Thomas B. Norton Public Library

Free Website Workshop

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

How to Set Up a Website

A Free Workshop by Web Designer John Oldham

What: 2 hour workshop on website essentials for individuals or small businesses.

Where: Thomas B. Norton Public Library Meeting Room

When: Saturday, February 25, 2012, @10:30am

Instructor: John Oldham, BSIE

Space is limited.

Call 251.968.1176 or email thomasbnortonlibrary@gmail.com to sign up.

Winter Film Series Ending in February

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:45:00 +0000

If you haven't had time to catch it yet, you still have four weeks of our Winter Film Series left to enjoy!

What: Winter Film Series
When: Fridays at 3:00pm, doors open at 2:00pm
Where: Thomas B. Norton Library Meeting Room.

February 3-- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
February 10-- Jane Eyre
February 17-- Water for Elephants
February 24-- Potiche

Spend your Friday afternoon with us at the library! Light refreshments are provided.

Upcoming Author Coffee Talks @ Thomas B. Norton

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The Thomas B. Norton Library in Gulf Shores will feature local authors on Mondays, starting January 30, 2012 and continuing through February. This is a free event and refreshments will be provided.

Fiction author Michael Springer kicks off the series of Author Coffee Talks beginning on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 1:00 P.M.

He'll be followed by the authors below:

February 6, 2012 at 10:30 A.M., Gilbert Morris, historical christian fiction author.

February 13, 2012 at 10:30 A.M., Laura Pfizenmayer, playwright and freelance writer.

February 20, 2012 at 10:30 A.M, Brandi Perry, psychological thriller novelist and author of AWhisper on the Bayou.

The coffee talks will conclude with Simone Lipscomb, February 27, 2012 at 10:30 A.M., writer and photographer and author of Place of Spirit.

You can always find out more about events, activities, and classes at the library by visiting our programs page here: http://thomasbnortonlibrary.com/programs/

November and December Artist Showcase: Thomas Roberts and GilliAnne Drouillard

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:28:00 +0000

GilliAnne Drouillard is a 6th grade student at Gulf Shores Elementary. Her medium of choice is acrylic. She loves to paint, but she has also been training as a ballerina since she was 4. In addition, GilliAnne plays clarinet and one day aspires to be in the Gulf Shores High School Band. She is the granddaughter of local library patron Eydie Drouillard.

Thomas Roberts is an 8th grade student at Elberta Middle School. He is president of the SGA, maintains an all A average, is a member of the scholar's bowl team, the Junior National Honor Society and the school soccer team. Thomas also plays city league baseball and attends The Episcopal Church of the Advent, in Lillian. Outside of school, his hobbies include playing guitar, art, and marksmanship. He is a peer helper at Elberta Middle School. He won 1st place from the Museum of Art in the mixed media category and his art went on to the state level at the RSI Tower in Montgomery.

If you are interested in having your art featured in our monthly Artist Showcase, please stop by the library and speak with Deanne Fincher, or email us at thomasbnortonlibrary@gmail.com.

Reminder: New Website

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Don't forget to change your bookmarks-- the library's new website has been live for over a month now!

Visit thomasbnortonlibrary.com today, and check out Thomas B. Norton Public Library's new home on the web!

Closed for Veteran's Day

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:53:00 +0000

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library will be closed to honor the Veteran's Day holiday on November 11, 2011. We will re-open on Saturday, November 12, for our normal hours.

Did you know that November 11th was originally Armistice Day, to mark the anniversary of the official end of World War I? Since 1954, November 11th has been set aside as a day to honor veterans of all American wars.

Get more information about Veteran's Day from these resources:

http://www.military.com/veterans-day/

http://www.history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/vetsday/vetshist.html

http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

Native American Heritage Month

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:46:00 +0000

Did you know that November was Native American Heritage month?

From nativeamericanheritagemonth.org:

"The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday.

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month") have been issued each year since 1994."

Find out more about Native American heritage month here:

http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/teachers/index.html

And find e-cards, activities, and lesson plans here:

http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=92

New Library Website: thomasbnortonlibrary.com

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:21:00 +0000

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library in Gulf Shores has launched a brand new website at thomasbnortonlibrary .com. In response to the ever-changing needs of patrons and the community, the library initiated a complete website re-design to enhance the usability of the Thomas B. Norton Library’s web presence.

Important web-based features and services are highlighted with increased accessibility on the new, Wordpress based website. “We recognized the need for an updated look and a more user-friendly design for the internet arm of the library,” said director Wendy Congiardo. The Library Advisory Board and Staff partnered with Foley company Global Marketing Solutions for the update. Some standout features include:

● More intuitive navigation

● Streamlined content access

● Live reference chat on every page

● Mobile-optimized site for smartphone users

Visitors to thomasbnortonlibrary .com will be welcomed by the bright, beachy colors, uncluttered design elements, and images of library patrons and staff, as well as directly accessible schedules of all upcoming library programs and services.

This new website incorporates aesthetic and technical changes based on research and user recommendations, and with thomasbnortonlibrary .com, the library has created a new internet home for Thomas B. Norton Library’s increasingly web-oriented users.

Stop by thomasbnortonlibrary .com today!

http://thomasbnortonlibrary.com

Writing Group Meetings in October

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Words create sentences; sentences create paragraphs; sometimes paragraphs quicken and begin to breathe. Imagine, if you like, Frankenstein’s monster on its slab. Here comes lightning, not from the sky, but from a humble paragraph of English words.

—Stephen King, On Writing, 2000

Prompt: Bring on the dark stuff.

October 11— Poetry

October 25— Short Fiction

You write? We write.

All Ages Writing Group

Every other Tuesday, 4:30pm

Thomas B. Norton Public Library

221 West 19th Avenue

Gulf Shores, AL

For more info and to get added to the mailing list:
thomasbnortonlibrary@gmail.com

Kindle Books from Camellia Net

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Patrons of the Thomas B. Norton Public Library and Camellia Net can now get digital library books for their Amazon Kindle E-Readers.

Here's a how-to vid:

Enjoy!

Camellia Net: http://camellia.lib.overdrive.com/

AVL Goes Mobile

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:27:00 +0000

Good news, everyone!

The Alabama Virtual Library has gone mobile!

When AVL users go to the AVL website (http://www.avl.lib.al.us/) from a mobile device, users will automatically be redirected to our new mobile page (http://www.avl.lib.al.us/m). The mobile site lists AVL resources that have mobile friendly pages. Check it out! (NOTE: The mobile page is only accessible from mobile devices.)

Visit the Alabama Virtual Library today!

www.avl.lib.al.us

Social Networks Class in October at TBN Library

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Perplexed by the recent changes on Facebook? Interested in other, newer social networking opportunities, like Google+?

We've got the class for you!

When: October 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, 10:30am
Where: Thomas B. Norton Library Meeting Room

Bring your laptop, and get ready to learn why you might want to share details of your day-to-day activities with people you were in homeroom with in high school, or what is so great about Farmville (answer: NOTHING).

Writing Group Tomorrow at TBN, new time (again)

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:59:00 +0000

Fanfiction is what literature might look like if it were reinvented from scratch after a nuclear apocalypse

by a band of brilliant pop-culture junkies trapped in a sealed bunker.

They don’t do it for money. That's not what it's about.

The writers write it and put it up online just for the satisfaction.

They're fans, but they're not silent, couchbound consumers of media.

The culture talks to them, and they talk back to the culture in its own

language.

—Lev Grossman, TIME, July 18, 2011

Prompt: Fanfiction, 5 pages or less. Short fiction, poetry,

whatever.

You write? We write.

All Ages Writing Group

August 30th

Tuesday, 4:30pm

Thomas B. Norton Public Library

221 West 19th Avenue

Gulf Shores, AL

For more info and to get added to the mailing list:
thomasbnortonlibrary@gmail.com

Library Closed for Labor Day Holiday

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0000

The Thomas B. Norton Library will be closed on Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 5th, 2011, for Labor Day.

We hope you have a safe and fun holiday!

Find out more about Labor Day from the Library of Congress.

Meet the Author: Simone Lipscomb, August 27th, 10:30am

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:07:00 +0000

On August 27^th, Simone Lipscomb will be speaking at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library from 10:30am until 12:00pm.

In Simone's new book Place of Spirit, the reader will see how one individual with a big heart can make a difference on our planet by sharing the story nature reveals through photography, writing, and as an outdoor guide. Through Lipscomb's books, nature writing and photography are intended to increase environmental awareness and stewardship.

Lipscomb spent a year documenting the Gulf Oil Spill, and two of her books contain powerful images and commentary on this devastating event. She also has a new book for children, entitled The Gulf Oil Spill Story. This book is written to help children understand what happened during the spill and how we can work together for a better future.

Please join us on Saturday, August 27th at 10:30am to meet Simone Lipscomb here at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library.

Writer's Group Tomorrow at TBN, New Time

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0000

an●noy transitive verb

1. to disturb or irritate especially with repeated acts

2. to harass especially by quick, brief attacks

Prompt: 5 pages or less on someone who inspires strong negative emotion.

You write? We write.

All Ages Writing Group

August 16th

Tuesday, 5:30pm

Thomas B. Norton Public Library

221 West 19th Avenue

Gulf Shores, AL

For more info and to get added to the mailing list:
thomasbnortonlibrary@gmail.com

New Artist Showcase: Mary Louise Brush

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Mary Louise Brush is originally from Greenville, MS. and now calls Gulf Shores, AL. home. Her art education began at the Birmingham Museum of Art where she attended an oil painting class. After moving to the gulf coast she attended Faullkner Community College and the Orange Beach Art Center, where she studied acrylics and watercolors. Drawing became her interest when she studied under William Brown, a pen and ink artist. Since then she has added color to her drawings and it has been her medium of choice. She has been a resident of Little Lagoon for over 23 years.

Mary’s work can be seen in the Orange Beach Art Center in Orange Beach, AL. or the Performing Art Center in Foley, AL. Her work is on display for the month of August throughout the Library. For more information on Mary Louise Brush or the Artist Showcase please visit the circulation desk at Thomas B. Norton Public Library.

Library Lawn Party, July 30th, 2011, 3-7pm

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:47:00 +0000

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE END OF SUMMER WITH A LIBRARY LAWN PARTY!

The Thomas B. Norton Library in Gulf Shores will celebrate the end of summer with a fantastic fun-filled party on the library’s front lawn. The date is Saturday, July 30 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. All ages are welcome to come to this free event.

Come listen to music, play in the bubbles, make cool crafts, get your face painted and enjoy refreshing snow cones!

Firefighter Mark Fincher and Freddie the Fire Truck will be here to talk about fire safety. Patrol Officer Paul Maliska will talk about Bike Safety. Check out a cool exhibit from the Gulf Shores Museum.

Just follow the bubbles….

New Writer's Group at TBN Library

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:59:00 +0000

You write? We write.

All Ages Writing Group

First meeting, August 2nd, 2011

Tuesday, 4pm

Thomas B. Norton Public Library

221 West 19th Avenue

Gulf Shores, AL

For more info and to get added to the mailing list:
thomasbnortonlibrary@gmail.com

Fun Times at ALA

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:14:00 +0000

The library ladies just got back from attending the American Library Association's 2011 Annual Conference, and we all had a blast!

We learned a lot, got to meet some cool people, and had a great time in the Big Easy.

After all the fun, though, we're glad to be back home at Thomas B. Norton Library!

Library Closed for Independence Day

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:23:00 +0000

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library will be closed on July 4th, 2011, for Independence Day.

We'll re-open on July 5th at 10am.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

from whitehouse.gov

Fun at Summer Reading with the Aztec Dancer

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Amy and Deanne with the Aztec Dancer!

Good times with the Summer Reading Program and Thomas B. Norton Public Library.

June Artist of the Month: Barbara Curtis

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:39:00 +0000

For the month of June, the work of local artist Barbara Curtis will be on display throughout the library.

Barbara has won many awards and has paintings hanging in collections in the United States and in Europe. She won her first blue ribbon at the Riverside County Fair (California Date Festival) in 1965. After college, she pursued a career and raised a family, and didn't take up painting again until 1990, when she took up watercolor. Barbara is a mostly self-taught artist, but she has participated in workshops with nationally known watercolorists Judi Betts and Chris Van Winkle.

Watercolor is Barbara's main medium in all its forms: realistic, abstract, and experimental. She also enjoys collage and multimedia. Barbara has painted murals in public buildings and private homes. In addition, she teaches watercolor classes and enjoys watching the faces of students as they begin to unravel the mysteries of watercolor.

Barbara was born in California and moved to Gulf Shores in April of 2011. The recent transplant says, "I love Alabama," and is currently learning more about Alabama and Island history and Geography.

Stop by the library in June to see Barbara's work. She is our first featured watercolorist.

Library Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:15:00 +0000

Did you know that Memorial Day was officially set as a federal holiday in 1968, even though it's been celebrated since the 1800's, and used to be known as Decoration Day?

The Thomas B. Norton Public Library will be closed on Saturday, May 28th and Monday, May 30th, for Memorial Day 2011.

To read more about Memorial Day visit these sites:
http://www.usmemorialday.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

Have a safe and happy holiday! We'll re-open Tuesday, May 31st, at 10am.

Do you Mango?

libraryreferencedesk@gmail.com — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:15:00 +0000

We've just updated our computer class schedule for June, and, in coordination with the "One World, Many Stories" summer reading program, we're highlighting our language learning database-- Mango Languages!

Did you know we have a fun, fast and easy language learning program called Mango Languages? The best part it is free for Thomas B. Norton Public Library patrons and you can access it anywhere there is internet with you library card.

Mango is the easiest and most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language. Mango is available in two versions:

Mango Basic:

Perfect for a foreign language beginner, Mango Basic teaches everyday greetings, gratitudes, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time. The courses, which require only two to five hours of time to complete, are currently available in 34 foreign languages and 15 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

You can view all the supported Mango Basic languages and ESL courses here: http://mangolanguages.com/mangobasic/languages/

Mango Complete:

Mango Complete offers a 100-lesson course that digs much deeper and is designed to provide a more complete understanding of the entire language and culture. It is available in 31 foreign language and 14 ESL courses. Foreign language courses include Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. ESL courses include Polish, Spanish and Portuguese.

To learn more about Mango and get a short preview of what the program has to offer, you can visit the company's website at www.mangolanguages.com. Even better, you can visit http://libraries.mangolanguages.com/thomas-b-norton/start and get started on the courses themselves!