Alpine Public Library News

   ARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Arlene, Madison, Summer, Margarita, Emilio, Mason, Sterling, Isaac, Alyssa, Tyler

 Sande, Audrey, Karrisa, Trystyn, and Carol

What a great day at the library. We had Captain Steve and his 18 pirate crew attend the reading program today. There are 33 pirates signed up for the summer reading program in Marathon. We appreciate all our pirate volunteers who are doing a mighty duty for all. ARRRRR!! See you all next week.

 1st Mate Carol

  Book Conservator, Tanya So, just happened to be in the Alpine Public Library yesterday as staff members were struggling to salvage books that had become waterlogged when the roof over the Junior section in the Children’s Room leaked heavily during the night last night. Tanya rose quickly to the challenge fanning the books and propping them open so that they would dry. Anitra Clausen found a large fan to direct at the open books and Vanessa Hinkson came up with a large painter’s tarp with which staff members will be sure to cover the shelves before they leave each evening…at least until this monsoon season has ended.  

Marathon Public Library 106 N. 3rd St. East, Marathon, Texas 79842 432-386-4136, marathonlib@yahoo.com

Marathon Public Library a branch of the Alpine Public Library is housed in a small building built between Dec. 1953 and Feb. 1954, in the center of town. The library officially opened on Feb. 5, 1954 with a ribbon cutting cermony. Judge Felix P. McGaughy cut the ribbon across the door marking the formal opening of the Marathon Public Library. The architect for the building was done by Victor J. Smith and the first librarian was Alma McAdams. Some other librarians through the years were, Maisie Lee, Phoebe Bradley, Jenny Campbell, Jackie Malone, Eula Mae Colmenero and the librarian today is Carol Townsend.

We have a small school in Marathon which enrolls 68 students PK-12. The library works closely with the school to enhance the student’s experience with books and reading programs. We have a summer reading program that includes refreshments, games, activities, crafts, awards and prizes that were provided by the library and Friends of the Library organization. The summer reading programs are on Wednesdays at 1PM on June 6, 13, 20, 27 and July 11, 2007. Our theme under “Sail Away with Books”, is “Walk the Plank” and we are studing the history of pirates.

Marathon Public Library has points of interest for adults and children. Our impressive selection of fiction, non-fiction books, dvd’s, vhs, music cd’s and five public access computers for free internet usage with a internet usage agrement which also includes a photo ID we keep on file.

We had a fundraiser for our friends group this last week-end with a great turnout. We are in the process of selecting a logo that was designed by our local students. We were so impressed with the amount of thought and effort the kids put into the designs. The logo will be used for business cards, stationery and etc.

Marathon Public Library is an “oasis in the desert”. We have wonderful community support. Please come and visit us and meet our staff and volunteers. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 11AM to 5PM.

Carol Townsend

MPL Librarian, Branch Manager

“Do you have Wi-Fi?,” is actually one of the questions most frequently asked by our visitors. The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” This service has been offered free to our local and visiting patrons alike, since the summer of 2006.

Just for those of you who are wondering, Wi-Fi is a wireless internet connection. This enables you, as a patron to access the internet using your personal laptop computer. This gives you mobility and freedom to surf the net outside and inside the building.

“How do I access your wireless internet?,” you might ask. Come to the Circulation Desk and complete our simple Internet User Agreement. We will keep this, along with a copy of a photo id on file. Once you have set up your laptop at the location of your choice, ask a staff member to enter the WEP Key (password) for the internet connection. You are all set. Enjoy free internet surfing combined with freedom of movement!

Recently, we sent out a call for donations of yard equipment. We would like to thank Americana for their donation of tree loppers. If you would like to make a yard equipment donation, please contact us at aplinfo@sbcglobal.net or call 432-837-2621. Thanks again Americana!

The restroom is free for use to the public.  But have you ever looked directly across from the Alpine Public Library’s restroom?  If you do, you will notice our modest music collection.

Our entire collection is on CD.  The genres include:  jazz, country, and R&B.  There may even be other miscellaneous varieties.  The music spans from the era of Glen Miller to the modern era.  Titles include:  Mowtown’s #1’s; Sound System, by Herbie Hancock; Come Dance With Me in Ireland; The Best of Frank Sinatra and  Quizas, by Enrique Iglesias.  We also have John Legend’s latest album.

The checkout period for the music CD’s is the same as for books. Come check out our collection.  We are also looking to expand our music collection.  If you have a music CD that is in new, to excellent used condition, we would be happy to accept it.  Get good vibes at the library!

Whether it’s “ring, ring,” or the latest Top 40 song, the sound of a cellular phone ringing is unmistakable. You can hear it at home, in the car, in the grocery store… in the library?

It seems as if there are mixed views on whether or not cellular phones should be permitted in the library. People use their phones for uses ranging from work, to checking on their kids, to teens just conversing with their friends. Others look in disgust as they see a person with a cellular phone coming.

Trying to be diplomatic about the situation, the Alpine Public Library asks that cellular phones be turned to the “off” (preferred) or “silent” mode before entering the library. We understand that a patron may at times forget and that familiar ring may sound while inside the library. At that point, we are grateful that most of our patrons are respectful of their fellow patrons and remove themselves temporarily from the library. There are usually only a few instances where we must remind patrons to carry on their cellular phone conversations outside. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our patrons for their kind consideration.

So, thanks again for making your cellular phones inaudible before entering the library. Thank you also for carrying on your cellular phone conversations outside. And, remember, if you are asked about turning off your cellular phone after it rings or to carry on your phone conversation outside, we are just giving a friendly reminder. Thanks again.

Come see the scrapbook at the Alpine Public Library!  It resides on the table in the Southwest Room.  The oldest article is from 1954.  Most of the clippings are from the 21^st century. The articles are from the past but we are looking to the future, especially towards the building of the new library.  Included are also clippings that have to do with events from the initial planning meeting to the wrecking party to the current fund raiser.  In the future, we will continue adding articles about goings on at the library and looking ahead to the new building we are eagerly awaiting.  Come by during our normal hours and look at the past, present and get a glimpse at the future!

Due to unexpected, pressing circumstances of the staff, we will be closed tomorrow. Feel free to keep your materials over the weekend if you have them, there will be no fines. We also humbly apologize for any inconvenience our not being open June 2nd might cause our patrons.

See you on Monday.