Library Card Changes in 2015

The Haltom City Public Library is preparing for some big changes in January, 2015. The Library’s catalog software will be changing from Horizon to Polaris, which means big changes for the staff and some great new features for our Library patrons.
The Library’s catalog will be down from January 16-January 22. Patrons will be able to check out from January 16-22 as long as you bring a current library card. We will not be able to look up library card accounts at this time nor will new library cards be issued. A library card is mandatory for checking out materials and accessing internet computers. Most other Library functions will also be down, such as searching the catalog, paying fines, requesting materials, checking out eBooks, digital magazines, and other online resources, etc.
Thank you for your patience as we migrate all of our data from one software system to the next. Since none of our materials are due from January 14– January 26, we ask patrons to return library materials after January 27th.
Some new features that you may enjoy in Polaris include:

• Patrons can choose to maintain reading history
• Patrons can save searches so they are alerted when new materials arrive
• Patrons can add reviews and ratings to titles and also benefit from reading other reviews
• Staff can link patron accounts together – to help families track fines and due dates easier
• Text notices for holds and overdue books are available
• Patrons can enlarge text
• Patrons can update their own phone numbers and email addresses
• And many more!

Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Sessions

Persons wishing to find insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, may find assistance at Haltom City Public Library on Wednesdays December 3, January 7 and February 4 from 9-10:30 am. For more information please visit: www.healthcare.gov or call the library at
817-222-7786.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2014

Check out the "book tree" constructed by the Friends of the Library, Patsy Sullivan, Bonnie Richards and Brenda Groschup. The lighted structure can be found in the entry-way of the library.
We have a load of activities for families, this month:
December 8.The family movie night will feature the film " Elf". Come in your pjs and enjoy the light-hearted comedy and warm popcorn.
On Saturday, December 13 at 11am, children will be treated to a Holiday Read by the North Central Texas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Friday, December 12, from  4-5pm Teen Santa Workshop, crafts for teens . Teens are invited to come create fun gifts for their friends or family members.
 On  Thursday, December 18, 6:30pm Holiday Bedtime Story-hour will include stories, crafts, refreshments and a puppet show. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras because Santa and the Mrs. will be in attendance to visit the youngsters.
Please plan to attend these fun-filled , free holiday activities and have a great holiday season!

Library Offering Free Health Information Class

Please join us on Wednesday, November 5,  9:30-10:30 am at the Haltom City Public Library for a presentation provided by UNT Health Science Center and the National Library of Medicine.
 
Myriam Martinez-Banuelos MLS will be the visiting instructor.
 Myriam is the Outreach Librarian at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and a representative of the National Library of Medicine within 24 counties in the North-Central Texas area.  
 Participants will receive information covering many areas of health and wellness. Some of the topics discussed will be: prescription medications ,supplements, heart disease, osteoporosis, clinical trials, nutrition, and exercise.
Did you know that health videos and tutorials are available to anyone wanting more visual information pertaining to health issues? Attendees will be shown how to access these at home or in the library for their convenience.
Participants will even be introduced to educational games for kids. Myriam will teach how to access these games online. What a fun way for kids to learn about good health practices!
This class is free and no registration is required. Please note that this class is designed for adult education. Childcare will not be provided.

National Friends of the Library Week: October 19-25

Please join us for National Friends of the Library Week, October 19-25. Activities commemorating this nationally recognized event, will be Monday, October 20- Friday, October 24 from 3-5pm.

The Friends of the Haltom City Public Library has been at the heart of programs hosted at the library. Not only is this group of volunteers responsible for raising funds via annual book sales, but these wonderful people also assist with various events throughout the year. During the Summer, volunteers have helped with program promotion, reader registration, meeting room set up, refreshment preparation and craft  preparation.
Other programs during the rest of year, benefits from their invaluable contribution. The Friends of the Library pays for all refreshments served, prizes awarded, and craft materials used in children's programming. Recently, delightful book bags were provided as gifts for reading incentives as well as a new popcorn machine, for Family Movie Nights  and die cut equipment to be used by the staff .

 If you would like to become a Friend of the Library, or would like information about this group, please ask one of the library staff members for a Friends Information form. Upon completion, one of the Friends of the Library board members will contact you.

New Haltom City Public Library App for Your Mobile Devices

Android Devices and iPhone apps

Your Haltom City Public Library in the palm of your hands!

Search for books, DVDs, audiobooks, CDs and more. Place holds or renew items, see what events are coming up at the library, follow our blog and tweets, or contact us. We are here for you!

We've also included a great new way to search our books. No need to search by field, no need to enter full words, no need to wait for results. Just type the first couple of letters of words and see the search in action while you type. So for books on "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" simply type "ja ke on".

We've invested in the latest mobile solution for libraries and we'll be adding new content over time. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

 

Simply search in the "app store" on your device for " Haltom City". Haltom City Public Library will appear. Follow the directions on your device to install our app.

 

 

 

 

Free Nutrition Classes Offered at the Library

Come join us for nutrition series titled:  " Better Living for Texans Program". These classes are being conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and are absolutely free! The class schedule is as follows:
 August 6- " Get the Facts on Serving Size"
August 13- "Get The Facts of Fat"
August 20- : Get the Facts on Sodium"
 The sessions offered on August 13 and 20 will feature cooking demonstrations.
Take advantage this wonderful opportunity to gain valuable information on better nutrition for you and your family.