@ Your Library September I October I November I 2013
News and Events from Norfolk Public Library and the Friends of NPL
After a Busy Ten Years, Library Director Norman Maas Retires
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After serving as director of the Norfolk Public Library for ten years, Norman Maas retired on July 1, 2013.
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uring his decade as Norfolk’s library director, he oversaw a variety of changes: the installation of KidZones, a large addition of computers in all the locations, the expansion of Park Place Branch Library and the construction and opening of the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. As a result, more information and resources were added to the Library for the benefit of Norfolk’s citizens. Foot traffic increased substantially along with the circulation of books and other items. Today when you step into any Norfolk Public Library, it is
a bustling place from the moment the building opens until closing time. Programs, classes and special events are offered at every location, including multicultural events, early literacy programs, computer and eBook classes, and local history and genealogy classes with the Sargeant Memorial Collection historians. Maas leaves behind a strong legacy with the Norfolk Public Library. City Manager Marcus Jones has appointed Sonal Rastogi to acting library director, effective July 1, 2013.
Norman Maas
Meet Your Interim Director, Sonal Rastogi
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I am thrilled to introduce myself as your interim library director! As autumn ushers in a season of change, it also marks the time that I first began my career with Norfolk Public Library (NPL) back in October 1995.
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ince then, I’ve worked in a variety of positions at NPL, from library associate to more recently, assistant library director. I’ve witnessed first-hand tremendous growth and improvements to Norfolk’s Public Libraries. Our branches are bustling hubs of information, technology and resources for the Norfolk community. I am proud to be a part of a library system that strives to create a city of readers, where the active pursuit of learning and civility begins at birth, and continues through one’s lifetime. My vision for NPL is to enhance our level of service to the public by emphasizing respect, empathy, and consideration at every opportunity when interacting with others. We hope that you find our branches to be welcoming places, and that our friendly staff exceeds your expectations. Recently, renovations were completed at the Blyden Branch Library
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Annual Book Review Contest
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The Wait is Over for eBooks!
as part of the City’s Neighbors Building Neighborhoods initiative, making the branch more fun, interactive and inviting. Construction for the Slover Sonal Rastogi Memorial Library is well underway in downtown Norfolk, and it is projected to open late 2014. NPL also launched a new eBooks collection. To celebrate, we hosted a Technology Tune-Up event on Saturday, September 14 from 11 AM - 2 PM at the Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. More than 100 people came out to “test drive” our latest technology and enjoy festivities for the entire family. As interim director, please know that my door is always open to you. Feel free to contact me at (757) 664-7328 ext. 309. I look forward to serving you!
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The Perfect Stocking Stuffer On Sale Now!
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Blyden Branch Library Celebrates 92nd Anniversary
Go Ahead and Tell Us What You Think
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The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library Annual Book Review Contest
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ourth through twelfth grade students in Norfolk got the chance on the importance of reading and writing in her own life. to write what they were really thinking when they participated The reviews are traditionally due in March, but it is certainly not too in the annual Friends of the Norfolk Public Library (FNPL) Book early to be thinking about a book to review for the 2014 Book Review Review Contest last spring. As the school year began to wind down, Contest. Students that are in 4th-12th grades in any Norfolk schools more than 2,000 student book reviews were read and judged to find and home-schooled students are welcome to participate. The FNPL the three winning reviews for each grade. Public, private, and homeis gearing up to find readers and judges for thousands of reviews again schooled students competed against each other. It this school year. Thank you to all who participated in 2013! is important to note that students did not have to like the book they 2013 B ook R eview C ontest W inners reviewed. Critical thinking and creative writing were shown by all. Congratulations to all of the winners, and especially to the Best Overall: overall winner, Anna-Britta Pincus, a 12th grader at Maury High Anna-Britta Pincus 12th Grade – Maury High School ................................................................................................ School. Pincus reviewed the classic book, A Clockwork Orange CATEGORY NAME SCHOOL TEACHER by Anthony Burgess. Her review was featured and read aloud ................................................................................................ G ra d e 1 2 : at the annual Book Review Contest award ceremony held at First Place: NuQuella Jacobs Maury High School Ms. Davidson-Cook Pretlow in May. The event was packed with winners and their Second Place: Jasmine Payne Maury High School Ms. Biddlingmeier proud families, and teachers. Professor Bingham-Risher of Third Place: Khristofer DeCastro Maury High School Ms. Kurtz ................................................................................................ Old Dominion University was featured as a speaker and G ra d e 1 1 : addressed the guests with a heartfelt and inspiring discussion First Place: Zachary Joachim Maury High School Ms. Stephenson Second Place: Lisa Trinh Maury High School Ms. Stephenson Third Place: Waverlee Harvey Maury High School Ms. Kershasky ................................................................................................
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Library Closings
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Jordan-Newby Branch Library will be closed Saturday, Nov. 2
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Thanksgiving Eve Close at 5 PM on Wednesday, Nov. 27 ..........................................................
Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 28 & Friday, Nov. 29 ..........................................................
Christmas Eve Close at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24 ..........................................................
Christmas Wednesday, Dec. 25 ..........................................................
New Year’s Eve Close at 5 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 31
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First Place: Quint Heaton Second Place: Lorraina Roth Third Place: Semiyah Sams
Norfolk Academy Maury High School Granby High School
Ms. Hopkins Mr. Saunders Ms. Crumm
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First Place: Celine Miller Second Place: Robert Rerstion Third Place: Ausin Beale
Saint Patrick Catholic School Ms. Gunter Norfolk Collegiate Ms. Belle Norfolk Collegiate Ms. Belle
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First Place: Brian Gilday Second Place: Catherine Moore Third Place: Ellie Maus
Norfolk Collegiate Norfolk Collegiate Norfolk Collegiate
Ms. Hastings Ms. Hastings Ms. Hastings
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First Place: Dylan Cupp Academy of International Studies Ms. Tiedge Second Place: Patrick McElroy Norfolk Academy Ms. Rodgers Third Place: Solomon Duane Norfolk Academy Ms. Rodgers
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First Place: William Smythe Second Place: Sean Miller Third Place: Katherine Smith
Norfolk Academy Ms. Kelly Norfolk Academy Ms. Kelly Saint Patrick Catholic School Ms. Costanza
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Ms. Kurtz Ms. Kershasky Ms. Kurtz
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Veterans Day Sunday, Nov. 10 & Monday, Nov. 11
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Maury High School Maury High School Maury High School
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First Place: Dara Alper Second Place: Emily Martell Third Place: Sabrina Richards
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First Place: Lauren Kuehl Second Place: Abby McMonagle Third Place: Mathew Wetmore
Larchmont Elementary Norfolk Collegiate Norfolk Academy
Ms. Phillips Ms. James Dr. Pleming
Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
The Wait is Over for eBooks!
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NPL’s eBooks collection launched this summer, allowing you to enjoy the titles and authors you have always loved. eBooks are hosted by the online digital distributor OverDrive™, and can be downloaded 24/7 from the Library’s catalog. Go to norfolk-va.lib.overdrive.com.
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ever experience overdue fees again! eBooks automatically expire from your account when the term limit is up. The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library (FNPL) made a donation to help bring eBooks to NPL. What began as a small collection has rapidly grown to feature popular titles in fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. If you don’t find what you want, make a recommendation while you are on the site. Up to three titles may be borrowed for a term limit of 7 or 14 days, or you can return them at any time. You can also maintain a personal wish list and place up to 15 holds for unavailable titles, and will be notified when titles become available. The Library is offering eBooks Training classes. View the fall 2013 schedule at www.npl.lib.va.us/technology and sign up by contacting your branch of choice.
Bringing Citizens Up to Speed NPL’s Technology Tune-up Event
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On Saturday, September 14, the Norfolk Public Library hosted its first-ever Technology Tune-up Event. More than 100 guests flowed into the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library to see the latest technology at NPL.
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hat they discovered is that NPL now has Zinio™, a world-wide digital database for popular magazine downloads; databases for smartphones; an expansive eBooks collection through the online platform, OverDrive™; and a newly launched and interactive website. Throughout the day, guests attended eBooks demos and received one-on-one help with their devices and smartphones from NPL staff, and representatives from Barnes & Noble at TCC and Zinio. They also enjoyed tours of WHRO’s PBS Kids Raising Readers Literacy Van, Mario Kart racing, crafts, visits from children’s book character Froggy, free popcorn, Tumblebooks™ e-Storytime, and random prize drawings every fifteen minutes. Those who needed additional help Weekly visits to the Pretlow Anchor with understanding eBooks were Branch Library have paid off for the Jones family. They attended the invited to stick around for an afternoon Technology Tune-up Event and won training class following the Technology Tunea grand prize; a Nook HD, donated up Event at 2 PM. eBooks training classes by Barnes & Noble at TCC. C r e a t i n g
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are offered throughout the city at NPL locations this fall. For additional information, go to www.npl.lib.va.us / technology.
Thank You, Technology Tune-up Sponsors! American Indoor Karting Auto Bell Car Wash Barnes & Noble at TCC Chick-fil-A The Digital Inclusion Advisory Committee 92.9 The Wave Redial Wireless The City of Norfolk Department of Public Utilities WHRO
Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
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Boy, They Really Dug In!
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2013 Summer Reading Winners
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articipants really dug into the 2013 Summer Reading Program! A total of 6,369 readers registered for NPL’s annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) in categories for all ages — from babies to grandparents, and everyone in between! The youth SRP participants logged more than 846,000 minutes read, and the adults read and reviewed 1,420 books! Participants were entered into drawings for an opportunity to win grand prizes. The Summer Reading Program helps the Library’s mission for Creating a City of Readers and is fully supported by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library.
We’re All Friends Here!
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E l i z a b e t h W o o d a r d , Electronic Books Librarian
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finally took part in the Summer Reading Program, and I loved it. I enjoyed several adult books and as is always my fashion, I got to talk to several of my friends and family (as well as book club members) about what I had read. But this summer I took advantage of an adult program that FNPL has helped to sponsor for many years. I reached out to many more reading friends through the online review process offered by NPL in their Adult Summer Reading Program. Perhaps no one wanted to hear of my critical insight for the materials that I read, but feedback wasn’t necessary if you weren’t interested. This was a great opportunity to be able to express my thoughts, and if you were interested, all the better! After all, the joy of reading is in finding new friends in the story and sharing their stories with close friends, like you. As co-president of the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library, I am happy that our organization can help to bring this program to you and owe gratitude to the staff at NPL that work hard to bring success to this and other programs at the Library. Don’t stop reading and please keep sharing!
Babies & Toddlers Ryker Gaerlan (Bookmobile) “Be a Reader” Bucket of Fun
School Age Idris Aforo (Jordan-Newby) Kindle Fire HD
Teens Kara Wong (Lafayette) Nook HD
Adults Monica Morgan (Little Creek) Samsung Galaxy Tablet
The Perfect Stocking Stuffer The NPL Foundation’s 2014 Norfolk Historical Calendar On Sale Now!
The 7th Annual Norfolk Historical Calendar features vintage images and fascinating tidbits of information from 100 years of Norfolk architectural history! The calendar is on sale for $10.00 with proceeds going to support the new Sargeant Memorial Collection in the Slover Memorial Library (opening late 2014). Available for purchase at all NPL locations, select retailers and online. For information, go to www.npl.lib.va.us/HistoricalCalendar.
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Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
Blyden Branch Library Celebrates 92nd Anniversary and Grand Re-opening .............................................................................................................................................................
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On Saturday, August 3, the Blyden Branch Library celebrated 92 years of rich history and a newly renovated building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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s part of the City of Norfolk’s Neighbors Building Neighborhoods initiative, the Blyden Branch had major improvements made to its interior and landscaping this summer. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included
remarks made by Mayor Paul D. Fraim, Council Members Paul Riddick and Angelia Williams, Interim Library Director Sonal Rastogi, Blyden Branch Manager Dudley Colbert, community members George Cherry and Eunice Shandler, and a poem was read by artist Mendel Williams. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a concert on the lawn with the local band Chance ‘N Counter.
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There’s No Shortage of Talent @ NPL
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f you’re looking for culture, art and talent, you can find it at NPL. From opera singers and glass blowers to local history buffs and art instructors, they’re at the Library and lending their talents for the benefit of others. For the past few years, graphic design student and NPL Computer Aide Deshawn Newby has taught a creative drawing class to teens at the Park Place Branch Library. Kids who sign up for Drawing 101 learn practical techniques and how to tap into their visual and creative mindsets. Newby’s goal is to keep kids active and to help them discover their hidden gifts. The class is offered monthly and is free and open to the public. To sign up for Drawing 101, contact the Park Place Branch at (757) 664-7330.
Newby puts finishing touches on a piece of artwork he completed for the Park Place Branch Library.
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A New Super Friend of Books to Arrive Soon! NPL’s Reading Ranger
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E l i z a b e t h W o o d a r d , Electronic Books Librarian
ast school year, through participation in the Read & Rethink Everything Read-a-thon, Norfolk’s students brought together new ideas for a character to represent the Library. The Friends of NPL worked all summer to find a creator for the costume of the newest marvelous hero in town. The Reading Ranger will provide a fun symbol of excitement in reading as we anticipate the opening of the new Slover Memorial Library in late 2014, but you will see the Ranger at library events and in NPL branches starting late 2013. Will the Ranger arrive with a crash or a splash? Will the Ranger spin into a room like a hurricane? Or will the Ranger arrive quietly and gently tap your shoulder or whisper in your ear? Just like readers, super heroes come in all types. And just like books, super heroes can add amazement to our lives. One thing is certain…the Ranger will spread the word and celebrate the marvel of reading, the excitement of libraries today, and the enthusiasm of the citizens of Norfolk!
Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
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Generous Donation Received with Thanks
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he Literacy Partnership and Norfolk Public Library have had a successful, long-standing alliance. Every winter, the Literacy Partnership sponsors a fundraiser, SCRABBLE® for Literacy. It’s a SCRABBLE tournament for various ages held at WHRO, with proceeds going to various organizations to support literacy in the community. Prior to the tournament, NPL hosts SCRABBLE® Play and Learn sessions at four branches. After this year’s tournament, the Literacy Partnership generously donated $500 from the event in support of Babygarten at NPL.
No Coffee Mugs, Just Books S e a n B i l b y , Collection Development & Circulation Coordinator .............................................................................................................................................................
In early 2012, the Kiwanis Club of Norfolk was looking for a new way to honor guest speakers. Coffee mugs and other gifts were just not that exciting, not for the club or the speaker. They came up with the idea that donating a book to the Library in honor of the guest would be a great way to both remember the event and benefit the citizens of Norfolk. .............................................................................................................................................................
he club purchases the books from a libraryprovided list. At each meeting, the guest speaker is invited to inscribe the book to NPL. They are delighted to see the book being donated in their honor. When the book arrives at the Library, it is placed on a branch library’s book shelf with the Kiwanis logo. Since March 2012, the Kiwanis Club of Norfolk has donated more than 50 books for children and teens. Although these have retail value of over $800, their benefit to readers is invaluable. Donating reading materials for young people fits the Kiwanis Club’s mission of “volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.” The program has inspired the Rotary Club of Northside Norfolk to revamp their equally
Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot receives the book, Brotherband Chronicles Book 2 – The Invaders by John Flanagan, to sign after his presentation at the September 19 Kiwanis Club of Norfolk meeting. The book was then given to Norfolk Public Library.
Caught Caring
Deshawn Newby, Computer Aide at Park Place Branch Phillip Prince, Former Bookmobile employee
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successful birthday book donation program (where a book was donated in honor of the members’ individual birthdays), to follow this guest speakers’ donation model. Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Donating to NPL has been an effective part of the club’s charity work. NPL greatly appreciates the leadership role these organizations have taken to increase literacy and make reading fun for children and teens. For more information on how you or your organization can donate new books to Norfolk Public Library, contact Sean C. Bilby at (757) 664-7328 ext. 352, sean.bilby@norfolk.gov.
Melissa D. Bristel, Library Aide at Jordan-Newby Branch Amanda Douthit, Digital Media & Statistics, Library IT Dept.
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Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Month May 2013: Christine Hoppe .......................................................... Christine Hoppe is known for going above and beyond what is asked of her, and always having a positive spirit and attitude. She volunteers at the Park Place Branch Library maintaining the KidZone and shelves. She is an active supporter of the Library’s multicultural programs, and other interests include foreign languages and cultures. She is the secretary of the Multicultural Alliance of Virginia and an educator of English, Italian, and Spanish. In her spare time, she enjoys attending meet-up conversation groups to practice speaking various foreign languages.
June 2013: Jenci Chavez
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Jenci Chavez is always willing to work beyond her normal volunteer schedule to help patrons, and is eager to organize the adult reading collection at the Jordan-Newby Branch Library. Originally from New York, she is a student at Norfolk State University majoring in Computer Science, and has recruited other NSU students to volunteer at the Library. Jenci aspires to make an impact on the youth in Norfolk, and knowing she has the opportunity and educational experiences to give back motivates her to volunteer each week.
July 2013: Ivy-Rae Stabile .......................................................... As a little girl, Ivy-Rae used to come to the Lafayette Branch Library to assist library employee, Anne Beck, with Babygarten programs. “She would always help with the preparations for the children’s programs and then clean up after. Ivy is so amazingly cheerful, helpful, efficient and hardworking!” states Anne Beck. Ivy is homeschooled, and a flexible schedule enables her to volunteer regularly at the Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. She assists with the Babygarten, Storytime, and Toddler Time programs.
August 2013: Isaiah Duplesis
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Isaiah Duplesis volunteers at the Janaf Branch Library shelving materials and maintaining the KidZone. Isaiah is very conscientious about reporting for duty when scheduled and maintains a professional demeanor at all times. He states that he “loves books” and also volunteers at his school library. He is a tenth grade student at Norview High School and a member of the prestigious Leadership Center of Science and Engineering Program. He hopes to major in Physics in college. As a wrestler at Norview High School, he went 10-4 in the Junior Varsity competition as part of the 2013 District Championship Team.
Thank You, Christine, Jenci, Ivy-Rae, and Isaiah for all you do! We appreciate your dedication to the Library’s volunteer program.
The Volunteer of the Month receives a $10.00 gift card to Barnes & Noble and a certificate of appreciation.
NPL offers classes and special events for all age groups! For information, go online to www.npl.lib.va.us.
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Friends of the Norfolk Public Library P.O. Box 3234 Norfolk, Virginia 23514
www.npl.lib.va.us • 664-READ
Coming Late 2014! Slover Memorial Library
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Barron F. Black Branch Library
6700 E. Tanners Creek Dr. 441-5806
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Lafayette Branch Library 1610 Cromwell Dr. 441-2842
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Larchmont Branch Library 6525 Hampton Blvd. 441-5335
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Little Creek Branch Library
879 E. Princess Anne Rd. 441-2852
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Blyden Branch Library
7853 Tarpon Pl. 441-1751
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Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library
555 E. Liberty St. 441-1968
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Janaf Branch Library
620 W. 29th St. 664-7330
Horace C. Downing Branch Library
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111 W. Ocean View Ave. 441-1750
Park Place Branch Library
124 Janaf Shopping Ctr. 441-5660
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Jordan-Newby Branch Library
1368 DeBree Ave. 441-2844
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961 Park Ave. 441-2843
Van Wyck Branch Library The Bookmobile 858-2044
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORFOLK, VA
Board of Trustees: Roy B. Martin, Chairperson Ann Morgan, Vice Chair Dr. Charles H. Ford Dr. Bernadette Holmes Charles E. Johnson, Jr. Janelle M. Morris Andrew Nusbaum Daymen W. X. Robinson James Washington
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Officers, Friends Board Co-Presidents: Elizabeth Woodard, Sue Doviak Vice President: Crystal Manuel-Bowman Membership VP: Perry Bussard Treasurer: Paula Cook Co-Secretaries: Anne Blanchard and Nicole Hostutler Interim Library Director Sonal Rastogi Newsletter Editors Lori Sharp Raquel Taylor Tamara Boyle Brittany McBride
This newsletter is published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library. For more information, please call 664-7328.
Paging all booklovers! Join the Friends and support your library. The Friends provide funding for special children’s programs and Library projects, specific needs at branch libraries, hospitality for receptions, serve as volunteers and lobby to promote and support our libraries. Projects include used book sales, the annual Book Review contest, Tales to Tails, and more.
Be a friend every day! Join the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library today. Name: Address: City:
Zip:
E-mail:
I would be interested in volunteering.
Mail to: Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
P.O. Box 3234, Norfolk, Virginia 23514
Phone:
C a t e g o r y Student/Senior
$15
Individual
$25
Family
$35
Sponsor
$65
Bibliophile
$100
Patron $150 & above