The Bookbag

July - August - September 1998
Volume 22, No. 1

Table of Contents

| What's New | Library Information | Community Information | Internet Resources |Index

Computers at the Library

--Jackie Frye

The Harnett County Library System has always tried to keep up on the technology freeway. We may drive on the right side of the road sometimes but we do stay between the lines. All the Harnett County Libraries now have Internet access. It is a big step for us and some of us are learning as we go so, please be patient.

The main library has three computers with Internet access, maybe more soon. This source of information is limitless. (Check out NC LIVE and Grolier ® next time you are here.) We do have a few rules so take the time to read the policy. Just a little reminder to all who use the Internet, everywhere you visit is stored in the computer. We can sit down and look at everything you looked at. The library is a public place, please treat it as such. Please always sign up to use the Internet computers and there is 20 minute limit if there is someone waiting to use it.

The Main library has a computer lab available to the public. These computers can be used on a first come-first serve basis. We limit the time to an hour if there is someone waiting to use one, so you need to be prepared. Currently there are 3 computers in the lab, hopefully by the time this is printed there will be 4.

We offer a 1 hour computer orientation twice a week. This allows patrons a chance to schedule a time to learn how to use the word processor. Workshops will be at 10:00 AM Tuesdays and 3:00 PM Wednesdays. There will be a sign-up sheet at the desk.

Printing from all the computers in the library is $.10 per page. Be sure you know what you are printing before you press that button. Once it is printed it is yours and you need to pay for it. We have a very nice printer and would like to keep the price down. If you need more than one copy of something please use the Xerox machine. If our price of $.20 a copy is too steep there are other places in town less expensive, you will not hurt our feelings by going there.

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--Wanda Gregory, President

Are you a member of the Friends of the Library? For only $2.00 a year or $50.00 for a life membership you will receive our newsletters telling about our projects and programs at the library. You will be a part of a group that cares about promoting excellent library services. We try to promote knowledge of the library'’ functions, resources, and services. As the Friends of the Library we try to help the library purchase items that help make their jbos more efficent. We plan a variety of programs duing the year that are free to the public. Consider joining!

Memberships can be mailed to the library: POB 1149, Lillinton, NC 27546 or you can bring it the next time you visit the library.

If you have a change in yoru mailing address, please call and let the library inow. This will help update our records. Remember that your membership runs from january to January. Is your membership up-to-date?

The Friends still have used books for sale. If you have books we can sell, bring them to the library or call Wanda (919)639-2887 if you need assistance getting them to the library.

The Board of Directors thank you for your support!

Officers for 1998:

Wanda Gregory, President Lois Byrd, Vice President

Martha Shaw, Treasurer Sue Glasby, Secretary

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Calendar

August

ELVIS WEEK - Aug 8-16 - Memphis, TN. Each year Elvis fans from around the world visit Memphis as Aug 16th marks the anniversary of Elvis Presley's death (Aug 16, 1977) at his beloved home, Graceland Mansion. More than 35 events occur throughout the city with special events sponsored by Graceland. The tribute known as "Elvis Week" includes the candlelight vigil on the evening of Aug 15 at Graceland Mansion.

SCOTT, SIR WALTER: BIRTH ANNIVERSARY - Aug 15, 1771 Born at Edinburgh, Scotland he was a poet and novelist. Some of his more noted works include, The Heart of Midlothian, Ivanhoe, and Rob Roy. He died at Abbotsford, Scotland, Sept 21, 1832.

WINTER HOURS for the Main Library begin August 31, 1998 - May 28 1999

CAROLINA CRAFTSMEN'S FALL CLASSIC - Sept 18-20 Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Arts and crafts. For information call or write The Carolina Craftsmen, 1240 Oakland Ave, Greensboro, NC 27403. Phone: (910) 274-5550. Fax: (910) 274-1084. Greensboro NC 27403

FAULKNER, WILLIAM CUTHBERT: BIRTH ANNIVERSARY - Sept 25, 1897

American novelist and short story writer William Faulkner (born Falkner) was born at New Albany, MS. A Nobel Prize winner who changed the style and structure of the American novel in this century, he died at Byhalia, MS, at age 64 on July 6, 1962. Faulkner's first novel, Soldiers' Pay was published in 1926. His best-known book, The Sound and the Fury, appeared in 1929. Shunning literary circles, Faulkner moved to a pre-Civil War house called Rowan Oak at the outskirts of Oxford, MS in 1930. From 1930 until the onset of World War II Faulkner published an incredible body of work. The Portable Faulkner appeared in 1946 and Collected Stories in 1950. In June of 1962 Faulkner published his last novel, The Reivers, and in July he died of a heart attack.

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--Cathey Clifton

The Harnett County Library acquires a number of books and other materials through tax-exempt gifts. Such gifts can be given as a memorial to someone who is deceased or as a tribute to a living person you wish to honor. These gifts are noted with a name plate, listing the person to be memorialized or honored and the person making the donation.

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New Local History Books

Guide to research materials in the North Carolina State Archives : County Records

--Cathey Clifton

For the many researchers interested in local history and genealogy, one of the most popular reference tools is Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives : County Records. A newly revised eleventh edition of this useful guide, which replaces all earlier editions in their entirety, is now available at the Harnett County Public Library.

The eleventh revised edition of the County Records Guide represents a major advancement in accuracy and standardization of listings. The illustrated volume includes previously misidentified source materials as well as records accessioned since the last guide published in 1988.

The new 363-page guide contains a list of the records for each North Carolina county housed in the State Archives as of May 1, 1997. It describes more than 9,000 bound volumes, 21,000 boxes of loose records, and over 24,000 rolls of microfilm, all of which are available to researchers working in the Archives.

To avoid confusion, records of each county are categorized as either original records or microfilm copies. Within those two categories records are grouped by the following series: bonds, census, corporations and partnerships, courts, elections, estates, land, marriage and vital statistics, military and pension, miscellaneous, officials, roads and bridges, schools, tax and fiscal, and wills.

Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives: County Records is paperbound and measures 81/2 x 11". It contains a wealth of information for its $15.00 purchase price. The Companion Volume Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives : State Agency Records is also available at the Harnett County Library. Both of these volumes are shelved in the Local History Room.

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--Cathey Clifton

The Harnett County Library recently presented certificates of appreciation to five groups for their continued support and many contributions to the Harnett County Public Library. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the Friends of the Harnett County Library, Harnett County Historical Society, Jr. Friends of the Library 4-H Club, and the Lee-Harnett Alliance for the Mentally Ill at the Clyde Edgerton event on Sunday, May 31, 1998.

A certificate of appreciation was also given to the Lillington Veterinary Clinic at their Open House held on May 30, 1998.

We thank and appreciate all of the users of the Harnett County Library community.

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--Cathey Clifton

The Library is continuing to receive many memorials in honor of family friends. When you donate to this fund in your pet’s name, the money will be used to purchase a book about animals and their care. A bookplate will be placed in the book with your pet’s name.

You can also contribute to this fund on behalf of a friend who has lost a pet. A card will be sent to the owner acknowledging that you have made this kind gesture.

Contact the Harnett County Library (910-893-3446) if you are interested in this program.

The following memorials were placed in the Harnett County Public Library by Dr. Hagler & Staff of the Lillington Veterinary Clinic since the April, May, June 1998 issue of The Bookbag.

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Summer Doings
--William Cole

Some at beaches
are sand-casting
Some are silly—
Fighting, rasseling!
Some are swimming,
Camping, hiking.
Some say stickball
is their liking.
Some on bikes are
Gaily speeding,
Some are smarter—
SUMMER READING!

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--Jackie Frye

The library belongs to you, without the patrons there would not be a library. This is a true set-in-stone fact. The library staff works hard to protect your investment in the library. With the new 911 addressing we are receiving a large amount of returned mail. This cost you as a tax payer postage and labor dollars. If we have not updated your address in the last 2 or 3 months please check with us next time you are in the library. It only takes a few minutes.

Another very painful topic we have to deal with as your library guardians is overdue materials. Again this cost you money in labor and materials to process these overdues. Most patrons return items on time and having a late item once in a while, this is not a problem. If you would like to keep the books you have checked out when they are due just give us a call and we will renew them for you if at all possible. Always remember we are you friends, if you receive a notice and do not believe the information is correct please call. It is that simple. If you do not call we have to assume our information is correct, then we will proceed with notices and other methods to get the materials returned. Every step we take in the attempt to get the materials back is costing you.

Please help us be good guardians of your library.

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Homebound Service

--Sue Johnson, Outreach Librarian

Ode to Glasses

Glasses are great
Glasses are fine

We break them and
abuse them

We need them and
use them

Then whimper and whine
"Oh, where did we put them
and loose them this time?"

We look all around in a panicky fear
Check all the same places
Ask everyone near

Before giving up and succumbing to dread
we dare to look up on top of our head!
Glasses for you
Glasses for me
Oh how we "old folk"
need glasses to see

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Dumb things
that happen to Stupid people or Trains, Planes, Automobiles and Buses

Summer vacations can be such times of wonder and discovery. This summer, our family vacation was just that. We wondered at a number of things and discovered we were very ignorant of others. The Collins and the Kellys flew to Alaska in July. The long flight from St. Louis to Anchorage was something that neither Becky Kelly nor I were looking forward to. Methods of coping with the plane flight included consumption of large quantities of Benadryl and "just not thinking about it." Little did we know that this particular mode of our transportation would be one of the more enjoyable.

The group arrived in Anchorage at 8:45 p.m. (their time); we were met by my cousin Chris, his wife Natalie, their nephew Brandon and very large polar bear. After they secured us in our rented apartment in Anchorage, the guys went off in search of the grocery store in the borrowed suburban of my other cousin, Scott. This marvelously roomy vehicle was to be our transportation for the next ten days. How else might we have maneuvered eight mostly large adults from Seward to Fairbanks.

Now, you have to realize that Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska. According to the World Almanac on NC LIVE the population is about 253,649 people and the total population of Alaska is only 607,007. So nearly half of that state’s population lives in a city half the size of Charlotte. 437,797 or about the size of Raleigh (236,707). When you consider that this state is one fifth the size of the entire United States, it helps us realize that there aren’t many folk per square mile (1).

I have two cousins who still live in Alaska, so it was like going home for a reunion. In fact, during our visit there were cousins, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and grandchildren around.

This is a beautiful state, with pristine rivers and streams, wildflowers and wildlife. We experienced it all—from bears in the backyard to an earthquake (measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale).

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Wanted - Adult Readers

--Georgette Dempster, Branch Librarian, Anderson Creek

Excuses, excuses, everyone has one. Even my own husband, he claims he never has the time to read. It’s funny though, because he has a favorite reading room--that’s why we have two bathrooms. Now that I think of it, I could complain, too. I could say that I am too tired; I had a hard day at work. Or here is an excellent one: the kids are driving me crazy. I’m sure all moms can relate to that one time or another.

However, I do find the time to read in bed at night when everything is quiet. How about you? Could you find the time? Here are a few reading suggestions that might tickle your interest.

Do you like a good thriller? Want to sit on the edge of your bed in suspense? Then I suggest Mary Higgins Clark, Into the Night. Then maybe someone can tell me why the heroine doesn’t use the key in her pocket!?!

How about a family trilogy? Anne Rice does it again with the Mayfair Witches, Lasher, and The Witching Hour. It’s a bit different than her usual writing on vampires, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. It pertains to a family ghost that gets passed down from generation to generation. I like the way Anne Rice describes New Orleans, Garden Street, and of course the old architecture. I am also a nature nut, so I really enjoy her use of flowers, plants, and trees in these stories. You can almost picture the sights, sounds, and the smells. It does get a bit ghastly in parts. We wouldn’t enjoy her writing so much if she didn’t paint these pictures.

How about a "who-done-it?" It’s an oldie, but a goodie. This one is by a North Carolina author, Ben Haas. In the book, Daisy Canfield, Mr. Haas tells you about a murder, gives you the suspects for the killers and introduces you to a police chief who you can relate to. How does it end? Read and find out.

Finally, I’ve saved the best one for last. Do you like serene, pastoral settings? A little nostalgic for times in the past? I suggest the quiet works of Garrison Keillor. In his book, Lake Woebegon Days I guarantee this book will put you in the mood to fall fast asleep feeling safe, sound and secure.

I hope you will stop into your Public Library and pick up one of these books. No matter what mood you’re in, remember you can always find it at the library.

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Anderson Creek News

--Georgette Dempster

I’ve worked in libraries off and on for years. Anderson Creek by far has been the most interesting. The unique idea of a joint facility with school and county libraries will be rewarded in time.

We are now in the process of concluding our Summer Reading Program. My thanks to Assistant Carolyn Norris for doing and continuing to do a great job! I would also like to thank Vickie West for helping and contributing the refreshments, as well as all the program presenters we had visit this summer.

We now have access to the Internet and NC LIVE. We will continue to receive new books , videos, magazines, and newspapers. On July 27^th the library went to its winter hours. Look for the fall program schedule coming soon on Saturdays.

I’ve enjoyed meeting the staff at the Anderson Creek Primary School and look forward to helping all patrons in the future.

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--Gigi Hughes

Erwin Library has new employee, Sheryl Pearson, who comes to our library from the Harnett County Library, where she was the branch librarian at Anderson Creek Public Library. We are glad to have an experienced helper on board!

The Erwin Library enjoyed record numbers of young people who signed up for the Summer Reading Program this year. One hundred and sixty-seven children met at the Erwin Library for games, stories, music and lots of fun.

We also have something very special to help the students this fall. The Library now has access to the Internet, and the large number of databases that NC LIVE provides. So next time you have a question, project, want to look for a job, or just want to surf the net, come by and check it out. There is also a computer for the public to use for word processing, MS Word. You can write a resume, term paper, or just sharpen those keyboarding skills.

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Coats News - Learning with Technology

-- Pallavi Raval, Coats Librarian

The past few weeks at the Coats Library have been very exciting. We are gratetfu1 to have a brand new computer with Internet access. With our new system patrons have been able to type papers, do research, and just surf the information superhighway at their convenience. This is a privilege we can use to go shopping, do business, search for a job, talk to a friend, play a game, listen to music, look up information, and experience the unlimited educational value of technology. Come and explore the limitless opportunities--the challenge is yours!!! Use your facilities, it is for all ages to enjoy. Come spend some time at the Coats Library.

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Dunn Notes - Children's Room Almost Complete

--Jill Bowen

Even without all its furnishings, the new children's room at the Dunn Public Library was the focus of the most successful Summer Reading Program ever.

The room, created by encasing an unused patio at the rear of the building, served as the site of "ooohs"" and "aaahs" as Mark Daniel, the magician-storyteller, pulled feathers from his pockets and a rabbit from his hat during a party to celebrate the conclusion of the Dunn Summer Reading Program.

More than 100 boys and girls of all ages participated and learned that reading is one of the most enjoyable pastimes of their summer vacation.

The new room will have coram-made bookcases, rotating racks, stand-alone shelves, areas for children's magazines and toys and lots of tables and chairs for reading and studying.

The room is courtesy of the Dunn City Council. Furnishings will be funded by the Friends of the- Dunn Library.

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Stephanie is gone! The call of the Wild Wake County School system was heard by our Angier Librarian, Stephanie Barrett. She will be the media specialist at the [name of school]. For now, her mother, Jean Yang and others from the County Library will be filling in until a replacement is named.

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Something Old, Something New -- At the Library!

--Laurel Jones

We had a pretty good turnout at our library at this year’s Summer Reading Program. The preschool children as well as the school -agers turned out to come and see: Burns and Company , a presentation by the Fire Marshall, musician Kathy Sutter, storyteller Peggy Brown, Smokey Bear, quilter Valarie Bailey and pilot Stanley Bass from the Harnett County Airport.

The Library’s Wednesday Storytime will resume on the fifth of August at 11:00 a.m. I will also be adding a weekly Puppet Show to our repertoire, which will be performed on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

Some of you who live in or near Wake County may be familiar with the Saturday Videos that are shown at some of their libraries. I will be starting a similar program of Saturday (Monthly) Movies, beginning on September 19^th, 1998.

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CIM Help

DOT AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE

If you own a car or truck that you feel has a safety defect, then your next stop should be a Hotline at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The DOT Auto Safety Hotline specializes in gathering information about safety problems in motor vehicles and equipment and is your chance to help identify these problems which sometimes lead to recalls. The Hotline can be dialed toll free at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

In operation since 1975, the DOT Auto Safety Hotline is the Agency’s "single point of contact," where you can obtain information about motor vehicle safety, child safety seats, vehicle importation and certification, and airbags. You may also speak with a consultant who will file a report on your vehicle’s safety defect and provide you with recall and other valuable information. All of these services are available by mail or fax from the Hotline, and through the Internet at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline where you can now file your safety defect on-line.

To have your company or organization participate in a DOT Auto Safety Hotline outreach program or order free literature contact Gene Luke at 703-734-7800 ext. 279, FAX 703-734-7808.

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Jr. Friends Field Trip

-Rachel Godwin

Saturday, June 6, the JR. Friends of the Library 4H club went to the Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT) in Pittsboro. There we played with and held baby ocelots, servals and caracals, then walked around the preservation and saw tigers, a lioness, binturongs, cougars, jaguar, leopards and so much more.

You can adopt animals from the CPT. The JR. Friends of the Library would like to adopt Morey, a 11 week old Ocelot. Adopting Morey would mean commitment of $750 a year for the life time of the animal.

Adoptive parents may visit on Sundays, build tree houses and play toys, or just spend time petting your furry pet. There are other animals you can adopt. For $500 dollars per year you can adopt a small animal like a civet, grison, kinkajou or margay. Medium size animals such as tayra, binturongs, caracals, ocelots, servals, and sun bears, you can adopt for $750 per year. Large animals such as clouded leopard, cougar, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard or a tiger, adopt for $1000. The cost of adopting Morey is only a little over $2.05 a day. When you add up all the care cost for a year this is not a lot of money. A plain old house cat will have over $100 a year in vet bills plus food and housing.

Carnivore Preservation Trust takes in rescued or abused animals. Around Christmas, Tigger, a 9-month-old Bengal tiger, was found in downtown Houston, chained to a tree and starving. After a two-day journey by panel van, the 6-foot-long, 350-pound cat arrived at his new home.

As you can see the CPT is a very good and caring group of people. Rescue is not CPT’s only cause. CPT's mission is to preserve genetic diversity among carnivores. Through captive breeding and education, CPT seeks to preserve genetically sound and sustainable populations of threatened mammals. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1973, relies on more than 400 volunteers and is funded through donations and grant.

Check out this site on these web sites for more information and pictures http://www2.emji.net:80/cpt/home.html

As much as the JR Friends would like to adopt Morey we will have to settle for having a fund raiser to make a donation and some volunteer work at CPT. If you are interested in joining our club or helping please contact Jackie Frye or a club member.

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REFERENCE Desk

--Dan Maynard

Several GUIDE Sheets and GUIDE Books have recently been produced to provide ready-reference access to the library’s print collection and electronic resources. GUIDE SHEET topics include: Writers Marketplace, Poetry, Bible Studies, Black History, Symbols, Medieval Studies, the Lighter side of reference (trivia), and more. Please check at the circulation desk or browse through the GUIDE SHEET binder on the homework table for current brochures.

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NC LIVE (North Carolina Libraries and Virtual Education)

Much has been said about NCLIVE, perhaps the best explanation is to let the material speak for itself! The following is a detailed listing of what is included in each of the NCLIVE databases only available via the Internet on the exceptionally fast (T1) HCPL public access computers.

There are five database vendors that have collected a host of resources for the citizens of North Carolina via the NC LIVE committees.

Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia

EBSCO Animals

Primary Search, designed for elementary schools and children's reading rooms gathers information on a wide range of general topics. Provides the full text of 40 magazines for young readers and abstracts and indexing for 130 magazines, searchable full text for over 109 pamphlets.

Health Source Plus (general health, nutrition, professional health care titles and medical journals; pamphlets) Find answers to personal health questions. Provides abstracts and indexing for nearly 500-consumer health, nutrition and professional periodicals in lay language.

MasterFILE FullTEXT 1500 provides abstracts and indexing for more than 3,100 periodicals, plus searchable full text for more than 1,500 active periodicals. Subjects covered include general reference, business, health, multi-cultural social science, education, science, humanities, news, current events and more.

Hoover's Company Profiles & Capsules Gain access to in-depth profiles of 2,600 public and private companies in the U.S. and around the world. This directory contains addresses, phone and fax numbers, sales and employment figures, and stock symbols.

Business Source Elite gathers business news from the most popular financial, banking, and industry publications worldwide. Covers international business, economics, management, operations, finance, accounting and labor. Provides comprehensive access to abstracts and indexing for over 1100 titles, including The Wall Street Journal, plus searchable full text for more than 655 business periodicals. Also includes Wall Street Words, a dictionary of financial terms.

Academic Search FullTEXT Elite (scholarly journals, peer-reviewed journals) Provides abstracts and indexing for over 3,100 scholarly journals covering the social sciences, humanities, education and more. Also offers full text for over 1,000 journals including 380 journals dating back to 1990. Total coverage includes over 3 million articles.

ERIC Created to assist researchers, teachers, and administrators. Provides citation and abstract information from over 750 educational journals and related documents from the Educational Resource Information Center and educational symposium report literature dating back to 1967.

The Serials Directory Provides the most up-to-date and accurate bibliographic information as well as current pricing structures for popular serials. Contains listings for over 150,000 U.S. and international titles, including 8,000 newspapers. Also includes data from over 87,000 publishers worldwide, including e-mail and Internet addresses.

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Jr. Friends in DC

--Brandi Howard

The Jr. Friends recent trip to DC was exciting and educational. The whole purpose of the trip was to attend ALA, the American Library Association Conference. The library enrolled all attending club members in ALA and paid their fee to attend the conference. While in DC, the Friends went to library meetings and participated in the vendors fair. The opening session meeting was very entertaining because the guest speaker was Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club. The Friends also participated in a tour of Mt. Vernon, home of the 1^st president George Washington. The National History museum, home of the Hope Diamond was another educational point of interest that the Friends decided to tour. After all the metro riding, tours and meetings we celebrated the trip with dinner at Planet Hollywood.

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Heard anything good lately?

Books on tape are a godsend for those of us who spend many hours on our backsides in a car. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to books that I wouldn’t necessarily read, except out of guilt and responsibility. Once such is the Pulitzer Prize winner, The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx.

It’s the story of an unusual man named Harold Quoyle. If ever there was a misfit, Quoyle is that person. He grows from an awkward, overweight child to a ponderous bumbling adult. His inability to distinguish between love and misery endear us to him. After his adulterous wife gets killed in a car accident, he and his daughters are talked in to returning to the land of his ancestors, Newfoundland. His aunt wants to return to her home before she dies, and she talks him into this new adventure. They begin life anew in this remote, frigid, beautiful country, and his talents bloom. Quoyle, an inept reporter is given the duty of the front page auto wreck and the shipping news--reporting on the comings and goings of the ships in the nearby harbor. He rebuilds his life and the lives of his children. Quoyle manages, finally to find success in a life that has known only failure. Come by the library and check it out the next time you’ve got a long way to travel. It’s 9 1 ½ hour cassettes (13:30 hrs), read by Kimberly Schraf. And if you prefer, we have it in paper form, if you’re not in the driver’s seat!

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