http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/ The West Hempstead Public Library's Weblog en Copyright 2010 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:52:13 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Since the summer of 2005, Mary Eide has served at the West Hempstead Public Library as a Senior Connections Volunteer, offering information, advice, and referrals covering issues like Social Services, Medigap Insurance, and where to get a free flu shot. Mary was born in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, grew up in Bay Ridge and worked as a foreign credit investigator as a young woman. After moving to Suffolk County, while raising a growing family, she found work in a doctor's office and stayed on for 25 years. She has also worked in the admitting office of Smithtown General and as a receptionist in a nursing home. Mary got her training as a citizen community service aide in Suffolk County's Senior Connections program and served for ten years at the Middle Country Public Library. We were very fortunate when she moved to West Hempstead to be closer to her grandchildren, bringing her wealth of experience, knowledge, dedication, and compassion to share with us in our Senior Connections program, a confidential information and referral service sponsored by the Nassau Library System. Mary has 7 children, 11 grandchildren ranging in age from 28 to 3 ½, and a one-year-old great-granddaughter. She enjoys volunteering and looks forward to chatting with you while providing this confidential service. Mary is normally here in the library once a month on a Tuesday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please check our calendar for specific dates. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/03/mary_e.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/03/mary_e.html Community Seniors community service NLS Senior Connections volunteers Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:52:13 -0500 Thirty four patrons answered our question about their use of Social Media websites for our February 2010 survey. This was a much smaller set of responses compared to the 77 who answered our January survey, so it's apparent that there was some self-selection based on interest in or familiarity with the subject. Question: How often do you use Social Media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube , Flickr, Shelfari, Kaboodle? Here are the results in rank order: 17 = Use at least one site as often as I can 12 = Use at least one site a few times a month 4 = Never heard of them or Never use them 3 = Try them out, but don't like them much An overwhelming number of our respondents (80%) indicate that they use at least one site, "as often as I can" or "a few times a month". The most favorite social site is Facebook (18), followed by YouTube (10), with only a passing nod to Twitter (1), MySpace (1) and LinkedIn (1). One vote was cast for music sites, although no particular site was specified. Interest in learning more about social media was directed mostly about Twitter (5) and Facebook (4). The West Hempstead Public Library has a presence on both Twitter and Facebook, but so far we have focused mainly on Facebook where we maintain Fan Sites for the Children's Room, the Teens, and the Main Library/Reference Desk. This is part of our effort to bring our products and services closer to our public and to interact with our patrons when and where they are most comfortable. Become a Fan, and let us know how we are doing! Here are links to some other popular social media sites: LinkedIn: a professional networking site used by jobseekers and human resource personnel. (example: search on "Bill Gates") Shelfari: a social network for people who love books and sharing reviews about what they are reading and getting suggestions about what to read next. (example: Shelfari community). See also GoodReads.com, LibraryThing.com Kaboodle: this social shopping site has been redesigned lately to allow online shoppers to search and discover products according to popularity among other shoppers in the Kaboodle community and consumers in general. And finally, here's a guide to social media music sites.]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/03/results_of_february_survey_on.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/03/results_of_february_survey_on.html Community Computers facebook social media survey survey results twitter youtube Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:44:08 -0500 We believe that Libraries are the quintessential "universities of the streets", a place where people of all ages can go for life-long learning, to further educate themselves and improve their prospects in life. When parents want to introduce their children to the joy of reading, they go to the library. When seniors want to learn how to get online, they go to their library. When students want to figure out how to use databases for their research, they go to their school or academic library. Help us protect NY's libraries and library systems. Please SIGN OUR PETITION. We need to remind the NYS Legislature that libraries are essential community services and ask them to reject the $2.4 million cut in Library Aid Governor David Paterson is proposing in the 2010-2011 Executive Budget. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/is_the_library.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/is_the_library.html Community Friends of the Library advocacy lifelong learning petition Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:47:44 -0500 PLEASE LET US KNOW. Answer our survey on SOCIAL MEDIA either online or in the library. The February surveys are the little pink slips found at the Children's Reference Desk or at the Adult Reference desk in the main library. We want to know more about you! Interact with us on our Facebook Fanpage. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/do_you_tweet.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/do_you_tweet.html Community Programs Reference & Resources blog facebook Internet social media survey Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:32:08 -0500 WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE LIBRARY? 77 patrons answered our first survey of 2010. Multiple responses were allowed so some patrons voted for more than one service. Here are the results in rank order: 42 = Free DVD's, CD's, downloadable books 38 = Free Programs for all ages 34 = Free Internet access 28 = Free Museum passes 12 = Free On-Line Tutoring Not surprisingly, our free media products (movies, music, recorded books) are most appreciated. Trailing by 4 votes are the free programs (trips, crafts, exercise, concerts) we offer to children, young adults, and adults. Another 4 points behind in popularity is the free Internet access we provide to young adults and adults in the main library and to children for homework assignments in the Children's Room. A more selective group voted for the free Museum passes. Perhaps this is a service you have not checked out yet. Remember that we have Family Passes that you may borrow for a few days as well as the Museum Lottery we hold 5 times a year for tickets to the New York Hall of Science. Don't miss your chance for the next giveaway in February! The least favorite service is the free on-line tutoring. We think we need to do a much better job of promoting this very valuable service. Not everyone will need to take advantage of it, but you should know that it's not just for kids. In addition to academic subjects for elementary through high school, the tutors help adults in the areas of Citizenship, Financial Literacy, GED, Helping Children with Homework, Job Openings, Job Resources, Resumes and Cover Letters. Be sure to check it out, on our library homepage. Thanks for participating! Our February survey will be about social media.]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/results_of_january_survey.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/results_of_january_survey.html Community Programs Research Databases feedback survey Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:29:29 -0500 (Career Library and Learning Express), learn new job skills (Career Cruising and Learning Express), connect to employers on the Internet, or find quiet study areas to prep for certification tests - all for free? You can do all of that and more @ the West Hempstead Public Library. Our Communities Thrive @ your library. Call us for more information, 481-6591 or email the Reference Librarians: westhempsteadpl@yahoo.com.

]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/communities_thrive_your_librar.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/02/communities_thrive_your_librar.html Adult Community Research Databases Young Adults careers database jobs National Library Week Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:33:40 -0500 Long Island Volunteer Center or through the Corporation for National and Community Service: ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/test_mlk.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/test_mlk.html About Us Community Directions & Hours holidays MLK volunteers Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:44:16 -0500 So far 55 patrons have participated in our first survey of 2010. Multiple responses are allowed so the results add up to more than 55. The Question is: What do you like best about the library? - Free Internet access = 23 - Free Museum passes = 21 - Free DVD's, CD's, downloadable books = 30 - Free Programs for all ages = 27 - Free On-Line Tutoring = 08 If you haven't completed a survey for us yet, there is still time to give us your opinion. It'll take less than a minute. There are forms at the Reference Desk and in the Children's Room, or do it here! ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/survey_says.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/survey_says.html About Us Community Programs Reference & Resources survey Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:36:26 -0500 We grieve the loss of Joseph Westler, President of the Friends of the West Hempstead Public Library. He passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. The photo on the left, with Joe and his wife, Rhoda, was taken at the Senior Fair held at the library in October, 2009. You may have met Joe, when he worked here cheerfully and tirelessly at the Friends of the Library Book Sale in December 2009. We will miss him. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/joseph_westler_president_and_f.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/joseph_westler_president_and_f.html Community Friends of the Library fol Friends of the Library Joseph Westler Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:48:54 -0500 Tax assistance will be available every Thursday, beginning Feb. 4 to April 15, from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for West Hempstead residents only. *No tax assistance on Mar.11 We will be taking reservations in 1 hour blocks. Please call or visit the Reference Desk beginning Thursday, January 7th to schedule your appointment. Registration is ongoing until all spots are filled. Please remember to bring all necessary paperwork (2008 tax return, W2 forms relating to your 2009 return, etc.) ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/2010_tax_help.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2010/01/2010_tax_help.html Adult Community Seniors tax returns taxes Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:13:32 -0500 We had to make date/time and program specific changes for a few events listed in the Printed version of our Newsletter for Winter 2010 that you received in the mail. You will find that our Online version has all of the up-to-date changes. To recap, here is what changed: (1) 2010 Tax Seminar on Wed. February 3, will begin at 7 p.m. (2) 12 dollar fee for Jewelry Workshop on Wed. February 10 - Please write your check of $12 to "WHPL". (3) Blood Drive originally scheduled for March 16 will be held instead on Tuesday March 30 4-8 p.m.]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/changes_to_our_winter_2010_new.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/changes_to_our_winter_2010_new.html Community Programs blood drive library newsletter programs Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:54:51 -0500 This very popular class begins on January 4 for 3 Mondays 7-8:30 pm in January. You may sign up NOW! Don't miss a minute of this creative, exhilarating exercise! You'll have to wait until January 4 to register for the second class to be held for 3 Mondays beginning February 1. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/you_know_you_want_tobelly_danc.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/you_know_you_want_tobelly_danc.html Adult Community belly dancing exercise programs Venera Mahoney Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:28:50 -0500 The West Hempstead Public Library is a collection location for donations to Firstbook-Long Island. This volunteer group collects new books for children and disperses them to local organizations like WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) so that youngsters get the opportunity to own a book. The need is great! Organizations continue to request thousands of books each month. Please put a new book in the hands of an appreciative child. First Book - Long Island, founded in 2002, has distributed over 100,000 new books to children in need on Long Island. Our collection box is located under the Programs Bulletin Board in the main library. You may donate NEW books until January 28, 2010. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/first_book.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/first_book.html Community charities donations firstbookli volunteers Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:36:16 -0500 Even if you can't do-it-yourself, you can save yourself time and worry about your family's safety on the road and be prepared for your next trip to your auto mechanic. Come to the library and check out our new auto maintenance database. ALLDATA Online contains an easy search tool for finding your car's make, model and engine type, with shortcuts to popular information to help both the novice owner and the shop technician. Sections include: - Maintenance - Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Charts - Technical Service Bulletins - Specifications - Diagrams and Diagnostic Aids - Component Locations This database is free for use only in the library, so come in and try it out!]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/auto_repair.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/12/auto_repair.html Adult Research Databases auto repair car maintenance database research Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:23:32 -0500 Nassau County Health Department updates its website with local news on flu shot risks, priorities and locations. Check back frequently for changes, or call Seasonal Flu & H1N1 (Swine flu) Call Center, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, 1-888-684-4271.

• Swine Flu Information
• Seasonal Flu Locator
• FLU SHOT HOTLINE 227-8967

You may also access up-to-date free influennza information courtesy of the Ebsco Publishing medical and nursing editors. ]]> http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/11/ebsco.html http://www.whplibrary.org/newandnoteworthy/2009/11/ebsco.html Adult Community Research Databases Seniors flu shots H1N1 hotline seasonal flu swine flu Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:48 -0500