Library Page

Something seems different about the library.  Did it get a haircut?  No, no I don't think so.  Hm, maybe it bought a new outfit?  No, that's not it either.  It lost a couple pounds, that must be it.  Wait, that's not quite right.  I know!  The fish tank got a complete overhaul!

The library's fish tank is looking spectacular these days after Director Patricia Laughlin and her husband decided to update its look.  After some deliberation and a great deal of hard work, the team gave the fish tank its makeover by switching out the gravel, putting up a new backdrop, and installing a new filtration system.  Some plants and other accessories will be added in the near future so, if you've already seen the new changes, be sure to check out the tank when it's finished.  If you have yet to see the tank in all its glory, stop by now and check it out.  The fish would love to give you a tour of their new pad!

It's safe to say that this year's book sale was an astounding success!  The book sale, which ran last weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, was met with much anticipation by eager readers who lined up at the doors before the official kickoff Friday, April 19.  Sales surpassed $1000 on that first night alone and broke $3000 overall, setting a new record for the library.  As funds raised by the book sale are primarily used by the summer reading program, this year's program is sure to benefit greatly.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support the library and give new life to used books!

Looking for a great book to add to your home library at a phenomenal price?  Come to the Friends of the Hales Corners Library Annual Used Book Sale this weekend!  The book sale has been a huge success in the past and, with the enormous amount of books included this year, the sale promises to be a bigger success than ever.  The book sale doesn't stop at books though.  Also up for grabs are music CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs, and audio books.  Most items are 50 cents or 1 dollar. 

The sale kicks off on Preview Night, Friday, April 18th at 7 pm and goes until 9 pm.  Preview night is for Hales Corners residents only and proof of address is required.  Don't live in Hales Corners?  No problem.  The sale continues on Saturday, April 19th from 9 am to 4 pm and finishes up on Sunday, April 20th from noon until 3 pm when shoppers can buy books leftover from Saturday's sale for $2 a bag. 

Ms. Susie will give a Magical Story Time (pajamas optional) on Friday, April 19th from 7 to 7:30 pm. 

The Annual Used Book Sale is just too good to pass up so mark your calendars and be there!   

February 29th is a rare day in that it only appears on the calendar once every four years.  It is also a strangely bittersweet day for the staff and patrons at the Hales Corners Library.  This year, February 29th marks the end of Circulation Supervisor Barbara Nahey's 26 year career with the library and the beginning of her happy retirement. 

Before I get into how terribly unhappy the staff is that Barb is leaving (which, actually, isn't all that unhappy as we are still in denial that she's even leaving), let's go back to Barb's start with the library.  Barb was hired on her birthday May 18,1981, as a desk clerk working 9 hours a week.  What made Barb decide to work at the library?  "My husband opens up the newspaper and starts reading.  He tells me, 'You can work at the school in the lunchroom, as a bus driver, or the library is hiring.'  I chose the library." 

In 1981 the library was housed in a church on Highway 100 across the street from Sentry.  The staff and the collection were smaller than they are now.  Today, all five desk clerks share the task of processing new materials.  However, the volume of new materials when Barb started was small enough for her to take on the job of processing all of the adult and children's materials by herself.  "I remember moving from the church to the new building and thinking how much room there was.  I thought we'd never fill it and now we're busting at the seams!"  The library has definitely grown since 1981.

Something that has stayed the same, according to Barb, is the friendly staff the library has been known for.  "We've always been very welcoming."  Barb adds that, "I always think it's nice that we have patrons who come from out of county and purchase the $100 fee card just so they can use our library."  I would venture to guess that a big reason why patrons go to such lengths to use the Hales Corners Library is because they get to visit with Barb and hear her book recommendations. 

Barb's position within the library also changed over the years.  From 1994-2004, she was the Circulation Coordinator and she became the Circulation Supervisor in January of 2005.  Barb says, "I've always loved working at the library because it's the best of both worlds.  I get to do office work and work with the public, not just one or the other." 

The people who make up the Hales Corners Library are also a part of Barb's job that she appreciates.  "I will miss the people the most, both the staff and the patrons."  The patrons and staff will also miss Barb, more than we can even stand to think of right now.  As much as we will miss seeing her and working with her on a daily basis, we also wish her all the best on her well-deserved retirement.  So, on a final note, I'd like to quote a little known author by the name of Dr. Seuss and say, Barb, "Congratulations!  Today is your day.  You're off to Great Places!  You're off and away!" (but you better come back every once in a while). 

In honor of Valentine's Day, Ms. Susie and her storytime children decorated heart-shaped shortbread cookies with frosting and M&Ms.  Each child also brought Valentine cards to share with each other.  The kids beamed as they received and gave their Valentines and a blast was had by all!

In a shocking turn of events, a goldfish thought to be carrying eggs quietly passed away on Friday, February 7.  Several weeks prior to its demise, Ms. Susie noticed that the fish had strange bulges on either side of its body.  Library staff speculated as to what was causing the bulges.  Some theories included that the fish either had tumors, had swallowed a few rocks, or that it was carrying eggs.  The most plausible theory appeared to be the egg theory as the fish did not appear ill or uncomfortable.  However, the fish did not receive an autopsy and the cause of death may never be known.

Fittingly, the person who first spotted the fish’s health issue was also the person who found the corpse.  Ms. Susie held a private ceremony for the fish in the women’s rest room at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, where the fish received a burial at sea and a 21 flush salute. 

Readers will remember that only weeks ago Ms. Susie and staff member Kristen saved the life of another fish in the library’s fish tank.  However, the joy which that event brought was short lived.  The passing of the fish on Friday marks the first casualty in the fish tank in over a year. 

The surviving fish show no outward signs of grief; however, the staff at Hales Corners is presuming that the fish are struggling with an unimaginable degree of inner turmoil at the loss of their friend.  The fish tank and our hearts are all a little emptier. 

Are you a young person in 3rd through 10th grade?  Do you like to read?  Do you like the Milwaukee Bucks?  Yes?  Well stop sitting there and head over to the library to sign up for the Milwaukee Bucks Reading program.  There's still time to participate!

What is the Milwaukee Bucks Reading program you ask?  The Milwaukee Bucks Reading program is a program where young people in grades 3 through 10 can read five hundred pages in exchange for a Milwaukee Bucks ticket.  Participants can count magazines, newspapers and books towards their goal.  There is a 100 page limit on magazines and newspapers and no page limit on books. 

Start by registering at the library where you'll receive a score card to keep track of your pages.  Each time you reach 125 pages, bring your scorecard into the library and get a sticker.  Once you reach 500 pages, you can bring in your scorecard for a ticket voucher.  Go above and beyond the 500 page goal to 750 pages in order to be entered in a drawing for an autographed basketball and more. 

The program ends on February 22, 2008 and the vouchers must be postmarked by February 29 for participants wishing to attend the Bucks vs. Phildelphia 76ers game or March 14 for participants wishing to attend the Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers game. 

In a feat that can only be described as heroic, Children's Librarian Ms. Susie and shelver Kristen saved the life of a goldfish who resides at the Hales Corners Library.  It was business as usual at the library on Friday, December 21.  Ms. Susie and Kristen were well into their closing routines for the day when a concerned mother and her young son notified Kristen that something was terribly amiss in the fish tank. 

Kristen and Ms. Susie rushed over to the tank where they found one of the goldfish, (who shall remain nameless for  reasons of privacy), struggling with a glass pebble from the tank's floor which it had managed to get lodged in its mouth.  Having never encountered such a problem before, both Ms. Susie and Kristen experienced a moment of panic before they quickly snapped into action.  Kristen suggested removing the pebble from the goldfish's mouth using pliers.

The two staff members decided that Ms. Susie would capture and hold the fish while Kristen grabbed the pebble with needle nose pliers.  This plan, according to Ms. Susie, had its faults.  In particular, it meant that Ms. Susie would actually have to hold the fish in her hands which, let's face it, is kind of icky.  With the mother and son who first discovered the troubled fish cheering them on, Ms. Susie and Kristen found the courage to get the job done and successfully removed the pebble from the large fish's mouth.

While the fish and the rest of its fish friends appeared to have a temporary loss of appetite following the incident, they have all since recovered from the trauma, though the fish in question has refused to comment.

Readers may remember that this is not the first time something fishy has happened in the library's fish tank.  In a previous blog we covered the odd phenomenon of one of the goldfish's scales turning white.  We will continue to keep a watchful eye on the fish tank and keep our readers updated on any further strange occurrences.

                            

The Hales Corners Library is hosting an exciting new book club beginning in January of 2008 and we want you to be a part of it.  The theme of this spectacular new book club is banned books.  The Banned Book Club will read a different banned or challenged book each month. 

The Banned Book Club will meet the third Monday of each month January through April and the second Monday in May from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. in the Library Board Room. 

What is a banned or challenged book you ask?  According to the American Library Association website, "a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a single person or group [and] a banning is the removal of those materials" (http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/challengedbanned/challengedbanned.htm#wbc).  Titles that have been challenged or banned often contain diverse and intricate topics which make them perfect fodder for a book discussion.

We have several provocative titles on the schedule for the upcoming months including Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury on January 21, Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going on February 18, and Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt. 

Copies of each book are available for checkout through the Milwaukee County Federated Library System.  Please visit or contact the library at (414) 529-6150 ext. 10 with any questions.  The book club is free and open to the public and no pre-registration is required. 

We know you've been meaning to join a book club, so what are you waiting for?  Pick up a copy of Fahrenheit 451 and attend the first Banned Book Club meeting on January 21.  See you there!

It looks like the snow is determined to freeze the spirits of the staff and patrons at Hales Corners Library.  While it didn't ultimately meet this goal, it sure did a number on us.

Melting snow and icicles surrounding the library book drop, and descending from the building's roof, seeped inside the book drop, drenching everything in its path.  A couple books were damaged but most were able to be salvaged. 

For the time being, the book drop is closed in order to prevent more leakage.  Patrons will have to return their materials inside the building at the circulation desk.  This is fine for the staff at Hales Corners Library as we love visits from our patrons!  However, with a little help from the Village of Hales Corners, the book drop should be up and dry in no time.

The nasty weather on Saturday, December 2 did not put a damper on the annual Hales Corners Tree Lighting Ceremony.  An estimated 200 people showed up for the ceremony which is held at the library. 

The lighting of the tree was accompanied by the Whitnall Middle School Band.  Following the tree lighting, onlookers huddled indoors for hot cocoa, cookies, a visit with Santa, and a story time with Ms. Susie.

The cocoa and home baked cookies were delicious and Santa was as jolly as ever as he entertained the children and listened to their Christmas wish lists. 

Ms. Susie captivated the audience with her creative story telling.  She used both poster board and Microsoft Power Point to share her cozy winter tales. 

This year's ceremony was a success and promises to continue in this way for years to come!

Children's librarian Ms. Susie has added a cool new feature to the young adult section of the library--a wall teens can write on!  Okay, so technically teens will be writing on the paper covering the wall, but it's cool nonetheless.  Ms. Susie will post different questions on the wall for teens to answer.

The current question is based on a survey conducted by the American Library Association which asked 6000 teens what their top reads were.  The results were narrowed down to ten books, with New Moon by Stephenie Meyer at the top of the list.  Ms. Susie is asking all Hales Corners Library teens what their top reads are and the response has been huge.  If you haven't had a chance to check the wall out for yourself, come in soon and add your suggestion or, if you're looking for a good book to read, find a recommendation.

Remember, new questions will be asked in the future so be on the lookout and let your voice (or magic marker) be heard!

These twins couldn't be happier with their new library cards and book bags!

November is Get Your Card and Read Month at the Hales Corners Library.  Any child signing up for his or her first library card between November 1^st and 30^th will receive a plastic book bag containing a button, magnet, bookmark and library card holder.

Additionally during the month of November, students at Hales Corners Elementary and Edgerton Elementary have the opportunity of winning a classroom visit from Ms. Susie.  Each time a student checks materials out at Hales Corners, he or she will receive a coupon which will count as one point.  The classroom with the most points will get a visit from Ms. Susie. 

The materials may be checked out with a child’s or parent’s/guardian’s library card.  Children may register for a library card as soon as they are able to sign their first and last name.  Children 15 years of age and under need their parent’s signature to get their own library card.  Parents will need to bring an official photo ID (such as a driver’s license) with their current home address or two forms of ID, one with the current home address and one with a signature. 

This promotion lasts through the end of November and the winning classroom will be announced the week of December 3^rd so students, hurry in and check out materials today!

Are you looking for an easy and fun way to support the Hales Corners Library?  Come to the library book fair at the Barnes & Noble in Greenfield, located at 4935 S. 76^th Street, on November 10 from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.  A percentage of your total purchase on November 10 will be donated to the Hales Corners Library.  All you need to do is pick up a book fair voucher at the library or print the voucher from the library’s website or from the following link, http://www.mcfls.org/halescorners/Bookfair%20Voucher.pdf, and bring the voucher with you to Barnes & Noble. 

The book fair voucher is valid on the purchase of books, audio books, DVDs, music CDs, stationary, note cards, calendars, journals, diaries, toys, games, video games, gift items, and café consumables.  A book fair voucher must be presented at the time of purchase in order for a percentage of the purchase to be contributed to the library.  Staff will be unable to distribute vouchers at Barnes & Noble so be sure to bring yours along.

While you shop, Ms. Susie will present two children’s story times from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.  Members of the Hales Corners Library Book Squad will also be on hand to help you choose the perfect item for the young adults and children in your life.  Additionally, Ms. Susie will be available from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. to offer suggestions and advice for book purchases.

If you would like to purchase an item to donate to the library, visit the Library Wish List Table where you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a selection of materials that are of interest to all ages.

Please stop by Barnes & Noble on 76^th Street on November 10, with your book fair voucher, and show your support for the library. Barnes & Noble is an ideal destination for anyone looking for the best in books, music, and film.  With over 15,000 children’s books in stock and over 100,000 books, music CDs, and DVDs, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you! 

Hales Corners’ favorite local historian Rita Boehrer, Ph.D, will be giving another one of her popular three part lecture series beginning in October.  Rita’s lectures will be held on three consecutive Tuesdays, October 30, November 6, and November 13 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.  The lectures will cover the land and people of Japan and will sweep across Japanese history from the first coming of the Europeans in 1542 to Japan’s exclusion of all Europeans from 1640 to 1853.

Rita will explore how Japan was kept isolated under the Tokugawa Shoguns in order to keep peace and political stability.  She will also highlight the amazing modernization of Japan with its transition to an imperial power.

All sessions are free and open to the public and are held in the Ben Hunt Room on the lower level of the library.  No registration is necessary.  If you have any questions, please call the information desk at 529-6150 ext 10.