From the Director’s Desk-

Library staff worked hard over the last months to design the website and, thanks to the Nicolet Federated Library System and Digital Designs who provided funding and technical support, we now have an updated site.  The new webpage allows us to update what is going on in the library on a daily basis if necessary, and helps us keep in touch with YOU via Facebook. There are pages that are specific to children, teens, Algoma Library Friends and more. Take a look and let us know what you think.

Kindle, Nook, E-books!

The library has received quite a few questions about downloading e-book on those Kindles and Nooks people received this holiday season.  The Algoma Public Library is excited to announce that its e-book collection is compatible with these devices and patrons can now download popular titles.  Click on InfoSoup on the library’s homepage (address above) where you will find a link located in the left column (Overdrive Digital Downloads).  Or you can browse the many titles available for checkout. OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of E-books and audiobooks available through the library. 

Shoutbomb

Shoutbomb has arrived! What is Shoutbomb? A new way to receive a message that your hold is waiting for you at the library via a text message to your cell phone. Information on how to sign up for this service is on the InfoSoup homepage under "My Library" (right hand column) and titled "Sign Up for Text Message Notifications."

How Does Your Library Save You Money?

You can see how much your library saves you by using the “Library Use Calculator” located on the library’s new homepage.  The calculator gives an average price for items/services the library offers such as hardcover or children’s books, music cds, movies, etc.  Give it a try, you may be surprised!

                            Rita Schiesser

MILWAUKEE BUCKS READING CHALLENGE

Read to have fun, read to make your imagination fly,

read 500 pages…you can do it if you try!

The Milwaukee Bucks Reading challenge returns January 3- February 28. The program is a project of the Milwaukee Bucks in cooperation with the Milwaukee County Federated Library System, and Northwestern Mutual Foundation. This year the program offers students in 3^rd – 10^th grade the opportunity to read to earn a voucher that entitles them to one free Bucks game ticket, and the opportunity to purchase additional tickets at a discount.   

Don’t stop at 500 points! Read, read, read! Kids who read more than 750 pages, and report the total number of pages read to his/her librarian by Tuesday, Feb. 28^th, will have their names entered into a drawing for special extra prizes.

Students may choose one of 2 games to attend:

Saturday, March 24^th at 7:30 vs. Indiana Pacers or Saturday, March 31^st at 7:30 vs. Memphis Grizzlies.  The ticket voucher is valid only when a paid adult ticket  is included.  Student will be responsible for providing their own transportation to the game in Milwaukee. Sign up beginning January 3 in the Algoma Public Library. Contact the Algoma Public Library at 920 487-2295 with questions.

Free Resume and Job Search Workshops

On Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:00 and 1:00, Resume and Job Search Workshops return to the Algoma Public Library.

Registration on the State of Wisconsin job site will be emphasized because of new unemployment rules requiring registration on the State site.  Lack of registration and an accompanying resume can endanger receipt of weekly benefit payments. 

All individuals who are searching for job opportunities are welcome with the requirement of basic computer skills, including navigation on monitor using a mouse and typing skills that are slow but steady.

The 2 hour class will cover registration on the Job Center of Wisconsin site, job search on the site, and the beginning of a resume. Please call for a reservation 920 487-2295. Each class has room for 8 participants.

Baby Storytime & Play and Share

Babies and toddlers do all sorts of things during “Baby Storytime”.  They might fall asleep, grab the book, pull your hair, or babble out their own story.  Those things don’t matter because somewhere along the way they will listen to the story or participate in the fingerplay or song.  Baby  Storytime is open to babies and toddlers from birth through two years and meets on Tuesdays at 10:00.  Older siblings are welcome.

                    Baby Play & Share

Following Baby Storytime, parents and caregivers have a chance to visit with each other while children play together and socialize.

Story Hour

Penguins are an intriguing flightless bird that lives in the southern hemisphere.   They waddle and appear awkward but can actually walk as fast as a human being.   Besides learning a few facts about penguins there will be silly stories about penguins including CUDDLY DUDLEY by Jez Alborough and FIVE LITTLE PENGUINS SLIPPING ON THE ICE by Steve Metzger.   The children will create paper penguins.   Story hour is held on Friday at 10 am beginning January 20 for children ages 3-6.  

YA Book Group-                                     5^th Grade Students are usually jubilant when there’s a prediction of a blizzard.   Think of what a blizzard was like in 1888 when there wasn’t large snow removal equipment or easy communication.   That’s what the book BLIZZARD!   THE STORM THAT CHANGED AMERICA by Jim Murphy deals with.   The weather had been unusually warm for March.   Rain was predicted but this was wrong.   The storm came fast;  people were caught outside in it, trains were toppled or blanketed in snowdrifts, communication lines broke with the weight of the snow and food and fuel became scarce.   Book group will meet Monday, January 23 from 3:15-4:00 pm.   Ask for a book at the library desk.

Movies at the Library

Movies after school are a relaxing way to start the weekend. Movies begin at 3:30. 

January 6- Dolphin Tale- (New Release!)

January 13- Beethoven’s 2nd

January 20- Soul Surfer

January 27- Bolt

                    Internet Basics

It is time for Internet Basics again!  On Tuesday, January 10^th at 11:00 come to the library for some one on one time with library staff.  Learn how to create an e-mail account or bring your questions about the internet.  All are welcome.

Calendar of Events

Jan. 3- Milwaukee Bucks Reading Challenge Begins

Jan. 6- After School Movie- 3:30

Jan 9- Algoma Library Friends- 10:30

Jan. 10- Internet Basics- 11:00-12:00

Jan. 10- Job Center- 1:30

Jan 13- After School Movie- 3:30

Jan. 14- Stamp Camp!- 12:30-2:00

Jan. 16- Board Meeting- 4:00

Jan. 17- Baby Story Time & Play & Share- 10:00

Jan 17- Book Worms- 1:00 and 5:00

Jan. 18- Immunizations- 1:00-6:00

Jan. 19- Elks Scholarship- 5:15- 6:30

Jan. 20- Story Hour- 10:00

Jan. 20- After School Movie- 3:30

Jan 21. Elks Scholarship- 5:15- 6:30

Jan. 23- 5^th Grade Book Club- 3:15

Jan. 24- Baby Story Time & Play & Share- 10:00

Jan 24- Job Center- 1:30

Jan. 26- Resume and Job Search Workshop- 10:00 + 1:00

Jan. 27- Story Hour- 10:00

Jan. 27- After School Movie- 3:30

Jan. 30- Valentine Decorating- 3:15-4:30

Jan. 31- Baby Story Time & Play & Share- 10:00

Feb. 3- Story Hour- 10:00

Feb. 3. After School Movie- 3:30

          Second Saturday Stamp Camp                    

January 14^th will be a very special stamp camp. This month’s project will be a calendar you make yourself.  You will create twelve individual hand stamped months, and then bind them together for a stand-alone desk calendar.  This class will be limited to 10 people, so make your reservations early!  There is a fee for supplies.

Door County Office Hours                            

The Door County Job Center will be holding office hours in the Algoma Public Library the following dates: Tuesday, Jan 10^th- 1:30 – 3:00 and Tuesday, Jan. 24^th- 1:30 – 3:00.

Valentine Decorating                                         

Whether the heart is drawn or traced, cut or copied, the heart will make a beautiful decoration.   Children in Kindergarten through 6^th grade are invited to make Valentine decorations for the library.   There will also be an opportunity to make a decoration or card to take home. Valentine decorating will take place on Monday, January 30 from 3:15-4:30.