs of patrons. Lebanon Library’s hours will change seasonally, closing Monday and Tuesday at 7 pm during the winter while remaining open Monday and Tuesday until 8 pm during the summer. Lebanon Library will follow the summer schedule Memorial Day through Labor Day. If it seems confusing, please note the Lebanon Library hours are the same Wednesday through Sunday all year round. Honaker Community Library’s hours will remain the same year round.

Honaker Community Library
3 pm - 7 pm      Monday
3 pm - 7 pm      Tuesday
3 pm - 8 pm      Wednesday
9 am - 1 pm      Thursday
Noon - 5:30 pm Friday
Closed               Saturday
2 - 5 pm             Sunday

Holiday Closings

Friday, December 23, through Monday, December 26; reopen on Tuesday, December 27 with regular hours.

Making Sense of the American Civil War

After 150 years, people are still talking about the Civil War. And during the winter, we will be talking about it at Lebanon Library on Sunday afternoons.

A reading and discussion series begins January 8th at 2 pm and will continue every other Sunday through March 4. Come by the library and pick up your books and join us. The books are engaging (not HARD!) and there will NOT be a quiz; so if you don't finish the book, no problem!

Here are the first books we will read from:
March by Geraldine Brooks
America's War, an anthology prepared for this discussion series by renowned Civil War historian Ed Ayers.

Leading our discussions will be Dr. Brian McKnight, a history professor at UVA-Wise. Dr. McKnight is a native of Southwest Virginia and has written about the Civil War in the Southern Appalachians.
On the other Sundays in January and February, we will be screening Civil War films, alternating a documentary, like Civil War Minutes, with a feature film, Glory and CSA: Confederate States of America, a Spike Lee film.

Let's Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War, a reading and discussion series, has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

Christmas Tree of Books

This Christmas tree at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, is contructed entirely of books.

About five feet wide at the base and eight feet tall, it is composed of 1600 hardcover books, none of which were harmed in the making of the tree! The librarian said that the books, mostly duplicates and discards, were treated respectfully--no cutting to fit.

You can see more pictures and a video of construction of the tree at the library's Polish language website
http://pulowerek.pl/2011/12/06/o-tym-jak-zrobilismy-pierwsza-polska-choinke-z-ksiazek/  You can also find pictures on Flickr. 

Thanks to American Libraries for bringing this to our attention.

Happy Holidays.

Card Making @ Lebanon Library

The Craft Circle meets Thursday, December 15, at 1 pm to make Christmas cards. The library will have some card-making supplies available or you can bring your own supplies from home.

If your cards are already in the mail, stop by with your current craft project. You can work on your project and enjoy the company of other crafters.

December Doings, Part II

Honaker Community Library is serving up some of their regular programming AND some seasonal specialties. Take a look, mark your calendar and stop by the library.

Make a Christmas Ornament  December 6 @ 5:00pm, HCL
Movie Matinee  December 11 @ 2:30pm, HCL
Make a Reindeer Gift Bag  December 13 @ 5:00pm, HCL
Friends Meeting & Christmas Get Together  December 19 @ 5:00pm, HCL
TAB Meeting  December 21 @ 3:30pm, HCL
TAB Book Discussion  December 21 @ 4:00pm, HCL
Movie Screening  December 21 @ 5:00pm, HCL

Call to find out what holiday films are showing on December 11 & 21.

December Doings

December doesn't have many special programs, just the usual... Below is a list of events at Lebanon Library. Check back tomorrow for a list of Honaker's upcoming events.

Story Time goes through December 22, then takes a break to resume January 17, 2012.
Lego Club December 13, 3:30 - 5 pm, Lebanon Library
Book Club December 14, 1 pm, Lebanon Library - Unbroken
Craft Circle December 15, 1 pm, Lebanon Library - Christmas cards
Movie Classic December 17, noon, Lebanon Library

The Lebanon Library plays host to several events:

Pictures with Santa  Sunday, December 4, 2-4 pm - The Friends of the Library & the Imagination Library sponsor this fundraiser. A 4"x6" photo is only $5 and benefits the Imagination Library. Visiting with Santa is free! 

Relay for Life Tree - Russell County Rotary Club sponsors this tree with ribbons to remember friends and loved ones affected by cancer. Each ribbon is $5 and all money is donated to Relay for Life. Ribbons available from Rotary Club members and the Lebanon Library.

Libraries Closed

Russell County Public Libraries will observe the Thanksgiving holiday by closing Wednesday, November 23, at noon and remaining closed Thursday and Friday. The libraries will reopen with regular hours on Saturday, November 26.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Wireless is Back!

Wireless Internet at Lebanon Library is back up!
Hurray!!!

Christmas Ornament Crafts Wednesday

Clockwise from left: plastic canvas,
box, granny square & die cut snowflake

The third Wednesday is when the Craft Circle meets. The subject is Christmas ornaments this month, in hopes that we can all get a head start!

So bring your favorite handmade ornament to show off. We'll share and get great ideas AND start making ornaments.

Everyone is welcome. No matter what your skill level OR what your favorite craft is. We'll bet you can make an ornament.

Wednesday, November 16, 1 pm
Lebanon Library

National Gaming Day

This Saturday 10 am - 2 pm at the Lebanon Library
...'Nuff said. Don't miss it!

VOTE - It's your right!

The Poor Voter on Election Day

The proudest now is but my peer,
the highest not more high;
To-day, of all the weary year,
A king of men am I.
To-day alike are great and small,
The nameless and the known;
My palace is the people's hall,
The ballot-box my throne!

Who serves to-day upon the list
Beside the served shall stand;
Alike the brown and wrinkled fist,
The gloved and dainty hand!
The rich is level with the poor,
The weak is strong to-day;
And sleekest broadcloth counts no more
Than homespun frock of gray.

To-day let pomp and vain pretence
My stubborn right abide;
I set a plain man's common sense
Against the pedant's pride.
To-day shall simple manhood try
The strength of gold and land;
The wide world has not wealth to buy
The power in my right hand!

While there's a grief to seek redresss,
Or balance to adjust,
Where weighs our living manhood less
Than Mammon's vilest dust,--
While there's a right to need my vote,
A wrong to sweep away,
Up! clouted knee and ragged coat!
A man's a man today!

John Greenleaf Whittier (1852)

Most of us think that Election Day is the first Tuesday in November. It's actually the first Tuesday after the first Monday. That's why we have another week of campaigning to endure.

It wasn't always an "endurance campaign."  If you consider not having the option to vote, you may realize that it is a privilege and a right you should enjoy. And with the privilege and right comes the burden...which is what the campaigning may feel like.

Two hundred years ago, I couldn't have voted because I'm female. And originally only property owners could vote--that generally meant white men with land holdings. Times have changed, but heart-felt sentiments often are timeless. Remember the words of John Greenleaf Whittier if you feel like a poor beleaguered voter....

...and VOTE on November  8!

Posted by Kelly

Late October Programs

Lebanon Library: The crafting circle meets October 20th at 1:00 pm. The featured craft is crocheting. Come join us to learn how, or to share your own skill. On October 25th at 5:00 pm, there will be a basic computer class offered for beginners.

Honaker Library:
Microsoft Word Class, October 17th at 5:00 pm.
Teen Advisory Board meets, October 19th at 3:30 pm.
Halloween Party, October 26th, 4:30-7:00 pm.

Books & Crafts & Movies, oh my!

Programs at the libraries are starting up again after a late summer hiatus.

The Lebanon Library Book group meets Sept 14 (2nd Wednesday of the month) at 1 pm. The group will select books to read this fall. Come join us! (And if you can't make that time, tell staff you are interested in a book group and leave your name & contact information at the desk.)

The Craft Circle will meet Thursday, September 15, at 1 pm at the Lebanon Library. Crafters can bring their latest project and share it. The featured craft is cross stitch, so someone will be demonstrating that craft for anyone interested in learning it.The Craft Circle meets the 3rd Thursday of the month and observers are welcome.

And a movie is showing frequently at your local library. Stop by and check us out!

On the Morning of September 11, 2001, where were you?

How did you find out about the terrorist attacks?

What do you remember about that day?

How has life changed for you because of 9/11?

September 11 Memory Project
RCPL wants to know the answers to those questions. The library is coordinating a community memory project to commemorate of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorists attacks. During the month of September, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts, memories and reflections on the tragic events of that day and what they have come to mean.

You can stop by the library in Honaker or Lebanon and we'll provide you with paper to record your thoughts. Poems, sketches, memories are also welcome. A video camera will be also be available if you prefer speak to rather than write. You can also email us at libadmin@russell.lib.va.us. All the memories will be compiled into a book that will be added to the Local History Collection.

September 11th was a pivotal moment in history, a permanent mark in time for many of us. Before 9/11, after 9/11.

Share your thoughts.

From Appalachia to the White House...with the Secret Service

Book Signing
Hear a Secret Service agent who protected six U.S. president speak today at Honaker Community Library between noon and 3 pm. Joe Dye, a Russell County native who grew up Swords Creek, lived in Washington, D.C., for many years while in the Secret Service. His assignment was the White House where he protected the President and members of the president's family.

Mr. Dye will also be speaking and signing books at Lebanon Library Sunday afternoon, August 21st, 2 - 5 pm. Stop by and hear an insider's stories of life at the highest level of our government.

Dog Days of Summer

It does feel like we've come to the dog days of summer--hot and sultry. The term 'dog days' comes from the Latin and loosely speaking, from the fact that the dog star, Sirius, was dominant in the sky from early July to early September (in the northern hemisphere.) Things are pretty quiet at the libraries as well this month.

Honaker will be closed Tuesday, August 9th,
when construction interrupts the power supply. But progress continues on the construction and renovation, as this picture shows. But due to the renovation chaos, programs are limited this month at Honaker.

At Lebanon, we are also taking a break from many of our regular programs (no storytime in August.) Lego Club will be meeting Tuesday, August 9, 3:30-5 pm and the Crafting Circle will try rock painting August 18 at 1 pm.

Both libraries are hosting Joe Dye, who as a Secret Service member protected a number of U.S. presidents. Mr. Dye, a Russell County native, will be signing his book From Appalachia to the White House.

Check the calendar for the book signing, computer classes and more at the libraries. Come in and get out of the heat!

America's Library

The Library of Congress is the USA's national library, although it was actually established for Congress, hence the name. C-SPAN will premiere an original documentary on the Library of Congress Monday, July 18, at 8 pm & 11 pm ET. The program will go behind the scenes and tour the iconic Jefferson Building and share the history and treasures of this American institution.

Check out C-SPAN to preview portions of the program and see an interview with a former Librarian of Congress, James Billington.You may also want to visit the Library of Congress online. The American Memory Project has amazing stuff, like old baseball cards and daguerreotype photos from the 1800s, such as one of firefighters in Charleston, South Carolina from the 1850s.

You can also listen to sound recordings; how about Southern Appalachian fiddle tunes, Civil War music, or public reactions (audio & video) to September 11, 2001? Can you believe that it has been 10 years? There are also public reactions (man-on-the-street) interviews to Pearl Harbor in 1941-42.

Take an online tour of the library if you miss the documentary July 18. And remember Virginia's unique connection to the Library of Congress--after the Capitol was burned by British soldiers in 1814, Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his book collection to Congress. After a little haggling on price (they settled on $24,000) Jefferson's collection became the seed of the new library.

Watch the C-SPAN documentary on the Library of Congress July 18 at 8 pm and you just might see a few of Mr. Jefferson's books.

July Summer Reading Programs

Bring Your Children and Join Us!

Celebrate Old Glory ... with a Basket and a Story!

Lebanon Library Friends

Silent Auction of
Book-Themed Gift Baskets

Again this year the Lebanon Friends are having their annual raiser at the Independence Day Celebration in Lebanon. Each themed basket contains a book and other gift items on the theme; the silent auction of the baskets begins in late June and is finished on July 4th about 3 pm when bids are closed.

Baskets are on display now at the library and more are arriving every day! They will be on display at the Friends booth at the July 4th afternoon festivities and you can place your bid and make sure that no one has outbid you!

All baskets are donated by individuals, businesses and organizations so the Friends put the money made into children's programs at the Lebanon Library. The baskets make great gifts and support a wonderful cause.

Stop by the Lebanon Library and look at all the baskets.

Civil War Grant and Library News

The Russell County Public Library competed successfully for a grant titled Let's Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War. Only 65 libraries across the United States were awarded this grant, from the American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Russell County Public Library is honored to have been one of four libraries in Virginia chosen. The library will have several programs beginning in the Fall as well as several new books relating to the Civil War. Watch for more information to be announced.

The library in Lebanon has installed a new security system which will be activated this summer, and will alarm if books are taken through the doors without being checked out. The library hopes to better serve the community by decreasing theft and thereby keeping library materials available to all patrons who wish to use them.

The library has added new subscriptions which include The Wall Street Journal, Cooking with Paula Deen, and Country Sample. Stop by the library to see them all.

Hard Work Pays Off

The long-awaited constuction and renovation at Honaker Community Library has begun! Of course, the first part of any construction is often destruction and that's the case here.

Because the addition will sit at the front of the library, patrons will have to enter through the rear door on occasion and can expect some minor distuption of services.

We'll keep everyone informed with regular pictures on our blog and website. And if you see a member of the Friends of the Honaker Library, say thank you!

Bookfair and NOOK Demonstration

Online Bookfair Benefits Library
Russell County Friends of the Library are sponsoring a Barnes & Noble Bookfair. May 11-16 your purchases from barnesandnoble.com will benefit the Friends. Stop by or call the Honaker or Lebanon Library to get your shopping code to benefit the library. All you need is that shopping code to plug in at check out. You can also use the code May 11-16 at the Johnson City Barnes & Noble retail store. Books, especially a presentation Bible, make a great and lasting gift, whether for graduation, wedding or an anniversary. Music or a cookbook might be just the thing for a special Mother's or Father's Day present...or maybe Mom would like a NOOK, the Barnes & Noble e-reader! There's something for everyone and the Friends receive a small percentage of each sale, so call or stop by to get the code.

Explore E-books Live @ your library
What's all the buzz about e-readers, like the Kindle and NOOK? Find out May 11 at the Russell Co. Public Library. A Barnes & Noble rep will be on hand Wednesday afternoon, May 11, to show you how to handle the NOOK. There will also be NOOKs available for sale, with purchases benefitting the Friends of the Library. Stop by Wednesday, May 11 noon - 2 pm at the Lebanon Library and 3 - 4 pm at the Honaker Community Library.

E-readers are lighter than your average paperback, and you can carry MANY books on your one light-weight e-reader. You can adjust the print size; so no more checking if the book is available in large print. Reading hasn't gone out of style it's just gotten easier. The library provides free downloadable e-books and audio books. Download them and read at your convenience, thanks to your public library. Call 889-8044 or 873-6600 for more information.

Create Your Own Stories @ your library

National Library Week is April 10-16 and RCPL has many activities planned! It’s not too late for YOU to take time this week to record your stories...your first memory, where you met your spouse, your first date, first day of school, grandma's house, the silly stories your uncle used to tell. You can write it or record it--whatever you are most comfortable with. Share it with your family and friends, or just record it for yourself. If you want to share your story with the library, we will be happy to put it in our archives.

Upcoming Events:

Thur, Apr 14, 9 am - 8 pm Seniors Day @ Lebanon: Create your own story, plus fun & games! (Youngsters under 65 welcome!)

Fri, Apr 15, noon - 6 pm Create your own story @ Honaker: Videotape your story!

Library Programs Through March

Lebanon Library has the following programs this week:
March 22nd: Keep Your Computer Healthy Class, 6:00 pm
March 24rd: Deadline for Women’s History Essay, 12:00 noon
March 24th: Evening Story Time for Children, 6:00 pm
March 31st: Reception for Women’s History Essay, 4:00 pm
Story Time Tuesdays at 10:30 am; Wednesdays 10:30 am; 4th Thursday 6:00 pm
Honaker Library has the following programs this week:
March 23rd: Movie Night 5:00 pm
March 24th: Local History, 11:00 am
March 28th: Resume/Job Seeker Skills Class 5:00-6:30 pm
Story time Thursdays at 10:00 am

Welcome Roberta!

Honaker Community Library is pleased to welcome Roberta Hubbard to our staff as the new Circulation Assistant. Roberta is a lifelong resident of Russell County; she grew up in Drill and presently resides in Swords Creek with her husband and son. She was graduated with the class of 1984 from Honaker High and attended SVCC for 1 1/2 years. Roberta has several years of experience working in the public school system, has taught Sunday school since the age of 16 and also performs numerous other church activities. Roberta also home schooled her son for nine years. She is very friendly, loves books and helping patrons. Roberta is a welcome addition to our library.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

The Wall Street Journal is here! The Lebanon Library now has a subscription to the premier business newspaper in the United States. Published daily during the week, it covers anything and everything related to business, including coverage of entertainment, sports and general news. And as you can see from the picture of our first issue, like most newspapers these days, there is color.

So stop in and broaden your horizon. Maybe there IS something in the business world to interest you.

Programs in February

Lebanon Library has the following programs this week:
February 19th: Children's movie with popcorn, 12:00-2:00 pm, rated G (Oscar Nominated)
February 24th: Friends of the Library meets 1:00 pm, visitors & new members welcome
February 24th: Black History Project Reception 4:00 pm
February 24th: Evening Story time, 6:00 pm, children may come in pajamas
February 25th: Movie with popcorn, 3:00-5:00 pm, rated PG-13 (Oscar nominated)
February 26th: Oscar Party, 6:00-7:30 pm; view trailers on Oscar nominees, vote for your favorites. Guests may dress up and have a free picture made in Oscar/prom attire
Story time Tuesdays at 9:30 am; Wednesdays 10:30 am
Honaker Library has the following programs this week:
February 23rd: Movie with popcorn, 5:30 pm, rated PG-13 (Oscar nominated)
February 24th: Local History, 11:00 am
Story time Thursdays at 10:00 am

RCPL Welcomes Jamie Rexrode, New Children's Coordinator

Russell County Public Library is pleased to welcome Jamie Rexrode to our staff as the new children's and acquisitions coordinator. Originally from West Virginia, Jamie has lived in Lebanon for 30 years. She graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Development, and from East Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Accounting. She has several years of experience working with children in Headstart and numerous church activities. She and the library welcome all pre-school children and their parents to visit storytime, which is currently offered:

Tuesdays at 9:30 am, Lebanon Libary

Wednesdays at 10:30 am, Lebanon Library

Every 4th Thursday at 6:00 pm, Lebanon Library

Thursdays at 10:00 am, Honaker Community Library