Monday, February 19, 2007
Friends - Book Sale Dates
The Friends of the Library hold book sales five times a year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Portage District Library, in the lower level meeting rooms. The first sale this year is February 24, 2007. If you are a member of the Friends, you are also eligible to attend an “early bird” sale on the afternoon before the main book sale, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Note that the link in the title of this post goes to an page on our website that's always there for you to check the dates.
There are thousands of books for sale at great prices. The books are organized by category to make browsing easy and fun. The book sales are run by volunteers, and every penny generated by the sale goes to the Portage District Library. We depend on your generous donations for the books being sold.
Sale dates for 2007 are as follows:
February 24
June 2
August 4
October 6
December 8
Note that the link in the title of this post goes to an page on our website that's always there for you to check the dates.
There are thousands of books for sale at great prices. The books are organized by category to make browsing easy and fun. The book sales are run by volunteers, and every penny generated by the sale goes to the Portage District Library. We depend on your generous donations for the books being sold.
Sale dates for 2007 are as follows:
February 24
June 2
August 4
October 6
December 8
Friday, February 16, 2007
Our New Filtering Options
Internet Filtering In the Library: It’s Your Choice
A system is in place that allows users to identify a filtering level for their internet access that will be applied to their computer usage anywhere in the library. Although there are many benefits to wide open access to the internet, the library is legally responsible for offering protective measures for minors using our public internet access. This filtering system works in tandem with the parental consentforms already required for minors, by allowing parents to choose the level of access and filtering their child has on any computers used in the library. The new filtering options do not interfere with the possibility of unfiltered access for adults, although anyone can choose to apply a level of filtering that will help minimize the intrusion of objectionable material during their internet usage.
What is internet filtering?
Internet filtering is a method that allows the library to block different types of content from being accessed through the internet. The software that manages this function for the library is able to provide a variety of levels of filtering of predefined types of internet content. Although filtering may provide a sense of safety, it is not a foolproof method of blocking objectionable material. Also, filtering may inadvertently block legitimate health related information.
What levels of filtering are available?
0 No access to the internet
1 Access to the library website, catalog, and databases only--links from our website to other websites will be blocked
2 Eliminates all sites judged by the filtering software to be potentially liable, objectionable or controversial--this goes above and beyond CIPA requirements
3 Eliminates only sites judged by the filtering software to contain adult materials, nudity, or pornography--complies with CIPA
4 No filtering applied
CIPA is the Children’s Internet Protection Act; a federal law established to address concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers. In addition, Michigan State Law prohibits viewing inappropriate material where children can view it. Please visit our website, www.portagelibrary.info, to view the Library’s Internet Policy.
What level of filtering do I have and how do I change it?
All adult members of the library as of February 19, 2007 are set to unfiltered access. An adult may change their filtering level at any time by showing their library card to staff at any information desk.
Children and teenage members who have signed parental permission to use the internet on file prior to February 19, 2007are set to level three filtering. Children and teens must have documented parental consent, along with their library card, in order to change their filtering level.
Children and teenage members who do not have a signed parental consent form on file will not have access to the internet, but they will be able to use our computer workstations for word processing and other available programs. Parental consent forms can be picked up or turned in at any information desk.
How do I access the internet or use a computer at the library?
You must be a registered library user to utilize our computers or our wireless internet access. To register, you must present appropriate identification at the Checkout Desk. Although you may not qualify for a full membership, all visitors will be granted computer access.
All members of the library or those that have registered for guest pass are able to use the barcode number on the back of their library card in conjunction with a PIN to gain access according to their filtering type. By default, your PIN is the same as the last four digits of the telephone number you have on file in your library account; you can change this number at any time. If you have any difficulty gaining access, please seek assistance at any information desk.
There are many computer workstations available throughout the library, although the computers on the lower level are primarily for the use of children, teens, and families. Registered library users may utilize our wireless network to gain internet access with their own computer. Those who have a full membership to the library can borrow a laptop for use in the library only. All you need is your library card and appropriate identification—ask about this service at the Checkout Desk.
A system is in place that allows users to identify a filtering level for their internet access that will be applied to their computer usage anywhere in the library. Although there are many benefits to wide open access to the internet, the library is legally responsible for offering protective measures for minors using our public internet access. This filtering system works in tandem with the parental consentforms already required for minors, by allowing parents to choose the level of access and filtering their child has on any computers used in the library. The new filtering options do not interfere with the possibility of unfiltered access for adults, although anyone can choose to apply a level of filtering that will help minimize the intrusion of objectionable material during their internet usage.
What is internet filtering?
Internet filtering is a method that allows the library to block different types of content from being accessed through the internet. The software that manages this function for the library is able to provide a variety of levels of filtering of predefined types of internet content. Although filtering may provide a sense of safety, it is not a foolproof method of blocking objectionable material. Also, filtering may inadvertently block legitimate health related information.
What levels of filtering are available?
0 No access to the internet
1 Access to the library website, catalog, and databases only--links from our website to other websites will be blocked
2 Eliminates all sites judged by the filtering software to be potentially liable, objectionable or controversial--this goes above and beyond CIPA requirements
3 Eliminates only sites judged by the filtering software to contain adult materials, nudity, or pornography--complies with CIPA
4 No filtering applied
CIPA is the Children’s Internet Protection Act; a federal law established to address concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers. In addition, Michigan State Law prohibits viewing inappropriate material where children can view it. Please visit our website, www.portagelibrary.info, to view the Library’s Internet Policy.
What level of filtering do I have and how do I change it?
All adult members of the library as of February 19, 2007 are set to unfiltered access. An adult may change their filtering level at any time by showing their library card to staff at any information desk.
Children and teenage members who have signed parental permission to use the internet on file prior to February 19, 2007are set to level three filtering. Children and teens must have documented parental consent, along with their library card, in order to change their filtering level.
Children and teenage members who do not have a signed parental consent form on file will not have access to the internet, but they will be able to use our computer workstations for word processing and other available programs. Parental consent forms can be picked up or turned in at any information desk.
How do I access the internet or use a computer at the library?
You must be a registered library user to utilize our computers or our wireless internet access. To register, you must present appropriate identification at the Checkout Desk. Although you may not qualify for a full membership, all visitors will be granted computer access.
All members of the library or those that have registered for guest pass are able to use the barcode number on the back of their library card in conjunction with a PIN to gain access according to their filtering type. By default, your PIN is the same as the last four digits of the telephone number you have on file in your library account; you can change this number at any time. If you have any difficulty gaining access, please seek assistance at any information desk.
There are many computer workstations available throughout the library, although the computers on the lower level are primarily for the use of children, teens, and families. Registered library users may utilize our wireless network to gain internet access with their own computer. Those who have a full membership to the library can borrow a laptop for use in the library only. All you need is your library card and appropriate identification—ask about this service at the Checkout Desk.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Reading Together - Book Discussion in a Bag
To coincide with the area Reading Together program, the Portage District Library will be offering kits containing 10 copies of the The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. These kits will contain an author bio, book reviews, discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading all ready for you to lend them to your book group members. We’re making it easy to be part of the Reading Together experience in Kalamazoo County. Our Reading Together kits will be available in February.
Called “Book Discussion in a Bag,” these kits may be checked out at the Adult Information Desk for two months. No more than one kit at a time may be checked out to an individual. Kits may not be reserved nor renewed. Borrowers will be charged $1.00 a day for an overdue kit. The entire
kit must be returned on the due date. The person who checks out a Book Discussion in a Bag kit is responsible for returning the entire kit. Kits include a signup sheet to help borrowers keep track of the books. Book clubs may keep the folder of materials when they return the books and bag.
For more information, call the Adult Reference Desk at 329-4542 ext 600 to find out more about Book Discussion in a Bag. For a complete list of Book Discussion in a Bag titles, please visit our website www.portagelibrary.info and click on the square labeled Book Lovers then click on Book Groups.
Called “Book Discussion in a Bag,” these kits may be checked out at the Adult Information Desk for two months. No more than one kit at a time may be checked out to an individual. Kits may not be reserved nor renewed. Borrowers will be charged $1.00 a day for an overdue kit. The entire
kit must be returned on the due date. The person who checks out a Book Discussion in a Bag kit is responsible for returning the entire kit. Kits include a signup sheet to help borrowers keep track of the books. Book clubs may keep the folder of materials when they return the books and bag.
For more information, call the Adult Reference Desk at 329-4542 ext 600 to find out more about Book Discussion in a Bag. For a complete list of Book Discussion in a Bag titles, please visit our website www.portagelibrary.info and click on the square labeled Book Lovers then click on Book Groups.
Reading Together - Programs
Reading Together - Programs
Therapy Dog: Medicine for the Soul
A look at how and why animals and humans bond and the capacity of dogs to heal and comfort us, a panel of volunteers, therapists, and other professionals who train and share their pets to help those who are grieving, hospitalized, in counseling and living in elder-care facilities.
Thursday, March 1
6:30-8:00 pm
Point of View: a look at the creative process
Through seeing how others express their experiences, their emotions, and their vision, we can broaden our understanding of those around us and where we fit in the mix. This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.
Exhibet: Monday, March 5 to Saturday, April 14
Reception
Sunday, March 11
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
‘Sensory Experience Classroom’
Understand one aspect of autism by participating in this brief classroom experience that includes a wide variety of sensory stimulation, allowing alternative perceptions commonly experienced by people on the autism spectrum.
Monday, March 5
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center Presents: Bookbinding
Make your own handmade books! In this workshop participants will learn a special non-adhesive binding technique to make a hard cover book that can be used as a journal or sketchbook.
Instructor: Jeff Abshear is a nationally recognized book artist with an MFA in painting and printmaking from Western Michigan University.
Cost: $45.00
Call to pre-register
Saturday, March 10
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center Presents: You Can Draw--Design for Beginners
Afraid to start an art project? This visual design class is for you. Learn basic skills using collage, copy, and drawing techniques in a non-threatening environment. You can then apply them to papermaking, bookmaking, and more. Let yourself go!
Instructor: Michael Dunn earned his MFA at Western Michigan University and creates prints using woodcut, intaglio and lithography techniques.
Cost: $45.00
Call 383-8563 to pre-register
Tuesday, March 13
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center is a collective of artists and writers who have joined together to create a community workshop and educational center dedicated to furthering book design and its related arts: fine printmaking, papermaking, book binding, and creative writing. For more information on course offerings, events, and readings visit the KBAC website: www.kalbookarts.org .
Open For Discussion: Reading Together 2007 Selection
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
When Christopher Boone, the autistic 15 year-old narrator, discovers his neighbor's dog stabbed to death, he decides to use the reasoning of his favorite detective, Sherlock Holmes, to solve the crime. As the mystery unravels, so do the secrets of his parents’ broken marriage. Experiencing this chaos through Christopher's eyes thrusts the reader into his perspective and the world of autism.
Wednesday, March 14
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Therapy Dog: Medicine for the Soul
A look at how and why animals and humans bond and the capacity of dogs to heal and comfort us, a panel of volunteers, therapists, and other professionals who train and share their pets to help those who are grieving, hospitalized, in counseling and living in elder-care facilities.
Thursday, March 1
6:30-8:00 pm
Point of View: a look at the creative process
Through seeing how others express their experiences, their emotions, and their vision, we can broaden our understanding of those around us and where we fit in the mix. This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.
Exhibet: Monday, March 5 to Saturday, April 14
Reception
Sunday, March 11
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
‘Sensory Experience Classroom’
Understand one aspect of autism by participating in this brief classroom experience that includes a wide variety of sensory stimulation, allowing alternative perceptions commonly experienced by people on the autism spectrum.
Monday, March 5
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center Presents: Bookbinding
Make your own handmade books! In this workshop participants will learn a special non-adhesive binding technique to make a hard cover book that can be used as a journal or sketchbook.
Instructor: Jeff Abshear is a nationally recognized book artist with an MFA in painting and printmaking from Western Michigan University.
Cost: $45.00
Call to pre-register
Saturday, March 10
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center Presents: You Can Draw--Design for Beginners
Afraid to start an art project? This visual design class is for you. Learn basic skills using collage, copy, and drawing techniques in a non-threatening environment. You can then apply them to papermaking, bookmaking, and more. Let yourself go!
Instructor: Michael Dunn earned his MFA at Western Michigan University and creates prints using woodcut, intaglio and lithography techniques.
Cost: $45.00
Call 383-8563 to pre-register
Tuesday, March 13
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center is a collective of artists and writers who have joined together to create a community workshop and educational center dedicated to furthering book design and its related arts: fine printmaking, papermaking, book binding, and creative writing. For more information on course offerings, events, and readings visit the KBAC website: www.kalbookarts.org .
Open For Discussion: Reading Together 2007 Selection
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
When Christopher Boone, the autistic 15 year-old narrator, discovers his neighbor's dog stabbed to death, he decides to use the reasoning of his favorite detective, Sherlock Holmes, to solve the crime. As the mystery unravels, so do the secrets of his parents’ broken marriage. Experiencing this chaos through Christopher's eyes thrusts the reader into his perspective and the world of autism.
Wednesday, March 14
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Reading Together
This March The Portage District Library, in conjunction with the Reading Together program, invites people of all ages, from all walks of life, to read and discuss important issues raised by a single book. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon, is the 2007 Reading Together book.
This year, we are offering two ways to participate in this program.
Portage District Library is offering Book Discussion in a Bag kits with 10 copies of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. You can share with your book group, a group of friends, co-workers, or any group you want to share the book with.
In addition, we are offering a wide variety of programs that relate to the themes of The Curious Incident: how people relate to animals and deal with disability .
Reading Together is a collaboration of libraries, health and social service agencies, the media, local governments, educational institutions, civic, cultural, and religious organizations, and businesses throughout Kalamazoo County who offer programs and book discussions featuring the current year's book. You can find more information on the Reading Together web page, including a handy calendar of events, a pull down menu with events by location, previous years programs, and more information as the program opens officially in March.
This year, we are offering two ways to participate in this program.
Portage District Library is offering Book Discussion in a Bag kits with 10 copies of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. You can share with your book group, a group of friends, co-workers, or any group you want to share the book with.
In addition, we are offering a wide variety of programs that relate to the themes of The Curious Incident: how people relate to animals and deal with disability .
Reading Together is a collaboration of libraries, health and social service agencies, the media, local governments, educational institutions, civic, cultural, and religious organizations, and businesses throughout Kalamazoo County who offer programs and book discussions featuring the current year's book. You can find more information on the Reading Together web page, including a handy calendar of events, a pull down menu with events by location, previous years programs, and more information as the program opens officially in March.
Friday, February 02, 2007
February Book Discussion Groups
Great Books Discussion Group
From the Great Books Foundation: “Many great minds have wrestled with the search for meaning – now you can, too. Great Books reading and discussion programs provide you with the essential tools for joining the great conversation about ideas: outstanding literature and a discussion approach that helps you truly connect with literature.” Readings will be taken from the Third Series of the Great Books.
Discussion leader: Ken Fischer, Portage District Library Staff
Discussions - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Discussion schedule includes the following Sundays:
February 4 Reading Two (John Mill On Liberty)
February 18 Reading Three (William Shakespeare Hamlet)
Open for Discussion: The Portage District Library Book Discussion Group
A Team of Rivals: the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This is a biography of the entire team of personal and political competitors that Lincoln put together to lead the country through its greatest crisis. In her book, Doris Kearns Goodwin profiles five of the key players, four of whom contended for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination and all of whom later worked together in Lincoln's cabinet.
Tuesday, February 20 10:30 -11:30 am
Wednesday, February 21 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
From the Great Books Foundation: “Many great minds have wrestled with the search for meaning – now you can, too. Great Books reading and discussion programs provide you with the essential tools for joining the great conversation about ideas: outstanding literature and a discussion approach that helps you truly connect with literature.” Readings will be taken from the Third Series of the Great Books.
Discussion leader: Ken Fischer, Portage District Library Staff
Discussions - 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Discussion schedule includes the following Sundays:
February 4 Reading Two (John Mill On Liberty)
February 18 Reading Three (William Shakespeare Hamlet)
Open for Discussion: The Portage District Library Book Discussion Group
A Team of Rivals: the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This is a biography of the entire team of personal and political competitors that Lincoln put together to lead the country through its greatest crisis. In her book, Doris Kearns Goodwin profiles five of the key players, four of whom contended for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination and all of whom later worked together in Lincoln's cabinet.
Tuesday, February 20 10:30 -11:30 am
Wednesday, February 21 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
