New & Noteworthy @ WHPLibrary

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.

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.)

Here are some important links to help you get your family through the flu season safely.

The 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

Use our free Museum Pass to experience Garvies Point Museum's annual THANKSGIVING NATIVE AMERICAN FEAST. This celebration of northeastern Native American culture has been held the weekend before Thanksgiving for more than 25 years. It will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 & 22nd, 2009 from 10am to 4pm.

Hands-on activities during the weekend will be on-going. These will include pottery-making, primitive fire-building and on-site cooking (including their famous popcorn soup). Face painting with natural pigments, and use of the atlatl, a spear-throwing tool, will also be demonstrated.

Authentic Native American cuisine; artifacts and tool technology will be displayed. Movies celebrating Native American life will be shown. Activities are appropriate for all ages.

If you've never visited this Nassau County treasure, take this opportunity to view the museum's exhibition hall, which explores Long Island Native American culture and archeology, as well as New York State and Long Island geology.

The 3rd Annual Long Island Volunteer Fair takes place at Farmingdale State College on October 22nd, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in Roosevelt Hall.

College & high school students, as well as the general public, are welcome to learn about the mission & volunteer/intern positions available at nonprofit agencies throughout Nassau & Suffolk counties.

Here's a chance to make a difference, gain skills and experiences, and meet new people. You may even discover new interests that will help you in the future. For more information about the Fair contact Judi Cestaro 631-420-2733 Judi.Cestaro@Farmingdale.edu

If you can't make it to the Volunteer Fair, but would like to explore opportunities in volunteering on Long Island, contact the Long Island Volunteer Center at (516) 564-5482 or email longislandvc@aol.com

Get ready for FLU SEASON!

Student pharmacists from St. John's University will be here at West Hempstead Public Library's Community Room, on the lower level, from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, September 26. They will answer your questions about immunizations in general, with a special focus on the flu shot and the H1N1 shot, which we are told will be available in mid-October.

Operation Immunization is a Patient Care Project of the The American Pharmacists Association’s Academy of Student Pharmacists.

Join us on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 for a great day of information, workshops and entertainment! From 10 am - 1 pm, in the Main Library, representatives from local community groups and agencies will be on hand with helpful information. Meanwhile, programs, workshops and entertainment will take place in the Community rooms on the Lower Level. No registration is required. Just come and join in the fun!

In Community Room 1, start the day from 9:30 - 10:30 am with Meditation, followed at 11:30 - 1 pm with an introduction to Social Networking. From 1:30 - 3 pm crafty folk may enjoy an Herbal Pillowcraft Workshop. Meanwhile in Community Room 2 from 11 am - 2:30 pm you might want to indulge in a Mary Kay Mini Makeover.
Then, from 3:30-5:00 pm we invite all ages to join our Intergenerational Gaming Fun, with an assortment of Nintendo Wii video games including bowling, tennis and golf. Board games will include Scrabble, Boggle, Blokus, Cranium and Wits and Wagers.

We'll end the day with a 7:30 pm concert featuring the Rockingham's in a musical tribute to the sixties. You don't want to miss this spectacular event, co-sponsored by the Nassau Library System Senior Connections program. Check the official flyer for all the details.

The Library would like to thank

bageltown,
Fabio’s Pizza,
Tasty Bite Kosher Bakery
for making this year's Adult Summer Reading Raffle a success!

Author: Alice Hoffman
Title: Property of

“Alice Hoffman’s first novel about a girl who falls for a gang leader. A lifestyle & culture I cannot wrap my brain around. I found this book baffling, enraging & compelling all at once.” Review by Kelly M.

Alice Hoffman is a native Long Islander and has written 18 novels to date. Her novels have received mention as notable books of the year by The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, Library Journal, and People Magazine. We own many of her books so why not check one out!

Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Title: 44 Scotland Street

“British/Scottish melodrama… A biting wit & charm.” Review by Andrea M.

Alexander McCall Smith has written more than 60 books & is best known for his internationally acclaimed No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Our library will be having a Book Chat on Wednesday July 22nd at 10:30 a.m. So, if you have not already tried an Alexander McCall Smith book, why not start now and join in our book discussion. Copies are available at the circulation desk and you may sign up at the reference desk or call 481-6591 to register.

Author: James Patterson
Title: The 8th Confession

“Excellent as all of the women’s murder mystery club books are.” Review by Linda D.

James Patterson has been dubbed "the man who can't miss" by Time magazine and has had 19 CONSECUTIVE #1 New York Times hardcover bestselling novels. If you are among the few who have not read a Patterson, maybe this summer is the time to do so!

You still have time to join our Adult Summer Reading Program and win a Booklover's Bag!

Christopher Petillo, attorney with the firm of Vincent J. Russo & Associates, will be here to help us explore ways to protect our assets as we age in these difficult economic times. He will talk to us in layman's language about the issues we will confront in the coming years, including the most practical ways to hold on to our homes while providing for our health care.

Call the Reference Desk at 481-6591 to register for this free program on Monday, July 27.

If you are facing foreclosure, not knowing your options could be your biggest mistake. Time is of the utmost importance. Don't worry and wait. Certified counselors are available free of charge to meet with homeowners and review alternatives to foreclosure.

Jerry Coppola, Coordinator for the Foreclosure Prevention Program, a service provided by the ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL OF SUFFOLK, INC. (a HUD certified agency) will present this informative program at the library on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7 p.m.

Call the Reference Desk at 481-6591 to register for this free program.

Instructor Mr. William Feeley is scheduled to teach two Defensive Driving classes this summer and fall.

Please remember that the cost of the AARP driver safety class has changed.

Drivers 50 and older may sign up for one of the two AARP driving classes given by Mr. Charles Hlavenka this spring.
Please note that the cost of the AARP class has changed. Participants must present their AARP membership card at the time of registration to get the fee of $12. Non-members of AARP, or those without their AARP membership card will be charged $14.

(1) Course 1: Monday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 29 from 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Registration for W.H. residents begins at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13.
Non-residents may register, space permitting, beginning on Monday, April 20.
(2) Course 2: Mondays, June 22 and 29 from 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Registration for W.H. residents begins at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1.
Non-residents may register, space permitting, beginning on Monday, June 8.

Instructor Mr. William Feeley will teach two Defensive Driving class for all ages.
A $40 check, payable to Defensive Driving Course, Inc. is due at registration, which begins on Wednesday, April 1.

(1) Course 1: Wednesdays, April 22 and 29 from 6:45 p.m.- 9:45 p.m.
(2) Course 2: Wednesdays, June 17 and 24 from 6:45 p.m.- 9:45 p.m.

For all classes, each participant must bring his/her driver’s license and checkbook when registering and attend all parts of the course to receive credit. Classes are held on the lower level in the Community Room and begin promptly.

Borrow our Museum Family Pass to the New York Botanical Garden and get a preview of spring!

Since the 19th century, The New York Botanical Garden has provided New Yorkers with “the country in the city”—a serene and contemplative oasis in which to enjoy and learn about plants and nature. Don't miss these programs!

This exercise class will show you activities you can do for yourself to help relieve the pain and reduce the limitations caused by arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Our instructor, Marilyn Bunger, is an accomplished exercise instructor specially trained to work with people who have chronic arthritic conditions.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on February 17, 24, March 17, 24, 31 at the cost of $10 for all five classes. Please make your check payable to the West Hempstead Public Library.

These classes have been very popular. We plan to continue them in the spring. Check back here or see the next Library Newsletter for the upcoming schedule.

The Long Island Reads Committee is pleased to announce that Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of the 2009 Long Island Reads pick, Wait Till Next Year will meet with us to discuss her book and answer questions on Wednesday, May 6 at 1 p.m. at the Brentwood Public Library.

To request your free tickets (limit of two per person) call the Nassau Library System (516) 292-8920 x236 starting on Wednesday, April 1. Ask for Roseanne: she will mail your tickets directly to your home.

We will be reading and discussing this book at our library in West Hempstead on Wednesday, March 25. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk beginning on February 23. Don't miss these exciting events!

Call us at 516-481-6591 for more information.

Come one, come all to celebrate the Wearin' O' the Green with the great one, Jimmy O' Moore and his legion of fans. You'll enjoy a wonderful afternoon of upbeat Irish fun that will get your Irish eyes smiling. After all, everybody's Irish on St. Paddy's Day!

Join us on Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 pm on the Lower Level of the West Hempstead Public Library.

Please be here at least 15 minutes before showtime.

Our programs are accessible by elevator and are free to both residents and non-residents.

Ten more West Hempstead families have won tickets to the New York Hall of Science. Here are the winners of the December 2008 drawing:

Robert Axel
Laureen Delay
Sharon S. Ellerton
Allison Fixler
Yael Ginsberg
Cindy Haynes
Joanna Marcia
Scott B. Moskowitz
Ellen Shanley
Uzma Wasti

If you haven't won yet, you still have time to enter. There will be three more lottery drawings for the 2008-2009 season coming up in February, April, and June 2009.

To be eligible for the Museum Lottery, you must be 18 or over and a member in good standing of the West Hempstead Public Library.

For over a century, from the first flights by frail biplanes on the Hempstead Plains, to man’s walking on the Moon, Long Island has been on the leading edge of America’s aviation and space adventure.

History will come alive when you see the exhibits at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City and experience the IMAX movies that open up the world of science to young people.

Borrow the library's newest Museum Family Pass and find out about the aviation history that took place right in our own backyard!

Check here for facts about seasonal flu and vaccinations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

To schedule your own flu shot check the American Lung Association at http://www.flucliniclocator.org/ for locations and times in your local area.

You must make reservations at these flu shot locations in Nassau County for 60+ Seniors only, so be sure to call ahead.

CVS Minute Clinics give flu shots every day. For us, the closest CVS Minute Clinic is in Syosset.

TO VOTE YOU MUST BE REGISTERED!!
You may pick up forms in the library or download them in Spanish or English.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER BY MAIL OR IN-PERSON IS OCTOBER 10, 2008:
Mail Registration: Application must be postmarked no later than Oct. 10th and received no later than Oct. 15th.
In-Person Registration: At the election board offices no later than Oct. 10th. If person became a naturalized citizen or was honorably discharged from the military since Oct. 10th, then last day to register in person is Oct. 24th.
Change of Address: If already registered, notify the board of change of address no later than Oct.15th.

DEADLINES FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS:
OCTOBER 28th: Last day to postmark application or letter for absentee ballot.
NOVEMBER 3rd: Last day to apply for ballot in person. Also, last day to postmark ballot. Must be received by Board of Elections by Nov. 11th.
NOVEMBER 4th: Last day to deliver ballot in person to Board of Elections.

CLICK HERE for DEADLINES for MILITARY PERSONNEL.
CLICK HERE for QUALIFICATIONS To Register and HOW AND WHERE to Register.

For an easy way to check online if you are registered, request an absentee ballot, or check your polling information, try the VOTE FOR CHANGE website sponsored by the OBAMA campaign: http://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php

We think that every one of our Adult Summer Reading Club participants is a winner, and we thank you all for sharing your summaries and recommendations with the rest of the West Hempstead reading community. We hope you all had fun and will join in other reading activities at the library.
The winners from this year's raffle are:

Amy Chiert
Denise Criollo
Linda DeGuglielmis
Anne Marie Fidis
Allison Fixler
Josephine McComber

Thank you Stop and Shop for your generous donation to this event!

Thanks to our Summer Reading Club for Grownups, we have more reading suggestions to pass on:

Everything's Eventual, by Stephen King. 5
DC: 14 short, scary, deep thinking stories. My favorite was "The Little Sisters of Eluria", a continuation of Stephen King's series of the Story of Roland the Gunslinger. This is great if you don't have time to read a novel.

Seeing Me Naked, by Liza Palmer. 5
AF: The story centers around the life of a pastry chef and her dysfunctional relationship with her famous author father and brother.... The author draws you into Elisabeth's life. I could not put it down.

Under the Tuscan Sun: at home in Italy, by Frances Mayes. 5
JM: It is a love story - but not between 2 people. It tells a story of being drawn to a beautiful area (Tuscany) and becoming a part of it.... I recommend this especially if you like reading about other countries and more importantly, food and cooking.

Play Dirty, by Sandra Brown. 4
AC: A football player with a gambling problem gets put in jail for throwing the final game before superbowl... I recommend this book - it is not really a football book.

DailyOM: Inspirational Thoughts for a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling Day, by Madisyn Taylor. 4
LD: 1-2 pages daily inspirational thoughts.

Friday Nights, by Joanna Trollope. 4
AF: A group of six women from very different lifestyles meet at one home on Friday nights and become good friends.....They all learn from and lean on each other over the years.... I recommend this book. There is a lot of character development and you begin to feel like part of the group.

The Third Angel, by Alice Hoffman. 3.5 - 4
JS: 3 seemingly unrelated storylines, suddenly connecting, and you find yourself flipping back to previous chapters to remind yourself who this character is. I had been looking forward to reading it, and had high expectations, which didn't seem as though they'd be met...until the third section of the book. At that point, I was so caught up, I hated to put it down, yet hated to have it end.

Read the recommendations submitted by the West Hempstead adult readers who are participating in our Summer Reading Club for Grownups. Don't forget - you still have time to post a review and win a prize! We will be extending the end-date to August 1.

Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult. 5+
JS: I absolutely recommend this book to all readers, bookgoups and fans (or future fans) of Jodi Picoult's books. A compelling, thoughtfully written story dealing with a really tough subject matter, yet it does not go into graphic detail of the murder and deaths.

The Tenth Circle, by Jodi Picoult. 5
AF: Yes, I would recommend this book. It covers so many levels in relationships - between parents, parent and child - what one would do for the other.

My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult. 5
AF: So gripping I couldn't put it down.

Obsession, by Karen Robards. 4
JS: This was a very entertaining story - not very deep, but highly enjoyable. Also, you'll want to read right through, no pauses.

The Book of Old Houses (A Home Repair is Homicide Mystery), by Sarah Graves.
3
JS: I recommend this to "light" mystery fans, serial book fans, anyone looking for a quick read.

Chili con Corpses (A Supper Club Mystery), by J. B. Stanley. 3
AF: The book was somewhat predictable and did not include a lot of character or plot development. The included recipes look delicious. It is a good summer read.

The Saturday Wife, by Naomi Ragen. 1
AF: Not this one! I enjoyed all of Naomi Ragen's other books - They had substance. This was a farce and somewhat insulting.

We are pleased to announce that for fiscal year 2008-2009, NY Senator Kemp Hannon has secured a Special Legislative Grant of $5000 for our library. Last year's grant allowed us to purchase large print books and audio materials to help the visually impaired. This is the third year in a row that we have received a grant through his efforts and we appreciate very much his hard work on our behalf.

We will have the opportunity to thank his staff on Tuesday, July 22 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. when his Community Office Mobile Visit comes to our library. Drop by in the morning to pick up valuable reading materials and to discuss issues of concern with Senator Hannon's staff in the second floor conference room.

Back by popular demand!
Instructor Mr. William Feeley will teach two Defensive Driving class for all ages. Both classes will be taught in two sessions. A $40 check, payable to Defensive Driving Course, Inc. is due at the ongoing registration.
(1) The first class for drivers of all ages will be on Tuesdays, July 8 and 15 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
(2) The second class for drivers of all ages will be on on Tuesdays, September 23 and Wednesday, September 24 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
For information about similar courses offered in the community on different dates, contact the Automobile Club of America at (516) 873-2364 or call your local insurance company.

For all classes, each participant must bring his/her driver’s license and checkbook when registering and attend all parts of the course to receive credit. Classes are held on the lower level in the Community Room and begin promptly.

Drivers 50 and older can take the AARP driving course given by Mr. Charles Hlavenka. He is also offering two classes this summer. A $10 check, payable to AARP, is due at registration.
(1) The first class for 50+ drivers will be on Wednesdays, July 16 and 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration for W.H. residents begins at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1. Non-residents may register on Tuesday, July 8.
(2) The second class for 50+ drivers will be on one day, Tuesday, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including ½ hour for lunch.) West Hempstead residents may register at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4 and non-residents may register on Monday, August 11.

For other locations and dates, call AARP at 1-888-227-7669 or go to AARP's Safety Search page. Many libraries offer these extremely popular, highly affordable ($10) classes, so be sure to call ahead!

Why should kids have all the fun?

Participate from Monday, July 7 through Friday, July 25 and you, too, might win a prize for reading!

Just read or listen to a library book. Fill out a review form (available in the library) or down load it here. Drop the completed form in a special box located at the Reference Desk. The more reviews you write, the more chances you’ll have to win the prizes given at the end of the program.

If permission is given, we may post some reviews on our website so you can see what others in West Hempstead have been reading. Maybe you will find some new titles or authors to read!

Here is an excellent opportunity to get help researching your family history.

Our workshop on Wednesday, April 9 from 10-11:30 am, will focus on the valuable resources your library provides to help you dig through the myriad records that exist scattered in bits and pieces in various hard-to-access records. The Ancestry Library Edition provides a wealth of information in one convenient place and is available only in the library.

Bring your genealogy questions and our experienced reference librarian will help you find the answers to help you identify your kin.

If you can't make it to the workshop, you might consider using our new Book-a-Librarian Service, which allows West Hempstead patrons to reserve a free 30-minute session with a professional librarian to focus on your research interests.

Call the library 481-6591 or email us for more information.

Share your ideas and meet others in your community who are committed to the needs of older Long Islanders.

WHAT: Libraries for Today and Tomorrow: The Greatest Generation to the Boomer Generation.
WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Westbury Public Library, 445 Jefferson St, Westbury, NY 11590.
DETAILS: The summit is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served. Space is limited so advanced registration is required.

For more information or to register, please call 516-292-8920 ext. 236, or e-mail workshops@nassaulibrary.org with "Summit" in the subject line.

Because our very popular two-day AARP Driver Safety Class for drivers age 50 and over fills up almost instantly, we have scheduled a class in April and another class in May. So, don't be disappointed! Mark your calendar now, and remember the signup dates.

REGISTRATION DATES FOR BOTH CLASSES:
West Hempstead residents - Monday March 31, 9 a.m. at the Reference Desk.
Non-residents - Friday April 4, 9 a.m. at the Reference Desk.

The class in April will be taught by Hank Goldman: Monday April 7 and Thursday April 10 - 9:30 am – 1:30 pm.

The class in May will be taught by Charley Hlavenka: Two Thursdays, May 1 and May 8 - 9:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Every year the IRS supplies us with a limited supply of basic tax forms. This year they are located in a cart on the main floor of the library, near the entrance to the Children's Room.

Additional Federal forms and State forms are available online and may be downloaded at home or in the library.

Don't forget that this year you must make an appointment for assistance from our AARP Tax Aides. Call 481-6591 or stop at the Reference Desk to reserve a one hour block of time. Tax assistance will be available every Friday (except March 21), beginning February 8 to April 11, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Check this list of our NEWEST LARGE TYPE books. Click on the title to check the Online Library Catalog to see if the book is currently available and to REQUEST IT FROM HOME by using your personal account.

Both fiction and non-fiction titles are shelved on the first floor of the new library in the wing facing Hempstead Avenue. When you visit us, ask a Reference Librarian to steer you in the right direction.

Our very popular two-day AARP Driver Safety Class for drivers age 50 and over has been scheduled for Tuesdays, February 5 & 12 from 9:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. in the Community Room on the Lower Level, accessible by stairs or elevator. You must attend both sessions. The cost is a reasonable $10.

Registration for West Hempstead residents begins Tuesday, January 22 at 9 a.m. at the Reference Desk. Make your check payable to: AARP. Non-residents may register beginning on Tuesday, January 29.

Have you found our Large Print books in the new library?

Look for them in the Fiction section on the ground floor, between the regular fiction and the mysteries.

For help, ask a librarian at the reference desk.

Here is a list of the latest arrivals.

New for 2007: We are pleased to add to our Family Pass Program, the American Museum of Natural History!
Instead of the lottery that we usually offer for this popular NYC cultural institution, WHPLibrary patrons may now borrow a Family Pass that provides complimentary general admission and special exhibition tickets for up to six people, including free admission to IMAX films and coat checking privileges.

We will also continue to offer Family Passes for:

For information about reserving these passes, please contact the Reference Dept (516) 481-6591.

Did you know that the library has a growing number of books labeled "Large Print" in a special area called our LARGE TYPE collection? We have adult best sellers, romance, suspense, mysteries, the full Harry Potter series, a small collection of non-fiction, and the Readers Digest magazine in large print.

What's different is that the text passages are printed in a larger font size (18+) compared to the smaller font sizes (8-12) commonly used in the publishing world.

If you would like to give your eyes a rest, click here to view THE LATEST LARGE PRINT TITLES in the adult area.

We also have large print titles in the Young Adult area and selected children's large print titles in the Children's Department. Check with the librarians for more information.

Don’t know what to do with your old cell phones?

Phones for Life is a non-profit organization which distributes free cell phones to senior citizens, adults with serious disabilities, and victims of domestic abuse. The West Hempstead Public Library collects old cell phones in cooperation with Phones for Life. Drop your phone into the box by the water fountain.

For more information about this valuable program, click here: www.phones4life.org
Save a life, donate your phone today.

AARP tax aide counselors are here on Fridays from 9 am -1 pm. The service is provided free of charge to low and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those aged 60 and older.

Please remember that the library is closed on Friday April 6. Don't wait until the last minute! The counselors can only see 8 people maximum per session in the time provided.