Friends of the Jones Library System News

Drag Queen Story Hour to be held at SC library, and not everyone is happy about it article from the Chicago Tribune. But the Friends would like to leave you with this:

Looking for something to do on a super cold Saturday?  Look no further!   (Click on image to enlarge.)  

The Zumbyes free concert @ 10:30 THIS Saturday before they putt.  Then? ALL the Amherst elementary school principals playing @ 1:00.    Then? Sam the Minuteman!!    THEN?! Amherst Massachusetts Fire Department @ 2:00!!!    All of this at the Jones Library for our Mini Golf Classic sponsored by UMassFive College Credit Union !     (Click on image to enlarge.)

Dear Friends, this is your Official Notification.  Tomorrow, January 30th , is National Croissant Day ! In addition to planning your breakfast accordingly, we also suggest you incorporate this important information in your second breakfasts, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, fika, dinner, and supper arrangements. Should you require some literary inspiration as you munch through the day, the Friends suggest pairing your croissants with hot dogs . Vivez les croissants!

Japanese secondhand bookstores have become one of the richest sources of classical Chinese texts. Learn more .

  Think you know all the words for lying lies and the liars who tell them? Think again, smartypants.

  (Click on image to enlarge.)

Use these 13 words to be a more effective writer. Because that's all you need to be an effective writer.  These 13 words. That's it. Done. You're welcome.

Five minutes a day of poetry. It's easy. It'll make you feel better.

Does anyone else feel like this bookshelf wouldn't be out of place on the set of Beauty and the Beast ?

Why yes, yes this article is from a year ago. And? STILL. TOTALLY. RELEVANT. We live in a small town. We have three lovely small town libraries (some smaller than others). This article is for us. Enjoy, Friends: In Praise of the Small Town Library .

"Babies look at adults to see where we're looking, so if we're glued to an electronic device, that's what will draw their gaze too." This Wall Street Journal article explains the need to read to our youngest, from the very beginning.

Quick, quick, QUICK! Go to the library and stock up on books and music and movies because hey, did you know? We're getting some honest-to-goodness snow, Friends! Breaking News: Winter Overnight Parking Ban The town of Amherst has declared a Town Parking Ban for Saturday, January 19, through Tuesday January 22. During this ban, parking is prohibited from midnight to 7:00 am on all town streets and in all town parking lots. There are THREE exceptions (listed below) where, during this period of the parking ban, overnight parking is allowed: 1. the lower level of the parking garage, 2. the town portion of the Pray Street lot, 3. in the town portion of the N Pleasant St lot (row closest to church only).  

In addition to being known for a strong sense of egalitarianism, silent worship, and a mean left hook, the Religious Society of Friends also has a prominent place in many works of fiction. Here's one literary Quaker's list of her Top 10 .

In a city were more than 60% of low-income households don't own any children's books, the Laundromat Story Time program is filling a void. This program was partially funded by Libraries Without Borders .  Learn more about them here .

And this Popular Science article gives you techniques  to help you read even more of them. Turn yourself into a bookworm.

Get out your Mini Golf Pants!   (Click on image to enlarge.)  

Whoooo wants to make some owls?   (Click on image to enlarge.)

Hey Friends, check out today's Daily Hampshire Gazette!   Now? Mark your calendars!

"I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Pooh.  "I wish I were there to be doing it, too."   (Click on image to enlarge.)

Where the Thirst for Literature Meets the Thirst for Beer.  

  (Click on image to enlarge.)

  (Click on image to enlarge.)

  (Click on image to enlarge.)  

Libraries aren't just for books. They're often spaces that transform into what you need them to be: a classroom, a cyber café, a place to find answers, a quiet spot to be alone. It's actually kind of magical. This week on This American Life, listen to stories of people who roam the stacks and find unexpected things that just happen to be exactly what they needed.

  (Click on image to enlarge.)

This month, for the entire month, the town libraries are granting us all amnesty. Patrons with overdue items, from ANY library, can return said items without having to pay overdue fines, explain all the details about where said items have been hiding in the house, or give up a firstborn child in compensation. Where's the catch? All you have to do, dear Friend, is help out other folks. (Not really a catch at all.) All three town libraries are collecting non-perishable food for the Amherst Survival Center in lieu of library fines. Barrels for food collection will arrive at the libraries tomorrow or Friday and then? Why then all your problems will be solved. All of 'em. Okay, actually we're all still responsible for lost or damaged stuff but other than that ? Amnesty, Friends. And helping out our very own community members. Pretty much a win-win.

Sorry....   (Click on image to enlarge.)