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April 2012 eNews

Written By: Library Communications

The Owl & the Woodpecker in Washington

Spokane Public Library’s Downtown location is thrilled to be able to host a traveling exhibit, The Owl & the Woodpecker in Washington, starting April 28.

Paul Bannick teaching This fascinating and beautiful exhibit examines the intertwined life histories of owls and woodpeckers and the unique roles they have played in defining and enriching their often-threatened habitats. It features 15 gorgeous photographic prints by award winning photographer Paul Bannick . The photographs are presented along with text panels, birdcalls and drumming sound recordings by audio-naturalist Martyn Stewart.

We’re also excited to host a presentation by Paul Bannick on May 1 at 6:30 pm at the Downtown Library. An excellent speaker, Mr. Bannick’s presentations are often standing-room only, so plan to arrive early to get a seat. Mr. Bannick will have copies of his book for sale and will stay to sign autographs following his presentation.

The Owl & the Woodpecker in Washington is a traveling exhibit from the Burke Museum in Seattle. It will run through July 6. The exhibit and Paul Bannick’s presentation are made possible by the Friends of Spokane Public Library.

Be Smart With Money

Money Smart Week 2012 If you use the library for books, CDs, DVDs or computer access, then you’re one step ahead of many Americans when it comes to being smart with your money. Borrowing items from the library saves the average person around $300 a year (or more!). In this economy, everyone appreciates a little extra cash in their pocket, and that’s why Spokane Public Library is taking part in Money Smart Week® this year. Money Smart Week® is a series of free classes and activities designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. From April 21-28 we will be hosting sessions on all sorts of money smart ideas including:

Avoiding Scams & Fraud
Keeping Debt Under Control & Managing Income and Expenses
Managing Income & Expenses: Getting from Here to There
E-Couponing (pre-registration recommended)
Credit Reports & Scores and Using Credit Wisely
It's a Long Month: Living on a Fixed Income

For dates, times and locations, pick up a flyer at the library, click on the links above or call 444-5336.

Oh Yes, You Can!

It's not to late to get your tickets for the Library Foundation's rule-breaking extravaganza, You Can't Do That in the Library! Tickets are $55 per person, which gets you in to the Downtown Library after hours where we'll have music from 6 Foot Swing, food from David's Pizza and Famous Ed's and beer from River City Red Brewing. This event, now in its sixth year, is made possible by Sterling Savings (our leading underwriter) in addition to Global Credit Union as well as support from David's Pizza and Famous Ed's and River City Red Brewing. We're so grateful to them all!

For tickets and information see the Library Foundation's website or call Foundation Director Sandra Kernerman at 444-5318.

Protect Yourself from Crime

Safe Place Logo You may have read recently about improvement to the Spokane Police Department’s method of investigating property crimes. It’s an important issue—we all have a vested interest in improving our safety, and both the library and the SPD offer resources to help protect citizens. Did you know that all Spokane Public Library branches are designated Safe Places? Safe Place is an outreach program designed to provide access to immediate help and safety for all youth in crisis. We also have books and easy-to-use magazine and newspaper databases where you can find tips about home and personal safety.

The Spokane Police Department is taking additional measures to enhance citizen safety relating to property crimes. On Friday, March 30, the SPD announced plans to improve the investigation of property crimes to deliver the best possible results to Spokane citizens. The strategy involves working smarter and leveraging technology—making the best use of existing tools to improve public safety. Read more about it here .

Finally, please remember that simple precautions, like not leaving valuables in your car and locking up your bike, can far reduce the risk of property crimes. The library and the SPD are great resources, but we can’t replace the efforts of careful citizens. Be safe—it will make your library visits that much more enjoyable!

National Library Week – April 8-14
Packed With Ways to Celebrate Your Love of Libraries

How can you celebrate libraries? Let us count the ways. We've compiled a quick list of ideas for you to do during National Library Week.

D.E.A.R. 1. Use the library! Help us get rockin' check-out and visitor statistics this week (and every week)!

2. Share the love – tell someone how much you value the library. Write a letter to the editor, tell an elected official, or just tell us; it will make us smile.

3. D.E.A.R. - Drop Everything and Read on April 12 from 3 - 5 pm in all our branches. We're celebrating Beverly Cleary's birthday and we want you to stop by your favorite library, drop everything, and read!

4. Library Snapshot Day - also on April 12. We're taking a one-day "snapshot" of books checked out, questions answered, and visits to the library. We'll share the information with the state library, who will compile statewide statistics so they can show off how important it is to have healthy, well-funded libraries. We're also taking photos that day, so comb your hair and show us your pearly whites.

5. Just shy of National Library Week, on Saturday, April 7, we're joining the Eastern WA Genealogical Society for a roll-out of the 1940 census. This is big news for genealogists and history buffs! See article, this issue, for info about this celebration.

6. "Like" us on Facebook and "share" us with your "friends."

7. We're planting a Susie tree - join us on Tuesday, April 10 at 9:30 at Shadle to wish the tree well, ask questions of the city arborist and learn a little about The Susie Forest! See our calendar for details.

8. Read a book that features libraries or librarians - see our book list in the Reader's Corner blog.

9. Get tickets for the ultimate library party, You Can't Do That in the Library! - a fabulous, rule-breaking extravaganza on Saturday, April 28.

10. Drop a buck (or two, or a check) into the donation box at the check-out desk to support the Spokane Public Library Foundation - their mission is to support the long-term health of the library.

That's a start. Take us up on at least one of these ideas; we know you won't regret it!

Print Cards Soon to be Obsolete!

Please note that starting May 1 we will no longer be using print cards for printing in the libraries. We are switching to a coin and bill system and print cards will not be accepted after this time. If you have a print card with money still on it please plan on using it up this month. We cannot offer refunds for unused print cards. Please ask at the reference and information desk if you have any questions.

e-book Update

Stay tuned. Plans are on track for improved and increased e-book options and offerings coming soon. More news next month!

Library quote of the month

Census!

A Birthday Bash for the 1940 Census! Join us on Saturday, April 7 from noon to 4 pm at the Downtown Library. Refreshments will be served. For more information go to the EWGS website at www.ewgsi.org.

Trees!

We're planting a Susie Tree at the Shadle Library! Join us on Tuesday, April 10 at 9:30 am to wish the tree a long and healthy life and learn a little more about The Susie Forest. The city arborist will also be present and can answer all sorts of tree questions.

Movies!

Join us for It Happened One Night on April 11 at 5:30 at the Downtown Library. Free, of course!

Exhibit

E stands for Early Religious Texts - the next exhibit in the Downtown Library's NW Room. This popular exhibit features a variety of texts including a leaf from a Gutenberg Bible from 1454!