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.

Flat Stanley Turns 50

In honor of the Flat Stanley book series celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we are encouraging kids of all ages to pick up a "Flat Stanley " print out here at the library. Participants are encouraged to color and cut him out, take Flat Stanley to the interesting places they go and perhaps take a picture or two. Attached to the template is an informational sheet along with a permission slip for parents to sign, allowing us to post pictures or stories that are submitted to us. These will be displayed here at the library  and some might even be scanned and posted here on our blog. I am attaching an example that Becky and I did. We not only took Flat Stanley to the park, but he also accompanied us to Putt-Putt Golf and Games.

Turtle Invasion!

Turtles of all shapes and sizes visited the library on Friday June 13. Their care-givers, Souella Music and Steve Blanton, both graduates from Texas A&M. Their delightful and insightful program encourages respect for wildlife of all reptile varieties. Though the children were not permitted to touch the turtles or lizards ( human hands carry harmful germs and bacteria, much less some of the animals BITE!), everyone stayed completely engrossed in the presentation. Check out the photos of some of the "visitors" on our webpage.

Que Pastas Rock the Library

The kick off of the Summer Reading Program 2014 was celebrated by the musical talents of Gene Davis and Simon Flory , more commonly known as the " Que Pastas". The children were mesmerized by this high energy duo. The songs were catchy and full of action. For more information about them check out their webpage at www.thequepastas.com. Photos of their presentation are posted on the library's webpage.

Dr. Flakenstein Visits the Library

Brett Roberts, as Dr. Flakenstein, wowed the crowd on Friday, June 6. His magic and use of puppets delighted the kid in all of us. The focus of his presentation was on science and the importance of reading books to increase your knowledge. Please check out the photo album on the library webpage to see pictures of his program.

Photography Classes For Adults

Hey all you photography buffs! Do you want to improve your shutterbug skills ?
Register for these upcoming classes to be held at the Haltom City Public Library. These classes are free of charge. However, we require a $5.00 refundable deposit for each session. Dates and times for the classes are: June 14, 21 and 28 from 10am to 11am.
Class participants must be 19 years old and older. Children will not be permitted in the classroom. Please make childcare arrangements prior to coming to the workshops.
Cameras will not be provided. Participants must bring their own along with the camera's manual.
No iPhones
Below you will find more data as to what each class will consist of.
For more information contact: Haltom City Public Library, 4809 Haltom Road, 817-222-7786. www.haltomcitytx.com

Adult Basic Photography


By J Don Payne


Class 1 - E


Basic introduction to Photography Equipment


Vocabulary and Computer programs


Specific details for each individual’s camera (manual required)


Class 2 – K


Specific knowledge of digital photography


Class 3 – A


Composition of photographic images


Two classes will have specific assignments for helping achieve better photos.

Haltom City Public Library Hosts Reading Program With Hillshire Foods Company

The Haltom City Public Library has recently awarded 700 book bags along with 700 assorted books to the employees of Hillshire Foods Company. A big "Thank you!" goes out to the Friends of the Library for providing the books and purchasing the book bags. The employee reading program is a collaborated effort between the library and Hillshire Foods to encourage the employees to read for pleasure and to share the experience with younger members of their families.
 Haltom City Public Library has a small on-site library at Hillshire Foods for use by the empoyees. We also urge employees to acquire a library card at their local libraries. This allows them a wider assortment of available literature and valueable information.

Allison Long, librarian
Outreach Services

Book Sales 101

 

 

 

 

Whether you are a frequent book sale shopper or have never been to one, here are some ideas on how to get the maximum pleasure from the experience.

We are sharing these ideas with you with the hope that they will be helpful and encourage you to attend the Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Haltom City Public Library, April 24-27, 2014.

Plan your visit to the sale:

1.       Put the dates of the sale on your calendar.

2.       Plan to make multiple trips to the sale. Be here at 10:00 am on opening day to anticipate the “joy of the hunt.” Come on Sunday, when all remainders are sold for $5.00 per box full (we provide the boxes).

3.       Invite a friend to come with you. Tell your school, church, neighbors, organization about the sale.

Once at the sale:

1.       Take your time. Finding good bargains take time and effort, but Friends volunteers will be available to assist you.

2.       Take a break from the sale to visit the library and Java Joe’s Coffee Bar. 

3.       Find books for yourself and others; they make great, inexpensive gifts for children and adults.

4.       Replace a book you’ve lost or loaned to a now-unknown borrower.

5.       Buy and re-read a treasured book from your childhood.

6.       Recreate the experience of book sales you’ve enjoyed in the past….in a church basement, in a tent in a parking lot or park, in a National Guard Armory or a Cattle Barn.

7.       See old friends and meet new ones.

8.       Furnish a new house or redecorate a current one with older books with leather and gilt covers and spines.

9.       Be curious: look in a new category. You will probably find a book you didn’t know you wanted.

10.   Who are your heroes? Find a biography and learn more about them.

11.   Learn something new (Excel computer program; how to pronounce French words; to knit or crochet).

12.   Experience the joy of being in the company of other book lovers.

13.   Leave the sale with many special books and with the knowledge that your purchase helps the Friends of the Haltom City Public Library support our Library.

Ann Bastable, Library Advisory Board

African American Literature

In honor of Black History Month, the library has constructed a special book display of both well known African American authors and black historical figures. We now also have an African American Fiction section. These books are located in the fiction area between Westerns and General Fiction. We are classifying African American and Urban Fiction as one and the same,and as such, the labels will state African American. We are happy to be able to house this collection in its own area as the popularity for these titles as grown exponentially. Patrons should expect an additional 150 volumes to be added within the next few weeks.

'Bots and Books

 Haltom City Public Library has joined CTLS (formerly Central Texas Library System; new name, Connecting Texas Libraries Statewide).  Currently we are partnering with this organization in an attempt to receive a grant titled 'Bots and Books. The program is scheduled to occur in 2015. If we do , in fact, receive the grant, we will be hosting robot building sessions for children enrolled in upper elementary school through middle school. Mr. Houston, the engineering mathematic teacher at Haltom High School has graciously agreed to come on board with this project.
If you are an engineer, teacher, or would like to support the library in any manner, please feel free to contact the library director, Lesly Smith or librarian Allison Long.
Community robotic groups, rocket builders or other science minded people are encouraged to share their talents.

  Participating libraries will receive grant funded robot kits .Legos kits will be the basis for the library robotics program.  Collaboration with local robotics clubs in schools, activity centers, or youth groups such as Girl Scouts will be a central feature of this program.  ‘Bots & Books will integrate well known juvenile and YA books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Hunger Games, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory into fun week-long activities that promote both reading and robotics.  

Custom Rod Building Guild

You are invited to attend the First Annual Texas Regional Rod Building Event to be held at the Haltom City Public Library, on April 4th and 5th. 2014.
Jim Trelikes, a nationally known instructor is coming from California. Additional instructors for this event will be: Ron Walter, from Wisconsin and Jerry Poindexter, from our home state from Texas will present classes on the various aspects of custom fishing rod building. The cost for this session is $30.00 which includes Friday lunch and dinner and Saturday lunch. You do not have to be a member to attend.
 A beginners class will be available for participants aged 12 years old to adult who have never built a fishing rod. Students will select a blank, build a handle, wrap the guide and apply finish. This class is limited to the first 15 people registered and there is a cost of $40.00 per person. This cost covers the price of supplies.

Participants are encouraged to bring a rod building related item to be donated for a raffle to be held during the event.

Registration forms and fliers about the event can be found at the library.
Contact information is:

Harold Durham
200 Private Road 8140
Bronson, Texas 75930
936-635-4230
Harold_durham@yahoo.com

Valentine's Day Party

Children of all ages are invited to attend the Valentine's day party at the library on Friday, February 14 at 5:30pm. Yes, that is correct. We are actually having our annual celebration on Valentine's Day this year. The event begins promptly at 5:30 and should conclude by 6:30 at the latest. The party will be held in the meeting room located just inside the lobby. The library will close at 6:00pm that night, as usual. Doors to the main library area will be locked, but the automatic doors to the building will remain open until the conclusion of the event.
The afternoon's festivities will include: stories, crafts, cookie decorating and a puppet show.

"State of Grace" by Elizabeth Davies: an e-book Review

E-books are increasingly becoming popular. Never fear, it is the diehard belief that printed books are hear to stay. However, e-books are a nice compliment to printed volumes. The Haltom City Public Library offers e-books through a source we subscribe to: Overdrive. Anyone interested in using this service may get more information by asking a librarian on your next visit or by phone. Other sources of e-books, along with many others, include: Kobo, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon.com, and GoodReads. The following is a book review by a devoted library patron of the Haltom City Public Library . Elizabeth Davies, author of the book, "State of Grace", offered Carrie Mabry Donohue a free copy of her e-book in exchange for an honest review of her work. I believe this is a common practice amongst up and coming authors. A chance to share their talents with avid readers of the world.  Upon reading the review, if anyone is interested in acquiring a copy of the book, it is available through Kindle or GoodReads.



State of Grace" by Elizabeth Davies: an e-book Review
by Carrie Mabry Donohue

I wish I could give partial stars... If I could I would give this book a 4.8 or maybe a 5.5, the difference being if I felt "challenged" or CHALLENGED!

I enjoyed getting to know Grace and Roman here. The plot line was a bit different from any I had read our hard about before. A woman with an "expiration date" dangling over her head goes back in time.... This book has some eroticism, romance, history, current events, science.... (Ok so the science is mostly Grace trying to explain stuff) The book captured my attention so well I actually finished it a few hours ago... I spent an hour telling my husband about it and then started reading the next installment before I decided I better write my review before I slipped and told you Elvis is a vampire.. Oops! Just kidding, that does not happen until book. 5.... Kidding.... I recommend this as a good read, has some sex scenes and violence so not really meant for the faint of heart... (My 20 year old daughter no, my 17 year old cousin would be a big YES)

Family Movie Night: Lady and the Tramp

This month's family movie night is Monday, February 10 and will feature Walt Disney's: Lady and the Tramp. This animated classic is rated "G" and will run approximately 76 minutes. What a terrific way to kick off the Valentine's Day week ! The original film debuted in 1955 and has warmed the hearts of children and adults alike for almost 60 years. Larry Roberts and Verna Felton are the voice talents for Tramp and Lady, respectively. A more perfect match for these characters could not have been found. Come join us for an evening of love and laughter. But keep in mind, during the romantic scene of Lady and Tramp sharing a sweet little kiss over a delicious plate of spaghetti and meatballs, the audience will only be served hot, fresh popcorn.