Fracville Free Public Library

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FEBRUARY 9, 2017
Our Library's New Journey!

Our PAForward Journey to a GOLD STAR!

Well fellow patrons, our library has decided it is time for us to become a PAForward Gold Star Library! We are very excited to be starting this journey as it will take us all year to complete the actions to achieve this goal. The PaForward program is a Pennsylvania operation that aims toward educating all Pennsylvania citizens in the different forms of Literacy. There are five different types of literacy to be discussed and educated on. These five literacies are needed by our community to help us be better citizens, students, parents and just better educated and aware people. Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy are all the different types needed to help our community grow, expand and learn. Our library has been involved in many ways with the different types already, with the information we provide seniors on healthcare and our weekly computer education classes. We help the community with the different programs for our children to help them learn and grow. We will be helping the early preschool children with our 1,000 books before kindergarten program. There are so many things we offer already and more we will continue to offer to better provide our patron base with the necessary tools to accomplish the PA Forward goal. We hope you folks encourage and will support us in our journey and we thank you for your continued trust and patronage.

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Categories: Library ActiviesCommunity eventsCommunity events

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JANUARY 30, 2017
Just Finished Reading.......
Beatrice And Benedick
by Marina Fiorato

I would have to say that this book must have been a very challenging piece to write. Considering that Beatrice and Benedick are iconic characters thanks to Shakespeare. Beatrice with her fiery wit and cheek and Benedick always trying to one up her. We all know the end but we almost know nothing of the beginning other than he once did want to marry her before the events of Much Ado About Nothing. The beginning is all this book entails. Beatrice is sent to her Uncles court in Sicily and it is there that Benedick appears on a journey with a Spanish lord. Beatrice and Benedick wage their love war as only they can, with their witty remarks and comments and all the while they are falling for one another. When slander makes their love turn sour, a beside himself Benedick sails away to England, Beatrice returns home as well. Only to be bombarded with a betrothal she does not want or agree with. Benedick meanwhile comes under attack on the ship and has to fight to remain alive, Beatrice must remain fighting to stop her arranged marriage. The story does not convene again until ten years have passed and they meet again in Messina, and well, you know the story from there. I thought it was a very enthralling romance read. Certainly difficult to create a story and events out of someone elses story. And Shakespeare is a very hard to please subject. I would recommend this book solely if you wanted a romance novel on a quiet night. Next book up will be Alexander Hamilton's biography by Ron Chernow.

HAPPY READING!

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Categories: Adult fictionNew MaterialsClassic Fiction

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FEBRUARY 13, 2015
Just finished reading...
Quietly in Their Sleep by Donna Leon. If you are looking for a good, long series of detective fiction, try this one. Donna Leon, a long time American resident of Venice, writes about Commissario Brunetti, a high ranking Venetian policeman. Each book gives you insight into the complications of Italian society as well as a view of family life in this unique, historic city. The first book of the series, Murder at La Fenice, the famous opera house of Venice, is available in our ebook collection, along with many other Brunetti volumes. Ebooks can be read on IPads, IPhones, Android devices, Nook and Kindle Fire. Call the library for information on getting a library card and setting up your device.

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Categories: On-line resourcesAdult fiction

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JANUARY 3, 2015
Golden Ticket Dinner
   The Eighth Annual Golden Ticket Raffle and Dinner will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the Fountain Springs Country Inn. This is the largest fundraising activity of the Frackville Free Public Library each year, and it is also a great afternoon out! Your ticket includes a chance to win a grand prize of cash, numerous door prizes, 2 prime rib dinners, and 4 drinks for a ticket cost of $125 for two persons. Cocktails begin at 3PM and dinner at 4PM. Tickets are limited so call the library at 570-874-3382 or see any Library Trustee soon. You can also use our contact page on this website to request information. The library appreciates your support at this annual event.

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Categories: Fundraising activitiesLibrary ActiviesCommunity events

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JANUARY 3, 2015
Happy New Year
   Well, the holidays are over, and it's time to settle in for a couple of quiet months of winter. But just because the hustle and bustle has slowed down, it doesn't mean things aren't happening in town. At the library, there is still plenty of program activity going on if you just have to get out of the house! Children's programs are available on January 8 and January 13. Mondays at 6 you'll find the Knitting Class clicking away, and if any seniors got a computer for Christmas, sharpen your skills at our Thursday Computer Class for Adults. The Frackville Area Fireworks Committee is planning for this years display to be held on June 28. Of course, there is money to be raised first, so come to the Mardi Gras on February 7 at the Goodwill Hose Company-music, food, and a chance to meet and greet your neighbors. Tickets will be on sale beginning January 12. Comment on this post if you need more information about any of these activities.

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Categories: Community eventsLibrary ActiviesPrograms

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DECEMBER 13, 2014
Memories
I really enjoyed my visit to the Frackville Museum last Sunday. It's the kind of place where you're bound to run into someone you haven't seen for awhile. The exhibits all bring back memories of growing up in Frackville, including some unusual photos of places or people you may have forgotten. The exhibit includes many photos of course, from the collection of local historian Lorraine Stanton. There are also vintage fashion items, and other collectibles especially from the 50's and 60's. I saw some photos of the interior of the Garden Theater, and one of the visitor's said that there was a special seat in the balcony that held two people! I didn't get into the balcony too much, I guess, for I didn't remember that. There was also a photo of Wagner's Dam, a small body of water that used to exist at the northwest corner of Balliet and Arch Streets. Most people don't remember it now. A visit here is a must for anyone with Frackville roots. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until Spring to visit, as it is closed for the winter months. Look here for news of the reopening in March.

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Categories: Community eventsCommentaryLocal history

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DECEMBER 11, 2014
Just finished reading...
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. This book is not for everyone. If you don't know anything about English history in the16th century, you might find it a bit confusing-lots of characters, references to past events, and a setting not only foreign in location but in time. Even if you love historical novels, this one does require a little work on the part of the reader. Mantel, a prize winning novelist in the UK, has taken an actual but little known participant in the Court of Henry VIII and brought him to life. Thomas Cromwell, great grandfather to Oliver Cromwell, came from very humble roots to become a key advisor to Henry VIII during a time of great change and turmoil for the monarch. The beauty of Mantel's writing is in her being able to make us react to Thomas as a real person. Her glorious prose allows us to enter the society where Cromwell, at least for a time, flourished, and to share the company of Henry and several of his well-known wives. This book is the first in a series of three. The second volume in the series, Bring Up the Bodies, is also available in both print at the library and as an ebook.  

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Categories: Adult fictionNew MaterialsHistory

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DECEMBER 5, 2014
Happy and sad
  Even though the library was very fortunate to escape serious damage from the fire on our block on Friday, November 21, we certainly feel very sad for the other property owners. I am especially sorry to see the two buildings at 60 and 62 North Lehigh suffering such a fate. Both of these buildings have been a part of our town for a good portion of its history. In local historian Lorraine Stanton's book, Images of America: Frackville, there are two great photographs. One shows Mr Alexander Polanchyk standing in front of his first '5 and 10' store at 60 N Lehigh. Apparently back in the the 1920's there were dances held in the basement here! The photo of 62 N Lehigh, which currently housed Amberdeen's, dates from 1914, and shows that even then the property was providing food and entertainment. W D Maurer had a restaurant and confectionary at that address. If you 'd like to have a look at these photos, stop in and have a look. We have several copies of Mrs Stanton's book available for use in the library. 

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Categories: CommentaryCurrent EventsLocal history

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NOVEMBER 30, 2014
Family Christmas fun
The library is currently taking registrations for two exciting Holiday events.On Saturday, December 13, the library will be holding what has become an annual Christmas treat for families. Christmas at the Library is a lively afternoon of Christmas stories, games, holiday themed crafts, and cookies from 1-3PM. Children ages 0-12 and their parents are invited to register. On Sunday, December 14, the Frackville Recreation Board and the Frackville Elks are holding their annual Christmas Party and Visit with Santa at the Frackville Borough Building. The event, which runs from 2-4PM, features music, refreshments, a gift for each child attending, and a popular bounce house. Children ages 0-12 must be registered by Saturday, December 6 for this event! The library is taking registrations for both of these programs. Call soon!  Don't miss out on these free programs for your family!

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Categories: ProgramsCommunity eventsLibrary Activies

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NOVEMBER 30, 2014
Ebooks are back!
When the library put its catalog on line back in August, the procedure for access to our ebook collection also changed. All members got new library card numbers, and these are now what must be used to checkout the ebooks. Unfortunately, we had a little glitch with that in October when our service provider made some changes to its server. Everything is back to normal now, and we apologize for any inconvienience. If you are having problems accessing ebooks on frackvillelibrary.com or if your device is not working as it was before, send an email to libinfo39@frackvillelibrary.com and someone will respond with assistance.  The image on this post is one of our latest additions to the collection, Hilary Mantel's award winning Wolf Hall, a masterful piece of historical fiction. It's checked out right now, but you can put it on hold and be next in line!

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Categories: New MaterialsLibrary ServicesOn-line resources

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NOVEMBER 16, 2014
Fresh greens
The library's latest fundraiser is now in progress. We are selling beautiful, fresh wreaths, swags, and crosses made of fir and spruce, fashioned by Draus Farms. These greens are well made and last well into the winter season, especially when displayed outside. You can call the library at 570-874-3382 for more information about items and pricing. Orders can be placed until November 24 for pick-up at the library on December 4. We can also arrange delivery if you can't make it to the library. Enjoy these traditional pieces during the Holidays and help the library as well. All proceeds go to the the library's General Fund.

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Categories: Fundraising activitiesCurrent Events

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NOVEMBER 16, 2014
Just finished reading...
Longbourn by Jo Baker. Fiction with a historical background has been around since Sir Walter Scott in the late 18th century, and it never goes away. This book is one of the numerous Jane Austen-based novels sought out by fans, called Janeites, who just can't get enough of their favorite. Many of these are, unfortunately, not nearly as good as their inspiration, but I liked this one very much. It is really an original story, set against the background of Austen's most popular work, Pride and Prejudice. It tells the story of the servants employed by Austen's Bennett family. The housekeeper, Mrs Hill, and her staff of two maidservants, Sara and Polly, are the central characters of the book, and Baker gives us a completely different view of the famous household. When Mr Bennet hires a drifter as a footman, the life of Longbourn is suddenly turned upside down. This book really gives Janeites a new perspective on the original novel. It can also be very entertaining for those who have never read Pride and Prejudice, but like a story set in a different place and time. The novel is now available in our ebook selection.

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Categories: Adult fictionNew MaterialsCurrent fiction

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NOVEMBER 16, 2014
Community connections
Thanks to the employees at the Frackville store of the Wells Fargo Bank, we were nominated to receive a grant of $1000 for their 2014 Community Connections Giving Program. This is an annual program where each of its retail banking stores explores the needs of their local communities and selcts a nonprofit organization or school to receive a $1000 grant. This year, Wells Fargo will award close to  $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Pennsylavania. I attended a breakfast in Wilkes-Barre at which all of the recipients from Northeast PA received their grant. It was interesting to see the broad spectrum of organizations that were selected-food banks, libraries, cultural programs, and services to children and seniors. The library is proud to be part of this nationwide partnership and we thank Wells Fargo for their activity at the local level. 

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Categories: Fundraising activitiesCurrent EventsCommunity events

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NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Let them eat cupcakes!
We had a great time at the first county wide Cupcake War fundraiser to support the public libraries in Schuylkill County. I entered as a baker and it was fun coming up with what I hoped was a unique idea. I put together a spice cupcake with apple pie filling and a caramel frosting. These were called 'Not Your Mother's Apple Pie Cupcakes' and a lot of the tasters said they like the combination. There were over thirty bakers in two categories of under age 18 and over 18. Some of the kid's entries were very tasty. I enjoyed an unusual Sweet Potatoe cupcake, and I absolute loved a Walnut Cupcake made by the grandson of one of our patrons. Jacqui Verhauz of Jim Thorpe entered the competition in support of Frackville. Her cleverly named Butterbeer Cupcake, a rich butterscotch flavor with scrumptious buttercream on top definitely deserved the win for Best Taste. Glad I was able to get one of those before they were gone! Think about enterering next year-it was really fun! Thanks to Claudia Gross of the Orwigsburg Public Library for all her efforts in getting this organized.
 

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Categories: Library ActiviesFundraising activitiesCommunity events

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NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Storytime
The November edition of Storytime will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 6PM. Ms Rachel promises an entertaining and interesting program for children ages 4-7. The program includes stories, crafts, and other surprise activities. You can get more information or register by calling the library at 570-874-3382 or by visiting our calendar page for online registration.

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Categories: ProgramsCurrent EventsFiction for kids

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NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Just finished reading...
In the Woods by Tana French. If you like detective fiction and are looking for a new series, here's a good one. The Dublin Murder Squad series begins with a riveting murder case which falls to the expertise of sharp Irish detectives Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox. Their unique relationship has allowed them to be friends as well as partners, and although young, their boss agrees to let them take on the high profile murder of a child. Unfortunately, Rob has a secret in his past that should keep him off the case-as a young boy, he was involved in a similar case which took place in the exact location of the recent murder. With Cassie's agreement, he does not reveal his true identity, and as they investigate, memories of his own experience begin to resurface. French is a masterful writer of prose which puts you squarely into the mind of the character. She has a great eye for detail, and although I thought some parts of the book were dragged out a bit, I would still recommend it as a pretty good page turner. Other books in the Dublin Murder Squad Series are also available at the library.

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Categories: Current fictionAdult fiction

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NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Medicare Counseling
If you have questions about Medicare, there is a lot of help available locally. Apprise, the State of Pennsylvania's program for providing assistance to Medicare recipients has several avenues for you to find answers. There are many events being held all over the county during the open enrollment period for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Open enrollment is available until December 7, 2014. You can find out more about the events or about assistance right at the library by calling us at 570-874-3382. Leave you name and number, and a counselor will call you to schedule an appointment.  

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Categories: ProgramsJust for Seniors

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NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Hello again!
To go along with the many changes taking place at the library these days, we are going to restart our Talk to the Frackville Library Blog. Although facebook seems to have taken the place of many sites like this, we hope to have some interesting stuff here directed toward those users who are really interested in our collection. We will still be featuring news of events on the blog, on the calendar, and on facebook as well. We welcome your comments and suggestions, either on the blog or through our comments page.

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Categories: Current EventsLibrary newsPrograms

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JANUARY 21, 2012
Pie Time
  It's time for some of those delicious Deppen pies! The library is now taking orders for the following varieties: blueberry crumb, double crust raisin, apple crumb, strawberry/rhubarb crumb, pumpkin custard, double crust cherry , shoo-fly, coconut custard, lemon sponge, no-sugar apple. The price is $8.50 for a 9 inch pie with payment due when ordering. Place your order by Tuesday, February 14  for a February 29 pick-up.

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Categories: Fundraising activitiesCurrent Events

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JANUARY 21, 2012
Listen in-
    Now that the bustle of the holiday season is over, I will try to get back to a better schedule for keeping you informed about library news. In the flurry of last minute buying of materials before the end of the year, we added two popular series to our collection of audio books on CD. The first is a very well-done version of Lord of the Rings narrated by Rob Inglis. I just loved going back to this epic story, and then rewatching the fabulous films directed by Peter Jackson. These are also available on DVD at the library. Also new to the collection are all seven of the Harry Potter series read by Jim Dale. His interpretation of the characters is perfect, as he brings to life all the detail of the books which the movies could not supply. Audio books make great listening in your car, as a bedtime treat, or while you clean or cook. Try one of these classics and enjoy a great 'reading' experience!

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Categories: Audio BooksNew MaterialsHarry Potter

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NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Just finished reading...
The Magician King by Lev Grossman. A writer and critic for Time magazine, Grossman has certainly got a way with language. This fantasy for adults has been compared to The Chronicals of Narnia and The Harry Potter Series, and it does deal with themes common to both. Quentin Coldwater, the main character of Grossman's previous novel, The Magicians, returns. He has become a King of Fillory, the imaginary land made real, when Quentin discovered that he had magical powers. But things are beginning to go wrong in Fillory, and needing a change of scene, Quentin sets out on a sea voyage which leads him not only back to Earth, but also to the End of the World. To me, this second installment seemed much more cohesive as a novel. It switches between Quentin's point of view and a flashback to the amazing journey of Julia, a friend from high school who was originally refused admittance to the magic school, Brakebills. Her struggle to find her way in the world of magic without much assistance is interesting and well-conceived. Quentin, however, remains the focus, and we can only hope that he will return for more adventures.

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Categories: Adult fictionCurrent fictionNew Materials

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