Altoona Area Public Library - Staff Blogs

Teen Summer Reading Club

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:35:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

Once again it is time for young adult summer reading contests. This year, we ask you to try something new. Teens reading from varying genres will be entered for the grand prize drawing. Tally your pages along the way for other prizes. This year we are trying to beat last year's total number of pages read by 10%. If this happens, there will be a special celebration for all participants. There will also be a special discussion group for three selected stories during the summer lead by our summer intern Shane. These will be held each Saturday during summer reading between 3:00 and 4:30 PM here at the library. Summer reading details will also help with future collection development, so tell us what you think of the books on the bookmarks you turn in. Hope to see you at the library this summer so you can EXPRESS YOURSELVES! For more details contact Barb or Mary Edna at the library.

Youth Summer Reading Club

Wed, 20 May 2009 09:54:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

Hey kids - BE CREATIVE!
All children in grades 1-6 are invited to join the "Be Creative @ Your Library" Summer Reading Club at the Altoona Area Public Library Youth Room. Read 4 books and get a FREE meal from a restaurant of your choosing. Read 8 books and get a FREE book from Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. Read 12 books and be entered into a drawing for the MYSTERY PRIZE! Younger children can play too! Kids ages 18 months to 6 years old can participate in a Read-To-Me club and listen to one book a day - that's all it takes. Listen to 21 books and get a FREE meal from the restaurant of your choosing. Listen to 42 books and pick one of our great prizes. Call the Youth Room at 946-0417 ext. 123 to register for the special weekly programs - storytime for younger kids and a variety of activities for older kids! Great Programs - Great Prizes - Lots to do!

Come on in and BE CREATIVE!

Computer Classes

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:52:00 -0500

by

During National Library Week, the library is offering three, separate computer introduction classes. The first on Monday, April 12 will be a basic computer introduction from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. A second Class on Monday, April 12 will be an introduction to the internet from 1PM to 2:30 PM. A third class will be held Tuesday, April 13 covering internet and a library database. Space is very limited. Call the library at 946-0417 and ask for extension 131 to sign up.

Heritage Quest Database

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:25:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Heritage Quest is a free online database which will allow Altoona residents to start exploring their roots by searching their state and national historical documents. Researchers can use the database to find their ancestors, trace their paths across America, and learn what life was like in the areas where they settled. This online database is an essential collection of unique material with coverage dating back to the late 1700s.

On this page search for Heritage Quest under the Reference tab and then Databases tab and then scroll down to the last database listed on the page. The database can be searched in the library and from your home using your library card's barcode.

Employment Opportunity

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:58:00 -0500

by

The Altoona Area Public Library is taking applications for PART-TIME circulation desk positions. Candidates MUST be able to work daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Minimum wage. Previous work experience with children and/or adults in a public setting a plus. High school diploma or GED required. Deadline to apply - February 27, 2009.

Please send resume to OR pick up employment application at:
Altoona Area Public Library
c/o PART TIME POSITIONS
1600 5th Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602

One Book Blair County

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:45:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Copies of Maltese Falcon are now available at libraries across Blair County. Read the book now, then join with others throughout the month of March at a variety of book discussions and film showings around the county. Penn State Altoona, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and the Altoona Area Junior High School will be hosting events, as well as other libraries in the county.

Read the book and join the fun. Become a part of One Book Blair County.

See http://www.altoonalibrary.org/onebook or ask your favorite librarian for more details.

Learning Express

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:40:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Learning Express Library

Now you can overcome test-taking anxiety, raise your test scores and improve job hunting skills with the click of a mouse. Altoona Area Public Library has subscribed to Learning Express Library and makes it available to anyone free of charge in the Library or from your home computer if you have a library card.

Log on to a computer and enjoy free unlimited access to interactive skill building courses and a broad range of practice tests based on such official exams as the ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, EMT Basic, U.S. Citizenship, Postal Worker, Real Estate Agent & Broker Exams. This valuable resource is available 24/7 from any internet enabled computer in the Library or from home.

A new and improved version will be available in early February with even more practice tests and resume writing guides.

Click here or find the practice tests under "Services" in the "Reference" pull-down menu at the top of our home page.

Scholastic Book Fair

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:20:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Area Public Library Youth Room will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair from December 1 - 10, 2008. The book fair will be open during regular library hours. The proceeds from the book fair directly support the FREE children's programs the library offers year-round like Toddler Time, Story Hour, Summer Reading Club, and school-age programs offered on days that schools are closed. Please consider doing a little holiday shopping and supporting the library at the same time.

Green Fair

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:28:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Area Public Library is going "green" on for the Keep Us Green and Growing Fair. The library is working this year to educate the community on how to reduce our carbon footprint. Along with area agencies, they will offer information on green initiatives and how to make our planet even better just by the little changes we can make in our every day lives.

Mike Rowley of the Blair County Conservation District will be speaking in a program called "Run Smart". The program will educate on how to save gas mileage. Penn State's Master Gardner's, The Blair County Conservation District, The Blair County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling, and The Blair County Extension Office will join the library at this fair.

The Altoona Area Public Library will be celebrating the environment all year with the "Keep Us Green and Growing" fund-raiser. If there are any questions or your agency would like to be involved, please call Jill Maurer at 946-0417 ext. 161. Details of all events can be found on our events calendar.

Annual Fundraiser

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:20:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

This year we need to raise $30,000 once again to balance the budget. We think it is a great idea to explore conservation and recycling methods that we can practice here at the Library and also share with all of you. This year in addition to our "Gold Card" for $120.00 or more, we will be offering a free reusable shopping bag with any $5.00 donation. If only 6,500 of our loyal patrons made that $5.00 donation we would reach our goal and help to lower their carbon foot print making our world a cleaner better place. Last year the Library served 105,166 patrons who borrowed 249,531 items while being open 3,243 hours for the year. The Library provided programming for patrons from 12 months old in the "Family Place Program" to 90 years old in the "Homebound Program" and everyone in between. We placed a special emphasis on teens this past year, buying additional materials and doing special programming for them. Unfortunately, the State has given us no increase for the third year in a row. Inflation makes it very difficult to continue to move forward under those circumstances but we are very lucky to have patrons and Friends who care enough about the library to reach deep in these economically challenging times to keep their Library green and growing.

Voting Machine Practice

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:21:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

Jan McCready, from the Board of Elections, will be coming to the library with a practice voting machine on Oct. 22 from 10am-2pm and on Oct. 23 from 6-8pm. This is for all eligible voters to come in and practice using the machine before election day. She will be set up in the Adult Circulation area.

Library Survey

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:48:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Area Public Library is conducting an organizational study to determine how best to continue to serve the Altoona-Blair County Community. As part of the study effort, a survey is being conducted to learn more about the Library's current and future patrons and the resources and reference materials they utilize.

As a member of the Altoona-Blair County Community, we are asking you to take a few minutes to complete this important survey. Individual findings are anonymous and overall results will be combined as part of the final study.

The survey is now over. Thank your for your participation.

Central Pennsylvania Community Endowment

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:28:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

On July 9, 2008 the Central Pennsylvania Community Endowment presented checks to 29 local non-profit agencies who provide services to the community. The people in the picture represent those grateful organizations. The Library was one of the recipients.

YELL

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:48:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

Penn State Altoona's newest program YELL, Youth Empowerment: Living and Learning, is looking for youth ages 10-15 to participate in a summer long program. Join us Monday through Friday at several community locations for photography, theater, sports, a community project and more. The program is FREE and open to the public. The spots are limited so hurry and call Jill Maurer at 946-0417 ext. 123.

Featured Database (EBSCO Publishing - GreenFILE)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:55:00 -0400

by Computers & Website

Offers information covering all aspects of human impact to the environment. Its collection of scholarly, government and general-interest titles includes content on the environmental effects of individuals, corporations and local/national governments, and what can be done at each level to minimize these effects. Topics covered include global climate change, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more.

GreenFILE is available through Power Libraries

Growing Up With Loukoumi Dream Day Contest

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:49:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Area Public Library announces the local winners in the "Growing Up With Loukoumi Dream Day Contest". All entries will be forwarded on to compete in the national contest. To view information about the winners, please visit our children's Website. For more information go to www.loukoumi.com.

Young Adult Collection

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:34:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Thanks to the input of 2007 Summer Reading participants and Young Adult library patrons and an LSTA grant, we have greatly expanded our Young Adult collection. Among the most recent additions are:

Black Cat graphic novels
books by African-American authors including Copper Sun, Coretta Scott King 2007 award winner
The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
Houdini: The Handcuff King placed in honor of "Michael's Royal Family of Magic" who provide entertainment for various library programs
Uglies trilogy by Scott Westerfield
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Book Fair Thanks

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:37:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

A BIG THANKS from the Youth Room to:

Dairy Queen Altoona
Baltimore Life Company
Mrs. Claus (aka Alice Simendinger)
The Singing Library Ladies (Shelley Williams & Janet Vilke)
Mrs. Kathy Rutter
Mrs. Carol Myers
Jill Maurer
Veronica Berry
Lindsay Orehowsky

For making the 2007 Scholastic Book Fair Blizzard a huge SUCCESS!!

And a special thanks to all our patrons who supported the Library by purchasing items from the book fair. With your year-round support we can continue to offer great programs for the children in our community.

Magazine Discards

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:24:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Once again the library will be discarding magazines in December. This year we will be discarding 1997 issues. In addition this year we will also have some older magazines or some odd lots of a year or two. You can look at both lists HERE. Then come to the reference department December the 3rd to the end of the month to claim free magazines. Nothing will be reserved. The early bird will get the magazine(s).

A list of discarded magazines is available here and here.

Annual Fundraiser

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:52:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

On Wednesday October 31, 2007 the Altoona Area Public Library Board of Directors kicked off its annual fund raiser. The 2007 theme is "Keep us on Track". The Library will not fully recover from the loss of State funds five years ago because inflation did not stand still. We saw those funds restored last year but with virtually no increase from the State in this year's budget we are again marking time. The Friend's of the Library have presented a substantial check to get the ball rolling. This year the Library is celebrating its 80th anniversary of service to the community and you can score a gold card this year for only $80.00 in keeping with this milestone. Come to the Library and exercise your option on a gold card while helping the Library. We have restored hours, programs, and increased our materials expenditure. We will also be offering local businesses the opportunity to advertise their business by sponsoring a book for the collection. Come in and see what the library has to offer you.

Book Club Newsletters

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:46:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Last month we introduced Online Book Clubs. This month we are adding Newsletters that bring you information about various genres. These newsletters are as easy to use as the Book Clubs and will come to you automatically after you sign up.
Sign up today and enjoy information about books on your favorite subject.

Click here to sign up for these newsletters

Online Book Club

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 10:22:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The new online book club logo at the right of this box offers the opportunity to preview a book in your favorite genre before you take it home. Click on the book club logo and sign up for as many as 11 different book clubs. Each week each club brings you a chapter or two from a new book in that genre. On Monday your e-mail will deliver the first part of chapter one in each club. On Tuesday the book is continued. By Friday you will have read about two chapters of the book and should have a good idea if you want to read the whole thing. Then come to the Library and get the book. You can sign up for one or many, all you need is an e-mail account. Next month we will be adding newsletters about literature that appeals to you. Stay tuned!
Online Book Club Sign-up

Youth Summer Reading

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

All children in grades 1-6 are invited to join the "Get A Clue" Summer Reading Club at the Altoona Area Public Library Youth Room. Read 4 books and get a FREE meal from a restaurant of your choosing. Read 8 books and get a FREE book from Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. Read 12 books and be entered into a drawing for the MYSTERY PRIZE!

Younger children can play too! Kids ages 18 months to 6 years old can participate in a Read-To-Me club and listen to one book a day - that's all it takes. Listen to 21 books and get a FREE meal from the restaurant of your choosing. Listen to 42 books and pick one of our great prizes (a book or a super bouncy ball).

Call the Youth Room at 946-0417 ext. 123 to register for the special weekly programs - storytime, science activities, mystery tours, and lots of special surprise guests!

Great Programs - Great Prizes - Lots to do!
Come on in and GET A CLUE!

Featured Database - EBSCO Book Index with Reviews

Wed, 02 May 2007 09:13:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Book Index with Reviews is a comprehensive database that provides information on over 3.8 million book titles in a wide range of formats, including large print, books on tape, etc. Fiction and non-fiction titles are included in the database, in all genres. BIR contains over 800,000 full text searchable reviews from the sources such as: Library Journal, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, CHOICE, and others.

One Book Altoona

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:42:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Please be aware that the venue has changed for the dance interpretation, details are on the One Book Web page.

The "One Book" concept (community-wide reading programs), was initiated by the Washington Center for the Book in 1998. One Book Altoona's innaugural selection is Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. This project will explore the themes of prejudice, end of innocence, and justice via film and book explorations, a dance event, and a spirited discussion series.

More information and a list of One Book events can be found on the One Book Altoona Web site.

Upgrade Planned

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:49:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

We will be completing another upgrade of our catalog system on Sunday, March 11th. This upgrade will begin at 4 PM and could last up to 5 hours. You will not be able to search for items, place holds or renew items during this upgrade. Please make sure to renew your items before 4 PM if you must on Sunday. This upgrade should not cause any major visual changes to the way you search for items. You will still be able to use the Library's Web site during this time, but none of the functions that require access to our catalog will operate correctly.

Overdue Email Notices

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:02:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Did you know that you can now receive email alerts when your items are overdue as well as before they are due? In addition to our 2 days before due email reminder, the Library has added a 1 day overdue, 7 days overdue and 30 days overdue email notice. If you already receive due date reminders, you are automatically enrolled in this feature.

If you would like to have this feature added to your account, please give your email address to a staff member at the Circulation desk. You can also email jack@altoonalibrary.org and include your full name and barcode number to be enrolled.

Due Date Reminder Service

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:59:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Library has just completed a new value added service. Now you can get email reminders two days before your items are to be returned to the Library. This new service will help you avoid fines and allow you to return checked out items more promptly.

If you are a registered user of the Altoona Library Website, this feature has already been set up for you. If you are not registered and would like to have this service, you can sign up for free and it will be activated within 24 hours.

You can also use this feature without signing up on the Website by using the contact us form located under Library Info and giving your barcode number and email address to the Computers & Website department.

Upgrade Complete!

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:59:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Our upgrade is complete. Thank you for your patience. We had to make some changes on the Website to make it work with our new system. If you notice any features that are currently not working please let us know.

You can contact us by using the Contact Us page and choosing Computers & Website.

You can also contact us on AIM, Yahoo! or MSN by messaging the screenname AltLibWebHelp.

Major System Upgrade Planned

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:37:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Area Public Library appreciates your tolerance and patience in the following matter. In the upcoming weeks the Library will be moving its Catalog system to a new server. This process will begin November 27th and end around December 18th. Some of these days the Library will be operating in limited functionality. When this occurs, you will not be able to search for books, renew books or place books on hold. We will be able to check out and check in items, though. The Library will not have this problem during the entire time span listed above, only certain days. On the days that we will be in limited functionality, a message will appear on our home page stating what services can and cannot be done. If it does not burden you, please try to return materials to the Library on days that the system is not down. You will not incur fines if your materials are due on a day the system is down.

One-Click Feature

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:03:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Have you been waiting for a good reason to register with the new Library Website? Now may be that time. The Library has implemented a one-click feature which allows you to place items on hold, renew items and check your account all without needing to enter your Barcode and Pin. These new features require you to register for an account and sign in before they can be used. Registration is free and grants you access to many exciting new features that you can't use with your Library Card alone. You can explore the one-click feature now by watching the following tutorial.

One-Click Tour

NextReads

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 08:59:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Would you like to receive great book suggestions by e-mail? "NextReads" is a free subscription based website to deliver book suggestions. All that you need to register is an e-mail address! To register, please visit http://www.accesspa.state.pa.us/ and click on the Subscribe to NextReads icon! "NextReads" is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development and is administered by HSLC/Access PA.

Expanded Library Hours

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 09:00:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

We have expanded our hours as of September 1st, 2006. The new hours are as follows:

Monday	9:30 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday	9:30 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday	9:30 AM to 9 PM
Thursday	9:30 AM to 9 PM
Friday	9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday	9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday	1 PM to 4 PM

Featured Database - Health Source Consumer : Consumer

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:32:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Health Source: Consumer Edition offers authoritative information on health-related questions. With this consumer-health database, discover healthy nutritional guidelines or search for the latest treatments for cancer. The content of Health Source: Consumer Edition is also enhanced with several health books published by the People's Medical Society. With this database you can search for information on many health topics including the medical sciences, food sciences and nutrition, childcare, sports medicine and general health. Other features include thousands of essays from Clinical Reference Systems covering eight major health related subjects, including adult health, behavioral health, cardiology, drug and medication information, pediatric health, senior health, women's health and sports medicine; Stedman's Medical Dictionary - providing users with access to terminology of genetics, oncology, pediatrics, pulmonology, emergency medicine, bacteriology, and laboratory medicine; and searchable full text for nearly 1,190 health-related pamphlets.

Information provided in this database should not be viewed as a means for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Web site problems

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 10:46:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Sorry for the inconvenience, our change to a new Internet provider took longer than expected. This Web site and the card catalog should be working smoothly now.

Internet Changes

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 13:28:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

We will be changing Internet Providers Wednesday afternoon (6/28) and do not expect to be offline long. The change will start around 2PM. If you experience problems accessing our Web site, please try a few hours later.

Web site tutorials

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 16:01:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

A few tutorials were created to help explain the features of the new web site. More tutorials will be added as soon as they are finished. If any of these tutorials helped you, please let us know by leaving a comment or contacting "Computers & Website" through the Contact page.

Web site tutorials

New Features

Thu, 04 May 2006 12:30:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

The Altoona Library Website has some new features. All of our blogs now have a commenting system. You must be signed in to post, but you can read comments without signing in.

You can also review items in Webcat without signing in. If you are looking at an item in Webcat, simply click the link on the right that advertises the review feature. These reviews will be approved by a Staff member before they are made available online.

Catalog Unavailable

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 14:08:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Our Catalog, Webcat, will be offline May 1st from 9am to 10am. During this time you will not be able to search for items, renew items or place holds on items. You will not be able to call in to renew items between these times either, as Staff will not have access to the system.

Our system is also offline every Sunday between 4pm and 5:30pm for weekly maintenance.

User Feedback

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 19:00:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

Thank you to those of you who have completed the User Feedback Survey so far. I would like to address some issues that have been brought to my attention. At the present time our Card Catalog system does not allow us to import your checkout history onto our Website. We are as eager as you are to have this implemented, and hopefully it will be down the road.

Renewing items and placing holds is still accomplished the same way that it was before we launched our new Website. You must use your barcode and pin number, not your username and password you may have created on our new Website. These options are available in Webcat, under the "User Services" link. User Services is also available from the "Library Catalog" link on the new Website.

Our RSS Feeds are now online and can be accessed from the RSS link at the bottom of every page. An explanation of RSS is also located on this page.

If you would like to be notified when a Hold is available by email or text message, you can enable these items on the settings page in the blue box when you sign in to the Website. If you are adding your Cellular Phone to your account, please make sure you can receive text messages to your phone from an email account. You may have to log on to your Cell Phone Company's website to check/change this setting.

More Internet Computers

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 09:01:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

In the upcoming months the Altoona Library will be adding 4 more internet computers in the Reference area. We may also be adding another computer to the Children's area for Internet use too. These future Internet computers will feature Windows XP, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Microsoft Office, Sun OpenOffice and various other software titles. These machines will also have cd-rom and floppy drives.

User Registration

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 09:00:00 -0500

by Computers & Website

You can now sign up on our Website to access more features. All you need is your Library card and your Pin number handy. Registering allows you to create lists of items you have borrowed and items you would like to borrow in the future. You can also create a Library Friend's List and recommend items we have to your friends. You do not need to register to renew items or place items on hold, these existing services require only your barcode and pin number!

To register for free, please follow this link to begin.
For a list of features that you can use once you register, follow this link.