(Re)discovering the library

Isn't it funny how we can grow up with the library but still forget how great it is? A blog post from a re-appreciator. And check out the post on a commenter's blog detailing a library workers' strike in Victoria, British Columbia.

Typewriting

The library has typewriters and they work. I say this, not because I expect that you'll come right over and type up your 8-page English paper, but because they are, for lack of a better word, cool. Find them on the second floor near the 700s (and near the reference librarian--someone who can help).

Spoken word

Do you listen to audiobooks?

Bill Holm's visit

Bill Holm, the last author in our 2008 Author Series, postponed his visit scheduled for tonight because of poor weather for travel. His appearance is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. in the library's lower level meeting room.

He should prove to be an interesting and thought-provoking speaker, given his extensive teaching, his life and interest in Iceland, and his creative writing alone and in collaboration with others. The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

Does Wikipedia work for you?

If I want to do any quick fact-checking, my favorite online source is Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia. Many librarians will frown on my choice of sources, since anyone (gasp!) can create or edit Wikipedia entries. To put a more positive spin on that fact, the Wikimedia Foundation says, "Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. That's our commitment."

My qualms with relying on Wikipedia for factual accuracy were explored (and assuaged) by this New York Times Magazine article. See what you think! (If you have trouble accessing the article via the link, make a quick comment and I'll explain another way to find it.)

Congratulations, Knowledge Bowlers!

Congratulations to NUHS's Team Purple in their advance to the regional Knowledge Bowl competition, and good luck in Mankato!

If trivia (in a fun, relaxed atmosphere) is your thing, save this date: Tuesday, April 29. The library will be hosting a game show pitting contestants (chosen randomly from all interested attendees) against a panel of library staff members. Prizes will be awarded! The event is free, open to the public (though questions will be most appropriate for folks of high school age and older), and will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Blog leads to blog leads to blog

Are you traveling widely in the blogosphere? If so, tell us about your favorite blogs in a comment here.

If you're just starting to explore, see People Reading or, for a dense community effort, Metafilter.

Scavenger Hunt #3

There's a scavenger hunt especially for young adults running at the library! Winners receive ten Chamber Dollars for use at local Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

• Pick up an entry form in the young adult area or near the computers at the reference desk.
• Read the instructions and rules on the back of the form.
• Find the answers anywhere.
• Turn in your completed form at the main check-out desk.
• Wait for the drawing date when a winner will be drawn from all correct entries.
• The next drawing and the posting of Scavenger Hunt #4 will be on Friday, March 14.

Hint for Scavenger Hunt #3: The mathematical constant 'celebrated' on March 14 is used in finding the circumference or area of a circle when you know its radius.

We'll start with an easy one

What are you reading right now? How do you like it?

Welcome

I'm Lori, one of the librarians at the New Ulm Public Library, and I'll be mediating this blog especially for young adults in the area. I hope you will find this a fun and useful forum for discussing books, technology, and your library. Comments are welcome! (Please note, however, that I will not allow posting of any containing disrespectful or crude remarks.)

I hope that, like the library, you will enjoy this forum, share your ideas, and return often!