The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library Newsletter
For Immediate Release,
December 1, 2008:
Not only does the Library have lots of great books and audio books waiting to be checked out, but we also provide free Internet and wireless service! Staff will be waiting at the Library to help you find the perfect material to read during these cold winter nights. Or you can explore our new online catalog and take your pick from the 100,000 items available.
PWRL’s new library catalog can now accessed online from the Library’s website at http://skyways.lib.ks.us/library/pottwablib or search the catalog directly at http://pottwab-verso.auto-graphics.com Plan to stop by the open house on Sunday to learn more about it and stock up on your winter reading!
If you have questions about this, or any aspect of Library services, call Judith Cremer, PWRL Director, at 785-437-2778.
For Immediate Release,
December 1, 2008:
The
monthly
For
more information, please contact the PWRL Alma Branch Library at 785-765-3647 or
St. Marys Headquarters Library at 785-437-2778. For specific program details
contact Ron Schultz at 785-765-3814 or Charles Gann at 785-765-3640.
###
For Immediate Release,
November 1, 2008:
Changes at PWRL Onaga Branch Library
In response to numerous patron requests and to allow additional access the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library (PWRL) Onaga Branch Library will be experimenting with Saturday morning hours for the next few months. Beginning November 8th, the Onaga Branch will open for business on Saturdays, 9:00 -10:30 a.m. The Library will continue its regular weekday schedule with hours on Mondays, 9:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Additional changes at the PWRL Onaga Branch Library include a trio of new library staff members. Deborah Stallard-Parry has joined the Library as the new Branch Librarian. Deb is a native of Onaga, and is actively involved within the community. Joining Deb in providing quality library service is Emma Gilsdorf, who has been hired as the Assistant Branch Librarian. Completing the new trio, Joye Platt has been hired to serve, along with Nellie Sumner, as a Substitute Librarian for the location. When the opportunity or need presents itself, please come into the Onaga Branch Library and meet the new staff.
Earlier this year, PWRL was
awarded a matching grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
This
grant has allowed still more change at PWRL and the Onaga Branch. The
grant provided funding for the purchase of computer hardware & software for
public use. Patrons of the Onaga
Branch Library will now have access to five desktop computers with high speed
internet connections, software applications and printing capabilities. For still
more computing options, Onaga will also soon have a laptop computer, courtesy of the Gates Grant, for
patrons to use at the Library.
The Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional Library, of which the Onaga Branch is a part, also possesses a new online catalog, which is up and running in all eight of the rural library locations served. This catalog contains PWRL’s full holdings at all locations, and has records for over 100,000 items available for patrons to borrow. The catalog can be accessed at the library via the public computers and elsewhere through a standard internet connection. A link to the catalog is available on the library website at http://skyways.lib.ks.us/library/pottwablib or it may be viewed directly at http://pottwab-verso.auto-graphics.com.
Library patrons can now set up
and view their individual Library accounts online through the Internet.
Patrons have an array of options and tools available through this
automated system. Using the new online catalog, patrons may view a
list of items currently checked out, renew borrowed items online, view a list of
items previously checked out, search the catalog, and place a reserve to borrow
materials that may be located anywhere in the PWRL system. The requested
materials will be routed to the patrons PWRL location of choice.
The PWRL Library Catalog can also provide authenticated patrons with
access to the statewide full text magazine and newspaper indexes using a single
keyword search. This feature should greatly enhance patron’s ability to
complete their research more quickly and efficiently. Logon today and check it
out!!
Although the faces and tools
used by the Library may change over time, the goal ultimately remains the same.
The Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional Library system is committed to
providing the best service possible to the residents of Pottawatomie and
###
For Immediate Release,
November 10, 2008:
The
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library will join with public libraries and
private organizations across
Special
readings of Bear Feels Sick will be
held during the regular storytime sessions at each of the PWRL Branch Libraries
in St. Marys, Alma, Eskridge, and Onaga. Additional readings will be held at
PWRL Mini locations at the following dates and times. These events, held in
conjunction with the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Program, are open to all
children ages 0-5. Children younger than age 3 will need to be accompanied by a
parent or other caregiver. Please contact your local library at the number
listed below, or contact the St. Marys Headquarters for more information.
Please
plan to bring that special child in your life – your child, God-child,
grandchild - to one of these readings. Remember that reading sometimes
makes all the difference. We look forward to seeing you at the Library!!
For
immediate release October 20, 2008:
OPEN
HOUSE AND CELEBRATION RECEPTION AT THE LIBRARY
Roy
Bird, in addition to his work at the State Library, is a published author and a
speaker in high demand across the state. Mr. Bird writes a book review column
called "Kansas Books" in the State Library's newsletter, Kansas
Libraries. He has co-authored one book, collaborated on three others, and
published ten books of his own, plus over 250 articles and reviews in scholarly
journals and magazines, mostly on
PWRL's celebration will serve
in part to honor all those who have helped the Library to achieve its goals for
automation. Dorothy Hoobler and her family, as well as a number of other
individuals and organizations, will be recognized as a part of the proceedings
for their contributions. Volunteers who have, to date, donated more than 1,000
hours of their time to assist the Library with barcoding the Library’s
collection will also be recognized for their efforts to help move the Library
forward.
Please
plan to join us for the celebration and connect or reconnect with the Library.
Refreshments will be served and demonstrations and entertainment provided. This
is an
occasion to celebrate, an opportunity to reflect and tie up all our loose ends,
and sit back and enjoy a job well done. So… please invite everyone you know,
and bring them along. We will make a party of it and enjoy the results of all
our hard work before we move on to what comes next.
The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee
Regional Library is the only two county public library in
For additional information see
the Library’s Web site at http://skyways.lib.ks.us/library/pottwablib.
The Library’s new online catalog can be accessed from the Library web page or directly at pottwab-verso.auto-graphics.com Logon today and check it out!! If you have questions about this, or any aspect of Library services, call Judith Cremer, PWRL Director, at 785-437-2778.
For
immediate release September 1, 2008:
STORYTIME BEGINS AT THE LIBRARY
Storytime
is a great time to visit the library. Each 30 minute program consists of
storytelling, book reading, fingerplays, games, and songs.
Your
young child will be introduced to group participation, new books and stories,
and the magic of storytelling. Older children will enjoy hearing old and new
favorite stories, and participating in movement and music activities.
Class
size is limited. Sign up now at the nearest Branch Library or call 785-437-2778
for St. Marys; 785-765-3647 for
For immediate release July 1, 2008:
For
immediate release June 16, 2008:
State
Librarian Christie P. Brandau, announced today that Melanie Abitz, trustee of
the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library, has attained the credentials to
qualify as a Kansas Certified Public Library Trustee. This certification is
awarded by the State Library of Kansas in
“Reaching for Excellence” recognizes the importance of well trained
and highly skilled library leaders and their importance to
In 2006, the State Library of Kansas, with the
aid of the Kansas Library Trustee Association Board and Kansas Library leaders,
initiated an effort to identify core skills needed for public library trustees
and to create a certification program to recognize the achievement of those
skills. The resulting program, Reaching
for Excellence: the Kansas Library Trustee Certification Program,
incorporates training requirements drawn from the core skills for
Melanie Abitz has served as
a Trustee for the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee
Regional Library since her appointment to fill un-expired term on the Board in
December of 2002. She currently serves as the Library Board Chair. During
her tenure, the Library has gone through a great deal of change and growth. As a
Trustee she has played an important part in guiding PWRL as the Library began
its current automation project. She oversaw a major shift in staffing as the
Board hired a new Director, and replaced the Library’s Assistant Director and
Bookkeeper/Secretary. Her efforts to uphold the standards of Library service and
secure the necessary funding and support required to move the Library forward is
commendable, and her contributions have made a difference in the quality of
service the Library offers.
PWRL’s Board of Trustees is
composed of eight members. The Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County Commissions
each appoint three members to serve on the Library Board, and the County
Commission Chairman from each county is also an ex-officio voting member of the
Board. Library Board members serve a maximum of two consecutive, four year,
terms. The regular monthly meeting of the Library Board is held on the last
Wednesday of each month at 5:30 at the St. Marys Library, unless otherwise
ordered by the Board.
Board members make a significant contribution of time and energy when
they accept a position on the Library Board.
One of their most important jobs is to serve as a link between the
Library and their community. To be effective they must bring to their
communities what they learn about the Library and the services and resources it
has to offer, and be proactive about sharing their knowledge to inform and
advocate for the Library. Board members must also bring to the Library relevant
information about the needs and expectations of their community so that
resources and services can be designed and customized to meet those needs.
“Library Trustees have a big job anywhere,
but it is particularly complex at PWRL,” notes Library Director, Judith
Cremer. “Because PWRL is one Library, but manages multiple locations in
multiple communities, it is sometimes more complicated to weigh and balance the
total needs against the available resources to provide the best possible Library
service for every user. PWRL’s Board is conscious of this responsibility.
Their participation in the State Trustee Certification program shows a
willingness to go the extra mile to get the information necessary to do the job
with which they have been charged.”
PWRL’s legal service area encompasses
1,612 square miles and the Library is responsible for serving a legal service
population of 21,819 residents. Board members commit their time and drive from
every corner of the service area to meet each month and conduct business in the
interest of sustaining this unique Library. The result is an active and
functional Library, in tune with the community, ready and able to support the
ever-growing needs and demands of the Library’s patrons.
###
For Immediate Release, June
8, 2008:
The
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library is hosting a series of special bug
themed programs in June to support the Summer Reading Programs ‘”catch the
reading bug” theme. Staff from the
Program locations, dates, and times are as follows:
Monday,
June 16, 2008, 10:00 a.m., Onaga Branch Library
Monday, June 16, 2008, 11:45 a.m., Westmoreland Mini Library
Thursday,
June 19, 2008, 10:30 a.m., Olsburg Mini Library
Thursday, June 19, 2008, 1:30 p.m.,
Wednesday,
June 25, 2008, 9:30 a.m., Alta Vista Mini Library
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 11:30 a.m., Alma Branch Library
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 1:30 p.m., Eskridge Branch Library
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 3:00 p.m., Harveyville Mini Library
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program is now in full swing. This annual program provides a fun and profitable summer reading experience for participating children. The eight week program is being offered this year from May 27, 2008 through July 19, 2008. Children may register and participate at any PWRL location, including libraries in Alma, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Harveyville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. Marys, and Westmoreland.
The Summer Reading Program is geared to serve children through the eighth grade. Pre-readers are invited to join the program with a parent or helper who will read to them as members of the Read-to-Me Club. To participate children are asked to check out books from the Library that are appropriate to their reading level and record them to earn credit in the program. All participants will earn prizes for their efforts.
If you haven’t had time to check it out, come to the Library now and “catch the reading bug!”
For more about this program, or any aspect of the Library, please call the St. Marys Headquarters Library at 785-437-2778. Additional information about the Library can also be found by visiting the Library website at http://skyways.lib.ks.us/library/pottwablib/index.htm.
###
For Immediate Release, May
5, 2008:
CATCH
THE
Are your children going
“buggy” with nothing to do this summer? Our Summer Reading Program may be
the cure! For a fun and profitable summer reading experience, plan to join
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library for our summer reading program May 27,
2008 through July 19, 2008. Registration begins May 12, 2008. Children may
participate at any PWRL location, including libraries in Alma, Alta Vista,
Eskridge, Harveyville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. Marys, and Westmoreland. Come join
the buzz, and “Catch the Reading Bug” this summer!
The summer reading program is
geared to serve children through the eighth grade. Pre-readers are invited to
join the program with a parent or helper who will read to them as members of the
Read-to-Me Club. Each child will be asked to check out books that are
appropriate to their reading level and record them to earn credit in the
program. All participants will earn
prizes for their efforts.
Studies show that children who
continue to read during summer vacation perform better in the fall when school
resumes. The Library’s summer reading programs provides a chance for your
child to keep up their reading momentum, and have fun at the same time. Don’t
miss this great opportunity to sign your child up, and take some time to read
along with them. Summer reading is fun for the whole family!
Registration for the Summer
Reading Program is scheduled to begin on May 12, 2008. That week, in honor of
National Children’s Book week and as a prequel to the summer reading program,
a special screening of the movie based on E.B. White’s book “Charlotte’s
Web” will be shown at the Alma Branch Library on Wednesday, May 14th
at 6:00 p.m., the Eskridge Branch Library on Saturday, May 17th at
10:00 a.m., the Onaga Branch Library on Tuesday, May 13th at 3:30
p.m., and the St. Marys Branch Library on Thursday, May 15th at 4:30
p.m. Ask at your local location for details on additional activities and events
as the summer progresses.
Call the St. Marys Headquarters
Library for more information at 785-437-2778 or go to our website at http://skyways.lib.ks.us/library/pottwablib.
For Immediate Release, April
25, 2008:
Children Celebrate Earth Day and the Joy of reading
PWRL Eskridge Branch Library
celebrated Earth Day with a visit from the two local third grade classes from
the
This opportunity was made possible through the extremely generous donation of a local patron who wished the funds to be used to purchase gift books for children. The participation and support of the third grade classes, their teachers, and the school librarians was the key to making this excellent Library adventure a success.
This partnership was a great way for the Library to start the gearing up for Summer Reading. PWRL’s Summer Reading Program will be held from May 27th – July 19th this year for children through the eighth grade. Please plan to join us this summer and “Catch the Reading Bug” at the Library
###
For Immediate Release, April
22, 2008:
Molasses Days Program Held at the Alma
Branch Library
The
Kansas Corral of the Westerners hosted a program recalling Molasses Days at the
Alma Branch Library on Saturday, Apr. 19, 2008. A crowd of fifty attended the
program presented at the Alma Branch Library. Memories of this popular local
event flowed thanks to a partnership between the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional
Library and the Westerners.
Joyce
Thierer, a professor of agricultural,
Molasses
Days was hosted by Myrtle, Lowell, Larry, and Joyce Thierer with the help of
friends and neighbors the last two week-ends of September and the first week-end
of October from the late 1960s to 1981. At
their farm they demonstrated for thousands of visitors each day the process of
making molasses the old way—stripping and cutting sorghum cane by hand,
pressing out the sap with horse labor, and cooking and stirring the juice until
it became molasses syrup.
For
more information on this program, or any aspect of Library service, please
contact the PWRL Alma Branch Library at 785-765-3647 or St. Marys Headquarters
Library at 785-437-2778.
For
Immediate Release, April 21, 2008:
Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee
Regional Library will hold a Board/Staff Function at the St. Marys Headquarters
Library on Monday, April 28 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The regular monthly meeting
of the Board of Trustees of the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library will
immediately follow the function. In order for all staff members to attend, our
Alma, Eskridge, Onaga and Westmoreland locations will close at 4:00 p.m. that
day. St. Marys Headquarters will close at 3:00 p.m. to set up for the event.
Please note this change in schedule when planning your next trip to the Library.
The
Board/Staff function provides all staff and Board members of PWRL with an
opportunity to meet and learn together how each individual’s efforts
contribute to the Library’s continued ability to provide essential library
services to the residents of Pottawatomie and
Pottawatomie
Wabaunsee Regional Library maintains locations in eight communities across the
two counties encompassing a total service area of 1,620 square miles.
The ultimate benefit of PWRL’s unique cooperative approach to library
service is that every resident served has access to a much larger and more
varied share of resources, materials and services than would be possible if each
community was individually responsible for providing the resources required by
its residents.
For
the Library to maintain its quality of service and insure the overall operation
of the Library as a whole, it is critical that each location act in concert with
each other. The distance between our locations is a recognized barrier for our
staff. This physical distance makes the possibility of becoming isolated much
more likely. The Board/Staff function is a team building opportunity used by the
Library Board of Trustees as an antidote to the natural tendency for staff in
this situation to become disconnected. It is an annual chance to pull together
all members of the PWRL system, to help each individual make connections, put
names to faces and to see how they personally fit into the overall picture of
library service in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.
If
you have questions about the Board/Staff Function, our any aspect of Library
services, call Judith Cremer, PWRL Director, at 785-437-2778.
###
General News Release
For
Immediate Release, April 14, 2008:
Memories of Molasses Days at the Alma Branch
Library
The
Kansas Corral of the Westerners will host a program recalling Molasses Days at
the Alma Branch Library on Saturday, Apr. 19, 2008. Memories of this popular
local event should be flowing thanks to a partnership between the Pottawatomie
Wabaunsee Regional Library and the Westerners. The program is scheduled from
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Alma Branch Library, 115 West 3rd,
Alma, Ks.
Molasses
Days was hosted by Myrtle, Lowell, Larry, and Joyce Thierer with the help of
friends and neighbors the last two week-ends of September and the first week-end
of October from the late 1960s to 1981. At
their farm they demonstrated for thousands of visitors each day the process of
making molasses the old way—stripping and cutting sorghum cane by hand,
pressing out the sap with horse labor, and cooking and stirring the juice until
it became molasses syrup.
Joyce
Thierer, who will be presenting the program, is a professor of agricultural,
Individuals
who have memories, photographs, and other artifacts from Molasses Days are
encouraged to bring them to share. Molasses
cookies (and recipes!) will be provided.
For
more information, please contact the PWRL Alma Branch Library at 785-765-3647 or
St. Marys Headquarters Library at 785-437-2778.
###
General News Release
For
Immediate Release, April 7, 2008:
“Everyday, libraries help transform their communities,” says Judith Cremer, Library Director. “At our library, people can find books and magazines, use specialized databases for research, and get free access to computers and the Internet. All of our locations now have wireless access. With this new service, patrons can take advantage of the Library’s broadband Internet connection, but have the convenience of using their own equipment. Overall we do our best to provide the resources and services that really make a difference in the lives of the residents of the two counties whom we are responsible for serving.”
The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional
Library is the only two-county public library in
###
General News Release
For
Immediate Release, April 7, 2008:
Historical
Scrapbooks at the Alma Branch Library
The
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library has recently moved a collection of
scrapbooks containing local newspaper articles focused on community events,
organizations, and noteworthy people from our Alta Vista Mini Library to our
Alma Branch. This
change allows patrons greater access and opportunity to view the material. Bat
Nelson, an Alta Vista Native, compiled and created the scrapbooks over a wide
span of years. The books contain clippings that give unique access to
past events and document important slices of the life and history of
As a whole,
the Nelson scrapbook collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in
community events or local history. Library staff at the Alma Branch Library is
experienced in the research process, and are always prepared to assist patrons
in their search for information. These scrapbooks now provide an extra tool to
further the research process, particularly for those seeking facts about local
or family history.
The Nelson scrapbooks are considered
reference materials, and are not available to check out. However, staff at the
library can assist patrons with making copies of any individual articles. If you
would like to look at the scrapbooks, please visit the Alma Branch Library, open
Monday, Tuesday, Friday from 9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:45-5:00 p.m., and on
Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:45-7:00 p.m., or call
the Alma Branch Library for more information at 785-765-3647.
###
The
Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library Newsletter
Choose an issue of the library newsletter
April 2008 - Volume 1, Issue 6
March 2008 - Volume 1, Issue 5
February 2008 - Volume 1, Issue 4
December 2007 / January 2008 - Volume 1, Issue 3
November 2007 - Volume 1, Issue 2
October 2007 - Volume 1, Issue 1
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Copyright 1998 - 2002 Pottawatomie
Wabaunsee Regional Library All rights reserved.
Headquarters: 306 N. 5th
Street, St. Marys, KS 66536 - (785) 437-2778
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Last update: 05-31-2008
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