New Web Calendar

Our library now has a new, improved event calendar on our web site. Click on the Calendar link to find out what's coming up at Babcock, print out events, and e-mail events to your friends or yourself. You can also search from a drop-down list for events that interest you (try "knitting" or "books" but without the quotation marks around the words). We are busy adding future events to it, so look for it to expand further and further into future months.

Holiday Closed Days

The Babcock Library will close at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 24.
The Babcock Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 25 for Christmas Day.
The library will close at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 31.
The library will be closed on Tuesday, January 1 for New Year’s Day.

Happy Holidays from the Babcock Library!

Thanksgiving Closed Days

The library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday November 22, Friday November 23, and Saturday November 24. In addition, the library will close at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

New Hire

The library is happy to welcome Jessica Jahnke to the staff. Jessica is the new Library Assistant and will be responsible for adult programming and cataloging and the Babcock Book Club. She will assist with readers' advisory, reference, and circulation as well. Welcome to Jessica!

Babcock Book Club

The Babcock Book Club will meet next Monday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ashford Town Offices lower floor conference room. We'll discuss Reyna Grande's book Across a Hundred Mountains, which is the One Book, One Region selection. The discussion is free of charge and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. See you there!

New Staff

We are very happy to have two new Library Pages at the library. Emily Brown and Elizabeth Hernberg began their employment last week, and we are glad they're on board!

Closed Labor Day

The Babcock Library will be closed Monday, September 3, 2007 for Labor Day. A happy Labor Day to all!

Position Open

The Babcock Library needs a Library Assistant. The position is approximately 19 hours per week and requires at least a high school diploma and two years of library experience. For more details, see our ad on the Connecticut Library Consortium web site at http://www.ctlibrarians.org/ctlibs/jobs.html or call the library at 860-487-4420. We are accepting applications through August 31st.

Redesigned Web Site

Check out our redesigned and updated web site! Many thanks to Jean Jakoboski who made it happen! Our web address is www.babcocklibrary.org. There's lots of new content and links here now, also thanks to Jean.

Board Meeting Rescheduled

The Babcock Library Board of Directors normally meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. For May, the meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday the 29th at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Babcock's Birthday Party

We were pleased to celebrate Archibald Babcock's 227th birthday on April 28, 2007 in the Knowlton Auditorium. Party goers enjoyed the balloon twisting artistry of Nick Connell, music by Larry Gag and Jimbo of the J.J. Diamond Band, and cake from Chez Marie, served by Library Friend Paula Hallene. Here are a few shots taken by Library Friend and Board member Cindy Curry.

If you missed the party, you can still make a donation in his memory. Please take a candle or two from the cake in the Knowlton Auditorium upstairs to the library with your donation. We appreciate it!

Babcock Book Discussion online

Babcock Library's Book Discussion title for May is Omnivore's Dilemma.

Michael Pollan, the author of this inspiring book, takes us on trips through the US to learn where the food in four of his meals is originating. He calls it the "natural history of four meals." By taking a closer look at our grocery store and restaurant food and food in general, all kinds of things become more visible. It seems when agriculture and food join in big business, ignorance, greed and illusion appear. Politics enters.

Some questions to consider if you are reading the book: are you eating differently than you were before you read the book? How is the book effecting you? What in this, if anything, is positive? This is about omnivores. Would the stories of the four meals be a lot different for a vegetarian?
He talks about eating locally in the chapter on the Grass Farmer. Do you think you could eat most of your food from local sources all year and feel satisfied? What kind of issues come up for you around food as you read this?

We will also be discussing this book on Monday, May 14, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the library, in the Reading Room. Multiple copies of the book are available at the library.

Friends Meeting Rescheduled

The Friends of the Babcock Library meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 17 has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 19. It will be at the library, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. New Friends members are welcome! See you on the 19th.

Library Closed April 17 for Conference

The Babcock Library will be closed on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 so the staff can attend day 1 of the Connecticut Library Association annual conference. After this continuing education day, the library will be open again as usual on Wednesday, April 18.

Game Computers

For younger children, the two computers behind our circulation desk are now designated for computer games only. Games we have on hand for the two machines include Freddi Fish and the Case of The Missing Kelp Seeds, The Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean, MicroRacers, Freddi Fish 2 The Case of The Haunted Schoolhouse, Reader Rabbit's 1st Grade, and The Magic School Bus Explores Inside the Earth. We're always interested to learn what games you want on hand - feel free to let us know.

Catalog computer

For those who want to search Athena, our computerized library catalog, we now have a computer set up for that purpose and that purpose only. It's in the first study carrell in the adult section just around the corner from the circulation desk. Athena is also available on all five of the computers clustered near the audio books and movies, but if all of those are busy, you can still get to Athena on the catalog computer in the study carrell.

Playaways are here

The library has begun to collect book titles on Playaways. These are small self-playing audio books. With your own ear buds and a AAA battery you can listen for up to 12 hours. Playback is controlled by simple buttons. Check our catalog for titles or browse the A-V shelf to make your selection.

Downloadable videos are here!

With a broadband connection to the Internet, Babcock Library cardholders can now download selected videos from the Internet! The service is called MyLibrarydv, and thanks to Jean Jakoboski the link to it is now on our library homepage.

The 6-month pilot project will show us whether you're interested in downloading vintage TV programs and movies to your computer for viewing. It's also possible to connect your computer to a TV screen to view the videos. For help with this and answers to other questions, see the link on our homepage called "Have questions? Need help? Click here MyLibrarydv."

If the service is successful, we'll consider extending the service and adding more recent features. Please let us know what you think of this idea.

New Computers & Software

If you notice faster response at the public computers, it’s because we’ve replaced our old file server with a newer, faster model, and we’ve replaced the two oldest public computers with new ones. Three other older computers have been replaced too: one used by staff at the Circulation Desk, and the two computers for children behind the Circulation Desk. Look for some new monitors very soon.

The 5 computers near the copy machine are all equipped with Microsoft Office 2007. This means you have Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Publisher at the machines for your use.

Closed for the Weather

Due to treacherous weather and road conditions, the Babcock Library will be closed on Wednesday, February 14, 2007. The library will reopen for business as usual on Friday, February 16.

Computer Class for Beginners

Computers 101: Computers for Beginners will meet Saturday, March 10, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. till noon. This is the perfect class for computer beginners or those with limited skills. Instructor Sheila Siegel will show you what a computer can do (send e-mail, write a letter, keep a budget, help with research) and what it can’t do (it doesn’t “think” for itself, it can’t walk the dog or vacuum the rug!). You’ll learn in a fun and enjoyable way the parts of the computer in laymen’s terms, how to use a mouse and how to adjust your computer for your maximum comfort and ease of use. If time allows, we will briefly explore the basics of e-mail. Space is limited, so you will want to call or e-mail to reserve a space. You can reach us at 860-487-4420 or librarian@babcocklibrary.org. See you there!

File Server Upgrade

Great library service is a combination of things you can see, like knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, books, computers and other physical materials, the facility itself, and things you can't see. The Babcock Library has upgraded one of the things you can't see: the library's computer file server. Thanks to the good folks at Computer Tamers, the library's computers are now connected to a server donated to the library by the Town of Ashford. Though not brand new, the server is a distinct improvement over what we had before. We've also added 5 more Microsoft site licenses. All of this will mean faster PC boot-up and response from the public access computers. We have some new computers on order as well; watch for another announcement when they've been installed at the library.

Mystery Book Discussion

Tuesday, February 13 the Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet at 2:00 p.m. at the library to discuss Quiet as a Nun by Antonia Fraser. The group will also decide what to read in future months. Treats and hot beverages will be furnished, and all are welcome.

Tax Forms

Yes, it's getting close to that time of year again! To help Ashford residents prepare their 2006 tax returns, the Babcock Library has federal and Connecticut state tax forms, schedules, and instructions on hand. We also have a CD of Federal forms for checkout. Some Connecticut forms are still not in, but we will help you print them out from the state's web site on our library computers.

Inside Babcock Library

Amateur photographer Jerry Doughtery has taken some great shots of the Babcock Library, mostly of the beautifully remodelled interior, like this one of the circulation desk. You can see those among others on his online album starting with number 23. Thanks to Jerry for doing such good work and for making it available to everyone.

Fisher Cats

Join us on Friday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. as Jason Hawley, Wildlife Technician, DEP, will provide us with slides and discussion on the history of fisher cats before Europeans arrived, their re-introduction, conflicts with people and what you can do to protect your pets.

Family Video Day

Friday, January 26 is Family Video day at the library. We're featuring Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest starring Johnny Depp. The PG-13 feature will play in the Knowlton Auditorium beginning at 4:00 p.m. We request that an adult acompany anyone 12 and younger. Free popcorn and juice will be provided. See you at the show!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss' well known Beginner Book, The Cat in the Hat. Written with just 236 different words, it quickly became a children's classic.
Join us to celebrate the 10th annual "Read Across America Day" with special activities at the Babcock Library from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2007.
We'll start with at reading of "The Cat in the Hat" at 2:36 p.m. and continue with games, puzzles, prizes, refreshments, and additional readings throughout the afternoon.

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? Let us know and we'll share the results at the party!

Library Board to Meet

The Babcock Library Board of Directors will have its monthly meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the library.

Computer Class: Windows Tips & Tricks

Find out quick and easy ways to manage files on your computer, and how to arrange your computer screen to suit yourself. You'll also learn what that right mouse button is for, and how to use it! The class will meet twice on Monday, February 5, 2007 at the Babcock Library, at 1:00-2:00 p.m. and again at 2:00-3:00 p.m. The same material will be covered in both classes, so you can choose either time.

Because computer space is limited, we recommend that you call (860-487-4420) or e-mail (librarian@babcocklibrary.com) to reserve a space. You can also comment on this post to reserve a space in the class.

Hot Beverages

Now that winter weather is on its way, we invite you to stop in the library for our free hot beverage service. We stock instant coffee and an assortment of tea. You'll find it all on a serving cart in the reading room, so please help yourself!

Thank You to the Friends

A big thank you to the Friends of the Babcock Library for the wonderful reception they hosted for me on January 10! Here are a few pictures from the event.

Eric Hansen, Library Director

Mystery Book Discussion

Join us for a scintillating discussion of Mary Higgins Clark's Where are the children? on Tuesday, January 16th at 2:00 p.m. Library Director Eric Hansen will lead the discussion, and refreshments will be served.

Friends Reception for New Director

The Friends of the Babcock Library are hosting a reception for Eric Hansen, the new director of the library. The reception will be Wednesday, January 10, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the library. See you there!

Internet Class

"Seek & Go Find: A Beginner's Class in Internet Searching" will meet in the Babcock Library at the public computers on Monday, January 8 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and from 2:00-3:00 p.m. The 1:00 p.m. class is full but there are a very few seats left for the 2:00 p.m. class. We'll cover searching directories like Switchboard and Anywho, wikis like Wikipedia, search engines like Google, and blogs on Blogger. If time permits, we'll discuss the deep web too.

Wi-Fi at the library

The Babcock Library now has free wireless Internet access for the public. Stop by any time during our open hours with your wireless laptop or PDA and surf or search on us!

Welcome!

Welcome to Babcock Bursts, the weblog of the Babcock Library in Ashford, CT. Watch this space for news about goings-on at the library and activities and services by the library out in the community and beyond.