Clermont County Public Library (CCPL) has reduced their operating hours to the following beginning Monday, August 3, 2009:

·      Monday thru Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

·      Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

CCPL managers met on Thursday, July 9, 2009, to discuss operating hours and how to accommodate customers while reducing hours.

“Programs such as story time typically start at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. Now we’re looking at how to shuffle these popular programs around so that customers can still participate,” says Tracey McCullough, Public Affairs Supervisor. “The library has always tried to offer youth programming that is schedule-friendly for parents.  Finding the balance between reduced hours and library services will be a challenge.”

The library will be open late enough to accommodate after-school hours and working professionals. While reduction in staff and operating hours is no doubt challenging and disheartening, it’s imperative that people realize that each of the 10 branches of the library are still open 48 hours a week to provide services.

“The library still has a lot of work to do for its community – job seekers, summer school, communication hub, community center – our services are unparalleled,” says Amy Buskey, New Richmond Branch Manager. “We’re a resourceful group of people. We’ll figure out how to persevere, do our job, and continue reaching out to our community.”

 Well, the news from last night's Board of Trustees meeting is bleak - library branch hours will be reduced to just 8 a day & 24 employees will be cut. 

The cuts come as a direct result of the shaky economy, coupled with a reduction in anticipated funding on both the state and local level.

The change in hours will become effective August 3rd, while employees will be cut beginning Thursday, July 2, 2009.

There's still time to contact Governor Strickland to voice your support for libraries. The Governor's proposed cuts to library funding will create the need for further cuts to be made to staff & services. 

www.clermontlibrary.org/emaillegislators.php

Going on vacation this summer? Take us with you! Or rather take our books with you. 

Send the Milford-Miami Township Branch a postcard from where you traveled, including a note of what book you read on vacation.  Bring the picture holding the library book at your vacation spot to the branch.  Each person who sends us a postcard or brings in a photo will be entered in a drawing to win a prize.  Postcards and photos will be displayed in the Milford-Miami Township Branch.

Visit the library for instructions.

Safe travels!

As much as it pains me, this blog posting will not have its usual punch of sarcasm and dry humor. 

The latest news from Big Brother has Ohio libraries scrambling to figure out how they'll stay afloat if Governor Strickland's proposal is approved. According to Ohio Library Council, many of the Ohio's 251 public libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor's latest proposal to balance the state's 2010-2011 biennium budget.

Public libraries in Ohio are funded primarily through the Public Library Fund (PLF), which receives 2.2% o the state's tax revenue. At a news conference on Friday, June 19, the Governor proposed an additional cut in the PLF of $112.5 million in fiscal year 2010 and $144.8 million in 2011, cutting funds at a time when the community needs its public library the most. With sky-high unemployment rates & the economic crisis, individuals have been seeking refuge at the public library in record numbers.

The General Assembly Conference Committee will likely make their decision about this proposal this week. What can you do?
Email or call your state representatives and the Governor (614-466-3555) Immediately.
We urge you to contact your state legislators and the Governor's office by phone or e-mail to voice your strong opposition. Your continued support of Clermont County Public Library is invaluable and much appreciated!

BREAKING NEWS @ 11!

It's not often you hear about the amazing things people do to better their community. Sure, you hear ALL about the negativity happening in the world via the 11 o'clock news, but what about all the selfless, positive acts the people in our community perform that you never find out about?

One such exemplary example is Bethel resident & Girl Scout Candy Carver. You can read all about Candy and her efforts to help struggling readers learn AND enjoy reading on our Teen Net page - clermontlibrary.org/teennet/teenspeak.html

Hopefully Candy's story will inspire you to reach out to your community, or at the very least, counteract the latest "news" you watch on tv tonight...

 Don't say we didn't warn you -- summer is right around the corner. No reason for you to claim you didn't know Summer Reading was coming. The first part of the name gives it away. It's not Winter Reading or Autumn Reading; it's SUMMER Reading... And it's comimg! June 6 - August 1, 2009. Look for signups at your local branch to start sometime in early June. I know, I know, you want to sign up right now, but hold your horses! We're not quite ready yet. Still putting on the finishing touches to make this one of the best summer reading programs yet!

 What in the name of 80-degree weather happened to spring? Cincinnati weather, that's what happened. We all knew it was coming. The weather in the midwest is more unstable than my Aunt Millie when she goes off her medication...

We still have a few more weeks of unpredictable weather before the rain ceases to pour every time we think about heading to the park or before we can open the pools. In the meantime, check out some of our library programs. Not only will they be fun and educational, but depending on the weather, the library will either shelter you from the relentless downpour or air condition your impending heat stroke. 

Stop by, say hi and while you're at it take some books home with you!

"Gesundheit!"

I seem to be hearing a lot of that word these days! I can tolerate the rain, as it promises that things will be very green and flower-y soon, but the allergies & constant sneezing are quite another beast. I've been on the hunt for some homeopathic remedies that might alleviate my allergy symptoms. I wanted to make sure that my information was coming from a trusted source and not just a random Google search.

So I turned to one of our many databases on Health and Medicine. An excellent resource in that category is Consumer Health Complete. This database allows you to browse medical, health-related and drug reference books. You can read articles on health and fitness and find sources on alternative health information. It includes full text journals, magazines, and reference books from EBSCOhost dealing with physical healthy, mental health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Coverage includes a focus on the complementary, holistic and integrated approaches to health and wellness.

Consumer Health Complete is just one of the many invaluable databases available on clermontlibrary.org. To access all available databases click on the Information & Research link on the top of our homepage.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to try stinging nettle, turmeric, & garlic for these allergies...

It's National Library Week! A time to celebrate the contributions of libraries across the country. CCPL is happy to celebrate NLW with its community and is offering several fun activities to mark the week. See our homepage for a detailed description of all the activities happening this week. Don't forget to checkout the video "Beyond the Books" also on our homepage!

Have a great day! Try to stay dry...

 ...out like a lamb. Spring is definitely here! Today's weather feels like a cruel joke after the beautiful weekend. But as the cliched saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." Instead of dreading the rain and thunderstorms, let's look for ways to take advantage of the changing seasons. The library is offering several 'earth-friendly' programs:

Hosta: The Gift from Asia, Tuesday, April 14
Union Township Branch, call 528-1744 or visit to register
Adults, 7:30-8:30 pm
Adults are invited to a slide show and discussion of the history of this fascinating plant with Connie Booth from the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati. Discover methods of propagation and what's new on the horizon in this area of gardening.

Family Fun Night, Monday, April 20
Goshen Branch, call 722-1221 or visit to register
Kids, 7:00-8:00 pm
Families are invited for stories, crafts, hands-on-activities, and playing. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

Plant Exchange, during the month of May
New Richmond & Goshen Branch
During the month of May bring a plant from your garden and exchange it for another plant. Please bring your plant in a pot or container. Be sure to label the plant with name and any other useful information to share. Available during library hours.
 

Good morning, all you literary types! Beautiful weather we've been having -- and just in time for spring break! The kiddos will be looking for things to do while on break, so why not stop by the library and stock up on books, DVDs, magazines and more? Still looking for something to do? Visit any of our ten branches or check our events page for a listing of programs and activities in the upcoming weeks -- clermontlibrary.org/events/all/all/today

Remember, there's something for everyone at CCPL!

Ohio weather -- it giveth and it taketh away... Only in Ohio can the weather be warm, breezy and beautiful one day and overcast, gloomy and chilly the next. They say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em - so that's exactly what we're doing. We're preparing for all that impending spring rain with Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels: Learning the Basics.

The program is being presented by Paul Barringer of the Clermont County Soil & Water Conservation District. Learn how to utilize and conserve the rainfall to transform your yard into a rain garden. There will be an answer and question session after the presentation. 

New Richmond Branch Tuesday, March 17 @ 7:00 pm. Call 513-553-0570 or visit the branch to register. 

 In less than one week the library will be celebrating Teen Tech Week (March 9-14) for the first time ever! Teens, check out all the cool programs planned in your honor:

GAME NIGHT - Join us for Guitar Hero World Tour, Dance Dance Revolution, and other assorted Wii Games!

Goshen Branch - Monday, March 9, 2009; 7:00 pm -- call 513-722-1221 to register

Williamsburg Branch - Tuesday, March 10, 2009; 6:00 pm -- call 513-724-1070 to register

New Richmond Branch - Wednesday, March 11, 2009; 6:00 pm -- call 513-553-0570 to register

Batavia Branch - Thursday, March 12, 2009; 7:00 pm -- call 513-732-2128 to register

Union Township - Saturday, March 14, 2009; 2:00 pm -- call 513-528-1744 to register

Can You Remember the Lyrics? - test your music knowledge for a chance to win prizes!

Owensville Branch - Thursday, March 12, 2009; 7:00 pm -- call 513-732-6084 to register

Make sure you stop by the library during Teen Tech Week or visit us online to learn more about Teen Tech Week and the fun contests planned!

Did You Know?
Email is 22 years old?
PCs are 15 years old?
Blogs were first created in 1997?
My Space was created in 2003?

A recent poll on teencheckup.com revealed that:
87 percent of teens use email
60 percent of teens have a desktop or laptop
30 percent of online teens keep blogs and regularly post and 54 percent read blogs
70 percent of online teens use social networking sites

What do these statistics have to do with Clermont County Public Library? Stay tuned for a future posting revealing all...

Can you hear that? It’s the pitter-patter of penguins running to the library this February! The library welcomes a character so fancy – he’s wearing his penguin suit! Join us as we welcome this flightless seabird and celebrate Library Lovers’ Month. 

To celebrate Library Lover’s Month, we’re inviting all Clermont County residents to visit their library branch during February for a chance to win fun prizes. A heart and penguin craft will be available for children. See the list below for a description of programs:

Penguin character visit –
Goshen (722-1221) February 7, 2009, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.*
Felicity (876-4134) February 9, 2009, 3:00 p.m.
Batavia (732-2128) February 9, 2009, 7:00 p.m.*
Williamsburg (724-1070) February 10, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
Bethel (734-2619) February 11, 2009, 11:00 a.m.*
Milford (248-0700) February 12, 2009, 11:00 a.m.*
Amelia (752-5580) February 14, 1:00 p.m.*

HAPPY FEET movie showing:
Goshen (722-1221) February 7, 2009, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.*
Milford (248-0700) February 12, 2009, 7:00 p.m.*
Amelia (752-5580) February 14, 2009, 1:00 p.m.*

*Registration required. Call the branch to register.

Children ages 3 – 18 years:
Each child that visits the library during February 2 – 28 will have a chance to win a small gift by choosing a foam heart at the circulation or reference desks. Each heart will represent a prize such as a pencil, bracelets, lollipops, etc. Offered throughout February while supplies last.   

Teens:
Each teen that fills out the entry:  “Why I Love the Library” will be eligible for a drawing to win two giant candy bars.  One winner per library branch will be chosen and announced on March 2, 2009. 

Adults:
Each adult that fills out the entry:  “Why I Love the Library” will be eligible for a drawing to win a box of chocolates.  One winner per library branch will be chosen and announced on March 2, 2009. 

Put the $1 back into your wallet!

Thanks to the community’s continued support and generosity, Clermont County Public Library (CCPL) is excited to announce the return of DVD lending – without the rental fee! 

The Library Board of Trustees voted in favor of discontinuing the $1.00 rental fee for feature films and television series. 

Items requested through MORE (Moving Ohio’s Resources Everywhere) will also be available free of charge. A limit of five DVDs can be borrowed at a time for a period of seven days. They may be renewed one time in person, by phone, or online – as long as there are no holds on the item. 

You won’t find this MANGO in the produce section!

The library is excited to offer Mango Languages software to its customers. Mango Languages replaced Rosetta Stone, the previously offered language learning software, which discontinued access online to public libraries in August 2008. Mango Languages shows promise as an essential education tool for learning foreign languages. 

Mango Languages is ideal for library customers who might not be typical, traditional students. There are many individuals – such as homeschoolers and adults – who wish to learn a foreign language but are without access to classroom instruction. These individuals now have the opportunity to learn several different foreign languages without sitting through Miss Smith’s fourth period Spanish class after lunch. It’s the most cost-effective method of learning a foreign language outside of going back to high school.

 Seventeen-year-old Olivia Suttles from Williamsburg penned the winning tale for Teen Read Week's Books with Bite short story contest. Olivia's cleverly crafted story Guardian Angel was chosen out of a pool of nineteen entries. Olivia received a 10" portable DVD player for her first place submission.

The contest was held October 1-18, 2008 in recognition of Teen Read Week. Submissions were blindly judged and rated according to originality, creativity, grammar, punctuation and plot.

Read Olivia's Story

Pictured L to R: Dan Bare, Veterans Commission Director; Howard Daugherty; Ken Johnson; Cliff Riley, Veterans Commission President; Ken Cook; Robert Derr; David Mezack, CCPL Executive Director; Chris Rich, CCPL Williamsburg Branch Manager

The library was honored to present the Clermont County Veterans’ Services Commission with a collection of Veterans History Project DVDs at their monthly Veterans Commission Board meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2008.

CCPL Executive Director David Mezack presented the DVD collection to the Veterans Commission, while Williamsburg Branch Manager Chris Rich spoke about his experiences interviewing Veterans for the project. Rich has been interviewing Veterans for this project for over three years. In that time he has conducted 45 out of the 62 Veteran interviews for the library.

The Veterans History Project relies on volunteers to collect and preserve the stories of wartime service. Stories can be told through personal narrative, correspondence, and visual materials.

The library is asking Veterans who are willing to share their stories to call Julie Sigrist at 513-735-7162 or Chris Rich at 513-724-1070 to schedule an appointment. For more information on Veterans’ Services Commission, contact them at 513-732-7363.

Veterans History Project, www.loc.gov/vets

Grab your family and join the hoedown at your Clermont County Public Library! Several branches are hosting musical performers this holiday season. Celebrate the season with music, family and your community! 

Branches hosting seasonal musical performances: 

Bethel (734-2619) – Saturday, December 6, 2008, 2-3:00 p.m., all ages
Daniel Patrick and Family Blue Grass Musical Performance   

Milford-Miami Township (248-0700) – Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 6-8:30 p.m., all ages
"Caroling for Kids" (Guitarist Steve Featherston invites kids to sing with him. Stop by throughout the hour.)

New Richmond (553-0570) – Saturday, December 6, 2008, 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m., all ages
10:00 AM – Resurrection Bell Ringers
11:30 AM – Singing by the Girl Scouts
12:30 PM – Russ Childers’ Appalachian Memories
Crafts and refreshments available

Williamsburg (724-1070) – Fri., December 5, 2008, 6-8:00 p.m., all ages
Enjoy refreshments and the vocal stylings of Steve Featherston during the Williamsburg Christmas Walk

For a complete list of holiday events, call your local library branch or view events under "Events & News" on our homepage.

Hey Teens! Be sure to check out your very own section of our website. You'll find book, music and movie reviews from some gems that we've chosen to highlight from our collection.

Also, be sure to check out the monthly polls. This month we're looking at the Cincinnati Bengals and their "exciting" record this season. Stop by and tell us what YOU think their problem is!