As students head back to school this September, we encourage parents to visit the Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library and make sure their children and teens sign up for the most important school supply of all – a library card.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind parents and caregivers that a library card is the smartest card you can own.

When it comes to achieving academic success, a library card provides students with access to a world of both print and electronic resources. Students can access free databases, online homework help and attend programs, activities and clubs that provide an added value to the educational experience. It’s easy to see why eighty-four percent of Americans agree that the public library is important to education.

Today’s students learn differently than their predecessors, with studies indicating that students most effectively learn when they are allowed to follow their personal interests. Libraries and librarians are on the frontlines of engaging these students, making a library card an essential tool for inspiring a passion for learning.

Today’s libraries provide children and teens with access to new and innovative software and tools for shooting and editing videos, creating their own web comics, composing music and writing blogs. The library also comes with an expert in developing original programs and honing these new skills – a librarian. What better place is there to explore and develop new interests than the library?

This September, open the door to a world of possibilities for the student in your life, and sign up for a library card today.

Adult Winter Reading Program

Jan. 3—March 20

Pick up your reading slip at the Adult Desk.

3 Simple Steps:

• Read 5 Books
• Turn in a slip
• Receive a prize!

BANNED BOOKS BOOK CLUB

FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH @ 5PM
APRIL 5
This month we’re reading:

Gone  With the Wind

by Margaret Mitchell

Sign up at the Adult Desk

Former Director of the Bloomfield Public Library, John Helling, was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study the forward thinking aspects of the Finnish library system at the Helsinki City Library. He and his wife Lyndsey spent Aug-Jan living in Helsinki, Finland. John will share discoveries about Finland and their public library system on Tuesday, Feb. 21st at 6:30pm in the Community Room at the Bloomfield Public Library.

Join us on February 25th at 2:00PM in the Community Room at Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library for refreshments and a free showing of The Help.

The #1 New York Times best seller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. Led by Emma Stone, Academy Award-nominated Viola Davis, Octavia Spenser and Bryce Dallas Howard, The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project – one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk.

Tell Us  Their Story

The Greene County Foundation will celebrate

Greene County Women during Women’s History Month,

March 2012.  Many fascinating ladies with untold

experiences are currently living or  have lived among us.

We want to chronicle their stories and celebrate their lives.

Women born in 1936 or earlier grew up during world wars,

 women’s movements, civil rights, dust bowl, and depressions.

They were among the first group to enter the workforce or

college in large numbers. Many were among the first women

to enter certain occupations, while others

successfully raised children and worked the family farm.

Locally women were a part of ensuring the operation of the

coal mines and river ferries, the starting of social and

self-help organizations, or the development of our

libraries and county governments.

Husbands, sons, daughters, granddaughters, nieces,

neighbors, friends,  grab a beverage and sit down,  with these interesting women and find out their stories.  Family members or the ladies themselves,

are asked to submit a short essay 300 words or less about a

Greene County lady, 75 or older.

Please tell us:

What past events and activities within Greene County or

elsewhere has this individual witnessed or been involved

in that have helped shape this county or the country?

What impact did the events of the period have on this individual, or

their family, and how did they meet the challenges?

A current picture as well as a picture of the individual during

the time period the essay covers, if possible,  should also be included.

We will be compiling the histories, and sharing the stories

at a Luncheon and Women’s Celebration on March 10, 2012

Essays may be submitted in one of three ways:

Electronically: @ gcfinfo@greenecountyfoundation.org

Mail: Greene County Foundation, 4513 W. St. Rd 54,

Bloomfield, IN 47424

In person: Greene County Foundation,

offices located at the 4-H fairgrounds.

Deadline for Submission February 15, 2012

Please note: The stories will be for public review, and may be published

in The Greene County Daily World

(DOWNLOAD FORM)

Want to make your gift wrapping something special this year?  If so, come to the library on Saturday, December 3rd from 1:30 till 4:30pm for a package-toppers workshop.  Sandy Metzger will share tips and techniques for using a variety of materials (old, new, and natural) to create an assortment of package toppers.

This is a hands-on workshop and everyone will take home the package toppers they make, along with lots of ideas to make many more.  If your gifts are already wrapped, you may bring them with you.  But, if you haven’t wrapped your gifts yet, don’t worry: the toppers and tags you make at the workshop can easily be applied to the packages later.

Unleash your creativity, exchange ideas, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon making unique package toppers for everyone on your gift list.  Feel free to bring a snack and/or drink.

All materials will be furnished, but please bring a pair of scissors.  Also, if you have a glue gun or glue pot, please bring that with you too.  If you don’t have one, that’s ok.

If there are children on your gift list and you would like to make personalized tags or toppers for them, bring a billfold-size picture of each child.

Class size is limited to 15 adults.  Please register and prepay at the circulation desk by November 30th.  Cost is $2.