@ Your Library J U N E I J U LY I A U G U S T I 2 0 1 4
News and Events from Norfolk Public Library and the Friends of NPL
NPL Mascot Woos Crowd at Official Unveiling River the Reading Ranger
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The weather could not have been more perfect when the Norfolk Public Library (NPL) unveiled its new mascot at the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2014.
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he mascot, an adorable fox named River the Reading Ranger, made his first public appearance in balmy 71 degree weather seated atop the back of a convertible donning a red cape. Library staff and volunteers marched in the parade carrying signs that introduced River the Reading Ranger and roused the crowd. River followed close behind waving with his cape flowing in the wind. Comparing the Library’s new mascot to the viral Norwegian musical hit, several spectators throughout the parade posed the question, “What does the fox say?” In response, library staff and volunteers chanted “Read!” prompting cheers from the crowd. The idea of creating an official mascot for NPL developed in 2012 when the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library (FNPL) sought ways to increase community awareness about the new Slover Memorial Library that is expected to open in early 2015. The FNPL held the Read & Rethink Everything Read-a-thon for Norfolk’s K-12 students. All elementary and middle school students who participated in the reada-thon had an opportunity to vote for a mascot character type, which culminated in a marvelous reading superhero.
In upcoming weeks, you may catch a glimpse of River the Reading Ranger as he makes visits to all Norfolk Public Library branches to engage children in reading. Check the NPL website for details at www.npl.lib. va.us. Read River’s official backstory at: http://bit.ly/NPLReadingRanger.
River the Reading Ranger at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Get Your Sneak Peek at Slover Library’s Technology
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Slover Memorial Library Preview Center Now Open
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Experience the Slover Memorial Library before the doors open! Visit the Slover Library Preview Center and explore the interactive technology that will be featured in the Slover Memorial Library, scheduled to open early 2015. The Visitors experiment with Slover Preview Center is located at 240 E. Main Street and Slover’s surface table technology is open to the public Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Inside:
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Used Books at Bargain Prices
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“Paws to READ” this Summer with NPL
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Small Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way
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Beach Reads at Your Fingertips
Take a Look around Norfolk
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ant to know why investing in the City of Norfolk is worth it? Take a look around at www.lookaroundnorfolk.com. Lookaround packages all the attractions and services that the City of Norfolk offers in a fun and engaging website. #lookaround features information about safety, neighborhoods, quality of life and revenue generators. Be on the lookout for #lookaround on the City of Norfolk’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
For Sale: Used Books at Bargain Prices
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Did you know that NPL offers used books for sale?
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ponsored by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library, used book sales can be found daily at all NPL branch locations. Along with bestsellers by such authors as James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton and Ann Rivers Siddons, you’ll find Civil War histories, children’s books, videos, and audiobooks at bargain basement prices. Special offerings will be spotlighted at times, so be sure to check often! Prices are $2 for hardbacks, $1 for paperbacks, $2 for audiobooks, $2 for DVDs, $1 for VHS, and $.50 for children’s books. Encyclopedias sell for up to $10, and a few items will be specially priced.
Don’t miss the last Saturday of every month—buy two items and get one item of equal or lesser value for free! Proceeds from the used book sales at the branches help the Library purchase equipment, sponsor programs and supplement the materials budget.
We Have a Winner!
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Aaron Haywood – Champion of the Library’s 2014 Teen Tech Week Tourney
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n March, teens brought their best game to NPL during Teen Tech Week (TTW) to compete in the annual Super Smash Bros.™ Brawl for Wii gaming tourney. Competitions were held at all library locations with more than 120 teens competing city-wide and 70 people who came to cheer them on. The top winners from each branch advanced to compete in the championship round on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. In all, 26 teens battled it out for the grand prize, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. In the end, one gamer reigned as champion—Aaron Haywood from the Van Wyck Branch Library took home the prize. TTW is a national initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technology, especially the types offered through libraries. NPL recognizes that getting teens into the Library is essential, and the annual TTW tourney is a draw. Once teens are in the door, with technology, anything is possible.
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Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library
“Paws to READ” this Summer with NPL You’ll be glad you did! T e r r i R a y m o n d , Youth Services Coordinator ..........................................................................................................................................................
“Paws to Read” with us this summer at the Norfolk Public Library. You will find the Summer Reading Program, which is offered at all library locations, to be fun and exciting with crafts, games, magicians, storytellers and more.
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Children can log onto Tumblebooks as well. Tumblebooks is he rock stars of the book character world, Elephant and a popular link on our website that provides access to an online Piggie, who are good friends that share many adventures, collection of animated and talking picture books which teach kids the will be coming to a branch near you. In addition, NPL’s new joy of reading in a format they love. It includes beginning readers as mascot, River the Reading Ranger, a fox superhero, will also be well as fiction, books in other languages and puzzles and games. Some dropping by. River, who dons a red cape, is a champion of the library parents don’t view the use of animated books and games as “real and a defender of literacy. Don’t miss a chance to have your picture reading,” but there are big benefits for young people. Reading with taken with these iconic characters. More sizzlin’ special activities the use of technology offers skill practice and access to materials include Ryan the Balloon Guy, Drumming with Connie Ralston, the not available in print format. Since Tumblebooks is online, it can be Virginia Aquarium and the Virginia Air and Space Center. accessed 24/7, just like many of the Just as technology has other materials mentioned. transformed our lives, it is now part The programs, crafts and games of the Summer Reading Program. supplement the reading, making the With a touch of their fingers, patrons library a fun gathering place for the can register for the reading portion community throughout the summer. of the program and log their minutes In addition to the festive events, read on the Evanced System. Tracking participants will receive incentives reading this way is more enjoyable and over six weeks of the summer. efficient for all participants as reading Register and receive a cool scratch is increasingly becoming linked with art card; read 150 minutes to receive technology. a plush pup dog, and at 300 minutes Technology boosts reading during 1. Encourage your child to read the books they enjoy for at least receive a cool sports bag. There the summer months and improves 20 minutes per day. are also grand prizes in three age literacy skills. Surveys show that many 2. Look for a book by a favorite author or on topics your child will categories for those who read 300 children report that they read more enjoy. If your child has a great sense of humor, there are plenty minutes and beyond—for babies books for fun when they had access of joke and riddle books. If you have a junior chef in your family, and toddlers: a basket of books; for to reading materials on an electronic your child may be interested in selecting some cookbooks for new school age children: a Kindle Fire device. More reading options recipes. Your children will be more engaged in materials that they HD™; and for teens: a Samsung than ever exist for today’s children choose for themselves. Galaxy Tab 3™. and teens: eBooks, picture books, 3. Establish a set reading time during the day and have all family We invite you to participate. audiobooks, comic books, graphic members gather together to read on their own or take turns All programs are FREE and open novels, magazines and newspapers. reading the same book aloud. to the public. Remember, the best NPL offers a variety of high-tech reward of the Summer Reading choices for the reading pleasure of 4. Connect your reading to family outings. If you take your child to Program is that it gives you and everyone. the beach, consider reading a book about crabs, boats or surfing. The outing can help place the reading in a broader context. your child an opportunity to spend “The library system has more than time together and create some 2,700 eBooks and 850 downloadables,” 5. Make reading interactive—it’s important in today’s tech-savvy lasting family memories. Tech savvy says Elizabeth Woodard, Electronic world. You and your children can download eBooks at home Books Librarian. from the Library’s website and keep track of your reading minutes readers—sign up—you’ll be glad you did! online as well.
Razzle Dazzle Reading — Tips to Make Reading Fun!
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Sign up for Summer Reading Program Paws to READ
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June 21-August 2, 2014
Read books, attend free events, and earn prizes! ..................................................................
A l l A g e s C a n P a r t i c i pat e ! • Babies & Toddlers • School Age • Teens • Adults
Register at www.npl.lib.va.us or visit any NPL location.
“PAWS” to READ Afternoon Storytime Pet Care Classes with Care-A-Lot ..........................................................
Thursday, June 26 @ 2:30 PM Janaf Branch Library ~ (757) 441-5660 Listen to tail-wagging animal stories and learn about animal adoption. Help support our animal friends at the NACC. Bring your donation of a small blanket, toy or treats to Storytime! (All Ages) ..........................................................
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Saturdays @ 12 PM (July 5, 12, 19 & 26) Lafayette Branch Library ~ (757) 441-2842 Learn basic pet care and how to make your pet a content, wellmannered member of your family with Care-A-Lot Pet Supply’s Certified Dog Training Manager, Mike Brownen. Pre-register for a special prize! (All Ages) .......................................................................
July 5: How to Greet a Dog: Body language and how dogs
communicate
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July 12: Adoption Selection Counseling: How to pick the
right dog for your family
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July 19: Basic Pet Care: General health and nutrition, vaccinations, potty and crate training tips
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July 26: Basic Training: Introduction to the clicker and positive reinforcement training techniques .......................................................................
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July is National Ice Cream Month
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Get Your FREE Frosty Treat (while supplies last)
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Thursday, July 3 @ 2 PM
Saturday, July 19 @ 2 PM
Pretlow Anchor Branch (757) 441-1750
Park Place Branch (757) 664-7330
Elephant & Piggie Come to Visit! Have fun with popular book characters Elephant and Piggie. These friends are coming to NPL to celebrate summer reading. Bring your camera and a bestie along! (Preschool) For a complete listing of Summer Reading Program events, go to www.npl.lib.va.us.
Thursday, July 31 @ 2-4 PM Janaf Branch Library (757) 441-5660
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Saturday, July 26
Wednesday, July 30
Horace C. Downing Branch @ 11:30 AM Van Wyck Branch @ 2 PM
Barron F. Black Branch @ 11 AM Janaf Branch @ 2 PM
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Monday, July 28
Thursday, July 31
Jordan-Newby Branch @ 10:30 AM Blyden Branch @ 2 PM
Park Place Branch @ 10:30 AM Larchmont Branch @ 4:30 PM
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Tuesday, July 29
Friday, August 1
Pretlow Anchor Branch @ 2 PM
Little Creek Branch @ 10:30 AM Lafayette Branch @ 1 PM
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Small Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way
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his January, NPL launched its TREK NPL’s TREK for Civility Initiative for Civility initiative. TREK stands for ........................................................... tolerance, respect, empathy and kindness, and the initiative encourages NPL staff to choose courtesy and consideration at every opportunity when interacting with others at work and in their personal lives. The Library invites you to help us spread civility in the Norfolk community by attending these special summer events!
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Storytime: “14 Cows for America”
Stories with Bob Walsh and Friends
Happy Birthday Mandela!
This New York Times Bestseller, from awardwinning author Carmen Agra Deedy, is a true story of hope and generosity. Learn about the wonderful gift a small Maasai village in Kenya gave to the people of America, and make a special craft. (Preschool & School Age)
Renowned ventriloquist Bob Walsh and his friends share interesting stories and life lessons on kindness and civility. (All Ages)
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Tuesday, July 8 @ 12 PM Lafayette Branch Library (757) 441-2842
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Thursday, July 17 @ 2 PM Janaf Branch Library (757) 441-5660
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Presented by Bob Walsh and Puppet Friends Celebrate the birthday of a great practitioner of civility, Nelson Mandela. Cameras are welcome! (School Age) ................................
Friday, July 18 @ 11 AM Horace C. Downing Branch Library (757) 441-1968 .......................................
For more information about NPL’s TREK for Civility Initiative, go to www.npl.lib.va.us/TREK. C r e a t i n g
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Thank You, Volunteers!
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In 2013, NPL volunteers donated more than 6,574 hours. On Saturday, April 5, 2014, NPL hosted its annual volunteer luncheon at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library to express thanks to the many who generously give of their time and talents at the Library every day. Volunteers pose at the annual luncheon with NPL’s new mascot, River the Reading Ranger
Beach Reads at Your Fingertips
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NPL’ s D igital C ollection eAudiobooks
eBooks
TumbleBooks
Digital Magazines
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tart your summer reading adventures by accessing NPL’s digital collection. Download eBooks, eAudiobooks and popular magazines to your mobile devices, tablets, computers and MP3 players from the Library’s website anytime, anywhere! The Library even offers eBooks for our youngest readers; TumbleBooks, a collection of animated, talking picture books! You may borrow up to five eAudiobooks at a time for 21 days,
and place 10 eAudiobooks on hold at a time. You may borrow up to three eBooks at a time for 14 days and place up to three items on hold at a time. You will never experience overdue fines. eAudiobooks and eBooks automatically expire at the end of your lending period! Go to www.npl.lib.va.us and click on the Books & More tab to access the collections. You will then need to create accounts and download the apps for each.
Being Green = More Green for the Friends of NPL
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Scan this QR code to activate your free and private Recycling Perks account, and Perks will donate $1 to the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library. You may also sign up at www.npl.lib.va.us/Perks.
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PL is partnering with Keep Norfolk Beautiful to promote Recycling Perks. Recycling Perks is a reward program that motivates people to recycle. It also promotes local businesses by offering great savings and exclusive deals to recyclers. Perks will award $1 to the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library for every unique user that signs up for the program in the city of Norfolk using the above web link or QR code.
We Need Your Gently Used LEGOS ®
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Donations can be brought to any NPL location. For details, please ask any library staff member or call (757) 664-7328 x349. Your donations are helping to build LEGO™ clubs at NPL brick-by-brick! 6
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Coming this Summer!
2015 Norfolk Historical Calendar Theme: “ Mak ing a D ifference”
I Caught You...Caring!
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The NPL Foundation’s 2015 calendar, called “Making a Difference,” will be available to purchase at the end of this summer. For more information or to pre-order your calendar, go to www.npl.lib.va.us/HistoricalCalendars. Proceeds support the new Sargeant Memorial Collection in the Slover Memorial Library (opening early 2015).
It goes without saying that poor customer service is in high abundance the world over. Many would agree the bad interactions we share with others are what typically resonate in our minds. But what about the random acts of kindness we receive from gentle souls who pay it forward for no reason at all? Do we remember them? NPL’s new initiative, TREK for Civility, encourages staff to embrace tolerance, respect, empathy and kindness on every level. We’re spreading civility beyond our library doors to the surrounding Norfolk community, and when you enter a branch, we want you to feel welcome. If you are assisted by library staff during your visit to NPL, we would love to hear about your experience! Please look for the boxes near the circulation desks in the branches labeled “Caught Caring,” and take a few minutes to fill out a comment card.
Congratulations to the NPL Volunteer of the Month March 2014: M a r y B e t h S i n k s
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Mary Beth Sinks has volunteered at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library since November 2013. On busy Sundays, you will find her working at the circulation desk in the Children’s Department assisting staff with customer service, and helping children and parents. Her calm and helpful demeanor is much appreciated by staff who consider her a part of the Pretlow team. While living in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Mary Beth was a member and president of the Board of Trustees of Tarpon Springs Public Library. She is also a lifetime member of the Friends of the Tarpon Springs Library. In her former jobs, she was in charge of the English Department at Upper Darby High School in Pennsylvania, and she taught art to middle and high school students. NPL and the Pretlow Anchor Branch Library appreciate Mary’s dedication to the library’s volunteer program. Thank YOU, Mary Beth, for all you do for NPL!
We appreciate your dedication to the Library’s volunteer program. The “Volunteer of the Month” receives a $10.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble as well as a Certificate of Appreciation.
Thank You, Summer Reading Program Sponsors!
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Library Closings
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Independence Day Friday, July 4 ..........................................................
Labor Day
Sunday, August 31 Monday, September 1
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................... NON-PROFIT ORG.
Friends of the Norfolk Public Library P.O. Box 3234 Norfolk, Virginia 23514
www.npl.lib.va.us • 664-READ
Coming Early 2015! 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
U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORFOLK, VA
Board of Trustees: Roy B. Martin, Chairperson Ann Morgan, Vice Chair Dr. Charles H. Ford Charles E. Johnson, Jr. Dr. Linda B. McCluney Janelle M. Morris Andrew Nusbaum Daymen W. X. Robinson Bert Schmidt 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 Library Director Sonal Rastogi
PERMIT NO. 2112 ...................
Address Service Requested
Newsletter Editors Lori Sharp Raquel Taylor Tamara Boyle Brittany McBride
The Bookmobile 858-2044
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