New Arrivals
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Join Lisa every Friday at 3:45 on KRLL, 1420 AM for the Library Update. Scripts for past shows are available here.

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In addition to articles about recent events at the library, the California Democrat publishes a list of new books each week.

Story time is the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM and the last Saturday of each month at 11:30 AM.

Renewing Library Materials

There are several ways to renew library materials. One way is to just stop by the library. If you are out of town or just can't make it into the library, renewals can be handled by calling 573-796-4620. For those with computer access, you can extend your due date by sending an e-mail to Lisa Marshall at librarian@woodplacelibrary.org

Youth Writing Contest

Congratulations to Amanda Bestgen, Becky Pate, and Breanna Pruitt; who placed 1st, 2nd & 3rd and received cash prizes from our 2007 Youth Writing Contest!

The theme for the 2008 contest is Work is Art, in relation to the Missouri Arts Council exhibit that was on display at the Wood Place Public Library in February.  The theme for the youth writing contest expounds on the craftsmanship that goes into the hand-making of stringed instruments.   Winners of the Writing Contest will be displayed at the Moniteau County Fair in August.

July, 2008 Summer Reading Programs and Activities

Karaoke and Board Game night: Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m.:  This special storytime features karaoke sing-a-long with “The Bug CD” and “Disney Karaoke CD” and several fun board games such as bug-opoly and the ladybug game.

Worm Race on Thursday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m.:  Children will enjoy the excitement of a night crawler race. Worms used for these races will be provided by the library.

Bilingual Story Hour on Thursday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m.:  This storytime will include  "Loteria" a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo.

Online Bug Games on Thursday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m.:  Online games we will play include: “Name That Pest” where children identify common household pests; “Archibald's Adventure” where participants help Archibald Ant find food for his colony and stay out of harm's way; and a Magic School Bus game, “Find My Legs” in which participants use a computer to put legs on a bug and then learn facts about each specific bug.

August, 2008 Summer Reading Programs and Activities

Board Game Night on Saturday, August 2 at 11:00 a.m.:  This program will begin with a bug story read by Jeannie Lahman. After the story, children will play board games such as “Shrek Bug Bounce”, “The Bug Catching Game”, “Bug Opoly”, “Bug Bingo”, and the “Lady Bug Game”.

End of Summer Reading Program Party at Wood Place Public Library on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.: Completion Certificates will be awarded along with food coupon prizes.   Participants will also build a bug catcher and a bug observatory.

2008 Summer Reading Program: “Catch the Reading Bug!” at Wood Place Public Library

Join “Catch the Reading Bug!” this summer at the Wood place public Library and discover the amazing world of insects. The 2008 Summer Reading Program is open to all children, preschool through young adult. Due to a grant which was awarded to Wood Place Public Library, we will be having some very special programs and activities throughout the summer months. We have also extended the 2008 reading program to run from May 24, 2008 through August 9, 2008 in order to allow children additional time to reach the minimum reading goals.

New Computers

The Wood Place Public Library is pleased to announce the upgrade to our public access computers.  Thanks to a grant from the Missouri State Library, using  Federal Funds from the Librayr Services and Technology Act (LSTA), the library now has 10 public access computers with flat screens and wireless internet access!

Postion opening 8/1/08: Coordinator for Educational Outreach and Technical Services

Wood Place Public Library:  Job Opening 8/1/08

Position Title:  Coordinator for Educational Outreach and Technical Services

Position Description:  The Coordinator for Educational Outreach and Technical Services will be responsible for planning and coordinating educational outreach classes at the Wood Place Public Library.  In addition, the coordinator will assist the Library Director with technical services.

Duties:
• Manage the library’s after-school home-work help program.  This is a tutoring program for children in grades 3 to 8, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m.  The coordinator will be responsible for helping children with their homework and if necessary, recruit and supervise additional volunteers to assist with this program.
• Plan and conduct basic computer classes.  Based on the changing needs of this community, the coordinator will determine the scope and duration of each class.  In most circumstances, the coordinator will act as instructor for these classes.  Class subjects may include:  basic computer skills, basic word processing instruction, selling on e-bay, e-mail basics, etc.
• Plan and coordinate other educational programs.  This includes additional workshops or classes with instructors recruited from the area and special educational opportunities associated with traveling exhibits or other special programming held at the library.
• Assist library director with grant writing.  One of the first projects of the coordinator will be to evaluate and advise the director about the feasibility and costs of setting up a computer lab.  If the project is feasible, the coordinator will assist with writing the grant to fund the project and will be in charge of staffing the computer lab.  The coordinator will also assist in future grant writing efforts involving technology and educational outreach.
• Oversee usage of the library’s meeting rooms.  This will include the maintenance of a calendar of events, both library related events and meeting reservations for outside groups or individuals.  The coordinator will be in charge of monitoring the upstairs rooms, contacting outside users with concerns, and informing the library director of needed repairs.
• Oversee outside computer maintenance service.  Midwest Computech currently has the contract to provide monthly system checks and repairs. The coordinator will communicate with this company regarding needed repairs and  other computer related concerns.  The coordinator will also be expected to assist the director with evaluating the library’s computer service needs and the effectiveness of the service provider.
• Assist library customers and staff with technology needs.


Qualifications:
• Two year associate degree in computer technology, education, or other area of study relevant to the job description and duty list, or relevant experience and training.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to attend workshops and training when necessary and/or self-train in order to meet the changing needs of the community.

At this time, the position is part-time, 10 to 20 hours per week.  The majority of these hours will be during the afternoons Monday through Thursday.  Programming held in the evenings or on weekends will require the coordinator to be available at those times. If grant writing is successful, the needs of the community increase, and additional hours are desired by the coordinator – it is possible that hours could increase or the position could become full-time.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to:  librarian@woodplacelibrary.org.

June, 2008 Summer Reading Programs and Activities

During June, we enjoyed:

The Hispanic Heritage Dancers demonstration at Proctor Park  on Saturday, June 7.

Jeannie Lahman's buggy wall art story time on Tuesday evening, June 10, at 6:30 p.m.  

The Bilingual Story Hour will be held Thursday evneing, June 12.

Game Night on Tuesday evening, June 17.

Bug Identification Night on Tuesday evening, June 24.

Teen Jeopardy on Thursday evening, June 26.  Thanks to:  The Beauty Bar and Carlene’s Hair Fashion for providing prizes!

Author Visit with Roland Smith

Award winning children’s author, Roland Smith visited the Wood Place Public and provided two special presentations on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Roland Smith has written books for all reading levels.  Examples of his junior youth level books include; Jacks Run and Zack’s Lie. Mr. Smith has also authored books for beginning readers such as: W is for Waves and Z is for Zookeeper.

We enjoyed hearing about his work with endangered animals, his travels around the world, his love of reading, the writing process and his books!

Hispanic Heritage Dancers at Proctor Park

In honor of our summer readers, Wood Place Public Library will be hosting a morning of entertainment by the Hispanic Heritage Dancers at Proctor Park. This FREE performance will be held on June 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

The Hispanic Heritage Dance Group has the mission to present the splendors Mexico’s art and culture as manifested in the diverse dances, each with its respective costumes and musical accompaniment.  At the same time, they hope offer a healthy form of entertainment to the public of all ages and ethnic origins, while contributing to the diverse cultural life of Missouri.

Visit from Missouri Conservation Department

Conservation Education Consultant, Elaine Calloway visited the library to talk about Missouri bugs/insects on June 2rd, 2008.  Thanks Elaine, for the fun story and craft activity!

2008 Summer Reading Sign-Up Event and Puppet Show

May 24, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., sign up for the 2008 Summer Reading Program, “Catch the Reading Bug!” at Wood Place Public Library and watch an entertaining puppet show performed by professional puppeteer, Peter Allen. As with all activities throughout the summer reading program, this performance will be FREE to the public.

Little Red Riding Bug is on her way with a basket of goodies to visit her Granny, who flew a little too close to a bug light for comfort. But who should Little Red meet on her journey through the grass but the Big, Bad Frog! A cast of hand puppet bugs, including Dr. Pillbug, Little Red’s Mama, and a collection of critters on their way to a fancy dress bug ball, illustrate a lively tale loosely based on the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood.  Original songs set to vintage honky tonk piano music will make you “buggy” with delight.

This professional puppet show will be a great activity for the entire family!

Book Club

Everyone is welcome to join the book club discussions about:  Good Dog, Stay by Anna Quindlen on April 16 and A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly on May 21.  The book club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m.

Circulation Desk Help Wanted

If you like to help people out and have two hours a week or four hours a month to spare – you should consider volunteering at the library.  We could use a few more friendly folks to help run the Circulation Desk.  Call Lisa at 796-2642 if you are interested in filling any of the following open time slots:
Thursday afternoons from 2 to 4
Two Wednesday afternoons a month
Thursday or Friday mornings  (from 10 to 12; either once a week or twice a month)
Friday afternoons from 1 to 3

Friends of the Library Meeting

The annual Friends of the Library meeting will be held on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  When you become a friend of the Wood Place Library, you receive a special library membership. Included in this membership is the opportunity to attend and vote at the yearly Friends of the Library meeting.  This short meeting gives you the chance to have a say about the future of the library.  We have set an alternative snow date, if it is necessary to postpone the meeting, it will be rescheduled for February 18. If winter weather and poor road conditions do require us to postpone this meeting, it will be announced on KRLL 1420 AM.

Book Club

The next book club meeting will be held Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the library.  In January, the book club will be discussing the book "Only by Your Touch" by author Catherine Anderson.

Everyone is welcome to join in the book club discussions!

Yu-Gi-Oh Nights Return to the Library

Once again, the library will be providing a place for Yu-Gi-Oh enthusiasts to meet, duel, and trade. In the past, boys and girls of all ages have enjoyed these monthly Yu-Gi-Oh nights offered at the library, so this fun event will be brought back for another year. This staff supervised activity will be held on the second Tuesday of every month.  The next Yu-Gi-Oh night will be on April 8, 2008 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Need Help With Your Taxes?

The Tax Aid Organization will once again be offering free assistance in preparing income tax forms. This service which is funded by the AARP and the IRS is available to anyone who needs assistance in preparing their taxes. The Tax Aid Organization will be at the Wood Place Public Library every Tuesday beginning on February 5, 2008. Sign-up sheets will be available after January 1, 2007 at the Wood Place Public Library.

This organization is also in need of volunteers. Training will be provided from January 7th through January 11th. To inquire about becoming a volunteer, Contact Lisa Harms at 573-635-4217 (anytime before January 6, 2008).

Book Club

On November 21, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., book club members will be meeting to discuss Ice Bound by Jerri Nielson. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and author Jerri Nielson is a breast cancer survivor. Book club members have selected Ice Bound in honor of Jerri’s victorious fight against breast cancer and as a tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Exhibits and Book Displays

Constitution Week: September 17, 2007 to October 6, 2007
4-H Week: October 7, 2007 to October 21, 2007
Christmas: October 22, 2007 to December 31, 2007
Music: January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2008
Work is Art and Art is Work: February 3, 2008 to March 10, 2008

New Resource on Website

The library recently expanded information available through our web site. Library staff compiled a listing of numerous agencies that provide assistance in many areas including: agencies that provide assistance to families in financial crisis, child care, counseling services, adult education and literacy services, exercise and recreational activities, immigration and refugee services, medical dental and healthcare services, and senior services. The information is located under the "Local Information" link at the top of the library's website.  The information is also available at the library’s circulation desk, in a 3 ring binder titled "HELP".

Annual Fall Used Book and Pie Sale

The library will be having a used book sale beginning on Saturday, October 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continuing through October 27th during regular library hours. A limited supply of used furniture and used computers will also be available for purchase during this time. During the opening day of our used book sale, we will also be selling pie ala mode. For the price of $2, you will receive a delicious piece of pie and ice cream, along with coffee and/or water. Other tasty sugar-free deserts will also be available. While enjoying your delicious pie and ice cream, you can be the first to browse through a wide variety of books available at our used book sale. Funds raised from this event will help in purchasing new books that will be added to our collection. If you would like to contribute a pie or other desert to this effort, please call Lisa at 796-2642.

Free After School Study Help

Jeannie Lahman will be returning to the Wood Place Library as the after school tutor for the 2007/2008 school year.  Last year, Jeannie tutored students at the library while completing her degree at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. On May 5, 2007, Jeannie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies. Lahman is currently attending the Jefferson City branch of Columbia College where she is working to obtain certification in High School Social Studies.  While continuing her education, Jeannie will be working in local area school districts as a substitute teacher.  

This year, the tutoring program will be offering incentives to encourage the children to come to the library and take advantage of one on one instruction with a teacher.  The official start date for the Wood Place Public Library After School Study Program is August 28, 2007. This FREE program will be held upstairs from the library, and students may attend from 3: 00 to 5:00 p.m. If you have questions regarding the program, or would like to enroll your student, please contact your child's school or call the Wood Place Library at 573-796-2642.

Stranger Danger Night

No matter how safe our community may be, we can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of our children. With Halloween quickly approaching, what better time to teach our children about Stranger Danger? Missouri Highway Patrol Sergeant Paul Reinch, will be visiting the library on October 25th at 6:00 p.m. to speak with children about how to stay safe when approached by strangers. The evenings activities will also include a 15 minute film titled “Stranger Danger”

Special Programs to Accompany Work is Art and Art is Work

February 3 to March 20, 2008: Exhibit on display, free and open to the public during regular library hours.  Guided tours may be scheduled for special groups either during or after library hours.

Thursday; February 7, 6:30 PM:  Grand Opening Event with guest speakers and live performance:  John Wynn builds mandolins and is the leader of a five member family band who will perform at this event.  A brief talk with a question and answer session will be provided by John, his band, and Deborah Bailey who is the exhibit curator and folk arts specialist from the Museum of Art and Archeology at the University of Missouri.

Friday; February 29: Demonstrations and performances by Donald Graves:  Don is a fourth generation dulcimer performer.  He plays this three stringed instrument with the traditional turkey feather.  After providing demonstrations at local schools, Don will give a live performance at 5:30 PM at the library.

Saturday, Feb. 23 @ 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 26 @ 6:30 P.M. Musical Storytimes will be held for pre-school and early elementary children.  Snacks will be provided and we will be making rubber band box mandolins that children can take home.

Thursday, February 28 from 3 to 5:  Sing-a-long with Phil Lewis:  Explore the form and sound of stringed instruments at this music appreciation class that includes fun participation! Door prizes will be awarded at this activity which will be appropriate for older kids (at least 6 years old), Adults welcome too!  

Wednesday, March 5 @ 1:00 PM:  Musical Bingo: Remember the tunes from when you were young? This fun activity will have you reminiscing with that great old-time music.  Prizes will be awarded when you guess the names of the tunes that we will play at random.

Work is Art and Art is Work

The Wood Place Public Library will host the exhibit "Work is Art and Art is Work:  The art of hand-crafted instruments" from February 3 to March 10, 2008.  This traveling exhibit was organized by the Missouri Arts Council, the Missouri Folk Art Program and the Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri - Columbia.  It is a museum quality exhibition of one of the most integral art forms associated with old-time music:  the visual artistry of luthiery.  

Lutheiry entails the intricate carving and crafting of fiddles, guitars, mandolins, banjoes and dulcimers.  "Work is Art and Art is Work" features six hand-crafted instruments along with 15 luthier tools and 24 photographs.  Plans are currently being made for additional programming to accompany the exhibit.

Summer Reading Club 2007: Get a Clue!

The Sign-Up Event for this years’ summer reading program will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.   

Kids: you can get your mug shot taken to be included in the “Readers Wanted” poster at the library.  

Parents:  we’ll also be handing out the Missouri Highway Patrol’s Physical Identification Characteristic Kit – we’ll have the ink to do the fingerprinting and you can fill in their physical characteristics and attach a recent photo.  

Check out these other summer reading activities that go along with our “Get a Clue” theme.  :

Movie Night: Thursday, June 7 at 6:00 p.m.  We’ll be making and eating “eyeball treats” and watching Scooby Doo the Movie.

Story Time with Carol Barbour: Thursday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.  This is a great activity for younger children.  They will hear a fun story and get to make their very own “Thumb Print Artwork”.

Visit from the Missouri Highway Patrol K-9 Unit: Monday, June 25 at 3:00 p.m. Come and meet the hardest working officer on four feet!

Interactive Detective Story Time: Tuesday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m.  This activity will be perfect for older kids who will meet in the library’s computer lab to solve a heinous crime.  They will learn about forensic science, gather evidence (on-line) and use deductive skills while playing this game under the supervision of library staff.

Visit from the Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Reinsch: Friday, July 6 at 4:00 p.m.:  Learn about crime investigation, including DNA evidence and fingerprinting.  Kids will also be given the chance to check out the inside of a highway patrol police car.

Movie Night: Thursday, July 12 at 6:00 p.m.  Kids will once again have the opportunity to make and eat “Eye Ball Treats and we’ll be watching:  Ace Ventura, Pet Detective.

What’s in it for me? (besides t-shirts; puzzles & pizzas)

Children often participate in a Summer Reading Program for the fun activities and prizes, but there are additional benefits to reading during summer vacation. Many educators argue that children learn best when instruction is continuous. The long summer vacation disrupts the rhythm of instruction, leads to forgetting, and requires time be spent reviewing old material when students return to school in fall. Participating in a summer reading program can help to reduce the chances of a child loosing skills gained throughout the school year.

Children that sign up for the Summer Reading Club at the Wood Place Library have two options:  They may sign up as Family Readers if they are pre-readers or beginning readers.  The minimum goal for family readers is to read 30 books by  July 13  (= 5 books a week for each of the six weeks).  The minimum goal for Independent Readers is to read 600 minutes by July 13.  So, the independent readers would need to spend about 20 minutes each day reading or being read to.  (some families take turns and that is fine)  If the child reads 20 min. a day for 5 days each week that would equal 100 minutes per week for each of the six weeks. (Participants may set higher goals, the minimum goals were set with the idea that they would be attainable, even with busy summer schedules.)

When they sign up, children will receive a “case book” to help them keep track of what they read. There are two activities sheets included in the reading “case book” just for fun.  Kids can bring the casebook into the library to receive additional take-home activities each week.  In addition, after they meet the minimum reading goals for the first 3 weeks they will be eligible to choose a “½-way-there prize” from the library’s prize stash that includes books and toys.  As a completion prize, children may choose either a puzzle or t-shirt and every child that reads enough to meet the minimum goals will also get a coupon for a free pizza at Pizza Hut.. There is also an incentive game in the center of the book that they can play to win an additional  choice from the prize stash.

Every one that participates in the program will be invited to a Party at Proctor Park: Join us on Saturday, July 28 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.: Refreshments will be served, Program completion prizes awarded and children will be making plaster casting footprints (like the forensic investigators do) !

Teen Book Reviews

Teens participating in the 2007 Reader's Advisory Council at the Wood Place Public Library can share their views about the books they have read by posting a book review at: http://books.dreambook.com/kimhoff/woodplace_rac.html

YNK - RAC summer reading for teens

check back here soon - we'll have registration information and a link to the on-line book review site.

In order to provide incentives for teens to read the library invites them to participate in the Reader’s Advisory Council.  Teens may act as advisors by posting a book review on-line for other local teens to read and/or by helping at any one (or more) of the summer reading club activities for younger kids scheduled between June 7 and Jully 12, 2007.

Each teen that participates by either posting a review or helping at an event and reads  at least 1,000 pages over the summer will win a free pizza from Pizza Hut!

Internet Safety Night

Wood Place Library along with the California Elementary, Middle School and High School librarians will host an internet safety night for parents on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 from 6:30-8:30 pm.  Learn about the best resources to help protect children and families from online predators, identity thieves and cyber-bullies. A local panel will be on hand to answer specific questions and the library will also provide the broadcast of a live speaker from Columbia, MO.  More information is available at :  http://besafe.more.net.

Book Club

The majority of book club members will take a break for the summer.  Meetings will resume on September 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will involve a discussion of all the books we have read over the summer and new members will be welcome!

Anyone who wants to participate in book club activities over the summer  is invited to join a smaller group who will continue to meet once a month. On August 15th at 1:00 p.m., the book discussed will be Pretty Horses, a novel by Cormac McCarthy.

Used Book Sale & Breakfast Fundraiser

Wood Place Public Library will be having our annual Used Book Sale and Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, March 10. This year’s menu includes: biscuits and sausage gravy, donuts, coffee, milk, and juice. Come and enjoy this delicious all you can eat breakfast at only $3.00 for adults while children 5 and under eat for free. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with the book sale continuing on until 1:00 p.m. Funds raised from this event will be used to purchase new books for the library. Wood Place Library would like to give special thanks to our sponsors, Burgher Haus, Nic Nac Café, Clennin Meats, Casey’s, Cal’s 2, Cal’s Thriftway, and C&R Supermarket. Without the donations from these local businesses, this library fundraiser would not be possible.

Snow Dates

Due to the winter weather and poor road conditions, the following programs have been re-scheduled:

Now on Thursday,
January 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.:

Guest Speaker: Alice Longfellow, landscape artist, master gardener and owner of Longfellows Garden Center will discuss the use of fences in landscaping.  This program is free and will be held upstairs at the library  in the computer room. (was originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18)

Also free and beginning at 7:00 p.m. that same evening:

Movie Night:  Shane (1953).  It’s the homesteaders verses the cattlemen in this classic western.  Refreshments will be provided and we’ll discuss how fences play a part in their argument. (originally scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16)


Now on Friday, the 26th at 3:15 p.m.:   Movie Night:  The Yearling (1946).  Keeping a pet deer out of the corn becomes a fencing nightmare for a post-civil war family.  (originally scheduled for Thursday evening, the 25th)

Book Club

The book club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 at the library.  It's a very small group right now and new members would be VERY welcome!  The next meeting will be January 10, 2007. The book will be Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani.  Even if you haven't read it yet - come join the group and help pick the book for February!

Annual Friends of the Library Meeting to be held January 22, 2007

All of us here at the Wood Place Library are especially grateful to everyone who has supported the library during the past year. Without your generous help and support, the library would not be able to improve and grow.  When you become a friend of the Wood Place Library, you receive a special library membership. Included in this membership is the opportunity to attend and vote at the yearly Friend of the Library meeting. The meeting will be held upstairs at the library on January 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. At this short meeting, you will find out about the library’s plan for upgrading services including the addition of a color copier; public access computer upgrades and additions; more shelving and more books!  Don’t miss this important meeting. This is your chance to have a say about the future of the library.

Between Fences Free Programs

Thursday, January 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m:  Guest Speaker:  Joe Koenen, MU Extension Agriculture Business Specialist for the Northeast Region of Missouri.  Fence and property law—educational meeting for the young farmers group with the public invited to attend.

Tuesday, January 16 starting at 7:00 p.m.:  Movie Night:  Shane (1953).  It’s the homesteaders verses the cattlemen in this classic western.  Refreshments will be provided and we’ll discuss how fences play a part in their argument.

Thursday, January 18 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.:  Guest Speaker:  Alice Longfellow, landscape artist, master gardener and owner of Longfellows Garden Center.  Use of fences in landscaping: planning for planting.

Thursday, January 25th starting at 7:00 p.m.:  Movie Night:  The Yearling (1946).  Keeping a pet deer out of the corn becomes a fencing nightmare for a post-civil war family.  Refreshments will be provided and discussion will be encouraged.

Library Fine Amnesty Month

The library will be collecting donations for the local food bank. For the whole month of January, we will forgive past due fines with any donation of non perishable food goods. Just bring your food donation to the library, and any past due fines will be taken off your account. Start the New Year with a clean slate while gaining satisfaction from helping those in need.

MOREnet Online Resources Now Available at the Library

A world of information is only a click away with MOREnet Online Resources. This on-line resource allows access to EBSCO, NewsBank, and many other databases. With MOREnet you can search full text articles from magazines, journals, newspapers, and much more. Regardless of your interests or needs, you will find what you’re looking for with MOREnet. We urge you to come in and investigate this new feature that can be found only on the library computers.

Need Help With Your Taxes?

The Tax Aide organization will be providing free assistance with filling out income tax forms every other Tuesday in February, March and April. They receive funding from the AARP and IRS, but the service is free for everyone. To sign up, stop by the library or call us at 796-2642. Appointments are required.

The library will also  have a variety of both federal and Missouri state tax forms. Patrons may also use the library’s computers to download forms from www.IRS.gov and state web site:  www.dor.state.mo.us/tax/forms/.

The Smithsonian Exhibit is Here!

If you have company coming for the holidays, be sure to bring them to the library to see the Smithsonian Exhibit.  We are the only location in central Missouri hosting this exhibit, so this is really a great opportunity for you to share this experience with your friends and family.  
  
The Smithsonian Institution is arguably the best there is when it comes to museums and so as you would expect, the traveling exhibit that they put together is very good-quality.  In addition, the topic of this exhibit is one that we can all be interested in – it’s all about Fences:  Split rail fences and Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign; barbed wire fences and range wars; property disputes; the fences at our nation’s borders.  This exhibit gives us a lot to think about!

The exhibit is brought to you by the library and the Missouri Humanities Council as part of the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street project – a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.

The exhibit will be open to the public during regular library hours December 16, 2006 to January 27, 2007.  Guided tours will be available during January, every Saturday from 10:30 to Noon, or by appointment anytime during regular library hours.

Tour Guides Needed

During the month of January we will need several individuals to act as tour guides for school groups and other groups that requested guided tours of the Smithsonian exhibit.  No experiences is necessary and training will be provided.  You set your own hours and in return for your service you receive the satisfaction of helping out your local library!  If interested, please contact Lisa at 796-2642.  Tentative dates for training sessions are: Tuesday, January 2nd at 6:00 p.m. and/or Wednesday, January 3rd at 2 p.m.

Mystery Fence Winners

The California Democrat has been publishing a mystery fence photograph and Wood Place Library has been awarding prizes for the first person who comes into the library and correctly identifies the location where the fence photograph was taken. This contest is sponsored by the Wood Place Public Library along with the Missouri Humanities Council in order to promote the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit titled “Between Fences” that is coming to the library in December.

The first fence in this contest was located at the Eitzen Mansion, right here in California and Angie Wright guessed that right away.  The second week we stumped everyone with a guard rail fence in southern Moniteau County on Route W just east of Fortuna. Unfortunately, we had no winner that week. Our second winner was Terisa Knierim who identified the fence located just north of Jamestown on Route Y. The third person to correctly identify the location of our mystery fence of the week was Angie Thomas of California. Angie was able to locate the fence at the Tipton Ball Field. Our forth lucky winner was Kyle Wirts who was able to find the electric sub-station in Clarksburg. Our fifth winner was Dennis Keeran who correctly identified the fencing at the Tipton Prison. Our most recent fence finder was Misty Dearing. Misty was able to identify the fence surrounding Professor Hooper’s grave in Sappington Cemetery near Clarksburg. We have really had a lot of fun with this contest, but it’s not over yet. Don’t miss our final fence in the November 29th issue of the California Democrat. Good luck to all.

Sound of Music Piano Recital

DATE CHANGE:  As Mary Beth has been ill, the recital will not be held on the 9th as originally planned, it will be re-scheduled at a later date.  Piano teacher, Mary Beth Patterson will be presenting the Sound of Music piano recital. Children performing range from beginners to intermediate students. Classic songs from the Sound of Music will be accompanied by the children’s narration of the compelling story of the Von Trapp family. The Sound of Music Piano Recital will be held upstairs from the Wood Place Library on December 9, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. The atmosphere is casual and refreshments will be served.

Yu-Gi-Oh Nights

Boys and girls of all ages have enjoyed dueling and trading this past year. There will be one final Yu-Gi-Oh Night before summer break. Kids, mark your calendars for May 8—there will be door prizes at this final event! Yu-Gi-Oh Nights run from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. May 8th will be the last dueling night, but we will resume Yu-Gi-Oh in September. We hope to see all our duelers’ during this year’s summer reading program.

January 2007 Programs

Between Fences Programming @ Wood Place Public Library, January, 2007:

Thursday, January 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m:  Joe Koenen, Extension Agriculture Business Specialist for the Northeast Region of Missouri.  Fence and property law
educational meeting for the young farmers group with the public invited to attend.

Tuesday, January 16 starting at 7:00 p.m.:  Movie Night:  Shane (1953).  It’s the homesteaders verses the cattlemen in this classic western.  Refreshments will be provided and we’ll discuss how fences play a part in their argument.

Thursday, January 18 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.:  Alice Longfellow, landscape artist, master gardener and owner of Longfellows Garden Center.  Use of fences in landscaping: planning for planting.

Thursday, January 25th starting at 7:00 p.m.:  Movie Night:  The Yearling (1946).  Keeping a pet deer out of the corn becomes a fencing nightmare for a post-civil war family.  Refreshments will be provided and discussion will be encouraged.

Used Book Sale, October 15

Pie, Ice Cream and Used Books

Sunday, October 15:  Noon to 3 p.m.
Your $2 ticket will get you a wonderful piece of home-made pie and we’ll top it with ice cream if you like!  We’ll also have coffee, ice water and some other deserts including sugar-free desserts.  While you’re here, you can be the first to shop at our used book sale and browse the library shelves.  
Funds raised from the pie sales will help to off-set the cost of the library elevator repairs in 2006. The used book sale income will go into our fund for purchasing new books.  Advanced tickets will be available at the library and from friend members, or can be purchased at the fundraiser.  You might consider buying several tickets yourself and giving them away to your friends at church that morning!  If you’d like to contribute a pie or other dessert to this effort, please call Lisa at 796-2642.

BOOK CLUB

After a long summer break, the book club will resumed their monthly meetings on September 13 when they discussed Bait and Switch: the (futile) pursuit of the American Dream by Barbara Ehrenreich.  Everyone is invited to join in the next book club discussion.  It will be held Wednesday, October 11; 1:00 p.m. at the library.  The book for October will be:   My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

After-School Study Program

The After-School Study Program will begin again on Tuesday, September 5th, 2006.  Once again, this staffed study program will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 5:00 p.m. The program is for children in grades 3 to 8, and it is free. Parents must complete a registration form prior to sending children to participate. To register for the After-School Study Program, pick up a registration form in the Principal’s Office or at the library.

Special Evening Storytimes

Uno Dos Tres Storytime: Thursday, October. 12, 2006  at 6:30 p.m.

Cuatro, Cinco, Seis Storytime:
Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.

Wood Place Public Library will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with two story hours for both Spanish and English speaking children of all ages. On October 12th during National Hispanic Heritage Month, we will read Te Amo, Bebe’. On October 26th, we will celebrate the Day of the Dead with the story Felipa and the Day of the Dead. Children will also receive a Halloween bag. Each story time will  include songs, crafts, and refreshments. And, each family that attends will receive a free book to take home.

Weekly Storytimes

Weekly Storytimes for pre-school age children resume Tuesday, September 12.  Parents and children are invited to join us each week on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for stories and activities

Smithsonian Exhibition Explores Both Sides of the Fence

Do “good fences make good neighbors?”  Why? The Wood Place Public Library in California, Missouri, in cooperation with the Missouri Humanities Council, will explore this and other aspects of the cultural history of fences and land use as it hosts the local showing of Between Fences, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition.  Between Fences will be on view beginning December 16, 2006 and continuing through January 27, 2007.

The Wood Place Public Library and the surrounding community has been expressly chosen by the Missouri Humanities Council to host Between Fences as part of the Museum on Main Street project – a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.  The exhibition will tour only six communities in Missouri from September 2006 through June 2007. An itinerary is attached.

Through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations, Between Fences will surprise audiences with its exploration of the multiple meanings behind this everyday icon.  Whether made of split rails, decorative white pickets, or tall chain link, a fence conveys information about the people who built it, how they view and use their property, and the nature of their relationships with their neighbors.  Such barriers speak eloquently abut how we view our communities and country as well.  Between Fences explores the implications of fences in Colonial America, around gated communities, and at our country’s borders with Canada and Mexico.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring Between Fences to Central Missouri” said Lisa Marshall, library director at the Wood Place Public Library in California, Missouri.  “The Smithsonian Institution has given us a lot to think about with this exhibit and we hope that everyone in the area will make time to come out and see it.  We will have several public programs and additional exhibits to go along with this fascinating display.”  

There will be “Fences at the Fair” at the Moniteau County Fair, the oldest continuously held fair west of the Mississippi.  The fair runs from August 6 to 13, 2006 in California, Missouri.  Visit the Youth Art Show to see how local high school students look at fence issues.  Opinions will be expressed in works of art, poetry and essays.

The library is also sponsoring a photography contest for youth and amateur adult photographers.  The deadline to turn in your photograph is December 1, 2006.  Details are at:  www.woodplacelibrary.org.

On November 13, 2006, Frank Nickell, Missouri Humanities Council State Scholar will visit the California area as a guest speaker for local clubs and organizations.  Frank will be available for a limited number of interviews for those interested in hearing more about the fence topic.

During January, 2007, the library will host two free movie/open discussion nights and two lectures.  Lecture topics will be “Use of Fences in Landscaping and Gardening” and “Property and Fence Laws:  Useful information for Landowners”. (dates and speakers to be announced) On one of the movie nights, we’ll view Shane (1953).  It’s the homesteaders verses the cattlemen in this classic western.  We’ll discuss how fences play a part in their argument. The other Movie title and discussion topic will be announced soon.  All of these events will be free and open to the public.

Also during the time that Between Fences is on display, the library will have photography entries on display as well as two accompanying exhibits.  “Moniteau County Fences Exhibit” will be provided by the Moniteau County Historical Society and “Missouri and World Fence Images Slide Show” will be provided by Wood Place Public Library.

Between Fences is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation and local host institutions.  To learn more about Between Fences and other Museum on main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.

Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

SITES connects millions of Americans with their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of art, science and history exhibitions.  State humanities councils, located in each state and U.S. territory, support community-based humanities programs that highlight such topics as local history, literature and cultural traditions.  The Wood Place Public Library serves the local community by providing books, non-print materials and technology.  It is a goal of the library to provide accessible, quality and affordable educational programs and services to the community.  To learn more, visit www.sites.si.edu, www.mohumanities.org, and www.woodplacelibrary.org.

Between Fences Missouri Schedule:

9/15 - 10/21/2006:    Hannibal- hosted by the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
10/28 - 12/09:   Excelsior Springs-  hosted by the Excelsior Springs Historical Museum
12/16 - 1/27/2007:    California- hosted by the Wood Place Public Library
2/03 - 3/17:        Pierce City – Harold Bell Wright Museum
3/24 - 5/05:        Clinton- hosted by the Henry County Historical Society  
5/12-   6/23:       Mansfield- hosted by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum

Photography Contest

Congratulations to Patty Addison, who won first place for her entry "Testing Boundries" in the Wood Place public Library Fence Photography Contest!  The contest was held in connection with the traveling Smithsonian exhibit entitled “Between Fences”  that was at the library from December 16th, 2006 to January 27th, 2007.  Congratulations also to Micheal Jones, who won the first place People's Choice Award for "Fence of Dreams".  That photograph also took 2nd place in the judging and Mr. Jones' work titled " From another Time" won 2rd place.  

The photographs will remain on display at the library through the end of February 2007.

The photography contest was titled  “Fences, –  their purpose and meaning in our lives.”  It was open to students 18 years of age or younger as well as adult amateur photographers.  Visotors to the Between Fences exhibit, voted on their favorites and a professional photographer also judged the entries, based on:

1.  Originality
2.  Creativity
3.  Definition of Subject
4.  Title

Fences at the Fair

Visit the Moniteau County Fair, the oldest continuously held fair west of the Mississippi from August 6 to 13, 2006 in California, Missouri!  “Fences at the Fair” will be at  the Youth Art Show.  Take a look and see how local high school students look at fence issues.  Opinions will be expressed in works of art, poetry and essays.

Fences at the Fair is brought to  you by the Wood Place Public Library in connection with Between Fences, a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit coming to central Missouri in December 2006.  More information about the exhibit and other events accompanying the exhibit, see the article below titled "Smithsonian Exhibition Explores Both Sides of the Fence".

Between Fences is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation and local host institutions.  To learn more about Between Fences and other Museum on main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.

Pet Parade @ Proctor Park

On Saturday the 29th, we’ll have a Pet Parade at Proctor Park to celebrate successful summer reading programs.  The Pet Parade will begin at 10 am and last only an hour.  Kids will receive their t-shirts and other prizes, then parade along the short trail at the park.  We’ll have our giant paper snake chain on display and after the parade refreshments will be provided for the kids.  The kids will be allowed to bring a live pet if it can be on a leash or in a cage.  They may choose instead to bring their favorite stuffed animal for the pet parade. The public is welcome to come to the park and congratulate our young readers!

Teens Read!

2006 Reader's Advisory Council at the Wood Place Public Library:

This year we are providing eight different activities just for teens! Each Tuesday and Thursday from June 6 to 29 we'll kick-off the afternoon event with a food feature starting at 3:30.  Attend at least two of these events; read at least 1,000 pages and post a book review to the library's web page and you will win a cool wolf t-shirt and a free pizza!

Tues. 6/6: Web Page Design Project
Thurs. 6/8: Digital Camera Workshop
Tues. 6/13: Movie: My Dog Skip
Thurs. 6/15: Snakes Alive!
Tues. 6/20: Movie: Frankenstein
Thurs. 6/22: Monstrous Construction Craft
Tues. 6/27: Movie: White Fang
Thurs. 6/29: Scavenger Hunt

Teens can post book reviews - web posting instructions will be linked to the library's web page after June 6.   Door prizes will be awarded at each of the programs and prizes for completing the program will be awarded at the Pet Parade at Proctor Park on Saturday, July 29 (or may be picked up at the library after that date)

The library wishes to thank the following businesses that supported our teen summer reading program this year:

Breaudex Pizza
Burgher Haus
California Construction
Cal's Thriftway
C&R Supermarket
Dairy Queen
McDonalds
Movie Gallery
Pamida
Pizza Hut
Sweet's Hardware

Job Openings at the Library

The custodial position has been filled.  

The  deadline for applications for the temporary teen summer reading coordinator was Friday, May 12, 2006 - good luck to the finalists!

Library Outreach Coordinator (part-time with potential for full time):  The library has an exciting opportunity for a self starter to oversee the library’s outreach activities.  Duties will include the coordination and promotion of existing programs such as summer reading programs for children and teens, book club for adults, computers classes and other adult education classes.  In addition, the successful candidate will be encouraged to start up new programming to meet the needs of the community.  To apply, send resume to P.O. Box 127; California, MO 65018 or librarian@woodplacelibrary.org by May 31.

Author Visit: Don Mincke

Don Mincke, Author of  “Chasing the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage”
will visit Wood Place Public Library
501 S. Oak St. in California, MO
at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28

Mr. Mincke will give a brief lecture & sign and sell copies of his book, which is a road guide that follows the stage route of 1858.  The Butterfield ran through Missouri and Arkansas and even had a station right here in Moniteau County.

Call 573-796-2642 for more information

Satisfaction Survey

Please fill out our Satisfaction Survey to help us to better serve you.

Wood Place Public Library has been selected for a Smithsonian Exhibit Site!

The Missouri Humanities Council recently informed the Wood Place Public Library that we were selected to host an exhibit titled “Between Fences”.  “Between Fences” is the upcoming exhibition of Museum on Main Street, a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities.  The exhibit is described as “a humanities-rich exhibition because it asks visitors to consider personal values on the context of American history.  Use fencing, and its real and implied consequences to explore topics of settlement patterns, town architecture and neighborliness.”  

The Wood Place Public Library applied for this honor and was one of only six sites in Missouri chosen to host the exhibit in 2006-2007.  The exhibit will be here in California from December 16, 2006 to January 27, 2007.  It will be free and open to the public during regular library hours.  The library will also be providing special programs and tours for individual groups by request.  And, the Smithsonian has curriculum available for teachers that bring their classes to visit the exhibit.  More information will be posted about this exhibit in the near future.

After-School Study Program

The After-School Study Program will begin again in early October.  Once again, this staffed study program will be held on

Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 5:00 p.m.  The program is for children in grades 3 to 8, it is free, and parents must complete a

registration form prior to sending children to participate.