As the colder weather approaches, there are lots of good reasons to stay indoors – to stay warm, visit with friends and family and visit the library!

During the holidays, especially when company fills the house and you are looking for entertainment possibilities; don’t forget your local library. Check our calendar of events to see what free movies, author readings or literary events are going on. It is a popular place to bring visitors.

They can check their email, browse the shelves for something to read or just enjoy the cozy ambience of our historic building. Remember that, in addition to books and magazines, the library has a vast collection of films that you can check out, free of charge to those with library cards.

Fancy a family music romp? The library has many musical instruments to check out: five acoustic guitars, two ukuleles, three electronic keyboards, two violins, an electric guitar and assorted tambourines.

Lest you think that this is sounding too much like the Whos down in Whoville, we also cater to quieter pursuits such as the author reading coming up on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. by Burlington photographer and historian Martin Burwash.

Do keep in mind we will be closing early at 2 p.m. on Christmas Even and New Year’s Eve and closed all day on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

We are pleased to announce the library received a $6,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Foundation. The grant will be used to produce a student-written Lopez Island history book. Colleen Currie’s literacy students will research, write, publish, and present the book to the library, school, and community. Work will begin in January. The goals of this project are to increase the visibility and use of the library’s reference and information services for the middle school students on the island, facilitate student access to the library’s resources, and to support student learning in the areas of research and writing.

The mission of The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is to transform lives and strengthen communities by fostering innovation, creating knowledge, and promoting social progress. Since its inception, the Foundation has recognized the unique role that libraries play in the life of communities, and it has supported their growth and success.

Starting Jan 1, anyone with a library card can enjoy some of the new Infotrac offerings via the library’s website.

These are accessible from home, office, school or on travel as well as in the library. One that the library is especially pleased to provide is PowerSpeak Languages, a web-based language program for Spanish, French, German, Mandarin Chinese and English for Spanish speakers. Maybe your new year’s resolution is to learn to speak a new language.

Powerspeak uses an exclusive method to smoothly weave the new language into the users’ own. A gradual move to the target language builds comprehension and increases confidence. Around-the-clock access via any Internet-connected computer draws users to an unmatched selection of interactive lessons, courses, expert guidance and learning games.

Another new database is Career Transitions, which includes a resume builder, cover letter creator and a personal profile that stores a user’s references, action. It also provides an assessment engine that identifies career interests and helps users understand their transferable skills and to target specific careers, industries and locations and see their projected growth. A great tool in these touch economic times. Below are the rest of the new databases available Jan. 1.

Remember, if you have a library card you can use any of these from anywhere with a computer and an internet connection.

Global Issues in Context – NEW GREENR – NEW!

Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Marquis Who’s Who

U.S. History in Context and World History in Context

Associations Unlimited

Biography in Context

Literature Resource Center

Business & Company Resource Center (includes Promt)

OneFile (Includes: General Reference Center, LegalTrac, InfoTrac Religion

& Philosophy, and Military & Intelligence Database)

Health and Wellness Resource Center (includes Alternative Health Module)

Informe

Books & Authors – NEW

Don’t miss out of these great sources of education, information, and helpful facts.

Happy holidays from all of us at the Lopez Island Library!