Lighthouse Librarian

How about some more pictures

2011-08-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

Our new digital sign

Things are almost done

The theater is getting new bathrooms.

2011-08-08T13:30:00.001-04:00

So I posted early this year that I would keep you updated on the renovations and then I don't post for most of the summer. Sorry about that. It was kind of a crazy time.

So now we are almost done the renovations and we will be moving back into the library the week of Aug. 22 to 27th. So be prepared and stock up on books for that week. Don't forget, if you have an ereader you can download books from fuelyourmind.org

So here are some picturesof the work so far. You can see updates on our Library Facebook page also. go to facebook and friend us.

I will try and post more pictures this week so you can see more.

Quiet Reading room

Our new workroom

From the library looking into the work room and computer room

Work room

Working on the ceiling

What the outside looks like now

2011-05-27T14:37:00.000-04:00

Happy May!!! Now its almost June though and the temperatures outside make it seem like November rather than May. Brrr.

Work is progressing very quickly on the addition. Not that you can see that much from the street. But each day a little more is done. As long as its not raining too much. Enjoy the photos. We do hope to be back in the library by Labor Day weekend. So watch this space.

2011-04-27T15:50:00.000-04:00

So last week on April 18th, we started moving books from the library into the gymnasium. By 5 pm on Tuesday we had moved all the books and shelves. Wednesday we cleaned up all the other items that were stored in the work room. So after the long Easter weekend, we were all ready to open up again on Monday. And the workers were here ready to take everything apart on Monday too. So check out the photos and I will try and keep you updated on the progress of the renovation. Hopefully, everything will be done in August and we will have to move everything back again. (Oh my)

This is what the library looks like now.

There goes our work room

Our set up in the gymnasium

Come on in and down the stairs

Its moving right along

The library.

April Showers

2011-04-08T15:22:00.000-04:00

will maybe bring us May flowers. Spring is here. Let's hope there is no more snow and the sun shines and we can start planting things soon.

I figured I better get a post out to anyone reading the blog that hasn't been in to the library lately. The library will be closed from April 18th to 24th both for the Easter holiday and so that we can move the books from the library into our temporary location in the gym while the construction is taking place. Hopefully, the construction will be completed enough to allow us to move back into the brand new library space sometime in August. We can hardly wait, but the moving process is going to be interesting.

So if you need books, you better stop in next week and stock up. Since you won't be able to check out anything until we reopen on April 25th.

Don't forget our movie theater. Starting tonight is Limitless with Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Should be a thrilling 2 hours. We have a new deal going on at the theater. Be sure to pick up a frequent movie goer card. Each time you attend a movie, you get credit towards free popcorn, drinks and shows. Its a great deal.

2011-03-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

This is a great video celebrating National Library Week in Ireland. We will be celebrating National Library week here in April. Make sure you stop by to enjoy our special events that week.

Friends of the Library

2011-01-18T15:43:00.001-05:00

The Friends of the Library will be having a meeting next Tuesday, Jan. 25th right here in the library at 5:30 pm. If you think you want to join or if you just want to see what we are about, stop in and check out our meeting. We promise to be nice and not make you do any work. (at least not right away)

A new year.

2011-01-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Now that 2011 is here its time to think about doing our taxes for last year. Right? I know who really wants to think about that. But I thought some of you might need to see this information sent out by the IRS recently.

With the continued growth in electronic filing and to help reduce costs, the IRS will no longer mail paper tax packages that typically arrive in January of each year. If you still wish to use a paper form, the IRS has several options available to help you obtain paper copies of individual forms and instructions, including:

● Accessing our forms and instructions online at IRS.gov. You can quickly download the latest products from our site.

● Dropping by your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

● Going to your local post office or library

Now our library has not received paper copies for several years. We do recommend that you can go to IRS.gov to download all the forms you need. There are also many ways to do your Federal taxes online and to file them for free. www.taxact.org, www.turbotax.com are just two sites that will help you do taxes and file your federal form for free. Now state forms usually come into the library in late January. You can stop by then to pick up a booklet if you need one. State forms can also be filled out online at http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,1607,7-238--248539--,00.html You can fill the form in online and then print it out. If you are low income then you may be eligible to file for free. There is information on www.michigan.gov/taxes about free filing.

Hope this helps you all out. Happy filing.

December 20th

2010-12-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

Wow, its hard to believe that the year is almost over. Time is just flying by. Wasn't that just such a great snow storm last week. I enjoyed having the extra days off work. I am sure glad that I don't have to drive to work usually. Easy walk in most of the time.

We finally got Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows here at the theater. And starting Friday is Tangled. I need to find some time to go to the movies, but not sure when I can get there.

Everyone take care and we at the library wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

November 23

2010-11-23T09:53:00.001-05:00

Yes, its been a while since we posted last. How have you all been? Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. May it be a very enjoyable holiday for everyone.

We do have an update. If you haven't seen the news we received a grant from Rural Development and we will be able to do the second part of the renovation next year. It will be very exciting for us all. We aren't sure of start dates. We will know more after bids go out in January. The staff here can hardly wait. Stay tuned for more updates.

Summer

2010-07-05T14:25:00.003-04:00

The Lighthouse Librarian blog will not be updated for a while. Next year when we will hopefully be working on the second phase of renovations, I will be back and keep you updated on progress.

If you really miss this blog, then please let me know and I will go back to updating it every week.

See you next year.

June 22

2010-06-22T16:02:00.001-04:00

Did you know that there is a bird that makes library type sounds? There is, its the The Yellow Headed Warbler (Teretistris fernandinae), found only in Cuba, and it makes a noisy, rasping shhh-shhh-shhh-shhh-shhh. You knew there would be one somewhere.

This is from a new book coming out call The Librarians Book of Lists. It sounds like a fun read. I particularly want to read the list ten suggestions for library related Ben and Jerry's flavors. I like ice cream.

2010-06-16T16:50:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon, everyone. Its another cloudy and dreary day in Harbor Beach. I hear that if you travel about an hour west the sun is shining and its nice and warm. How come this isn't happening here? I know I am getting tired of this non-summer summer. But those of you who like it cool, are just loving it right?

We only got 2 new DVD's this week. The Book of Eli with Denzel Washington and When in Rome. The second movie is a cute romantic comedy and pretty funny too. Make sure to check them out. I am adding 5 new audiobooks also today, so you might want to check that out. And remember we have downloadable audiobooks. If you want to find out more, stop in at the library.

At the theater right now is Prince of Persia and on Friday we are getting Shrek Forever After. You kids will want to see that movie. Don't forget that on our website is a coupon for 50 cents off of a popcorn. You might want to see if you can find that.

June 11th

2010-06-11T12:35:00.002-04:00

Do you have a blu-ray player or a playstation 3? If you do, we now are carrying blu-ray dvd's. Well we have one so far. We added Alice in Wonderland in blu-ray this week. We are planning on adding more, but we want to make sure the ones we add are worth the extra money. So come on down and let us know that you want more blu-ray titles. In regular dvd's we added African Queen, From Paris with Love and Shutter Island.

We added 3 new CD's also: Christina Aguilera - Bionic, Dierks Bentley - Up on the Ridge and The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack.

We have also added another Playaway to our collection. These are audiobooks on their own player. So you don't need a CD player or a computer to listen to audiobook. We now have 5 of these so you might want to check these out.

Starting in the theater tonight is Prince of Persia. It will be playing through Thursday June 17th. Make sure you come to our nice cool air conditioned theater to get out of the heat.

June is busting out all over

2010-06-01T10:43:00.006-04:00

That was quite a rain storm last night wasn't it. I actually missed the rain, since we were out of town, but when we got back to Huron County we could see that a lot of rain must have fallen. I think we have a leak in our roof too. Not a good thing. At least we didn't lose power. Hope no one out there was flooded.

We added a couple of new items this week to our collection. We have Alice in Wonderland, The Wolfman, Life and Free Willy. Stop in to check them out.

Iron Man 2 is at the theater for a few more days. Unfortunately, due to the holiday, I don't know what the new movie is for Friday. I will post it as soon as I know.

Is anybody reading this blog? I posted a contest last week and no one claimed any prize yet.

Letters to Juliette will be the movie starting on Friday.

2010-05-26T15:58:00.002-04:00

Goodness but it sure has turned warm outside hasn't it. But it is much nicer than having snow I think.

Guess what's happening at the theater. Summer hours are back this weekend. Now there are 2 shows most every Friday and Saturday night. Starting on Friday we have Iron Man 2. So hopefully you can make one of the showings of this movie.

It's almost time for summer reading sign up. The week of June 7th we will begin the sign ups and the programs also. We will have 4 free family movies in June and July. The movies are Pete's Dragon on June 15th, Shark Tale on June 29th, Free Willy on July 6th, and Water Horse, Legend of the Deep on July 29th. Mark your calender.

New DVD's this week are Dear John, The Road, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and two new exercise DVD's from Susan Tuttle one is Latin Dancing and the other is Chair Pilate's. Just what we need to get into shape this summer.

Now a little test. If you have read all of this blog then you might want to come into the library and tell Anne or Vicki that you read this blog and the first 5 people that tell us that they read Lighthouse Librarian will get a free DVD coupon. OK. Can't wait to see if any one shows up.

2010-05-18T10:05:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post today. We added 5 new movies to our DVD collection: Extraordinary Measure, Invictus, The Messenger, The Spy Next Door, and Valentine's Day. There are movies for everyone in the family in this collection, so be sure to come check them out.

Playing in the theater still is Clash of the Titans and starting on Friday is Furry Vengeance. A great movie to bring the family too.

We have a Friends of the Library meeting next Tuesday at 5:30pm. If you want to be a friend, come join us at the meeting. We promise to be nice.

A windy, rainy Tuesday

2010-05-11T13:44:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon. Isn't it a lovely day? Not. Its the kind of day where you want to stay inside and read a good book or maybe watch a movie, right? I know that's what I would like to be doing.

We added 3 new movies today -- Legion, Daybreakers and Edge of Darkness. We also have added two new Gardening DVD's sets -- The Complete Gardener and the DVD Encyclopedia of Gardening. These are both 3 dvd's sets that should cover just about every subject needed to have beautiful gardens. These were purchased with a generous donation given to the library by the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association. Make sure you check these out.

Still playing till Thursday in the theater is Date Night and starting Friday is Clash of the Titans (not in 3-D) Hopefully, you can make it to the theater and enjoy our yummy popcorn and our comfy seats.

Until next time.
--Anne

2010-05-05T15:06:00.003-04:00

Posting between rain showers. I guess we probably needed the rain right?

Added some fun new DVD's this week. I watched them all and enjoyed them all. We have Tooth Fairy, Nine and Leap Year as new additions this week.

Did you get a chance to see The Last Song. Tonight is your last chance if you didn't see it yet. Or at least until the DVD comes out. Starting Friday is Date Night. I am gonna go on a date with my husband to see it. Maybe I will see you there. Now there is no movie on Saturday because of the Mothers Day concert, so make sure you catch it one of the other days.

Guess that's it for updates. See you next week.

2010-04-27T09:44:00.003-04:00

Good morning everyone. It's a beautiful day out there isn't it. I tad windy, but the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Lovely.

Just a quick update today to let you know that we added the DVD's It's Complicated, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Learn to Play the Guitar in 21 Days.

Starting on Saturday at the theater will be The Last Song (starring Miley Cyrus and based on the latest Nicholas Sparks novel) It has a shorter engagement due to events in the theater on Friday April 30th and Thursday May 6th. So you have a limited chance to see this movie.

You still have 2 days to go see Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Don't miss it, especially if you have middle schoolers in your house.

Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine.

Happy almost Earth Day!

2010-04-20T09:33:00.004-04:00

It sure seems like it. Lots of nice days ahead I think. Or maybe I should say, I hope.

Its been a busy time at the library. Always trying to keep up with all the new books and movies coming in. Last week we added Pirate Radio, Tenderness and Dora the Explorer: Explore the Earth. (Just in time for Earth Day). This week we are adding The Lovely Bones, Crazy Heart and The Young Victoria. We also added a new DVD called Absolute Beginners Guitar. If you have always wanted to learn the guitar, now is a good time to start. Being released on Thursday this week is Avatar. It is an amazing movie to see. This edition has no extras on it unfortunately, but if you are interested in seeing what went into making this movie, there will be another version of the movie released in November. So save you money if you were thinking of buying Avatar until the November release. We will be adding that version to our library on Blu-ray. We have debated adding Blu-ray movies to our library, not knowing what demand would be like. But we decided that we will start adding a few movies a month in Blu-ray. Definitely by November, so watch for those.

We are currently showing How to Train your Dragon in our theater and starting Friday will be Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Enjoy the beautiful day. I know I will even if I am working.

April Shows

2010-04-07T13:37:00.002-04:00

Bring May flowers, but I see lots of daffodils in bloom. It looks like spring. We had some real nice weather over the weekend didn't we? Not so great today, but I am sure more nice weather will be here soon.

Only 2 movies were added this week -- Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans and The Collector. Last week we added Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, An Education, Sherlock Holmes; Strawberry Shortcake the Berryfest Princess and Under the Sea. Make sure you stop by and rent one today.

In the theater right now is Alice in Wonderland and starting Friday is Bounty Hunter. I can't wait to eat some of that popcorn. Yum.

See you all soon.

2010-03-26T11:48:00.002-04:00

Well, it's Friday again. I know I am looking forward to the weekend. Its not very warm today, but hopefully next week its going to be nicer.

We lots of new movies this week: The Blind Side, Brothers, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, Ice Castles, The Men Who Star at Goats and The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Come check them out today.

Starting at the theater tonight is Crazy Heart. I am definitely going to see this one. Jeff Bridges won and Oscar for playing the lead role in this as a down and out singer. I have real good things about it. I hope I see you there. Don't forget if you check the website you can get a discount on a popcorn!

2010-03-19T14:30:00.003-04:00

Wow, another busy week and I missed my update of movies. Sorry about that.

We added lots of good DVD's this week and tomorrow is the release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon. I am sure there a lots of you eager to get your hands on that movie. Also added were: Armored, Astro Boy, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, The Fourth Kind, Ninja Assassin, Hachi: a Dog's Tale and The Princess and the Frog.

Playing in the theater starting tonight is Tooth Fairy, starring Dwayne Johnson. This looks like a funny one. I hope I can get there to see it.

The weather has just been too nice to stay indoors hasn't it. Too bad we are due for a change this weekend. Rain and snow. I hope its the last blast of winter.

2010-03-09T14:12:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update today. It's such a beautiful day, I want to leave work and go enjoy the sunshine. But I can't, I need to check in all the interlibrary loan stuff that just arrived.

The Wolfman is playing in the theater right now. You have Wed. and Thursday left to see it. We won't have any movies on Friday or Saturday this week due to Zion Lutheran preforming there Easter musical. So starting on Sunday March 14th will be Valentines Day. Even though its a month past Valentine's Day, bring your sweetheart and pretend its a special day. So you have only 4 chances to see this one. Sunday, Wednesday at 2 and 7 pm and Thursday night. Don't miss out.

We added 5 new DVD's this week: Capitalism: a Love Story, Old Dogs, Planet 51, Precious, and Up in the Air. Some great choices.

See you at the library.

--Anne

2010-03-02T12:49:00.001-05:00

The movie starting on Friday will be The Wolfman.

http://www.fandango.com/thewolfman_111187/movieoverview

Is Spring on its way?

2010-03-02T10:21:00.002-05:00

Is Spring on it's way? It seems like it some days doesn't it. It's not quite so wintery out there like it was. I wonder how much more snow we will get though? Hopefully, not too much.

It's been a busy time around the library. Vicki and Cindy are already preparing for the summer reading program. Even though that is months away it takes a lot of time to get everything together and make it the great event that it is.

Dear John, based on a Nicholas Sparks novel is playing in the theater right now. Only 2 days left to see it. I hope you get the chance. Not sure about the movie on Friday. We haven't gotten the call telling us what it will be. I will post it as soon as I know.

We added lots of new movies last week and today. Check them out. The Box, Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, Everybody's Fine, The Informant!, Motherhood, Sorority Row, Cold Souls, 2012 and Where the Wild Things Are. Lots to choose from so check out a dvd today.

We have the CD's from Louie Longoria available to check out. If you attended the concert or missed it like I did, stop in for a listen. We also have the CD for Stone Cross with Suisan O'Rourke and Zig. So you can listen to there music before and after the show, which is on March 21st. Don't miss this free concert.

Did you attend the concert?

2010-02-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

Louie Longoria and Jagwire Country performed at the Community Theatre on Sunday, February 21 as part of the Library’s annual concert series. Louie and the band members added humor between the songs which really kept the audience engaged. My favorite part of the show was definitely the rendition of Patsy Cline’s She’s Got You. I couldn’t help but laugh at the singer’s actions during the song. The quality of music performed by this group was top notch. The audience really enjoyed the show, giving a standing ovation at the end of the performance.

If you would like to hear what you missed, or if you were at the show and want to hear more, you can check out Louie’s CDs from the Library.

The Library Concert Series will conclude next month when Stonecross performs on Sunday, March 21 at 2pm in the Community Theatre. Suisan and Zig are the wife & husband team that make up the band. They perform a wide variety of roots music but they focus a lot on Irish music. An admission is not charged for the show, but we do ask for donations to help pay for the cost of the concerts.

Vicki Mazure, Library Director

2010-02-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

Well, good morning. Its a beautiful snowy day out there. We shouldn't complain because it really hasn't been a very bad winter so far. I just hope its not a really long winter. Spring better come early this year and be a warmer spring and summer than last year.

It's been a busy time at the library. Make sure to note that on Sunday we have a concert at the theater. Louis Longoria will be performing at 2 pm. If you attended the concerts last year, you may remember him opening at one of the shows. Now he is here headlining. It should be fun. Make sure to come.

Starting on Friday at the theater will be Sherlock Holmes. I have been waiting since Christmas to see this one. Hope to see you there. Avatar is there right now, if you haven't seen it you have Wednesday night and Thursday night to still attend. Also Wednesday at 2pm. The matinees are back!!!!!

Last week we added several new movies: Couples Retreat, A Serious Man, The Stepfather, The Time Traveler's Wife, Trucker and the Weather Girl. . This week we added The Boys are Back, Law Abiding Citizens, Expired, No Greater Love and Scooby-Doo - Abracadabra-Doo. There is something for everyone in the family in these additions to our collection. So stop by today and rent a DVD.

6 more weeks of winter!!

2010-02-03T16:55:00.002-05:00

Why is it that the ground hog always seems to see his shadow. And even if he didn't its not like winter would end anytime soon here in the thumb of Michigan. Oh well.

Sorry to be lax in posting, but it's been real busy around here. The open house went very well. I hope you had time to stop in and see the renovations and take a tour. Everything came out beautifully.

We added a lot of new movies this week: Adam, Amelia, I Hate Valentine's Day, Love Happens, and Zombieland and for the kids Timothy Goes to School: Be My Valentine. Make sure to stop by and rent a dvd today.

This weekend is Winterfest in Harbor Beach. Hopefully, you can make it down for some of the events. And don't forget the soup tasting. There will be 3 soups here at the library for you to sample, so head to the visitor center and get your badge on Saturday and start sampling. And then there are fireworks Saturday night. That should be fun. Cold but fun.

Open House Week

2010-01-19T09:37:00.002-05:00

This is it. The Open House is here. Make sure to stop in on Friday from 5 - 8 or Saturday from 1 -4 for tours, treats and prizes. You can stop in all week and have a free popcorn to celebrate the completion of our renovations!!

New dvd's this week are Gamer, The Invention of Lying, Pandorum and Whiteout. Stop in a rent a movie today.

I don't know about you, but I have been enjoying the milder January temperatures. I know it's bad for everyone that enjoys winter activities, but it's been nice. I guess its going to get cold again soon enough. How long until spring?

--Anne

1/12/10

2010-01-12T11:23:00.002-05:00

Is this year going by fast already. Or is it not moving fast enough to get us to spring sooner?

Been a busy week here. We are trying to get all the little jobs done around the library and in the building to be ready for the open house next week. Mark your calenders so that you can visit us on Jan. 22 and 23rd for tours and fun.

Has anyone checked out one of our downloadable audiobooks yet. I know someone has tried. I haven't gotten around to it yet. No time to listen to books. I barely have time to read any lately. Let me know how its working for you, ok.

We are adding 5 new movies this week and we added 3 last week. So stop by to check them out. One of the movies is The Hurt Locker. I have to say, this is one of the best movies I have seen in years. Don't miss this one. We also have Moon (another good movie you may not have heard about), Fame, Halloween 2, Post Grad, My One and Only, The Final Destination and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Did you get a chance to see The Blind Side? If not you have Wednesday and Thursday to see it. Starting Friday is It's Complicated. I am going to see that one. May be I will see you there.

--Anne

A new year.

2010-01-04T13:23:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year, everybody. Hope that 2010 will be a good year for us all.

Just wanted to let you know that we now have the downloadable audiobooks available for you!!! There will be a couple of ways for you to find these books. Eventually they will be found in our library catalog, with a link to where they would be downloaded. There is also a link on the first page of the card catalog and a link on the library website (www.hbadl.org) so there are many ways to get there. You can also go here www.fuelyourmind.lib.overdrive When you get to this page you can browse for books or first log in. When you go to log in, select your home library and then wait a moment. Do not fill in anymore information there. The page will change and take you to Harbor Beach's log in page. At this point you put in your library card number. Eventually there will be a pin required, but not yet. Once you log in and add books to your cart, it will direct you to download the Overdrive Media Console. Once you have done this you will be able to download books and play them on your computer or put them on an ipod or other mp3 players. Some you will even be able to burn to CD's. We have a flyer in the library that you may want to pick up, but there is also lots of information on the page to answer your questions. Go check it out.

Happy Listening!!!
Anne

It's almost 2010

2009-12-29T15:06:00.002-05:00

The last post of 2009. The year went by so fast.

We finally have set a date for the Open House. Jan. 22 from 5-8 pm and Jan. 23 from 1-4 pm. Make sure you stop by for a tour and some treats. There will also be prizes.

Introducing Playaways!!! We added three audiobooks that are Playaways. That means that in the case for the book is the unit with the audiobook and a set of headphones. These require no CD player for you to listen to the books. You can also use them in your car if you have an auxilary jack. Stop in and check them out.

New DVD's this week are 9, Jennifer's Body, Paranormal Activity and The Perfect Getaway. We also added several new VHS's tapes to the family video section. Including Sixteen Candles, Stand By Me, The Usual Suspects, Fried Green Tomatoes and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. These are all free movies.

Feb. 21st is the first of our Winter Concert series. On that dat will be the country music of Louis Longoria and March 21st will be celtic music with Siusan & Zig.

Well I guess that's for today and for the year. See you next year.

--Anne

The Tuesday before Christmas

2009-12-22T13:33:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas, everyone. Last post before the holidays begin. Its been busy around here with everyone stocking up on books and movies for the holiday weekend. I am sure glad I got my shopping done and don't have to deal with the crowds anymore.

We have added a few new movies to the shelves today. All About Steve, District 9, Extract, 500 Days of Summer, Holiday and Miracle on 34th Street. Stop by and check one out.

We've also added several new audiobooks to the shelves. Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton, I, Alex Cross by James Patterson, U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton, Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin, The Wrecker by Clive Cussler, and Letting Go by Philip Roth. New today was the addition of 3 titles on the Playaway format. When you check one out, you receive a case that contains the playaway and the complete book is on this portable player. You can listen to the book with earphones or connect it to your car stereo. Ask about these at the desk. Our new titles are A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh, The Valhalla Exchange by Jack Higgins, and Missing in Death by J.D. Robb. We are trying out the Playaways to see how you all like them. Coming soon is the downloadable audiobooks. Where you will download a book to your own mp3 player or burn it to a CD. We will have more information for you very soon.

Merry Christmas!!
--Anne

2009-12-18T18:12:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone.

Are you ready for Christmas yet? I still have many things to get done this weekend. So many in fact that I don't think I will make it to the movies this week. Did you know that we are showing 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon'? Come and see it or see it again if you already saw it once.

We added a few new dvd's this week, come and check them out. G-Force, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, The Hangover, Inglourious Basterds and Taking Woodstock. That's one movie for the kids and the rest for the adults.

Well, back to working on getting out those Christmas cards. And I still need to put up that Christmas tree!!!

--Anne

Come to the library

2009-12-11T14:36:00.003-05:00

and see our newly renovated building. We have been so busy here, I plum forgot to post anything since Thanksgiving. I sure hope you all had a great holiday. I sure did. And now we are all looking forward to Christmas. But, brrrrr. I sure did get cold fast. Didn't it. I kind of wish I was a snow bird so I could be heading south to get out of the cold.

If you have come by the library you will have noticed that our temporary door is gone and now you can come in the new lobby doors! Just about everything is painted and it looks just gorgeous. Soon we will have an open house and you came come have a tour of the building and see for yourself how nice it looks.

We have added lots of new movies in the last two weeks, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Julie and Julia, Public Enemies, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Terminator Salvation. Plus several new Blue's Clue's DVDs for the little ones. Make sure to stop and check out a movie today.

Starting at the movie theater today is Planet 51 a great movie to take the kiddies too. Do you know where to find the coupon to save money on popcorn?

--Anne

2009-11-26T11:35:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Holiday is almost here

2009-11-24T13:06:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and one the many things that I am thankful for is that our renovations are nearing an end. It seems that the main thing that needs to be finished is painting. The new lights were installed in the lobby this morning and now its nice and bright in there. And the fixtures look really nice. On Monday the regular main entrance to the building will be back in use. So now that people are finally used to the temporary door, they have to start all over again and get used to using the main door.

We added lots of new and old dvd's to the shelves today. We got new dvd copies of the Jurassic Park series and also The Santa Clause. Now you can watch triple features of both of these classic series. Also added were The Accidental Husband, Angels and Demons, Four Christmases, funny People, Shorts and in the classics we have We're No Angels and My Fair Lady. Stop in and check out a movie today.

And don't forget that we have Disney's A Christmas Carol starting in the theater on Friday.

Have a great Thanksgiving and don't forget to remember everything that you are thankful for.

--Anne

2009-11-20T11:36:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post today. The Men Who Stare at Goats is starting at the movie theater tonight and will play through next Thursday. Yes the theater is open on Thanksgiving. So eat a big meal, spend time with family and then bring everyone to the movies and relax. Starting on Friday Nov. 26th will be Disney's A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey. Bring the family out for this one.

Vicki has moved into her new office!!!! Stop by and check it out and say hello. Also, our new phone system has been installed. Now if no one is available to answer your phone you will be able to leave a voice mail and even renew your books over the phone. Just let it ring 5 or 6 times to get the voice mail system.

Have a great weekend!

Another week

2009-11-17T15:26:00.003-05:00

Another week has passed and we are even closer to completion. Very soon the brick work will be completed and the main doors will be usable again. I can't wait for that to happen. The workers are every where getting things finished up. It looks like the open house will be in January. We want to make sure that everything is done, before giving tours of the new areas. So hopefully, everyone will be able to stop in see our "new" library. Things will be popping during the tours and we will having a drawing during the week. We will also post pictures for those only able to visit virtually.

We received several new DVD's today. Stop by and rent one today. Our new additions are Aliens in the Attic, Bruno, My Sister's Keeper, Star Trek, Blue's Biggest Stories and Ken Burn's National Parks: America's Best Idea.

At the theater starting Friday will be The Men Who Star at Goats. It looks like a funny movie. Hope to see you there.

2009-11-10T14:28:00.002-05:00

Well, we are almost at the end of the renovations. Most of the work will be completed by Friday. Yes, Friday. It's hard to believe we are nearing the end but it's true. Sometime with in the next month or so, we will be having a week long open house. Watch for the dates so you can stop by and get a tour of the new facilities. It's really looking great.

We only added 2 new DVDs today. Up and The Ugly truth. One for you kids and one for you. Both are very funny. Up is one of the best movies of the year, so be sure to check that out.

For all you Michael Jackson fans out there, the theater will be showing Michael Jackson's This Is It starting on Friday. Don't miss this look at his rehearsals for his concerts recorded in the weeks before he died.

We should have photos of the completed rooms soon. And I will post them when I do have them.

The end is near!

2009-11-03T10:32:00.004-05:00

Renovations are getting near completion. Only a couple more weeks and it will be done. We can hardly wait here. Things are looking very nice, as you can see from the pictures below.

Vicki's new office.
Elevator on the second floor.

The lobby floor as it was installed.

And the painting is happening as you read this.

The brick work is almost complete.

I will post more in a few days. Don't forget to watch for our open house when we schedule it. You will be able to stop in and see all the changes.

TGIF

2009-10-23T15:33:00.003-04:00

So much has been done this week. Rooms are painted the elevator is coming along. The brick work is nearing completion. Its amazing. Remember next week on Monday and Tuesday, the lobby is having the tiles installed. You won't be able to go from the library to any other part of the building. So no children's library at all. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Random pictures from the work.

Completed new wall in the gym.

Part of the elevator.

Warren checking out the Common Room windows.

The lobby was a messy for a while, but now its all cleaned out. Looking across the lobby into Vicki's new office.

The local history room gets a new look.

Oct. 26 & 27th

2009-10-20T13:12:00.001-04:00

THE LOBBY OF THE COMMUNITY HOUSE AND THE CHILDREN'S LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ON OCT. 26 AND 27TH DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE TILE IN THE LOBBY. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY

WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

2009-10-20T13:06:00.001-04:00

Things are really coming together now. Here is some shots of the new entrance. Bricks are being added now. I will post more photos later in the week.

The weekend is here.

2009-10-16T13:14:00.003-04:00

I am sure many of you were disappointed that the library was closed on Wednesday, but we really did go to a training meeting in Saginaw. Our speaker was Warren Graham who wrote the Black Belt Librarian and had worked for 17 years in library security. It was a great class and will be very beneficial to those of us working in libraries. The other speaker was Patty Pinner who is from Flint and has written 2 cookbooks. She told some stories of her life growing up and how she ended up writing cookbooks. We had a great day.

Patty Pinner

Warren Graham and some volunteers demonstrating what to do during a difficult situation in a library.

Checking in at the meeting.

Oct. 13th

2009-10-13T15:04:00.002-04:00

Well, no new pictures, but lots has been happening here. So much activity. The masons are installing the brick outside and the rest of our shelves were installed today in the children's library. So that room is almost done. The dry wall is all up in Vicki's office and painting should be done soon. It's exciting to see how close were are to completion. Stop by to check it out.

We added three new DVD's today. Drag Me to Hell, The Proposal and Land of the Lost. Movies for all age ranges.

At the movie theater right now is Love Happens and starting Friday is Zombieland. I have heard this is a good zombie movie. I am going to try and see it. How about you?

The end is in sight.

2009-10-06T10:23:00.002-04:00

We are really making progress now on the renovations. Soon the elevator will be installed and the brickwork will begin any day. Hopefully the work will be done by the end of October. Most of it should be. It's looking really good. The builders started on Vicki's office. Maybe she will get out of her little cubbyhole soon. I don't have any new pictures to post. Hopefully by the end of the week, we will some great stuff to show you.

We have added lots of new DVDs since I last posted that information. Such as Monsters vs. Aliens, Hanna Montana the Movie, Battle of Terra, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Away We Go, Management, Observe and Report, Sunshine Cleaning and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Stop by and check one out today.

Don't forget to come to the movies. Right now we have All About Steve and starting Friday is Love Happens. Don't forget to print out a coupon to save some money on popcorn.

More pictures.

2009-09-30T15:12:00.002-04:00

the Children's Library almost completed.

2009-09-30T15:01:00.003-04:00

Cute video on You Tube of Grover in the Library. I would put it on here, but I just can't figure out how to make that work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60As4CAslUc&feature=player_embedded#t=98

2009-09-25T13:21:00.004-04:00

So, this one blogger goes on vacation and no else keeps you all updated. Sorry about the lack of updates, but we will try and catch you up on whats been happening.

This week the new Children's Library is officially open. We moved all the books in on Wednesday after Gary delivered the rest of the new shelves. I looks great. Stop by and see it. Today there are over in the old children's library tearing out walls and framing in Vicki's new office. I am sure she is looking forward to that being completed so she can move out of her little dungeon office. The rest of the old room will become out Local History Room. It will be nice to get a room devoted to all items of local interest.

The almost finished children's library.

Removing part of the floor in the lobby

Cleaning up the mess. They took out a layer of cement from the lobby and they laid a new floor about 3 weeks ago. Eventually there will be a very nice tile floor going in.

A door that no longer exists

Story Time Registration

2009-09-01T10:06:00.004-04:00

Our Story Time Program is offered to children from 3 to 5 years old. Each week the children will be read stories, sing songs, play games and do crafts. The program is held on Friday mornings at 10:30 am. Stop in to register your child. Its only $10 for the fall or $15 for the full year. The program begins Sept. 11th.

What's all that noise?

2009-09-01T09:52:00.004-04:00

It has been really noisy here this week. Workers are out in the lobby taking up the cement with jackhammers. I think they may be done now. Maybe I can think again. We were having problems with cracks in the floor, so it was decided to take up the cement and put in a regular sub-floor before putting the tiles down. Hopefully, this will eliminate the cracking problem. It's gonna look great when its done.

The children's library isn't done yet. It's almost ready to go, but the lobby work and vents for the locker rooms have delayed our move in. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks that will all be ready to go.

As you can see, lots of work has been done on the outside of the building. The elevator shaft is moving right along.

OK. This Friday you can come see District 9 out our theater. I can't wait to see this movie. In the library we added Disney Nature Earth to our collection along with two classic Elvis movies -- G.I. Blues and Jailhouse Rock. We also have State of Play a really good movie that is a must see.

I am going to be on vacation for a little while starting next week, so hopefully someone will keep the blog updated for us all to read. I will be interested to see the progress taking place while I am gone.

--Anne

New Movie Tuesday

2009-08-25T15:06:00.002-04:00

Just a quick update today.

We added Duplicity, Adventureland, Fighting, Lonely Are the Brave and Sunshine Cleaning to our DVD shelves today. A great collection of movies.

The next movie at the theater will be Aliens in the Attic. A great movie for your kids.

It has been noisy here this week. Lots of drilling through cement. And more next week. The lobby floor will be removed next week and that means no kids library will be available and no bathrooms!!! It's going to be a fun week. Let's hope it goes very quickly.

New Pictures of the building.

2009-08-18T11:53:00.004-04:00

GI Joe is coming to Harbor Beach! Come see the movie at our beautiful theater. Especially if its raining or if its really hot, come enjoy our air conditioning!

We finally have the Hannah Montana movie for rent. I imagine it is going to be in high demand amongst the young set. We also have Elmo and the Bookaneers, an appropriate movie for a library to own. And for the adults we have The Last House on the Left. Just don't watch it alone in the dark.

Work has been progressing nicely on the renovations. We just need the carpeting laid and the ceiling installed to move the books to the new kids library. Hopefully it will get done in the next 10 days. As soon as we move the kids library, they will begin working on Vicki's office and the local history room.

New renovation photos.

More pictures.

2009-08-14T12:30:00.003-04:00

The lobby, elevator and stair area.

The new children's library. The green is darker than it appears in the pictures.

It's Tuesday again.

2009-08-11T15:04:00.003-04:00

Another week has gone by. Lots of progress has been made. The kids library is all painted and looks great. We just need the carpet and the shelves and we can move in. Hopefully, that will be the end of next week or the beginning of the next. They were outside pouring cement for the entrance way today. So soon, they will start working on the next level. I will try and post pictures on Friday.

So the movie starting on Friday is G-Force. A great movie for the kids. We added two new dvd's today to our collection. 17 Again and I Love You, Man. Both very funny and must rents. Its been a slow summer for dvd releases. It should start picking up again in the fall.

Have a great day and enjoy all the lovely warm weather we are supposed to have for the next week or so.

--Anne

Tuesday

2009-08-04T16:35:00.003-04:00

Well, I came back from vacation and its summer here finally. Very warm out isn't it. Things are progressing nicely in the renovations. The kids library is ready to be painted. In just a few weeks it should be ready for us to move the books in. We can hardly wait.

Harry Potter starts at the theater Friday. Hopefully you all come out to see it. I have been waiting for it to come to our theater. I really enjoy watching movies here, the seats are so comfortable and the prices are very reasonable.

We added 3 new DVD's today. Obsessed, The Soloist and Race to Witch Mountain. Have you checked out any of our DVD's lately?

Pictures

2009-07-29T13:23:00.005-04:00

The children's library is seeing lots of progress. The drywall is all up and waiting for the mudders to come and do their job.

The Common room landing for the elevator will be where the windows are in this pictureBoy Scout room and the increase in space.The wall goes up.

Hump Day

2009-07-22T17:09:00.002-04:00

Well there are finally walls going up inside the pit. I don't have pictures yet. But I promise to post some next week. Hopefully, the drywalling will commence in the new children's library very soon. It's getting there.

Transformers starts on Friday at our theater. There will only be one show on Friday and Saturday due to the length of the movie. Stop by and enjoy the show.

We added two new movies this week to the shelves--Coraline and Watchmen. Both are good, so make sure you check them out.

It's Friday Again

2009-07-17T13:26:00.002-04:00

We have been seeing some progress in the renovations this week. After a little hiccup, the cement has been poured and the very soon you will see walls going up for the elevator and stair area. Also the floor is being constructed in the children's library. It's nice to see changes occurring in the building. Hopefully sometime in August the children's library will be completed and we will begin moving things in. That will be exciting.

We only added one new DVD this week. A Haunting in Connecticut. Next week will have a few more movies. Stop in on Tuesday to find out what is new.

At the movies starting tonight is The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. I am going, how about you?

New Pictures.

2009-07-10T13:17:00.006-04:00

Looking up at the stairway that is no longer there.

And at the bottem.

Outside where the elevator will be. Very slowing getting done.

It's July

2009-07-07T11:48:00.003-04:00

Well, it's July and sometimes it feels like summer out there. But other days, not so much.

It's been a little while since I posted. The workers have been here doing a lot of jack hammering, removing the east stairs. It's almost all gone now. Some work as been done in that pit also. Very slowly, things are finally happening. Hopefully I will post pictures soon.

We haven't had a lot of new movies added to our DVD collection. It's been a slow few weeks. This week we added Knowing, Push and Unborn, all exciting movie. We also added a documentary called Inside the Koran. A very interesting video. Be sure to check it out. Last week we added for the kids Care Bears: Tell Tale Tummies and for the adults--12 Rounds, Street Fighter, Crossing Over and Smother.

Starting Friday in the theater will be The Hangover, rated R but it's supposed to be very funny.

--Anne

2009-06-24T13:28:00.003-04:00

Well, summer has finally arrived hasn't it? Somedays you really appreciate the air conditioning.

Not much has been happening recently with the construction. There were a couple of hold ups while situations were addressed. But hopefully soon, they will be back here working hard and more progress will be made.

We had a few new movies added this week. For the younger set we have Inkheart and Pink Panther 2 and for the ladies we have Confessions of a Shopaholic. Very cute movie. And new additions to the classic movies are High Noon on DVD and We Were Dancing. We even added a VHS tape to the collection, The Addams Family. Stop by and check a movie out today.

At the theater we have Terminator Salvation starting on Friday. I have been waiting to see that one.

See you at the movies.

Friday, the weekend begins

2009-06-19T09:21:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been a busy noisy week here. The work is progressing on the removal of the stairwell. It's very loud in the library. Luckily they are only working a half day today. But its hard to think will all the noise.

The summer reading program officially began on Monday. Lots of kids have signed up and are reading like crazy. That's always nice to see. There is still time to sign up. We have family movies every Monday night at 7pm in the theater. Admission is free, so bring the kids and the grandparents. It's fun for everyone! Monday's program is card making for the kids. They will make some beautiful cards. So mark that down and make sure the kids show up.

Tuesday, a new day.

2009-06-09T15:28:00.005-04:00

It's been a messy few days in the Community house. The guys were back working and that means there is progress to see. This is some of the work done yesterday in the stairwell. Part of the walls have been taken out and in the process a second set of stair was found going up into the Boy Scout Room. It's a big mess right now. Hopefully, they will be back soon to get more done.

Looking down from the Boy Scout Room
The Women's Club Room.

The duel stairs.

We have a few new movies added to our shelves today. Fired Up, Gran Torino and the International. Come in and check them out. Starting Friday at the theater is Up. I can't wait to see that movie. Don't forget to use the popcorn coupon. Do you know where to find it?

--Anne

Monday and work continues.

2009-06-08T15:41:00.005-04:00

This was work done about a week ago. The new Children's library getting framed in.

And the walls start going in. This is today.

2009-06-02T13:38:00.004-04:00

It's quiet here again today. The construction crew is working somewhere else right now. They will be back soon and making lots of noise again.

Today we added some good movies. If you like Chick Flicks we have two -- He's Just Not that Into You and New In Town. For dramas we have Revolutionary Road and Defiance both very good movies. Two new classic movies are Kind Hearts and Coronets and To have and Have Not. So come check out our movies.

In the theater we have Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian starting Friday. So don't miss that!

So the bleachers are gone and there was quite a mess underneath. This pictures show some of the interesting finds. I would post a picture of what it looks like now that it's been framed in some, but I don't have access to the picture today. Maybe tomorrow.

The weekend is here.

2009-05-29T17:10:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!

It was a nice warm day, but it has gotten a bit cooler now. I have added a new widget down at the bottom of the page that shows a shelf of interesting books to read. If you have suggestions for other additions let me know.

There was a little bit of work done yesterday on the new children's library. Its being framed in. It will be a nice room when its complete.

The big hole.

Wednesday and it's quiet

2009-05-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

The rain has kept the workers away today. No loud noices so far. They should be in framing in the kids library, but they aren't here yet. Next time it rains, they will be tearing out the stairs. I hope I don't work that day.

I was going to post some pictures, but it doesn't seem to be working for me today. So I will do it later or on Friday.

2009-05-26T10:01:00.003-04:00

Well, I sure hope you all had a great weekend. It wasn't very warm, but the sun was shining and that is always nice. We don't have any new movies this week for release. Next week will have some good ones. In the past few weeks we had several good movies come out on DVD such as Bride Wars, Paul Blart Mall Cop, Taken, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, and Valkyrie. Come check out a good movie.

Star Trek has been playing at our theater this week and its great. You still have a couple of days to see it, so don't miss it. On Friday starts X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Here are more pics of the work.

The Gym before.

Look what's happened this week.

2009-05-22T16:56:00.003-04:00

Are you going to the movies this week? We have Star Trek here. I know I will be there tonight. And we have 2 shows on Friday and Saturday again. I guess its almost summer. Sure felt like it yesterday. But not so much today.

Lots of stuff has been happening in the last few days. See what they did to the gym.

Before

For Your Information

2009-05-19T14:03:00.006-04:00

Renovation has begun!

2009-05-19T10:29:00.006-04:00

We have a new temporary door installed so watch where you are going when you come to the library. Today they are tearing off the old entrance.

Here are some pictures. As soon as I can find the camera, I will take some of the work they are doing right now.

Finally got more pictures to show you. Here is the entrance disappearing.

Construction

2009-05-11T13:42:00.003-04:00

Today's the official first day, but not much has happened yet. We moved things to get ready, but we are waiting. The new door should be in by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

It's the middle of the week.

2009-05-06T15:47:00.002-04:00

Yep, it's hump day. The work week is almost over.

Sorry I forgot to post yesterday about the new releases. But I got so busy I just plum forgot. Speaking of Plum. It's only a few weeks away until the new Janet Evanovich book is released. I can't wait. I know there are a lot of other readers out there dying to read the next installment of the life of Stephanie Plum.

So the new movies for the week are Barbie Presents Thumbalina for the young girls, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (I loved this movie), Last Chance Harvey (I loved this one too) and Wendy and Lucy (not sure what I think about this one). Several interesting choices for everyone.

At the theater this week is Hannah Montana and then on Friday starts 17 again. Hope you all come out to see the shows.

IN JUST A FEW DAYS WE BEGIN CONSTRUCTION!! We have already been moving things around to get ready. One of the first things that will happen is a new door will be put in. This needs to be done, since the main door will be inaccessible. Eventually the kids library will have to be temporarily moved for work to proceed on the elevator. It's going to be a fun summer! Keep checking back for pictures.

--Anne

Renovation

2009-04-21T14:34:00.003-04:00

It's getting closer. In just a few short weeks we should be breaking ground for the addition. The staff here has been working hard getting things ready. Cleaning out rooms that are slated for remodel. What used to be the Civil Defense room and also storage has been cleaned out waiting for the work to commence. That's were the new children's library will be.

We have been storing some of the Juvenile Fiction books to make room for where the temporary door will be. One set of shelves has to move, so off to storage goes some books until the work is all done. If you discover that a book you really want isn't on the shelf we can look for it in storage.

It's exciting that this project is about to begin. Finally.

So we also added a few new movies this week: The Wrestler and Frost/Nixon. Both had several Oscar nominations and are very good movies. For the kids we have Dora Saves the Snow Princess and Barbie in a Christmas Carol. It's a little past the season, but the kids will love it anyway.

Friday at the Theater is a special showing of the movie Fireproof. It's about a heroic fireman (Kirk Cameron) in a failing marriage who takes up his father's challenge to be part of a 40-day experiment designed to teach both husband and wife the real meaning of commitment. There will be a second showing of this movie in May.

Starting Saturday and playing through April 30th will be Duplicity with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. I can't wait to see that movie.

---Anne

A laugh for the day.

2009-04-14T12:11:00.005-04:00

Just thought I would post this comic. It's from a series called Unshelved. It's all about libraries and is very funny. And this one hits close to home. Fridays in the winter can be very crazy in the library when the country schools come in the use the library and the gymnasium, and we also have storyhour and Young 5's from Zion Lutheran visit. What a day.

We have a couple of new DVD's today. The Reader (starring Kate Winslet in her Oscar winning performance) and The Spirit. Plus there are several new free DVD's. Come check them out.

Good news! We have Monsters Vs. Aliens starting at the theatre on Friday. I have been waiting to see this one. It looks very funny. I sure hope I see you there.

--Anne

Oh. Just wanted to add, I finished reading a very good science fiction book this weekend. It's call Infected by Scott Sigler. Most of the action takes place in Michigan around Ann Arbor and the finale of the book is outside of Caro! The author is from Michigan. Check this one out.

It's April

2009-04-07T15:33:00.002-04:00

Why do we have snow? The poor flowers are trying to grow but have to suffer in the cold and snow for a while yet.

We have lots of new movies to report this week. We have both the 2009 and 1951 versions of The Day the Earth Stood Still. Another classic added to our shelves is A Streetcar Named Desire. For the family we have The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town, Bedtime Stories and The Tale of Desperaux. Or how about Doubt, a very good movie starring Meryl Streep. And we also have Yes Man with Jim Carrey. Quite a selection this week.

New music: Wide Open by Jason Aldean, Unstoppable by Rascal Flatts, and Fork in the Road by Neil Young.

At the movies on Friday starts Knowing with Nicolas Cage. Should be a good one. I know I am gonna be there.

A little humor for the day.

Q: Did you hear about the dyslexic Satanist?
A: He sold his soul to Santa

TGIF

2009-04-03T09:29:00.001-04:00

Well, the nice weather has ended. With all this rain, We sure hope no one is affected by any flooding.

Here is a very interesting article in the New York Times about libraries and the stresses the economy has put on them. If you can't read it directly, you may have to register.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/us/02library.html?emc=eta1

Movie Day

2009-03-31T16:29:00.004-04:00

Hey there. Just a quick post to let you know what DVD's and CD's have been added.

DVD's -- You can see the Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, or how about Marley and Me or Seven Pounds. All are great movies. And for Easter we have The Easter Story.

In New music we added new releases by Keith Urban, Rodney Atkins, Gavin DeGraw and John Rich. Check them out.

Starting on Friday we will be showing Race to Witch Mountain starring the Rock. Bring the kids and have fun.

See you next time.

--Anne (who has been enjoying all the sunshine, even if its not that warm)

2009-03-30T18:02:00.001-04:00

Check out this youtube video. It's very funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHX-SjgQvQ

Did you know

2009-03-30T16:18:00.001-04:00

DID YOU KNOW . . .

You can read Consumer Reports Online?

Go to mel.org, select MeL Databases, and select General OneFile from the list of Resources type in the product your are searching for and select Consumer Reports in the publication list.

You can find new & used car prices and blue book values online?

Check Kelley Blue Book at http://www.kbb.com/ and http://www.nadaguides.com/

You can find all kinds of interesting facts online?

Check out http://www.cia.gov/ or www.bartleby.com/124/ (for presidential inaugural addresses) or find distances on www.indo.com/distance. Or if you really need the answer to a sports question try www.ncaa.org/stats.

If you want to know more interesting web sites. Check with your librarian. We have a list of great resources on the web.

Don't forget the concert this weekend!

2009-03-18T14:51:00.003-04:00

Don't forget that we have the Rockabilly Strangers playing in the theater this Sunday at 2pm. It should be a fun show. The band has one mission and that is to rock out the best rockabilly music from the past, present and future. I hope to see you there. Remember the concert is free, but we do ask for donations at the door.

If you check out our card catalog now you will find a new category of books. Ebooks. We have added 65 new books to our library and they are all electronic. You can preview them in the catalog and if you want, you can check them out to read at the library or at home. You will need to have a destiny account to access the books. The list is filled with classics, many that we do not have in book format. Check it out.

-- Anne

St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T12:31:00.002-04:00

Top of the morning, to ya.

It's a gorgeous day in Harbor Beach. I wish I could go outside and actually enjoy the sun and warm temps, but I am stuck inside as I usually am on a Tuesday. Hopefully, you all get outside today. The nice streak ends tomorrow, rain and cold temperatures return.

I am sure many folks are going out tonight to celebrate. Be careful!!

I added a few new movies this week. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Rachel Getting Married and Happy Go Lucky. All good movies. We have added some great movies on DVD lately, Make sure to come check them out.

Saturday is the big day--Twilight comes to DVD! I guess I will finally see the movie. I missed it in the theaters. We are showing Taken at the theater starting Friday. That sounds like an exciting movie.

If its Tuesday it must be raining?

2009-03-10T12:06:00.004-04:00

It's always interesting to see what books and movies our patrons like to check out. Many of our patrons really enjoy the old (I should say classic) movies. It must be the same around the state. I am trying to order a movie for one of our patrons and there a lots of copies out there in Michigan, but not one is available for interlibrary loan. Usually we can find at least one copy for you, but sometimes the title is very popular or very rare and we just aren't successful. We do our best but sometimes, it just isn't possible.

Ever since we made all of the VHS tapes and the older DVDs free, the circulation of those items is through the roof. I am very happy to see these items being checked out. It's better than them just sitting on the shelf gathering dust or being weeded.

We have a few new movies this week. You can see Sean Penn's Oscar winning performance in "Milk" or see Beyonce in "Cadillac Records" and there is also the comedy "Role Models". Stop in an check out a movie today.

Also wanted to remind you we have "Gran Torino" at the theater. There we lots of requests for this movie, so come and check it out.

--Anne

Renovations

2009-02-27T18:21:00.004-05:00

We are getting so close to the renovation beginning. Almost all the work has been approved and bids will be going out soon. Maybe in May you will see the construction beginning! It's really exciting to think we are finally going to begin this work that we have been planning for years. You will want to keep track of the blog during the summer and fall, we will try and post lots of pictures of the work progress. I know I can't wait for it all to begin. (Let's hope nothing happens to delay the process again.)

Feb. 24

2009-02-24T10:03:00.003-05:00

Well, we are nearing the end of February. If you are tired of winter, then that is a good thing. Before we know it, spring will be here. The flowers will be in bloom and then we will start complaining about how hot it is.

Its been a busy month at the library. Hard to keep up with the blog. Did you all watch the Academy Awards on Sunday? I did and I am looking forward to see Slumdog Millionaire, and Milk and The Reader. Some of those winners are coming out soon on DVD. Watch for them here at the library. I know the last 2 are already on order.

This month we have had some good movies to rent. If you like movies about the CIA and the war on Terror, check out Body of Lies. The Changeling and Flash of Genius are also very good movies. And for the young kids we have High School Musical 3. You won't be able to sit still watching it, you will want to be up dancing. Today's releases are Fireproof, The Haunting of Molly Hartley and What Just Happened.

We have some new audiobooks by John Grisham and James Patterson added today. Also new books by Danielle Steel and J.D. Robb.

We have Bride Wars on at the theater starting Friday. Come check it out. Don't forget to check out http://www.hbadl.org/ and find the discount popcorn coupon!

---Anne

A new week begins.

2009-02-08T13:12:00.002-05:00

It is an absolutely gorgeous day outside and it was a great weekend. It didn't rain for the Winterfest and the sun was actually shining for 3 days in a row. Did you watch those fireworks? They were great.

Why don't you top of your weekend by going to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Its nominated for 13 Oscars and is a great movie. I am going to try and go.

--Anne

2009-02-03T11:38:00.003-05:00

Good morning. It appears that the ground hog saw his shadow yesterday, so that means 6 more weeks of winter. Gee what a surprise. And it's snowing again. I would have been really surprised if he had said that spring was right around the corner. Lets hope spring isn't late in coming this year.

I hope all of you down in Florida and other warm locations are enjoying your winter.

We have several new DVD's and audiobooks releasing today. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a cute movie with a great soundtrack and we have Space Buddies for the little ones. Our last release is The Secret Life of Bees. I do want to see that one. We also have the new Fray CD.

Our new audiobooks include Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich (very funny), Texas! Lucky by Sandra Brown, Fire & Ice by Julie Garwood, Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods, Bone by Bone by Carol O'Connell, and Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C.J. Box. Great stuff for those who enjoy listening to their books.

We got lots of new books in and I am working as fast as I can to get them on the shelves. Check out our website for a list. http://www.hbadl.org/

--Anne

Friday Jan. 30th

2009-01-30T16:30:00.004-05:00

Well, last Saturday we had Gamefest and it was great. Twenty-two kids showed up and played games, danced (with Dance Dance Revolution) and ate. Check out the pictures below. If you attended Gamefest and had a great time, comment here and let everyone know. Joel is trying to have a statewide Gamefest this year. Maybe some of our local kids will become state champs at Rock Band. We think Gamefest went so well, we hope to do it again. Check back in the future to see when we schedule another one.

Super Smash Brothers Brawl

Lets rock on Rock Band

Kyle, helping set up.

Some of the kids rocking out to Guitar Hero

Dance, Dance, Revolution

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!

2009-01-27T12:05:00.002-05:00

The Huron County Libraries have joined with the Huron County Human Development Commission Retired and Senior Volunteer Program to work on the Huron County Adult Literacy Project.

We need volunteers to help us make this project work. There are two kinds of volunteers that we need:

On the first Monday of each month, we want to have help available to people on a walk-in basis. This might be someone who wants help writing a letter or thank you. It might be someone who wants help reading their bills or a recipe. Our Library is open from noon-8pm on Monday so we will need someone available to help during those hours, only on the first Monday of each month. I would like to get at least 6 people to volunteer to take a noon-4 or a 4-8 shift. The more volunteers that we have, the less frequently each person will have to work….unless someone would be happy volunteering each month.

We also need volunteers who are willing to go through a short training program to be tutors. These volunteers would work one on one with people who want to advance their reading skills.

If you are interested in volunteering to help on the 1st Monday of each month at the Library or interested in being a regular tutor, please talk to Vicki at the Library.

TGIF

2009-01-23T14:43:00.004-05:00

Yeah. It's Friday. That means the weekend is here. Now what are you going to do with your weekend? Stay at home and watch a movie? Maybe read a book? I may do some of both. And visit my grandson.

How about this. If you are in grades 5 through high school come attend our Gamefest on Saturday. It should be lots of fun. And we will have food! It's free and you can't beat that.

You could also go see Marley and Me at the theater. 7 pm each night.

In two weeks will be Winterfest. Keep the weekend free and join in the fun. I am sure it will be more fun than last year and last year was a blast. And you know we will have plenty of snow.

Anne

Friday

2009-01-16T13:56:00.003-05:00

Brrrrrrr. It sure is cold. But just think, spring will be here soon. I hope.

There are many activities to do around the county, even in the cold weather. Don't forget to check into some of them.

One that will be coming to our library is Gamefest. It is happening on Jan. 24th in the Common Room of the Community House from 1 pm until 2:30 pm. Gamefest is open ot Teens and Preteen, 5th grade and above. The kids will be able to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl, DanceDance Revolution, Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3. They can even bring there Nintendo DS or PSP to challenge other gamers. Its should be lots of fun. So mark date and brings your kids for this fun day.

Friends of the Library needs more friends.

2009-01-14T12:30:00.003-05:00

Our Friends of the Library group can always use more friends. We meet 4 to 6 times a year and help plan and organize activities that happen at the library. Every year we need help at our book sale and during the Summer Reading program. We have the winter concert series that we need volunteers for and the free movies that we offer all year round. In the future will be be helping plan and purchase furniture for the newly renovated children's and possible other items for the library when the renovation work is completed.

We are having a Friends of the Library meeting on Jan. 20th. We will be meeting in the library at 5:30 pm. So think about becoming one of our friends. We promise we will be nice.

2009-01-13T14:00:00.003-05:00

Well, hello. It's nice to be here at the library again. Even if the weather outside is making it difficult to get around.

We have lots of exciting new movies to rent and even movies you can see in the theater for free.

First, Don't forget about our Classic movies at the Theater. This month we are showing West Side Story and Orchestra Wives. The next showing for these is on Jan. 20th. Orchestra Wives will be on at 10 am and West Side Story will show at 7 pm.

Our new DVD's for this week are Appaloosa, Brideshead Revisited, Mirrors, My Best Friend's Girl and Swing Vote. You can check out reviews for these movies at www.fandango.com or www.imdb.com. Our prices are still $2 for 3 day rentals. Last week we added Babylon AD, Bangkok Dangerous, Disaster Movie, Pineapple Express and Righteous Kill.

Since we are a library, we should probably mention a few books too. We have the new Janet Evanovich book, Plum Spooky here. You just need to add your name to the waiting list. We also have the Delia's Heart by V.C. Andrews and Mounting Fears by Stuart Woods. Lets not forget Running hot by Jayne Ann Krentz and for the cooks amongst you we have Martha Stewart's Cooking School. And those are just a few of the new entries.

During these cold days of January, stop in a check out a good movie or a good book--if you can get out of your driveway!

2009-01-05T19:28:00.003-05:00

HAPPY 2009!!! We at the Harbor Beach Library hope this year is a good one for all and better than last year was.

There is an interesting article making the rounds about how libraries are busier in these tough economic time. Here is the link

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/27/BA4814U7KK.DTL

The Day After

2008-12-26T15:26:00.002-05:00

It's Dec. 26th and now our lives slow down right? Only 364 till Christmas! Soon we must put away all the decorations and then bundle up until spring arrives. I can't wait until spring. I know I am tired of all the snow already.

In the spirit of the holiday. This website from the U.S. Census provides some interesting facts about the holidays.

http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/012876.html

Enjoy your day.

2008-12-19T12:34:00.006-05:00

With bitter winds blowing snow all over today, we thought we would post pictures of our Christms decorations.