|
Smoky Hill
Branch Library
5430 S. Biscay
Circle Centennial, CO. 80015
Phone
303-693-7449 * Fax 303-690-4572
Hours:
Mon-Thurs 9 A.M.-9 P.M. Friday & Saturday 9 A.M.-5 P.M. Sunday 1 P.M. - 5
P.M.
Lapsit Story
Times -4 to 24 months Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 A.M. Saturdays at 10:30
A.M.Toddlers 2 year olds with parent or caregiver Mondays & Tuesdays 10:00
A.M. Wednesdays at 9:30 A.M. Ages 3-5 year olds Tuesdays at 10:45 A. M.
Wednesdays at 10:00 & 10;45 A. M. call for reservations
Bedtime
Storytime Every Wednesday & Thursday at 7 P.M.
SMOKY HILL
LIBRARY .
Audiobook
Downloads are Back
Audiobooks are
once again available from the Arapahoe Library District for you to download to
your PC. Most audiobooks can also be burned to a CD or moved to a DRM-
capable portable media player. There’s a great selection of titles in all
genres, from humor to drama, mysteries, romance, sci-fi, biographies, business,
history, self-improvement and more. All the details and the free OverDrive media
software you need are at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
There’s also a Quick Start Guide and FAQs to help you.
You can check out seven audiobooks at any given time. Items are automatically
checked in after 21 days and cannot be renewed. However, you can check
them out again if they are available when your checkout expires.
CURRENT INFORMATION February 2011
www.arapahoelibraries.org.
‘Watt’s Up’
Energy Power Meters Available
Arapahoe
Library District, in partnership with Xcel Energy, is now offering power meters
for patrons to check out. Patrons can use the power meters to check the
energy usage of various household appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves
and washing machines.
By using the
meter and then uploading the data to a computer, patrons can calculate the
operating costs of home appliances, and determine the potential cost saving of
replacing older energy-hogging appliances with newer more energy-efficient ones.
The power
meters from Xcel come with a detailed instruction booklets and a USB cable to
interface the meter with a PC for advanced calculation capabilities. Users can
download free software from the Xcel Energy website to use with the power
meters, but the meter can also be used as a stand-alone product. Even
without the software, patrons will find it useful to figure out which appliances
in the home use the greatest amount of energy. With this knowledge, energy
can be saved by simply using these appliances more efficiently, unplugging them
when not in use.
The power
meters can be checked out for three weeks at a time and can be renewed if there
are no holds.
Power meters
can be checked out in person, at any Arapahoe Library District branch; however,
it is advisable to first place the item on hold to ensure it will be available
when you visit the library.
Go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org and type “Watts
Up” into the search field with “All Media” selected. From there, you can check
availability and reserve a power meter to your library account. When you
visit the library in person, please ask a staff member for assistance, as the
power meters will be kept in an area separate from the regular collection.
For more
information about the program, please visit
www.responsiblebynature.com
Classuc eBooks
Available through Project Gutenberg
Did you receive
a new eReader for Christmas? Resolve to catch up on the classics this year
by tapping into a new resource available to all Arapahoe Library District
patrons: free classic eBooks with no checkout limit, no wait list and no
restrictions.
Arapahoe
Library District has received 15,000 new eBooks from Project Gutenberg,
featuring classic titles that patrons can download from
www.arapahoelibraries.org and use immediately.. Project Gutenberg is an
online, volunteer-based distributor of copyright-free eBooks.
Project
Gutenberg offers older, classic books that no longer have copyright
restrictions, and therefore there is no need to return the books. Classic
titles include such as Pride and Prejudice, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,
Anne of Green Gables, and Gulliver’s Travels, to name a few.
Also, because
there are no copyright restrictions, the books can be read on any eReader,
including the Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader, iPad or even your personal computer.
To access these
free eBooks, just go to our website at
www.arapahoelibraries.org and click on
“Books” then “eBooks” to access the Overdrive site. Then, scroll down
until you see a box on the left side of the screen with the title: “Enjoy
additional eBooks today!” Click on the link to see a list of all the free eBooks
titles that are available. From there, you can browse by subject or search
by keyword.
“We’re so
pleased to offer these books to our patrons,” said Linda Maola, Manager of
Library Materials Services. “Now, everyone looking for an eBook will have access
to one immediately, regardless of the type of eReader they have. These are
quality books, including everything from Mark Twain to Shakespeare.
Patrons with eReaders will enjoy discovering a whole new world of
literature right at their fingertips.”
Valentines for
Veterans
February 14 is
all about friendship and love. Join us in extending that thought by
making a valentine to honor and show appreciation to a veteran this Valentine’s
Day.
Patrons of the
Arapahoe Library District are invited to visit any branch from Monday, January
24 through Monday, February 7, during regular business hours, to make a
valentine for a veteran. Valentines will be collected and delivered to the
Colorado Veterans Medical Center in time for the holiday.
For more
information, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
Holiday Closing
All Arapahoe Library District libraries will be closed on Monday, February 21 in
observance of President’s Day. For more information, please call
303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
Discontinuing Paper Overdue Notices
Beginning in April, Arapahoe Library District will no longer mail paper overdue
notices. As part of an overall effort to conserve resources, the Library
District will focus on obtaining and using patrons’ email or phone numbers as a
way to offer a friendly reminder about overdue books and other library material.
To receive overdue notices by email or phone, please contact the Library
District at 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279_ to provide your phone number or email
address. Or, simply go to
www.araphoelibraries.org and log in to
“My Account” and then click on “Update My Information.”
Morningstar Database
Databases have long been considered the hidden gems of the library by those who
use them. A valuable financial tool, the Morningstar Investment
Research Center is free to Arapahoe Library patrons. Using your
library card number, you can access the database at the library or on line.
Morningstar Investment Research Center can be used to look up Mutual
Funds and Stocks, set up portfolios and more. The site also offers
articles of interest to the serious and casual investor alike, such as the
recent article, How to Invest During an Economic Slowdown.
To access the database, go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org, choose “Search
This Site” and enter “Morningstar”
Program Registration Reminder
As a reminder, patrons will now need to register for all Library District
programs, including books clubs, computer classes, programs and storytimes.
There are three ways patrons can register for a program: they can call the
library at 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279), visit the library where the program will
be held or they can register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by clicking the
Programs & Events link.
Holiday Closings
All Arapahoe Library locations will be closed Monday, February 16 in observation
of President’s Day. For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY
(303-542-7279).
Registration Now Required for All Library District Programs
Beginning in January 2009, patrons will need to register for all Library
District programs, including book clubs, computer classes, programs and
storytimes.
Requiring registration for all programs gives the Library District the ability
to send patrons confirmation and reminder 3-mails a couple days prior to the
program. In addition, in the rare case that a program is cancelled or
rescheduled, the Library District can proactively notify patrons who are
registered for that specific program.
Although program registration can be made ahead of time, patrons can register
for programs right up to the program start time. That way, even those
patrons who are in the library the day of the program will have the opportunity
to participate, if they desire.
There are three ways patrons can register for a program: they can call or visit
the library where the program will be held, or they can register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by clicking the
Programs & Events link.
ASKColorado Has a New Look!
AskColorado, our 24/7 online service for information and research help, has a
whole new look. The service continues to provide the same high-quality
assistance Coloradoans have come to trust for more than Five years.
Provided by libraries across the state, AskColorado is dedicated to helping you
get the information you need, whether you are completing a homework assignment,
conducting business research, or looking for general information on a topic.
Real people in real time help you find reliable information.
Never tried AskColorado? Simply visit our websiteat
www.arapahoelibraries.org and click on
the AskColorado button, or search our site for AskColorado. Type in your
question, and click the “Connect” button. A librarian will join your chat
session, and send information to your screen to answer your question. It’s
fast, easy and available anytime!
Holiday Closings
Monday, January 19 in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279). .
Free Internet
All of our computers offer high speed
Internet access and the Microsoft Office Suite. We also provide free
wireless access and Macintoch computers for multimedia projects.
Beef up Your Business We offer databases and other tools
that can help you locate and reach new markets for your business, large or
small.
Be Entertained
We offer a variety of classes,
programs, book clubs and activities. Check our Programs & Events calendar
(inside every edition of The Dewey newsletter) or visit
www.arapahoelibraries.org
A World at Your Fingertips The price of
gas got you down? Visit the library online! You can access our
databases and resources, browse our catalog, place holds, manage your account
and register for programs, all from the comfort of your home or office!
Find a Job
Whether you are looking for a job or
hoping to change careers, use our resources to search job postings, build your
resume and research alternatives.
Connect with Your Community
Stop in, meet
new people and check out the action. We all weather the tough times better
together.
This article was inspired by “Get through the Tough Times @ Your Library” by
Christine Ayar and recreated with permission by Arapahoe Library District’s
Internet Librarian Christine Kreger.
Meeting Room Reservation Process for Recurring Meetings
Arapahoe Library District offers meeting space free of charge for nonprofits,
and at a very minimal cost to for-profits or local businesses. In response to
ongoing feedback from members of the community, who have indicated a desire to
have more meeting rooms available, we have decided to make a change to our
meeting room reservation process as it relates to recurring meetings.
Based on this feedback, we re-evaluated our current reservation process to
determine how we could better serve our patrons, and community at large, when it
comes to meeting rooms. That assessment brought to light that,
unfortunately, meeting rooms are sometimes reserved, but not used. It is
our hope that the decision to refine the reservation process will help prevent
rooms being reserved, then not used.
Patrons can reserve meeting rooms on a recurring basis on the third Tuesday, of
every fourth month, meaning:
·
On November 18,
2008 patrons can reserve meeting room space for January through April 2009.
·
On March 17,
2009 patrons can reserve meeting room space for May through August 2009
·
On July 21,
2009 patrons can reserve meeting room space for September through December 2009
For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279)
New Library Construction at S. Parker Road and E. Florida Avenue
Earlier this spring, construction began on a new public library building for
the Arapahoe Library District. This new branch will be built on 3.5 acres
at the intersection of S. Parker Road and E. Florida Avenuein unincorporated
Arapahoe County . The 28,000 – square foot library will serve residents in
Glendale , Four Square Mile and Holly Hills , as well as the larger community,
and is scheduled to open in early 2009.
The search for land began in 2004, driven by increased demand for library
services as well as a growing need for additional space at the existing library
in the Glendale Community Center . The new Parker and Florida
location has ample land to build a larger facility, has excellent accessibility
to public transportation and will have a formidable presence in the community as
a stand-alone building. The new library will enable the Arapahoe Library
District to offer a place for an expanded collection of books, media and other
materials, as well as additional technology and service. An advisory
board, made up of residents of the communities served, is providing input on
aspects of the new library.
Great care has been taken by the Arapahoe Library District and its contractors
to incorporate responsible building practices, as demonstrated by the following
earth-friendly activities included in the planning and construction of the site:
·
Light pollution
reduction through the use of automatic sensors, and only lighting areas needed
for safety and comfort.
·
A public
transportation stop is located within a half mile of the site.
·
Storm water
management, through landscaping elements designed to remove pollution from
rainwater and runoff.
·
Planned
electric-operated faucets and dual-flush valves.
·
Optimized
energy performance by providing an energy-efficient mechanical system and
efficient building envelope system.
·
At least 10%
recycled content will be used in the construction materials.
·
At least 20% of
materials are processed and manufactured regionally.
·
Use of
low-emitting materials such as adhesives, paint, composites and carpet system.
·
Consistent with
the rest of the Library District, once the library opens, plans are in place for
onsite recycling collection.
Public tours
will be held monthly and can be registered for online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org Donations to
the Arapahoe LIBRARY Friends Foundation, the nonprofit organization that
supports the work of the Library District, are still needed and welcomed. Gifts
of more than $500 will be recognized permanently. For information, please
contact Nicolle Davies, Director of Development and Communications, at
303-798-3021 or
ndavies@ald.lib.co.us
NEW DVD Cases Arapahoe Library District is home to a collection of more than
77,000 DVD’s, enjoyed by many as a way to catch up on the newest movies, and
rediscover old gems. However, we sympathize with patrons who arrive home,
movies-in-hand, only to discover that a DVD case is empty. Additionally,
we prefer to continually increase our DVD selection rather than replace missing
DVD’s. Unfortunately, from September 2007 to February 2008, an average of 198
DVDs were stolen per month, District-wide. In addition, from July 2007 to
December 2007, we found approximately 140 empty DVD cases throughout the Library
District; an average of 23 empty DVD cases per month. Therefore, similar to the
system used by DVD rental stores and other libraries, we will begin using
locking DVD cases on all new movies purchased by the Library District, starting
in May 2008. So, please be sure to unlock DVDs you check out, especially new
releases. We look forward to continuing to serve you while increasing the
selection of DVDs we have to offer.
Helpful library Information Book Clubs
The libraries
offer a variety of book clubs for children, teens and adults where members
gather monthly to discuss books and share ideas. For more information
about a book club that might interest you, visit your library or call
303-LIBRARY. You can also see a schedule of book clubs on the web calendar
at:
www.arapahoelibraries.org. Click the
Programs & Events link, and select Book Club in the Event Types menu. Some
book clubs require reservations as space is limited.
Computer Classes Learn to use the Internet and various computer programs in
the free training classes. Classes include basic computer skills, Internet
searching, e-mail accounts, and more. For more information and to register
for a class, visit the library or call 303-LIBRARY. You can also register
at: www,arapahoelibraries.org. Click the Programs & Events link, and
select Computer Classes in the Event Types menu.
Children’s Storytimes
The libraries offer literacy-based storytimes for preschool
children on a regular basis. For a current schedule and to register for
storytimes, please visit your library or call 303-LIBRARY. You can also
register by clicking the Programs & Events link at
www.arapahoelibraries.org.
Library Jobs
To find Arapahoe Library District job opportunities on our websie,
go to: jobs.arapahoelibraries.org
Free Delivery
service for library materials (books, DVDs, videos, etc.) is
available for residents of all ages in the Arapahoe Library District who are
temporarily or permanently confined to their homes because of illness, age or
physical disability. Call Outreach Services at 303-LIBRARY, if you, a
family member, friend or neighbor can use this service.
Xpress Materials Available District-Wide Arapahoe Library District now offers
Xpress items at each of its libraries. Materials in the Xpress Collection
feature new and popular titles that are available without a waiting list, giving
patrons the same opportunity on a given day to find a “treasure” on the shelf.
The Xpress concept has been used successfully at the Castlewood Library since
2002 and recently expanded to all ALD luibraries due to popularity of the
service.
Different rules apply with Xpress items, including: items cannot be placed on
hold: items can only be checked out at one designated library, but can be
returned to any library; Xpress books can be checked out for three weeks,
with no renewal; and Xpress DVD’s and magazines can be checked out for one week,
with no renewal. For more information, call 303-LIBRARY or visit your
library.
2008 InfoArahahoe Community Guide The 2008 InfoArapahoe Community
Guide is now available at all Arapahoe Library District locations. The
guide lists more than 600 non-profit and government agencies and organizations
serving residents of Arapahoe County .
The printed version is provided free of charge as a community service of the
Library District. In addition to the printed guide, you can find
InfoArapahoe online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by
clicking on the Community Resources link. The online version includes more
detailed information than the printed version. For more information,
please call 303-LIBRARY.
CultureFest 2008
For the third year in a row, CultureFest returns to the Arapahoe Library
District for the entire month of March. CultureFest 2008:
Connections, features a series of programs and events highlighting the
connections we can all make in our local and global communities. Children
can learn to make paper dolls from around the world and make a “car” from wire
and found objects. Teens can play international games and explore snacks
and sodas from other countries. Adults and families can hear The Snake
and the Man: A Story Told ‘round the World, enjoy a performance of authentic
village dances from many countries and attend a variety of other programs.
Special book displays, exhibits and storytimes are also scheduled.
You can find a listing of all CultureFest 2008 activities online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
In conjunction with CultureFest 2008: Connections, elementary-aged children are
invited to participate in Mizel Museum ’s annual Bookmark Contest. This
year’s theme is Building Bridges Between People & Places. Students will
compete in one of two categories: Kindergarten through Second Grade or Third
through Fifth Grade. To participate, please pick an entry form at your
library beginning Saturday, March 1. Bookmarks must fit the template
supplied at each library and only one entry per student will be accepted.
Entries will be accepted through Monday, March 31. Prizes will be awarded
and the winning bookmark from each category will be professionally printed and
distributed throughout Colorado . For moe information, please visit or
call your library.
Tax Help Continues through March and April
TAX HELP @ the
Library Arapahoe Library District locations
have paper copies of this year’s federal and state tax forms for patron use.
Patrons can also download copies from the library computers at websites such as
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/indexhtml
and
http://1040.com. There is a small fee for printing pages from
library computers.
The library
staff is happy to help patrons find the tax resources needed in printed
publications and online. They cannot, however, offer tax advice or
counsel. Several libraries, including Southglenn Library are offering free
tax preparation assissistance to low income taxpayers.
Southglenn
Library,
9 A.M.-3 P.M. on Tuesdays, February
5,12,19, and 26; March 4,11,18 and 25; and April 1 and 8. Volunteers will help
you with basic tax return forms. You must meet income requirements, and
only cer tain forms are included. Visit or call the library, 303-LIBRARY,
to get details about qualifications and make your reservation for a one-hour
session. You can also register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by clicking the
Programs & Events link.
Please Note: This service is for low and middle
income taxpayers, with special attention to people ages 60 and older. The
assistance is for regular tax returns only. Volunteers cannot help with
K-1s, royalties, rental property, partnerships or more than 5 stock trades and
must have the stock cost available. They cannot help with businesses with
more than $5,000 in expenses. Please bring the following with you when you come:
W-2 forms from each employer, unemployment compensation statements, SSA-1099
form if you were paid Social Security benefits, all 1099 forms showing interest
and/or dividends and documentation showing original purchase price of sold
assets, 1099-misc. showing any miscellaneous income, 1099-R form if you received
a pension or annuity, all forms indicating federal income tax paid, dependent
care provider info(name, employer, ID, Social Security number), all receipts or
canceled checks if itemizing deductions, and Social Security numbers for all
dependents.
Featured
Programs @the Library Doggie Tales
The popular
Doggie Tales program is back! Doggie Tales enables children ages 6-10 to
practice their reading skills by reading to a new four-legged friend who loves a
good story and won’t interrupt or criticize. Each child selects a book to
read to their doggie pal. Then, tails wag as tales are told and each child
practices reading skills in a safe environment.
Sign up your
reader for a 30-minute session between 2 and 3:30 to 4 P.M. at the following
location: Smoky Hill Library Saturday, March 8.Visit or call the library to
register, or register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by clicking the
Programs & Events link.
Doggie Tales is
made possible by Have Paws Will Travel, the Guide Dog Puppy Raising Club of
Arapahoe County .
New Teen
Website
Teens, check
out our new teen website! It’s easy – visit
www.arapahoelibraries.org and click on
“teens” on the left-hand side of the page. New look, new content – just
what you asked for. Find reading, movie or music recommendations or help
with homework through our research databases. Got some free time?
Check out random stuff for everything from silly to serious or @ Your Library
for cool programs. Give us your input – talk back to us through the new
“comment” feature on the site. Change the background to fit your taste or
mood!
Teen Advisory
Board
meets once a month to advise the
library staff about programs and policies at the Arapahoe Library District.
Join us and contribute your ideas for teen programs, books and activities.
The February TAB meetings are at Smoky Hill Library, Saturday February 23, 11
A.M.-noon.
Board of
Trustees Meetings meets the 3rd
Tuesday of each month, 7 P.M. at various Distruct libraries. Since the
location varies, and the date and times may occasionally change, please call
303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279) for meeting details.
HOLIDAY
CLOSINGS – All
Arapahoe Library District public
libraries will be closed on Sunday, March 23, for Easter.
Library Tips:
Online Registration Now it’s
easier for you to sign up for library programs, classes and storytimes. Register
yourself, 24/7 from any Internet computer. 1. Go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org Click the
Calendar link. 2. Browse the Calendar to find the event you want. Underlined
events require registration. 3. When you see the event you want to register for,
move your cursor over that event to see the details – time, description, ages,
library location, when registration opens, and status (i. e., are spaces
available). To register, clock on the event name, fill out the Registration
information and click the Complete Registration button. If you have
questions about online registration, please ask a member of the library staff
for assistance. We’d be happy to show you how to use the system or sign up fpr
the events you want to attend.
303-LIBRARY:
The one Number You Need to Know
(or 303-542-7279) To check the status of an item on hold or book club, etc.at
all the libraries. This service is available Monday-Thursday, 9 A.m.-9 P.M.;
Friday & Saturday 9 A.M.-5 P.M.; and Sunday 1-5 P.M.
HOMEWORK HELP
NEWS – we’er happy to announce that online
Homework Help is now available for Mac users using Safari or Firefox (2.0 or
higher) browsers on Mac OS X. This is for students in grades 4-12, who can
go online to get assistance from a live tutor in English, science, math and
social studies. It is available from 3-10 P.M. daily, with limited hours for
Spanish speakers. You can find Homework Help at
www.arapahoelibraries.org on the home
page or the children’s pages at Tales Treehouse Homework. Please tell your
favorite student about this great, free service, which is now accessible to both
PC and Mac users.
Early Literacy
Parents and caregivers of children from
4 to 5 years old are invited to an Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library
program to learn how you can help your children develop skills that will enable
them to be good readers. Early literacy is what children know about reading and
writing before they can actually read and write. Research shows that
children get ready to read years before they start school. Find out the
six pre-reading skills children need and easy activities you can use to support
those skills. This program is at the Koelbel Library on Tuesday, November
27 from 7-8 P>M. Reservations are required. Visit the library, or call
303-LIBRARY. You can also register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by clicking the
Programs & Events link.
Web Watch:
www,arapahoelibraries.org Are you ready to tour the world?
CultureGrams, a subscription database provided as a free service
to Arapahoe Library District patrons, gives information on history, customs,
statistics and geography on more than 200 countries, the 50 states, and the
Canadian provinces. Each report is written in conjunction with
natives from the area selected for their knowledge of and experience with
different regions and peoples. Find out about the way local people live,
work and play, as well as current data on the population, literacy and economy.
CultureGrams
has four sections to help you explore your way through different countries:
World Edition, Province Edition, States Edition, and Kids Edition. You can build
and sort tables and charts, view and print photographs and maps, and listen to
the pronunciation of the country’s name and its national anthem.
Visit
CultureGrams today at
www.arapahoelibraries.org by clicking the
Research Databases link, or search the library website for CultureGrams.
Experience the diversity and cultures of our world from your computer.
For more
information go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org
| 
