Mary H. Weir Public Library

E-Reader Help Session

2012-01-14T12:46:00.001-05:00

If you have just received an E-Reader or are considering purchasing one, you may be interested in a help session we have scheduled for this Thursday, January 19th at noon in the library's Activity Room. We will be discussing the differences between some of the most popular types of E-Readers and how to access library materials with them.

Obituary Index

2012-01-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

Quite a few years ago, the library started a project to index all of the obituaries published in the Weirton Daily Times newspapers that we had on microfilm. We decided to work on this project because people were coming into the library to look for obituaries, mostly for genealogical purposes, but they didn't know the date that the notice had appeared in the paper or the date that the person had died. Locating this information on a roll of microfilm was a very time consuming process and many people were leaving in frustration before they could locate the information they needed. Although some papers now have searchable digitaized versions of the current issues, this was not true when we started this project and is still not true of many of the back files.

The library staff organized a volunteer project to begin indexing the obituaries in these back issues by having people go through each issue on microfim and write down the name, age, location if listed, and date the obituary appeared. These notes were then typed in to a digital file and transferred to a web page. This has been an ongoing project for well over 10 years now with many volunteers from several different organizations involved. It is a useful tool for our staff to use when helping patrons, and since it is available online, it is also useful to many others. We can tell people are using the index by the hits to those specific web pages.

At this point we have 80 years of the Weirton Daily Times on microfilm and the index is completed for 50 of those years! We are currently working our way up from 1931 through the late 1970s with some volunteers, and a staff member is taking a few minutes every day to keep up with the current newspapers. While transcribing the obituaries for 2011, we discovered that over 2,000 obituaries appeared in the Weirton Daily Times last year!

We often have complete years that have not been posted online, so if you find that you need to locate information for years not posted, call the reference desk. They will gladly check our printed copy to see if the year has been recently completed.

New Year Brings New Services

2012-01-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

We are very proud to announce four new databases that are now available at the Mary H. Weir Public Library! These databases will be a great resource for those researching history and genealogy.

The first and probably the most familiar is Ancestry. Ancestry is a huge searchable database of historic public records from all over the world. It includes census and voter lists, birth, marriage and death records, military records, immigration and travel records, newspaper and periodical records, criminal records, church records and many others. It also makes available many useful blank forms to record your information.

Heritage Quest is the second database we have acquired. It searches census records, historical books, PERSI (Periodical Source Index), Revolutionary War Records, the Freedman's Bank, and the U.S. Serials Set. PERSI searches articles from local history and genealogical magazines and newsletters from all over the country. The Freedman's Bank was a Savings and Trust company set up right after the Civil War to serve freed slaves and African American soldiers. Although the bank failed in 1874, the records may provide a great deal of information about the people who were its customers. Details may include parents, children, spouse, birth date, residence, and occupation of the customer. The Serial Set is also known as the United States Congressional Serial Set and contains documents from the House and Senate.

Historic Map Works contains maps from all around the world. There are maps from Europe that are 400 years old. Some of the maps from this part of the U. S. date from the 19th Century and list land owners and businesses.

The Sanborn Maps focus more on towns. They were insurance maps. We have purchased access to the collection for West Virginia. The maps for Weirton date from 1915, 1919, 1923, and 1929 with updates. In these maps, all of the buildings in town are shown and often their purpose is given. It also list little details like the size of the water pipes going down the streets and the type of utilities in public buildings. In addition to maps for Weirton, there are maps for Chester, Newell, and New Cumberland in Hancock County and Follansbee and Wellsburg in Brooke County.

All of these databases are available at all Mary H. Weir Library computers.

Program Change

2011-12-06T16:57:00.000-05:00

Due to unforseen circumstances, Thursday's program -"Walter Reuther and the American Labor Movement" has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Fine Free Week

2011-11-15T16:33:00.000-05:00

Don't forget, this is Fine Free Week at the Mary H. Weir Public Library! Bring in any overdue material and your fine will be forgiven. If your materials have already been returned, but you still have a fine, stop at the circulation desk with your card and ask for your fine to be removed.

The Ebook Reader.com

2011-11-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

If you are just getting into ebooks, check out this site. It has reviews, comparisons, how to guides, and links to free ebooks!

Veterans Day

2011-11-09T14:48:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder...The Mary H. Weir Public Library will be closed on Friday in honor of Veterans Day.

2011-11-09T12:29:00.000-05:00

The Way We Worked

2011-10-18T16:56:00.002-04:00

The Mary H. Weir Public Library has been extremely fortunate in being selected as one of the sites in West Virginia to host a traveling exhibit "The Way We Worked" The exhibit will open November 1st and continue through December 10th. Other local organizations are working to make this a community wide event with speakers and displays at several locations, including a photographic display of workers in The Gallery behind the library organized by the Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club.

The following events have been planned:

Nov. 1 - Songs of the American Worker - Bob Willits at the Mary H. Weir Public Library at 6 p.m.

Nov. 5 - Before the Steel Age: Workers in Northwestern Virginia 1820-1880 - Dr. Charles Keeney of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College at the Mary H. Weir Public Library at 2 p.m.

Nov. 8 - Songs of the American Worker - Bob Willits; Domestic Work: Keeping the Home Fires Burning - Janet Keller; Apple Orchards - Fred Miller; Homer Laughlin China: Beginning of the Pottery - David Conley all at Swaney Memorial Library in New Cumberland starting at 6 p.m.

Nov. 10 - Songs of the American Worker - Bob Willits at the Lynn Murray Memorial Library in Chester at 6 p.m.

Nov. 14 - Italian Immigration and Labor in the Weirton and Steubenville Area - Professor Richard Lizza, formerly of West Liberty University at Mary H. Weir Public Library at 6 p.m.

Nov. 15 - Finding Something to Rejoice About: Accommodation and Resistance Among African Americans in Weirton 1920-1980 - Dr. Lou Martin of Chatham University at Mary H. Weir Public Library at 6 p.m.

Nov. 16 - Weirton Steel and World War II - Paul J. Zuros local historian at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Nov. 17 - Industry Comes to the Ohio Valley - Dr. David Javersak formerly of West Liberty University at Mary H. Weir Public Library at 6 p.m.

Nov. 19 - Women and Weirton Steel - Thais Blatnik, former Weirton Steel employee at Mary H. Weir Public Library at 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 - West Virginia and its Natural Resources (1951 Film) at theWeirton Area Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Nov. 30 - Weirton, USA (1953 Film) at theWeirton Area Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Dec. 1 - The History of the Dry Cleaning Industry - Steve Mindzak, Weirton businessman for 53 years, at the Mary H. Weir Public Library at 6 p.m.

Dec. 6 - Tinplate (1958 Film) at theWeirton Area Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Dec. 7 - Medical Profession History - Dr. Juginder K. Luthra at theWeirton Area Museum and Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Dec. 8 - Walter Reuther and the American Labor Movement - Professor Brent Carney of Eastern Gateway Community College at Mary H. Weir Public Library at 6 p.m.

The Way We Worked, an exhibition created by the National Archives, is part of the Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

Banned Books Week

2011-09-26T12:47:00.004-04:00

Once again, it's Banned Books Week. During this week, the American Library Association celebrates the freedom we have in this country to read about whatever we choose even if the material includes ideas that are unpopular or offensive to some.

According to the ALA, the ten most challenged titles of 2010 were:

And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
The Hunger Games (series) by Suzanne Collins
Lush by Natasha Friend
What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
Revolutionary Voices edited by Amy Sonnie
Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer

Some of the reasons given for challenges are:

drugs
homosexuality
inaccurate
insensitivity
offensive language
political viewpoint
racism
religious viewpoint
sex education
sexism
sexually explicit
unsuited to age group
violence

The library has a set of four books in our Reference Department that give the history of censorship challenges of specific titles on Sexual Grounds, Social Grounds, Political Grounds, and Religious Grounds. Some of the authors whose works are mentioned are currently popular authors like Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Stephen King. Children's authors like J.K. Rowling, Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, and Dav Pilkey have been challenged. The list also includes Presidents Jefferson and Carter. Others familiar authors who have had their works challenged include: Mark Twain, Charles Dickens Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, Kurt Vonnegut, William Faulkner, Lewis Carroll, Anne Frank, and John Updike. Religious leaders Martin Luther, John Calvin, William Tyndale, and John Wycliffe have not been exempt from having their work challenged. And finally, Mary H. Weir's last husband, Jerzy Kosinski, can also be found among the challenged authors.

Movies are Back!

2011-09-26T10:55:00.000-04:00

Free Family Movie Night is back at the library. This year, the evening movie will be on Thursdays, usually the third or fourth Thursday of the month. The exact date and title for each month will be posted at the Circulation Desk. These features are generally rated G or PG, often animated, and geared to a wide audience. Popcorn and a drink are provided.

A new feature has also been added. We will be showing a free Classic Movie one Monday afternoon a month. These films will begin at 12:30. September's selection was a John Wayne classic. October's selection will feature Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. Refreshments will also be available at this showing.

The Cat in the Hat is Coming!

2011-09-01T16:43:00.002-04:00

To kick off the fall Story Hour session, young Cat in the Hat fans will be honored with a special visit from the Cat himself during the Story Hour on Wednesday, September 14 from 1:00 to 2:00. Chldren attending Tuesday sessions may also attend this event. Registration is required.

Fall Story Hour

2011-09-01T16:24:00.001-04:00

Fall Story Hour will begin September 13th and 14th. Parents of children ages 3-5 may register beginning next week. Both parent and child are required to have a library card. Three sessions are planned: Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to Noon, Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Labor Day Holiday

2011-08-27T15:05:00.000-04:00

The Library will be closed Monday, September 5, 2011 for Labor Day. When the library reopens on Tuesday we will be returning to our regular hours. Starting September 6th, the library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Part time Janitorial-Custodian Position Available

2011-08-16T15:26:00.001-04:00

Applications accepted until position is filled
Location: Mary H. Weir Public Library
3442 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

Contact Person: Mr. Richard G. Rekowski, Director
304-797-8510

Position available: Experienced-Part time janitorial custodian position

Pay rate: $7.25 hour

The Mary H. Weir Public Library currently has a part-time janitorial housekeeping position for an experienced individual with handyman, electrical, and carpentry skills.

This individual must be able to carry and lift items, climb and carry ladders, perform tasks standing on ladders, shovel snow, perform cleaning tasks and housekeeping, operate electric and gas powered equipment, perform maintenance tasks, oversee maintenance supplies, perform inventory, and ordering of supplies as well as other tasks for facility not listed in this description. Individual will drive library vans, perform maintenance, and maintain vehicular logs. Employee evaluations will include demonstrated ability and performance of performing and accomplishing tasks efficiently.
This individual must have a good driving record and must be able to pass a security check.
Education requirement: GED or high school minimum.
Individual must be able to work mornings, evenings, weekend schedules.

Send Letter, Resume, References to:

Mary H. Weir Public Library
Director Richard Rekowski,
3442 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062
304-797-8510

Changing Formats

2011-08-13T11:54:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed some changes to the library's main web page in the past few days. For many years, students have been relying on many thick volumes of Gale Literary Criticism to complete Literature assignments. Those days are nearing an end at our library. The full text information will still be available, just the delivery has changed. In place of the over 300 volumes in one series, we now have a link on our main page to Literature Criticism Online. This not only saves space on the library shelves, which we need very badly, but it also allows the information to be available to anyone with a Mary H. Weir Library Card and an Internet connected computer at any hour of the day or night. It makes searching extremely easy. One search covers multiple volumes. Of course the library's computers can also be used to access the information, and the staff will gladly provide any needed help. This change has also allowed us to add some resources that we had not made available in the past. They include Children's Literature Review and Shakespearean Criticism, both of which will be great additions to our collection.

Americorps Vista Position Deadline Extended

2011-08-04T10:51:00.005-04:00

Applications for the following position will continue to be accepted through August.

National Community Employment Experience Opportunity: The Mary H. Weir Public Library has an AmeriCorps VISTA position for a college graduate for the Library’s “Community Grant Center Service Developer and Implementation Services”.Candidate will introduce and implement a public grant center service to Weirton Area and build sustainability with community collaborative resources.
VISTA Member Duties : Raise awareness of the Library’s Grant Research Center for area non-profits, government and community at large. Develop and implement grant writing and educational resources workshops. Solicit funding and volunteers. Build a data base of resources, and a communication system that will enable easy access for area non-profits, individuals, agencies, education and business to contribute to and access the demographics of the Weirton area including the respective information needs of nonprofits and agencies in the Weirton area. These resources, information and communication network will be useful for community visioning and development. Solicit professional volunteers for non-profits to train new non-profits that may need help and or resources to address their needs in Weirton area community.

Service Areas : Community and Economic Development , Community Outreach , Children/Youth , Education , Technology.

Skills : Communications , Community Organization , Computers/Technology , Education , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Public Speaking , Recruitment , Writing/Editing , Youth Development , General Skills , No outside employment .

AmeriCorps VISTA one year commitment at the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

“This is an excellent opportunity for a college graduate interested in obtaining experience and applying their education in community development, public service, examining community (information) resources and visioning.” ..Mr. Rekowski, Director, Mary H. Weir Public Library.

Application Procedure: Applicants will find the application online.
Go to http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp. On the right side of the page under the Vista symbol is the question "Where would you like to serve?" Enter West Virginia, and click on the search button. Look for UWCW Weir Public Library on the second results page. This will bring up information about the project. At the bottom of this page is a button that says "Apply Now" You will be asked to register with the system, then fill out an application. Any further questions may be directed to Ms. Fundis of the library's reference staff at 302-797-8510 or fundisl@weirton.lib.wv.us or AmeriCorps Director Reba Crossen in Charleston at 304-340-3620 or rcrossen@unitedwaycwv.org

Americorps VISTA and Americorps Lifebridge Positions at the Mary H. Weir Library

2011-07-11T15:20:00.001-04:00

Americorps VISTA Position

National Community Employment Experience Opportunity: The Mary H. Weir Public Library has an AmeriCorps VISTA position for a college graduate for the Library’s Community Grant Center Service Developer and Implementation Services.

Candidate will introduce and implement a public grant center service to Weirton Area and build sustainability with community collaborative resources. Duties will include: raising awareness of the Library’s new resources within area non-profits, government and community at large, developing and implementing grant writing and educational resources workshops, soliciting funding and volunteers, building a data base of resources, and a communication system that will enable easy access to demographic information for area non-profits, individuals, agencies, educational institutions and businesses. This information and communication network will be useful for community visioning and development. The candidate will solicit professional volunteers for mentoring newer non-profits that may need help and or resources to address their needs in Weirton area community.

Commitment Responsibility: one year
Service Areas: Community and Economic Development, Community Outreach, Children/Youth, Education, Technology.

Skills: Communications, Community Organization, Computers/Technology, Education, Fund raising/Grant Writing, Public Speaking, Recruitment, Writing/Editing, Youth Development, General Skills, No outside employment .

“This is an excellent opportunity for a college graduate interested in obtaining experience and applying their education in community development, public service, examining community (information) resources and visioning.” Mr. Rekowski, Director, Mary H. Weir Public Library.

Application Procedure: Applicants will find this position at the website MyAmeriCorps.Gov, click “employment” and search in WV for “UWCW Weir Public Library”. Applicant may log into and begin application process. Ms. Fundis in the Library Reference Department (304-797-8510) may provide assistance in locating the web site.

AmeriCorps LifeBridge Position

LifeBridge AmeriCorps Member position available at the Library for Public Library Service Program Support.

This position requires knowledge, experience working with computers, software and technology, working with and assisting library department staff, and with performing public community instructional informational and library workshops. Member will work with adults, parents, and children services including programming, homework and reference desk assignments. Candidate must have technology skills and high aptitude to learn library environments, operations, and work with the public. Good communication skills are required. Member will conduct workshops, read to children, and coordinate community volunteer resources.

Educational Requirement: College course work (minimum), College Degree preferred.

Commitment Responsibility: one year

Application Procedure: Contact the Mary H. Weir Public Library, 3442 Main Street, Weirton, WV 26062, 304-797-8510, ask for Ms Makricosta for application packet.

Super 8 Photos

2011-06-17T11:24:00.003-04:00

The West Virginia Film Office has notified us that they have added photos of the opening of the movie Super 8 to their website at www.wvfilm.com/super8. They now have photos from the red carpet screening on June 9 at Ft. Steuben Mall and the Celebr8 Weirton Summer Kick-off street fair on June 5 as well as photos from the filming and transformation of the town last fall.

Library Schedule Changes

2011-06-17T10:49:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder - The library will be closed Monday, June 20th in honor of West Virginia Day.

Beginning this week, the library will be observing Summer Hours which are Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This schedule will continue until Labor Day.

If you cannot get to the library before it closes, books may be returned through the book drop located on the Sarah Lane side of the library. Books returned through the book drop are credited with being returned on the day they are dropped off, even if they are returned after hours. All items in the book drop are checked in every morning before the library opens. Most days the book drop is emptied a second time in the late afternoon. If you have put your items in a bag, please take them out of the bag before feeding them into the book drop since multiple items wrapped together can jam the opening.

If your materials are not overdue and have not already been renewed, they may be renewed online through the MY ACCOUNT section of the online catalog. Video, DVD and Deposit materials may only be renewed once, but books may be renewed several times. However, once you have multiple items overdue, or the item has been overdue for a period of time, the computer system will block you from renewing those items. In that case, you may call the library during open hours to renew. You will still have a fine for the time from the due date until you renew the item, but once the item is renewed, the fine will stop accumulating for the two weeks of the renewal period.

Library will be closed Saturday, June 11

2011-06-10T18:41:00.000-04:00

Due to the water emergency in the city of Weirton, the Mary H. Weir Library will be closed Saturday, June 11, 2011.

Civil War Speaker

2011-05-11T12:44:00.002-04:00

The West Virginia Humanities Council is sponsoring a Sesquicentennial Speakers Bureau to help organizations across the state commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and birth of the Mountain State. On Monday, May 16 at 6:00 PM, West Virginia University history professor Connie Park Rice will speak at the Mary H. Weir Public Library. Dr. Rice will present “A Torch in their Souls: Slavery, Abolition, and the Underground Railroad in Western Virginia.” The talk is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

Dr. Rice is also Assistant Editor of West Virginia History: A Journal of Regional Studies, and a member of the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. She has a Ph.D. in American History and specializes in Appalachian Regional History with an emphasis on African Americans and women in the mountain south. Dr. Rice is the author of Our Monongalia: A History of African Americans in Monongalia County, West Virginia and has published articles in several books, journals, and encyclopedias including West Virginia History: A Journal of Regional Studies, The Journal of Appalachian Studies, West Virginia Encyclopedia, and African American National Biography.

Rice recently completed a biography of J. R. Clifford, West Virginia’s first black editor and practicing attorney, titled “Don’t Flinch nor Yield an Inch”: The Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Pioneer J. R. Clifford and is currently co-editing a collection of essays with Dr. Marie Tedesco of East Tennessee State University titled Daughters of Appalachia: A History of Women in the Mountain South.

Nook Raffle

2011-04-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Since the beginning of the new year, we have seen a large increase in the number of people using our downloadable ebooks through WV Deli. The WV Deli is a shared collection with eight libraries currently purchasing titles for the collection. People with one of our library cards can access any of those titles as long as it is not currently checked out. At last count there were around 8,000 items in the collection in several different formats.

To encourage the use of the WV Deli collection, and to benefit the Mary H. Weir Library, the GFWC Weirton Woman's Club Literary Department is holding a raffle for a Nook. Tickets are $2 each and are available at the library. The drawing will be held April 30 at the Literary Luncheon sponsored by the Literary Department of the GFWC Weirton Woman's Club. The book being reviewed this year is Balancing Act by Martin Gottfried, a biography of Angela Lansbury.

National Library Week

2011-04-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

It's National Library Week! Monday night several members of the Library Board, Literacy Council, and GFWC Weirton Woman's Club attended City Council to receive a proclaimation from Mayor Mark Harris. As we always do, we are celebrating the week by forgiving fines on returned materials to allow library customers a fresh start. We are also celebrating the week and the coming of Spring by having a drawing for a set of barbecue tools and a soft sided cooler. Any adult who comes into the building and checks out items from the library during National Library Week can enter this drawing.

Want to Help? Check Your Facts!

2011-03-14T12:29:00.002-04:00

This week's disaster in Japan and other recent events in Haiti, Chili, and New Zealand have touched the hearts of many Americans. These tragic situations always bring out the best and the worst in people. There will be hundreds of groups appealing for help to aid the victims, and because communication is difficult in these situations, rumors tend to fly. It becomes difficult to tell what is really happening and which agencies are doing the best job of providing assistance. If you want to check a rumor, try the web site Snopes.com. If you are interested in donating to a charity, and want to find out how they use the money they collect, try Charity Navigator. Guidestar is another site that gives information on nonprofit organizations. They already have set up a web page called Giving to Disaster Relief and Recovery in Japan. These sites may keep you from wasting your time, energy, and money.

It's Here!

2011-01-11T10:55:00.001-05:00

After some unavoidable delays, the awning on the front of the building has been replaced. The old awning was damaged by a storm this summer. The new blue color was selected by library customers. The neon under the awning has been repaired and will soon be connected. We will be glowing again soon!

Online Reference Grows

2010-12-23T15:25:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed that the list of online reference books on the left side of this page has more than doubled. These are digital versions of print reference books which can be accessed by anyone with a Library Card from any of the three Hancock County libraries. All of them are accessible from any of the computers within the library. These materials are published by Thompson-Gale and Oxford Press, two very well established reputable publishers. They are excellent sources for school assignments and for locating information for personal use.

Calendar Issues

2010-12-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

Our Google calendar at the top of this page is having some issues today. All of our events have shifted and are not on their correct days. In some cases they have been shifted back one day, but toward the end of the month, the events like the Library's closing for the holidays have been shifted back several days. If you click on an event on the calendar, a pop up will appear to give more information. These pop ups do list the correct days and times for the events.

I am assuming that this is a problem with Google's software and that they will have it fixed soon. If the calendar does not say we are closed on the 24th and 25th, you will know that the calendar is still having problems and the events listed are on the wrong days. If you need more information, please call the library during our open hours.

Tax Forms

2010-12-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

The end of the year is fast approaching soon to be followed by tax season. The library has ordered tax forms for this year, however most of the forms won't arrive until after the middle of January. We start putting out the tax forms as we receive them after the first of January. Until then, you can look for information on the following web sites:

IRS

WV State Tax Department

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Oho Department of Taxation

Book Signing

2010-11-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

Local author Tracy Carbasho will be signing copies of her new book Nike Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. The book explores the development of the company and the influence the corporation has had on the world of sports. It includes interviews of coaches, atheletes, and business experts. The book is part of a series called Corporations that Changed the World from Greenwood Press. For more about the author and her book, see her web page.

Holiday Make and Take Workshop

2010-11-27T10:59:00.001-05:00

The Master Gardeners are repeating their popular Holiday Make and Take Workshop next Saturday at the library. The Master Gardeners bring the material and their expertise to help the public make live holiday centerpieces. The cost is $20 if preregistered and $25 at the door. To register contact the Extension Service at 304-564-3805 or hancockcountyextension@mail.wvu.edu. Pictures of last year's event are available on our blog archive.

Audio Book and E Reader Devices

2010-11-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

The Christmas shopping season is in full gear and we just wanted to put out a reminder to those patrons who are considering purchasing devices to access our downloadable material on WV Deli. Not all devices are compatible. There is a link to a list of compatible and incompatible devices on the WV Deli website which can be reached from our home page. I have also linked the list from the title of this post. Not only are the compatible devices listed, but the list price of each is given as well as specifications, compatible formats, and links to the web pages of the device. Although not every device that is compatible is listed, it gives a good overview of what is available and the features of each device.

Book Signing

2010-11-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

Carolyn Bradley recently presented a copy of her new book, Seeds of My Love, to the Mary H. Weir Public Library. The poetic prayers in her book address the need to find hope in difficult times. On Saturday, November 20, 2010 she will be signing copies of her book on the main floor of the library from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. She will also have copies of her book available for purchase at that time. The cost of the book is $12.99 (tax included).

Teen Read Week Winners

2010-11-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the winners of the Teen Read Week drawing - Tia, Elaine, Briana, and Roger. We hope you all enjoy your prizes.

2010-11-04T15:17:00.003-04:00

THANK YOU, VOTERS OF HANCOCK COUNTY!

2010-10-28T15:38:00.002-04:00

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE HANCOCK COUNTY LIBRARY LEVY TUESDAY!

Repairing Library Books - No Tape PLEASE!

2010-10-28T15:18:00.002-04:00

Books often come back to the library with some sort of damage. One of the most frequent offenders where this is concerned is the family dog. Many dogs have developed a love for literature. My dearly departed beagle favored paperback books. She never took them off of tables, but leave one on a bed or a chair and the room would soon be decorated with pages resembling fallen leaves. I knew she had this tendency, and it was my responsibility to keep the books out of her reach. There was no way to repair books she had "read."

Sometimes books just fall apart due to age or poor quality of workmanship. In the past, books were sewn together, now almost all of them are glued. Unfortunately, glue dries out and the pages start to come out.

We have several methods of repairing books with specialty tools and tapes or flexible glues. If the book is one that we know we cannot replace or we want to keep in the collection for a long period of time, we may use archival materials or send it to the bindery. The bindery does an excellent job of making a worn book look like new. Unfortunately, not all books can be rebound and there is a cost involved.

The library staff can tell the difference between a book that has damage due to wear and tear and one that has been damaged due to the carelessness of the borrower. We can usually even tell if it was the baby or the dog that chewed a book. Please, if you are returning a book that you know is damaged, don't let your embarrassment prevent you from letting the library staff know so that they can get the book repaired before it gets worse.

Most importantly, please don't attempt to repair a library book yourself! Normal household tape is meant for tasks like wrapping gifts. It won't last for a book's lifetime. It either stains, leaves a sticky residue or dries up and falls off. Sometimes it does all three. In any case, it can prevent us from performing a proper repair or sending the book to be rebound. Another home favorite, duct tape has a million uses, but book repair is not one of them! We know that those who try to repair library books mean well, but home book repairs often do more damage than good. So if a book is damaged, please bring in all the pieces and let us know so that we can take the proper steps to repair it.

Your Vote is Important

2010-10-21T10:11:00.000-04:00

Vote for the Hancock County Library Levy!

Some of you may not be aware that the Hancock County Libraries have a levy on the November 2, 2010 ballot. This is a renewal of the levy we are currently operating under. These funds are vital to the operation of the three libraries in Hancock County. The money that each library receives from the state is tied to the amount of local funding that is generated for the library. In other words, if our local funding is reduced, we will also lose state funding. Every vote is important because 60% of the voters must approve the levy for it to take effect. So please, support your local libraries and vote for the levy.

Young and Need a Job?

2010-10-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

The library received a fax yesterday announcing a Job Corps Orientation on Monday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ohio County Public Library, 52 16th Street, Wheeling. Job Corps is a career technical training and education program sponsered by the government. It is open to students aged 16-24 who meet requirements of the program. There is an online brochure the explains the program. For further information, call Job Corps Admissions at 304-620-8146.

How Can We Create the Best Future for Our Area?

2010-10-18T13:04:00.001-04:00

How can this region become a place where communities thrive in fifteen years? Do you have ideas? Join us at the library, Monday, October 25, 2010 for a Power of 32 Community Conversation. At each of these events the participants break up into groups and consider four questions:

· What does a thriving region look like?

· What challenges will we face and what strengths can we build on?

· What has to be done to make sure the area thrives and why?

· In 2015 what will we be most proud of in our region and what was key to making it happen?

If you have ideas or opinions about these questions, now is your time to be heard. Join with positive people from all over the region in working toward a brighter future for our area.

Tutor Training

2010-10-14T15:24:00.000-04:00

Do you want to change lives? Think about becoming a tutor in our literacy program. The Mary H. Weir Library has an active literacy program that not only provides reading instruction, but works with students preparing for GED testing, basic computer skills, and immigrants learning English. There is always a need for reliable, patient tutors. Tutors may work with individuals or small groups and may tutor in any of a variety of subjects. A Volunteer Tutor Training will take place next week at the library. Training will be held Tuesday, October 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., Thursday, October 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., and Saturday, October 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, or to register for training, call Pam at 304-797-8510.

Investment Fraud Program

2010-10-14T14:46:00.000-04:00

The library will be hosting Seniors Against Investment Fraud a program of the WV State Auditor's Office on Thursday, October 21 at 12:30. Learn how to recognize scams and avoid investment fraud. The program will be held in the library's activity room on the lower level. Parking is available in back of the library, and those interested in attending may enter through the doors on the Walnut Street side of the building.

Basket Fundraiser

2010-10-14T12:24:00.000-04:00

The Literary Department of the GFWC is holding it's annual basket fundraiser at the library. This year the basket themes include: Christmas, Toys, Tea, WVU, Pittsburgh Steelers, Romance, Chocolate, Italian, Garden and Kitchen. Each basket is stuffed full of interesting items that reflect the basket's theme. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. Proceeds benefit the library. Winners will be drawn in early to mid December. If you happen to be lucky enough to win a basket, make sure to bring someone strong when you come to pick it up. Some of these baskets are heavy!

Teen Read Week

2010-10-14T10:38:00.000-04:00

Next week, October 17th to October 23rd is Teen Read Week. Teen Read Week is designed to encourage teens to read for fun. The Mary H. Weir Public Library appreciates teens who read! To show our appreciation, every teen (ages 13-19) who checks out a book during Teen Read Week will be given the opportunity to enter a drawing to win one of four prizes. The prizes include a Clock Radio, two 2G MP3 Players and a 4G Tony Hawk USB Skatedrive.

Fall 2010 Displays

2010-10-14T10:29:00.003-04:00

If you haven't been in the library recently, you're missing some great displays by local groups. The Gallery behind the library is continuing to show Photographs of the Tri-State Region by the Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club. Inside we have an attractive and informative Constitution Day display from the DAR and several displays of artwork by local children. The Tri-State Christian Academy recently completed a unit on the Renaissance. They have brought in three castles created by students to share. The children from the Weirton Christian Center have decorated pumpkins with sequins, painted fall leaves and created a display of Johnny Appleseed pictures all of which create a cheerful fall atmosphere. You can see examples of their work on the slide show on the left side of the blog, but it's always better to come in and see the real thing.

Speaking of art, the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Robert Haworth Memorial Art Exhibition this Saturday at the library from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year the exhibit will feature the work of Anthony Sellitti and local art students. The display will be in the library's activity room. Be sure to stop by and see how much talent there is in the Weirton area.

Local History Books Available

2010-10-04T10:21:00.002-04:00

Fall is here, and the holiday shopping season will soon be with us. The library has a small collection of recently printed local history books available for purchase at our front desk that would make a special gift for anyone with ties to the Weirton area. The newest of the collection is Thomas Zielinsky's account of The Final Days of Weirton Steel. We also have two titles from Acadia Publishing's Images of America Series. Hancock County and Rock Springs Park are filled with photographs of bygone days which will bring back many memories for area residents. From the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, we have A Pageant of Nations and Calendars for 2011, 2012, and 2013. Each month is illustrated with a historic scene. We also still have copies of The History of Weirton by David Javersak. This title was a project of the Historic Landmarks Commission. It is the most complete, well illustrated history of the city available.

Story Hour is Back!

2010-09-15T10:49:00.000-04:00

Registration has begun for Fall Story Hour for ages 3 to 5. This year parents will be able to choose from one of three sessions. Sessions will be held Tuesday Afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday Evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fall Story Hour will begin the last week of September and go to the 7th and 8th of December. Story Hour is not held the week of Thanksgiving. Registrations will be accepted until all three sessions are full. Parents may register their child at the Children's Desk or Circulation Desk of the library. Children who participated in Story Hour last year may be registered over the phone at 797-8510.

Fight for Libraries as You Do Freedom

2010-09-15T09:32:00.003-04:00

Karin Slaughter is a popular author whose works are translated and sold internationally. Many libraries including our own carry her books. This article appeared in Friday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Read what she has to say about the importance of libraries in our country - Fight for Libraries as You Do Freedom.

Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club Exhibit

2010-09-13T16:53:00.002-04:00

Beginning Tuesday, September 14, 2010 the library will be hosting a display of photographs by the Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club in The Gallery behind the library. This year these talented photographers are displaying pictures on the theme "Scenes of the Tri-State Region." Their photographs display natural and manmade wonders from Pittsburgh, PA to Wheeling, WV and Cass, WV to Cadiz, OH and many points in between. The camera club has exhibited photographs in The Gallery several times in the past, and their work is always impressive!

In addition to the outdoor exhibit, there will be a slide show, print exhibit and reception on September 14 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Several of the photographers will be in attendance and they have always been gracious about answering questions from the audience.

Teddy Bear Tea

2010-08-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

Everyone enjoyed the magic show

On July 28, the GFWC Weirton Woman's Club Literary Department sponsored a Teddy Bear Tea at the library for the children of the community. Approximately 80 children and 50 adults attended the event. Teddy Bear themed music played as the guests arrived, followed by a story and short film, each of which had a bear as the main character. The children and adults were delighted with the performance of Jim Tate, The Magic Man and his rabbit Puff. Each child received a balloon animal and teddy bear. Door prizes were given out as the guests enjoyed refreshments.

Jennifer reads Bear Snores On.

The Audience hides their eyes for a surprise.

Overdrive Workshop

2010-05-24T13:55:00.003-04:00

For the past several months, we have been trying to make people aware of our new online branch which has been established with seven other library systems in the state. The online service, West Virginia Deli, contains over 6,500 downloadable items available for check out and is growing every day.

On Saturday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m. we will be conducting a workshop in the library's Activity Room to introduce patrons to the service and answer questions about how the service works. Come join us and find out how you can read books or listen to them from your computer and transfer them to other devices.

Summer Reading Adult Book Club

2010-05-24T13:47:00.006-04:00

Don't let the kids have all the fun! Register for the Summer Reading Book Club. Registration begins June 1st. The first book will be Big Stone Gap by Andrea Trigiani. The books will be available June 15th, and the first book discussion will be held during the week of July 12th. Lose yourself in a good book. It's one of the most economical vacations deals you'll find anywhere!

If you are interested in a book club, but are unable to participate this summer or would prefer a different type of book, please let us know! You can call the library or e-mail the mhpwl address listed in the left hand column of this page.

Airplane Day

2010-05-24T13:35:00.003-04:00

Come fly with us on June 5! We will be having a special program for children on airplanes and flight. We will be making and flying paper airplanes, watching a short film about flight, and having fun with other activities and a special guest from Wheeling Jesuit's Center for Educational Technologies. The fun starts at 10:00.

Ohio River Presentation

2010-05-24T13:10:00.004-04:00

On June 8th the library's Activity Room will be the site of a presentation by Captain Rick Rhodes on The Ohio River in American History. He will discuss the history and industry of the six state region adjoining the Ohio River and navigation on the river. His presentation will be illustrated with photographs of the river and surrounding area.

Captain Rhodes is a graduate of WVU and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He has traveled in 48 states, Canada and Mexico, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer. He has written histories and guidebooks of five different waterways including the Ohio River.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Make a Splash!

2010-05-24T11:16:00.003-04:00

Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the library's Summer Reading Program. This year's theme is Make a Splash - Read! Programs will be on Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 for ages 3 to 6 and Thursday afternoons at 1:30 for ages 7 and up. Registration will begin June 1st with the programs beginning on June 15th. The closing program will be held August 6th. Join us for some Summer Fun!

Missing a Friend...

2010-05-22T09:16:00.013-04:00

As many of you may already know, the library lost a dear friend and staff member recently with the passing of Sandy Reardon. Sandy had been employed at the library for 20 years and was in charge of the Children's Department for most of that time. Before joining the library staff, Sandy had been a teacher at St. Joseph the Worker School. She loved children and it showed in her programs for them. In addition to her Children's Department duties, Sandy was always willing to work with other library projects. Her quick mind and strong organizational skills made her a valuable employee. Her kindness and willingness to help made her a wonderful friend.

Weirton Area Literacy Council Meeting

2010-04-19T16:53:00.003-04:00

The Weirton Area Literacy Council will hold their monthly meeting at the library on Thursday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. Since April is National Poetry Month, the council will be doing a salute to poetry. Plans are being made for some members of the council to attend the Literacy WV State Conference at Cedar Lakes on April 20 and May 1.

Myth Or Reality | geekthelibrary.org

2010-04-19T10:36:00.005-04:00

There are many misconceptions among the public about how libraries are funded. The following link is very informative about the reality of library funding.

Myth Or Reality geekthelibrary.org

Another false impression that some people have is that we get books for free from publishers. We do get a discount on some titles, but not all and the discount is not much larger than what the general public gets on Amazon.

A timely reality is that library funding is tied to population. This is one more reason for people to respond to their census questionnaire. Libraries and other public agencies only get funded for the number of people that are listed in their service area according to the census. The library doesn't get money to serve people who are not counted in the census. This often means that libraries and other agencies are serving more people than they are getting funding for.

Libraries in different areas receive differing amounts of funding per person. In 2002 the average amount that libraries in the US received per person was $30.32. Our funding level is not anywhere near that.

Impact of Library Computer Use

2010-03-30T09:27:00.003-04:00

Many newspapers across the country have reported this week on the release of a national study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation entitled Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries. Of course the Gates have a interest in the topic as their foundation has provided grant funding to put computers in libraries across the country including our own. The study, which was conducted by the University of Washington is available online. While I don't think too many will be interested in reading all 212 pages, I do think that it is well worth spending a few minutes to read the first eleven pages of Executive Summary. I doubt if any of this information is news to those of us who work in libraries, but others may find the statistics informative.

The report tells us that 45% of the people who visited a public library last year connected to the Internet in some way during their visit, and that it didn't matter that 3/4 of those people already had Internet access somewhere else. It tells us that library computers are vitally important to the poor and those displaced by natural disasters. The report shows us how public libraries are an extension of the nation's education system, and that librarians provide services that enhance the experience of those who use library computers.

The study also touches on the uses patrons find for library computers: social connections, education, employment, health and wellness, eGovernment, community and civic engagement, and personal finance. Details, statistics and specific examples were given for each category.

The title of this post is linked to the full report. If you have a few minutes, take a look at it. There is much more there than the few bits of data that appeared in print.

Census 2010

2010-03-27T13:24:00.002-04:00

If you have not sent in your Census 2010 form, please do. Library funding depends on your response to the Census. Much of our funding is based on population, so if you are not counted in the Census, the library does not receive funding from your tax dollars. If only 75% of the people living in an area respond to the Census, the government funded agencies in the area would only get 75% of the funding they deserve. If you want those agencies to be there for you, it is vital that you respond to the Census.

If you need census forms, the library has them in English and five other languages. The Census Questionnaire Assistance Center will be at the library three days a week until April 19th. It is staffed by a Census employee who will be glad to answer your questions about filling out the form.

Training at the Library

2010-03-27T12:34:00.005-04:00

It's not often that you see fire trucks parked outside the library, but on March 19th the library was surrounded by emergency vehicles. There was no emergency at the library, just training for the local safety forces. The training concerned safety issues in responding to calls that might involve a meth lab. The fire trucks were brought to the library to be available in case of emergency.

Other local organizations have also found the library to be a convenient location for staff training. This year, two different businesses have trained food handlers at the library. Both lacked either the space or equipment to train at their own facility.

With the sound system, T1 line, and data projector installed in our activity room and the adjacent computer training room, PowerPoint presentations or DVDs can be projected and online data can easily be accessed. It's just another way that libraries promote learning.

Update on Library Funding

2010-03-27T11:38:00.004-04:00

It's been an up and down week for libraries in West Virginia. Although the State Legislators agreed to maintain library funding at the current level in the budget bill that they adopted, the Governor used line item veto to reduced library funding in the category Grants to Public Libraries by $417,444 and in the category Libraries – Special Projects by $55,200. There were 55 items in the budget that were adjusted by the Governor, so libraries were not the only agencies to face reductions. For the Mary H. Weir Public Library, this means a cut in state funding of approximately $6,110 when we were already facing a nearly $12,000 increase in costs from the state retirement board. The new fiscal year doesn’t start until July, and when it does, our library will have approximately $18,000 less to work with than we have now.

Copies of the Legislature's bill and the Governor's veto are available on the website of the West Virginia State Budget Office at http://www.wvbudget.gov/

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-02T12:45:00.008-05:00

It seems that everyone knows about Dr. Seuss, but how well do we really know him? Dr. Seuss was born in Massachusetts on March 2, 1904 and was a graduate of Dartmouth College. In addition to over 60 children's books, Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote humor, advertising and political cartoons. He used several pen names including Theo. LeSieg. If you want to find out more about this interesting man with a vivid imagination, the library owns several books about him including: The Seuss, The Whole Seuss, And Nothing But The Seuss : A Visual Biography Of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Charles D. Cohen, Dr. Seuss & Mr. Geisel: A Biography by Judith & Neil Morgan and Dr. Seuss by Ruth MacDonald.

Spring Story Hour

2010-03-02T12:19:00.003-05:00

Spring Story Hour Starts today with sessions at 1:00 and 6:00 for children ages 3 to 5. If you have a child in this age group and have not already registered, it is not too late! Join us for stories, crafts, music, and movies!

Extension Programs at the Library

2010-03-02T11:33:00.005-05:00

The WVU Extension Service in Hancock County will be offering two workshops at the library this month.

All About Bees will be presented on March 11 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Joe Kovaleski from Buena Vista Honey Farms. He will discuss the basics of beekeeping and what bees do for our gardens. This program is sponsored by the Hancock County 4H and the Tri-State Master Gardeners Association.

Raising Backyard Poultry will be presented on March 22 at 6:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Jerry Ours who is a Poultry and Environmental Specialist with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. He will be discussing poultry breeds, housing, feeding, production and disease prevention.

For more information, contact the WVU Extension Service, Hancock County at 304-564-3805.

Imagination Library Coming to Hancock County

2010-01-27T14:21:00.002-05:00

If you live in Hancock County and have a child under the age of five, mark your calendars for Thursday, February 25! That is the launch date for Imagination Library in Hancock County. Imagination Library is a wonderful program that Dolly Parton began to encourage the children in her home county in Tennesse to love books and read. The State of West Virginia is now making it available to the children in the Northern Panhandle. Every child that registers will receive a book in the mail each month to keep. These are quality, age approprate books selected around a theme. Each library in Hancock County will be kicking off the program with a launch event. Ours will be in our Activity Room on the lower level from 10:00 to 1:00 on the 25th. There will be stories, food, door prizes, and a special guest. Each child attending the launch and registering for the program will receive the first book on that day. Join us for a fun time! If you can't attend the event, you can still register for the Imagination Library at any of the libraries in Hancock County anytime after the 25th of February.

Census Questionnaire Assistance Center

2010-01-27T11:20:00.002-05:00

The Census Bureau is going to provide help for anyone who has questions about filling our their Census forms. A Questionnaire Assistance Center will be set up in the library during March and April. Look for the dates in an upcoming post.

Census Jobs Still Available

2010-01-27T11:17:00.001-05:00

The Census Bureau is still testing for potential employees for the 2010 Census. The next testing at our library will be February 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call 866-861-2010 for further information or to register.

Master Gardener's Centerpiece Class

2009-12-08T10:32:00.012-05:00

On Saturday, December 5th, the Tri-State Area Master Gardeners held Make and Take Centerpiece Class in the library's activity room. Several varieties of fresh greenery added a holiday scent to the building. The Master Gardeners provided guidance and every participant went home with a beautiful original creation.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

2009-11-10T13:20:00.003-05:00

Today we are celebrating Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary. The series has had a huge impact on preschool education. Think of the difference between the styles of Romper Room, which was the televised preschool education of the late 50s and early 60s, and that of Sesame Street which debuted in 1969. What the children were learning didn't change as much as how they were learning it. Sesame Street did away with the desks and the wall charts and brought in furry monsters and humor. Different versions of the show appear in 140 countries, each similar, but based on the local culture. Sesame Street can certainly be considered a global phenomenon. As for the impact the show has had on our library - a catalog search shows that we have approximately 150 items either featuring the Muppets or created by the Children's Television Workshop, the nonprofit agency that created Sesame Street.

Basket Raffle

2009-11-09T11:09:00.002-05:00

The GFWC Weirton Woman's Club Literary Department's popular basket raffle is now underway. This year there are nine large baskets with great themes including: Christmas, Boy's Toys, Pasta, Romance, Kitchen, Chocolate, Tea, WVU and Steelers. Tickets are $1 each with the drawing to be held in December. The proceeds of the basket raffle are used to benefit the library.

Veterans Day

2009-11-09T10:06:00.003-05:00

Veterans Day is coming up Wednesday. The library will be closed, but we would like to share a little information about the holiday. Veterans Day was created from Armistice Day in 1954 to honor the Veterans of all wars and to thank them for their service.

Armistice Day originally commemorated the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918. Part of its purpose was the celebration of peace. For those who would like to know more about World War I, there is a very interesting World War I Document Archive that has been put together by the members of the World War I Military History List and Hosted by Brigham Young University at http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Main_Page. In addition to formal documents, the archive also includes pictures and memoirs.

For further information about Veterans Day, the Army has a history of Veterans Day online at http://www.history.army.mil/faq/vetsday/vetshist.htm and the Department of Veterans Affairs has one at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.

Something that would be of interest to all veterans is the book What Every Veteran Should Know. This title is updated yearly. We keep the current copy in reference and the previous year's copy is allowed to circulate. This small volume holds a weath of information about all types of benefits that veterans may be eligible for and information on obtaining military records. There is even a section on service medals and awards and how to replace lost or stolen medals.

Census Jobs Still Available

2009-11-09T09:52:00.002-05:00

Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau visited the library last week to schedule testing sessions in November and December for those applying to work on the Census next spring. The jobs are all temporary and pay $11.50 and up. Anyone interested in applying for these jobs needs to call 1-866-861-2010 to schedule to take the test.

Thanksgiving Mural

2009-11-09T09:45:00.004-05:00

The children from the Weirton Christian Center have created a wonderful three dimensional Thanksgiving mural that is on display in front of the library's circulation desk.

Project on Racism Essay Contest

2009-10-29T12:40:00.002-04:00

Interested in writing? Any student attending public, private, parochial or home school in grades 1-12 in the state of West Virginia is eligible to enter the 17th Annual Project on Racism essay contest sponsored by the YWCA and the West Virginia State Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration Commission. Rules and entry forms are available on the West Virginia State Martin Luther King Holiday Commission web page or at the library. Three winners will be chosen in each of four age groups. Winners will receive savings bonds and certificates. First place winners may read their essays at the Awards Luncheon in January 2010. Hurry, the deadline for entries is November 9th.

Columbus Day

2009-10-10T15:20:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder, the library will be closed Monday, October 12 for Columbus Day.

Book Review - Be Unique, Be You & Live

2009-10-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

In honor of Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, David George of Bethany will be at the Mary H. Weir Public Library on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 to discuss his experiences struggling with a severe learning disability. Despite his learning disability and a recent diagnosis of a mild case Asperger’s Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, George graduated from Bethany College and went on to graduate school. His current mission is to serve as a motivational speaker and an advocate for people diagnosed with learning disabilities. George has written a semi autobiographical book about his experiences, Be Unique, Be You & Live. Autographed copies will be available for purchase at his presentation.

Cove Elementary School Time Capsule Excavation

2009-09-30T14:39:00.003-04:00

Approximately 25 to 28 years ago, a time capsule was buried by the students and staff of Cove Elementary School. On October 10, 2009, the capsule will be excavated and brought to the Activity Room of the Mary H. Weir Public Library where a program will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m. Former teachers from that era have be contacted and invited to attend. Students who attended Cove School between 1980 and 1983 are also asked to come and be a part of this event.

What is Banned Books Week All About?

2009-09-26T09:24:00.003-04:00

October Events

2009-09-24T13:25:00.004-04:00

October 5, 2009 - 10:00-4:00 Council for Independent Living (Room C)

October 5, 2009 - 5:30-7:30 Johnson and Johnson (Activity Room)

October 6, 2009 - 10:00-2:00 Council for Independent Living (Room C)

October 8, 2009 - 1:30-3:00 Homeschoolers 4H (Activity Room)

October 9, 2009 - Set up for Cove School Time Capsule Presentation (Activity Room)

October 10, 2009 - 10:00 Cove School Time Capsule Presentation (Activity Room)

October 12, 2009 - Library Closed - Columbus Day

October 13, 2009 - 1:00 Story Hour

October 13, 2009 - 6:00 Story Hour

October 14, 2009 - 1:00 Story Hour

October 14, 2009 - 8:00-1:00 United Way Day of Caring

October 14, 2009 - 6:00-7:30 Museum Meeting (Activity Room)

October 15, 2009 - 2:00 Library Board Meeting

October 15, 2009 - 10:00-6:00 McDonalds Training (Room C)

October 15, 2009 - 6:00-7:30 Book Signing and Presentation David George (Activity Room)

October 16, 2009 - 10:00 Class Tour

October 17, 2009 - 10:00-4:30 Robert Haworth Memorial Art Exhibition (Activity Room)

October 17, 2009 - Brooke County Levy

October 18-24, 2009 - Teen Read Week

October 20, 2009 - 1:00 Story Hour

October 20, 2009 - 6:00 Story Hour

October 21, 2009 - 1:00 Story Hour

October 27, 2009 - 1:00 Story Hour

October 27, 2009 - 6:00 Story Hour

October 28, 2009 - 1:00 Story Hour

October 28, 2009 - 6:00 Movie Night

October 29, 2009 - 10:00-1:00 McDonalds Training (Room C)

Fall Story Hour Begins Soon

2009-09-23T17:35:00.002-04:00

Registration for our Fall session of Story Hour will begin Monday, September 28, 2009. Children ages 3 to 5 are welcome to attend. Parents may register their child for one of three sessions, Tuesday at 1:00, Tuesday at 6:00, or Wednesday at 1:00. The program will begin the second full week of October and conclude the second week of December, with a one week break the week of Thanksgiving. Story Hour is free to those who have a Mary H. Weir Library Card. We do request that both the parent and child have a card. Story Hour is designed to promote reading and develop language skills, fine motor skills, and social skills in a fun filled environment. In addition to stories, programs may include music, fingerplays, crafts, and short films.

Recycling Pays!

2009-09-23T16:41:00.004-04:00

As some of you know, the library has been recycling used printer cartridges recently. The company we are working with, the Funding Factory, deals mainly with schools and non-profit agencies. We recently sent in a shipment and with the credit we received from it will be able to purchase a set of finger puppets to use with Story Hour. There are several other items we would like to acquire for our Children's Programs and our Literacy Program so keep those cartridges coming! Of course we can only redeem cartridges that the company can refill and resell, so check the list on the Funding Factory's website, or call the library to see if your cartridges are eligible. Also, please keep as much of the original packaging as possible to protect the electronics. The company does not pay for damaged cartridges.

The Literacy Council also has been recycling paper. They have a trailer in the parking lot behind the library. When it fills, a volunteer takes it to Valley Converting. The proceeds of the paper recycling go to support the programs of the literacy council. They ask that you do not package your paper in plastic bags as these have to be removed before recycling. Please use cardboard boxes or paper bags instead. Funds raised through paper recycling have helped pay for travel expenses to trainings, literacy materials, and bus tickets for students and volunteers.

Thanks to all who have participated in these programs! Your help is greatly appreciated.

2009-2010 Free Family Movie Nights

2009-08-31T16:55:00.005-04:00

September is fast approaching, and we are planning our family movie night schedule for the upcoming year. Each film will be shown on a Wednesday night at 6:00 with popcorn and a drink provided. The new projector and sound system are installed, so it should be a great experience for everyone. The dates selected are:

September 23, 2009
October 28, 2009
November 18, 2009
December 16, 2009
January 27, 2010
February 24, 2010
March 24, 2010
April 28, 2010
May 26, 2010

Film titles will be announced as each date approaches. Join us for some free family fun!

The Reading Moose is on the Loose!

2009-08-27T11:50:00.002-04:00

The Brooke & Hancock Counties Partners in Prevention are sponsoring a lapsit story time program at the Mary H. Weir Public Library on Wednesday, September 16. There will be two sessions - 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a story, a snack, prizes and a book. This program is designed for young children and their caretakers to participate in together. To register, call the library at 797-8510. Space is limited.

Fall Story Hour Schedule

2009-08-27T10:28:00.003-04:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule for Fall Story Hour has not yet been determined. If you are interested in registering your child, please call the library at 797-8510 and leave your name and number so that you can be notified when the schedule is finalized.

Accelerated Reader Books

2009-07-27T11:03:00.002-04:00

We recently received a suggestion that we shelve all of the Accelerated Reader books together in one location. Although this would be convenient for the students participating in the program, it would create other issues for the staff and other library patrons.

A company called Renaissance Learning has developed the Accelerated Reader program which uses independent reading in popular or classic books to develop reading skills. The student’s skill level and understanding of the books read is measured by tests created and sold by Renaissance Learning. Each school district that uses the program decides which tests to purchase, so the titles listed for each school district are just a small portion of those available.

Our local school district’s list is available online and is extensive. Currently, the only way for us to match the books in our collection with the books on the district’s list is to search each title individually in our catalog. There are 203 pages with over 20 titles on each page on our local list.

Several years ago we did put some notes on the items that we knew were on the local list. These notes can be accessed by typing “MHWPL: Accelerated Reader” in the LOCAL NOTE search of the catalog. This will give patrons a list of some of the books we have at each reading level. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to a list of the new titles added each year to update these notes. This means the only way to keep these notes current would be to check the entire list each year. We don’t have the staff available to do that, and only someone with very specific training can enter the notes in the computer record.

Even if we were able to determine exactly which of our books were and weren’t on the list, there would still be the issue of creating a separate section in each of the different categories of books that we have, since the Accelerated Reader program uses books of all types at all levels. It would really be like creating two libraries, one for Accelerated Reader Books and one for books that aren’t on the list. Since the only thing that would be different about the books is each section would be the Accelerated Reader designation, they would be difficult to keep them in the correct section. It would also mean dividing up books by the same author into different sections. So, although shelving the Accelerated Reader books separately would help some people, it really isn’t very practical for our library.

Teddy Bear Tea

2009-07-16T10:04:00.002-04:00

The GFWC Weirton Woman's Club Literary Department will sponser a Teddy Bear Tea on Wednesday, July 29 at 1:00 in the library's activity room. This has been a very popular event for the last several years with many children and teddy bears attending.

July Activities

2009-07-04T09:29:00.010-04:00

July 1&2 - Summer Used Book Sale 10:00-4:00
July 3 - Library Closed - Holiday Observance
July 4 - Library Open
July 6, 7, 8, & 9 - Summer Used Book Sale 10:00-4:00
July 11 - Museum Committee Meeting - Activity Room 10:00-2:00
July 13, 14, 15, & 16 - Summer Used Book Sale 10:00-4:00
July 15 - Small Group Meeting Activity Room
July 20, 21, 22 & 23 - Summer Used Book Sale 10:00-4:00
July 20 - Summer Reading 1:00-2:00 ages 7-13
July 22 - Summer Reading 1:00-2:00 ages 3-6
July 27, 28, 29, & 30 - Summer Used Book Sale 10:00-4:00
July 27 - Summer Reading 1:00-2:00 ages 7-13
July 29 - Summer Reading 1:00-2:00 ages 3-6
August 7 - Summer Reading Awards Program 1:0

Summer Book Sale

2009-06-24T14:19:00.002-04:00

The library is holding a Summer Book Sale from now until July 30th between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. This is a great time to find some gently used books for reading at the beach or pool and save some money in the process. The environment, your wallet, your mind, and the library's budget will all benefit from this sale. The variety changes daily and there are some great bargains, so stop by frequently. The sale is being held in the Gallery behind the library on sunny days and in the library's garage off Walnut Street on rainy days.

June Activities

2009-06-03T11:48:00.004-04:00

June 1 - Job Training in Computer Room 10:00
June 12 - Job Training in Computer Room 10:00
June 15 - Registration Begins for Summer Reading Program
June 16 - Business After Hours 5:00. Library Closes at 4:00.
June 17 - Small Group Meeting 1:00
June 19 - Small Group Meeting 10:00 Cancelled
June 29 - Library Closed
June 20 - WV Day
June 22 - NCOA Meeting 10:00
June 22 - Summer Reading (7-13) Meets 1:00
June 24 - Summer Reading (3-6) Meets 1:00
June 29 - Summer Reading (7-13) Meets 1:00

BE CREATIVE @ YOUR LIBRARY

2009-06-03T11:29:00.004-04:00

If your kids get the school's-out there's-nothin'-to-do summer blues, have them get creative at the library. The library's summer reading program begins soon and this year's theme is based on creativity. Six weekly sessions will be held from June 22nd to August 7th for children from 3 to 13. The children are divided into 2 age groups. The older children, ages 7-13, meet on Mondays from 1:00-2:00. The younger children, ages 3-6, meet on Wednesdays from 1:00-3:00. Preregistration is required and will begin on June 15. To register your child, bring your library card and your child's card to the desk in the Children's Department and fill out a short form. It's fun and best of all, it's free!

Happy 51st Anniversary!

2009-06-02T15:27:00.004-04:00

Today is the library's 51st Anniversary! After last year's big 50th celebration, this anniversary is a little more subdued. If you read the library's history on the web page, the roots of the library go back much further than 51 years. However, until 1958, the library was funded by donations and much of the work was done by skilled volunteers. After E. T. Weir donated the current building in honor of his wife, Mary, the library began to receive public funds, came under the guidance of a Board of Directors, and became managed by a MLS Librarian.

As with any 51 year old, our building requires more than a little upkeep. In 1958, no one could foresee the need we currently have for electrical and network wiring. I doubt if the staff in 1958 ever thought there would be one computer in the building, let alone the 50 some we now have. We also have people who bring their own laptops in to use. After 51 years of heavy use, other items start to wear out in a building. Even though they last a long time, items like laminate counters, floor tile, faucets and locks eventually wear out.

Each year we try to make some improvements to the library. This year, we installed new handicapped accessible automatic doors. They have been a great improvement! Before they were installed, we actually had some patrons tell us that they thought we were closed because the door at the top of our side entrance was so stiff and heavy that they couldn't get it open. Now the doors open easily for anyone - even someone whose arms are full of books.

This next year will be an exciting one. Our next project, made possible in part by an LSTA Grant, will be to install a new projector, screen, and sound system in the Activity Room. This will make the room much easier to use and will improve security and safety. The equipment will be in a locked box, and we will no longer have to run cords along the floor. In the next year we also plan to add some new services. Look for those announcements sometime soon. We may be getting older, but there's always something new at the library.

Business After Hours at the Library

2009-06-02T11:01:00.002-04:00

The library will be hosting a Business After Hours for the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce on June 16, 2009 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This is a new event for us, and we are looking forward to it. The library will close to the public at 4:00 on that day.

Summer Hours Coming Soon!

2009-05-20T16:00:00.004-04:00

The library will be changing to summer hours beginning June 8, 2009 and running until after Labor Day. The library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Friday and Saturday hours will remain the same at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Remember that books can be renewed at any hour by clicking on the catalog link on the left side of this page and creating an account in MY ACCOUNT. Please note that if the materials are already overdue or have been reserved by another patron, you may not be able to renew online. Materials may also be left in the locked drop box on Sarah Lane between the library and the Millsop Community Center. Materials put in the box will be retrieved and checked in before the library opens the following day.

Looking for Culture? Check the Library!

2009-05-14T12:34:00.002-04:00

As Weirton is celebrating its rich ethnic diversity this week, we wanted to suggest some of the wonderful resources available at the library for exploring cultures. Two reference titles in particular discuss West Virginia's ethnic heritage, An Introduction to West Virginia Ethnic Communities and the West Virginia Encyclopedia. We maintain a collection of back issues of Goldenseal, a periodical put out by the Division of Culture and History. Its index is available online and many articles have been written focusing on the ethnic groups in West Virginia. The library has CD and Cassette language instruction, and we have music CDs from different cultures. There are also histories of the countries that people have emigrated from. The library also has a strong collection of cookbooks from many cultures and ethnic recipes on our website. We also have the titles Countries and their Cultures and the Encyclopedia of Food and Culture available in electronic book from right from the library catalog. The library also has bound volumes of the Weirton Steel Employees Bulletin and the Weirton Daily Times on microfilm. You can find the stories of the original festivals in them. So if the Festival of Nations has you looking for more information on Weirton's ethnic groups, the library is the place to go!

Gallery Display Highlights History of Festival of Nations

2009-05-14T12:23:00.003-04:00

We are all looking foreward to the return of the Festival of Nations tomorrow at the Weirton Millsop Center. The event, sponsored by the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Weirton. However, the Festival of Nations is not a new event in Weirton. The event was first introduced in 1934 as a Labor Day celebration and continued until 1944. To honor the original festival, the library has created a display of photographs from those early years in the Gallery behind the library. We invite the public to stop and take a look at scenes from past festivals as they enjoy Saturday's event or at any time in the next few weeks.

May 2009 Events

2009-05-01T12:01:00.006-04:00

May 1, 2009 - Leadership Weirton 9:00-1:00
May 3 to May 9, 2009 - Children's Book Week
May 4, 2009 - Small Group Room Reservation 10:00-4:00
May 4, 2009 - 4H Meeting 6:00-7:30
May 9, 2009 - GFWC Weirton Woman's Club Book Review
Luncheon at Williams Country Club.
May 11, 2009 - Training Session in Computer Room 11:00
May 13, 2009 - Small Group Room Reservation
May 14, 2009 - 4H Meeting 1:00-3:00
May 16, 2009 - Festival of Nations at Millsop Center sponsored
by the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center 11:00-5:00
May 20, 2009 - Small Group Room Reservation 5:15
May 21, 2009 - Weirton Jaycees 5:30-7:30
May 25, 2009 - Memorial Day Holiday - Library Closed
May 27, 2009 - Family Movie Night 6:00
June 1, 2009 - Training Session in Computer Room 11:00

Early Literacy Stations Have Arrived!

2009-04-08T12:35:00.007-04:00

This year the Mary H. Weir Public Library was awarded an Library Services and Technology Act Grant from the West Virginia Library Commission for the purchase of two Early Literacy Computer Workstations.

These computers come preloaded with over 30 different entertaining and educational programs designed to support the development of children ages 2 to 8. There are programs based on children's book characters like The Cat in the Hat and Stellaluna and programs based on popular television shows like Sesame Street, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Between the Lions. Many of the programs loaded on these computers come from companies like Reader Rabbit and JumpStart that have been creating educational programs for children since these programs first came on the market. Designed to keep the interest of children, these programs are filled with color, movement and music.

One of the computer stations is bilingual. There are flags on the corner of the screen of this station. When the flags are clicked, the programs change to either English or Spanish. Children whose first language is Spanish can become more fluent in English by using these programs and children who speak English can learn some Spanish words from them.

The Early Literacy Stations have an index in the corner so that parents can see which programs are appropriate for their child. The programs are divided by age group and the skill that is being developed. In addition to the Reading and Writing skills that have traditionally been seen as literacy skills, these stations also include programs for developing skills in Math, Music, Art, Social Studies, Geography, and Computer Use.

In addition to the Early Literacy Stations, the library still maintains three workstations for older children that give them access to Microsoft Office products for Word Processing and Internet Access so that they can access the library catalog, our subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica, and the databases available at WV InfoDepot.

Fine Free Week

2009-04-04T16:22:00.004-04:00

The Mary H. Weir Public Library designates two weeks a year as fine free weeks. One of those weeks is National Library Week, which is April 12th to 18th this year. That means that any materials returned to the library during this time period will have any fines on the material forgiven automatically.

If you have fines on material that was returned to this library previously, you can come into the library during National Library Week and request to have your fines forgiven. This will only be done by request; it does not occcur automatically. This offer only applies to fines on returned materials returned to us. Replacement costs for lost or damaged materials will still apply, and fines cannot be forgiven on materials that have not yet been returned. Since many of the libraries in our section of the state have joined in a consortium and use the same card, a fine at one library may prevent you from checking out material at another library.

The library is more interested in getting our materials back than we are in collecting fines. Many materials cannot be replaced because they have gone out of print. This is particularly true for earlier titles in fiction series. Often by the time an author is writing the 10th or 11th book of a series, you can no longer purchase the first few books in that series.

If you have fines, don't miss this great opportunity to return your library card to good standing!

Upcoming Events for April 2009

2009-04-02T12:30:00.004-04:00

April 6, 2009 - City Department Training Activity Room
April 6, 2009 - 4H Meeting 6:00-7:30
April 9, 2009 - 4H Meeting 1:00-3:00
April 10, 2009 - Library Closed
April 12 to April 18, 2009 - National Library Week
April 16, 2009 - Weirton Jaycees 5:30
April 13 to April 17, 2009 - Census Training 10:00-6:30
April 20 to April 24, 2009 - Census Training 10:00-6:30
April 29, 2009 - Movie Night 6:00
May 1, 2009 - Leadership Weirton History and Culture Session 9:30-1:00