Network Upgrade

The Computer Lab will be closed Wednesday, July 9 until 12:00 noon, due to a network upgrade.

Access within the Library building to the Library catalog and other databases may also be affected, and check-out times may be a little longer while upgrades are in progress.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

What's up for Young Adults

On June 9, and book pick-up began for the first summer young-adult book discussion, "Yak & Snack." The YA Summer Reading Club theme is “Metamorphosis.” In line with that theme, the title chosen for this meeting is Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. To be as inclusive of all young adults as possible, any format of the book is acceptable for participation in the book discussion: the classic itself, the junior classics illustrated, graphic novel, or audio. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m.

began on Monday, June 30 for the "Fruit Smoothies Workshop" to be held on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. Five stations will be set up for participants to make five different smoothies. Each student will rotate from station to station to make and taste the smoothies. Recipes will be given out at the conclusion of the evening. There is a limit of 20 persons in this 90 minute program.

Thursday evening, July 17 the Young Adult Department will be showing a movie at 7:00 p.m. All guests entering grades 6-12 are invited to view this movie on the big screen of the Library’s large meeting room with their friends. The movie is rated PG-13 and runs for 87 minutes. The Library will be serving refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Cornell University, through the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Nassau County has expanded its popular New Student Reading Program to include high-school students. The Library has signed on to take part in this program. The title chosen by Cornell for 2008 is Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America, by Gary Wills. The Young Adult Department has four copies of the book as well as copies of the study questions provided by Cornell. If there is a demand which exceeds this supply, the Nassau Library System has additional copies of the book for our library. For additional information, please call the Young Adult Librarian at 742-8405 or go to the website: http://reading.cornell.edu.

Opening day for “Teens and Tots Storytime” at the pool was July 1. This programwill take place every Tuesday and Wednesday until August 6. Thanks to all who volunteered. Remember to report to the gazebo in the pool picnic area at 1:45 p.m.

The Library’s newly enlarged and renovated Young Adult Room is now open. The YA Computer Center, which was part of the Library’s renovation project, is now in operation. There are four computers reserved for patrons in Grades 6-12 at the west end of the YA Room. There is also a laser printer and a sign-up station for reserving the next-available computer when all are in use. The computers are available during normal Library hours unless no one is available to supervise. This insures that the computers are used only by the appropriate age group.

Each machine is equipped with Internet Explorer (which is always filtered), Powerpoint, Publisher, and Word. YAs who need Excel may use it in the new adult Computer Lab on the lower level. As in the adult Computer Lab, there is a three hour time limit on use per day, and a limit of five pages of free printing. Additional printing can be purchased at the Circulation Desk for 5¢ per page up to 20 additional pages. YAs are invited to use the new Computer Center and should register at the front desk. Anyone under 17 years of age should have a parent sign a consent form.

Have you tried Live Homework Help yet? Those who have used it report that it is a life saver. The tutors are helpful and instructive. Frustration over a homework problem is cured in less than half an hour. Click on the link, log in with your Garden City Public Library card number, and you are on your way to solving those homework dilemmas.

For more information on these and future programs check the Young Adult page, the Calendar of Events, the Library newsletter, the newspapers, and our flyers. Funding for these programs has been provided by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Any Young Adult program requiring registration is for Garden City Public Library cardholders in Grades 6-12 only. Registered participants must be present at the time the program is scheduled to begin. We regret that, after that time, their places may be given to people on the waiting list.

News From the Children's Room

Prizes and more Prizes! That’s what is happening in the Children’s Room! In addition to the children winning prizes for completing activities for the Summer Reading Club, the first guessing game winners were selected. There were 88 lollipops in the guessing jar. Two winners guessed 90 and one guessed 86. The three winners split the prize.

Registration for the Summer Reading Club began on Monday, June 23 at 9:30 a.m. and continues until Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00 p.m. The “Caterpillar Club” is for children ages 2½ - 5 (no kindergarten) and the “Catch the Reading Bug” club is for children in Grades K-5. Non-residents can register for the Summer Reading Club beginning July 7 at 9:30 a.m.

The final five reasons why your child should join the Summer Reading Club:

1. Reading to preschoolers is the most important thing families can do to prepare them for reading.
2. Reading aloud to infants stimulates their brains to create new learning pathways and strengthen existing ones.
3. Fourth graders who reported daily reading for fun scored higher on the National Assessment of Education Program (NAEP) reading test than peers who reported less reading for fun.
4. Children who score at the 90^th percentile on a reading test spent five times as many minutes per day reading books as the children in the 50^th percentile.
5. Studies show that what families do to support literacy in the home is more important to student success than family income or education.

For more reasons, see the Children's Room page.

Registration for the first book discussions began on June 23. For the dates for these programs, see the Children's Room page.

Story times will be held on Mondays and begin on June 30. No registration is required during the summer. The schedule appears on the Children's Room page.

In addition, weekly story times for children with special needs will be held on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., starting on July 3. These story times are for children in Special Education classes in Grades K-3. Caretakers are welcome to attend should the child’s needs require attention.

Registration for the craft programs to be held on Tuesday, July 8 began on July 1 . These programs are for Garden City residents only. See the Calendar of Events for details.

We will continue with the tradition of “Wednesday Night is Family Night” here at the Library. All shows will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are only required where indicated. Wednesday, July 9 is the first “Family Night Talent Show.” Children interested in participating need to register in the Children’s Room. All performers must be entering grades K-5.

Flyers are available in the Childrens Room detailing our summer programs, including the Summer Reading Club, book discussions, storytimes, Wednesday Family Nights, and craft and educational programs.

Please check the Calendar of Events and the Children's Room page for upcoming events and registration dates. Funding for these programs has been provided by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Priority for registration and participation is given to children who are Garden City Public Library cardholders.

Library Director Retires After 32 Years

Library Director Alan Roeckel retired June 21 after working more than three decades at the Garden City Public Library. Library staff, former employees and retirees joined with the Library Board of Trustees and village officials to honor Mr. Roeckel at a retirement dinner on June 26.

Mr. Roeckel joined the staff on January 5, 1976 as an assistant reference librarian and then became a reference librarian, head of adult services, and acting director. He became director of the Library in 1987. Thomas Witt, assistant director, will be acting director of the Library.

At a recent Garden City Village Board of Trustees meeting, Mr. Roeckel said, “This has been a marvelous opportunity for me, and I certainly leave with deeply mixed emotions. But as many of you know, my wife passed away … My sons are my family and I believe this is the time for me to be with them. I shall miss this village and the good people in it…” Mr. Roeckel plans to move the Denver suburbs where he will live with two of his three sons.

After his move, Alan Roeckel expects to return to the reference desk at least on a part-time basis; however, he also plans to have time for recreation. “My oldest son, Tim, has promised to teach me how to fly fish in the mountain streams,” he said. In addition to being an avid reader and library and bookstore user, Mr. Roeckel is a railroad and rapid-transit buff. He has ridden every subway line in New York City and now looks forward to exploring Denver’s rail system.

In his 32 years at the Garden City Public Library, Alan Roeckel has seen numerous changes, the greatest of which has been the computerization of libraries. The most recent change in Garden City was the Library’s renovation project, which included an enlarged Young Adult Department, a new Audio-Visual Center and Computer Lab, and a Café vending area. In an interview in the Garden City Life, Alan Roeckel described his biggest accomplishment at Garden City as “assembling the Library’s current staff," which, he believes, "is the best of any public library in Nassau County.”

After graduating from King’s College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania with an English degree and spending some time in the military, Mr. Roeckel attended the Graduate Library School at SUNY Albany. He accepted his first job at the reference desk in East Meadow. Mr. Roeckel believes he was very fortunate to have started his career working with Tom Dutelle, then director of East Meadow, and Irving Adelman, then reference head, whom he described as “legends in the library field.”

Looking toward the future of libraries, Mr. Roeckel believes one of the challenges will be to keep the public interested in reading and using libraries. “I have the sense that young people, particularly those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, have less leisure time and are reading less for recreation and pleasure,” said Mr. Roeckel. He believes that service is key in libraries. “I was taught that the patron is always right and that the library staff never says no to a patron. Service is the only reason we are here,” he concluded. Reflecting back on his career, Mr. Roeckel believes he chose a great profession and has received great satisfaction.

Passport Fair

The Library hosted a "Passport Fair" on Saturday, June 21. Laura Flanagan, reference librarian, made arrangements for the fair with the Garden City Postmaster Joseph Agricola and Customer Service Supervisor Reena Varghese. Postal Service representatives Raji Thomas and Reena Varghese helped over 100 people fill out the required forms and processed the passport applications and renewals.

Participants enjoyed refreshments and DVDs while they waited. Passport applicants also had the opportunity to browse travel books and watch travel DVDs to begin planning their vacations.

Most applicants received their passports within a week after the fair. Since the program was so well received, the Library plans to host another Passport Fair sometime in the future. Passport applications are available at the Reference Desk.

Take an Audio Book Along for the Ride

Have you “heard” a good book lately? The Library has a new Audio Visual Center on the lower level, which houses new and bestselling fiction and nonfiction audiobooks. Patrons are invited to browse the collection for books on CD and cassette and for Playaway digital audio books to enjoy this summer at the pool, the beach, or on a car trip. Families can share a classic or listen individually to an audiobook in their favorite genre. There are mysteries, biographies, even foreign language instructional audio materials. Whether plans call for a day trip or a week away, take an audiobook along for the ride this summer.

Blood Drive

Long Island Blood Services will hold a blood drive at the Library on Monday, July 28 from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The bus mobile will be parked at 60 Seventh Street, outside the Library. Cholesterol testing will be done at the same time as blood donation, and results will be mailed to the donor’s home. Eligible donors must be between 16 and 76 years of age, with a minimum weight of 110 lbs., and no tattoos within the past 12 months. Donors must have valid ID and know their social security number. For medical questions concerning blood donations, call 1-800-688-0900. Walk-ins are welcome.

Summer Reads on Display

The Library invites patrons to browse the display area for books to read this summer. The displays located adjacent to the Circulation Desk feature both fiction and non-fiction books that have been selected for summer interests. Readers will discover “sizzling summer reads” to enjoy at the pool or beach. In addition, patrons can browse displays for books with suggestions about ways to spend the summer.

Whether plans call for outdoor summer projects, recreation, vacation getaways, or entertaining family and friends, there are books on display at the Library to help you make the most of the season. Baseball fans can find books about America’s favorite pastime, including a solid collection about both New York teams. If your goals include learning more about how to stay healthy, browse the wellness display for books on diet, exercise, and other health issues. Why not catch up with a classic this summer or spend some time reading to plan your future finances or a career change? Visit the Library’s display area and check out all the summer reads.

Free Passes to Five Museums

Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, the Library is offering free passes for its cardholders to five museums. The museum passes allow entry to the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, the New York Botanical Garden, and Old Westbury Gardens. The Guggenheim Museum pass includes reciprocal membership with the Brooklyn Museum, and the New York Botanical Garden pass has reciprocal benefits with Planting Fields Arboretum.

Museum passes may be reserved in advance and checked out by an adult (18 years and older) Library cardholder in good standing who has signed a Museum Pass Agreement. Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations must be done in person at the Reference Desk and will not be taken over the phone.

One pass per museum per household may be borrowed within a six month period. The passes may be borrowed for three days and must be returned by one hour before the Library closes on the day the pass is due.

Further information about the Library’s policies governing the museum passes is included in the borrower’s Museum Pass Agreement. In addition, patrons should call the individual institution directly for hours, parking, and directions, and for the rules governing the use of the museum pass.

The Library’s museum-pass program offers adults and children alike the opportunity to explore the wealth of art and culture located close to home. Patrons can enjoy visiting the wide variety of New York City and Long Island cultural institutions available through the museum-pass program. For more information, visit the Library or contact the Reference Desk at 742-8405.

Step Down Café

The Library is proud to announce the opening of the Step Down Café vending area on the lower level. Library patrons are invited to enjoy a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing cold drink and a snack from the newly installed vending machines. Visitors are also welcome to take advantage of the Library’s free wireless Internet access while they work or relax at the comfortable tables and chairs in the café. The Library invited the employees to participate in the naming of the new café area during the Library’s recent renovation project. Ronnie George, typist/clerk, suggested Step Down Café, which was the name selected. In addition to the café vending area, the Library also opened a new Audio-Visual Center and Computer Lab on the lower level as part of the renovation project.

Tap the Hidden Web

Last fall, we enjoyed a brief but popular subscription to the RosettaStone online language-learning system. We promised a replacement, and it is now available in the form of Auralog Tell Me More. Courses in English (American) Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish (Castilian and Latin) are available. After you create a free personal account to track your progress, a computer test determines your hardware capacity and installs the necessary software. Then you define your objectives and take a pretest to measure your starting level as a student.

Many a student has memories, fond or otherwise, of pawing through the hundreds of volumes of the Gale Literary Criticism Series to find just the essay for that English paper. Every year, the wall of books grew wider, and it was beginning to look as if we would have to build an annex to hold them. In fact, we might have been able to build an addition if we stacked them on their sides and mortared them together. Last year, the series went digital as Literature Criticism Online. While we havenʼt replaced the existing volumes yet, future additions to the series will be in electronic format. Reproducing the page layout of the beloved reference books, this service adds sophisticated search capabilities. With commentary on books and plays by scholars past and present, students can determine the influence of politics, religion, and social mores on the critique of classic works of fiction, drama and poetry.

Looking for a good book to read? Or maybe you’d like to listen to an audiobook while you travel to work or on a road trip. There are so many books, so many choices. NextReads, an electronic newsletter service suggesting what to read next, is available through the Library website. NextReads recommends great reads on your favorite topics, ranging from historical fiction to armchair travel to business and personal finance, to name just a few. If you have an email address, you can subscribe to NextReads online or through the Library’s database link.

Patrons can select from the 22 subject lists, which include annotations about the books. Fiction and nonfiction newsletter topics include genres such as biography and memoir, history, mystery, romance, nature and science, as well as audiobooks. There are also two children's newsletters and one for young adults. Later this spring, a new newsletter for ‘tweens will debut suggesting great reads for middle-school children.

Newsletters are updated on a monthly or bimonthly basis. Each one describes up to 12 books, with links to the Library catalog so that subscribers can place a hold on a title. Library patrons who do not have an email address can view the newsletters online, either at the Library or from any computer with Internet access.

Recent addtions to the Library’s databases also include, Career Cruising and Price It! Antiques & Collectibles. For a full listing of electronic services by subject area, pick up a copy of the "Tap the Hidden Web" brochure at the Reference Desk or see the Online Databases page.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Come to the Reference Desk and ask someone who can.