North Baltimore Public Library  

By our friendly Librarians

 

A Sad Farewell

   Long-time Library Board member Donn Foltz passed away Sunday, January 29th.  Donn was 91 years old and was born here in North Baltimore in 1920. 

   He was a veteran of WW2, an active member of the community and served as Vice-President of the Library Board at the time of his death

 

 

The State of the Library

 

   The North Baltimore Public Library finished 2011 with some highs and lows, but with much optimism for 2012. While we saw our circulation drop nearly 5% from 119,763 to 113,774, we saw a nearly 200% increase in patrons downloading ebooks.

   Programs which have long been an added bonus to library users were well received with various story times, after school activities, movies, summer and winter reading, an author visit, and computer classes to name a few.

   Community support saw an all time high with the passage of the levy.  We received much needed revenue to increase hours and keep vital services.

   Community members donated money and/or books for memorials and used books and materials for the Friends of the Library spring and fall book sales.  Volunteers helped with these sales, which in turn raised money for the library to add things that would not have, otherwise, been possible.

   We participated in a Scholastic Book Fair this summer as well as a well-received Summer reading Program which saw more than 460 adults, teens and children sign up to read.

 

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

The Friends of the North Baltimore Library had their annual meeting in the Wolfe Community Room on January 30. The group reviewed the membership drive and book sales. They also heard reports of projects completed during the past year and decided on projects for this coming year.

  

   The Friends of the North Baltimore Library are accepting new members and the renewals of past members. At the close of 2011, the Friends group has 41 members for 2012, which is a little lower than last year.

   All members were sent a membership reminder and form.  If you were a member and have not turned in your membership for 2012, it is not too late. And if you’ve lost your form, extra forms are available. Membership fees are taken at the main circulation desk. We also have thank you gifts available when you pay your membership.

 

 

Confused about eReaders and eBooks?

 

We will be hosting an eReader Informational Program given by a representative from Best Buy on February 22nd at 6:30 PM. 

Join us for a review of current eReaders, how to get eBooks from the Library, and how to use the Library’s catalog to find the eBook you want.

This is a free presentation and all are welcome.

It’s TAX TIME

Tax Forms are available near the Main Desk.  We have copies of the most common forms.

If you need other forms, many are found on the IRS’s website at www.irs.gov.

If you are filing a form 1040EZ, many companies will file from their website for free.  Check out the IRS’s website for details.

 

 

 

Need Help With Car Repairs?  Chilton Databases can help!

Go to the Home page and scroll down to the Chilton icon and click on it.

There is no charge for this service.

 

 

 

Mango Languages

Want to learn a foreign language or brush up on that high school language you took?  Log onto Mango Languages from our website.  Create a profile and you’re ready to go.  Go to http://nbpubliclibrary.org and click on the “About Us” link then choose “Mango Languages.”

 

 

Check out Lori’s new blog at:

http://lori-list.blogspot.com/

 

Come visit us on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/ NorthBaltimorePublicLibrary

 

We Twitter at:

http://twitter.com/nbpubliclibrary

 

The long anticipated

Return of the Chocolate Fountain!

Coming on February 20th at 4:00 there will be goodies and pop and, at last, the Chocolate Fountain returns!  Mmmm-mmmm!

See Holly for details.

 

Children’s News & Notes

February 2012

 

AFTER SCHOOL STORY SURPRISE

every Wednesday

from 2:45 to 3:30 pm for grades K-5

If NB school is cancelled,

there will be no after school program.

 

TODDLER STORY TIME

Tuesday, Feb. 28 @ 10:30 am

for ages 1 to 3 with an adult

 

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

Wednesday, Feb. 29 @ 6:30 pm

for ages 3 1/2 to 6

Weekly Story Times will resume in March.

 

 

Craft Day

Friday, February 3

10:30-12:30 & 2-5

Join us to make a fun project!  Be creative!

 

Winter Reading

Continue to sign up for the prize drawing each day you check out through February 9.  Add a Book Review to our review binder for an extra entry!  Check out a "Daily Bonus Book" for a third entry!  Look for our lucky winners to be announced on Monday, Feb. 13.  And keep on reading!

 

Kids Science Observations:

“A blizzard is when it snows sideways."

 

 

Any questions?  See Miss Cheryl in the Children’s Room, call (ext. 2)

or email - cheryl@nbpubliclibrary.org

 

 

BIRTHDAY CLUB - February 2012

 

Feb. 2- Katty Chapman – age 12

 

Feb. 4 - Billy Trout – age 12

 

Feb. 8 - Levi Trout – age 10

 

Feb. 9 – Aidan Sponsler – age 7

 

Feb. 9 - James Rader Jr. – age 10

 

Feb. 11 – Hailey Powell – age 12

 

Feb. 12 – Evan Pelton – age 7

 

Feb. 12 – Denny Simon – age 8

 

Feb. 12 – Damon Dotson – age 12

 

Feb. 13 – Brandon Haynes – age 11

 

Feb. 14 – Quinn Landenberger – age 5

 

Feb. 14 - Allison Kepling – age 11

 

Feb. 18 – Olivia Courtney – age 7

 

Feb. 19 – Paige Rosselet – age 9

 

Feb. 19 – Isabella Buchanan – age 11

 

Feb. 22 – Logan Saum – age 7

 

Feb. 24 – Eli Franks – age 9

 

Feb. 25 – Hunter Baker – age 9

 

Feb. 26 – Aidan Houck – age 9

 

 

 

The Two of Something Quiz

#Answers to the Quiz

(No Cheating! No dictionaries!)

 

1. If one is a hippopotamus then two are:

a. hippopotamus

b. hippopotami

c. hippopotamuses

d. hippopotamis

 

2. If one is an elephant then two are:

a. elephants

b. elephant

c. elephanti

d. elephantis

 

3. If one is a radius then two are:

a. radius

b. radiuses

c. radii

d. radiis

 

4. If one is a louse then two are:

a. lousi       

b. louses

c. lice        

d. lices

 

5. If one is an analysis then two are:

a. analysises

b. analysis’

c. analysas

d. analyses

 

6. If one is a court martial then two are:

a. court of martials

b. court martials

c. courts martials

d. courts martial

 

7. If one is a wheeze then two are:

a. wheezed

b. wheezi

c. wheezes

d. whooze

 

8. If one is a phenomenon then two are:

a. phenomenon

b. phenomena

c. phenomenons

d. phenomenas

 

9. If one is a focus then two are:

a. foci        

b. focus

c. focuses  

d. focis

 

10. If one is a potato then two are:

a. potatos

b. potatoes

c. potato

d. potatoeses

 

 

 

 Almanac

February -- month of Februa

Februa is the Roman festival of purification, held on February fifteenth. It is possibly of Sabine origin.

February was the twelfth month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar.

 

February’s Birthstone is the amethyst, which is a purple gemstone.

February’s Flower is the Violet, which symbolizes faithfulness.

 

 

Why is February so short?

Many believe that the reason February has only 28 days is because Julius Caesar took one day from February and added it to “his” month, July, giving it 31 days.  When Octavian was proclaimed Emperor after Caesar’s death, he took the name Augustus.  He added a day to “his” month, August, as well.

 

 

 

 

February's Full Moon is the Snow Moon.

The typically cold, snowy weather of February in North America earned its full moon the name snow moon. Other common names include storm moon and hunger moon.

 

February’s Full Moon will be on Tuesday, February 7th.

 

Thirty days hath September,

 

April, June, and November;

 

All the rest have thirty-one,

 

Excepting February alone,

 

And it has twenty-eight days time,

 

But in leap years, February has twenty-nine.

 

 

 

Cross-Quarter Days

   A Cross-Quarter day is half way between a Solstice and an Equinox. This is from ancient times, and there are many familiar holidays at these half way points.  The first week of February is when the first Cross-Quarter day in the calendar falls.  We observe Groundhog Day during this time.  This is the half-way point of winter. 

   There is an old proverb that goes:  “Half your wood and half your hay you should still have on Candlemas Day.”  What this means is that whatever stocks you need to store for winter use, you should have at least half of that amount left by February 2^nd. 

 

Holidays to Remember:

February

February is . . . . Blah Buster Month, Embroidery Month, Snack Food Month, Responsible Pet Owner Month, Return Carts to the Supermarket Month, Creative Romance Month, Canned Food Month

 

February 1 is . . . . . Royal Canadian Mounted Police Day

February 2 is . . . . . Groundhog Day!

February 3 is . . . . . Carrot Cake Day 

February 4 is . . . . . Thank a Mailman Day 

February 5 is . . . . . Weatherperson’s Day

February 6 is . . . . . Play Monopoly Day

February 7 is . . . . . Charles Dickens Day

February 8 is . . . . . Kite Flying Day

February 9 is . . . . . Toothache Day

February 10 is . . . . Umbrella Day

February 11 is . . . . White Tee-Shirt Day

February 12 is . . . . Plum Pudding Day

February 13 is . . . . Dream of Your Sweetheart Day 

February 14 is . . . . Heart to Heart Day

February 15 is . . . . Gum Drop Day

February 16 is . . . . Do a Grouch a Favor Day

February 17 is . . . . Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 18 is . . . . Air Mail Day

February 19 is . . . . Chocolate Mint Day

February 20 is . . . . Hoodie Hoo Day

February 21 is . . . . Card Reading Day

February 22 is . . . . Be Humble Day

February 23 is . . . . Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

February 24 is . . . . Tortilla Chip Day

February 25 is . . . . We Don’t Have a Day Here Day – So make up your own holiday.

February 26 is . . . . Pistachio Day

February 27 is . . . . Polar Bear Day

February 28 is . . . . Public Sleeping Day

February 29 is . . . . Big Band Music Day

 

More Info on Hoodie Hoo Day

This day is celebrated in an interesting way. At high noon everyone yells "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase away winter and make way for spring.

 

 

Birthdays of Famous People Who Never Existed

 

Doug Heffernan (King of Queens): February 9, 1965

Superman: February 19, 1938

Pebbles Flintstone: February 22, 1963 (or 10,000 B.C)

Bart Simpson: February 23.

 

 

Answers to the Two of Something Quiz

#Return to the Quiz

1. B. hippopotami

 

2. A. elephants

 

3. C. radii

 

4. C. lice

 

5. D. analyses

 

6. D. courts martial

 

7. C. wheezes

 

8. B. phenomena

 

9. A. foci

 

10. B. potatoes

Valentine’s Day

Every February 14th, gifts, candy and cards are exchanged between loved ones on St. Valentine’s Day. No one is exactly sure which St. Valentine’s birthday we are celebrating, (there were 3,) but there are many legends of this special day. The favorite explanation is the Valentine who was a priest in the 3rd century in Rome. He was jailed by the emperor and met the jailer’s daughter when she visited the prison. Valentine sent her a love letter signed, “From your Valentine”, which is the expression still used today.  Valentine was the favorite Saint of the Middle Ages, appealing to the romantic hero in all of us.

To whichever St. Valentine we owe the day to, we say thanks for the opportunity to do something special for those we love. Many on Valentine’s Day give flowers, candy and cards to their sweethearts.

 

 

Valentine Food For Thought

 

Cabbage always has a heart;

Green beans string along.

You're such a cute tomato,

Will you peas to me belong?

You've been the apple of my eye,

You know how much I care;

So lettuce get together,

We'd make a perfect pear.

Now, something's sure to turnip

to prove you can't be beet;

So, if you carrot all for me

let's let our tulips meet.

Don't squash my hopes and dreams now,

Bee my honey, dear;

Or tears will fill potato's eyes,

While sweet corn lends an ear.

I'll cauliflower shop and say,

Your dreams are parsley mine.

I'll work and share my celery,

So be my valentine.

Jeanne Losey

 

 

Flowers

 

California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine's Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. Flowers carried a secret symbolic valentine message:

Bleeding Heart—hopeless but not heartless;

Gardenia—I secretly love you;

Gladiolus—you pierce my heart;

Lily-of-the Valley—let’s make up;

Rose—I love you passionately;

Sweet William—you are perfect;

Violet—I love you too.

 

 

President’s Day

 

We celebrate the births of two presidents in February, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809 in Kentucky and went on to serve as president during the dark days of the Civil War. Criticized for sending our troops to fight against their own brothers in the South, he never wavered from his belief in keeping the Union together, even at the cost of war. His courage and strength during this trying time are honored by all who hold to the ideals of equality.

George Washington was born February 22, 1732 in the colony of Virginia. He grew up a citizen of the British crown, but saw the injustice of owning colonies and taxing them without the right of representation in the government. When asked to serve the colonies against Britain, he left his plantation and went to organize and lead his army into the field of battle. Although outnumbered, he managed to keep his hungry, ill-equipped army together.  He was an inspiration to his men and led them to victory. Later, when our constitution was adopted, he was elected as our very first president. He served two terms and retired to his home in Virginia. He is considered the Father of our country.

In the 20th century, the custom of honoring our nation’s heroes on our currency led the treasury to place both Lincoln and Washington on money. Both have paper bills, and coins with their faces on them.

The Post Office has issued many stamps honoring these men as well.

 

 

 

Many Men Want Valentine's Flowers

 

61 percent of all men say they would like to receive flowers for Valentine's Day from a woman.

40% of men say they have never received Valentine's flowers from a woman.

 

 

 

On The Lighter Side…..

Some Bad Riddles

Which side of a groundhog has the most hair?

The OUTside.

 

What do you call a Groundhog’s laundry?

Hogwash.

 

What do you call a Groundhog who eats too much?

A Roundhog.

 

What do you call a Groundhog who drives in the middle of the road?

A Roadhog.

 

What do you call a cross between a Groundhog and Frankenstein’s Monster?

I don’t know for sure, but if it comes out of its hole I’m not waiting around to hear its prediction!

 

 

 

A Book I’d Like to See….

A “Dummies” book for ventriloquists - it would be called, “Dummies for Dummies.”

 

Immutable Law

When one wishes to unlock a door but has only one hand free, the keys are in the opposite pocket. (Von Fumbles Law)
 

 

Did you know?....

The Bexley, Ohio Ordinance number 223 dated 09/09/1919 prohibits the installation and usage of slot machines in outhouses.

 

 

Did you know?...

A Chicago law forbids eating in a place that is on fire.

(And they need this law why?)

 

Advice from Old Folks:

When walking on ice, be musical.  You need to "C" sharp or else you'll "B" flat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wolfe Community Room

 House too small to fit all the visiting relatives?

The Wolfe Community Room is perfect for your family holiday get together. The room can be rented for $35.00 for one day's use.

(There is a refundable $25 deposit on keys.)

 

 

 

Everyone 5 years old and older is welcome to their own library card!  Parents or guardians should visit the main desk to sign up their child, or themselves, for a card.  A driver’s license or other address verification may be required.

 

 

  Memorial Donations

Donations are a way to create a lasting memorial to your loved one. 

The library accepts memorial donations for books, CDs, DVDs, furniture and plants for both the inside of the building and for the many gardens surrounding the building. 

A plaque will be placed on the item with your loved one’s name on it.

Ask at the main desk for details if you would like to donate towards a memorial.

We accept groups and organizations making donations for members

 

Taking a trip?

Check out a book on tape or CD to take with you.  Audio books are available for the vision impaired or for the weary traveler who wants to listen to a book on a long trip. 

   We have a growing selection of books to listen to, and if we don’t have it here check out the on-line catalog and request one through our Inter-Library Loan service.  This service is free.

Inter-Library Loans

   If you want a book or DVD or CD that we don’t have, check the on-line catalog.  Many items are in other libraries and you can borrow them free of charge.

   Request the item it will be shipped here to you.

   When you are through with it, just drop it off here and it will be shipped back to the library that owns it.   

 

Anyone can get a North Baltimore Public Library card with a valid picture ID with a current address.

Patrons must have their library card with them to check out library materials, including signing up to use the computers.

Use of your Library card holds you responsible for any materials charged out to that card.

 

 

We have a large selection of magazines.

You may borrow up to five at a time for up to a week.

Save the price of a subscription and never miss an issue. 

 

eBooks for Kindle

 

   Kindle eBooks are now available through our on-line catalog. 

   Log onto our website and click on the catalog link at the top of the page.   On your first visit, you will be asked to download the OverDrive console to your PC.  After that, you will be able to borrow Kindle eBooks and load them onto your Kindle. 

  This service is also available for Nooks and Sony Readers and others.

   Laptop owners can download eBooks to their harddrive and obtain free readers on the Web.  Amazon offers a free Kindle for PC application and other format readers are available also.

 

The North Baltimore Public Library

230 N. Main St.

North Baltimore, OH 45872

Phone: (419) 257-3621

Fax: (419) 257-3859

 

The Whistle Stop News

Published Monthly @ the North Baltimore Public Library

Stephen Cram – Editor

E-mail: steve@nbpubliclibrary.org