newsletter - Berkshire Athenaeum

Spring 2014
Vol. 25, No. 2
The
Friends
Please donate
your gently used
books for our
book sales
of the
Berkshire Athenaeum
Newsletter
From the Chair
The Friends are very grateful for your support of the
Spring book sale. It is through these sales that the
Friends are able to continue to support the various
programs and initiatives in our library. We hope you enjoy
our adult and children’s events and use the electronic
devices that the Friends have purchased for the use of
patrons.
Sharon Larsen, Marilyn Manning, Marilyn McAlister,
Barbara Milensky, Joan Peronto, Rosamond Rice, Helen
Mary Shaffer, and Ann Trabulsi.
The Friends have other initiatives in process including an
overall plan to improve the auditorium ambiance.
The summer sale will begin an hour earlier on Thursday,
July 10th, for Friends, giving you an extra hour to shop. 4
PM to 8PM. We also plan to have a "Book Keeping" area,
to keep large purchases while you shop for more. This
will help to relieve the crowding in the Friends room.
If you are curious about the Friends finances and
operations please visit the library web site to see the
Friends meeting minutes and financial reports.
We also thank RSVP and Friends volunteers who help us
during the sale: Ella Deane, Kathleen Eddy, Jim Dellea,
Generosa Gallo, Alice Jonas, Susan Kerr, Michaela
Miller, Sue Posthauer, Celia Rock, Elaine Soldato and
Gisele Yetz
LIBRARY CLOSINGS:
Florian Ptak --- Chair, FBA fmp1941@aol.com.
Library Book Sale Breaks Record!
WOW! The Library Book Sale once again broke its sales
record. Over $12,400 was raised by the Book Sale.
Customers flocked in from all over the area to get started
early and found a record number of items to buy.
A special thank you to our year round sorters : Richele
Barbarina, Bob Bresnahan, Jeanne Bresnahan, Bob
Cancilla, Jeanne Cornell, Bea DaSilva, Vicki Donahue,
Judy Gitelson, Margaret Hintz, Ed Jurczyk, Art Larsen,
Patriots’ Day, Monday, April 21
Memorial Day, Monday, May 26
Independence Day, Thursday, July 4
Help Plan Library Services
Included with this newsletter is a Library Service
Questionnaire that will help the Athenaeum plan for the
next five years. Your opinion is very important, so
please complete the survey and either mail it back to
the library or drop it off at a library service desk.
SUMMER BOOK SALE
Mark your calendar!
Thursday, July 10
Friday, July 11
Saturday, July 12
4 - 8 PM Friends Night—an
hour earlier!
(Open exclusively to
members.)
10 AM - 4 PM
10 AM - 4 PM
Get the best selection — become a Friend — join at the door!
The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Newsletter
Schedule of Computer Classes: Spring 2014
Space is Limited and Preregistration is required. Register
with the Reference Department pittsref@cwmars.org or
(413 499 9480 ext. 202) during regular library hours.
We accept your registration as a commitment to attend
a session; and we hold a spot for you. If you later find
you will not be able to attend, we request you let us know
so we can alert someone on our waiting list. Those who
habitually reserve a spot and then don’t show may be
denied the opportunity to register for future sessions.
Thank you.
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encouraged to bring their Apple Device so that way users can
troubleshoot and customize settings on their own devices. This
class will not cover how to register device with Apple's iCloud
and/or create an iTunes account. Apps and other topics may be
covered as time permits (Taught by Andrea).
Thursday, May 22, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens: May
1
Android: An Introduction to Android Device Settings
An introduction to using a laptop computer, which will cover
the following topics: What’s on a computer keyboard; how to
use the mouse and touchpad; what a browser is; how to visit a
website.
(Taught by Katherine)
A general overview for Android Device users, this class will cover
features available to users in the Settings app. Users are
encouraged to bring their Android Device so that way users can
troubleshoot and customize settings on their own devices. This
class will not cover how to register a device with Google Play
and/or create a Google Play account. Apps and other topics may
be covered as time permits. If possible, when registering please
let librarian know which Android device you are using; this will
make it easier for the instructor to know which settings and
features to expect in class (Taught by Andrea)
Offered in two sessions; please register for one session
only.
Thursday, May 29, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens: May
8
Computer Basics
Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 – 10:30 am - Registration
opens: April 2
Wednesday, April 30, 9:30 – 10:30 am – Registration opens:
April 9
Device Technology
Introduction to Today's Technology
This class is designed to be an overview of today's technology,
focusing on current trends; terminology and gadget technology
(i.e.: tablets and/or smartphones). This class will be perfect for
those who have a basic understanding of computers but know
little about the world of devices and/or are curious about how
technology trends. This will serve as an excellent prerequisite
to our Device Technology Classes offered at the Berkshire
Athenaeum, such as Smartphones for Beginners (Taught by
Andrea).
Thursday, May 8, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens:
April 17
Smartphones for Beginners
An overview for beginners:
What is a Smartphone? Why might I want one? How does it fit
into my life? This session includes an overview to apps: What
are apps? How do I choose apps? We’ll cover the different
platforms available. Smartphone users are welcome to bring
their devices; however detailed platform-specific questions
may not be addressed.
(Taught by Andrea)
Thursday, May 15, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens:
April 24
iOS: An Introduction to Apple's Device Settings
Focusing on iOS 7 (Apple's Current iPad/iPod/iPhone
Platform) this class will cover the Settings app. Users are
Foundation Center: Locating Grant
information
Introduction to the Foundation Center website and its resources;
using the FC databases to locate grant funding sources. (Taught
by Madeline)
Thursday, June 5, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens: May
15
Microsoft Access: A Three-Part Series
Microsoft Access: An introduction
Introduction and definition of terms. We’ll explore a sample
database. An optional guided half hour of practice will be
available at the end of the session. (Taught by Alex &Madeline)
Thursday, June 12, 9:30 -11 am – Registration opens: May
22
Microsoft Access: Creating a simple database
We’ll create a simple Access database. A familiarity with Access
or attendance at previous sessions is assumed. An optional
guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of the
session. (Taught by Alex &Madeline)
Thursday, June 19, 9:30 -11 am – Registration opens: May
29
Microsoft Access: Exploring database functions
We’ll explore the powerful features of Access: searching, tables,
creating reports. A familiarity with Access or attendance at
previous sessions is assumed. An optional guided half hour of
practice will be available at the end of the session. (Taught by
Alex &Madeline)
Thursday, June 26, 9:30 -11 am – Registration opens: June
5
We need book donations. DVD movies and videotapes are also welcome. If you cannot bring books to library,
we have limited pickup capability. Call Florian at 413-447-9115 to schedule a pickup.
Library Service Questionnaire
The Berkshire Athenaeum is conducting this survey to help us plan and improve services. Your input is very
important, whether you are a current library patron or not. Please return the completed survey by April 28, 2014 to any
library service desk, drop in one of our outside book returns, or fold it so the address faces out and return it by mail. You
may also access this survey through our website, www.pittsfieldlibrary.org, which provides the option of electronic
response. Thank you!
1. What is your gender?
a. __ Male
b. __ Female
2. What is your birth year?
____________
3. How often do you VISIT the Berkshire Athenaeum, CALL for information, or USE the Athenaeum website?
a. __Daily
b. __Weekly c. __ Monthly
d. __ 4 times/year e. __ 2 times/year f. __ Once/year or less
g. __Never
4. For what purpose do you MOST often use the library (select one)?
a. __ School assignment b. __ Research (i.e. genealogy, etc.) c. __ Enjoyment or recreational activity
d. __ Job or career
e. __ Practical information (self improvement, hobbies, consumer information, etc.)
f. __ Other __________________________________________________________________________________
5. What should the library do to encourage you to use the library’s computers more frequently (select all that
apply)?
a. __ Acquire more computers
b. __ Make library computers easier to use
c. __ Make library computers faster
d. __ Provide more training
e. __ I’m not interested in computers
f. __ Library computers are fine as is
g. __ Other suggestion(s): ______________________________________________________________________
On a scale of one to five how important to you is the availability of the following library services?
6. Best sellers
7. Leisure / recreational reading (includes children’s materials)
8. Educational materials, which help students with homework
9. Magazines and newspapers
10. Reference materials (dictionaries, encyclopedias and directories)
11. Research materials, (genealogy, local history and authors, Melville)
12. Access to online databases
13. Internet access on library computers
14. Wireless access to the Internet
15. Laptop computers and tablets available for loan inside the library
16. Downloadable ebooks, audiobooks and videos
17. Staff assistance using the library
18. Computer training and classes (online library catalog, Internet, etc.)
19. Audio books / music CDs
20. Entertainment DVDs (all ages)
21. Informational DVDs (documentary, how-to, etc.)
22. Museum passes
23. Friends programs (concerts and lectures for adults)
24. Children’s programs
Very Important
Not Important
__ 5 __ 4
__ 3 __ 2 __ 1
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__ 1
How would you rate the Berkshire Athenaeum on each of the following?
25. Staff performance (helpful, friendly, competent, etc.)
26. Cleanliness
27. Wireless access to the Internet
28. Website
29. Holds (items requested from other libraries)
30. Library’s hours of operation
31. Overall, how would you rate the Berkshire Athenaeum?
Excellent
a. __
a. __
a. __
a. __
a. __
a. __
a. __
Good
b. __
b. __
b. __
b. __
b. __
b. __
b. __
Fair
c. __
c. __
c. __
c. __
c. __
c. __
c. __
Poor Don’t know
d. __
e. __
d. __
e. __
d. __
e. __
d. __
e. __
d. __
e. __
d. __
e. __
d. __
e. __
If you answered “fair” or “poor” to any of questions 25 through 31 please explain (add pages if needed.):
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
32. What would make the Berkshire Athenaeum a better public service? (Add pages if needed.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN BY April 28, 2014
Library Survey
Berkshire Athenaeum
1 Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201-6385
The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Newsletter
Schedule of Adult Events
All programs are free.
Auditorium
Saturday, April 5 at 2 PM: Concert by Ken Bonfield on the
Finger Style Guitar Rescheduled
Wednesday, April 9 at 7 PM: Performance by Rory
Raven, Mentalist - He will read your mind!
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Saturday Programs for toddlers and preschoolers
10:30 - noon:
4/26 – a Wee Read event.
5/17 – “Spring Fling”
6/21 – a Wee Read event.
Lego Club:3rd Wed of the month 4-5 PM 4/16, 5/21. We
will take a break for the summer and resume in
September.
Summer Reading 2014: “Fizz, Boom, Read!”
Thursday, May 1 at 7 PM: Informational talk by Jeff
Berndtson on Organic Lawns.
Runs for 8 weeks. First day: Monday June 30 – Last day:
Saturday August 23.
Thursday, May 8 at 7 PM: Documentary and panel
discussion “Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American
Healthcare”.
Short Story Writing Contest for Children ages 5-10 and
Young Adults ages 11-18.
Tuesday, May 13 at 7 PM: Dr. Andrew Vidich: “Meditation
for Health Living” – back by popular demand.
Tuesday, June 10 at 7 PM: Book talk: “Through the
Heartland on US 20” by Bill and Mary Lewis. Researched
at the Athenaeum, with a chapter on Pittsfield.
Genealogy Classes
4-week Workshop on Continuing your Genealogy
Research using the Census and other Resources
Over 4 consecutive Tuesdays in April [8th, 15th, 22nd, and
29th] instructor Alan Horbal will present techniques for
continuing to pursue your genealogical research.
Participants may choose either a morning session [10AM
to noon] or an afternoon session [1PM – 3 PM]. You must
have an established email as a pre-requisite for these
sessions. We ask that you attend all four classes.
Both of these offerings are sponsored by the Berkshire
Athenaeum and the Berkshire Family History Association.
Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required.
Register by calling the Athenaeum’s Local History
Department at 499-9480 ext. 6.
Children’s Programs—Spring 2014
4/7—4/12 Week of the Young Child. T, W, Th of that
week 4/8, 4/9, 4/10 at 10 AM: stories and craft each day
for toddlers and preschoolers.
Tuesday Morning Story times 10 AM:
4/8, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 (regular story times
will take a break for the summer and resume in
September.
Thursday Morning Play and Learn 10 AM:
4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12,
6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28.
Friday Morning Preschool Videos 10 AM:
4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30.
Special Program: “Eyes on Owls” 4/22, 1 PM. Meet live
owls and have a Hooting good time.
Applications will be available starting Monday May 5.
Submissions are due by 4 PM on Monday July 21. Short
Story Writing Contest Awards Ceremony and Reception
will be Friday August 22 at 1 PM. Special Speaker will be
Jenn Smith from the Berkshire Eagle.
Food for Fines
National Library Week
April 13th - April 19th
DONATE!
Gently used books, movies,
music, puzzles, and games
are always welcome at the
Friends’ Book Sale.
The Summer book sale is in July.
Sorting and organizing are already
underway, but there is still time to
get your donations in.
The Friends need your donations of gently used
material. We will take books, CDs, DVDs, Audio books,
cassettes, VHS tapes, puzzles, games etc. Please leave
at the adult or children's circulation desk. If it is a
large load please alert the library staff or the Friends
who are available Monday and Wednesday from 9 AM
to 12 PM. We have limited pickup capability if you are
unable to deliver to the library.
Please don’t leave donations on the loading dock; they
can get rained on. Please ask at the Children’s Dept.
desk to have the garage door opened.
The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum
1 Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 121
Pittsfield, MA
Don’t miss the Summer Book Sale (see inside)
Please Join the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum
If you like what the Friends do for the library, consider becoming a member in one of the following categories:
Name _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________
City/State/Zip _________________________________
E-Mail Address ________________________________
Phone Number ________________________________
New Member
□ Renewal Membership □
I would like to volunteer for one of the following committees:
□ Book sale □ Membership □ Publicity
□ Programming □ Executive
□ Friend $10.00
□ Family 25.00
□ Supporter 50.00
□ Patron 100.00
□ Benefactor 200.00
□ Lifetime Member 500.00
□ Other ___________
Please tear off and return with your check
payable to Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum
Your contribution is Tax Deductible
Mail to: Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201