RCPL is Holiday Central!

Christmas books on display

Did you know that your local library is holiday central?

Want a new recipe to add to your annual holiday rotation? Check out our selection of cookbooks and cooking magazines. In addition to print, we have hundreds of digital titles available on Libby and Magzter. Listen to a holiday playlist from Freegal while you're in the kitchen to help set the festive mood.

Time to mix up your holiday decor? We have crafting and decorating books and magazines to inspire you. Bring that seasonal scrapbook paper hiding in a drawer and use the library's die-cut machine to make shapes to decorate your table or tree. Or, make a handmade present for a friend. You may still have time. Remember, there are twelve days of Christmas!

Your Russell County Public Library is the antidote to a commercial holiday. Grab a cozy holiday read - or a murder mystery set during the holidays - or a seasonal movie. From It's a Wonderful Life to Die Hard, we've got you covered. Hallmark Christmas movie addicts can get their fix with the Hallmark Movies Now BingePass on hoopla. Get seven days of unlimited access to all the feel-good movies you love.

You don't have to spend money to enjoy the holiday season. Attend a community event, like the Heart of Appalachia Community Orchestra's free concert, or wander through town looking at the lights and the trees. And stop by your local library. We're always here for you.

 

Honoring Veterans

During November, we celebrate Veteran's Day. It's a day that we honor those who served in times of war and peace in our armed forces. The Russell County Public Library Local History Collection contains a wealth of information about the men--and women--who served in the armed forces.

RCPL's Local History Collection

Some stories are sad: Robert Calvin Hawkins was killed during the Korean Conflict. We have a small digital collection of his papers donated by his family. It's poignant to read the exchange of letters from the War Department to the family, informing them when and how his body would be returned to them for burial--by train to Abingdon.

Others are amazing. Russell County native Giles Jessee Adams, the only son of John Robert Alva Adams and Maude Puckett Adams, was a naval veteran. He continued serving after World War II and was on USS Noa when astronaut John Glenn and his Friendship 7 capsule were pulled out of the Pacific in February 1962.

The Cumbow Meeting Room at the Lebanon Library houses a memorial to the Russell County service members who were killed in action during the 20th century. Did you know that the Lebanon Meeting Room had a name? It's named for William C. Cumbow, a WW II veteran and prisoner of war, who was chair of the Library Board of Trustees when the building was constructed.

Stop by and take a look at the memorial wall or the collection of books on military history. You can learn about how war is conducted by looking at the wall. Just don't stop by on Saturday, November 11. We're closed in honor of Veteran's Day.

However you honor or remember Veteran's Day, never forget: we owe our freedom to those who serve.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Historic Russell County Day

 

Join us to celebrate Russell County History! The Library of Virginia is coming to Russell County Public Library with their LVA On the Go van. They will offer short talks and workshops listed below. There will be children’s activities and a chance to record your stories about the RCPL or your family. Where was the library the first time you visited? Do you remember the bookmobile - and Marion, the bookmobile driver?

Come to explore research resources, discuss regional and family history with knowledgeable LVA staff, discover educational materials, and much more. The Sons of Confederate Veterans will be camping on the lawn for the day, so you can even take a trip back in time.

You can visit all three Russell County museums this Saturday. The Dante Coal Miners and Railroad Museum, the Old Courthouse at Dickensonville, and the Honaker Heritage Museum will be open on Saturday, October 21. Explore your history and heritage!

10:30 am  Genealogy 101
11:00 am   Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative
Noon         Digital Resources from the Library of Virginia
1:00 pm    Russell County in Maps

Historic maps of Russell County will be on display in the Lebanon Library Meeting Room in October. And if you stop by the Honaker or Lebanon Library this month, we’ll give you a question you can use to start writing your family history. By the end of the month, you’ll have several pages of your family history.

Learn more about the Library of Virginia’s 200th anniversary. And visit your Russell County Public Library in October when we celebrate our 64th birthday.

 

How Satisfied are You with Your Library?

Russell County Public Library aims to provide helpful and relevant resources and services. We are always looking for ways to improve our materials and services. How do we know what you want? We analyze data, like what books circulate, but the best way is to ask you, our patrons! RCPL wants to know if you are satisfied with our services. During September, RCPL will survey our regular patrons via email. The survey is online and has just six questions; we estimate it will take about 4 minutes to complete. We will ask patrons without an email address to complete the survey in the library online or in print.

Here's a chance to tell us what you want and need. Do you want more large print books? More science fiction? Should we offer more programs for adults? Do we need more or different library hours?

Each person who takes the survey will be entered in a drawing for a sweet treat and a free book from the Friends of the Library book sale.

In 2024, we'll ask you a few more questions. You can opt out of any survey in 2024 just by letting us know when you receive this satisfaction survey. Library patrons can watch their inboxes for a message from us.

Technology - Staying Protected

Do you own a smartphone, tablet, phablet, e-reader, or other electronic device? How about a desktop computer or laptop? There are many choices available, and the list continues to grow. For those that may be new to these electronic devices or are unfamiliar with them, selecting the right one can seem almost overwhelming. Let's look at some of these devices and explore one thing they all have in common - keeping the device safe and secure.

Owning a computer or mobile device should be a fun and rewarding experience. There are certain things we can do to help keep it that way. One is to install security software (and, in some cases – security hardware). Almost all new computers, smartphones, tablets, and the like come preinstalled with security software. If you're unsure, refer to your device's documentation for specifics on what it has or has not preinstalled. You may discover that there isn't any antivirus, anti-malware, or security software. Not to worry - several choices are available in the Play Store (Android) and App Store (iPhone, iPad)!

When you purchase a new computer (Windows or Mac), there's a good chance it will come preinstalled with antivirus software. Most often, these are trial versions and will expire if not purchased. You can also delete them to install an antivirus solution of your choice. For more information, perform an internet search for antivirus software or check with your local computer store. Installing antivirus software on your computer is a must to help keep you and your files safe and secure.

The same applies to phones, tablets, and other devices. Typically, iPhones and iPads don't require antivirus software due to the features and protections built into the operating system. However, to be better protected, it's a good idea to look in your device's app store and select an antivirus solution that meets your needs.

With more and more of our daily lives, from banking to work to healthcare, taking place online, it's never been more essential to protect your electronic devices. Remember, keep your devices safe, and they'll keep you safe too.

Posted by Bryan Scheerer