Muskoka Lakes Library

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Muskoka Lakes Library Bracebridge Examiner column June 24, 2009

Some exciting new features have appeared on the Muskoka Lakes Library website so if you haven’t checked it in a bit, now is a great time to do so. [www.muskoka.com/library]

There is, of course, the link to the library catalogue where you can check to see what items you have out, when they are due, what fines might be owing. But did you realize that you can renew most items from home and request items to be ready for pickup? After finding a title within the online catalogue simply check the request button and key in your account information. If the item is on the shelf, the staff will pull it for you and hold it for three days. If the item is checked out to someone else at the time of your request, your name will be put in the queue for that item, and you will receive a phone call when the item becomes available for pickup. A great convenience in busy times.

Many library patrons go directly to the ‘new book’ shelf when entering the library. Did you know that you can do the same thing remotely from the comfort of your own home? Click on the ‘library blog’ button found on the homepage [www.muskoka.com/library] and there you can discover all the new items that have arrived over the past month and previous months. Clicking on the item of interest will take you the library catalogue where you can place that request. Using the back button will take you back to make further searches and requests of the hot new reads.

If you like audiobooks but don't like downloading them and getting them onto your iPod or computer, you can try a Playaway ‘book’ from the library. Playaway is a pre-loaded digital audio player, about half the size of a deck of cards, and is designed to give users simple and immediate access to audiobooks…nothing to load, no buttons to push. Simply plug in the earphones and enjoy. No cassettes or CDs. No downloads. Just play. Playaway is an easy way to listen to a book on the go.

If, however, you do like to download audiobooks onto your computer, check out the library’s collection available either by clicking on the NetLibrary logo found on the library’s Electronic Resources webpage, or by limiting your search of the library catalogue to ‘electronic resources’. If you need assistance to navigate your way to any of the free and varied resources, the staff is here to help.

Another new addition to the library’s ever-expanding repertoire of services is the in-house subscription to Ancestry Library edition. Using your own laptop or signing up to use one of the library’s public access computers, Ancestry Library Edition will be available to use for free. Usually a pay site, this valuable database is used to research family genealogy often allowing users to view and print copies of original documents ranging from travel documents, to attestation papers, to birth, marriage, and death records, and more. A fair warning though: it can be addictive!

Need help deciding on a career? A new searchable database, aptly named Career Cruising, has been added to the electronic resources. On the site you can find careers that suit your interests; search careers and find out what they are really like; and find out where to get the education you need to start your career.

The calendar of library summer events for children is now available in paper format within the library, or online on the events page. There is a summer’s worth of fun activities and workshops so be sure to sign your children up early to avoid disappointment!

What's Happening this Week at the Library

June 29 - July 4, 2009
Monday, June 29 - First day of Agent 009 TD Summer Reading Club sign-up for children 4 to 12 years old. Get your activity book, bag, poster, and stickers! Add your name to wall of readers; register for summer programs.
Wednesday, July 1 Closed for Canada Day
July 6 - July 11, 2009
Monday, July 6 ~ 2:00-3:00 Games Club (Checkers, Chess, Crokinole, & Clue). A free time for kids of all ages to meet and enjoy the library setting while playing board games with like-minded peers. 2:00-3:30 TD Summer Reading Club check-in. Record time spent reading on your own paper footprint that is displayed around the library.
Tuesday, July 7 ~ 11:00-12:30 Kids for Turtles Come and participate in a fun and interactive session about our local turtles; find out why so many are at risk; learn how you can help to protect them. FREE!
Wednesday, July 8 ~ 10:30-12:00 TD Summer Reading Club check-in. Record time spent reading on your own paper footprint that is displayed around the library. 10:45-11:30 Muskoka Reads! Fun and interactive story time for ages 3 to 7 with Early Literacy Specialist Sandy Inkster. Come join the FREE fun!

Muskoka Lakes Library

Thursday, June 25, 2009