It is All Here!

We've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 18:13:00 +0000

Hello! Our blog has moved to www.yorklibraries.org. And not only has it moved but it has multiplied 4X! Our new staff blogs are located across the bottom of the page. See you there!

Rebel Heart Irish Dancers to Perform in Dillsburg

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 13:46:00 +0000

It will be a lively afternoon when the Rebel Heart Irish Dancers take to the stage on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. The Dillsburg Area Public Library is hosting their performance of Beyond the Lord of the Dance at the Old Monaghan Church, located at 15 East Church St. in Dillsburg. The troupe has performed at numerous Irish pubs, community festivals, multi-cultural events and educational institutions in the mid-state area. Since the group’s inception in 2007, they have performed in Central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia, Montana and California. Under the artistic direction of Miss Stephanie, the dancers who range in age from 8 to adult will be performing a selection of traditional and contemporary Irish dances.

The program is funded through a grant from the Dillsburg Revitalization Committee/York County Foundation. The program is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For More information, contact the library at 432-5613 or www.yorklibraries.org/dillsburg.

Want a glimpse of this dance troupe? Click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOEWQBvzV9Q&feature=player_embedded

Bastions, Portals, and Havens

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:10:00 +0000

While I was nosing around our shelves and the Internet this morning looking for something interesting to write about, I stumbled across a project called Authors for Libraries. It was on the United for Libraries website which is a division of our American Library Association. What I loved is how each author had something to say about the impact that libraries have had on his or her life.

I really liked what Author Charlie Quimby had to say:

"As an author, reader and researcher, I love my libraries for the usual reasons. But as a volunteer and advocate for homeless people, I am PASSIONATE about public libraries. They are bastions of access to information, portals to opportunity and havens for all comers. Libraries represent what is best and most just in our communities."

Quimby's quote resonated with me as libraries are the access point for everyone no matter age or financial status; libraries are open to all. I checked our catalog and we have his book Monument Road. You can also learn more about this author here.

Deb Sullivan

A Total Surprise….

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:53:00 +0000

Trish Calvani

York County Libraries President Trish Calvani was totally surprised this week when she opened a gift in honor of her retirement. It was this proclamation signed by the entire York County delegation to Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives. She was genuinely touched to be recognized in this way for her 26 years of service to our libraries!
Trish started as the coordinator of FIRST, York County’s information and referral program, in 1987, and has served in her current role as president since 1991. Library staff and volunteers have noted that her visionary leadership has positioned the libraries to meet the ever-evolving information needs of residents for many years to come.

Holiday Gig Benefits Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 18:42:00 +0000

L-R: Elyse Pollick and Andrew Gobel

Great music was on tap at Bistro 19 last week when singer Andrew Gobel, guitarist Soji Otuyelu, drummer Kelly John McClain and Parker James Hooker on harmonica all pooled their musical talents to raise money for York County Libraries. According to Gobel, they wanted to do something for a local charity and since they are neighbors and fans of York's downtown Martin Library, they unanimously decided to help our libraries.

He stopped by Martin Library today to present the $382 raised that evening to Elyse Pollick, grants/development specialist for York County Libraries. Our thanks goes out to these three incredible performers for doing this for us, and to the generous audience members and Bistro 19! Thank you all for this wonderful holiday surprise!

A Fond Farewell...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:56:00 +0000

Demi Stevens

We would like to extend our warmest wishes to Demi Stevens, who has served as the library director for our Paul Smith Library of Southern York County for more than eight years. She is leaving at the end of this month to pursue her dreams. Read more here. Megan Good Carrington will take the reigns as library director at the end of January. She has her M.S. in Library and Information Services from Drexel University and currently serves as the Director of Archives & Library for the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia.

Use BookLook to Scan it!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Lots of people use their smart phones for quick price comparisons while shopping. Did you know that you can use the YCL Mobile app in a similar manner?
(Hint: the library’s price of free is always cheaper than what you’ll find in most stores!)
When you see a book on the shelf of a store, simply scan the ISBN barcode using BookLook – the app will tell you if we have it, which libraries have it, and let you put it on hold. With the YCL Mobile app the whole library is in the palm of your hand! Don't have it? Click here for more information.

Hold onto your Money!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Your Library Card = Money Smarts!

York County Libraries added a new Financial Literacy resource just for you. And the price is right! It’s free to use with your library card. It’s easy to navigate and offers interactive components such as quizzes, videos, & calculators, plus articles on everything from consumer smarts to the Federal Reserve. Find answers to a variety of financial questions.

· How do I create a budget?

· How long will it take me to pay off my credit card?

· How much house can I afford?

· What is college going to cost?

Calculators give you a quick financial snapshot of where you are and what you need. Plug in your details and it will tell you what you need to allocate.

This new Financial Literacy resource is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart Investing@yourlibrary, a partnership with the American Library Association.

Did you know that Pennsylvania's libraries are moving PA Forward? They are...by providing residents with resources and information that help build and strengthen skills in five key literacy areas: basic, financial, health, civic, and information. For details, visit www.paforward.org.

GERD Awareness Week: Because Heartburn Can Cause Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:44:00 +0000

Tuesday, November 19 at 6:30 pm

Dr. Rohit Jindal

Dr. Rohit Jindal, gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of York, will present an educational discussion titled Because Heartburn Can Cause Cancer on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 6:30 pm. The program kicks off GERD Awareness Week (November 24-30) and will be held at Dover Area Community Library, 3700-3 Davidsburg Road, Dover, PA 17315. The event will be held at no charge and all are welcome to attend.

Every day an estimated 25 million American adults suffer from heartburn. Yet, despite its prevalence, few people understand that Heartburn can cause Cancer. Find out how to know if you have reflux disease and how to prevent and detect esophageal cancer. Dr. Jindal will explain the link between reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Because there are no medical guidelines regarding screening for this deadly disease, Dr. Jindal’s presentation will provide the information you need to be an effective advocate for your own healthcare.

York County Libraries will present the program at Dover Area Community Library in partnership with the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN), whose mission is to save lives by increasing awareness about the link between Heartburn and Cancer, promoting early detection and supporting medical innovation to prevent, detect and treat Esophageal Cancer.

As part of ECAN’s GERD Awareness Week efforts, York County Libraries is distributing free bookmarks to patrons at all 13 library locations. The bookmarks list important risk factors to consider and a QR code linking to a free download of ECAN’s Guide for Patients about GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer. Find out more at www.ecan.org.

Get a Free Flower Bouquet for Donating a Book

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:09:00 +0000

Bouquets for Books is Back!

November 2012 L-R: Deb Chrisley and Karen

Hostetter show a sampling of donated books.

Over the years, some fabulous books have been donated by community members to our libraries at Royer's Flowers and Gifts locations. The annual children’s book drive known as “Bouquets for Books” is back at all Royer's locations, now through Saturday, November 9th. In its seven-year history, Bouquets for Books has collected more than 10,800 books for libraries in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties.

This is how it works: for each new child’s book someone donates, he or she receives a free floral bouquet. The books must be new as used ones will not be accepted for this program, and a donor can receive up to three bouquets per family, per visit, while supplies last. We checked in with our youth services staff to find out what books are needed most. Their wish list includes the following: holiday books (the regulars and more unusual ones), board books, Lego Books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and Caldecott or Newberry Award Winners. These and any others are greatly appreciated. Thanks for your support of this program.

Based in Lebanon, Royer’s (www.royers.com) has 17 stores in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Sister company Stephenson’s Flowers & Gifts has one store in Harrisburg. For more information, including library wish lists, visit www.royers.com/bouquetsforbooks.

Dillsburg Library Thanks the Community

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 14:25:00 +0000

Kay Walters holds the
Emerald Enchantment Quilt.

The Dillsburg Area Public Library and the Library Quilting Friends wish to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Quilt and Craft Raffle. Thanks to everyone's incredible support, the Library raised $1,300 from the sale of raffle tickets, tote bags and notecards. Kay Walters of Carroll Township was the lucky winner of this year’s Emerald Enchantment quilt.

In addition to the items at the craft booth, Library volunteers sold $759 in books at the Farmers’ Fair book sale.

Next Tutor Training Session Starts Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 18:51:00 +0000

Click here to learn more.

The York County Literacy Council (YCLC) is holding its next tutor training session from 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26 and November 2 at Guthrie Memorial Library in Hanover. The 15 hour training prepares prospective tutors for teaching adult students how to read. In York County alone, there are 40,000 people who are illiterate, and YCLC has an ongoing waiting list of residents who want to learn. To ask questions or to sign up, call Tonya Pyles or Rita Hewitt at YCLC at (717) 845-8719 or email Rita at cr.mgr@yorkliteracy.org.

Want to Write a Thriller?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:13:00 +0000

Learn how from New York Times Bestselling Author Linda Castillo. She is teaching a workshop next Monday, Oct. 28 from 7 - 8 p.m. at the Paul Smith Library of York County. Castillo will be talking about the elements of the thriller and what she does to pull a story together. “People are interested in writing. I think these are things that will really help them,” she says. In a recent interview, she explained that there are two different types of writers: hamsters who write by the seat of their pants, and plotters who write a detailed synopsis first. “I am a plotter. I like the procedural aspect. It helps me work out the mystery and snafus,” she says. “I use plotting as a road map, but may veer along the way if I come up with a better Idea.” On the flipside, she has friends who are published authors who say they get bored with their stories if they write a synopsis. They like to go through the process as if they are reading. The workshop is ideal for writers of all levels. Cost for the program is $10 and pre-registration is required by contacting the library. Miscellaneous Linda Castillo quote: Castillo , now penning her 27th book, and the sixthOn Monday, October 28th, New York Times Bestselling Author Linda Castillo will teach a “Writing the Thriller” Workshop from 7 – 8 p.m. at the Paul Smith Library of Southern York County.

Featured Book Tells Little Known Gettysburg Battlefield Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 14:37:00 +0000

On Saturday morning, October 26, 2013 at 10:30 am, Jim and Suzanne Gindlesperger will visit the Guthrie Memorial Library in Hanover to make a presentation on their first of several books, So You Think You Know Gettysburg? The book talk will be held in the John D. Bare Center in the basement of the building and the presentation on the Gettysburg battlefield and will be followed by book signings.

The book is renowned as the winner of the 2010 Bronze Book of the Year Award from Foreword Reviews for Travel Guides. The plentiful maps, the nearly 200 site descriptions, and the 270-plus color photos in So You Think You Know Gettysburg? answer questions you didn’t even know you had about one of America’s greatest battlefield.

Jim & Suzanne Gindlesperger

Beyond the common facts learned in U.S. history class – Pickett’s Charge, Little Round Top and the Wheatfield - do you know about the ten or so Confederates buried by accident in Gettysburg National Cemetery? Or about the Union general whose embezzling ways kept his bust from being displayed on his brigade’s memorial? Or how that same embezzling general, when asked why he had no monument at Gettysburg, could rightly reply, “Why, hell, the whole battlefield is my monument”?

Authors James and Suzanne Gindlesperger have visited Gettysburg an average of five times annually over the past twenty years. So You Think You Know Gettysburg? shows why they find it a place not only of horrible carnage and remarkable bravery but endless fascination.
Who, or what, was Penelope? Whose dog is depicted on the Eleventh Pennsylvania Monument, and why? What are the Curious Rocks? Jim and Suzanne will share their treasure of knowledge in their first volume and touch on their third book as co-authors, a second volume of So You Think You Know Gettysburg?, which is scheduled to be published next May. Time for book signing and purchasing will be available. For further information, visit www.guthrielibrary.org or call 717.632.5183.

Meet NY Times Bestselling Mystery Author Linda Castillo October 27th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:56:00 +0000

Mystery Author Linda Castillo

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, Paul Smith Library of Southern York County is pleased to present New York Times bestselling mystery author, Linda Castillo, on Sunday, October 27, 2013, from 1:00-4:00pm. Joining Castillo are twenty-six local authors from Year of the Book writers program. Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public.

Castillo’s popular Kate Burkholder series is set in Ohio Amish country in the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill where Amish and “English” residents have lived side by side for two centuries. Kate Burkholder’s Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate for Police Chief in her hometown. She’s certain she has come to terms with the tragic past that drove her away—until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past—and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.

Year of the Book is a writers group based out of southern York County. Instructional writing, editing, and social media classes are slated for 2014, and interested individuals may speak with group organizer Demi Stevens at the event for details. Twenty-six participating local authors’ books featured include the following:

Children’s books: “Fortunately” by Valerie Harrigan of Shrewsbury; “B Dogg Goes to School” by Michael Simpson of Shrewsbury; “The Bear Who Waited” by Julie D. Swope of York; “Rail Trail Kitten” by Donna Ferguson of York; “A Sniff in the Park” by Darby Jo Campbell of York; “Bark! Bark! Bark for my Park” and “Bow, Wow, Green Beans Now?” by Jessica Dimuzio of Norristown; “The Goldenwealth Light” by Scott McCloskey; and young adult fantasy novel “The Daughter of Deception” by Rachel Wisnom of Stewartstown.

Non-fiction books: “Hello God, Are You There?” by Vickie Fisher of Westminster, MD; “Bridging Troubled Waters” by Voni Grimes of York; “Too Much Ice Cream, Not Enough Paint” and “The River and the Ridge: 300 Years of Local History” by Roger Wilson of New Park; “Footprints on Old Silver Beach: Memories Left Behind” by Howie Pease of York; “Raised by Wolves” by Kirk and Keith Felix; “One Moment: A Memoir of Loss, Stillbirth, Faith, and Hope” by Joan Higgs of York; “Inventing History: Cherished Memories of Good Times that Never Happened” by Richard Chandler Hoff; and “Surviving the Claws of the Tiger: Foxtrot’s Fight for Survival in Operation Union II” by John Gobrecht of Hanover.

Fiction books: “Creative Drive” by Ed McCloskey of Stewartstown; “Bear Tales” by David Garland of Stewartstown; “The Key” by Andrea Adams of Carlisle; “Deadly Conversations” by D.C. McLaughlin of New Park; “Shards of Time” by Seth Scharon; six books in the Merged Worlds series including “Too Much Magic” by John Andrews of Stewartstown; “Enchanted Lover” and “Phantom Bride” by Connie C. Scharon; “Lake Meade” and “Sunk” by Heather Mosko; and “Here’s the Thing…”, “Saltwater Cowboy”, and “Invisible Woman” by Laura Rudacille of Red Lion.

Copies of books by Castillo and Year of the Book authors will be available for purchase and signing. Free gift wrapping is available for early holiday purchases. The Library is located at 80 Constitution Avenue in Shrewsbury. For additional information, contact the Library at (717) 235-4313 or dstevens@yorklibraries.org.

Sensory Storytime Launched at Red land Community Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:32:00 +0000

This is a page from the My Library Social Story aimed
at helping children on the spectrum know what to expect.

Young children on the autism spectrum can now attend a new Sensory Storytime designed just for them at Red Land Community Library. The program will be held this Saturday, October 19^th from 10:30-11 a.m. at the library and is primarily geared toward children from age 3 to Kindergarten . Additional programs will be held on Saturday, November 16 and December 21. Youth Services Coordinator Nancy Duncan is including picture schedules, sensory activities, and of course, stories, into this autism friendly storytime. Branch Librarian Mary Beth Long also created a social story entitled “My Library” to help parents in talking with their children about their trip to the library. The booklet is designed to help the child know what to expect. Families are encouraged to pick up a copy at the library in advance of the program if time allows.

According to Duncan, this is the first Sensory Storytime offered at any of the 13 York County Libraries. She researched and developed this program to offer an opportunity for children on the spectrum to enjoy stories in an environment that meets sensory and structural needs. The program is free, and registration is requested as space is limited. Red Land Community Library is located at 48 Robin Hood Drive in Etters. To register, interested individuals should phone the library at (717) 938-5599.

"No Fail Here" - An Anniversary Talk on Lincoln at the Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Why did President Lincoln, a concerned, conflicted President come to Gettysburg for only 25 hours on Nov. 18 and 19, 1863? Gain a greater appreciation of the immortal Gettysburg Address in light of tremendous personal, political and policy pressures impacting Lincoln. Learn how he overcame them, his purposes and how the President achieved them in his short, masterful presentation.

John Fitzpatrick, Jr., Esq. will make this presentation on Wednesday, November 6 at the Guthrie Memorial Library in the John D. Bare Center at 6:00 pm. Our speaker has just completed his 10th year as a Licensed Battlefield Emeritus at the Gettysburg National Military Park. Prior to retiring in 2006 after serving as corporate counsel for Chevron for 30 years, he attended law school. Earlier he was an active duty as a US Marine Corps Pilot and tank platoon commander, including a Vietnam tour of duty. John has received many letters of praise and commendation and has the utmost respect from Civil War historians. The presentation will made via PowerPoint and discussion. The program will run from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. For further information, visit our website at www.guthrielibrary.org or call us at 632-5183.

Annual Taste of the Valley Event Slated November 8th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:21:00 +0000

The Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock is hosting its fifth annual Taste of the Valley wine tasting event featuring Logan’s View and Allegro Wineries. The event takes place on Friday, November 8, 7-10 PM at the Hufnagel Public Library. Other highlights include live music by local band 3 Dollar Suit, an array of appetizers prepared and served by Seitz Catering, and a large assortment of homemade desserts, prepared by our Friends of the Library group. Additionally, original artwork by local artisans will be raffled by purchasing tickets throughout the evening . The ticket price of $30, which includes a commemorative etched wine glass, directly benefits the Hufnagel Public Library. For more information about the upcoming event, interested individuals should contact the library at 717-235-1127. The Arthur Hufnagel Public Library is located at 32 Main Street.

Library Hosts "Tales for Two Dogs" for Early Readers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 13:03:00 +0000

The Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock is hosting a therapy dog session to assist young readers. Tales for Two Dogs will join us beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 26. Shep, a 2 year old Great Pyrenees and Ziva Marie a Staffordshire Bull Terrier are trained therapy dogs who are eager to get started with their new skills! They especially love children and will add an encouraging element to the reading experience for young readers. This is a free event; however, registration is requested so that individual time is well spent with your child and the dogs. Fifteen minute time slots are available with either Shep or Ziva Marie by calling 717-235-1127. Limited space and time slots are available. The Arthur Hufnagel Public Library is located at 32 Main Street.

Library System President to be Honored November 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 12:41:00 +0000

The Martin Library Honors Committee and the York County Library System (YCLS) Board of Directors will honor Patricia L. Calvani for her outstanding library leadership on Sunday, November 3^rd. The event will be held at 2 p.m. in the Quiet Reading Room of Martin Library in York. Calvani is the 31^st person to be celebrated by the Martin Library Honors program since its inception in 1995. This particular event recognizes Calvani’s 26 years of dedicated service to YCLS and her passion for assuring the provision of exceptional library service to the York County community. She started as the coordinator of FIRST, York County’s information and referral program, in 1987, and has served in her current role as president since 1991. Library staff and volunteers have noted that her visionary leadership has positioned the libraries to meet the ever-evolving information needs of residents for many years to come.

The public is invited to attend the honors program which will feature special remarks by YCLS Board Chair Marsha Everton; former system board chair Jackie Summers; YCLS Director of Information Services Lora-Lynn Kahler; Mike Summers, Certified Financial Planner; Al Weber, president of Tweed-Weber Inc., and Nikki Rovner, the eldest of Calvani’s two daughters. In recognition of Calvani’s years of service, an endowment fund has been established in her name, and contributions will purchase books annually for the libraries’ centralized collection in her honor for perpetuity. Gifts may be sent to: The Patricia L. Calvani Honors Fund c/o Martin Library, 159 East Market Street, York, PA 17401.

This bi-annual event is hosted by members of the Martin Honors Committee. They include Chairman Dr. Luther B. Sowers, Robert Cox, Lynne Danyo, Ruthe F. Craley, Don Dellinger, Mike Baker Frankenberry, Donna Pullo, Lori Rene Weyant and Library Liaison Georg Sheets. Anyone wishing to attend the November 3^rd celebration should RSVP by Friday October 25 to Sally Sears at 849-6979 or by emailing library.development@yorklibraries.org. Martin Library is located at 159 E. Market Street in York, with plenty of on-street parking available nearby.

Metro Bank Donations Support Library Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 12:36:00 +0000

Metro Bank York Crossing Store Manager Bobby Jay (left) and Metro Bank Vice President and Mount Zion Road Store Manager Greg Liegey, CLC (right) each present a $1,000 check to Martin Library Donor Relations Manager Lisa Kane in support of educational improvement programs including author visits and summer reading club. EITC funds support author visits to York County school districts, and an incentive-based countywide summer reading club program that boosts reading capacity, improves reading and literacy skills, and raises school readiness for children

York Traditions Bank Donation Supports Educational Improvement Programs at Martin Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:50:00 +0000

L-R: Carolyn Schaefer, Managing Director of Personal Banking at York Traditions Bank in York, PA, presents a $5,000 check to Lisa Kane, Donor Relations Manager for Martin Library, in support of educational improvement programs including Author Visits and Summer Reading Club. EITC funds support author visits to York County school districts, and an incentive-based countywide Summer Reading Club program that boosts reading capacity, improves reading and literacy skills, and raises school readiness for children and teens in York County. Explore our website for a full listing of children’s, adult and family programs offered by our thirteen York County libraries.

Truck Zoo Added to Kreutz Creek's Annual Book and Bake Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:02:00 +0000

If you are looking for something fun to do with the family on Saturday, October 5th, head on over to the new Hellam Township Maintienance Building at 45 Walnut Springs Road in Hellam. It is conveniently located across from the library.

The Friends of the Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center are holding their annual Fall Book and Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and this year they are adding a Truck Zoo. They say it is for the kids, but we all know that there are some big kids in the community that will have just as much fun seeing the large vehicles up close!

The event is free to attend, and any purchases of books or baked goods will help the Friends of Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center raise money for the library which is located at 66 Walnut Springs Rd. in Hellam.

If you go:

Saturday, October 5

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hellam Township Maintenance Building
45 Walnut Springs Rd

Featuring:

Books at Bargain Prices
Bake Sale
Truck Zoo!
Red Cross Blood Drive

Supports:
Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center

Questions?

(717) 252-4080

Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:04:00 +0000

Please enjoy this story by Jerry Gleason who serves as a volunteer at Kaltreider-Benfer Library.

Kaltreider-Benfer Library - 50 Years Old and Growing ...

By Jerry L. Gleason

Ann Heisler doesn’t like to be without a book to read, so she eagerly awaited the opening of the Red Lion Public Library in a small storefront space on North Main Street.

This was in 1963, when the nearest public library was 10 miles away in downtown York. “I went in on the first day the library was open, and it was full of people and it was full of books,” Heisler said. “It was a pleasure just being there.”

She immediately signed up for a library card, receiving Card No. 2. She still has it, she said, tucked in a box somewhere. It was replaced with Card No. 85 when the library became a member of the York County Library System and new cards were issued.

“I’ve read all my life but I really started to read seriously in the ninth grade,” Heisler said. “Since then, I always made sure I had a book to read.

“I can get totally lost in a book,” she said.

Heisler reads mysteries and thrillers almost exclusively, and checked out books by British novelist Daphne Du Maurier that first day.

“I read some true crime, but I mostly stick with mysteries,” she said. “I read Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books growing up, and I still like a good mystery.”

Her favorite authors include Phyllis Whitney, Robert B. Parker, James Patterson, Mary Higgens Clark, Martha Grimes, Stuart Woods, and the grande dame of mystery writing, Agatha Christie.

“Before the Red Lion library opened, I would go to Martin Memorial Library in downtown York on weekends,” Heisler said. “We only had one car, which my husband needed to go to work, and I had three young children, so it wasn’t always convenient to go in to Martin.

“I could walk to the Red Lion library when I needed a book. It was a pleasant place to go, the people were always friendly, and I could always find something to read.

“I like to have a book in my hand, and I don’t want to read on a Kindle or other electronic device. I have a cell phone and a computer, and I spend too much time on them as it is,” she said.

The Red Lion Public Library opened on Oct. 22, 1963 in rented quarters at 25 N. Main St. with approximately 1,000 books on the shelves. The original collection included the personal library of J. Christopher Keener, 600 books from Martin Memorial Library in York, and others donated by the public.

Barbara Anderson, a Kaltreider-Benfer staff member whose family lived a few blocks from the Red Lion square in 1963, was among the first people in town to get library cards.

“It was unique to be able to walk to the library and check out a book,” Anderson said. “There was a school library but that was for school.”

Anderson said she was reading so many non-fiction books that she doesn’t even remember if the library had a fiction collection.

It did. On the first day the library was open, adults took out 26 novels and other works of fiction and 8 non-fiction books, and children took out 28 books on fiction and children’s stories.

The opening came about a year after the Welcome Wagon of Southern York County formed a committee, led by Mary Auten Miller and Mayor H. Norman Fishel, to establish a public library in Red Lion.

The first meeting of the Red Lion Library Board of Directors was held on June 25, 1963, and the library was incorporated as a non-profit corporation for “the creation, support, maintenance, care, and management of a public library” in Red Lion for the free use of residents of the borough and surrounding areas, and for “the provision and support of literary and educational undertakings.”

Norman Fishel was a member of the library’s first board of directors, and there has been a member of the Fishel family on the board every year for the past 50 years, his son, Evans, said.

“My father served on the board until he died in 1978; my mother, Grace, took his seat and served until she died in 1984, and I took her place,” Evans Fishel said.

“I told the board I wasn’t going to serve until I died, and when I left the board in 2005, my son, Dave, took my place.”

Evans Fishel, who served on the board for 21 years, including 11 years as its president, said the library has always been important him because it was important to his parents.

“I didn’t read all that much when it opened but I knew the library was of value to the community,” he said

“My parents were very community-minded,” he said. “My father really wanted the town to have a library, and my mother served as a library volunteer from the time it opened.

“I helped build shelves before the library opened, and over the years I have probably donated 2,000 books to the library,” Fishel said.

In 1985 Fishel and his brother, Robert, made a donation to the library in memory of their parents and their service on the board of directors.

Community-minded volunteers like Fishel helped to get the library off the ground, door-to-door for in a fund drive under the direction of chairman N. Eugene Shoemaker. The drive, which had a goal of $2,500, raised $3,450.

Volunteers from the community painted the room and gathered books, which were shelved by employees of local businesses.

In the first week after the doors opened, 152 people registered for library cards and borrowed 170 books. By the end of the first year of operation, 5,387 books had been circulated and there were 887 registered borrowers. The library was open three days a week and was staffed by volunteers.

Heisler said she worked at the library as a volunteer at times, and she helped the Friends of the Library run the Book Nook when it was in a former school building in Red Lion. The books were kept in the lockers once used by students, she said.

Phyllis Frey, who now lives in Lower Windsor Twp., was an early library volunteer, and served as the library’s director from 1968 to 1991. In 1980, Frey published a history of the Red Lion cigar industry, “Rollers and Strippers, Twofers and Crooks.”

About the same time, the library began publishing The Red Lion Directory, a listing of local churches, community-service organizations, borough officials, and schools.

The library has been an important asset to the community since the day it opened, Frey said.

“There wasn’t a library closer than York,” she said, “and this provided a chance for the community to explore a lot of reading no one had a chance to do before then.

“At first, most of the library users were adults because we didn’t have much of a children’s collection. We just had a little store front property and we didn’t have room for it.

“After we moved to the Kaltreider house, we had room for more children’s books, and the space to hold story time programs and a summer reading program for children.

“The children’s department was always very popular once we had room for it,” Frey said.

With rapidly increasing circulation figures and a growing collection of materials, the existing space soon became inadequate, and a move to a new location was deemed necessary by library officials.

Dr. Kenneth L. Benfer, and his wife, Janet, of York were approached about the possible donation of the Kaltreider home at Broadway and Charles streets as a new home for the library. Mrs. Benfer was the daughter of D. Frank Kaltreider, who built the house in 1903.

The Benfers donated the property in 1967 and the library was renamed Kaltreider Memorial Library in honor of Mrs Benfer’s parents, D. Frank and Idella Kaltreider.

The new facility, which was dedicated on June 16, 1968, provided much needed space for the book collection, a separate children’s room, and interlibrary loan services. A pre-school story hour was begun, along with a summer reading club for elementary age children. Library materials were expanded to include magazines, record albums, tape cassettes, framed art, and films.

From 1968 to 1969, the library contained 6,436 books which circulated 16,347 times. In 1999, the last year at the former Kaltreider home, the library’s 30,431 items circulated 115,287 times to the library’s 14,665 members.

In 1974, the board purchased and razed the former Frutiger Cigar Factory to provide off-street parking and space for future expansion, and Kaltreider Library became a member of the newly established York County Library System.

On Nov. 19, 1989, a fire attributed to arson caused an estimated $70,000 in damage to the library, and the library was closed for four months to repair the damage. Scrapbooks on the town’s history compiled by local historian D. Miriam Smith and thousands of children’s books were destroyed.

In 1994, the library received $685,000 from the estate of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Benfer for expanding the library, and after much study, it was determined that the Kaltreider family home was not suitable for expansion.

After years of planning and a $500,000 capital campaign, construction began in 1999 on a new 10,000 square foot library located at 147 S. Charles St. at Fairmount Park. The new library was dedicated on April 29, 2000 and renamed Kaltreider-Benfer Library.

Today, the library contains over 46,000 items which circulate over 260,000 times a year to its 28,407 members.

“Library services have grown along with the collection and membership,” current Library Director Don Dellinger said. “We are fortunate to have an extremely supportive community who passionately champions the library and its mission.”

The Kaltreider-Benfer Library encourages lifelong learning by offering free access to trusted information, embracing current and new technologies, and providing a central location for knowledge, recreation and inspiration.

The Library prides itself on maintaining a selection of classic and current materials for inquisitive minds of all ages. In particular, our children's library and children's programs are designed to foster and maintain a love of books and reading in children.

A bank of 11 computers are available for public use by those who want to conduct personal research, file job applications, work on school assignments, or keep up with email from friends and family members.

With a county-wide on-line library catalog, patrons can locate a book in any of the county’s 13 public library and reserve a book, or review their account and renew the ones they already have out.

“I like that the library catalog is on line,” Heisler said. “ I enjoy reading books on the New York Times top-ten list, and I can go on-line and grab a book before it shows up on the shelf.

“I never buy a book. I come to the library or swap books with friends, and I’m always reading something. There are times when I’m reading more than one book at a time. I try not to do that but sometimes you can’t help it.

Jerry L. Gleason is a retired newspaper writer and a Kaltreider-Benfer Library volunteer.

Tales of Buried Treasure Contest Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 19:41:00 +0000

The JuniorDispatch.com is unveiling the winners of the buried treasure contest that more than 100 of our summer readers entered this summer! It is a countdown. Today, you can find out the names of the third place winners by following this link!

Second place winners will be announced tomorrow, and the newspaper will announce first place winners on Friday!

Good luck to all of our entrants! We can't wait to see who won!