Manchester City Library

It’s easy to take the things that we’re used to for granted. Lately we’ve been much more aware that things like affordable gas or, for some of us, electricity are not as dependable as it once seemed. Well, the same could be said for libraries. Most communities in this country have at least one public library. As of 2007, NH boasts over 230 libraries.

Our NH libraries receive between $1 and $10 per capita annually to buy new materials - books, videos, cds, databases, what have you. That’s how much we spend, but did you ever wonder what we get back?

I was thrilled to find an article about just that in the Bangor Daily News recently:

Molly Larson, director of the Rockport Public Library and president of the Maine Library Association, recently pointed out the Maine State Library’s online tool known as the Library Use Value Calculator… This user-friendly tool allows you to note not only how many books, magazines and movies you borrow in a typical library visit, but also whether you asked a reference question, read a periodical, used a conference room, attended a children’s or adult program, and more.

I recorded my latest library visit, during which I asked one reference question, attended one library program, used the library database, and borrowed one music CD, one film and five books. The value added up $233. And all I needed to receive these services was a library card.

I estimated that in the month of December I took home 15 books, 2 movies, 1 cd, 10 Interlibrary loans, and logged 3 hours of computer time. So, in December the Library provided me access to materials and services worth over $965! That’s even a conservative estimate for a busy month; I usually use far more than that.

Play around with the calculator; see what you’re saving. It makes me really appreciate all of the people and organizations that support us. The Library is truly a community asset. It belongs to all of us.

    Now that Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas season is upon us with a vengeance. If you’re like me and find the traffic jams, the holiday music in every store, the mammoth “Toys R Us” flyers a little annoying try a different take on the season. Here’s how the library can help…and you don’t need to spend another Christmas dime. Just remember to bring your library card.

1. Save money by making your own gifts…fast:
   Visit the Art Room on the 2^nd floor and check out Christmas in Minutes: Festive Crafts in Less Than an Hour. Or how about Last-Minute Christmas Gifts: Crafting Quick and Classy Presents for Everyone on Your List.
2. Watch a Christmas movie:
   How about checking out some of our favorites like Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Alvin and the Chipmunks etc.
3. Get Inspired with Christmas Entertaining books:
   You may not be Martha Stewart but you can get a few good ideas on baking perfect cookies or decorating that bare-looking mantle. Christmas with Southern Living will show you how to dress for dinner, make gifts from your kitchen and bake mudslide brownies. Country Living: Merry and Bright–301 Festive Ideas for Celebrating Christmas will even show you how to make “Spitzbuebe”.
4. Attend a Holiday Program:
   Come to the main library’s rotunda at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 19 and enjoy the soothing, nostalgic sounds of Holiday Music with harpist Lisa Washington Calvo.
5. Dance, sing, reminisce to our Holiday Music CDs:
   Are you fond of traditional classics like Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song or would you prefer Simple Gifts-A Windham Hill Collection or how about the not-so-traditional Christmas Rap Music?
6. Compare brand ratings before you buy your Christmas gifts:
   Don’t know which Flat Screen TV or GPS system is the best buy? Be an enlightened shopper and read “Consumer Reports” (magazine or buying guide) at the Periodical Desk or search our online databases here or at home for many product comparisons and ratings.
7. Keep the kids entertained while you cook, clean, wrap etc. with one of our Video Games:
   Check out a “PlayStation” or “XBOX” game at the Main Library or a Wii game at the West Branch.
8. Listen to one of our Books-on-CD, Books-on-Tape or Audio Downloadable Books as you bake, drive, decorate, etc.:
   Instead of watching this holiday film why not listen to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? MCL owns both the audiocassette and the CD version.
9. Escape the hustle and bustle by spending some time at a local museum:
   With your library card you can check out a museum pass to the Currier Museum of Art or the Millyard Museum. Both the Main and West Branch libraries have passes that will get you into a number of museums for free or for reduced rates.
10. Investigate winter holiday traditions in other countries and cultures:
    This time of year is celebrated in many other cultures. Our books, films, music CDs etc. will help you broaden your horizons.

Happy Holidays!

~Mary~

It’s Twilight at the Manchester City Library! Stephanie Meyer’s critically acclaimed novel, Twilight, is hitting the big screen on November 21st. To celebrate the adaptation Manchester City Library is throwing a party for anyone and everyone who is as excited as we are to see our favorite characters in the theater. Come enjoy refreshments and activities from 3:30 to 5:30 on November 21st in the Winchell room to celebrate Twilight.

Contact:
Kate Norton, 624-6550 ext. 342, AIM: katehwtt

MCL presents a Camera Club for Teens in grades sixth through twelve. Join us November 13th at 3:30 p.m. in the Winchell Room to learn about photography through camera mechanics, compositional principles and existing work. The club will also research colleges and careers in the field of photography as well as the process of achieving those goals. Registration is preferred.

Contact:
Kate Norton, 624-6550 ext. 342, AIM: katehwtt

Halloween is almost here! Visit the MCL Teen Area for supplies to create a jack-o-lantern using only paper and craft supplies. Can you come up with a unique design for your paper pumpkin?

Contact: Kate Norton, knorton@manchesternh.gov, 624-6550 x342