Robin Spencer, Bear Mountain
Come out to the Bear Mountain Advisory Board Annual Yard Sale, May 2-3, from 8 am to 4 pm at the Bear Mountain Branch Library.
The Foothill Seniors will host a bake sale with tasty cupcakes, cookies, candy, sticky buns and piping hot coffee. The American Legion will barbeque delicious hamburgers and hot dogs and also offer nachos and sodas. And don't forget the great yard sale bargains!
All proceeds help maintain Bear Mountain's Library Activity Center. See you there!
April 24, 2009
April 23, 2009
Employee Assistance Program
Cindy Freeland, Headquarters
Feeling stressed? Maybe you are doing okay, but your spouse or kids are having some difficulty – and that stresses you out too. You aren’t the only one. The economy is affecting all aspects of our lives. In times like these, when there are all kinds of unanticipated changes to our work and personal lives, we all have a lot to deal with. We want to remind you that Fresno County offers an employee assistance program to help staff and our families cope with these changes.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees and their families identify, assess, and resolve issues that may be affecting their personal life and/or job performance. The EAP is available to the employee and/or anyone in the employee’s immediate family who is living in the employee’s home. The program allows for up to three individual counseling sessions per six months and ½ hour legal consultation per issue at no cost to the employee. The full cost of the services is paid by Fresno County. The EAP also offers wellness education seminars that are designed to target specific problems or issues.
Are you interested in receiving financial or legal services? How about some advice to help your children with school. Click on the links below for more information.
Financial Planning
Legal Advice
Back to School Tips
Avante Behavioral Health Plan (ABHP) provides the Employee Assistance Program, Avante Options, to all Fresno County employees and their eligible household members. They are a specialty health plan with a provider network of established mental health care professionals dedicated to delivering appropriate, high quality, comprehensive, cost-effective mental health services.
Avante is legally and ethically obligated to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. No reports come back to the County or the Library. Avante Options offers confidential services that can help resolve personal family issues. The following services are available to you and your family:
- Clinical Counseling Services for stress/anxiety, interpersonal relationships, depression, substance abuse, grief/loss and other issues.
- Telephone Consultations for legal assistance, financial assistance, tax planning, retirement planning, childcare assistance and other issues.
After the three EAP sessions have been utilized, referrals will be coordinated with the primary care physician if the insurance benefit needs to be accessed.
You can call Avante at 559-261-9053 or 1-800-498-9055, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when you or a family member needs counseling services, or if you have any complaints or disputes with Avante Options and/or a provider.
Kids "Rock" Out
Sara Gibbs, Fowler
Fowler Library's own Dennis Rickard brought his awesome collection of gems and minerals from California and around the world! He explained to parents and children how gold made California, and that gold crystals as well as gold nuggets were discovered. Everyone got a chance to view those gold crystals as well as diamond crystals under a microscope, where they were magnified into beautiful, geometric art works! He also showed minerals under the black light, where their large amounts of zinc created a natural glow that stunned his audience! Finally, the piece de resistance, was when everyone broke open their own geodes and got little pieces of crystal to take home. Of course, the greatest jewel was Dennis himself who you can always find at the Fowler Library to answer your questions!
Fowler Library's own Dennis Rickard brought his awesome collection of gems and minerals from California and around the world! He explained to parents and children how gold made California, and that gold crystals as well as gold nuggets were discovered. Everyone got a chance to view those gold crystals as well as diamond crystals under a microscope, where they were magnified into beautiful, geometric art works! He also showed minerals under the black light, where their large amounts of zinc created a natural glow that stunned his audience! Finally, the piece de resistance, was when everyone broke open their own geodes and got little pieces of crystal to take home. Of course, the greatest jewel was Dennis himself who you can always find at the Fowler Library to answer your questions!Help with Mock Interviews
Bernice Kao, Headquarters
Staff volunteers are needed to help with mock interviews:
1. May 4, 9 am to 2 pm, Veterans Job Fair at Veterans Memorial Building, Clovis.
2. May 15. 8 am to 1 pm, Adult School Job Fair, Cesar Chavez Educational Center, Fresno.
3. June 19-June 21, three hours on June 19, between 2 pm to 7 pm, Health Wealth Happiness Expo, Convention Center, Fresno.
4. June 24, Fresno Bee Career Expo, 9 am to 2 pm at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Fresno.
Determine which schedule suits you best, get approval from your supervisor, and let me know. I have seen great numbers of job seekers looking for free interview practice, so I do need more interviewers. Your interest is greatly appreciated.
Staff volunteers are needed to help with mock interviews:
1. May 4, 9 am to 2 pm, Veterans Job Fair at Veterans Memorial Building, Clovis.
2. May 15. 8 am to 1 pm, Adult School Job Fair, Cesar Chavez Educational Center, Fresno.
3. June 19-June 21, three hours on June 19, between 2 pm to 7 pm, Health Wealth Happiness Expo, Convention Center, Fresno.
4. June 24, Fresno Bee Career Expo, 9 am to 2 pm at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Fresno.
Determine which schedule suits you best, get approval from your supervisor, and let me know. I have seen great numbers of job seekers looking for free interview practice, so I do need more interviewers. Your interest is greatly appreciated.
Earth Day All Year
Cindy Freeland, Headquarters
Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. This Earth Day make a commitment to be green all year round, not simply on April 22. If you aren’t sure where to start, this list of 20 great green ideas will help you to both kick off Earth Day, and celebrate all year long.
10 Earth Day Projects and Ideas
Some of the projects and ideas below may seem very small. However, it’s good to note that even small steps make a difference. You don’t have to be extreme to be green. In the end, your green steps, no matter how small, added to everyone else’s green steps, create a greener, healthier, happier planet. And that’s what Earth Day should be about.
1. Find out how earth-friendly you are with the carbon footprint calculator. If your eco-footprint is bigger than you’d like, look into giving back with carbon credits.
2. Practice smart water conservation at home, all year round.
3. One of the best Earth Day projects is to plant a tree. If you join the Arbor Day Foundation, you can even get ten free fruit or oak trees!
4. If you’re buying a new computer, don’t just toss your old one into the trash. Donate your used tech equipment to a school, social service program, or look into computer recycling sites.
5. Consumer consumption is really hard on the planet. Excess consumption drains resources and energy, and creates massive waste. Before you buy a product get in the habit of asking yourself three simple questions: 1) Do I really need it? 2) Can I use something I already have at home instead? 3) Is the product recyclable, renewable, and safe for the earth?
6. Save water and money by learning how to build a rain barrel this Earth Day.
7. Some of the United States recycling statistics are pretty grim. Make an effort to learn about why is recycling important and become a dedicated recycling family.
8. Look into a compost kitchen container. Kitchen compost can reduce your throw-a-way trash and help your garden thrive at the same time.
9. Instead of doing small Earth Day projects this year, try making a big statement by remodeling your home into the most energy efficient house possible. Even the addition of one change, such as energy efficient windows can make a large difference; preserving resources and saving you money. For more ideas read: 50 Sustainable Home Design Features & Resources.
10. Changing out all the light bulbs in your house is one of the easiest Earth Day projects. Using fluorescent light bulbs is a highly effective way to conserve resources and saving money. Learn more about the different types of fluorescent light bulbs available today.
From: http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Earth_Day_Projects
Go Green and have a happy day!
Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. This Earth Day make a commitment to be green all year round, not simply on April 22. If you aren’t sure where to start, this list of 20 great green ideas will help you to both kick off Earth Day, and celebrate all year long.
10 Earth Day Projects and Ideas
Some of the projects and ideas below may seem very small. However, it’s good to note that even small steps make a difference. You don’t have to be extreme to be green. In the end, your green steps, no matter how small, added to everyone else’s green steps, create a greener, healthier, happier planet. And that’s what Earth Day should be about.
1. Find out how earth-friendly you are with the carbon footprint calculator. If your eco-footprint is bigger than you’d like, look into giving back with carbon credits.
2. Practice smart water conservation at home, all year round.
3. One of the best Earth Day projects is to plant a tree. If you join the Arbor Day Foundation, you can even get ten free fruit or oak trees!
4. If you’re buying a new computer, don’t just toss your old one into the trash. Donate your used tech equipment to a school, social service program, or look into computer recycling sites.
5. Consumer consumption is really hard on the planet. Excess consumption drains resources and energy, and creates massive waste. Before you buy a product get in the habit of asking yourself three simple questions: 1) Do I really need it? 2) Can I use something I already have at home instead? 3) Is the product recyclable, renewable, and safe for the earth?
6. Save water and money by learning how to build a rain barrel this Earth Day.
7. Some of the United States recycling statistics are pretty grim. Make an effort to learn about why is recycling important and become a dedicated recycling family.
8. Look into a compost kitchen container. Kitchen compost can reduce your throw-a-way trash and help your garden thrive at the same time.
9. Instead of doing small Earth Day projects this year, try making a big statement by remodeling your home into the most energy efficient house possible. Even the addition of one change, such as energy efficient windows can make a large difference; preserving resources and saving you money. For more ideas read: 50 Sustainable Home Design Features & Resources.
10. Changing out all the light bulbs in your house is one of the easiest Earth Day projects. Using fluorescent light bulbs is a highly effective way to conserve resources and saving money. Learn more about the different types of fluorescent light bulbs available today.
From: http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Earth_Day_Projects
Go Green and have a happy day!
Staff Association Elections
Shonda Graham, Central
It is time again for you to vote for your Staff Association Board Members. The open positions are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chairperson for Social Events, and Chairperson for Fundraising Events. For those interested in any of these positions please send a brief paragraph explaining why you want the position and what your qualifications are. Please send all emails to the Fresno Staff Association mail group by May 4th. Elections will be held the following week.
It is time again for you to vote for your Staff Association Board Members. The open positions are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chairperson for Social Events, and Chairperson for Fundraising Events. For those interested in any of these positions please send a brief paragraph explaining why you want the position and what your qualifications are. Please send all emails to the Fresno Staff Association mail group by May 4th. Elections will be held the following week.
April 22, 2009
NOYS: What a Dia for a Celebration!
The Central Library will celebrate Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. We intend to make it a Día to remember, with exciting programs scheduled from 10:00am-2:00pm.Through the celebration of “Children’s Day/Book Day” we will engage, entertain, and promote bilingual literacy and multicultural programs to children and families.
Event activities will include the Folklórico dance group: Teocalli, Children’s musical group: The Jammies, games, crafts and more.
Spread the word to your Patrons: We hope to see you at the celebration!
April 20, 2009
PC Reservation Blog
Jonathan Waltmire, Selma
For information regarding the transition to PC Reservation at FCPL branches, please visit the PC Reservation blog at http://fresnolibpcreservation.blogspot.com/.
For information regarding the transition to PC Reservation at FCPL branches, please visit the PC Reservation blog at http://fresnolibpcreservation.blogspot.com/.
Tapestry of Volunteers
Elizabeth Barg, Volunteer Services, and Melissa Scroggins, California History Room
Adult Services selected eight cookbook titles, and each branch with volunteer support in 2008 received a book. Recognition items included individual volunteer certificates, and volunteers at the reception received a bookmark. Volunteers with 100+ hours of service received a lapel pin. Volunteers celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year service anniversaries also received ribbons on their certificates.
-- Janice Gillaspy
"A Tapestry of Talent: Library Volunteers Serving the Fresno County Library Community" was the theme for this year’s annual Fresno County Library Volunteer Recognition Reception on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at the Woodward Park Library. All library volunteers are invited to attend this special event, and we had a tremendous turnout. The Library had 682 amazing volunteers who contributed 27,935 hours of service!
Gina Becker and the Woodward Park Teen Council Members did a great job of greeting
volunteer reception guests and leading tours through the library. As volunteers and library staff enjoyed refreshments, Jeanne Johnson enthusiastically promoted the Big Read, and Jon Adams played previews of songs and stories he performed as part of Big Read Programs at 11 libraries. Linda Calandra and Melissa Moradian, FOL board member, talked to volunteers about Friends of the Library, encouraging them to join their local Friends group, and shared the newly designed membership brochure. Beautiful tapestry banners created by Jill Potter that incorporated branch poetry and quotes were on display at the reception.
Gina Becker and the Woodward Park Teen Council Members did a great job of greeting
volunteer reception guests and leading tours through the library. As volunteers and library staff enjoyed refreshments, Jeanne Johnson enthusiastically promoted the Big Read, and Jon Adams played previews of songs and stories he performed as part of Big Read Programs at 11 libraries. Linda Calandra and Melissa Moradian, FOL board member, talked to volunteers about Friends of the Library, encouraging them to join their local Friends group, and shared the newly designed membership brochure. Beautiful tapestry banners created by Jill Potter that incorporated branch poetry and quotes were on display at the reception.
Adult Services selected eight cookbook titles, and each branch with volunteer support in 2008 received a book. Recognition items included individual volunteer certificates, and volunteers at the reception received a bookmark. Volunteers with 100+ hours of service received a lapel pin. Volunteers celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year service anniversaries also received ribbons on their certificates.Karen Bosch Cobb, County Librarian, was this year’s mistress of ceremonies. Karen read branch volunteer names, and volunteers went to the podium to receive their certificates and recognition items.
Three volunteers with exceptional hours were also recognized: Wes Leverson, 668 hours, Talking Book Library; Mary Lou Talens, 651 hours, California History and Genealogy Room, Central Library; Larry Harmon, 645 hours, California History and Genealogy Room, Central Library.
Many thanks to Library staff who sent in poetry and quotes about their volunteers and those who came out to the event to support their volunteers. We share some of their prose here:
Many thanks to Library staff who sent in poetry and quotes about their volunteers and those who came out to the event to support their volunteers. We share some of their prose here:
Volunteers have the
Opportunity to give the
Library their
Unique and much
Need
Talents.
Each and
Everyone is a
Reward.
Opportunity to give the
Library their
Unique and much
Need
Talents.
Each and
Everyone is a
Reward.
-- Janice Gillaspy
Our volunteers are special
People with huge, huge hearts
They come in to help
And they are really quite smart
They sort the books and tidy the shelves
We feel like they are our little elves.
They zip around the library doing their thing,
Sorting, shelving, and even holds searching
Our patrons love them as much as we do
They talk with them and laugh with them
And even trade book reviews.
There is not much more that I can say
But that our volunteers really
Know how to make our day!
People with huge, huge hearts
They come in to help
And they are really quite smart
They sort the books and tidy the shelves
We feel like they are our little elves.
They zip around the library doing their thing,
Sorting, shelving, and even holds searching
Our patrons love them as much as we do
They talk with them and laugh with them
And even trade book reviews.
There is not much more that I can say
But that our volunteers really
Know how to make our day!
-- Auberry Branch Staff
Work feels vintery bright,
Fear dissolves mintery light,
Children’s rapt eyes leave picture pages.
No wire, briar or falling tears.
To shore the breach flock volunteers.
Merrily sauntering off mid-story,
Hide and Seek by Wells, Rosemary,
One child starts east, the other west.
Hurray to hip volunteer’s clever knack
For coaxing ‘em back in time for snack.
--Abby Rivera
Fear dissolves mintery light,
Children’s rapt eyes leave picture pages.
No wire, briar or falling tears.
To shore the breach flock volunteers.
Merrily sauntering off mid-story,
Hide and Seek by Wells, Rosemary,
One child starts east, the other west.
Hurray to hip volunteer’s clever knack
For coaxing ‘em back in time for snack.
--Abby Rivera
Special thanks goes to Jane Alchian, Faythe Arredondo, Roberta Barton, Gina Becker, Linda Calandra, Karen Bosch Cobb, Micheal Criado, Teresa Hurtado Catering, Deborah Janzen, Amy Johnson, Jeanne Johnson, Kathleen Kenslow, Maintenance Staff, Becky Matli, Darlene Morse, Patricia Pondexter, Jill Potter, Melissa Scroggins, Wayne Steffen, Terry Sterling, Support Services Staff, Rick Xiong, Woodward Library Staff and the following Woodward Park Teen Council Members: Jordan Ayers, Jennifer Brown, Leanne Cheng, Leyla Farshidpour, Paige Getty, Janette Kim, Noreen Mansuri, Matthew Guekguezian, Rahul Nunna, Nick Rafidi and J.V. Villarreal.
April 17, 2009
NOYS: The Survey
Tell me all bout it!
It will only take a minute or two (longer if you have much to say) to fill out this short survey.
I'm looking for your viewpoint here, so tell me!
Thank You!
April 14, 2009
NOYS: The Summer Reading Program is coming!
Some folks have been asking, "When will the SRP information be arriving at the branches?" (or something like that).
Well...here's the scoop so far:
The prizes are taking up quite a bit of room in the back of our space, the performers are scheduled, and the program boxes are being…boxed.
The programs Youth Services scheduled will be up on the Events Calendar by May 1st, and branches will receive the printed schedules in mid-May.
For the programs that branches are doing independently, you'll need to put them up on the Evanced calendar yourself (might we suggest by May 1st?).
Remember to reserve the meeting room (if you have one) for your event.
If you have any questions about all things e-vanced related, contact Jennifer Kish, who reminds you: when putting items on the calendar, please use this phrasing for the Event Type:
Primary: (Music program, art program, whatever)
Option 1: summer reading program (kids)/summer reading program (teens)
Option 2: Internet Stats-Ch/Internet Stats-Teens
As always, if you have any old question at all, Nancy Wirt will locate the answer you seek.
Youth Services (559) 488-3205
Well...here's the scoop so far:
The prizes are taking up quite a bit of room in the back of our space, the performers are scheduled, and the program boxes are being…boxed.
The programs Youth Services scheduled will be up on the Events Calendar by May 1st, and branches will receive the printed schedules in mid-May.
For the programs that branches are doing independently, you'll need to put them up on the Evanced calendar yourself (might we suggest by May 1st?).
Remember to reserve the meeting room (if you have one) for your event.
If you have any questions about all things e-vanced related, contact Jennifer Kish, who reminds you: when putting items on the calendar, please use this phrasing for the Event Type:
Primary: (Music program, art program, whatever)
Option 1: summer reading program (kids)/summer reading program (teens)
Option 2: Internet Stats-Ch/Internet Stats-Teens
As always, if you have any old question at all, Nancy Wirt will locate the answer you seek.
Youth Services (559) 488-3205
April 7, 2009
NOYS: Who Do You Ask?
If you are not sure where to send those reassigns, who do you contact? When you need an item replaced, who do you call?
Since you heard there will be changes in how the youth collections are...um...collected, what do you do next?
Here at Youth Services, we are trying to make things as simple as possible while we're changing the Collection development process.
For Children's collection questions, contact the Children's Coordinator: Kari Johnson.
For Teen collection questions, contact the Teen Coordinator: Connie Urquhart.
If you, as a staff member, want to request an addition to a collection, use this form, which will automatically be sent to the correct person.
For any situation where you are not sure WHO to contact, ask me - Your Branch Support Specialist: Nancy Wirt. If I don't know the answer, I will find someone who does.
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