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.

 

There's More to the Story

 

 

April means spring, glorious spring! It's also when we celebrate National Poetry Month AND National Library Week.

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. This year's theme is "There's More to the Story."

Libraries are full of stories in various formats, from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like nature backpacks. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

Why a National Library Week?

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!" The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.

And yes, people are still worrying about how little Americans read. We'll let you in on a secret. Reading books and magazines on your phone is still reading. And you can still come to the library to grab a physical book, DVD, or magazine if you prefer.

Visit your library this month, and, to quote Paul Harvey, learn the "rest of the story." And be sure you participate in our Spinal Free Verse program, celebrating library and poetry month. You create a poem or short narrative out of book titles, April 25 & 26. No registration, just drop in!

 

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

 

Where's the Book I Want?

Where is all the new material?!

Is the bestseller rack half full or half empty?

It's a common question, and the reasons are many. You've noticed the store shelves and heard about the supply chain issues. That affects ALL industries, including the book publishing industry and its associated vendors and suppliers.

Russell County Public Library (RCPL) has taken steps to alleviate some of the issues. Our book vendor now sends us most bestsellers automatically. We tell them what authors we want and how many copies and they appear like magic a few days before the release date.

We routinely have patrons come and request books or movies that haven't come out yet. If you see a book on Good Morning America or another widely syndicated morning show, we can probably get it. But if the movie is still in the theater, you may have to wait months!

We always try to get what patrons request. But we can't always do that. Sometimes folks ask for titles from a series published in the last century. Yep, those paperbacks from the 1970s or 1980s are not readily available and are often too expensive; if it's a cult classic, collectors may have driven the price sky-high.

RCPL has noticed another trend with films. They often go straight from the theater to streaming and are not automatically for sale as a DVD or Blu-ray. Many shows and movies are now only available on streaming services. If there is a physical release, instead of the usual $20, it may be $60-$100 each. That's just too expensive for us to do frequently.

One step we've taken to ease delays is subscribing to hoopla. Hoopla is always available--if they have the ebook, audiobook, movie, TV series, or comic book, it is always available. No waiting. If you don't have reliable Internet service, you can download your material at the library and stream it from your device at home later.

We have more options available for reading and viewing than ever before. Give a new one a try; stop in, and we'll show you how!

Contributed by Kelly McBride Delph

Making Life Easier - No Overdue Fines

Russell County Public Library wants to make using library resources easier for you, whether you like to read a good, old-fashioned printed book or magazine or you want to download and read anywhere. Here are some ways you can improve your library experience, plus an exciting announcement!

Let us set a PIN on your account so you can log into your account. See what you have checked out and when it's due. You can update your address, phone, and email. You can also change how we notify you. Want email notices? Or do you prefer a text message?

What if you want your arrived holds to come via text message but want all your other notifications, like overdue or account expiration notices, to go to your email account? Yes, you can do that! You can set how you want to receive each type of notice.

Your final overdue notice will always be mailed via the United States Postal Service. And that final notice will be a surprise for you. Since we are not charging overdue fines anymore, that final notice contains the charge for replacing the material you have not returned. Ouch! But as long as you return the material, even after we've sent the notice, we only charge you the service fee of $5. Just bring it back for the next patron, okay?

Are you still waiting for us to be clear about that 'no overdue fines?' We will no longer be charging overdue fines. In the digital age, so many materials circulate virtually, and there are no fines on ebooks or digital magazines. After the due date and all your renewals are used up, the material is just no longer available to you. Mailing overdue notices cost the library staff time and materials. It was no longer a good source of revenue. And it always felt a little weird having income that counted on you not returning your stuff on time.

You can read more about our fine-free policy on our website.

 

 

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

 

 

 

 

RCPL Reporting for Duty

One of our new Kindles

A five letter word that makes people angry/tired/annoyed and begins with ‘C’ and ends with ‘d?’
C-o-v-i-d

Despite that 5-letter word, library services are still here for you.

• Need a copy or fax?  √
• Need a book, magazine, or DVD?  √
• Want to download an ebook, eaudiobook, or magazine?  √

Russell County Public Library is still open for business, as long as you wear your mask. If you can’t wear a mask, we have face shields or can provide curbside service at both libraries during regular hours. 

RCPL is loaning ereaders and tablets to patrons for one week. Download a book or magazine or read the news on these devices. It's 2021 and we want all our patrons to have the opportunity to use the library 21st century-style! (We will start technology classes soon if you feel like you are behind the curve.)

Our new book drop at Lebanon is accepting returns--be sure and push them all the way in! The contactless lockers are now available at both branches if you can't get by when we are open or just don't want to come inside.

These lockers, like the convenient new outside book drop at Lebanon and the devices, were made possible by a grant from the Institute of Library and Museum Services and the Library of Virginia funded by the CARES Act.

RCPL is committed to removing barriers and making information, learning, and reading available to all Russell County citizens.  Our wireless remains available 24/7 for students and other members of the community. Please call 889-8044 or 873-6600 today with any questions.

Stay safe and be of good cheer. Spring is coming.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

RCPL in the Age of COVID

The COVID pandemic has launched the Russell County Public Library into new territory. We are trying new ways to allow you to use the library--safely. New print materials are still arriving slowly, so we are building our downloadable collection of ebooks and digital audiobooks.

Our new holds lockers

Tablets and e-readers will be available for check out later this fall. So even if you don't have a tablet or Internet access, you can borrow an e-reader and download a few books while in the library. 

RCPL is excited about our new holds lockers. You can pick up the material you placed on hold without entering the building. The lockers will be on the porch of each library. You'll get a message that your hold has arrived and is available for pickup in a locker. Input your simple four-digit PIN number and the locker opens!

Lebanon Library will also get a new after-hours, outdoor book drop. We plan to place it so that you can drive by and return your library materials when the library is closed--no getting out in the rain and snow. 

Our first virtual program for adults and teens has launched. Family History Month is a mini-genealogy course with its own website, videos, links, and resources. Check it out.

To help our school students, RCPL is providing each student with an RCPL card so that they can access our ebooks for youth. The school librarians are issuing each student a patron card number (no actual card) that only allows digital access. It looks like we added a lot of patrons to our database, but over 3500 of them are named "Generic Student."

We are tweaking and building new services to meet patron needs in the times in which we live. The public library isn't merely a building. The public library is a community institution meeting the needs of citizens for information, access, education, and entertainment.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Digital and Distanced

As the summer ends, Russell County Public Library is moving more programs to digital platforms like Facebook and Zoom. Storytime returned today, September 9, on Facebook. In the weeks after, watch for book groups and crochet groups to start ‘meeting’ online.

Newspaper clipping in the Lebanon PTA minutes

We have beefed up our collection of juvenile ebooks since the children will have limited access to their school libraries under the current hybrid schedule. We are also issuing each K-12 student a generic digital-access-only library card. The school librarians will distribute them in late September.

As the coronavirus continues through the population, everyone continues to adjust and become accustomed to the new normal. We will provide programs and suggest books and movies, allowing you to keep that safe distance of 6 feet.

We have loads of old, archival material coming available online this fall. School pictures from Castlewood (1940s-1970s), the Parent Teacher Association Minutes for Lebanon Elementary (1928-1950), business records for J.H. Lockhart, Dentist, of Honaker, and more will be linked from our Local History Page by October 1.

Family History Month will be celebrated in October. To introduce you to genealogy and recording your family history--while on a little screen--our plans include an ‘instructional’ video, a video chat/check-in, a webpage with links and downloadable pages, and a packet with forms and hints to help you each week of the month.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Summer Dreams

What were your dreams for summer? 

My dreams for the year and especially the summer

Aerial Geology

involved travel. The "novel coronavirus" destroyed that dream!

Southwest Virginia has become a travel destination. We do have beautiful scenery. If you are stir-crazy, get outside. Take a ride--and maybe a walk/hike--to enjoy what people from across the country and the world come to visit.

With the heat of summer upon us, do you fancy some armchair traveling? RCPL has lots of lovely books that allow you to see our beautiful earth, the sea, and space from the comfort of your home. Just wander through the stacks, particularly in the 500s and 900s, and look for the big coffee table books lying on their sides at the end of shelves, just waiting to go home with you.

RCPL has reopened although occupancy is still limited. That means we need folks to come in, get what they want or need, and leave. That makes sure there is room for the next person that needs to come in the library. Fortunately, that's not been a problem; it's still much too quiet! Don't hesitate to stop by. We've created "Grab & Go" bundles for you; each bundle has at least 3 items on a theme from Amish to Zombies, from cowboys to cooking.

If you haven't gotten involved with our summer reading program, it's not too late. There will be a LIVE (online) children's program; registration is necessary. It's scheduled for July 30; if you are busy that day or don't have Internet, register anyway! You can watch the recording anytime during the first two weeks in August--even at your library! Adults can pick up a Summer Reading Bingo sheet; complete it and be entered in a drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant.

Find a new dream for this summer.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Reopening the Libraries

Resuming Regular Operations...sweet words to the library staff.
    
We have a phased reopening plan, subject to approval and change. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our patrons and staff. And we will change our plan anytime we deem it safe and prudent. Phase 1 and 2 are getting staff back in the building to prepare for reopening under state and local emergency guidelines.

When we reopen, we will expect you to respect the 6' social distancing rule while you are on the library property. You will see public (and staff) areas have been rearranged to better accommodate social distancing. We will have an entrance and exit door, to facilitate social distancing. We have a sneeze guard at our Circulation Desk and staff will be wearing masks and/or gloves. We hope you will wear a mask while in the building, too. (We have some to loan--washed after every use--because we are a library!) We take your safety and ours very seriously.

"WHEN?!" you ask. After Memorial Day, during Phase 3, we will resume curbside pickup and computer use by appointment. Computer use will be limited--to economic development and business needs, such as un/employment applications, faxing, and printing. Then we transition to library visits by appointment, followed by 'regular' operations--open doors but social distancing as long as recommended by health agencies. Lebanon Library reopens first, followed by Honaker Community Library--after we work the kinks out of our plan! Once Lebanon reopens, patrons in an at-risk population may come in between 9 am and 10 am.

We miss seeing our regulars. We know that members of our community depend on the library for work, pleasure, and education. You use computers (for employment, business, fun, communication, and more); check out books, DVDs, and magazines; send copies or faxes, and use the wifi. The only thing you CAN still do is use our wifi and download. You can download books and magazines and music.

Staff have been working during the closure. Learning via online webinars, and in staggered shifts, in the buildings. You'll see changes to make it easier to find what you want in the library.  We will even try to help you find things you didn't know you wanted!

We look forward to reopening. But we understand if you want to stick with using curbside service for a while. Check here soon for an update on the Summer Reading Program for children, teens, and adults. And remember, you are...
#saferathome

posted by Kelly McBride Delph

Remembering COVID-19

Remember?! This dangerous new virus is consuming some of us with worry now. But in March 2021? In 5 years? 25 years? There will come a day when all this worry, annoyance, and fear is both a memory and our history.

Experts suggest we write down our experiences, hopes, and fears during this pandemic. These writings help us work through our feelings and give us a record for the future. Some day a youngster may ask you what it was like not being able to go out to eat or work. We offer hints on writing below; don't be intimidated. Anything you write will be like gold to your grandchildren.

After you have vented or worried about COVID-19 on paper or a digital file (we discourage using social media), here's a suggestion. After writing, have a family history chat.

Talk about how this is different from crises/events important to other generations (9/11, Challenger, JFK assassination, etc.). Talk about how these events affect the economy (what industries falter, which ones thrive, and what does that mean locally). Take a look at the RCPL Local History page and click on Russell County Rootsweb. This website has many interesting historical documents (deeds and probate, church, and military records).

If you have kids at home, congratulations: You just completed a lesson including geography, history, economics, and a smattering of science (COVID-19, Challenger, 9/11). Not so bad, eh?

Writing daily in a journal has been a way to see our world for thousands of years. (Look at the Dickenson manuscript on the Local History page.) If you write daily, you may find you have established a new habit that soothes your soul.

Writing Hints

• Write for 30 minutes. It seems WAY too long, and your kids will whine about it (so will you), but do it. Set a timer, and everybody writes until it rings.
• It doesn't matter what you write - just put words on the page for thirty minutes.
• This is so stupid. I can't write for 30 minutes. I mean, I have nothing to say. If I could go see my hairdresser, now I could talk for an hour straight, but UGH. I hate this virus. I hate being stuck in the house. And honestly, I hate being responsible for my kids' education. See how easy that was? Keep going!
• It's okay to share writing "triggers" each day when you start. (Your child's teacher can offer some suggestions.)
• What do I miss most?
• If this time at home were a gift, how would I use it?
• If I could travel anywhere in the world, where would I go? Why choose that place?
• What do I want to be when I grow up?      
• Who do I most admire & why?
• What are my dreams? 
• List my favorite books/songs/movies
• The most disappointed I've ever been....
• The biggest lie I've ever told...
• My saddest memory....
• What would I do if I knew I could not fail?
• Three things I can't do without.

Posted by Kelly McBride Delph

New Digital Resources Available Now!

Russell County Public Library is excited to announce several new digital resources courtesy of the Library of Virginia. Whether you're writing a paper, pursuing a new career, or just looking for your next favorite book, there's something for everyone!

EBSCO eBooks
K-8 Collection
The eBook K-8 Collection contains more than 13,000 titles chosen to support a quality learning experience for K-8 students across all subject areas taught in elementary and middle schools, and content aligns with Common Core Curriculum Standards (for participating U.S. states). The collection also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators.

Cricket Media Collection
The eBook Cricket Media Collection includes more than 400 titles in e-book format and is suitable for Children grades Pre-K through 8th. Cricket is an internationally recognized education company with award-winning print content for children, families, and educators. Cricket is focused on engaging children in a wide variety of subjects and disciplines helping them explore and expand their worlds.

High School Collection
This package contains more than 10,000 e-books that support a quality learning experience across all academic subject areas, including history, language, literature, science, and technology. Content includes a selection of classic literary works, important historical documents, and general reference materials. The collection also features a selection of teacher resources to support educators and administrators. Titles align with Common Core Curriculum Standards (for participating U.S. states).

History Collection
This collection features more than 17,000 world history e-books to meet the content needs of students in their research. Titles encompass a variety of subjects, including medieval history, history of music, history of science, the law in history, history of philosophy, art history, history of technology, history of business and economics, history of religion, military history and more.

Notable publishers include Harvard University Press, Oxford University Press, McGill-Queen’s University Press, Ashgate Publishing Ltd., University of California Press and State University of New York Press.


EBSCO MasterFILE Complete
The most comprehensive and valuable collection of full-text general interest resources. This authoritative general information database is the best place to start your research.


Explora
Public Libraries
Designed with public library patrons in mind, Explora provides easy-to-use features and reliable content from the world’s leading magazines and reference books.

Middle and High School
Primary School
Designed with students and educators in mind, Explora provides a safe, trustworthy environment for students to look up articles and facts for research papers, class projects or homework. A far better alternative to websites and search engines, Explora provides students with easy-to-use features and age-appropriate content from the world’s leading magazines and reference books.


Gale Career Transitions
Career Transitions is an online career guidance center that walks users through the job-search process from beginning to end. It brings together all the tools needed to explore and take the leap to a new career.


Gale Kids InfoBits
Gale Kids InfoBits meets the research needs of students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. It features a developmentally appropriate, visually graphic interface, a subject-based topic tree search, and full-text, age-appropriate, curriculum-related magazine, newspaper and reference content for information on current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports and more.


Gale LegalForms
Provides a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms across the most popular legal areas. Includes real estate contracts, wills, pre-marital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant and many others. Also included is a comprehensive attorney state directory and a dictionary of legal definitions explained in laymen’s language.


NoveList Plus
Can’t decide what to read next? Need a recommendation for a child, student or family member? Use NoveList to discover your next favorite author, series, or title!


NoveList K-8 Plus
NoveList K-8 Plus is a comprehensive reading resource for fiction and nonfiction. With a fun and intuitive interface, and extensive proprietary content, NoveList K-8 Plus will help you integrate reading across the curriculum and support your young readers.


Read It!
Research while practicing reading skills with Read It! Helps students with a basic foundation in English grammar and reading who need adapted reading material for many subjects. Read It! is also a great tool for English Language Learners.


Rocket Languages
Speak and understand a new language better. With 12 languages to choose from, including American Sign Language, Rocket Languages also features modules in Spanish and Japanese to learn English. Rocket Languages is perfect for the business or traveler learner, as well as extra practice for students.


Universal Class
Over 500 classes, many offering continuing education units (CEUs), and over 100 video-audit classes

To find these and other resources, visit our website and click on the Digital Library or Digital Learning tab.