PaperCuts

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has launched a “Digital Branch” that includes a complete website redesign. This blog, Papercuts, will be archived but not updated during the transition to the new website.

You can find much of the book-related content from this blog on the new website under the heading Papercuts. More general content will now be dispersed throughout the website in the appropriate subject area.

Please visit our new website at www.tscpl.org and tell us what you think!

Thank you for reading Papercuts!

Posted on March 28, 2008 by Lissa at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy Valentines Day !

Posted on February 14, 2008 by Shari at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Library is closed today for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will be open tomorrow from 9am-9pm.

Posted on January 21, 2008 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From The Baltimore Sun:

When Park School librarian Laura Amy Schlitz arrived at work Monday, she was presented with a tiara borrowed from the theater's props department -- a fitting tribute for the newly anointed queen of children's literature.

Schlitz, 52, of Baltimore, learned that she had won the 2008 Newbery Medal, given annually for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for the under-18 set.

During an all-school assembly called Monday afternoon in Schlitz's honor, the entire student body of nearly 900 students stood and cheered for at least 30 seconds. The applause went on and on.

Read the rest of the article here.

Posted on January 15, 2008 by Anne at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dear fans of PaperCuts:

A little over two years ago, I started this blog along with a fantastic group of dedicated bloggers. We weren't sure what we were doing or if this project would even last, but we worked hard to bring you book reviews, literary news and library events. We blogged through sun, rain, sleet and snow, including weekends and holidays. Columns were developed, dialogues were had and there seems to be no end in sight. I personally put in more hours blogging than any person should, lest they go insane, but I was dedicated to making PaperCuts the best library blog out there. I don't know if I succeeded, but in my mind I think I came close.

It is with much sadness that I am handing over my editorial reins to pursue other interests. I leave this blog in the capable hands of the PaperCuts crew and know that they will take care of this blog to the best of their abilities. Look for more interesting reviews, news and events! Keep the comments coming! And by all means, keep reading!

Here's to another two years- and beyond!

-Meghan
PaperCuts Editor-in-Chief

Posted on January 11, 2008 by Meghan at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on January 03, 2008 by Meghan at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on January 03, 2008 by Meghan at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The library is closed today, January 1^st, for New Year's. We’ll be open again on January 2^nd from 9am-9pm. Happy Holidays!

Posted on January 01, 2008 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on December 31, 2007 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The library is closed today, December 25^th, for Christmas. Even though our doors are closed, you can still read us online! Peruse the archives, make something yummy from one of our Culinary Cuttings suggested recipes or start building your “To Read” list for 2008. We’ll be open tomorrow, December 26^th from 9am-9pm. Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 25, 2007 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The library is closed today, December 24^th, for Christmas Eve. We’ll be open again on December 26^th from 9am-9pm. Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 24, 2007 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Due to the weather the Library will be closed today. The Bookmobiles will not be running. Stay warm!

Posted on December 11, 2007 by Meghan at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

World Aids Day was started on December 1st, 1988 to raise awareness, educate, and fight the prejudice associatied with AIDS and HIV.  This year's theme is Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise--Leadership.  To find out more about World Aids Day, check out this website from Avert, an international AIDS Charity, and also the official World AIDS Campaign site where you can take a "leadership pledge" to help fight AIDS.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has also issued this news release, which lists some of the area events planned in recognition of the day.
Educate yourself!  The library has many books, videos, and DVD's about AIDS and HIV, including fiction and books for children.

Posted on December 01, 2007 by Deb at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on November 22, 2007 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on November 11, 2007 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier author Ishmael Beah will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Washburn Room, Memorial Union, Washburn University. The event is free and open to the public.  More information is available on the Washburn website.
I would strongly encourage those who can attend to go hear Beah's story.  I listened to him narrate the audio version of his book and to hear his accented voice tell his own story was very powerful.  He has a way with words and creates vivid picture of his life in Sierra Leone.  The book covers his life as a boy before he is displaced by rebel soldiers, as a boy soldier forced to fight with the rebels, and during and after his rehabilitation.  While it is not always an easy book to listen to, first hand accounts of the struggle's faced by others in the world are important for us to know about so that we can change our world for the better. 

Posted on October 26, 2007 by Deb at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Your Library Card - The Smartest Card. Get it. Use it. @ your library. 

Louie C.

How did they win? Every day September 1-30, 2007, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library patrons won prizes just for having their library card! Any person of any age with a valid library barcode could enter by writing down their library card barcode number on the entry form. Each day, 3 to 5 library card numbers were drawn from the box and winners were contacted by telephone. Four grand prizes will also be awarded after September 30, drawn from the hundreds of entry forms that were received. Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you all for having, carrying and using your library cards! 

Watch for information about future National Library Card Sign-Up Events coming to our commuity in September 2008! Or, if you have a great idea to encourage people in our community to get a library card, post it below!

Posted on October 03, 2007 by Lissa at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Denver Post:

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Web Site is becoming a digital branch library in 2008, and we would like to have your help to learn more about what services and features are needed to serve you better. Please join us on Wednesday, September 26, to meet Digital Branch Manager David King, and participate in a digital branch focus group at the library.

Posted on September 20, 2007 by Deb at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on September 03, 2007 by Meghan at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All public computers will be unavailable on Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29 while we upgrade our systems.

Beginning Thursday, August 30, you will use your library card to access the public computers.

Library staff will be available at service desks to help customers locate books, movies and other materials using the library's online catalog.

Wireless access on personal laptops will still be available.

Posted on August 23, 2007 by Lissa at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

*Beginning the week of August 27, 2007*
To access a computer at the library, you need both a library card (or a guest pass) and pin number. To obtain one, go to the check out desk.

How does it work? When you login to a computer with your library card and pin, the computer keeps track of time for you. You may use up to 2 hours per day (all at once, or in several sessions). An on-screen timer will help you keep track of your available time.

Why do this? How will it benefit me? This ensures everyone has fair and equal access to library computers. You will also be able to make advance reservations for a computer (just like putting a book on hold).

Do I need this just to look something up? Catalog computers need no login and can be found throughout the library stacks.

For more information, call the library at 580-4400 or ask at the Circulation Desk.
TIP: Did you know you can apply for your library card ONLINE?

Posted on August 21, 2007 by Lissa at 08:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Does your upcoming travel itinerary include touring wineries in Napa Valley, California, taking an evening stroll along the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas or learning about marine life at the Seattle Aquarium?  The library recently created travel bags for these three popular travel destinations.  The bags include the most current guidebooks, maps, and brochures of local attractions to help you plan your trip.  The Napa Valley bag also includes a list of books available for checkout that explain everything you ever wanted to know about wine selection.

Where can you find travel bags in the library?  Go to the Travel Neighborhood (in the East Wing near the New Books area) and see what’s available, or conduct a basic search in the catalog by typing “travel bag” in the “title starts with” search box.  You will see a list of the various travel bags, then just click on the one you’re interested in to find out the availability status. 

Be sure to ask for your free TSCPL travel t-shirt at the Circulation desk when you check out the bag of your choice!  Then take a picture of yourself wearing the shirt while you are on your trip, send it to us, and we may feature it on our blog or website.

Posted on August 20, 2007 by Deb at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Author Marilyn Johnson drew from hundreds of reading logs to choose our three Grand Prize Winners for the 2007 Adult Summer Reading program at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

Each person read five books and recorded the titles and authors on their reading logs. Participants could enter repeatedly, for each five books they read this summer. Winners receive a themed-reading prize basket.

Congratulations to everyone who read books this summer! Although the pleasure of reading is its own reward, sometimes prizes are fun too!

WINNERS:

Mary Bender – Coffee themed basket

Shirley Kuhn – Puzzle themed basket

Jeff Boyer – Garden themed basket

Watch for more information next May on our 2008 summer reading program.

Posted on July 30, 2007 by Lissa at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on July 27, 2007 by Meghan at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you ever wanted to take a couple of minutes and explore your artistic talents?  This summer Robert Hubbard, and Artist and Youth Services Specialistat our library, has set up shop outside the library and invited children and adults of all ages to express their creativity on the sidewalk with chalk. 

Posted on July 23, 2007 by Lissa at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the clock approaches midnight all over the world, fans will finally find out whether or not The Boy Who Lived will be the one to die. Spoilers have been flourishing all over the Internet the last few weeks and we here at PaperCuts are not going to join in (in fact, you'll have noticed a severe lack of HP news since the leaks started). With respect to Ms. Rowling, we're going to wait to find out what happens as originally intended! (Note: comments submitted with spoilers will not be posted.)

The library will have copies of the book available on the Best Seller Express kiosk featured in the atrium (that's the hallway with the large wood column in the middle of the library) at 9am on Saturday morning. These copies are on a first come, first serve basis, only check out for 14 days and are not renewable. Regular copies of the book are available to have a hold placed on them. Ask a librarian for details!

Of course, after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is out, read, reread and finally set down, what are we going to do? Never fear--TSCPL is planning to host the biggest Harry Potter party in the region! Get your finest wizard gear on, polish that wand and be prepared to celebrate the life (and death?) of one of literature's greatest heros.

When: Saturday, August 4th
Where: Marvin Auditorium
Time: 1-4pm

There will be a costume contest, trivia, games and prizes! Brush up on your Muggle Studies and get a glimpse into your future with Divination. There might even be a surprise or two as you compete with your House to win the Hogwarts House Cup!

After the party, we'll also be hosting an adult book discussion covering The Deathly Hallows. Muggles 16+ are welcome to register for this lively discussion about Harry, what happened, what was missed and what we're going to do now that it's over.

When: Wednesday, August 8th
Where: Menninger Board Room
Time: 6:30-8:45pm
Call: 785-580-4540 to register.

See you there!

Posted on July 20, 2007 by Meghan at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Many thanks to TSCPL library employees Kelli, Brian, Dave and Kari, who braved the heat on Friday evening July 13^th to join the Fiesta Mexicana parade in downtown Topeka. After stringing multicolored lights, adding “Es tú biblioteca!” signs, and decorating with festive sombreros, the Adventuremobile and the ELF Marymobile were ready for action.

Posted on July 19, 2007 by Lissa at 01:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted on July 16, 2007 by Meghan at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The July 2007 issue of Book Page magazine (available free at our library) includes a list of all of the librarian nominees for the 2007 Spotlight Award. Although the print was tiny, I spotted at least five names I recognized from our library,

The award was advertised in a previous issue of Book Page and asked readers “Do you know a public librarian who constantly works to make life better for you and your community--who never seeks the spotlight, but certainly deserves it?”

Although TSCPL librarians Jeff Imparato, Susan Marchant, Marie Pyko, Lissa Staley and Vikki Horan did not win the award this year, all five are honored to have been included in this recognition. 

Marie Pyko commented that she “feels honored that a customer was motivated to fill out the nomination form for her, and to be included in this list with her colleagues.”

Jeff Imparato says he “is ecstatic,” although his supervisor Brad Allen “wished Jeff’s name was in bigger type because he deserves it!”

Click here for a list of all of the nominees or pick up an issue of Book Page at the library.

Posted on July 11, 2007 by Lissa at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 *note to blog subscribers - you may experience an unusual number of posts today as we convert the connectnow articles to their new home on the papercuts blog. thank you for your patience!

Beginning with the August 2007 issue, the connectnow magazine, a monthly publication by the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, will be available as a column on this blog. The connectnow magazine is downloadable as a .pdf, and the articles from each issue will be serialized. To browse past articles, read the connectnow category of Papercuts.

Posted on July 10, 2007 by Lissa at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, what’s the big video game news?

Where are the Xbox games at the library?
The Young Adult collection are located along the south wall of David J’s Place next to the new materials and the Children's collection are along the north wall of the entrance room to the Children’s Area, at the end of the entertainment videos.

How long can I check out the game?
Xbox games check out for 3 weeks and you may place a request in the library’s catalog if the title you want is not currently available. Plus, some copies of each game have an Express sticker and only checkout for 7 days.  

How many games can I check out at a time?
You may check out one regular and one express game on your library card.

How can I search for Xbox games in the library’s catalog?
You can now see a list of all of the Xbox 360 games by doing a subject search for "Xbox 360 - Video games". Search the catalog at http://catalog.tscpl.org.

Posted on July 09, 2007 by Lissa at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The American Library Association had record attendance at conference last week in Washington D.C.  They had the red carpet premiere of the Hollywood Librarian, a must see for all in the field and great lineup of speakers and sessions.  I was able to hear some (not all of course, and I hear they were all fabulous) of the speaker series.  Judy Blume was a fantastic, every bit as earnest and heartwarming as her books.  David Baldacci was funny, charming, and spoke eloquently about his Wish you Well Foundation that supports family literacy in the United States.  Nancy Pearl was also there and spoke about readers’ advisory and her latest title Book Crush. 

Among the thousands of booths were authors signing their latest titles.  Here is a photo of Andrew Clements signing a copy of No Talking, his latest about a self-imposed silence contest boys vs. girls and the angst and magic of kids' middle years.