WCCLS: News & Events

11/19: New Moon Over Bethany

2009-11-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

So you think you know everything about New Moon by Stephenie Meyer?

Are you ready for the next installment of the Twilight Saga in theaters on November 20th?

Come to our special New Moon event near our Bethany Branch library at the Terrace Plaza Community Center on November 19th from 6-8 PM.

Try your hand at the New Moon trivia game and see if you can win a prize.

Play Wii baseball with the characters from Twilight or play the werewolf game if you're more of a Jacob fan.

For more info call 503-617-7323 and we’ll see you on the 19th.

Terrace Plaza Community Center is located at 15220NW Laidlaw Rd. Teens & Tweens only (grades 6–12) event.

OCAC closed over most of the Thanksgiving week

2009-11-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

The Oregon College of Art and Craft Library will be closed Wednesday 11/25th, Thursday 11/26th, Friday 11/27th, and Sunday 11/29th, due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

They will be open to students and instructors on Saturday, 11/28.

Thanks for your understanding and Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't give a "gift" that keeps on giving...

2009-11-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Public Health Division wants you to learn what not to give this season.

After watching the video, learn more about how you can prevent giving the wrong type of gift this season.

Featured Database — Culinary Arts Collection

2009-11-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Indulge yourself and your loved ones with new recipes from some of the country's best food industry and nutrition magazines including Bon Appetit, Real Simple, Sunset, Redbook, Essence, Good Housekeeping, and Vegetarian Times. The Culinary Arts Collection presents general interest magazines, academic and trade journals, books, and news about food, entertaining, and wine.

A search on Thanksgiving recipes brings up lots of recipes and ideas for holiday celebrations.

Check out the Culinary Arts Collection with your WCCLS library card handy.

Oregon Book Awards honor 6 authors' books available at WCCLS libraries

2009-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Book Awards took place last night, and the Oregonian has a nice article about the authors and their books. Poets and Authors also has more details.

We're pleased to mention that Washington County libraries have all six of the Oregon Book Award winners books.

Creative Nonfiction:
Convictions: A Prosecutor's Battle Against Mafia Killers, Drug Kingpins, and Enron Thieves, by John Kroger (the Oregon attorney general).

General Nonfiction:
Hiding Man: A Biography of Donald Barthelme, by Tracy Daugherty.

Fiction:
Livability, by Jon Raymond of Portland.

Young Adult Literature:
I.Q. Book One: Independence Hall, by Roland Smith of Wilsonville.

Poetry:
All-American Poem, by Matthew Dickman of Portland.

Children's Literature:
Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole, by Deborah Hopkinson of West Linn.

TumbleBook Library - fun reads & an early literacy tool

2009-10-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

The TumbleBook Library is now available from WCCLS.

What exactly is a TumbleBook, you might ask. A TumbleBook is an eBook for prereaders and readers. They combine clear story telling with just the right amount of visual movement to enhance the overall story experience — like a story time with a little something extra. And, TumbleBooks are available in English, French and Spanish.

Each story gives you the running time of the story, as well as the reading level. When you're in the story, the text is highlighted while it's being narrated so readers can follow along. Pages turn automatically — or you can read at your own speed. You can turn off the narration, too.

While TumbleBooks are a great early literacy tool, they are awesome and fun, especially when parents and teachers are involved with the process.

To use the TumbleBook Library, just have your WCCLS library card handy.

H1N1 Flu information / información acerca de la Gripe Pandémica H1N1

2009-10-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Cover your Cough!
thanks to the Minnesota Department of Health

Oregon Department of Human Services has established a central Web site for Oregonians related to the H1N1 flu:
http://www.flu.oregon.gov/

Entitled Influenza in Oregon, the web site has current news and press releases. You'll also find information for providers, employers, parents and the general public.

Washington County Health & Human Services also has information on H1N1 Flu.

Hay los hechos acerca de la gripe H1N1 en español (PDF).

11/1: WCCLS scheduled maintenance

2009-10-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

WCCLS will be unavailable on the evening of Sunday, November 1. This scheduled maintenance begins at 6:15pm, and all items on our servers will be down until about 6 am.

You will still be able to download audiobooks and video via Library2Go and ask questions online.

You won't, however, be able to search for materials, place them on hold, renew them, or check your account, nor will you be able to access our Online Resources during that time.

We're sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

Spooky halloween activities at Cornelius!

2009-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Celebrate October at the Cornelius Public Library with fun family activities!

Friday, October 16, 4–6pm - Pumpkin decorating
Create & take home a spirited mini pumpkin! All supplies provided to first 50 participants.

Friday, October 30, 7–8pm - Scary story time
Enjoy a bilingual presentation of child–friendly scary stories & songs. Wear costumes & stay for treats!

Celebre el mes de octubre en la biblioteca pública de Cornelius con ¡actividades para toda la familia!

Viernes 16 de octubre, 4–6pm - Decore una calabaza
¡Decore y llévese a casa una calabacita! Calabacitas y materiales para los primeros 50 participantes.

Viernes 30 de octubre, 7–8pm - Cuentos de espantos
Disfrute una presentación bilingüe de cuentos y canciones de espantos para niños. ¡Venga en su disfraz y tendremos refrigerios!

Cornelius Public Library
1355 N. Barlow St. 503–357–4093
www.ci.cornelius.or.us

11/14: Garden Home NOT closed for building maintenance

2009-10-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Garden Home Community Library will not be closed this Saturday, November 14, for building maintenance.

The building maintenance has been rescheduled. We'll be there from 9am until 3pm on Saturday at 7475 SW Oleson Road, just north of Garden Home Road.

Veteran's Day closures... and openings

2009-10-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 11 is Veteran's Day. Many city and county offices are closed on 11/11.

These libraries will be open Wednesday, November 11.

Cornelius Public Library, 10am-7pm
Tualatin Public Library, 1pm-9pm

These libraries will be closed on Wednesday, November 11.

Banks Public Library
Beaverton City Library
Cedar Mill Community Library
Cedar Mill Community Library @ Bethany
Forest Grove City Library
Garden Home Community Library
Hillsboro Main Library
Hillsboro Shute Park Branch
Homebound Services
North Plains Public Library
Sherwood Public Library
Tigard Public Library
West Slope Community Library

OSU Extension climate change series in Hillsboro

2009-10-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

OSU Extension is offering free, public seminars focusing on aspects of climate change. The speakers are experts in their fields.

The series takes place at the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building, 155 N 1st, Hillsboro in the Shirley Huffman Auditorium. Enter through doors at the rear of the building.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 — 7–8:30 pm.
Linking population growth, development and global warming
Derric Jacobs, Ph.D. Candidate, OSU

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 — 7–8:30 pm.
Climate Models and Predicting the Future
Karen Shell, Ph.D., OSU College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 — 7–8:30 pm.
Humidity and seasonality of influenza
Jeffrey Shaman, Ph.D., OSU College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences

For more information contact the OSU Extension service at (503) 821-1150 or see http://extension.oregonstate.edu/washington/ for a complete flyer.

October Early Literacy Workshops for Parents at Cedar Mill & Bethany

2009-10-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wanna get your kids ready to read? They need more than the ABCs.

Getting your kids ready to read is also known as early literacy. Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they learn to read and write.

October is Early Literacy Month at Cedar Mill Community Library and Cedar Mill Bethany. They are offering early literacy workshops for parents of children younger than five years old.

The workshops will focus on the six early literacy skills that are vital for kids before they learn to read. They will include current research on the brain, tips for sharing and choosing books for little ones, activities to help develop the six literacy skills, information packets, and most of all, how to keep this fun for both you and your kids.

Birth to Two year olds: Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 pm - Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd off Saltzman, upstairs meeting room
Two- and Three-year olds: Wednesday, October 21, 6:30-8:30 pm - Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd off Saltzman, upstairs meeting room
Four- and Five-year olds: Tuesday, October 27, 6:30-8:30 pm - Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd off Saltzman, upstairs meeting room

Workshops are for adults only. No registration required. For more information, call the Youth Services Desk 503-644-0043 ext 112.

Cedar Mill Library @ Bethany is offering a Playful Early Literacy Class for Parents of children 0-5 years. Learn 25 fun things you and your child can do throughout the day that support pre-reading skills. Workshop is for adults only. No registration required.

Birth to Five-year olds: Sunday, October 25, 1:00-3:00 pm - Terrace Plaza Community Room, 15220 NW Laidlaw Rd.

10/18-24: Teen Read Week!

2009-09-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Area teens will be reading just for the fun of it as the WCCLS member libraries celebrate Teen Read Week™, October 18–24, 2009. The theme this year is Read Beyond Reality.

Library staff are offering an array of activities especially for teens —a gaming party at the Beaverton City Library, a book-themed movie night at the Cedar Mill Community Library and a Teen Rock party at the Tualatin Public Library.

The whole list of teen events is online. Check with your library for more details!

Wi-Fi at your Washington County public library

2009-09-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for Wi-Fi? Look no further than your Washington County public library!

WCCLS is pleased to announce that every Washington County public library now offers free wireless access. To use it, all you need is your WCCLS library card, your password, and your wireless-enabled device (laptop, smart phone, or PDA).

Due to high demand from the public, WCCLS libraries struggle to provide enough computer and internet access. Patrons frequently must wait for a computer, and have a limited time to use it.

With the expanded public wireless network, there are no time limits.

This WCCLS supported project will save member libraries time and money. They won't need to install and maintain local wireless networks or continue to purchase and install wired PCs to meet the increasing public demand.

We began implementation with smaller member libraries that did not offer wireless access in June, and then proceeded to the Cooperative's other libraries. Cost for the hardware, equipment, wiring, software and maintenance are part of the WCCLS budget and were included in the 4-year WCCLS local option levy approved by voters in November 2006.

For more information, see the full media release.

Tualatin wants you ... to volunteer!

2009-09-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Tualatin Public Library is looking for volunteers to join the team!

Our volunteers assist with checking in and shelving returned books, locating the books our patrons request, and other tasks which keep our materials circulating.

We also have volunteers who work with our Public Services staff doing projects that keep our collection up-to-date and in good condition, and to assist staff with presenting fantastic programs and events to the community.

Contact Victoria Eggleston, Volunteer Coordinator, (503) 691-8105 or veggleston@ci.tualatin.or.us to find out more about volunteering at the Tualatin Public Library.

The Tualatin Public Library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Ave, just north of Nyberg Rd.

Photo, Circulation staff members always on their toes, thanks to Newton Free Library

Text a librarian - get answers on the go!

2009-09-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Photo by Ken Banks, kiwanja.net

Now, when you get questions on the go, you can get answers almost instantly. This week the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) has launched a service that enables patrons to send a text message to a librarian from their handheld electronic devices. A librarian will text an expert answer back to the patron within 10 minutes during the hours of service.

All WCCLS library card holders can use this service. WCCLS and Beaverton, Cedar Mill, Garden Home, Hillsboro, Sherwood and the Tigard Public Libraries are participating.

So if you are on the go and need an answer — text your question to a librarian and have the answer delivered to your phone or PDA within minutes.

Text (309) 222-7740
Text the code WCC in front of your question
A librarian will text an expert answer within 10 minutes during the hours of service (see hours below)

The service is available Monday – Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM, and Saturday 7 AM – 3 PM. Afterhours, patrons will receive a message that an answer will be sent when the service is available.

So, ask away. We have answers!

Tualatin offers Digital Camera classes

2009-09-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

photo by Gene Han,
aka LarimdaME

Tualatin Public Library is happy to present a series of digital camera classes through the fall.

Wayne Welch of Oregon Photo & Digital will be presenting the classes, which will meet in the Library’s Community Room. Registration is required. Please visit us online at www.tualatinlibrary.org and click on the events calendar, or call 691.3077 to sign up today.

The classes include:

Saturday, September 26, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Shooting with Wayne
Class fee of $50 per person to be paid to the Tualatin Public Library by Friday, September 11. Weather permitting, we will venture outside and take advantage of the cool fall colors. Wayne will give us practical advice in the field. Bring your own lunch.

Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Beginner’s Digital Camera
Class fee of $5 to be paid at the beginning of class. For individuals who have just purchased, or are considering purchasing a digital camera.

Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Intermediate Digital Camera
Class fee of $5 to be paid at the beginning of class. For individuals who own a digital camera and want to learn more.

Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Advanced Digital Camera
Class fee of $5 to be paid at the beginning of class. For individuals who are interested in learning advanced techniques in digital camera photography.

Tualatin Public Library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Ave, just north of Nyberg Rd.

Thursday, 10/8: Celebrate Oregon's Day of Culture

2009-09-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Please join the Washington County Cooperative Library Services in celebrating Oregon's Day of Culture on Thursday, October 8th. Sponsored by the Oregon Cultural Trust, the Day of Culture's focus is on celebrating culture close to home and recognizing the culture that surrounds us everyday.

What better place to do that than at your local library? Check out the diverse array of cultural programs offered in our fourteen member libraries at wccls.org/calendar.

To find out more about Washington County based artists, performers and arts organizations, visit www.artstage.info, a website hosted by the Westside Cultural Alliance. And, for a listing of events across the state go to www.OregonDayofCulture.org.

The public libraries of Washington County serve a primary role as cultural institutions, welcoming nearly 1.5 million people through our doors each year. Libraries are the neighborhood gathering places, the "front porches" of our communities, and open to all.

In addition to books, libraries offer movies and music, provide forums for discussion, host artistic and educational displays, and provide entertainment options. At the library you can learn to knit, practice a foreign language, improve your photography skills, meet an author, hear a story, explore, and just about anything else you can think of. (And if you do think of something else, please let us know!)

This year on October 8th, celebrate culture close to home!

Eva Calcagno
Manager, Washington County Cooperative Library Services

10/4: WCCLS website & catalog will NOT be down after 6:15 PM

2009-09-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

The WCCLS website and catalog will be available the evening of Oct 4th.

The scheduled maintenance is being postponed. We'll let you know when we do. Thanks for your patience!

Save Time and Save Money with E-mail Notices

2009-09-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is urging library patrons to choose to utilize its email notification service to receive notices for holds that are ready for pickup, courtesy reminders for items that will soon be due, as well as notification regarding any overdue items.

The email service saves both the patrons and the libraries time and money. Patrons will be able to avoid overdue fines – receiving email notices before items are due, a benefit only available through the email service. Quicker delivery of notices – email is days faster than the U.S. mail method. And, it is a better and more timely use of your tax dollars by cutting down on the volume of printing and postage to mail overdue notices. With an increase in the use of email notices the service will enable the Cooperative Library Services to limit the number of phone lines required to operate the automatic phone notification service.

WCCLS realizes that not all residents have email accounts, nor will they all prefer the electronic email notification method. The Cooperative will still maintain the mailed and phone notification system. “We believe that once people understand the benefits of email notification – faster, cheaper and more specific – they will want to switch,” says Eva Calcagno, Manager of the Cooperative Library Services.

Email provides more specific information than phone notification, so patrons will know the titles of materials that are waiting to be picked up or are about to be due.

It is easy for patrons to opt-in to the email notification service. You can sign up online, or visit your library. Staff will be happy to make the necessary switch to the library card account. Bring your library card or a valid piece of identification (in addition to your library card barcode number), and email address and phone number. For additional details please visit one of the WCCLS member libraries.

Changes in Online Resources

2009-09-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed changes in the Online Resources area of our website.

The Oregon State Library, who makes licensing agreements for some of our electronic resources, will be changed vendors August 31. They formerly had a contract with EBSCO; now they will be contracting with Gale.

What that means to you is that you'll still be able to access your favorite databases like Auto Repair Reference Center and ReferenceUSA. There are 40 new databases, but they are covering the same areas that the old databases did, such as peer-reviewed journals, agricultural, legal and medical information, investment reports, computer journals, the ERIC database for education, Spanish language journals and magazines, and much more.

You'll find new resources on art, music, cooking, geography, hospitality & tourism, gardening, and home improvement

Here are six of the new databases to check out:

General OneFile — A one-stop source for articles on a wide range of topics: business, computers, current events, economics, education, environmental issues, health care, hobbies, humanities, law, literature and art, politics, science, social science, sports, technology, and many general interest topics.

Academic OneFile — Academic OneFile has peer-reviewed, full-text articles from the world's leading journals and reference sources.

Kids InfoBits — Kids InfoBits is a database developed especially for beginning researchers in Kindergarten through Grade 5.

InfoTrac Student Edition — This periodical database is designed for high-school students with access to a variety of indexed and full-text magazines, newspapers, podcasts, and reference books for information on current events, the arts, science, popular culture, health, people, government, history, sports and more.

Health & Wellness Reference Center — Whether you're interested in western or alternative medicine, Health & Wellness Resource Center includes references, full-text journals and a Disease Profiler module for all levels of health research

Small Business Resource Center — When starting a new business, entrepreneurs need all the help they can get. Small Business Resource Center is like having experts on call 24 hours a day.

We have posted a comparison of the more popular online resources with the new online resources that have replace them.

Forest Grove Library Closed 9/9

2009-09-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Forest Grove City Library will be closed all day on Wednesday, September 9, for staff training. The library will re-open for regular hours at 10am on Thursday, September 10.

Shute Park's Intercambio adds another weekly group

2009-08-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Intercambio is the Spanish word for exchange. At Hillsboro's Shute Park Branch, Intercambio is a Spanish/English conversation group. This bilingual conversation group is free and meets every Saturday at 10:30 AM.

It's been such a success, Shute Park is adding a second Intercambio in September, meeting on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm.

Both Intercambios are open to all learners of English and Spanish. Learn new vocabulary, enhance your speaking skills, and meet new people!

The Shute Park Branch is located at 775 SE Tenth Avenue, in Shute Park, just south of the pool.

Search the catalog from the WCCLS front page

2009-08-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Did you notice anything different on the WCCLS website today? If you said, there's a search box for the library catalog right up top on the front page, you'd be correct.

That's right. You can now do what library staff call a keyword search, right from the front page.

Try it with the important words from a title, or an author's name, or a person, place or thing, when you're looking to see if we have a physical item you'd like to borrow.

We hope you like it!