Wednesday, April 19, 2006

New databases!

The library has some new databases that we'd like to tell you about:

The Recorder is now online via NewsBank! NewsBank will allow you to access full-text articles from the Greenfield Recorder (coverage from 1997- present) with selected coverage back to 1987 and more being added all the time. Simply click on the link from our Online Resourses page, enter greenfield for the username and library for the password. Put in a keyword and search away for a story or an obituary.

Speaking of genealogical research, you can come to the library (there is no remote access, sorry), go to our database computer, and click on the icon for New England Historic Genealogical Society's Vital Records. There are vital records, town records, diaries and journals, access to the Social Security Death Index, and much, much more.

And last, but not least, we now have access to LearningExpress Library! Now you can visit the GPL, log on to a computer, and enjoy free, unlimited access to interactive skill-building courses and a broad range of practice tests based on such official exams as the ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, U.S. Citizenship, Postal Worker, Cosmetology, Real Estate Agent & Broker Exams. This valuable service is available 24/7 from any internet-enabled computer—in your library and even from your home!

All of this is possible with www.LearningExpressLibrary.com, an innovative instructional and test preparation website that offers comprehensive courses in math, reading, and writing; essay writing practice with instant scoring; resume writing and workplace skills enrichment; and more than 300 online practice tests for students and adults of all ages. All practice tests include instant score reports that help you target those skill areas that need the most attention. Complete answer explanations accompany each test question so that you understand why a particular answer is right or wrong. If you are preparing for the SAT or GED, LearningExpress Library offers a complete course series, as well as targeted essay writing practice with multiple writing prompts and instant score reports that immediately let you know how you performed in each skill area. To access LearningExpress Library, simply go to our homepage and click on the icon at the top of the screen.

These databases are free and accessible to our library's patrons. Try them out and let us know what you think.

Macs running XP

For those of you who missed the news at the beginning of the month, Apple Computer has released a product called Boot Camp that will allow Macs running Mac OS X to run the Windows XP operating system. MACWORLD ran an article on it that is pretty good reading.

The reason this gets put on our blog is this: Mac users who want to download digital books (e-books and e-audios) from the library have been stymied by the fact that the media console needs Windows Media Player 10 to work. With Apple's new program, Mac users who want to have access to the downloadable digital books can choose to purchase XP and can download and listen to or read to their heart's content.

Got a question? IM the library

The GPL has entered the age of Instant Messaging! Contact us on greenfieldpubliclibrary (GPL)on Yahoo, greenfieldpubliclibrary@hotmail.com on Messenger, or greenfieldpublib on AIM.

Our IM service will be up most Tuesday - Thursday afternoons and usually on Saturdays while we are open. If you try to reach us but we're not online, just leave a message or email us at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

We look forward to chatting with you.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

School Vacation offerings

For all events, contact the Children's Room at 413-772-1544 ext. 5. All events will take place in the LeVanway Meeting Room

Wednesday April 19

Dolls' Tea Party 2:00
Bring your favorite doll to the library for special treats and a craft time. Ages 6 and up. Sign up at the Children's Room.

Young Voices in Verse 6:30 - 8:00
For Ages 6 - 12. In honor of National Poetry Month, come to the library and read or recite and original or favorite poem.


Thursday April 20

Treasures in a Box 2:00 - 4:00
Make a kaleidoscope and decorate a box to keep it and other treasures in a special place. Ages 5 and up.


Friday April 21
Anime Club 1:00 - 2:30
Come to the monthly meeting of the Greenfield Public Library's Anime Club!

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

New Museum Passes

The library now has 2 new museum passes courtesy of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

The pass for MASS MoCA will let two adults and two children in the the museum free of charge. For those who haven't been to the museum, it is "a welcoming place that encourages dynamic interchange between making and presenting art, between the visual and performing arts, and between our extraordinary historic factory campus and the patrons, workers and tenants who again inhabit it."

The second pass lets holders park for free at any state park in Massachusetts. This is a great opportunity to visit state parks all over Massachusetts this summer for free!

As with our other passes, these are available for a one day use. You can reserve one in advance, and the day you need it, come to the library and check it out with your library card.

Many thanks to all for yet another good reason to come to the library.