Monday 30 June 2014

Amenities at the new Fleming Library

We are settling into our new 'digs' in the Community Complex in Beamsville. 


This week, I thought I would outline some of the new amenities.


* A study room that seats 10:  It can be used on a first come, first served basis for literacy tutors or group projects.  It can be booked for $10 with access to an interactive whiteboard.


* Self holds pickup:  Patrons can now pick up holds on their own.  The identifying slip has the first three letters of the last name and the last four numbers of the library card.  (This has also been implemented in Vineland).


*Touch Screen Online Catalogue: No need for a mouse - you can now touch the screen as you use the online catalogue.


*Fireplace: need I say more! It will be installed shortly.


*Several Seating Options: We have laptop friendly seats by the window wall, some with power, two tables and chairs with power, soft seating with power in the fireplace lounge and bistro seating in the children's area.  Watch for the bench underneath the bow window in the children's area arriving soon.


*Self Check Out: Coming soon!


*Freegal: To celebrate our opening, we have added Freegal to our online lineup. Download music for free which is yours to keep! Find Freegal in the Database link on our homepage - www.lincoln.library.on.ca.


If you haven't done so yet, please visit us.  You will love your new library!

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Check Us Out!

The Lincoln Public Library staff are miracle workers.  We had the usual construction delays, but, with a fixed opening date, we had three full days to get the library operational.  Despite what I thought on Friday, we were able to serve patrons on Saturday morning.  There are a few things to come yet, like some shelving. 


The community's reaction has been overwhelming extremely positive.  They can't believe that such a grand facility with a library, community space, walking track and an arena, can be in their little town.


If you are in the Beamsville, please drop in.  Our new address is 5020 Serena Dr.


I will include photos, etc. for next week's blog.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

We're Almost There!

Ten days and counting!  I was just over to the Fleming Library earlier this morning.  The furniture is being put in place and the shelves are starting to take shape.  We even have a circulation desk!  It is becoming a reality that the west end of Lincoln is finally getting a new library building.


As we get really to move, we have been busy clearing out and packing up decades of 'stuff'.  I can't believe how many boxes of shredding have left my tiny office. I am working now in 'chaos' with boxes and bags everywhere.


It will be a bittersweet move because the current library building has been here since 1851 and everyone loves its cosy feel and good location.  However, it will eventually have new tenants who will bring new energy to it.


I won't be posting next week because I am not sure when we will have Internet in the new place.


If you are able, please visit us on June 21 at 10:00 a.m. for the grand opening of our new 'digs'.  It really is bright and beautiful. The address is 5020 Serena Dr., off Ontario St. in Beamsville.

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Downton Abbey saves village library with £20,000 donation

Another good news story on the saving of public libraries in the U.K.  Many libraries have closed or have had their service greatly reduced due to austerity measures. The Parish Council understands the importance of the library and used the windfall from the filming of Downton Abbey to preserve a vital community service.

Under-funded library in Bampton, in Oxfordshire, saved by £20,000 given to villagers for putting up with shooting of Downton Abbey 

Bampton Library, formerly a church, serves as the exterior for Downton Cottage Hospital
Bampton Library, formerly a church, serves as the exterior for Downton Cottage Hospital Photo: EDDIE MULHOLLAND FOR THE TELEGRAPH

Downton Abbey has helped to save a village library after it donated £20,000 to residents for putting up with the shooting of the hit ITV show.
Bampton, in Oxfordshire, was given the sum by London-based production company Carnival for supporting the crew during the fuss and commotion of filming in the village.
The sum has been set aside by Bampton Parish Council to fund half the £8,800 staffing costs the village must pay each year to keep Bampton Library up and running after its funding was dramatically cut in 2011.
Bampton parish council Chairwoman Jacky Allinson said: "The money has enabled us to keep a professional library open.
"We could choose to use it for something else but once you lose it, it won't come back.   

"Everyone is very positive about having Downton here but it's not going to go on forever."
Bampton, along with Highclere Castle in Berkshire, have been used for Downton since 2010.
But although Carnival has told villagers Downton will return next year for a sixth series, locals fear the next season could be the last.
Carnival also hires the village recreation ground for parking its trucks, canteen wagons and make-up artists' cars, and has given £2,600 to Oxfordshire County Council, who are spending it on library furniture.
Downton has brought money-spinning tourists from all over the world flocking to Bampton to see where the scenes are shot and filming has brought prestige, glamour and much-needed income to the village and its traders.
Residents have grown accustomed to seeing TV stars wandering the streets and shooting scenes at St Mary's Church, the library and Churchgate House.
The film team are in the village for up to five days each year, including for a Christmas special, giving £1,000 for each filming day.
Funding was used in the first year for creating a post office in Bampton Town Hall.
Since the county council cut £2m from its libraries budget in 2011, the money has been given to the Bampton Library support team to pay half the staffing costs of a professional library manager and assistant manager. The county council still funds the rest of the service.
Support team member Jane Wallis said of the Downton Abbey money: "It makes up about 50 per cent of what we must raise each year to keep the library, and it's helping the village in so many ways."
Fellow member Robin Shuckburgh said villagers had been told by the production company they will be back to film next year.
He said: "We're very pleased to know it's coming back but I suspect it may be the last."