Hero of the Year?

Fellow mobile librarian, Yohannes Gebregeorgis, the founder of Ethiopia Reads, has been named a CNN Top Ten Hero of the Year. You can vote for Yohannes to be named the Hero of the Year over here: heroes.cnn.com/

The Ethiopia Reads website can be found here: www.ethiopiareads.org

Watch out! Colbert is on to us!

Hat tip to Stephanie!

Our Mascots- Mr. Pink and Ms. Pink

Mr. Pink and his lovely sister, Ms. Pink, have been with us for years now and it is beginning to show. Most of the time they just hang out there on the dash, looking ugly. Occasionally, they get pressed into duty as a prop for story time. In their most heroic roles they comfort little ones who are frightened by the whole bookmobile experience. Despite their humble origins as footwear, Mr. and Ms. Pink are noted advocates for literacy and education. I like to tell people that Mr. and Ms. Pink are perfect examples of what is possible when you stretch yourself.

Can you say Nerd Fighters?

Breaking news! I have been told by very credible sources that the world-famous Nerd Fighters are coming to Lancaster. That's right! Hank and John Green will be coming to Lancaster on November 11, 2008 where they will be making a special public appearance at Conestoga Valley High School at 6:30 p.m.

Go visit the Nerd Fighters at their website. Be sure to RSVP for this event through the links in the left-hand column.

You can also see information about the tour at John's website.

While you are at it, you can go to the library and check out John's books,
An Abundance of Katherines and Looking for Alaska.

Catalog Upgrade - My Reading History

I see you doing it. Lots of you. You stand there looking at the shelf with a small notebook, or even a 3-ring binder where you log the books that you have read. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me if I can tell them if they've already read a book (no, I can't).

But, now, we are making it easier for you to keep track of your own reading histories.

Those of you who use our online public access catalog (OPAC) will note the new look rolled out today. I'd like to draw your attention to the "Help Center" menu on the right hand side of the front page. There you will find a link to "My Reading History." By activating this feature, you can keep track of every book, movie, or cd that you check out with your library card. The list is strictly confidential. It can only be activated by you and accessed with your password and PIN.