Smoky Hill Branch Library
5430 S. Biscay Circle Centennial, CO. 80015
Phone 303-693-7449 * Fax 303-690-4572
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 A.M.-9 P.M. Friday & Saturday 9
A.M.-5 P.M. Sunday 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Lapsit Story Times
-4 to 24 months Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 A.M. Saturdays at 10:30
A.M.Toddlers 2 year olds
with parent or caregiver Mondays & Tuesdays 10:00 A.M. Wednesdays at
9:30 A.M. Ages 3-5 year olds Tuesdays at 10:45 A. M. Wednesdays at
10:00 & 10;45 A. M. call for reservations
Bedtime Storytime
Every Wednesday & Thursday at 7 P.M.
SMOKY HILL LIBRARY
.
Audiobook
Downloads are Back
Audiobooks
are once again available from the Arapahoe Library District for you to
download to your PC. Most
audiobooks can also be burned to a CD or moved
to a DRM- capable portable media player.
There’s a great selection of titles in all genres, from humor to
drama, mysteries, romance, sci-fi, biographies, business, history,
self-improvement and more. All the details and the free
OverDrive media software you need are at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
There’s also a Quick
Strart Guide
and
FAQs
to help you.
You can check out seven audiobooks at any
given time. Items are automatically checked in after 21 days and cannot be
renewed. However, you can check
them out again if they are available when your checkout expires.
CURRENT
INFORMATION August 2010
Back to School Resources at
Arapahoe Library District
Summer is winding down and many schools in the Library District are back in
session or beginning soon. The
library is an especially active place in the fall and an important community
partner supporting literacy and education.
Looking for help with a research project?
How ABVOUT SOME IDEAS FOR A SCIENCE FAIR?
In addition to these resources, the library offers online homework
help, research databases with language learning software, as well as a Book
a Librarian service. The
Library District strives to keep learning fun with a variety of programs,
classes and “Tales’ Treehouse,” our website
dedicated to kids and learning.
Online Homework Help: Kids and
teens can get homework help from an online tutor by logging on to
www.arapahoelibraries.org
and clicking on the “Kids” or “Teens” links and then “Homework Help”. Live
homework help is offered in math, science, social studies, English and
forweign languages from 2-11 p.m. daily.
·
Research Databases: The Library District subscribes to a number of
interesting, excxiting and useful databases.
Some offer encyclopedia-like information, while others offer online
books and interactive learning through puzzles and games.
·
Book a Librarian: This valuable resources, where
patrons can book a 30-minute one-on-one session with a degreed librarian, is
also available to students.
·
Programs & Classes: Enrich your
learning in a fun and creative environment year-round at the library.
For our youngest patrons, the
Stories & More program provides stortimes
for children with extended at-home activities for caregivers, helping to
develop a good foundation for a life-ling love of reading.
·
Or, pick up a storytime packet at any of our
libraries for a list of the ongoing storytimes
throughout the Library District for children of all ages and their families.
Throughout the year, classes and programs, such as practice test taking (ACT
and SAT) are offered for teens.
In August, several creative writing programs offer a great way to receive
input from professional writers, share ideas, and get feedback and
encouragement on developing writing skills outside of the classroom.
Tales’ Treehouse:
Our kid’s website is a
great resource for everything
fun and educational, offering and endless array of links, games, puzzles and
activities designed to enhance learning and promote literacy.
Log on to
www.arapahoelibraries.org
and click on the “Kids” link, located just below the Search box on the home
page.
For more information and educational ideas to fit your family’s needs, stop
in to any of our libraries and talk to a staff member, call 303-LIBRARY
(303-542-7279) or log on to
www.arapahoelibraries.org.
Annual Used Book Sale
The Friends of the Arapahoe Library District’s Annual Used Book Sale will be
held Thursday, September 9 through Sunday, September 12 at
Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly Street in Centennial.
For more information or to volunteer, please call 303-LIBRARY
(303-572-7279).
Back to School Books on Sale at Smoky Hill
Library’s Used Book Store
Second Chances Used Book Store at Smoky Hill Library, 5430S. Biscay Circle in
Centennial, will be hosting a special sale, July
24-September 8, featuring books designed to help kids get ready to go back
to school. There are hundreds
of books to choose from, for students from kindergarten to college,
including high school Advanced Placement textbooks.
Whether you are reviewing calculus, practicing test-taking skills, or
developing leadership skills, we have books to help.
Be sure to check out our regular selection of classics, best sellers, and
our assortment of books from area schools’ required reading lists as well.
.
.
.
.
.
‘
.
.
.
.
Discontinuing Paper Overdue Notices
Beginning in April, Arapahoe Library District will
no longer mail paper overdue notices.
As part of an overall effort to conserve resources, the Library
District will focus on obtaining and using patrons’ email or phone numbers
as a way to offer a friendly reminder about overdue books and other library
material.
To receive overdue notices by email or phone, please contact the Library
District at 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279_ to provide your phone number or email
address.
Or, simply go to
www.araphoelibraries.org
and log in to “My Account” and then click on “Update My Information.”
Morningstar Database
Databases have long been considered the hidden gems of the library by those
who use them. A valuable
financial tool, the Morningstar
Investment Research Center is free to Arapahoe Library patrons.
Using your library card number, you can access the database at the
library or on line.
Morningstar Investment Research
Center
can be used to
look up Mutual Funds and Stocks, set up portfolios and more. The site
also offers articles of interest to the serious and casual investor alike,
such as the recent article, How to
Invest During an Economic Slowdown.
To access the database, go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org,
choose “Search This Site” and enter “Morningstar”
.
.
Program Registration Reminder
As a reminder, patrons will now need to register for all Library District
programs, including books clubs, computer classes, programs and
storytimes.
There are three ways patrons can register for a program: they can call the
library at 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279), visit the
library where the program will be held or they can register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking the Programs & Events link.
Holiday
Closings
All Arapahoe Library locations will be closed Monday, February 16 in
observation of President’s Day.
For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
Registration
Now Required for All Library District Programs
Beginning in January 2009, patrons will need to register for all Library
District programs, including book clubs, computer classes, programs and
storytimes.
Requiring registration for all programs gives the Library District the
ability to send patrons confirmation and reminder 3-mails a couple days
prior to the program. In
addition, in the rare case that a program is cancelled or rescheduled, the
Library District can proactively notify patrons who are registered for that
specific program.
Although program registration can be made ahead of time, patrons can
register for programs right up to the program start time.
That way, even those patrons who are in the library the day of the
program will have the opportunity to participate, if they desire.
There are three ways patrons can register for a program: they can call or
visit the library where the program will be held, or they can register
online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking the Programs & Events link.
ASKColorado
Has a New Look!
AskColorado,
our 24/7 online service for information and research help, has a whole new
look. The service continues to
provide the same high-quality assistance Coloradoans have come to trust for
more than Five years.
Provided by libraries across the state, AskColorado
is dedicated to helping you get the information you need, whether you are
completing a homework assignment, conducting business research, or looking
for general information on a topic.
Real people in real time help you find reliable information.
Never tried AskColorado? Simply visit our
websiteat
www.arapahoelibraries.org
and click on the AskColorado button, or search
our site for AskColorado.
Type in your question, and click the “Connect” button.
A librarian will join your chat session, and send information to your
screen to answer your question.
It’s fast, easy and available anytime!
Holiday
Closings
Monday, January 19 in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279). .
Free Internet
All of our computers offer high speed Internet access and the Microsoft
Office Suite. We also provide
free wireless access and Macintoch computers for
multimedia projects.
Beef up Your Business
We offer databases and other tools that can help you locate and reach new
markets for your business, large or small.
Be Entertained
We offer a variety of classes, programs, book clubs and activities.
Check our Programs & Events calendar (inside every edition of
The Dewey
newsletter)
or visit
www.arapahoelibraries.org
A World at Your Fingertips
The price of gas got you down?
Visit the library online! You
can access our databases and resources, browse our catalog, place holds,
manage your account and register for programs, all from the comfort of your
home or office!
Find a Job
Whether you are looking for a job or hoping to change careers, use our
resources to search job postings, build your resume and research
alternatives.
Connect with Your Community
Stop in, meet new people and check out the action. We all weather the tough
times better together.
This article was inspired by “Get through the Tough Times @ Your Library” by
Christine Ayar and recreated with permission by
Arapahoe Library District’s Internet Librarian Christine
Kreger.
.
Meeting Room Reservation Process
for Recurring Meetings
Arapahoe Library District offers meeting space free of charge for
nonprofits, and at a very minimal cost to for-profits or local businesses.
In response to ongoing feedback from members of the community, who have
indicated a desire to have more meeting rooms available, we have decided to
make a change to our meeting room reservation process as it relates to
recurring meetings.
Based on this feedback, we re-evaluated our current reservation process to
determine how we could better serve our patrons, and community at large,
when it comes to meeting rooms.
That assessment brought to light that, unfortunately, meeting rooms are
sometimes reserved, but not used.
It is our hope that the decision to refine the
reservation process will help prevent rooms being reserved, then not
used.
Patrons can reserve meeting rooms on a recurring basis on the third Tuesday,
of every fourth month, meaning:
·
On November 18, 2008 patrons can reserve meeting room space for January
through April 2009.
·
On March 17, 2009 patrons can reserve meeting room space for May through
August 2009
·
On July 21, 2009 patrons can reserve meeting room space for September
through December 2009
For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279)
.
.
.
New Library Construction at S. Parker Road and
E. Florida Avenue
Earlier this spring, construction
began on a new public library building for the Arapahoe Library District.
This new branch will be built on 3.5 acres at the intersection of
S. Parker Road and E. Florida
Avenuein unincorporated Arapahoe County.
The 28,000 – square foot library will serve residents in Glendale, Four Square Mile and Holly Hills, as well as the larger community,
and is scheduled to open in early 2009.
The search for land began in 2004, driven by increased demand for library
services as well as a growing need for additional space at the existing
library in the
Glendale
Community Center.
The new Parker and Florida location has
ample land to build a larger facility, has excellent accessibility to public
transportation and will have a formidable presence in the community as a
stand-alone building. The new library will enable the Arapahoe Library
District to offer a place for an expanded collection of books, media and
other materials, as well as additional technology and service.
An advisory board, made up of residents of the communities served, is
providing input on aspects of the new library.
Great care has been taken by the Arapahoe Library District and its
contractors to incorporate responsible building practices, as demonstrated
by the following earth-friendly activities included in the planning and
construction of the site:
·
Light pollution reduction through the use of automatic sensors, and only
lighting areas needed for safety and comfort.
·
A public transportation stop is located within a half mile of the site.
·
Storm water management, through landscaping elements designed to remove
pollution from rainwater and runoff.
·
Planned electric-operated faucets and dual-flush valves.
·
Optimized energy performance by providing an energy-efficient mechanical
system and efficient building envelope system.
·
At least 10% recycled content will be used in the construction materials.
·
At least 20% of materials are processed and manufactured regionally.
·
Use of low-emitting materials such as adhesives, paint, composites and
carpet system.
·
Consistent with the rest of the Library District, once the library opens,
plans are in place for onsite recycling collection.
Public tours will be held monthly and can be registered for online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
Donations to the Arapahoe LIBRARY Friends Foundation, the nonprofit
organization that supports the work of the Library District, are still
needed and welcomed. Gifts of more than $500 will be recognized permanently.
For information, please contact Nicolle Davies, Director of
Development and Communications, at 303-798-3021 or
ndavies@ald.lib.co.us
,
NEW DVD Cases
Arapahoe Library District is home to a collection of more than 77,000 DVD’s,
enjoyed by many as a way to catch up on the newest movies, and rediscover
old gems. However, we
sympathize with patrons who arrive home,
movies-in-hand, only to discover that a DVD case is empty.
Additionally, we prefer to continually increase our DVD selection
rather than replace missing DVD’s. Unfortunately, from September 2007 to
February 2008, an average of 198 DVDs were stolen
per month, District-wide. In
addition, from July 2007 to December 2007, we found approximately 140 empty
DVD cases throughout the Library District; an average of 23 empty DVD cases
per month. Therefore, similar to the system used by DVD rental stores and
other libraries, we will begin using locking DVD cases on all new movies
purchased by the Library District, starting in May 2008. So, please be sure
to unlock DVDs you check out, especially new releases.
We look forward to continuing to serve you while increasing the
selection of DVDs we have to offer.
.
Helpful library Information
Book Clubs
The
libraries offer a variety of book clubs for children, teens and adults where
members gather monthly to discuss books and share ideas.
For more information about a book club that might interest you, visit
your library or call 303-LIBRARY.
You can also see a schedule of book clubs on the web calendar at:
www.arapahoelibraries.org.
Click the Programs & Events link, and select Book Club in the Event Types
menu. Some book clubs require
reservations as space is limited.
Computer
Classes
Learn
to use the Internet and various computer programs in the free training
classes. Classes include basic computer skills, Internet searching, e-mail
accounts, and more. For more
information and to register for a class, visit the library or call
303-LIBRARY. You can also
register at: www,arapahoelibraries.org.
Click the Programs & Events link, and select Computer Classes in the
Event Types menu.
Children’s
Storytimes
The
libraries offer literacy-based storytimes for
preschool children on a regular basis.
For a current schedule and to register for
storytimes, please visit your library or call 303-LIBRARY.
You can also register by clicking
the Programs & Events link at
www.arapahoelibraries.org.
Library Jobs
To find Arapahoe Library District job opportunities on our
websie, go to: jobs.arapahoelibraries.org
Free Delivery
service
for library materials (books, DVDs, videos, etc.)
is available for residents of all ages in
the Arapahoe Library District who are temporarily or permanently confined to
their homes because of illness, age or physical disability.
Call Outreach Services at 303-LIBRARY, if you, a family member,
friend or neighbor can use this service.
Xpress Materials Available
District-Wide
Arapahoe Library District now offers Xpress items at each of its libraries.
Materials in the Xpress Collection feature new and popular titles
that are available without a waiting list, giving patrons the same
opportunity on a given day to find a “treasure” on the shelf.
The Xpress concept has been used successfully at the Castlewood
Library since 2002 and recently expanded to all ALD
luibraries due to popularity of the service.
Different rules apply with Xpress items, including: items cannot be placed
on hold: items can only be checked out at one designated library, but can be
returned to any library;
Xpress books can be checked out for three weeks, with no
renewal; and Xpress DVD’s and magazines can be checked out for one week,
with no renewal. For more
information, call 303-LIBRARY or visit your library.
2008
InfoArahahoe Community Guide
The 2008
InfoArapahoe Community
Guide is now available at all Arapahoe Library District locations.
The guide lists more than 600 non-profit and government agencies and
organizations serving residents of Arapahoe County.
The printed version is provided free of charge as a community service of the
Library District. In addition
to the printed guide, you can find InfoArapahoe
online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking on the Community Resources link. The online version
includes more detailed information than the printed version.
For more information, please call 303-LIBRARY.
CultureFest
2008
For the third year in a row, CultureFest returns
to the Arapahoe Library District for the entire month of March.
CultureFest 2008:
Connections, features a series of programs and events highlighting
the connections we can all make in our local and global communities.
Children can learn to make paper dolls from around the world and make
a “car” from wire and found objects.
Teens can play international games and explore snacks and sodas from
other countries. Adults and
families can hear The Snake and the
Man: A Story Told ‘round the World, enjoy a performance of authentic
village dances from many countries and attend a variety of other programs.
Special book displays, exhibits and storytimes
are also scheduled.
You can find a listing of all CultureFest 2008
activities online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
In conjunction with CultureFest 2008:
Connections, elementary-aged children are invited to participate in Mizel Museum’s annual Bookmark Contest.
This year’s theme is Building
Bridges Between People & Places. Students
will compete in one of two categories: Kindergarten through Second Grade or
Third through Fifth Grade. To
participate, please pick an entry form at your library beginning Saturday,
March 1. Bookmarks must fit the
template supplied at each library and only one entry per student will be
accepted. Entries will be
accepted through Monday, March 31.
Prizes will be awarded and the winning bookmark from each category
will be professionally printed and distributed throughout Colorado.
For moe information, please visit or call
your library.
Tax Help Continues through March
and April
TAX HELP @ the Library
Arapahoe Library District locations have paper copies of this year’s federal
and state tax forms for patron use.
Patrons can also download copies from the library computers at
websites such as
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/indexhtml and
http://1040.com.
There is a small fee for printing pages from library computers.
The
library staff is happy to help patrons find the tax resources needed in
printed publications and online.
They cannot, however, offer tax advice or counsel.
Several libraries, including Southglenn
Library are offering free tax preparation assissistance
to low income taxpayers.
Southglenn Library,
9 A.M.-3 P.M.
on Tuesdays, February 5,12,19, and 26; March
4,11,18 and 25; and April 1 and 8. Volunteers will help you with basic tax
return forms. You must meet
income requirements, and only cer
tain forms are included.
Visit or call the library, 303-LIBRARY, to get details about
qualifications and make your reservation for a one-hour session.
You can also register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking the Programs & Events
link.
Please Note:
This service is for low and middle income taxpayers, with special attention
to people ages 60 and older.
The assistance is for regular tax returns only.
Volunteers cannot help with K-1s, royalties, rental property,
partnerships or more than 5 stock trades and must have the stock cost
available. They cannot help
with businesses with more than $5,000 in expenses. Please bring the
following with you when you come: W-2 forms from each employer, unemployment
compensation statements, SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security
benefits, all 1099 forms showing interest and/or dividends and documentation
showing original purchase price of sold assets, 1099-misc. showing any
miscellaneous income, 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity, all
forms indicating federal income tax paid, dependent care provider info(name,
employer, ID, Social Security number), all receipts or canceled checks if
itemizing deductions, and Social Security numbers for all dependents.
.
Featured Programs @the Library
Doggie Tales
The
popular Doggie Tales program is back!
Doggie Tales enables children ages 6-10 to practice their reading
skills by reading to a new four-legged friend who loves a good story and
won’t interrupt or criticize.
Each child selects a book to read to their doggie pal.
Then, tails wag as tales are told and each child practices reading
skills in a safe environment.
Sign up your reader for a 30-minute session between 2 and 3:30 to 4 P.M. at
the following location: Smoky Hill Library Saturday, March 8.Visit or call
the library to register, or register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking the Programs & Events
link.
Doggie Tales
is made possible by Have Paws Will Travel, the Guide Dog Puppy Raising Club
of
Arapahoe
County.
New Teen Website
Teens,
check out our new teen website!
It’s easy – visit
www.arapahoelibraries.org
and click on “teens” on the left-hand side of the page.
New look, new content – just what you asked for.
Find reading, movie or music recommendations or help with homework
through our research databases.
Got some free time? Check out
random stuff for everything from silly to serious or @ Your Library for cool
programs. Give us your input –
talk back to us through the new “comment” feature on the site.
Change the background to fit your taste or mood!
Teen Advisory Board
meets once a
month to advise the library staff about programs and policies at the
Arapahoe Library District. Join
us and contribute your ideas for teen programs, books and activities.
The February TAB meetings are at Smoky Hill Library, Saturday
February 23, 11 A.M.-noon.
Board of Trustees Meetings
meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7 P.M. at various
Distruct libraries.
Since the location varies, and the date and times may occasionally
change, please call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279) for meeting details.
HOLIDAY
CLOSINGS – All
Arapahoe Library District public libraries will be closed
on Sunday,
March 23, for Easter.
Library Tips: Online Registration
Now it’s easier for you to sign up for library programs, classes and
storytimes. Register yourself, 24/7 from any
Internet computer. 1. Go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org
Click the Calendar link. 2.
Browse the Calendar to find the event you want. Underlined events require
registration. 3. When you see the event you want to register for, move your
cursor over that event to see the details – time, description, ages, library
location, when registration opens, and status (i.
e., are spaces available). To register, clock on the event name, fill out
the Registration information and click the
Complete Registration button. If
you have questions about online registration, please ask a member of the
library staff for assistance. We’d be happy to show you how to use the
system or sign up fpr the events you want to
attend.
303-LIBRARY: The one Number You Need to Know
(or
303-542-7279) To check the status of an item on
hold or book club, etc.at all the libraries.
This service is available Monday-Thursday, 9 A.m.-9 P.M.; Friday & Saturday
9 A.M.-5 P.M.; and Sunday 1-5 P.M.
HOMEWORK HELP NEWS –
we’er happy to announce that online Homework
Help is now available for Mac users using Safari or Firefox (2.0 or higher)
browsers on Mac OS X. This is
for students in grades 4-12, who can go online to get assistance from a live
tutor in English, science, math and social studies. It is available from
3-10 P.M. daily, with limited hours for Spanish speakers. You can find
Homework Help at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
on the home page or the children’s pages at Tales
Treehouse Homework. Please tell your favorite student about this
great, free service, which is now accessible to both PC and Mac users.
Early Literacy
Parents and
caregivers of children from 4 to 5 years old are invited to an Every Child
Ready to Read @ Your Library program to learn how you can help your children
develop skills that will enable them to be good readers. Early literacy is
what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read
and write. Research shows that
children get ready to read years before they start school.
Find out the six pre-reading skills children need and easy activities
you can use to support those skills.
This program is at the Koelbel Library on
Tuesday, November 27 from 7-8 P>M. Reservations are required.
Visit the library, or call 303-LIBRARY.
You can also register online at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking the Programs & Events link.
Web Watch: www,arapahoelibraries.org
Are you ready to tour the world?
CultureGrams,
a subscription database provided as a free service to Arapahoe Library
District patrons, gives information on history, customs, statistics and
geography on more than 200 countries, the 50 states, and the Canadian
provinces. Each report is
written in conjunction with natives from the area selected for their
knowledge of
and experience with different regions and peoples.
Find out about the way local people live, work and play, as well as
current data on the population, literacy and economy.
CultureGrams
has four sections to help you explore your way through different countries:
World Edition, Province Edition, States Edition, and Kids Edition. You can
build and sort tables and charts, view and print photographs and maps, and
listen to the pronunciation of the country’s name and its national anthem.
Visit CultureGrams today at
www.arapahoelibraries.org
by clicking the Research Databases link, or search the library website for
CultureGrams. Experience the diversity and
cultures of our world from your computer.
For more information go to
www.arapahoelibraries.org
