New & Noteworthy @ WHPLibrary

In today's economy, what's the one place you can go to get help with a resume (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.

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

What if you could have fun, educate yourself, and help feed the hungry...? Would you try it?"

Here's your chance to play a game to fight World Hunger. For each answer you get right, sponsors of the website, Free Rice, donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.

The English vocabulary game on the homepage is designed to help you think, write, and speak more effectively. (And maybe score higher on tests like the SAT, GRE, LSAT and GMAT?) If your computer has speakers, you can even hear how the words are pronounced. But you don't have to stop there. If you click on the Subjects link, you can choose math, science, geography, art history, other languages and more.

Anyone can play this game, young or old. The computer will adjust to your skill level and keep it challenging. Give it a minute, and you may come back for more.

FreeRice began on October 7, 2007. Over 66 billion grains of rice have been donated as of August 9, 2009.

Registration for our next S.A.T. Preparation Workshop begins Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Young Adult Desk.

This is a six-week math and verbal course to help high school sophomores, juniors and seniors prepare for the S.A.T. given in November.

Classes will be held Thursdays October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5 from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. An $80 check, payable to Melissa Bielawski, is required at registration. Please note that the class is limited to 30 students, so register early!

Students are required to bring to class McGraw Hill’s SAT, 2010 edition, by Christopher Black & Mark Anestis. The ISBN is 978-007-162-5463. Please be sure to purchase the book before the first session since it will be used extensively in class.

For your convenience, we have extracted the reading list pages from the 22 page file on the WH High School Website. (You will need Adobe Reader to open these links.)

Reading Lists by Grade
Regents Level Required Reading
Reading List for Honors and AP
Literature Review Sheets
Assignment for 10H
Assignment for 11H-11AP
Assignment for 11AP
Assignment for 12AP
Assignment for 12HC
Reading Selections

The Summer Reading carts for the WH Public High School and Middle School are set up near the entrance to the Children's Room on the main floor of the library. The books on the high school cart (Black Cart) are arranged in alphabetical order by author. They are not separated by grade.

Please note that you are allowed to check out ONLY ONE REQUIRED summer reading book at a time. Once the first summer reading book is returned you are then allowed to check out another.

Check the WHMS webpage for your Summer Reading Lists and Study Guides, which are posted by grade. (You will need Adobe Reader to open these links.)

This year, every middle school student is required to read three (3) books. Only ONE is ASSIGNED by Grade Level and the others are by the student's choice. At least one of the two books by student’s choice must be non-fiction. Additionally, each student must complete the appropriate fiction or non-fiction Study Guide for each book read.

The Summer Reading carts holding the Required Reading selections for the WH Public High School and Middle School are set up on the main floor of the library near the entrance to the Children's Room. The books on the middle school cart are separated by grade and are color-coded:
     GREEN dots=6th grade on Hatchet, by Gary Paulson
     BLUE dots=7th grade on Scorpions by Walter Dean Myers - (7th grade students) or Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko - (7th grade HONORS students)
     YELLOW dots=8th grade on Tunes for Bears to Dance To by Robert Cormier - (8th grade students) or Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton - (8th grade HONORS students)

This year, since the other two books are by student choice, you have great freedom to read whatever you want, but of course, with freedom comes responsibility. You will have to check the online catalog to locate your student choice books!

Remember that you can check the catalog from home and reserve books from any library in Nassau County through our inter-library loan system. If you need help, please ask a librarian.

Haga clic aquí para video en español.

Read at least 4 books and send in your minireviews by August 7 to receive an invitation to our pizza party on Thursday, August 13 featuring entertainment by The Spoon Man.

As an added bonus, every Monday in July, one person will win a $10 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. You must join our club and submit reviews to be eligible.

For more fun and games this summer, EXPRESS YOURSELF with Games, Puzzles, and More...

The West Hempstead Union Free School District is sponsoring a Family Literacy Night, to be held at West Hempstead High School, located at 400 Nassau Boulevard on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The program is free to District families K-12, but registration is required. All students must be accompanied by a parent / guardian. Infants and preschoolers must be supervised by parents.

Family Literacy Night features a multicultural pavilion with music, food and dancing. Events include games, arts/crafts, parent workshops, students performing fairy tales and magic acts, parent/guest interactive read alouds, and multicultural stories.

Representatives from the West Hempstead Public Library will be available to help kick off the library's summer reading programs.

If you have any questions call Kathleen O’Farrell, Director of English at West Hempstead High School: 516-390-3255 or email : kofarrell@whufsd.com

A Special Workshop for Teens!
Terry Parrett will show you how to set up, operate, and promote different types of businesses.

Don't miss this workshop! It didn't make it into the library's spring newsletter, but it's bound to fill up quickly. Registration begins Monday, May 4th at the Young Adult Desk.

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.

The West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund, Inc. (WHCSF) awards scholarships to residents of the WH Union Free School District, students from the Island Park School District who attend WHHS, and graduates of WHHS who are continuing their education beyond high school.

The Scholarship Fund will award 3 or more scholarships based on character, potential and financial need. The Selection Committee has the option to grant (1) single award based solely on character and potential, without regard to financial need. This year, each individual award will be two thousand dollars ($2000).

Students may pick up applications in the Young Adult corner of the library. They are located in a bin near the FAFSA application forms and other materials on financial aid.

If you need help with the application, contact the Chairperson of the Selection Committee, Marylyn Varriale at 481-6566. The deadline is midnight on Friday, April 3, 2009.

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!

Got questions? Click through to our Live Librarian® service anytime, day or night, if you have basic reference questions and would like a private, one-on-one, CHAT session with a Reference Librarian.

The Live Librarian® Reference Librarians cannot provide legal, medical or tax advice, or computer technical support. What they will do is use a variety of online subscription products and the Internet to answer your questions and help you with your Internet searches.

When the question requires more in-depth research tools than are available online, the Live Librarian® may refer users to their home library. Find our Live Librarian® logo on the left side panel of our West Hempstead Public Library website, www.whplibrary.org/

We are pleased to announce that the Library is now a "Season Ticket" Holder to the Sports Museum of America.

Sports fans, coaches, and athletes will love the interactive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and more than 800 artifacts, 1,100 photos, and 20 original films within the 19 galleries representing a multitude of sports, from baseball to football, basketball to soccer, figure skating to extreme sports, and everything in between.

We have added the SmA to the Museum Family Passes that we lend, like a book, to our West Hempstead Public library patrons in good standing. This season we have a grand total of 8 museums in our family pass lineup and one that we offer by a lottery system.

Stop by at the reference desk to reserve a pass, or call 481-6591 for more information.

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

Did you know that Edgar Allan Poe’s Short Stories can be found on-line on many websites including Great Literature Online at http://www.classicauthors.net/

WHHS readers might appreciate these:
“The Fall of the House of Usher,”
“The Masque of Red Death,”
“The Pit and the Pendulum,”
“The Black Cat,”
“The Cask of Amontillado.”

For more information about other online texts (homework help!) check out the Internet Public Library.

For your convenience, we have extracted the reading list pages for you. For information about the assignments, check the WH High School Website
(You will need Adobe Reader to open these links.)

Reading Lists by Grade
Regents Level Required Reading
Reading List for Honors and AP
Literature Review Sheets
Assignment for 10H
Assignment for 11H, 11AP
Assignment for 12AP, 12HC
Other Subjects

The Summer Reading carts for the WH Public High School and Middle School are set up by the American flag on the main floorof the library. The books on the high school cart (Black Cart) are arranged in alphabetical order by author. They are not separated by grade.

Please note that patrons are allowed to check out only one summer reading book at a time. Once the first summer reading book is returned they are then allowed to check out another.

The library has a limited supply of books for summer reading assignments. Please remember that patrons may check out only one summer reading book at a time. Once that book is returned, another summer reading book may then be checked out.

The Summer Reading carts for the WH Public High School and Middle School are set up on the main floor of the library by the American flag. The books on the middle school cart are separated by grade and are color-coded: green dots=6th grade, blue dots=7th grade, and black dots=8th grade.

Here are links to the West Hempstead Middle School website and the 2008 WH Middle School Reading List and Letter to Parents. (You will need Adobe Reader to open these links.)

6th grade (Look for GREEN dots)
7th grade (Look for BLUE dots)
8th grade (Look for BLACK dots)
Fiction Study Guide
NonFiction Study Guide

Metamorphosis ...... Change ...... Transformation
What does it mean to you?
Can you help change the world? ... Your neighborhood? ... Yourself?

The 2008 New York Statewide Summer Reading Progam provides games and activities to help you investigate this theme. Explore metamorphosis online! Then come to the library for more summertime reading and activities.

This class will introduce you to the slow, graceful movements of the Tai Chi form and its unique philosophy. The movements are designed to promote good health, body awareness and harmony between the body and the mind. As the movements are gentle, Tai Chi does not require any special athletic ability.

Tai Chi seeks to develop the mind rather than the muscle. Let a different way of moving in the world inspire you! Join us in this age old Chinese “exercise.”

To reserve your place, come to the YA desk, email the Reference Desk, or call 481-6591.

The West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund, Inc. (WHCSF) awards scholarships to residents of the WH Union Free School District, students from the Island Park School District who attend WHHS, and graduates of WHHS who are continuing their education beyond high school.

This year, each individual award will be two thousand dollars ($2000). The awards (3 or more) are based on character, potential and financial need. The Selection Committee has the option to grant (1) single award based solely on character and potential, without regard to financial need.

Students may pick up applications in the Young Adult corner of the library. They are located in a bin near the FAFSA application forms.

The West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund (WHCSF) is sponsoring a college planning workshop on Thursday, January 31 from 7 to 9 PM in the Community Room on the Lower Level of the West Hempstead Public Library. It is open to all high school students and their families, but seating is limited. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost of the seminar is $45 per student and $15 per accompanying adult. The experts from College Coach have donated their time and materials. All proceeds go to the WH Community Scholarship Fund for future scholarships.

Pre-registration is required and the deadline for registration is Friday, January 25. To register, make checks payable to: "West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund" and mail to P.O. Box 304, West Hempstead, NY 11552.

For more information, the community should call the Scholarship Fund Workshop coordinator, Shawn Vogel at (516) 486-4576.

Registration begins Monday, February 4 at the Young Adult desk.

This is a six-week math and verbal course to help high school sophomores and juniors prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Classes will be held Thursdays: March 6, 13, 27, April 3, 17, and May 1 from 6:45-8:45 p.m. Class will not be held on March 20, April 10 and April 24.

An $80 check, payable to Melissa Bielawski, is required at registration. Students are required to bring to class McGraw Hill’s SAT I, 2008 edition, by Christopher Black & Mark Anestis. The ISBN is 978-007-149-3390. Please be sure to bring the book to each class.

"Staffmember Matthew DeGuglielmis began working as a page in the West Hempstead Public Library starting in June 2000. This is the picture taken of him for his employee badge. To many of us, he was more than a co-worker. He was like a brother, or son, or grandson.

We were privileged to witness his growth into manhood. He was full of spirit and liked to test the limits, and often did so. We will always remember his love for cars, his passion for life, and the courage with which he met each day.

We mourn his loss on December 10, 2007." Linda Joe

"Matt had dreams. One he shared with me was his hope to find a career or job in which he could help others. He considered working in some capacity in patient support, knowing that his experiences made him well-qualified to support and encourage the sick or disabled.

Matt was a Yankees fan, but he was gentle with us suffering Mets loyalists. He endured our teasing as he pursued his driver's permit and license. He loved to strut his car around the library parking lot - putting all our non-descript vehicles to shame." Barbara Dreher

"Matt was a special friend to me. I plan the adult programs and his first words to me when he came to work were, 'OK, so what do we have today and where do I set up?'

I guess you could say he was my sergeant at arms and more than that, my buddy. I always called him 'Mattress' and he thought that was so funny. Matt was a great kid with a wonderful smile and a multitude of problems, yet showed great strength and never whined. I will always be thankful that I was lucky to have his friendship and will remember him with fondness and love.

His folks did a great job raising him." Beni Argis

"I'll remember Matt with fondness and love. When he first came to work with us as a page, Matt was so easy to train. He was enthusiastic and took to 'paging' with intelligence and a quiet demeanor. He was very polite as a young boy of 16!" Ruth Weber

"Matt will always be remembered to me as 'Buddy'. When I first met him several years ago, we hit it off big. For some reason, I called him Buddy and every time after that I, along with my children, would always exclaim 'BU-DDY!!!' to greet him.

When I worked at night, we would always talk about everything, from cars to girls. I remember him planning for his prom - it brought back memories. Since I didn't have a brother, it was like him looking up to me for advice. I also remember the Mustang, especially when he installed the air induction unit- he wanted more horsepower! Matt would tell of his dad's plans for the car and how he wanted different modifications.

I'll miss him, as we all will. God bless you Buddy, and my prayers go out to your family. Rest in Peace." Tommy Mascia

"Matt was a source of light for our library with his youthful charm and friendliness. He was a brave young man whose personal battle with cancer infused him with an empathy for the 'patient.' This was to be a path for a future vocation...if only. Miss you, Matt." Peggy Libby

"We will always remember Matt's infectious smile and constant friendliness. He will be always missed and never forgotten." Dave Whelpley

We do! We love reading. We love books. We love our library!
If you do, too, consider a library career.

The library world is rapidly changing as a result of the Internet and the easy access it gives to information and social networks across the globe.

Our mission and our skills as librarians place us in the forefront as guides to the ever-challenging task of organizing, evaluating, and delivering the myriad volumes and forms of information that overwhelm us on a daily basis.

Read some librarian blogs to get insight into what we do in public libraries, school libraries, academic and corporate settings. Find out if librarianship is right for you!

Here is a little quiz to see if you know what librarians do!

We offer a great resource that may help you find the career that is perfect just for you!

You can access the Career Cruising database at home or in the library to find jobs that match your unique interests, learn about different occupations, and find out how to get the best education to jumpstart your new career!

The Career Cruising database is updated frequently with new features and content to stay relevant. Here are just a few of the new occupational profiles recently added to the Explore Careers section.

Our first book discussion in the new library will be held in the second floor Board Room on February 7, 2008 at 7 pm.

Our selection, The Awakening by Kate Chopin, shocked the public and was harshly criticized when it was first published in 1899. It re-emerged from obscurity in the late 1960’s as social and cultural changes led to the recognition of Chopin as a classic writer who addresses many of contemporary women's concerns.

According to biographer, Emily Toth, "Kate Chopin anticipated so much: daytime dramas, women's pictures, The Feminine Mystique, open marriages, women's liberation, talk shows, Mars vs. Venus, self-help and consciousness raising. But in 1899, she was a lonely pioneer."

Here are some links to whet your appetite:
Editorial Reviews, courtesy of Amazon Books
The Kate Chopin International Society
PBS Program "Kate Chopin: A Re-Awakening"

Join us as we explore our own reactions and share insights on the themes of personal freedom, alienation and loneliness, public identity vs. private needs, and more.

Books will be available at the circulation desk in January. Please stop by the Reference Desk or call 481-6591 to register.

Patrons have been seeking a quiet zone in the library for many years. At last, we are able to accommodate this need in our new building.

We have designated the space on the second floor outside the Tutor Rooms and in the Periodicals (magazines and newspapers) Section as our Quiet Study Area. Here you will find individual study carrels similar to those you find in university libraries, large tables where you may spread out your materials, and easy chairs where you can sink in and get comfortable.

Patrons in this area must maintain reasonable silence. Conversational noise is allowed only within the Tutor Rooms. No audible tutoring may take place in the Quiet Study Area. Groupwork is likewise banned from this area and should be carried out elsewhere in the library. There are areas on the first floor to accommodate these needs.

Persons making noise or in other ways disturbing the Quiet in the Study Area will be instructed to leave this area immediately.

Please respect our "Silence is Golden" policy.

In our new library we have created two rooms for the purpose of tutoring. Both the tutor and the student must register at the Information Desk on the second floor and present identification prior to using these rooms.

The tutoring rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but preference will be given to West Hempstead patrons. West Hempstead patrons also have the privilege of reserving a tutoring room 24 hours in advance. Rooms may be used for a maximum of 3 hours in any day.

Please call 481-6591 and ask to speak to a reference librarian for more information about library guidelines regarding the use of these rooms.

The pressure is on to complete your Science Fair Project... We can help with our Virtual Science Reference Books! Check out the titles listed here!
Here's a tip:
Click on the book title, then click on the eTable of Contents, then click on each page to reach the content. A little bit of work, but well worth the time and effort to discover all this information ONLINE! 24/7! There are lots of illustrations, in full color, too.
You will need to enter your library barcode, so have it ready!
And have fun at the Fair!

Visit the Young Adult Magazine corner in our new Young Adult room.

Feel free to browse our holdings: Calliope, Cicada, Gamepro, J-14, Seventeen, Shojo Beat, Shonen Jump, Skateboarding, Teen Vogue, and WWF.

Current magazines displayed in the binders on the magazine racks must be read in the library, but back issues of all these magazines may be checked out. The back issues are stored in the magazine racks - ask a librarian for help finding your favorite issues.

If the Young Adult Librarian is not at her desk, she may be helping out at the Main Reference Desk or at the Information Desk on the second floor, so please check in at those locations if you need assistance.

Announcing the arrival of our newest database: Science Reference Center.

Science Reference Center is a comprehensive research database that provides easy access to 639 full-text science-specific titles. Designed to support the middle and high school curriculums, Science Reference Center encompasses all disciplines of science.

Biology, chemistry, earth, space, life, physical, and environmental sciences are covered as well as health and medicine, science in society, science as inquiry, history of science, technology, scientists, and wildlife. Sources include reference books, encyclopedias, periodicals, newspapers, biographies and images. (Source: EBSCO Support web site)

To access the Science Reference Center,

Go to: www.whplibrary.org/research
Click on E and then on EBSCOhost Web.
Enter your library barcode number.
Click on Science Reference Center.

There is a new website for teens in Nassau County created by the Nassau Library System. Look for reviews of books, games, and movies. The site also has links to Yahoo news and an "information" page.

Be sure to check this site out!
http://www.nassaulibrary.org/teens/index.php.

The library has a supply of books for summer reading assignments. Please remember that only one book per student may be checked out per visit to ensure that everyone has a chance to use these books.

The middle school books are color-coded by grade level: green dots-6th, blue dots-7th, and black dots-8th. They can be found on a bookcart near the graphic novel section. The high school books are on a separate cart, also parked near the graphic novels.

Here are links to the West Hempstead Union Free School District websites:

West Hempstead Middle School

West Hempstead High School

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.

Our graphic novel collection continues to be popular. Besides the usual Batman and Superman titles, look for:

Ann M. Martin's "The Baby-Sitters Club: The Truth About Stacey"

and Erin Hunter's "The Lost Warrior."

Also check out Anthony Horowitz's "Stormbreaker: the Graphic Novel."

We are starting a Young Adult Graphic Novel Club!!

Attention West Hempstead young adults entering grades 6 through 12!

Don't forget to sign-up for the Summer Reading Club!

Just read 4 books by Friday, August 3rd and you will be invited to a pizza party on Thursday, August 16th that will include giveaways and entertainment provided by Erik's Reptile Edventures.

For those of you interested in this summer's "Who done it?" theme, you also might want to check out our "CSI:Who Done It" Program on June 28.

Any questions? Email or call Mrs. Abed at 481-6591.

So...what do you want to be when you grow up??

Whether you are 13, or 35 (and looking for a change), we can offer inspiration and information.

Find career descriptions, search for colleges and universities that offer programs of interest and financial aid, use the career matchmaker to explore occupations that suit your interests and lifestyle demands.

You can even create a career portfolio with notes or questions to share with your college adviser and begin building a resume for your first job in your new career. Check out Career Cruising today! You will find it on our research database page under "C."

Here are some reliable resources for classroom assignments related to biomes.

Some are Reference Books (for use only in the library). Others are Non-Fiction Books you can check out (Use the Dewey numbers to find them). Database links may be used in the library or from home to access resources such as Groliers New Book of Popular Science.
We have also included a select list of web sites. (Point to the links with your mouse to open the websites.)

Questions? Need help using these research tools? Call the reference desk (481-6591), drop in, or ask a reference librarian.

The Nassau County Legislature is seeking its first Poet Laureate charged with the responsibility of “promoting and encouraging poetry within the county and giving two public readings within the county each year.”

To qualify for the position of Nassau County Poet Laureate (NCPL), a poet will be a resident of Nassau County, and remain a resident for the length of his/her poet laureate position, be eighteen years of age or older, submit a one page resume and submit up to three representative samples of poetry (not to exceed three pages, total), understand the NCPL term is two years, and understand, according to the Nassau County Poet Laureate Law (Title 59), “the poet laureate shall promote and encourage poetry within the county and shall give two public readings within the county each year.” (read the full flyer)

If you are interested in being considered for the position of Nassau County Poet Laureate (NCPL), please send your contact information (name, address, phone number, e-mail address), resume and poems, along with a brief statement that outlines why you think you are a good candidate for consideration, by MARCH 30, 2007, to Paula Camacho via e-mail at PaulaCamF@aol.com

You should have received your Spring 2007 newsletter in the mail. If not, or if it has somehow gone missing since it passed through your hands, you can now view it on our website or print it out on your home computer. A link to the full copy can be found on the adult page and age appropriate pages for young adults and for children can also be found on their respective webpages.

High school students who reside in West Hempstead and Island Park students who attend W.H. High School are eligible to apply for the West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund, Inc. (WHCSF) awards of $2,000.

Applications are available at your school or in the public library. Don't miss this opportunity!

Call Marylyn Varriale 481-6566 if you have questions.

"Which book have you enjoyed that makes you appreciate the freedom to read?"

Write your answer in one or two pages and send it with this entry form by April 9, 2007. You may win a Barnes & Noble gift card and be honored at a gala reception at the Carle Place store on Thursday April 26, 7:30 pm. The age categories are: 5-12 years old, 13-17 years old, 18+ years old.

If you have any questions, call Mr. Ludemann at 377-6112 ext.103 or email him.

This is the Third Annual Essay Contest sponsored by the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Nassau County Library Association