News from Friends of the Library & County Librarian Maurie Hoekstra:

Watch this space for regular news of what is happening in the libraries:
Libraries across the nation are seeing increases in attendance as people reach for a library card instead of a credit card.  Our valuable resources for these challenging economic times include resume and job search information, access to unemployment information, free Internet access, car repair manuals, newspapers and magazines.  The library collection now includes over 1400 DVDs which can be checked out for free for a one-week period. 

Check out our access to over 1000 magazines in full text.  Go to the library website at www.calaveraslibrary.com and select the link Resource Tools.  To access these resources you will need your library card barcode number.   

Another special feature available at the Library catalog website under Library Information allows users to browse the DVD collection from home and view which new titles have been added to the collection in the last month.   To learn more about how to use these special features call Maurie at 754-6701 for a reservation for an upcoming Monday with Maurie session.     

The Calaveras County Library System is not immune to budget challenges.  The impacts of reduced funding this Fiscal Year include the following: 

• The layoff of a full-time Library Assistant on January 30, 2009  
• The implementation of a $2.00 fee to borrow materials from interlibrary loan
• The reduction of the line item to purchase books and other library materials
• The suspension of approximately 30 magazine subscriptions

 You can help by adopting a magazine subscription, or donating books or cash to help enhance the Calaveras County Library book collection.  If you are an online shopper, start your next shopping trip at Shop for the Library (This link is not currently working stay turned for a new updated link in the near future)

The Valley Springs Library opened in a new facility at the edge of the school campus last year.  This is a joint use facility and is now our largest branch library.  Come for a visit and check out the wonderful furnishings purchased by the Valley Springs chapter of the Friends of the Library.  

Enhancements to the Book Collection
	The Valley Springs Area Chapter of the Friends of the Library has donated $500
	to purchase holiday books for the Valley Springs Library collection. This
	generosity came about when a volunteer was assisting a child looking for a
	holiday book and there was no selection on the shelves. The Friends then came
	forward with a donation.
	Scholastic Book Fair held in December at the San Andreas
	Library provided a great selection of children’s books. As a
	result the library received $800 worth of books for the
	children’s collection.
	Mystery Readers Delight. An anonymous donor has given the
	Friends of the Calaveras County Library a Donation of $2,000
	to purchase mysteries for the library collection.
	The MVL Inc library board approved a donation of $524 to purchase books for
	the children’s collection. An additional $100 was received from a donor to add
	to that contribution.
	The Murphys Writers group has donated $200 to be used to purchase materials
	help help aspiring writers.
	The Rotary Club of West Calaveras continues to donate funds since 2003 to
	purchase books in honor of their guest speakers. The speaker chooses the
	subject for the book and a gift plate is placed in each book to remind the
	community of the generosity of the Club and pay tribute to the speakers.