July 29, 2010

Books to Movies

Let's just agree right now, and I don't think I'll get much argument here, that 90% of the time the book is much better than the movie. There are lots of reasons for this. The movie characters, scene, setting, etc. is never exactly the way I pictured it. It's funny how there are people who prefer to read the book first, then see the movie, and others who see the movie and come right down to the library to get the book.

In fact, we get so many requests for these books that our Adult Services librarian has created a "books to movies" section! It's just across from the Circulation Desk. Topping the list at the moment, is Eat, Pray, Love. Listen to Elizabeth Gilbert talk about the role libraries have played in her life.

Posted by Michele at 9:37 AM | Comments (0)

July 14, 2010

Open Until 9?

When I told someone that I was working until 9:00 tonight, she asked me where I worked that could possibly be open that late. I told her that the library is open until 9:00 every week night. She was shocked! She told me that she goes to the library to pick up books, but doesn't spend time in the building and was honestly surprised that anyone did!

There is lots to do at the Bryant Library - for every age, all day long! Many people use the computers, read the magazines and newspapers, visit the Children's Room or attend programs. There are some days that are all about the air conditioning -- the hotter it gets outside, the more people we have in the building. And, that's what we love to see. Whatever the weather, come pay us a visit! And, while you're here, check out some great books!

Posted by Michele at 2:48 PM | Comments (0)

June 30, 2010

"Luxury or Lifeline?"

I happened to catch this piece about libraries on the news the other night. It was great to see how important libraries are to every community. Watch it all the way through to see how endangered libraries are in this economy, and how important it is to support the library in your community.

Are libraries a luxury or a lifeline? Judging by all the patrons we help every single day -- to find jobs, to use the computers, to check out books, dvds, etc., they are most definitely a lifeline!

Posted by Michele at 4:21 PM | Comments (0)

June 23, 2010

Staff Picks 2010

Just had an awesome 'librarian' experience! A young woman came in and upon entering the library, immediately noticed the new Staff Picks book truck, near the Reference Desk. Her exclamation of glee was audible and heartfelt! She explained that she's been reading our Staff Picks 2009, but was just about ready for a new list... and here it was! She is in college and doesn't have time for leisure reading, so she had been looking forward to this all year. And, it was quite the coincidence that the new books were just put out today! We recommended books as fast as we could and she left with an armload with promises of being back soon!

The best part was when she mused that an unopened stack of books was like the best promise of something to look forward to. And, her favorite pastime is to visit a bookstore, browse and copy down titles of books she wanted to read, then go to the library and get them for free! When she left, I don't know who was happier, the patron or the librarians. :)

Posted by Michele at 8:28 PM | Comments (0)

June 15, 2010

Listen Up!

So... our audiobook service has really taken off. Roslyn residents have been downloading like crazy! In fact, many people have realized that we now have ebooks available and have happily been putting them on Sony eReaders or Nooks. Unfortunately, they are not compatible with the Kindle. It's fairly straightforward to do. You download the media console to your computer, search for something you'd like to listen to, make sure that it's in the correct format, download, then transfer to your device.

But wait... there's more! There is now an app that will put audiobooks directly onto your device, wirelessly. No more transferring from your computer or any steps in between. Visit our website from your device (and btw, it works with Android, Blackberry, iPhone and Windows Mobile phones), go to 'Online Library,' then 'Downloadable Audiobooks,' then click on 'Nassau Digital Doorway.' This is where the magic happens! On the left side, find 'Digital Software' then 'Overdrive Media Console.' Choose the format that you need -- Android, Blackberry, etc., and download the console. All that's left is for you to choose your title, and away you go!

Enjoy an audiobook -- try it now!

Questions? Please call or visit the Reference Desk!

Posted by Michele at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)

June 14, 2010

Make a Splash... Read!

Summer Reading Program starts today for Roslyn children. It runs from June 14 - August 7 and will include 8 weeks of books, prizes and guessing jars! Join us at the Kick-Off Show, featuring The Magic Quartet, on Friday, June 18th, from 4-5:00. Find more details on our website.

Posted by Michele at 9:16 AM | Comments (0)

June 4, 2010

Bryant Reviewed

We all know that social networking is the "it" thing -- it's all about showing, sharing, reviewing. A social networking service that I've used in the past is called Yelp. I used it to find restaurants when I was visiting another city recently. You can look up and rate just about anything -- from restaurants to doctors to parks and libraries. Keep in mind, though that anyone can post a review and may have reasons to post both good and bad reviews... so use it with caution.

Well, the Bryant Library got our first review -- and it's a good one! I'll keep the name anonymous, but she gave me permission to post it:

"I have so many childhood memories of this place, it's amazing. So much nostalgia being here. This is a wonderful library to grow up frequenting. From its ponds, which are magical... although they are covered in duck poo sometimes, to the little inlets and rivers. The nature surrounding the library is, I think, as important as the library itself.

As far as the library, it's actually quite wonderful. Although not as extensive or large as the Port Washington Library, it has a pretty good collection of books. I don't believe there has been anything I haven't found there, when looking, but I also don't necessarily gravitate to the most obscure of books. It also has a big collection of DVDs - including foreign DVDs, and music CDs.

The librarians are overall nice and very friendly. Shout out to Suzi, who I love. The librarians often organize events, from young adult, gallery openings, author signings, job stuff, etc.

One wonderful secret about the library is the "Bryant Room." This is a room located in an upstairs location which is super old school and looks like it should be a cigar club. It's very peaceful, smells like old book, and is amazing for a chill read."

Thanks for the nice comments. Keep 'em coming -- we love hearing good things about the library!

Posted by Michele at 1:57 PM | Comments (0)