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Openshelves
October 2003 Reading Public Library has access to the Vermont Online Library (VOL), which is a series of databases containing information on just about any subject. The difference between VOL and regular search engines, like Google, is that all the information found through VOL has been checked by experts in each particular field of knowledge. The result is that the information is reliable and up to date. The databases contain complete articles that can be printed here at the library, or they can be e-mailed directly to your homes. There are wonderful sites for students who need information for homework assignments. I'm happy to help. I have weeded many outdated reference materials from the library shelves and am in the process of ordering new materials in both the adult section and the children's section. I hope to finish in the next few weeks. A few of our new resources are a handbook of the world's religions, a food and nutrition guide, a genealogist's handbook for New England research, an illustrated book of signs and symbols, a geographical dictionary, and an encyclopedia of science and technology. In addition, the library now has a beautiful globe in the reading room. We have also purchased craft supplies, new chairs, puzzles, instruments, and a flannel-board with stories for the children's room. Speaking of the children's room, Karen Appleton has nearly completed a mural that spans the entire space. It has enhanced the space immeasurably. We now have an ongoing book sale at the library at the request of several of the patrons. Prices are a dollar for each hardcover and fifty cents for each paperback. I will try to freshen up the selection every couple of weeks. All money raised is used to improve library service. I want to thank a couple of other people for contributions to the library. Scott Harkins, from the Reading Greenhouse & Garden Center, donated some lovely flowers for the portico steps. Barbara Thaeder donated some bulbs for the chandeliers on the main floor of the library. Juliet Tuck Polaczyk donated a vacuum. Junior Sanderson and Jane Cleveland re-finished the screen doors and put in new screens. I'd also like to thank Junior for cutting the grass all summer. And thanks to Jane for all of the phone calls she made while updating the patron list. The board of trustees and I are grateful to the community for the support you've shown to the library. A reminder to parents: Camel's Hump Radio, Vermont Public Radio's weekly family read-aloud series, began it's fourth season a couple of weeks ago. The program airs each Sunday at 7 P.M. and features guests who read from children's books old and new. A companion website, featuring book discussion points, related links, and a down-loadable bookmark and coloring page, is available online at www.vpr.net. Just click on the camel. While doing some work in the library's attic, I found about a dozen books that were available on the library's shelves in 1899, the year the building was dedicated. I also discovered a couple of books from the personal library of Gilbert Davis. These are now displayed on the fireplace mantel.
Cordially,
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