Tag Archives: events

I want my Barbie Dictionary!

Posted on by
Reply

Does anybody use a dictionary anymore? I mean the book, where you have to open the pages and have some semblance of the alphabetical order and maybe a slight grasp of how to spell the word you are looking up. You can’t replace the good old ink-and-paper, handy dandy dictionary (some aren’t so handy dandy; Webster has gotten a little bloated). Sure, you can now use the internet to look up the word you want (try dictionary.com). Most computer programs, if not all, have spell check. Even Words with Friends tells you that mess of letters you tried to play is not an acceptable word. So, I guess the good old dictionary is being replaced. I mean, I don’t own one.

Upon further review, it seems as though the dictionary is branching out. Trying new things. Exploring new concepts. Gradually sneaking up on you until all of the sudden you notice it again. Like an old friend that never really left your side even though you made new friends like the computer or spell check. Lo and behold, It’s not just for words anymore…..

Star Wars has given the dictionary an all-new identity with their line of visual dictionaries found at the library. (I own all of these, of course)

There is also, the believe it or not, the Math dictionary (I’m not sure what that’s about, never read it, never will. I am assured it does exist).

Or  the Lover’s Dictionary (okay, I think this one is more a work of fiction rather than a dictionary).

Let’s not forget the Dictionary of Wholesome Foods (I have no idea what that means, but I did not see a Big Mac in there anywhere).

Even baseball has its own dictionary (apparently there are a lot of baseball-specific terms because it is a very thick book at almost 1000 pages).

And then, my (and I assume everybody’s) favorite dictionaries are The Curious George Dictionary and, of course, The Barbie Picture Dictionary.

Okay, so there are a lot of dictionaries out there. Plus, dictionaries are smart to diversify  from just defining words and whatever else they were doing (balancing tables). So, head on out to the library and check out latest fad…dictionaries. That’s right, it’s a thing now.

Amelia Library Writer’s Group November 13, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

The next meeting of the Amelia Library Writer’s Group will be held on November 13, 2012.  Instead of the usual group format we will be having a speaker.  Mr. Brooks Rexroat will be speaking about writing across the genres – whether it is fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.  He will also address motivation and keeping those  negative blocks at bay.

Brooks Rexroat is a writer, teacher, and musician who lives and works in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in print journalism from Morehead State University (Kentucky), and worked as a reporter, editor, and photographer at community, regional, and metropolitan newspapers.  He recently spoke  about publishing and editing at the new Union Township library in Clermont County.

The program will begin at 6:00 p.m.

 

The End

Posted on by
1

So far, 2012 has gone off without a hitch. No zombies, no rapture, the poles have not reversed, and the sun has not exploded. But there is still time for these things to occur, so get your disaster kits ready because it is going to be a long and scary apocalypse, especially if the zombie thing happens.

For my money, the best investment you can make is to go to the library and find the various books that we have on our shelves about survival and apocalypse, then read them and maybe even practice some of the lessons that are contained in these helpful books. Obviously the library is the best resource for all your 2012 apocalypse needs. If  you are looking through those books and said apocalypse occurs you can always use the books for fire or a hammer or something like that. (Don’t really do that, those books need to be returned to the library in the condition they left, even if zombies are the only ones working at the library upon return.)

Moreover, the government is selling off its unused cold war missile silos for very reasonable prices. It seems to me that an abandoned missile silo would be a great place to ride out any kind of apocalypse that may occur. Some of them may be fixer uppers, but what else are you going to do in this late stage of the game? December 21st is approaching faster than you think.

If you can’t afford a missile silo it is best to learn some survival skills that can get you through the end of the world or just in case you are lost in the woods. Here are some excellent survival books for those just right occasions. Click here now.

With all this doom and gloom upon us, it is also good to know that we have experienced and survived these things before. Who can forget Y2K? That was a close one. Thankfully all those computer geeks fixed that bug before everything shut down and caused mass hysteria. Here is an awesome list of past end times that we as people survived.

Lets not forget all the disaster, end of the world movies, that we all enjoy. Wikipedia has a great list of such films (just click on that link in the previous sentence to see it). I am sure we have many of them here at the library, so you can see what is going to happen and prepare accordingly.

Whichever way the world decides to end (zombies), it is always good to be prepared. There is no better place to get yourself prepared than your local library. (Except for maybe Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitters; have you ever been to that place? It is unbelievable; it is like a super amped up Pro Bass Shop.) I guess I’ll see you later, unless we are all dead, in which case I might just eat your brains.

 

 

 

1967 Music and Library Memories

Posted on by
Reply

In 1967, the Bethel Library, founded in 1929 by the Bethel Women’s Club and housed in the Grant Memorial Building, officially became a Branch of the Clermont County Public Library system.

What music were you listening to in 1967?  Do you remember these Grammy Award winners?

And how about these top hits and artists?

Come share your music and library memories from 1967 to the present on Saturday, August 11, 2012 when the Bethel Branch Library will officially celebrate its 45th Anniversary.  Bring the family for fun activities from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Kids can see dog tricks performed by Oliver the Bassett hound, make a craft and have their face painted.  All ages are welcome to listen to music by the Daniel Patrick Family Singers, meet Browser the library’s mascot, check out library and local history displays, enter contests to win prizes, mingle with local and library dignitaries and enjoy refreshments.

Take a “Step Back in Time with Stories of Bethel Library’s Past” on Tuesday, August 7, 6:30-7:45 p.m. and share your library memories with our panel of guest speakers including former and current Bethel library staff, “Worldwalker” author Steven Newman, Walter Carter from the Bethel Historical Museum and Bethel library volunteers and patrons.

What music were you listening to in 1967 in Bethel, Ohio?  We want to know!

 

 

 

Death Cab for Cutie’s Latest

Posted on by
1

Death Cab for CutieThe lights went down on PNC pavilion last Friday and the distinct melodic beat of the five minute instrumental slowly drew the crowd into each key hit on the piano. The lights began to flicker to the beat as the band increased its tempo. Finally the singer belted out the first words of the song…”How I wish you could see the potential…” the crowd erupted in a syncopated cheer and then they all began to sing along.

The band Death Cab for Cutie played PNC Pavilion Friday, September 30th and I was there. It was an amazing concert put on by the band from Seattle. If you were there or even if you weren’t and are interested, the Clermont County Public Library has a few of their CDs so you can give them a listen.

From 2005 Plans which includes the songs  Soul Meets Body, Crooked Teeth, and I Will Follow You into the Dark.  All of which were performed at the concert.

Narrow Stairs is from 2008 and has the song that opened the concert – I Will Posses Your Heart.

Their latest Codes and Keys just released this year and has the song You are a Tourist.

In case you were curious, the band’s name comes from the title of a song by the band Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah which they performed in 1967 film, Magical Mystery Tour, which many of you know is a film by the Beatles.

Books by the Banks

Posted on by
Reply

Join us for Cincinnati’s 5th annual Books by the Banks  free book festival.  It  takes place Saturday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,  at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Children and their families can  enjoy storybook characters, crafts, and other fun activities in the K12 Kids’ Corner.  During this daylong event more than 100 nationally known and local authors will be available to sign books, and will be engaging in book talks and panel discussions featuring  popular topics (such as cooking, fiction, and teen literature and more).

These authors are just a few of the authors who will be participating in the fest.  Check CCPL’s catalog for their books:

Bohjalian, Chris

Capucilli, Alyssa

Clarke, Brock

Clemens, Judy

Collins, Judy

Garretson, Dee

Green, Maggie

Karr, Julia

McLain, Paula

Springstubb, Tricia

Meet the Author: Jinny Powers Berten

Posted on by
Reply

littsieJoin us at the Milford-Miami Township Branch on Tuesday, August 23 at 6:00PM to meet award winning local author Jinny Powers Berten.  A volunteer at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, her books include Littsie of Cincinnati and Littsie and the Underground Railroad.  Ms. Berten will speak about Cincinnati’s role in the Underground Railroad and how the Underground Railroad shaped Cincinnati.  According to Vanessa Seeger, Youth Services Librarian, “This will be a great opportunity to meet a local author who’s incorporated extensive local history research into her stories.”  While the Littsie books are targeted for readers aged 8-12, this event is for everyone.  It’s an excellent opportunity for homeschoolers, adults who like to read along with the children in their lives, and anyone interested in local history.

Fun to Be Frugal

Posted on by
Reply

Are you a fan of penny pinching, being frugal and extreme couponing? Then we have a treat for you!

Amber Flores, of TLC’s hit show Extreme Couponing shares with us some of her extreme couponing tips & tricks to help promote the library’s upcoming Fun to Be Frugal program at the New Richmond Branch Library!

What prompted you to pursue extreme couponing? It’s not for the faint of heart after all!

Amber Flores: We actually have been couponing for years, but we stopped, because we lived in an apartment and did not have much room. We started back after watching the first episode of TLC Extreme couponing! We were like, “why did we ever stop!”

Do you remember your first couponing trip and how much you saved?

AF: Oh gosh! The first trip I can remember we had a mega sale and we got around $500.00 worth of groceries for around $50.00! We were excited and people were stunned around us!

What do you usually save per shopping trip?

AF: Our goal is to spend 10% of what the total bill comes out to or less and it is usually less than our 10% goal!

How much time do you spend on average ‘couponing?’

AF: WOW! That is a popular question! It really depends on the sales that week and what we need. We don’t EXTREME COUPON every week. I would say on an average week we may spend around 10 hours couponing and if there are really good deals or a mega sale we may spend 20 hours and that includes the actual shopping.

What has been your best couponing trip, to date?
AF: I would have to say it was on the show and we got our $2,700 bill down to around $180.00!

Do you have any tips or advice for anyone interested in pursuing extreme couponing?

AF: Well I can offer few!

  1. Don’t get stressed!  It will get easier I promise!
  2. Read and learn as much as you can! There are many great blogs to choose from, surf them all and put it all together.
  3. Find a site that has ad matches for your store; this takes away a lot of the work! All you have to do is look at the match up and find and clip your coupons.
  4. Start with one store and start slow.
  5. Always carry your coupon policy!
  6. Shop for what you need and don’t try to be like other couponers! Your family may not need 5 freezers, but mine does!
  7. Always have your coupons ready to go before getting to the store and before heading to the check out.
  8. Always use your coupon for the correct item and make sure to check product sizes and restrictions

Learn how you can start living frugally! Join the New Richmond Branch Library on Tuesday, June 21 @ 6:30p.m. to learn how to reduce your budget and save money!

Be sure to visit Amber’s website to learn more about couponing and much more!