Library2Go Website Overwhelmed

Judging from the molasses-in-January slowness of the Library2Go website, everyone got an eBook reader for Christmas and wants to use it during the remainder of Christmas break.

Library2Go tech support says the slowness is due to "unprecedented increases in traffic volumes that we are experiencing from increased interest in eBooks and eBook readers...We are working hard to resolve this issue as quickly as possible to increase capacity."

They suggest refreshing the page several times rather than just sitting and watching the little ball spin. Once you do get in, they say, you should be able to checkout content and download material without any issue.

If you do encounter issues or have questions about Library2Go, feel free to contact us or drop an email to webmaster@wccls.org. We're severely limited in our ability to respond to questions about individual eBook readers, but we can at least pass on questions to Library2Go tech support.

Happy Holidays from all of us at WCCLS!

OCAC Library Holiday Hours

Oregon College of Art & Craft (OCAC) library will be closed Sunday, December 19th through Monday, January 3rd for the Holidays.

The library will return to its Winter Hours schedule (Tuesday - Thursday, 12-3pm) for two weeks following the New Year and return to regular hours after Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 17th.

During Winter Hours, OCAC library will receive courier service only on days the library is open (Tuesday - Thursday), so please be advised that any requests for OCAC materials over the break may be significantly delayed.

The Magic of Celtic Harp at Hillsboro Main

Celtic Harpist David Helfand returns for his 6th concert at the Hillsboro Main Library, Saturday, December 4, 2-3:30 pm, all ages welcome.

This year he's invited Portland violinist Chad Marks-Fife to share the stage. Together, they'll conjure up some relaxing musical magic!

Featured Resource -- Health and Wellness Resource Center

Wondering which web site to believe when Johnny has symptoms? Find authoritative information from magazines, journals, newsletters, pamphlets and reference books on all aspects of health and medicine. Topics include diseases & conditions, prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and alternative medicine. You'll also find trusted links to other web sites and numerous health assessment tools.

Check out Health and Wellness Resource Center with your WCCLS library card handy.

Libraries Closed Due to Weather

On Tuesday, 11/23:

Closures:
Banks Public Library

Late Openings:
Hillsboro Main Library and Shute Park Branch Library will open at 12:00 pm.

Closing Early:
North Plains Public Library will close at 5pm today.

12/4 Garden Home Library Annual Holiday Used Books and Media Sale

Garden Home Community Library is holding their Annual Holiday Used Books and Media Sale on Saturday December 4 from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m, in conjunction with the Garden Home Community Center Holiday Bazaar.

The sale will take place at 7475 SW Oleson Rd (at the corner of Oleson & Garden Home Road).

Library patrons have been generous with their recycled books and we have great choices for holiday purchases. Save money and treat yourself and others to some great winter reading. Hundreds of books include offerings for children, youth, cooking, diet, exercise, biography, history, fiction, crime, politics, economics, math/science, and do-it-yourself.

The bargains abound with hardback books, CDs, and DVDs for $1 and paperbacks at $.50. 2011 Entertainment books are also available for $25.

All proceeds benefit the Garden Home Community Library, located at the sale site, 7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223. For further information, please call 503-245-9932 or visit www.wccls.org.

Weekend Winter Weather Advisory

Stock up on hot chocolate. This weekend's weather news from the Office of Consolidated Emergency Management (OCEM), Washington County:

The forecast for late this week and early next week calls for the coldest weather of the season so far...

Snowfall should remain above 1,500’ – 2,000’ through Sunday. The greater Portland Metropolitan area could see snowfall near the surface during periods of heavier showers.

Late in the weekend and early next week we may see more significant cold air move into the area. If this arctic air materializes it could bring overnight temperatures down into the 20’s in the valleys. If any moisture is available this means we could also see some snow down to the valley floors by early next week.

A lot of details are still "up in the air". Nonetheless, it’s probably time to start winterizing outdoor faucets and cover up the foundation vents.

Good idea. OregonLive.com has a "Winterize your home" checklist, and the Oregon Human Society has advice on winterizing your pet.

NWCN.com has tips on winterizing your car, but everyone will tell you that if you don't have to go out, don't. If you do, here are links to weather and road reports:

Weather

• National Weather Service's Watches, Warnings and Advisories for NW Oregon
• OCEM's Current Conditions page

Roads

• ODOT's TripCheck
• Washington County Roads

Watch WCCLS News & Events for library closures due to weather. But even if it looks like your library is open, it might be closing early, so call first before making the trip.

Friends of the Forest Grove Library Used Book Sale, 11/15-20

The Friends of the Forest Grove Library will hold their Fall used books sale at the Rogers Room in the Forest Grove City Library, 2114 Pacific Ave., November 15-20.

A Friends members-only pre-sale will be held on Monday, November 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friends memberships may be purchased at the door: $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

On Tuesday, November 16 and Wednesday, November 17, the sale will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Prices at the sale are $2 each for hardbound books and $1 each for paperbacks. DVDs and CDs, LPs and books on tape are $1. On Saturday, November 15, shoppers can fill grocery bags with sale books and pay just $5 per bag.

Library supporters are encouraged to bring donations of serviceable books (no magazines, please) to the library.

All proceeds of the sale will be used for the benefit of the Forest Grove City Library.

Friends of the Forest Grove Library was established in 1973. The organization supports library programs for children and adults, provides volunteer help for library projects and purchases equipment for the library.

11/8: Energy Efficiency Workshop @ Shute Park Library

Free energy savings workshop for Hillsboro residential customers.

Portland General Electric and the Energy Trust of Oregon is presenting a free energy efficiency workshop for Hillsboro residential customers. Participants will receive a free copy of the book Cut Your Energy Bills Now and a kit for home energy efficiency, which includes compact fluorescent light bulbs, one high-performance showerhead, and simple tips for saving energy.

You’ll learn about:

• The most cost-effective improvements

• How a whole-home approach will boost your savings

• Qualifying for cash incentives and tax credits that make upgrades affordable

• No-cost and low-cost projects you can do yourself

Monday, November 8, 2010, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Shute Park Branch Library, 775 SE Tenth Ave. in Hillsboro.

Participation is limited to 20 people and registration is required.
Register online
Register by phone: 866-365-3526, option 8
Register by email: homestraining@energytrust.org

Local Libraries Appreciate Community Support

On Tuesday, November 2nd, Washington County voters approved the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) library operating levy. Unofficial returns as of November 3 gave the levy a 66% approval. With just over 175,000 votes cast, the library community is delighted with this show of support from Washington County voters. According to Eva Calcagno, Director of the Cooperative Library Services, "we recognize that voters were faced with multiple funding measures and we truly appreciate their willingness to reinvest in libraries".

Following the election returns Calcagno remarked,

The passage of the library levy is a fabulous affirmation from voters that they are pleased with library service and believe that public libraries are vital to our communities. The American Library Association President refers to public libraries as 'first responders' in an economic crisis - providing the tools to help people find jobs, further their education, and support free, family entertainment. We feel very fortunate that in the current economy we have been entrusted with continued financial support for the next 5 years so that we can continue the services and programs our patrons rely on.

The renewal of the local option levy, Measure 34-180, means that funding from the approved levy will continue countywide operating support at the same rate of 17¢ per $1,000 of assessed value for the next five years, beginning July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2016.

12/4: Tualatin Library Annual Holiday Used Book & Media Sale

In consideration of the tight economy, the community is invited to stretch their book budget even further by visiting the Friends of the Tualatin Public Library annual Holiday Used Book & Media Sale on Saturday, December 4, 10am-4pm. The sale will be held at Haggen Food and Pharmacy located at 8515 SW Tualatin Sherwood # A, Tualatin, OR 97063.

To kick-off the annual sale, there will be a special Preview Sale for Friends of the Library only from 9am-10am. Friends memberships will be available at the door.

"In addition to saving money by buying used books, our Used Book Sale customers are making a positive contribution to 'reduce, reuse, recycle' by lengthening the lifespan of books that might otherwise be discarded," said Tualatin Public Library Program Specialist Julie Wickman. "Repurposing books through the sale is another way to recycle these materials."

The Friends have been sorting items all year long and have put together an impressive selection of hand-sorted books & media that will be available for purchase at bargain prices. Take advantage of this opportunity to save money and get some of your holiday shopping done at the same time!

The Friends of the Tualatin Public Library are a nonprofit organization made up of members and volunteers who love the library! They are dedicated to promoting the Tualatin Public Library so the community can better enjoy the many benefits and resources.

For more information, or to join the Friends of the Tualatin Public Library before the sale, visit www.tualatinfriends.org, or call the library at 503.691.3074.

Featured Resource -- LearningExpress

Are you ready to work? Prepare for and take practice tests such as the GED, US Citizenship, ASVAB or SAT, as well as many civil service and occupational exams. Take courses on writing resumes, preparing for interviews. Update your math, writing and computer skills. You will need to create your own individual username and password to take tests and track your progress. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results.

Check out LearningExpress with your WCCLS library card handy.

Local Libraries Receive Top Ranking

Do residents in Washington County love their libraries? The answer is a resounding YES, as shown by the record-breaking 4,078,577 annual visitors to cross the threshold of the fifteen Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) member libraries between June 30, 2009 to July 1, 2010.

With over 4 million annual visitors – the WCCLS member libraries win by a long shot when compared to several other well known and beloved destinations for entertainment and education in Oregon.

By the numbers - other Oregon destinations:

• 3 million annual visitors to Spirit Mountain Casino
• 2 million annual visitors to Multnomah Falls
• 1.64 million visitors to the Oregon Zoo in 2009-10
• 1.08 million total attendance to OMSI in 2009-10
• 800,000 season game attendees in 2009-10 for the Portland Trail Blazers

Using fiscal year 2008 data, the current issue of Library Journal ranks libraries nationwide on a number of per capita measures including circulation, program attendance, visits and Internet use. Among the top 20 in circulation per capita of all Oregon libraries are the following WCCLS member libraries:

• #1 Cedar Mill Community Library (33.83 per capita circulation)
• #3 Garden Home Community Library (27.87 per capita circulation)
• #10 Tualatin Public Library (17.46 per capita circulation)
• #11 Tigard Public Library (17.15 per capita circulation)
• #12 Beaverton City Library (17.12 per capita circulation)
• #16 Sherwood Public Library (15.69 per capita circulation)

And yet one more reason to love your Cedar Mill Community Library: in October, as previously reported, Oregon Business published its "2010 List of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon." Cedar Mill Community Library Association is ranked number 11.

Peter Leonard, Executive Director, comments,

“We were very pleased to see these rankings. I think they really speak to the library's unique relationship to the communities we serve. The Cedar Mill and Bethany communities have really come together around their libraries.

"While our funding comes primarily from Washington County, our locations in unincorporated areas mean that we don't have municipal tax support for capital projects or other operating needs.

"The library has to continually nurture local community involvement and volunteer effort. When you have 700 volunteers and more than 1,200 households that support the library financially every year, you have a very responsive, community-oriented library."

"Since the passage of the local option levy for countywide library services in 2006," says WCCLS Director, Eva Calcagno, "WCCLS member libraries have worked very hard to improve customer service and be responsive to patron needs. The recognition from the Library Journal and Oregon Business is a pleasant acknowledgement that library use has increased as a result.”

Washington County Ballot Drop Sites for Nov. 2, 2010 Election

Ballot drop sites open 24 hours until 8pm, November 2, 2010:

• Election Office, Service Center East Building - 3700 SW Murray Blvd. (Murray and Millikan), Beaverton, OR
• Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building (Rear entrance) - 155 N. First Ave., Hillsboro, OR
• Tualatin City Office Council Building - 18880 SW Martinazzi Ave., Tualatin, OR
• Banks Public Library - 111 Market St., Banks, OR
• Cornelius City Hall - 1355 N Barlow St., Cornelius, OR
• Forest Grove City Library - 2114 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove, OR
• King City's City Hall - 15300 SW 116th Ave., King City, OR
• Hillsboro Main Library - 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR
• North Plains City Hall - 31360 NW Commercial St., North Plains, OR
• Sherwood City Hall - 22560 SW Pine St., Sherwood, OR
• Tigard City Hall - 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR

Inside drop sites available during normal business hours until 8pm, November 2, 2010:

• Beaverton City Library - 12375 SW Fifth St., Beaverton, OR
• Cedar Mill Community Library - 12505 NW Cornell Rd., Portland, OR
• Hillsboro Library Shute Park Branch - 775 SE Tenth Ave., Hillsboro, OR
• West Slope Community Library - 3678 SW 78th St., Portland, OR
• Garden Home Community Library - 7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, OR

For the statewide ballot drop site location, visit www.sos.state.or.us/dropbox

Cedar Mill Community Library in List of 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For

The Cedar Mill Community Library Association is #11 out of 33 large nonprofits honored by Oregon Business Magazine in the article "2010 List of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon."

The selection was based on an anonymous survey of employees and an independent assessment of employment practices.

Almost 5,000 nonprofit employees from more than 150 organizations around the state participated in the second annual 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon survey.

Family Resources & Local Libraries – A Winning Combination

Storytimes for toddlers, summer reading programs for all ages, homework and research assistance for students - public library services and families have long been a winning combination.

Saturday, October 16th, 10am—2pm, Beaverton City Library will host the third annual Family Resource Fair for the community. The fair is a one-stop experience for families seeking free fun for children ages 0–11.

Beaverton City Library will gather over 30 local family-oriented organizations together to provide parents with a convenient “one-stop” event to access resources for both adults and children. A partial list includes

• Ano’s Art
  
• Ride Connection
• Elk Children’s Eye Clinic
• Willamette West Habitat for Humanity
• Oregon Food Bank West
• Free Geek Computer Tech Center
• Audubon Society of Portland
• Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District

Event coordinator Ann Burgess, Children’s Services Librarian, says, “the annual resource fair is designed for all ages, and features family-friendly community organizations, books and activities for kids, and raffle prizes donated by Beaverton businesses. In addition, staff will be on hand to serve as interpreters for several languages frequently spoken by area residents, including Spanish. Parents of preschoolers are also encouraged to bring their children for a free vision screening".

Parents can expect to find fun activities for their kids, the opportunity to learn about an array of local services – such as home school resources, and families who visit ten or more tables will be eligible to participate in the Resource Fair Raffle!

No registration is required to attend the fair. All children attending the event must be with accompanying adult.

Featured Resource — Science Online

Great for homework help. Great for adults too. Find the latest science news, science experiments, conversion calculators, diagrams, videos, animations. Easy-to-understand explanations about our physical world.

Check out Science Online with your WCCLS library card handy.

Project Gutenberg eBooks added to Library2Go

What is "Project Gutenberg?"

"[T]he first producer of free eBooks," Project Gutenberg is an online repository of over 33,000 free eBooks, 15,000 of which have been added to Library2Go. These eBooks are for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.

While some of the books in Project Gutenberg are admittedly mere quaint curiousities (All About the Little Small Red Hen, for example, or Pig-Headed Sailor Men), the reader will find works by many a well-loved author, including Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, L. Frank Baum, The Brontes, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Lewis Carroll, Miguel de Cervantes, Kate Chopin, Joseph Conrad, Lester Del Rey, Philip K. Dick, Charles Dickens, Theodore Dreiser, George Eliot, Gustav Flaubert, Robert Frost, H. Rider Haggard, Harry Harrison, Thomas Hardy, Nathaniel Hawthorne, James Joyce, John Keats, Edward Lear, Jack London, George MacDonald, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Walter M. Miller, Andre Norton, Edgar Allen Poe, Francois Rabelais, Ayn Rand, James Whitcomb Riley, Sir Walter Scott, William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Robert Scheckly, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Sir Philip Sidney, Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker, Johanthon Swift, Algernon Charles Swinburne, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Leo Tolstoy, Anthony Trollope, Chretien de Troyes, Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Edith Wharton, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Wolfe, and P. G. Wodehouse, to name but a few.

And then there's the non-fiction...

Best of all, they do not count against your Library2Go eBook download limits. To find Project Gutenberg books, visit Library2Go, and click on "Enjoy additional eBooks today!"

Compatible Library2Go eBook Devices

This as of Aug. 31, 2010. For the full updated list, visit OverDrive's Device Resource Center.

Library2Go eBooks are protected using Adobe ® Digital Rights Management (DRM). Here is a listing of devices and computers that are currently compatible with Library2Go eBooks and the software required to make it all work:

Compatible eBook Readers

• Barnes & Noble nook™
• Sony Reader Daily Edition™
• Sony Reader Pocket Edition
• Sony Reader PRS-505 with v1.1 (or newer) firmware
  
• Sony Reader PRS-700 with v1.1 (or newer) firmware
• Sony Reader Touch Edition™
• Kobo™ eReader

Why isn’t Kindle™ on this list?

The Kindle does not currently support the Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection publishers and suppliers require for Adobe EPUB and PDF eBooks offered through Library2Go.

If you're interested in the technical reasons behind the Kindle's incompatibility with Library2Go books, Jason Griffey, a librarian, technologist, writer and speaker, has written a long but clear post about it in his blog, Pattern Recognition.

Why isn't Apple's iPad on this list?

Actually, it will be eventually. OverDrive says they're working on it.

Compatible Computers

Windows® desktop, laptop & netbook computers with:

• Windows 7
• Windows Vista®
• Windows XP SP2
• Windows 2000 SP4

Mac® desktop & laptop computers with:

• Mac OS® X v10.6
• Mac OS® X v10.5
• Mac OS® X v10.4.10

Required Software

To read Library2Go eBooks on your computer or transfer them to a compatible device, download and install the free Adobe Digital Editions software.

Note: the eBook reader software that came with your device does not replace Adobe Digital Editions. You'll still need Adobe Digital Editions software to download Library2Go eBooks.

Contact us if you have any questions or encounter any issues.

Kill A Watts are available now at WCCLS libraries

Ever wonder why your electric bills are so high? Well, now you have a cost-effective way to find out which appliances are being energy hogs, and which aren't.

It's called the Kill A Watt° Energy Monitor. Plug in the Kill A Watt into an electric socket, and then plug in the appliance, and the device will give you an instant readout of the voltage drain.

You can buy a Kill A Watt, but now, you can also borrow them from your WCCLS library, thanks to the Energy Trust of Oregon. You can borrow it, like a book. Reserve yours today through the WCCLS catalog.

The Kill A Watt can reveal many surprising energy wasters—like a television that is turned off but still draws power. Or older appliances that may cost a bundle to keep around.

It's simple to use. The monitor shows how much energy the device is using in kilowatt hours, the same measurement used on electricity bills. Those numbers can be calculated to show energy costs by hour, day, month or year.

Monitors at the library are packaged with directions and tips, plus advice on how to apply the information learned to start saving energy. Using the results from the Kill A Watt®, households can make adjustments that can reduce their overall energy use and lower monthly utility bills.

Check out - literally - our new Kill A Watts. It's good for your bottom line.

2010 Summer Reading a Success for all ages

Over half of Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) Summer Reading's youth and teen participants met their reading goals! That's over 13 thousand kids!

Almost 28 thousand children, teens and adults participated this summer. WCCLS Summer Reading programs continue to grow in popularity.

Washington County libraries allow children and teens to set their own reading goals for the summer — with prizes as an incentive to achieve these goals. Prizes include such things as free tickets to a Portland Trail Blazers game or discounted admission to Oaks Amusement Park. This year 52% of all participants reached their reading goals (13,471 kids).

By contrast, just over 17,000 kids participated in the reading program during the summer of 2005 and with 9,013 meeting their reading goals. While the County has grown, these statistics demonstrate that Washington County is a county of readers – at all ages and stages.

Reading to learn is a keystone of the American education system. A child’s ability to maintain their reading skills during the summer break is vital to their ability to kick off the new school year fully prepared.

This year 11 of the 15 WCCLS member libraries offered an adult summer reading program. For many parents this provided an excellent opportunity to model for their children the value of reading not only for its educational value, but for the pure enjoyment.

Just over 2,000 adults participated in the 2010 program. While all fifteen of our member libraries continued to provide youth and teen summer reading programs – reaching 25,784 participants.

At this time WCCLS is asking parents to provide feedback to assist with planning and improving future summer reading programs for youth, teens and adults. Please visit www.wccls.org/survey to share your thoughts.

Are you registered to vote?

When is the deadline to register to vote?

The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is October 12th. The next election is November 2, 2010.

The voter registration deadline is no later than the 21st day before the election at which you intend to vote.

A day-of postmark will count, but the Washington County Elections Division strongly advises you to mail or drop off the registration before the 21st day before (as sometimes, the postmark can be hard to read).

Am I registered to vote?

You might need to re-register if you have

• Changed your home or mailing address
• Changed your name
• Changed your signature
• Wanted to change or select a political party (more than 20 days before the Primary Election)

You can check to see if you are on the Oregon voter rolls at: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/eim/vr/showVoterSearch.do

May I register to vote in Oregon?

You may register to vote in Oregon if:

1. You are a resident of Oregon.
2. You are a citizen of the United States of America.
3. You are at least 17 years of age.

Note: If you are 17 years of age, you will not receive a ballot until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.

How do I register to vote?

Most libraries and public offices have voter registration forms in both English and Spanish. You can also register to vote online in English or register to vote online in Spanish. Or, you can find the forms in PDF format online in English and Spanish.

To register or update your current registration:

1. Fill out the Voter Registration Form.
   • If you use a printed form, complete it using a black ink pen.
   • If you use the online PDF, you can fill out the form, using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software, by tabbing through the fields and typing in the information. Then print it out.
2. Sign the form.
3. Turn or mail it in by the 21st day before the election you intend to vote in.

Your county elections office will mail you a card saying that your voter registration was received.

Washington County Elections Division

If you have any questions, be sure to call your county elections office.

Elections Division
3700 SW Murray Blvd. Ste. 101
Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 846-5800 / TTY (503) 846-4598

Elections Questions & Answers

http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/HAVA/elect_q_a/other/other.html

Divorce kits help children cope with family changes

Divorce is tough for everyone involved, including kids. Children can find divorce to be confusing, sad, and stressful.

Hillsboro Public Library now has Divorce Kits that you can borrow within the WCCLS system. Each kit contains five children's books and two books for parents, to help families understand and cope with divorce. The children's books are aimed at younger elementary school kids and preschoolers.

The kits have these children's books:

• My family's changing by Pat Thomas
• Standing on my own two feet by Tamara Schmitz
• Dinosaurs divorce by Laurie Krasny Brown
• When my parents forgot how to be friends by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
• Two homes by Claire Masurel

And two books for caregivers:

• Helping your kids cope with divorce the Sandcastles way by Gary Neuman
• Difficult questions kids ask--and are afraid to ask--about divorce by Meg F. Schneider and Joan Zuckerberg.

You can place a hold on the kit from any WCCLS library.

Beaverton City Library celebrates 10 Years in 10 Days

Beaverton City Library is celebrating 10 years in 10 days! Friday, September 10, 2010 is the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Beaverton City Library at 5th and Hall Streets. Join them September 10–19 for a variety of events to celebrate!

Events include birthday party with cake, a Michael Allen Harrison concert, a drumming circle, Beaverton Civic Theatre improv, an evening at the movies, and the Beaverton Celebration Parade. But there's also a visit with Poet Laureate Paulann Peterson, a townhall with Honest Abe, a talk with KGW sports commentator Joe Becker, and a reading from the author of Gimme Refuge, Matt Love.

There's also children's events involving small mammals and reptiles, face painting, chalking sidewalks, etching bookmarks, a mommy & me matinee, and a symphony storytime. Teens can attend a read-in, or their own movie matinee.

You can also learn how to help bees and other pollinating insects, about filmmaking & visual effects creation, and Beaverton Community Vision goals.

For a complete list of events see www.beavertonlibrary.org/birthday.

Beaverton City Library is located at 12375 SW Fifth St.

Featured Resource -- CultureGrams

Learn about the history, customs, and everyday life of every sovereign country, U.S. state, and Canadian provice and territory. The treatment is concise but thorough, with equal content in each report. Kids Edition features a colorful collection of 68 country reports perfect for school projects and homework assignments. Switch between editions with a simple click.

Check out CultureGrams with your WCCLS library card handy.

Oregon College of Art and Craft's Fall Hours begin today

The Oregon College of Art and Craft Library is shifting to its fall schedule today. The regular hours are similar to past hours, but the library will be no longer be open on Sundays.

Monday - Thursday		8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday		8:30 AM – 5 PM
Saturday		12 noon – 5 PM
Sunday		CLOSED

The OCAC Library is located at 8245 SW Barnes Road.

The Cornelius Friends of the Library Receive a Grant from Wal-Mart

The Friends of the Cornelius Public Library recently received a $5,000 grant from the local Wal-mart.

The grant will buy a self-checkout machine for the Cornelius Public Library. The self-checkout will make library operations more efficient.

This year the library served over 60,000 people, a 35% increase over the previous year. In addition, 92,000 books and other library materials were checked out.

"We had to reduce part-time staff budget by 50% this year and we expect to be just as busy as last," reports Director Karen Hill. "Our priority right now is keeping our library open every day, 57 hours a week."

The Friends of the Library raise money to buy equipment and provide programs the library would not otherwise be able to afford.

The self-checkout machine will help the library keep up with the increasing demand of library materials and services. The machines are extremely popular and reduce staff needed for the most common and simple transactions, allowing them to perform other duties like outreach and in-depth reference assistance.

Children especially love the self-checkout, because they can zap their cards and books by themselves. The self-service options free up library staff to help patrons who need personal service. "The self-check allows us to better serve our customers. Really, everyone will benefit with this investment."

Wal-mart offered several community grants as part of their grand opening celebration in Cornelius. They also contributed $2,000 over the last 2 years to the Children's Day celebration sponsored by the Cornelius Library and Centro Cultural every April.

The Cornelius Friends of the Library and the Library itself have been recipients of several large grants this year including the Oregon International Airshow for $1,500; the Spirit Mountain Community Fund for $3,000; The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for $5,850; the Fred Meyer Fund for $7,250 and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation for $45,000.

WCCLS will be at Concerts on the Commons in Tualatin tonight

Would the sweet Cuban salsa sounds of Aquamiel be a good way to begin your weekend?

Tonight is the last Concert on the Commons for 2010, and Portland's salsa-timba band, Aquamiel, will be providing the entertainment. The festivities begin at 5, and the show begins at 6:30.

WCCLS will be there to provide information about our libraries, services and the upcoming levy renewal.

Concerts on the Commons are held on the plaza near the lake at Tualatin Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg St.

All WCCLS Libraries closed for Monday 9/6, Labor Day

That's right. Labor Day is a U.S. federal holiday, observed this year on Monday, September 6.

All WCCLS Libraries will be closed for the holiday.

We resume normal library hours on Tuesday, September 7.

Victor Kits @ Your Library

A new resource for people living with cancer, mental illness, Alzheimer’s, autism, difficult teens, or other challenging life circumstances, is now available through Washington County Cooperative Library Services member libraries. Victor Kits are small collections of books and DVDs with notebooks containing web resources for inspiration and connection, and guest books for users to share their feelings and insights with others. The films and books were chosen to encourage users to reflect on their own experiences through a different lens, and find hope, humor, meaning, or simply respite, in the stories of others. Films are feature films which are life-affirming and engaging fictional explorations, or documentaries which examine the experiences of real people confronting medical or personal challenges. The books are memoirs, or informational books with an emphasis on case studies of real people. The notebooks contain some factual information, short lists of websites and resources for inspiration and connection, and a guest book.

“The guest book idea is a new one for libraries. It was inspired by my sister-in-law who enjoys staying in B & Bs and writing in the guest books she finds there,” said Forest Grove librarian, Linda Taylor, who developed and donated the Victor Kits for area libraries as a tribute to her brother, Victor, who died of prostate cancer last fall. “The Kits are not for the newly diagnosed, but for the many of us who are living with daunting personal challenges and want to feel less alone and isolated. The dictionary defines “victor” as ”the winner in a fight, battle, contest or struggle.” Taylor adds, “There is more than one way for us to be winners.”

Taylor makes it clear that these kits are not for the newly diagnosed or a substitute for medical care and advice from doctors or mental health professionals. “Treatment options need to be discussed with the experts. These kits are for when you are past the stage of needing just information, and are looking for the lemonade in your pain.”

There are currently nines themes available for Victor Kits: Living With Mental Illness, Living With Death and Dying, Living With Cancer, Living With Breast Cancer, Living With Depression, Living With Postpartum Issues, Parenting Difficult Teens, Parenting Children With Autism or Asperger’s, and Living With Alzheimer’s. The final kit, Living With Cancer #2 will be available in the near future. They can be reserved by phone, in person, or through the library website by searching for ‘victor kit’ at catalog.wccls.org. Tuality Health Resource Center and WCCLS Homebound Services have collaborated on the project, and have copies of the kits. Kits are also available at Beaverton City Library and Forest Grove City Library, but can be sent to any library by request.

Contact: Linda Stiles Taylor
Librarian, Forest Grove City Library
Direct: 503-992-3247
Voice Mail: 503-992-3245

Featured Resource — World Book Encyclopedia

The World Book Encyclopedia has been published since 1917, and it is well known for its accuracy, objectivity, and reliability. You probably used World Book as a student. Remember? Now World book Encyclopedia is available to you and your family members online in 5 different versions to meet your various needs. Using your library card, login to one or more of the following to enhance your research.

• World Book Discover
  Multimedia reference with text-to-speech capabilities, automated translation into 14 languages, life skills activities, and more for older students reading below grade level.
  
  
• World Book Online For Kids
  For young public library patrons. Offers easy-to-read articles and a wealth of engaging multimedia, games, science projects, interactive tools, and activities.
  
  
• World Book Online Info Finder
  Contains content and features designed for school-aged patrons' homework and research needs.
  
  
• World Book Online Reference Center
  For advanced researchers and information seekers. Features thousands of e-books, tens of thousands of articles, and hundreds of thousands of primary source documents and features developed especially for public library patrons
  
  
• Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos
  Spanish language version for elementary and middle grades, or beginning Spanish students.

Slime in the Library?

Cornelius OR, July 26, 2010

Have you ever seen the kids shows where some unlucky contestant gets green slime poured over their head? Well, three city officials are going to experience just that.

Every year the Cornelius Library offers a summer reading program to encourage children to read. The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) provides many resources to all county libraries for this program including performers. The Friends of the Cornelius Library and the Spirit Mountain Community Fund have also provided money for additional performers, incentive prizes and a free book for every child that completes the program.

In 2008, Cornelius library had 177 children sign up for the summer reading program. Last year the library director offered staff an incentive of an ice cream party if they reached 500. The library signed up 537 summer readers. This year the library introduced its first Adult Summer Reading Program. “I predicted participation of about 40 in the adult program, so when I set this year’s goal at 700 summer readers, I thought it would be a challenge,” comments Karen Hill, Library Director. “The Mayor offered to help the library with some kind of challenge, so a staff member came up with the idea of sliming.”

Today, we got the 700th participant in the program. Ashley McDonald signed up the majority of participants which wins her a place in line pouring slime on her two bosses, Karen Hill, Library Director and Dave Waffle, City Manager. Several lucky children will get the chance to slime the mayor. All the fun will occur following the annual watermelon seed spit sponsored by the Cornelius Friends of the Library on Wednesday, August 4th at 3pm outside the library.

For more information contact:
Karen Hill, Library Director
karenh@wccls.org
www.ci.cornelius.or.us

For more information about Friends of the Cornelius Library, please visit http://tiny.cc/Friends452
For more information about the Cornelius Public Library visit services at: http://www.ci.cornelius.or.us.

Cancelation: Spiders event at Hillsboro Main

The Spiders event for Tuesday 8/17 at Hillsboro Main Library (in conjunction with Jackson Bottom Wetlands) has been canceled.

Penny's Puppets Summer Reading Programs Replaced

A continuation of unforeseen circumstance has prompted the replacement
of countywide Summer Reading performer Penny's Puppets.

Penny regrets her inability to complete her remaining shows, but
expressed gratitude to the many summer readers who were able to catch
her early performances.

The following replacements have been lined up:

Date	Time	Location	Perfomer
Tuesday August 3rd	2 pm	Sherwood Library	BJ the Clown
Tuesday August 3rd	7 pm	Tigard Library	T.B.A.
Wednesday August 4th	11 am	Garden Home Library	BJ the Clown
Wednesday August 4th	2:30 pm	West Slope Library (Valley Presbyterian)	BJ the Clown
Tuesday August 24th	12 pm	North Plains Library (Jessie Mays Center)	BJ the Clown

Again, we apologize for the last minute changes and appreciate your
understanding.

Keep up the good work, Summer Readers!!

Sherwood Library closed until 1pm today

Sherwood Public Library is closed this morning for a staff training.

They will reopen at 1pm.

Sherwood Public Library is located at 22560 SW Pine Street in downtown Sherwood.

Fellowship Awarded

Recently Cedar Mill Community Library adult outreach librarian Karen Travillion and Beaverton City Library Senior Librarian Mary Wise were selected as two of 93 Fellows by the National Institute for Museum and Library Services. The Fellowship will re-examine traditional views on aging and explore innovative ways public libraries can become centers of productive aging, lifelong learning, and civic engagement. The Fellowship runs for 1 year and includes a three-day training institute. Congratulations Karen and Mary!

Changes to Summer Reading Performances

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Penny's Puppets will be unable to
perform at the following dates and locations:

Thursday, July 22nd	11 a.m. at Forest Grove Library
	2 p.m. at Banks Library
Monday, July 26th	10 a.m. at Cedar Mill @ Bethany Amphitheater
	12:30 p.m. at Beaverton @ Murray Scholls
Wednesday July 28th	10 a.m. at Cedar Mill Community Library
	12:30 & 2 p.m. at Beaverton City Library

The following replacements have been lined up:

Thursday, July 22nd	11 a.m. at Forest Grove City Library - BJ the Clown
	2 p.m. at Banks Library - BJ the Clown
Monday, July 26th	10 a.m. at Cedar Mill @ Bethany Amphitheater - BJ the Clown
	12:30 at Beaverton @ Murray Scholls - Pink Pig Puppet Theatre
Wednesday, July 28th	10 a.m. at Cedar Mill Community Library (St Pius X Community Center) - T.B.A.
	12:30 & 2 p.m. at Beaverton City Library - BJ the Clown

We apologize for the last minute changes.

Happy Summer Reading!

Win $1000!

The Oregon College Savings Plan is sponsoring a contest to go along with Summer Reading at the Cedar Mill and Bethany Libraries.

During the month of July pick up a form at either library, fill it out and mail it in. Your child could win a $1000 College Savings Plan and the library could win $500 as well. Entry Deadline: 8/20/10.

For more information visit the Oregon College Savings Plan website.

Read-In @ the Forest Grove City Library

Bring a pillow and comfy clothes and join the reading party on Wednesday, July 14th! Free refreshments served 4-7 pm. All ages welcome. Sign-up for Summer Reading if you haven’t already. Double ticket week for Adult Summer Readers.

Featuring

• 4:30pm Pictures with the Explorer Girl: Kids, you’ll recognize her from television! Bring a camera and take a picture with her.
• 6:30pm Storytime with Mayor Truax: Listen to a few favorites read by the Mayor of Forest Grove.
• 6:30pm Booktalk by Robin Beerbower: Lively presentation for adult and teen readers by readers advisory specialist and winner of the Oregon Library Association Distinguished Service Award (2009). Prizes for lucky winners and books for check-out after the program.

For more information, call (503) 992-3337 or e-mail fgl-reference@wccls.org. Forest Grove City Library 2114 Pacific Ave. Forest Grove, OR.

Featured Resource — Auto Repair Reference Center

Car broke down? Short on cash? Click & Clack don't answer the phone?
Ahh... DIY! Auto Repair Reference Center is the source for you:

• Maintenance and repair information for more than 34,000 vehicles from 1945 to the present
• Nearly 850,000 drawings and step-by-step photos
• Official technical service bulletins and recalls
• Printable wiring diagrams

Learn how your car works in the Auto IQ section, and see the Troubleshooting section for help with a diagnosis. Go for it! You can do it!

Log in to Auto Repair Reference Center with your Washington County library card.

Library2Go ebook survey

Earlier this year, the Oregon Digital Library Consortium was awarded a grant by the Oregon State Library to purchase a collection of downloadable ebooks for Library2Go. We know the ebook collection has been used heavily, but we'd like to know more about your experiences with Library2Go ebooks.

The survey is now over. Thanks for your interest.

New Good Reads Book Lists

Two years ago, we introduced Good Reads, a resource for book reviews, author biographies and interviews, lists of bestsellers and award-winning books, books by theme, and books that have recently been talked about on television.

Now, we have two new book lists available through Good Reads: Fiction Adventure (thrillers, espionage, westerns) and New Nonfiction. Each of these lists is published monthly, on the 7th and 8th of the month, respectively.

Take a look: Fiction Adventure and New Nonfiction.

You can sign up for a news feed or an email newsletter for either or both of these new lists, or any of the already existing lists.

Look for the Good Reads link on the wccls.org main page under "Lending Library." Contact us if have questions or comments. We're eager to hear what you think of Good Reads.

Henna Workshop at the Hillsboro Main Library

Saturday, May 22, 2-4pm, at Hillsboro Main Library, journey into the world of henna with international artist Wendy Rover of Roving Horse Henna. We’ll cover mixology, application, design motifs and regional styles. You will learn how to mix your own henna paste and design and apply your own henna designs. Adorn yourself and your friends with beautiful temporary tattoos.

Renewal of Library Levy to be discussed by County Board of Commissioners

At their May 25th meeting, the Washington County Board of Commissioners will entertain a proposal to renew the library local option levy that supports countywide library service. Passed by voters in November of 2006, the current levy is set to expire 6/30/2011. The Board will discuss placing a renewal on the November 2010 ballot.

The current levy provides approximately 1/3 of funding for Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS). It is a rate levy of $0.17 per $1000 of assessed value, and generates about $7 million per year for library service. The levy allowed libraries to restore open hours that had previously been cut, purchase books and materials, support reading programs and services for children, and support central services than link member libraries together. Since passage of the levy, libraries have experienced double-digit increases in use in almost every service measure including checkouts, children’s program attendance, use of electronic databases, and library visitors.

The proposed levy would continue the same $0.17 rate and would be for a term of five years (FY2011-12 through FY2015-16). Funds would be used to support local library operations, purchase books and materials, support reading programs and services for children, support resources and information for job seekers, and support central and outreach services that link libraries together such as the shared WCCLS catalog and website, interlibrary deliveries to fill patron requests, electronic resources, and mail delivery to homebound residents.

The levy proposal can be found here. The Board of Commissioners meeting and public hearing will be Tuesday, May 25th, at 6:30 pm in the Huffman Auditorium of the Cameron Public Services Building, 155 N. First Street, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

5/17-18: Hillsboro Main hosts bird workshops

Hillsboro Main Library is hosting two programs about birds.

What Makes a Bird a Bird?, Monday, May 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Children in grades 1 through 3 can see and touch feathers, bones, eggs, and nests while learning about birds. Stay longer for a bird walk outside and use binoculars for an up-close look at local birds. Space is limited to 20. Register (required) by calling 503-615-6500.

Attracting Birds to Your Yard. Tuesday, May 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Learn ways to make your yard a welcoming habitat for birds from the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve experts. Get tips for setting up a bird feeding station and strategies for living with wildlife, both welcome and unwelcome. This is a drop–in class.

Hillsboro Main Library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

Featured Resource--Library2Go

Looking for downloadable audiobooks, videos and eBooks? Library2Go has ’em.

You can download videos, audiobooks, and eBooks from Library2Go to your PC or Mac, and from there to your MP3 player, eBook reader, or SmartPhone.

The service includes thousands of titles and is available 24/7. Some popular items are always available; other popular items might require you to place a hold on them, like you do on physical books, CDs and DVDs. Choose from fiction or non-fiction, entertainment or documentary, children's or adult's.

You don't need to return items and you won’t get any late fees. Library2Go is free for all WCCLS cardholders.

5/18: Attention Tualatin City Residents

Ballots are in the mail for the upcoming May 18th election. One of the items on the ballot is Measure 34-177 which is titled “Annexation into the Library District of Clackamas County”. The measure only affects Tualatin’s Clackamas County residents; however, all voters in the City of Tualatin can vote on the issue.

More information about Measure 34-177 can be found on the Tualatin City website: http://www.ci.tualatin.or.us/.../VoterInfoLibraryAnnexation.pdf.

Voters can drop off their ballot inside the Tualatin City Library or in the white mailbox outside Tualatin City Council Chambers. Questions about the measure or any Tualatin City Library topic can be directed to the Library Director, Abigail Elder at 503-691-3074.

Teen Health & Wellness speaks your Language.

Teens need someone to speak their language, and Teen Health & Wellness does just that.

You can instantly translate any article into 50 languages, such as Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Yiddish, and more. Every article in the database includes a Translation Widget in the upper right corner, which is right next to the Bookmark & Share Widget. The Bookmark & Share Widget allows you to do just that—bookmark in Delicious or share in Facebook, Twitter, Digg or just about any other popular social service.

Access Teen Health & Wellness with your WCCLS library card at http://www.wccls.org/node/1440.

5/16: Meet Adventure Dad Joe Kurmanskie

Hillsboro Main Library is pleased to present author and adventurer Joe Kurmaskie, Sunday, May 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Bestselling author, performer, journalist, educator, and “Adventure Dad” Joe Kurmanskie has been addicted to the intoxicating freedom and power of the bicycle since age five when he borrowed his sister's banana-seat. That first exhilarating ride set in motion a lifelong love affair with the road and the wheel.

Fresh from a summer of cycling five African countries, Joe will offer up some tales and images from an epic that covered 100 kilometers of bush country—Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Malawi and Mozambique.

Joe is author of Metal Cowboy and Mud, Sweat and Gears. He’s been a contributing writer to Bicycling Magazine, Details, Men's Journal and worked as an editor for five years at an AP newspaper.

He’s the star of Discovery Channels new “Adventure Dad” upcoming TV series and lives in Portland Oregon with his wife Beth and three boys.

Hillsboro Main Library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

OCAC switches to Summer Schedule 5/11

The Oregon College of Art & Craft is primarily a college, and its hours reflect that.

The OCAC library will be closed Sunday May 9th and will be returning to its Summer Hours schedule (Tues – Thurs, 12-3pm), beginning the following Tuesday (May 11th).

The OCAC library won’t be returning to its regularly scheduled hours until classes begin again after Labor Day.

If you request OCAC books, CDs and DVDs, be aware that they only will be processing materials and receiving courier service on the days they are open (Tues – Thurs). Thus, any requests for OCAC materials over the summer may be significantly delayed. Thanks!

The OCAC library is located at 8245 SW Barnes Road.

Symphony Storytimes to Debut at the Hillsboro Main Library in May

The Oregon Symphony will bring their innovative Symphony Storytimes series for preschoolers to the Hillsboro Main Library every Wednesday morning in May at 10:15 a.m.

Hillsboro librarians are eager to see familiar faces light up when the music begins at the Main Library on Wednesday, May 5.

In each interactive session, a symphony musician will introduce children to an instrument in one of the four families of musical instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Hillsboro Youth Services librarians Kay Carman and Laurie Kramer will read specially chosen stories while accompanied by live music that enhances and deepens the storytelling experience.

After storytime, children will be able to make their own instruments and enjoy an instrument “petting zoo.”

Symphony Storytimes at the Main Library (2850 NE Brookwood Parkway) will be free and seating will be on a first come first served basis.

Wednesday, May 5 will feature the cello, May 12 the clarinet, May 19 French horn, and May 26 various percussion instruments.

Free bookmarks with suggested reading and recommended CD's featuring the Symphony Storytime instruments will be available at each session.

5/8: Celebrate with the Birds at Hillsboro Main

Celebrate with the Birds at Hillsboro Main Library, Saturday, May 8 at 2:30 p.m.

Eat like a bird using your beak, see nests and eggs close up, touch feathers and bones and learn about bird habitats and behavior.

Experts from the Jackson Bottom Wetlands will provide plenty of information and hands on fun for children ages 5 to 12.

After the program, everyone's invited to go on a bird tour of the library's "back yard."

Hillsboro Main Library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

5/6: Cornelius Book Sale

Booklovers, mark your calendars! The Friends of Cornelius Public Library's next sale is Thursday, May 6th, 9am until 8pm in the the City Council Chambers, 1310 N. Adair St.

There will have books, puzzles, audio books, music, video tapes and DVD's! This year there is a great collection of children's hardback books!

Don't miss this book sale with lots of extras! All proceeds go to the Friends in support of Cornelius Public Library activities.

Contact the Cornelius Public Library for more information at library@ci.cornelius.or.us or 503-357-4093.

The Catalog is back, and better than ever!

Thanks for your patience. The upgrade is now completed!

The upgrade was for our catalog software. We hope you'll enjoy the new features.

Once again, you can peruse books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs to your hearts delight. With an active library card, you’ll be able to put titles on hold, renew some titles you already have, and check out your library account.

If you’d like to learn how to use all of the awesome power of the new catalog, we have some resources for you:

• a short video overview
• information about how it looks, how to find what you’re looking for, and changes in your library account record (PDF)

4/30-5/9: Hillsboro Main hosts book sale

Hillsboro Main Library is hosting its Friends of the Library Used Book Sale starting April 30.

You’ll find kids books, cookbooks, mysteries, fiction, nonfiction, reference, large print, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs—even videos and LPs at the sale.

Come in any time during library open hours and browse.

Hillsboro Main Library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, north of Cornell & south of Evergreen, in Hillsboro

6/3: Tigard Public Library Will Close Thursday Mornings

Beginning Thursday, June 3, the Tigard Public Library will open at 1 p.m. on Thursdays as a result of service and personnel reductions throughout the City of Tigard. All other Library hours will remain the same.

Library Hours as of Thursday June 3, 2010

Sunday	Noon–6 PM
Monday–Wednesday	10 AM–9 PM
Thursday	1–9 PM
Friday	10 AM–9 PM
Saturday	10 AM–6 PM

Closing the library one morning a week is one of several actions the City has taken to shore up its budget as a result of the lagging economy. With this closure, the Library will be open 66 hours per week.

“Along with other City departments, the Library will be operating on a reduced budget next year,” said Margaret Barnes, director of library services.

“Although we will have fewer staff, our goal is to provide the same kind of competent, caring service that Tigard residents have come to expect. We hope the public will continue to support the Library and appreciate their understanding during these tight economic times.”

The Tigard Public Library is located at 13500 SW Hall Blvd in Tigard.

New hours at North Plains May 1st

North Plains Public Library will be changing its hours starting Saturday, May 1st.

The new hours will be:

Monday–Wednesday	11 AM–7 PM
Thursday–Saturday	11 AM–5 PM

North Plains Public Library is located at 31334 NW Commercial St. in downtown North Plains.

4/20-21: Library Closures at Cornelius & West Slope

The Cornelius Public Library (1355 N Barlow Street, Cornelius) will be closed all day on Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21, for interior painting and software upgrades. The library will re-open for regular hours at 10 AM on Thursday, April 22.

The West Slope Community Library (3678 SW 78th Avenue, Portland) will be closed Tuesday, April 20, for staff development. The library will re-open Wednesday, April 21 at 9:30 AM for regular business hours.

4/27: Digital Photography Basics at Cornelius

Cornelius Public Library asks:

• Want to take better pictures?
• Learn all those crazy new features?
• Ask an expert about digital photography?

If you said yes, then come to a bilingual introduction to digital photography, Tuesday April 27 at 5:30 PM, at Cornelius Public Library.

You can get some helpful hints for using your digital camera in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your camera and your sense of humor!

Cornelius Public Library is located at 1355 N. Barlow St. (next to the Fire Station) in Cornelius.

Featured Resource - Biography Resource Center

Featured Resource — Biography Resource Center

Search for people — live or dead, current or historic, from all eras and fields of endeavor — by name, occupation, nationality, ethnicity, birth/death dates and places, or gender, as well as keyword and full text.

Artists, religious leaders, newsmakers and scientists are among the biographies found in this service. Get articles from respected reference sources as well as articles from hundreds of magazines and newspapers and tens of thousands of images and links to vetted websites. For all ages.

Check out Biography Resource Center with your WCCLS library card handy.

4/11-18: Hearing Voices? It's a Storytelling Festival

WCCLS is hosting the 6th Annual Hearing Voices Storytelling Festival April 11 - 18.

This year the festival features four professional storytellers/ensembles: Willy Claflin (San Francisco, CA), Nuestro Canto (Beaverton, OR), the Brody Theater (Portland, OR) and Oregon Shadow Puppet Theatre (Portland, OR). Festival dates, times and venues details are available on the website www.wccls.org/hearing_voices.

The festival performances are designed for the enjoyment of adults and children ages 6 and up, unless otherwise noted. The week-long storytelling extravaganza features fourteen storytelling performances throughout the county.

Events will be held in the WCCLS member libraries, the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center in downtown Hillsboro, Centro Cultural in Cornelius and the Jessie Mays Community Center in North Plains.

On the evening of Saturday, April 17 the Tigard Public Library will host the final storytelling concert featuring internationally acclaimed teller Willy Claflin, Nuestro Canto and the Brody Theater.

The festival wraps-up on Sunday, April 18, with Claflin presenting the Gargantuan Turquoise Stomping Boots Storytelling Workshop followed by a community-wide story swap hosted by the Portland Storytellers’ Guild. The story swap is open to tellers of all skill levels.

4/19-21: WCCLS Catalog will be unavailable

On the evening of Monday, April 19th, the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) will begin upgrading the county’s online catalog software, Polaris. The upgrade is estimated to take 24 – 48 hours. The library catalog and access to patron accounts will be unavailable from 9:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19th through Wednesday, April 21st.

Library materials will not be due April 20 or 21.

WCCLS staff will post a notice on www.wccls.org as soon as the system is back up and the catalog is available.

Here’s what this means to you — from Monday night until the catalog becomes available:

You will not be able to

• browse books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and other library materials in our online catalog.
• place hold requests on library materials.
• view and make changes in your patron account
• renew library materials either online or by telephone.

You will be able to

• use Library2Go if you have logged into it recently and have established a Library2Go account.
• access online resources, electronic databases and other information on the WCCLS website.

If you have questions, please contact or visit your local Washington County library. You can find the phone numbers on Your Libraries.

In the meantime, take a look at the features available in the new version of the library catalog including how to find what you're looking for, and changes in your library account record (PDF). We even have a video of new features.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Minds at Play: Gaming @ the Tigard Public Library

A world of games awaits you at the Tigard Public Library. They just won a State Library grant to bring you more. Make the library your social network through game events of all kinds for all ages, including video games, trivia challenges, murder mysteries, board games and more.

The program is part of the Minds at Play, a year-long gaming series for people of all ages sponsored by a grant. The series will provide opportunities for patrons to enhance their technology skills while socializing and engaging in some friendly competition.

Gaming in the library is a tradition that began in the 19th century. Librarians learned that inviting patrons to play games was an effective way to build community, while helping people learn to use the library.

Here are all the events for Spring 2010

Teen Minds at Play
TGF (Teen Game Fest)
Wednesday, April 7, 5–7 PM
Community Room
TGF n.

1. A gathering of teens to play Dance Dance Revolution™, Guitar Hero®, Wii™ games, bingo, Twister® and other gaming devices.
2. A place with plenty of snacks.
3. A program often featuring a special theme with crafts and activities.

In addition to our video-tastic games, flex your head muscles with our mind-bending puzzles and brainteasers.


Adult Minds at Play
Wii™ Sports for Boomers and Seniors
April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12
2–3:30 PM in the Community Room
Calling all boomers and seniors!

Join us for the debut event of our Wii™ Sports series and learn how to bowl, golf, play tennis or baseball with the Wii™ gaming system.

All you need is the ability to swing your arm while holding the Wii’s™ small controller. We’ll show you the rest! Try your hand at more traditional games, too.

This event will be held on the second Mondays of April, May, June and July in the Library Community Room.

Teen Survivor: Library Edition
Thursday, April 22, 5–7 PM
Puett Room
Who will survive? Join us for an evening of team competition, food challenges, trivia games and scavenger hunts. Can you conquer the Real Library?

Family Minds at Play
Family Game Fest
All Ages — Friday, April 23
4–6 PM in the Community Room
Bring the whole family and get your game on!
We’ll provide board games, Twister®, video games on the big screen and snacks.

Adult and Teen Minds at Play
Retrogaming
Friday, May 14, 5–7 PM
Technology Room
Join teens and adults for a communal gaming experience and get swept back to the 80s with old-school console and computers games.

Can you make it across the Oregon Trail or through the asteroid field?

Teen Minds at Play
Duct Tape Mystery Prom Night
Thursday, May 20, 5–7 PM
Community Room
It’s prom night at the Library, but a crime has been committed. Help us solve this mystery by following the trail of duct tape clues.

Tigard Public Library is located at 13500 SW Hall Blvd.

Minds at Play is supported in whole or part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library.