HastingsPublicLibrary - MI

We've moved the blog to our new website

2009-12-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

Come on over to www.hastingspubliclibrary.org

Beehive Collective of Maine Brings Innovative Picture Lecture to Hastings

2009-10-24T09:26:00.002-04:00

Elissa Hillary of Local First Talks About Strengthening Community this Tuesday October 27 at 6:30

2009-10-24T09:22:00.004-04:00

Moving Blog Soon, Bookmark The New Page!

2009-10-15T09:13:00.003-04:00

2009-10-15T09:08:00.002-04:00

Readers Theatre Troupe for 3rd through 5th Graders!
Meet on the third Wednesday of each month during the School Year, from 4:30 to 5:30pm in th Community Room.
New Scripts chosen monthly!
Must Sign-up at the Information Desk.
Call 945-4263 or email lgould@hastingspubliclibrary.com

2009-10-09T10:03:00.001-04:00

Calling All Teens - LOVE the Community with Reading

2009-10-07T13:47:00.003-04:00

Wild Things Invade the Hastings Public Library - Join The Fun!

2009-10-05T12:44:00.003-04:00

Kindergarten thru 2nd grader “Wild Things” will be meeting at the Library for Games, Snacks, Crafts and a Royal Rumpus in the Library Community Room from 1pm to 3pm on October 10th

2009-09-30T11:31:00.002-04:00

IT’S SUSTAINABILITY MONTH AT HPL

2009-09-28T16:56:00.006-04:00

Thursday Oct 1 Movie Memories – 5:15-8:00 (CR)
-------------------Book Club for Adults – “Stealing Buddha’s Dinner” by Bich Minh Ngugen6:30
Friday Oct 2 Pre-school Story Time – “Autumn” -- 10:30–11:00
Monday Oct 5 Teen Read to Feed Event begins
Tuesday Oct 6 Toddler Story Time – “Monsters & Wild Things” -- 10:30–11:00
-----------Teen Creative Writing Group meeting 4:30 (CR)
-----------Sustainabilty Program – 6:30-8:00 (CR)
------------Grand Rapids Museum LEED presentation
Wednesday Oct 7 Tweens meet – Pumpkin Fallicies 4:30-5:30 (CR)
---------------Movie Memories – 5:15-8:00 (CR)
Thursday Oct 8 Girls’ Night Out
Friday Oct 9 Pre-school Story Time – “Monsters & Wild Things” --10:30–11:00
Saturday Oct 10 Pre-K – 5 Party Celebrating “Where the Wild Things Are” – 1:30
Monday Oct 12 Craft of the Month – Carving Pumpkins for All Ages 6:00-8:00 (CR)
Tuesday Oct 13 Toddler Story Time – “Apples” --10:30–11:00
--------------TAB Meeting – 6:00 (CR)
--------------Sustainability Program – 6:30-8:00 (CR)
---------------Local Future presents Aaron Wiesner – “Money as Debt”
Thursday Oct 15 Movie Memories – 5:15–8:00 (CR)
Friday Oct 16 Pre-school Story Time – “Apples” -- 10:30–11:00
Saturday Oct 17 Anime Club – 12:00-3:00 (CR)
Monday Oct 19 “Read Beyond Reality” – TEEN READ WEEK
-------------HPL Board of Directors Meeting – 4:00 (CR)
Tuesday Oct 20 Toddler Story Time – 10:30–10:50
-------------Sustainability Program – 6:30-8:00 (CR) Vermiculture with Tom Wilkinson
Wednesday Oct 21 Tween Reader’s Theater – 4:30-5:30 (CR)
Thursday Oct 22 Movie Memories – 5:15–8:00 (CR)
Friday Oct 23 Pre-school Story Time – 10:30–11:00
Saturday Oct 24 Teen Lock-In with Games and Movie – 8:00-12:00 (CR)
Tuesday Oct 27 Toddler Story Time – “Halloween” --10:30–10:50
--------------Genealogy Club meets – 6:30-8:00 (MI Rm)
--------------Sustainability Program – 6:30-8:00 (CR)Valerie Burns, Local First
Thursday Oct 29 Movie Memories – 5:15–8:00 (CR)
Friday Oct 30 Pre-school Story Time – “Halloween” -- 10:30–11:00
--------------Tween Mystery in the Library – 5:00-7:00 (CR)
Saturday Oct 31 HALLOWEEN –Come in Costume to beg a Treat

OCTOBER CRAFT OF THE MONTH - PUMPKINS!

2009-09-23T18:29:00.002-04:00

Bring your own pumpkin or receive a small one.

RSVP AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Looking for pumpkin donations.

MYSTERY IN THE LIBRARY

2009-09-23T18:18:00.002-04:00

RSVP at the Information Desk and indicate if you want to be a part of the play.

PUMPKIN OVERLOAD (or just a few)?

2009-09-21T15:16:00.002-04:00

A shout out for pumpkins.

Please call Laura Gould with pumpkin donations (large or small). . .

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY

2009-09-18T11:11:00.005-04:00

The pirate life : unleashing your inner buccaneer
Baur, John.
Ahoy there, scallywags and sea wenches! Prepare to have your timbers thoroughly shivered. The two guys who accidentally invented International Talk Like a Pirate Day, experts in areas of pirate lore, pirate philosophy, and pirate fashion sense, here present a hilarious guidebook guaranteed to have landlubbers swashing their buckles in no time!

Shoot up the corporate ladder with your newfound pirate panache.
Discover how pirate-hood provides a solid platform for power and political gain.
Dive right in to the dangers and delights of dating pirate style.
Raise a family—and see how pirate tactics will keep your li’l swabbies in line.
Learn how to write your own pirate romance novel. Really, how can you beat that?
Packed with hundreds of tips and tricks, The Pirate Life is the quintessential life and career manual for buccaneers everywhere!

PIRATTITUDE!

JOHN BAUR & MARK SUMMERS

Join Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket in a rollicking lesson in how to bring pirattitude to your everyday life. Whether you're a scurvy dog or a saucy wench, you can join revelers worldwide in talking, plundering and swashing your buckles like a pirate 365 days a year.

Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket will provide you with:

Tips on how to make your party a buccaneer ball that even Martha Stewart would be proud of.
Help determining your true pirate monicker.
Sure-fire pirate pickup lines for any occasion (Prepare to be boarded!)
Find out who has pirattitude (Avril Lavigne, the Rolling Stones) and who doesn't (Britney Spears and the Bee Gees.) Learn some rockin' sea chanties, test your Pi.Q, divine yer future (hint: Ye'll probably end up dancing the hempen jog!) and lot's more.

So come aboard the good ship Festering Boil and take a lesson from Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket. When their done with you, you won't recognize yerself. And we mean that in a good way.

(Note: This is a grown-up book for those who aren't too grown up, If you're looking for children's books, we've got a list)

Local Future of Middleville offers Conference on Michigan's Future

2009-09-17T10:27:00.005-04:00

The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy & Environment

Friday, Nov. 13 - Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa

The Conference on Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy & Environment 2009 explores visions of a sustainable future; current, critical challenges facing our economy; and strategies for developing a stable, enduring economic and environmental future.

Highlighted speakers include Robert Costanza, Thomas Greco, Richard Douthwaite, Patrick Moore, Richard Gilbert, Soji Adelaja, Joe Welsh, and Dan Scripps.

In depth speakers include Bryn Davidson, Chris Mi, Rainer Aringhoff, David Harwood, Dave Ball, Michael Klepinger, Rich Wells, Sally Talberg, Mark Wiitanen, Leslie Glustrom, Paul Gipe, Richard Barclay, Tom Stanton, David Ronk, Wayne Kuipers, Jeff Mayes, David Gard, Patty Cantrell, Lisa Dugdale, Chris Bedford, Peter Sinclair, Thaddeus Owen, Aaron Wissner, Megan Quinn Bachman, Michael Brownlee and Albert Bates.

! ! Craft Night ! !

2009-09-09T14:51:00.003-04:00

Welcome Back Tweens!

2009-09-09T13:07:00.002-04:00

Hastings Public Library Puts FUN Back into Saturday!!!

2009-09-04T11:11:00.003-04:00

Support the Library!

2009-09-04T10:38:00.003-04:00

House of Representativies to Decide Future of Library Services by September 11

2009-09-04T09:06:00.010-04:00

Libraries in Michigan are in danger of losing Interlibrary Loan services and MeL databases.

As Hastings library patrons, you have already shown your support for us this summer by renewing our millages at the local level.

Without Cooperative services you will not be able to place holds across the region and get delivery for those items you want to read and watch.

Please contact Brian Calley and Patricia Birkholz to let them know that you value these library services. Information on how to do this easily is at the Information Desk or at milibrariesforthefuture.org

PUMPKIN OVERLOAD?

2009-09-03T16:08:00.004-04:00

Donate pumpkins to the Hastings Public Library for a Pumpkin Carving Event!

All ages welcome!

Need pumpkins by October 12th.

Contact Laura Gould with approximate numbers available.

LABOR DAY

2009-09-02T18:05:00.000-04:00

Speak out for Libraries at the Capitol September 10 at 10 a.m.

2009-09-02T10:18:00.006-04:00

Join the Michigan Library Association and our supporters on the steps of the State Capitol, September 10 at 10 a.m. Help raise awareness of this important issue and let your legislators know library resources are important to you.
We will plan to meet on the capitol steps on the east side of the Capitol at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10 a.m. Please bring your friends, patrons, members and anyone else who is interested in protecting library funding.

Things to know:

This is an outdoor event, please plan to dress accordingly. If possible, please wear a red shirt to signify you are part of our group.

If you would like to make a sign showing your support, please do. The more attention we can attract, the better. Signs do not have to be elaborate, they can be simple and handmade. If you would like suggestions on what your sign should say, please contact us and we will be happy to assist with wording.

Please submit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper before the rally, telling your community about this issue and inviting others to join us. If you would like a sample letter to the editor, or need help determining where to send it, please click here and we will be happy to assist you.

Library of Congress

2009-08-28T13:01:00.002-04:00

The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. http://www.loc.gov/blog/

Take Advantage of Your Library

2009-08-27T09:42:00.005-04:00

Hastings Public Library Cardholders can check out a Grand Rapids Children's Museum pass and get FREE admission for up to 6 people.

9TH ANNUAL DUCK RACE

2009-08-24T16:09:00.003-04:00

The Friends of the Library
Invite you to Race down the Thornapple

Sunday, August 30
2:00 in Tyden Park

Sponsor 1 duck -- $5.00
Sponsor 3 -- $10.00

Your ducky could win
First Prize -- $500
Second Prize -- $300
Third Prize -- $150

Tickets available
At the Hastings Public Library

Book Club Author Bich Minh Nguyen to Read in Grand Rapids Tuesday August 18

2009-08-18T11:15:00.009-04:00

If you want to get a jump on the Library Book Club's October selection, Bich Minh Nguyen, author of Stealing Buddha's Dinner, the 2009-10 Great Michigan Read, will read tonight from her new novel "Short Girls" at 7:00 PM tonight, Tuesday August 18th, at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids. The Hastings Public Library will take up "Stealing Buddha's Dinner" for discussion Thursday, October 1st at 6:30 in the Community Room.

Help Protect Michigan Libraries!

2009-08-14T13:03:00.004-04:00

Every day more and more people walk into their public library to search for a job online, write a resume or file for unemployment. This is not only a reflection of our hard economic times but also an indication of Michigan moving forward. We are no longer a state that can rely on the manufacturing industry to support our residents, we are moving toward a knowledge-based economy and with that comes the necessity for access to technology for everyone.

And now, these services are at risk.

Library funding is currently less than half of what is required by law, any further cuts will be detrimental to the entire library system.
http://www.milibrariesforthefuture.org/

2009-08-13T13:11:00.002-04:00

Hastings Public Library - The Movie

2009-08-12T10:18:00.003-04:00

Here's a little information about the new Hastings Public Library. We're planning on making further informational videos in the future. We love to hear what subjects you like us to cover, so leave us a comment.

Life or Death after Twilight

2009-08-11T12:01:00.003-04:00

If you like author Stephanie Meyer click on this link to Novelist and get some more ideas of what to read next.

2009-08-10T14:46:00.001-04:00

Get more from your library with Mel (the Michigan E Library)

2009-08-03T14:08:00.005-04:00

August 10th Craft Night Sign-up Available

2009-07-30T14:50:00.012-04:00

269-948-4263

2 hour class

bring your own materials

or

purchase material from artist
the night of class

Note when signing up which project you will be wanting to learn and if you need materials

Supply List

Bring your own or supplies will be available to be purchased night of class

Rabbit Portrait Broach
Stong magnet or pin
.5 oz white wool roving
.25 oz tan wool roving
smidge of black roving
size 38 or 40 guage needles

Horse Portrait
picture of horse head in profile less than 3"x4"
1 oz of horse shade wool roving
1/2 oz horse mane shade wool roving
1/2 oz marking shade of wool roving
smidge of white & black
wool batting or felted wool 3"x4"
size 38 or 40 guage needles

Fantasy Flower Purse
Blue jeans for purse - unlined & unstitched
1 oz. yellow wool roving
1/2 oz. burgandy
1/4 oz. light pink
thread-needle & beads/jewels
size 32 or 36 guage needles

Oriental Cherry Pendant
Lobster clasp
1/2 oz. background color
1/4 oz whtie
1/4 oz brown
smidge of yellow
Size 38 or 40 guage needles

Sheep Purse
leg of kid's jean unstitched, unlined
1 oz sheep color (white or natural)
1/2 oz black
smidge green & flower color
Size 32 or 36 guage needles

Pumpkin Broach
wool batting or felted wool base
magnet or pin
1/2 oz. orange
1/4 oz. green
smidge of dark orange & dark green

Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Stays on Shelf Overnight!

2009-07-29T09:08:00.005-04:00

It may not be news to some, but those who have gotten sucked into the vampire world of Stephanie Meyer know the library hasn't actually reshelved "Twilight" in months. Interested patrons have had to wait for weeks to get their hands on a copy. Well, news of news, two copies of "Twilight" actually stayed on the shelf overnight. One of them went out already this morning, but one remains on the shelf waiting to be found. Like Harry Potter, the furor may finally be subsiding.

Update: Well, it lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes. Check out time 12:45 pm.

Hastings Table Company and Barry County History in Old Postcards

2009-07-25T10:42:00.011-04:00

More than once someone has called the library from out of state having just bought an antique table manufactured by the Hastings Table Company (example of Hastings Table with Tyden locking mechanism on left.) Up until now I haven't had much information to offer them. Then while looking at the Wikipedia entry for Hastings, MI I came across Debra J. Barlow's postcard collection. A couple of slides into the Hastings business postcards there was Hastings Table Company in all its glory. Nothing more at this point. But it's a start.

2009-07-15T13:44:00.000-04:00

Tween/Teen Carnival & Bake Sale

2009-07-08T17:06:00.005-04:00

Carnival &

Bake Sale

. . . . . . . . . .

Come and help support the Tween/Teen Groups!

. . . . . . . . . .

July 10th

9:30 am to 12:30 pm

. . . . . . . . .

FUN, GAMES & FOOD

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY PARKING LOT

2009-07-08T17:03:00.001-04:00

Teen Event - Scavenger Hunt

2009-07-03T10:44:00.007-04:00

July 9th from 2 pm to 4 pm

Teams of teens (6th-12th graders) will race around the downtown area solving clues to find their next destination. The hunt starts at the library, but the mystery of each clue must be solved to make it back.

Teens will form teams with four to six members. They will receive the first clue to set them on their hunt. The clue will lead them to their first destination, one of the businesses in the downtown area. There they will receive their next clue directing them to the next location. They continue going business to business, solving the clues, until they are lead back to the library. The first team back will win the prize. Refreshments will be served.

JULY CRAFT NIGHT

2009-07-02T13:15:00.004-04:00

July's Monthly Craft Night is CANCELED.

August 10th Craft is Needle Felting
by Pit Bull Lady Designs .

2009-06-27T10:49:00.003-04:00

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY IS CLOSED

Hastings Public Library Staff wishes everyone a Happy July 4th ! ! !

See you Monday!

Hastings Library Patrons Visit The Children's Museum for FREE

2009-06-26T14:34:00.002-04:00

Free State Park Pass. . .

2009-06-24T16:39:00.002-04:00

PARK & READ
Enjoy a great book in our great outdoors!
Thank you for exploring Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas! This certificate can be redeemed for one free entrace into any park in the system, with several parks offering use of a hammock to Park & Read participants. Good for 1 week from check-out.

So, grab your book, pick a park and enjoy a relaxing day of reading outdoors.

Plan your next Michigan adventure!
Michigan's park system includes 285,000 acreas of land, 13,500 camp sites, 879 miles of trails, and nearly infinite opportunities for outdoor adventures. This certificate will give you the opportunity to visit one park.

Do You Want To Be A Published Author? See Us!

2009-06-24T12:46:00.003-04:00

Attention Teen Writers! 6th-12th graders!

Tuesday, June June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2009

The Hastings Public Library will be home to a writing group for teens.

Meet other teen writers, you will be able to talk about your story or poetry and receive positive feedback from like minds! Don't worry about how well or how long you've been writing, that doesn't matter here.

There will be group discussions and writing exercises, but you don't have to worry about it feeling like school. These will be fun little topics and minor projects. No homework! You get to help decide what the group will do! Please let all your writing friends know about this. It should be a good experience and fun, too. It's 100% free! Bring some of your material and if you have it notebooks with your favorite kinds of writing tool. Come and get in on a new opportunity for teen writers.

The group will meet every other Tuesday at 4:30 pm starting June 2, 2009

Ozone Action Day -- Wednesday June 24

2009-06-24T09:17:00.003-04:00

Wait one more day to fill up the gas tank if you can. With this heat, ozone collects near the ground and makes it harder for people to breath. The more you can avoid burning gas the better it is for everyone.

ART HOP

2009-06-23T15:27:00.000-04:00

Music Magazine "Paste" Struggles to Stay Afloat

2009-06-22T18:44:00.003-04:00

We wanted to make our patrons aware that many of the magazines we carry in our collection are struggling in the recession. One in particular, "Paste," is expecially struggling and is asking its readers who are so moved to make a donation. Musicians have donated over 100 songs to give to donors in return. For those who don't know, "Paste" is described as "a magazine for people who still enjoy discovering new music, prize substance and songcraft over fads and manufactured attitude, and appreciate quality music across a broad stylistic spectrum--indie rock, Triple-A, Americana, folk, blues, jazz, and more."

Gemini this Wednesday June 24 at 2:00 in the Community Room

2009-06-22T17:24:00.005-04:00

GEMINI celebrates with their audiences the fun, warmth, and humor of family life. Kids and adults love to sing with them! From start to finish, a family concert with the twin brothers abounds with rousing sing-alongs, hand motion tunes, folk tales, and music from around the world. The highlights of their shows are Gemini's original, sparkling songs about the everyday experiences of childhood and growing up. Summer Reading programs happen at 2:00 every Wednesday through July 29. Programs are free and open to all.

2009-06-22T15:51:00.001-04:00

Book Club For Adults

2009-06-16T11:56:00.002-04:00

A family's conflict becomes a battle for life and death in this gripping and original first novel based on family history from a descendant of a condemned Salem witch. After a bout of smallpox, 10-year-old Sarah Carrier resumes life with her mother on their family farm in Andover, Mass., dimly aware of a festering dispute between her mother, Martha, and her uncle about the plot of land where they live. The fight takes on a terrifying dimension when reports of supernatural activity in nearby Salem give way to mass hysteria, and Sarah's uncle is the first person to point the finger at Martha. Soon, neighbors struggling to eke out a living and a former indentured servant step forward to name Martha as the source of their woes. Sarah is forced to shoulder an even heavier burden as her mother and brothers are taken to prison to face a jury of young women who claim to have felt their bewitching presence. Sarah's front-row view of the trials and the mayhem that sweeps the close-knit community provides a fresh, bracing and unconventional take on a much-covered episode.

Wednesday June 17 -- Singing Silly Stories and Telling Silly Songs

2009-06-13T10:00:00.006-04:00

Storyteller Jenifer Strauss will be telling stories with songs and singing songs in stories. This is a fun-filled, silly show, engaging the audience with singing and laughter. Free storytelling handbook for all. Summer Reading programs happen at 2:00 every Wednesday now through July 29. Programs are free and open to all.

2009-06-10T13:58:00.001-04:00

June 10th 2pm

2009-06-09T12:00:00.002-04:00

2009-06-09T09:56:00.000-04:00

2009-06-05T11:47:00.002-04:00

Limited Space - Sign up with Library Staff to attend this FUN event!

2009-06-05T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hastings Public Library Presents…

2009-05-27T17:13:00.002-04:00

2009-05-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

2009-05-21T15:00:00.000-04:00

TWEENS

2009-05-19T11:56:00.000-04:00

!! SPRING MEETING!! - FRIENDS OF THE HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

2009-05-12T09:12:00.003-04:00

SPRING MEETING

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, May 13th

Come and find out more about Friend's Role in making
THE HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
A GrEaT PlAcE tO bEEE

Find out a little more about our FRIENDS!

Mission Statement:
The Friends of the Library support the Library with volunteers, fundraisers, and programs, extending the Library's reach into the Community.

Projects:
Children's Summer Reading Program
Annual and Monthly Used Book Sales
Summerfest Booth & Parade
Winter Adult Reading Club
Book Page Subscription
Chamber Dues
New Mom's Bags @ Pennock Hospital
Support other Special Library Programs

Volunteers:
Weekly Library Volunteers
Used Book Sale
Programs
Publicity
Daily Book Store Staff

Tax-deductible Membership Levels
Junior - $3.00
Individual - $5.00
Family - $10.00

CRAFT OF THE MONTH

2009-05-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

May 7th LIBRARY IS CLOSED HALF DAY (THURSDAY Opening at 12:30)

2009-05-06T13:08:00.002-04:00

Super Battle of the Books

2009-05-01T15:20:00.008-04:00

On May 5th students from six elementary schools will compete in the Battle of the Books at Hastings Public Library. Each team consists of three students who won their individual school’s Battle of the Books.

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT

MAY 5TH AT 6:30 pm

Central

Northeastern

Southeastern

St. Rose

Star Elementary

Delton elementary

The public is encouraged to come and cheer for these amazing kids.

For the battle each team will have read six assigned books and will be required to answer questions about the books.

The teams are competing for a TRAVELING TROPHY and bragging honors!!

Break Into Today's World of Communication! Learn Email Basics

2009-05-01T14:22:00.005-04:00

SALSA!!!!

THINGS ARE HEATING UP AT THE LIBRARY

2009-04-29T15:09:00.003-04:00

Hastings Public Library is celebrating Salsa on May 7th as their part in the Hastings’ Girls’ Night Out event. They will be hosting a Siete de Mayo Salsa Contest from 5:00-8:00.

All local salsa aficionados are invited to bring a sample of their favorite salsa recipe for the tasting delight of others. There will be two categories of salsa entries: hot and mild. Prospective entrants need to sign up at the library’s Information Desk.

Rules are simple. 1) Cooks are to prepare salsa in as sanitary a manner as possible. 2) Drop off salsa at the information desk between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7th. At the discretion of the library staff, cooks may be asked to taste their own salsa – and any contestant who refuses will be disqualified.

Any visitors to the library between 5:30 and 7:30 may vote on their favorite recipe. Chips and tasting cups will be provided.

Prizes will be awarded at 7:45 and contestants do not need to be present to win.
Call the library for more information at 945-4263.

Calling All TEENS ! ! ! Fun, Food & Prizes

2009-04-24T13:46:00.007-04:00

This third tournament will feature Mario Kart Wii, Guitar Hero on Xbox, and Super Smash Bros Brawl on Wii.

Participants can choose to play one, two or all three games and will be randomly placed in competition with others. It will be a double elimination play, so each teen will get to play the games they choose at least twice.

Prizes will be drawn from tickets participants have earned for attending the tournaments and winning games.

Refreshments will be provided.

For more information call the library at 945-4263.

Suffering from Cyberphobia?

2009-04-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

Do you suffer from cyberphobia? Hastings Public Library has the cure!

Beginning April 27th the Hastings Public Library will begin a series of computer classes aimed at those just beginning to master computer skills. These beginning classes, which will be held throughout the spring, will focus on Word (Microsoft’s word processing software), E-mail skills, and Excel (Microsoft’s spreadsheet software for calculations).

The first set of classes will be aimed at those wanting to learn Word and will cover basic formatting skills for letters and reports. All of the classes will be held in the library’s Community Room and each participant will be assigned a laptop computer to use during the class.

One set of classes will be held on Mondays at 2:00 p.m. for three weeks: April 27th, May 4th and May 11th.

Another set of classes will take place on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. (April 29th, May 6th, and May 13th).

A final set of classes will be held on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (May 1st, May 15th and May 22nd).

The class is limited to six; but a minimum of three must register for the class to be held. Registrants will be able to sign up for further classes in Word at the last session. Call the Hastings Public Library to register (945-4263) or sign up at the library today.

Jazz Festival Friday and Saturday April 17-18 at Library and Throughout Barry County!

2009-04-11T10:44:00.001-04:00

Find the Best Hikes in Michigan this Thursday April 16th at 7:00 PM

2009-04-11T09:50:00.004-04:00

Tom Funke, a local resident and author, will talk about hiking Michigan trails on Thursday, April 16th at the Hastings Public Library. The program begins at 7:00 in the library’s community room.

Bringing the library’s winter reading club to a close, Tom will speak about his recently published book and about local trails guests may be interested in hiking.

Tom has hiked over 1500 miles of the North Country Trail, including hiking the entire states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. He's also hiked hundreds of miles in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. The North Country Trail is 4500 miles long, winding its way through NY, PA, OH, MI, WI, MN, and ND. He is currently in the process of writing the first guide to the trail.

He published his first book, "50 Hikes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula", in 2008 and has another book in process telling the story of his 6 week, 450 mile adventure across the UP in 1998.

Book Club for Adults

2009-04-06T13:08:00.002-04:00

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield promises to provide a rich discussion for the Book Club's meeting Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 pm. This first novel pays tribute to the Gothic underpinnings of the Brontes and Daphne deMaurier while maintaining its own freshness. In this venture, Vida Winter is a renowned author who has decided to reveal her life's story to Margaret Lea an aspiring biographer. Separating tale from tale makes this storytelling at its best.

Earth Hour Gets Darker Every Year

2009-03-31T09:28:00.018-04:00

Library patrons may have noticed the slide promoting Earth Hour on the monitors inside the library. While we're not sure what kind of action was taken locally, there was an immense response worldwide.

Follow this link to see Las Vegas and other international landmarks go dark.

According to sustainablebusiness.com:

"From an Antarctic research base and the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the Empire State Building in New York, illuminated patches of the globe in eighty-eight countries and nearly 4,000 cities and towns joined in Earth Hour Saturday night from 8:30-9:30 p.m. , turning off lights in homes, businesses and public spaces to highlight the threat of climate change and its link to energy usage.

Earth Hour began in Australia two years ago and went global for the first time last year. According to organizers, enthusiasm for the event grew this year.

According to msn.com:

"Crowds in Times Square watched as many of the massive billboards, including the giant Coca-Cola display, darkened. Steps away, the Majestic Theater marquee at the home of "The Phantom of the Opera" went dark, along with the marquees at other Broadway shows.
In Chicago, one of 10 U.S. Earth Hour flagship cities, more than 200 buildings pledged to go dark in the city, including shops along the Magnificent Mile.

In the Chilean capital of Santiago, lights were turned off at banks, the city's communications tower and several government buildings, including the Presidential Palace where President Michelle Bachelet hosted a dinner for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.

The two leaders and dozens of guests dined by candlelight.
In Mexico City, the city government and business owners turned off all "nonessential" lights at more than 100 buildings, including 31 city buildings and monuments and 17 hotels.

China participated for the first time, cutting the lights at Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube, the most prominent 2008 Olympic venues.

In Bangkok, the prime minister switched off the lights on Khao San Road, a haven for budget travelers packed with bars and outdoor cafes.

In Rio de Janeiro, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue that watches over the city of 6 million was darkened, along with the beachfront of the famed Copacabana and a few other local sites.

McDonald's Corp. planned to dim its arches at 500 locations around the U.S. Midwest. The Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont hotel chains and Coca-Cola Co. also planned to participate."

can i'make a difference?

2009-03-27T13:51:00.005-04:00

For our patrons who choose to use hotmail for their email I have recently learned that in the options menu of your hotmail account you can choose to give to one of 10 worthy charities with every email you send and it doesn't cost you a dime. Well, not directly anyway. The program is funded through the businesses who advertise with the "i'm" program. So if you buy products from those businesses, you're paying for the advertising. But if you believe in that business and their mission it might be worth it to you to make a difference and bring awareness to your cause. Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with the organization of your choice from a selection of some of the world's most effective organizations dedicated to social causes.

After one year, the i’m Initiative, which launched in March 2007, raised $1.3 million for 10 of the world’s most effective social causes, with each charity receiving a minimum of $100,000. No cap is set on the amount donated to each organization, so the more customers who communicate using Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Hotmail, the more money Microsoft donates toward addressing some of the world’s most urgent social issues.

Book Club for Adults April 2

2009-03-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

April's book discussion of Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas will be on the 2nd at 6:30 pm in the library's Community Room. Ellis, Colorado, a small town bordering the Rockies, becomes the site of a relocation camp during World War II. Our narrator, a young teenager, notes that her first impression was not of the "yellow peril" of the newspaper cartoons but people who looked so ordinary. So begins, Tallgrass which, in the words of current author Gail Tsukiyama, "speaks to a time in our history when prejudice and fear fueled passions that divided family and friends." This book gives participants much to discuss about how our country reacted to wartime dangers and how we react today.

Government Assistance is Available to Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

2009-03-17T12:28:00.004-04:00

Our patrons may be interested in knowing more about the programs available to help them avoid foreclosure. The following information is taken from http://www.financialstability.gov/:

The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable program will offer assistance to as many as 7 to 9 million homeowners making a good-faith effort to make their mortgage payments, while attempting to prevent the destructive impact of the housing crisis on families and communities. It will not provide money to speculators, and it will target support to the working homeowners who have made every possible effort to stay current on their mortgage payments. Just as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act works to save or create several million new jobs and the Financial Stability Plan works to get credit flowing, the Making Home Affordable program will support a recovery in the housing market and ensure that these workers can continue paying off their mortgages.

How much power does our 30 photovoltaic (PV) panels generate?

2009-03-13T13:04:00.005-04:00

There's a constantly updated read out in the South lobby of The Hastings Public Library that shows how much power we generate.

MPSC Hopes to Streamline Netmetering

2009-02-24T11:27:00.006-05:00

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) will hold a public hearing to provide people with an opportunity to comment on the proposed rule changes that govern net metering and interconnection.

Net metering occurs when customers produce electric energy in excess of their needs, providing power back to the serving utility and permitting the customer to receive a credit for power they supply to the system. It is anticipated that most net metering customers will be using wind or solar generation equipment.

The hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on March 3 at the MPSC's office, 6545 Mercantile Way, in Lansing. Click here to read the proposal in full.

Author Event and Booksigning March 5th

2009-02-23T15:33:00.005-05:00

Diet (Deet) Eman, author of "Things We Couldn't Say," shares her personal story of risking everything to rescue Dutch Jews in Holland from the Nazis during World War II.

Thursday March 5th at 6:30 PM
in the Community Room.

Take our Green Building Tour

2009-02-23T14:39:00.002-05:00

To learn more about the Hastings Public Library's green building, take our audio tour. You can pick up the tour at the Information Desk and start in the South lobby at Station One. The tour explains our green building's features at five stations around the library giving participants a better idea of the work that went into building a LEED certified Gold library in Hastings.

The process begins with our building site, a Brownfield, which required a plastic seal between our building and the ground and a set of venting pipes to provide excellent indoor air quality. In the South lobby, you will also see information on our latest green addition, our 30 roof mounted solar panels. The video display shows how much energy the panels are producing each day.

Enjoy the tour!

March Author Presentation

2009-02-16T09:59:00.002-05:00

March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the library's Community Room:

The Book Club for Adults welcomes everyone to a talk by Diet Eman, author of our March reading selection, Things We Couldn't Say. Her presentation does not require reading the book and books will be available for purchase and author signing at the program.

Diet Eman grew up in Holland, turning 18 in 1940 just as the Germans occupied her country. Living in The Hague, Diet was working in a bank and wanting to help her countrymen and women but fearful of approaching neighbors who were submitting to the German rule. Eventually, she is connected to the underground resistance movements and has successes and much suffering as she lives her conscience in a world gone mad.

Her presentation will educate us, challenge us and ultimately reward us as we come to understand war and resistance in very personal ways.

Book Club for Adults

2009-02-16T09:49:00.002-05:00

April's book discussion of Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas will be on the 2nd at 6:30 pm in the library's Community Room. Ellis, Colorado, a small town bordering the Rockies, becomes the site of a relocation camp during World War II. Our narrator, a young teenager, notes that her first impression was not of the "yellow peril" of the newspaper cartoons but people who looked so ordinary. So begins, Tallgrass which, in the words of current author Gail Tsukiyama, "speaks to a time in our history when prejudice and fear fueled passions that divided family and friends." This book gives participants much to discuss about how our country reacted to wartime dangers and how we react today.

Wall Street Journal Offers Energy Options

2009-02-10T09:56:00.005-05:00

While there are many expensive technological fixes to choose from when going green, a special Energy section in the February 9th Wall Street Journal offers a number of lower cost options for retrofitting your home with their payback times. Another article looks at finding ways to get utilities to promote energy efficiency. According to author, Rebecca Smith, "It isn't easy to get utilities to promote energy efficiency, and for good reason: When people use less electricity, utilities usually lose revenue." Governor Granholm spoke of this paradox in her State of the State Address last week. One solution being looked at is called decoupling. According to Smith's article, "States let the utilities make up some of the lost revenue if consumers use less power. For instance, states might let utilities raise rates if their revenue falls below a certain point, or charge a flat monthly fee to cover some of their costs." Perhaps some possibilities worth considering as climate change continues to come to a head. Check out the links for more information.

2009-01-29T15:07:00.002-05:00

ALL LOGINS FOR THE PUBLIC COMPUTERS
WILL BE DELETED JANUARY 31ST
AS THE FILES ARE CORRUPTED.

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO RE-REGISTER
WITH PICTURE ID
AND YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS
ON FEBRUARY 2ND.

DOWNLOAD EBOOKS

2009-01-28T13:26:00.002-05:00

Check out the Download ebooks button on our home page to access many books in print or audio formats. New titles added this quarter range from teen titles including Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin, and sci-fi like Interworld by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves, to Confident Public Speaking: Secrets for painless presentations.

Newly added authors cover current best sellers and long time favorites including Meg Cabot, Michael Crichton, Douglas Preston, Laura Schlessinger, Charlotte Bronte, James Patterson, Phillip Dick and many more.

To access these electronic resources start at the library's home page and click on the Download ebooks button. The interface will walk you through the process, letting you decide if the title is available in your format. You can even place holds on popular titles so that you'll receive and email when the title is available for your download. Please call the library for help with this feature or stop by for more information.

Check your junk drawer

2009-01-19T12:50:00.003-05:00

If there is one thing that comes and goes here at the library, it is pens and rubber bands. So if you have an inkling to clean out your junk drawer we would be grateful for your extra ink pens, rubber bands, and good permanent markers.

USED BOOK SALE

2009-01-15T17:03:00.003-05:00

Circle Wednesday, February 11th on your calendar!

The Friends of the Hastings Public Library are hosting their Used Book Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room.

There will be lots of hard cover books and paperbacks, some audio books, movies, and CD's. GREAT prices.

Stock up on enough reading material to get you through the upcoming snowstorms!

Testing for Census Jobs Set for February

2009-01-12T15:43:00.003-05:00

The US Census Bureau will be testing potential applicants for the 2010 census on Saturday February 7, 2009 in the Community Room.

The test is a multiple-choice test of basic skills. These basic skills include reading, following written instructions, basic arithmetic, and map reading. Applicants may retake the test to improve their score and only the highest score will be used for placement. In order to prepare potential applicants, practice tests are available at the Census 2010 JOBS Website or the JOBS Hotline number at 1-866-861-2010. TDD users should call the Federal relay service at 1-800-877-8339.

2009-01-06T17:41:00.003-05:00

Reading Club for Adults

Discussion of Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening in the Library's Community Room (January 8). The book's subtitle, Awakening to your Life's Purpose, describes the transformation in consciousness Tolle sees for all who begin "to experience who we truly are, which is infinitely greater than anything we currently think we are."

Join the discussion as we consider the chapter two exercise "Am I the thoughts that are going through my head? Or, am I the one who is aware that these thoughts are going through my head?" What does this mean in light of Tolle's new earth..............

Changing directions somewhat, February's book is The View from Garden City by Carolyn Baugh. "Rich with the sights and sounds of modern Egypt, this book lifts the veil of privacy to explore the stunning inner strength of women torn between their dreams for the future and the sacrifices they must make in a world of harsh realities." (ReadingGroupGuides.com)

The book club returns to the first Thursday of the month meeting February 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library's Community Room.

Toddler Time new at library

2009-01-05T17:07:00.003-05:00

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 6, the library will begin offering Toddler Time for 18-36 month olds and their parent/caregivers. The fun will go from 10:30-11:00 am and include music, movement and stories. This will be an interactive time that helps kids learn to enjoy books and language, while improving motor and verbal skills. It will take place in the round part of the children's area. Don't miss the fun!

Register Now for Free Investment Seminar

2009-01-05T11:37:00.009-05:00

With all the investment options out there, who can you turn to for unbiased information on how to sort through the choices and to check out a financial professional? On January 24th at 10:00 am, the Hastings Public Library, in partnership with the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, will host a free investor education seminar to help you better understand the whole investing process. Optional one-on-one non-commercial counseling sessions also will be offered to participants. Registration is required.

"Investing Fundam enta ls", presented by Mark Robinson, brings you a basic overview of some of the more popular elements that constitute the financial markets. More importantly, you’ll learn three fundamental concepts that when consistently applied, will help you build your wealth within the markets.
Attend this 90-minute presentation and you’ll know more about…

• The major exchanges:
The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Exchange

• Popular indexes and averages
The S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average

• The fundamentals of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

• How to protect yourself from investment fraud:
Sales techniques, phrases and guarantees you should be suspicious of

• How to select a financial services provider:
Questions to ask yourself and questions to ask your advisor

• Where wealth comes from:
Three fundamental concepts for building your wealth over the long term

• Common investment terms – explained in plain English

If you are interested in gaining a broad-based introductory understanding of the markets, the securities that trade on them and about fundamental investment concepts for building your wealth, sign up for "Investing Fundamentals."

One-on-one investment counseling is available at the conclusion of the presentation and requires separate registration. Space is limited. Call the library at 945-4263 for details.

Monday Jan 12 WINTER READING CLUB FOR ADULTS BEGINS

2009-01-04T18:58:00.002-05:00

Monday Jan 12 WINTER READING CLUB FOR ADULTS BEGINS
“Michigan Makes for a Good Book” – Jan. 12 – Apr. 18

New Year's Eve & Day

2008-12-26T14:57:00.004-05:00

Hastings Public Library will close at 3:00 PM on New Year's Eve and be closed all day on New Year's Day.

We will open again Friday January 2nd, 2009.

IT Fun

2008-12-23T17:05:00.003-05:00

Here's a few fun IT ideas and links. I hope to bringing these to you every so often. Feel free to suggest your own IT Fun ideas too.

Edit Photos Online with Photoshop Express https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html It far from perfect, but it is fun play with.

http://sharethis.com/ "ShareThis" believes that sharing should be for everyone. It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the growing number of web sites and social web communities. ShareThis lets you instantly access all of your profiles, blogs, friends, and contacts for easy sharing and updating. "Share This" thinks users should be in control of their online world.

So there are a couple of ideas for IT Fun. Let us know what you think by leaving your comments. Whether it's something we've blogged here or an idea you've got, we want to hear from you.

Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

2008-12-19T14:48:00.002-05:00

Hastings Public Library will be closed

both Christmas eve and Christmas day.

Library Raises Awareness about Bottled Water

2008-12-09T16:04:00.008-05:00

During Sustainability Month in October library visitors might have noticed empty water bottles cropping up all over the library. We collected 118 in all. We were raising awareness about the waste brought about by pumping, packaging, and transporting bottled water to faraway places where perfectly healthy tap water is accessible. 30 million plastic water bottles (made from oil) are thrown away every day. The question lingers--is it time for an expanded bottle bill to place deposits on water bottles? You decide. But for those who missed our brochure here are some facts:

2 liters of water go into manufacturing every liter of bottled water.

The energy used each year making the bottles for bottled water in the U.S. is equivalent to more than 17 million barrels of oil.

If water and soft drink bottlers had used 10% recycled materials in their plastic bottles in 2004, they would have saved 72 million gallons of gasoline.

Dennis Muchmore, Michigan United Conservation Clubs Executive Director says, “Although our citizens now return 97 percent of the 5 and a half- billion bottles and cans for which they pay a deposit, they recycle only 20 percent of the bottled water containers because no deposit is required. Eighty percent of those empty containers end up in landfills or critical wildlife habitats. It’s a terrible waste.”

Art Hop

2008-12-06T16:30:00.029-05:00

People saw the functional pottery of potter Christyl Burnett of Red Clay Pottery. She also demonstrated the art of throwing on the potter's wheel.

Local photographer Rose Hendershot of Photographic Memories took portraits with Santa by Fireplace

Immediately after the Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Hastings City Hall, the Thornapple Wind Band was moved into The Library for a performance
Dan Googins showed examples of his photographic art. Picture This Photography

Alexander Clawson an aerosol artist using spray paint and other tools to create his art form. He loves watching the art on the trains going by with all the graffiti on them. He also enjoys buildings with murals.

2008-12-04T17:17:00.007-05:00

Follow Up From This Morning's Seminar w/ Ehlers & Berra

Louis Berra, the Housing and Urban Development department field officer, discussed the Neighborhood Stabilization Act.

Click on the logos for links to FHA HUD help

Hope for Home Owners (H4H) program

US Rep. Ehlers to visit on Thursday 10 a.m.

2008-12-04T09:05:00.015-05:00

U.S. Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, is expected to visit Hastings on Thursday December 4, 2008 to discuss the federal bailout bill.

Ehlers is scheduled to be in the Hastings Library, 227 State St., at 10 a.m. Thursday with several other speakers, including Louis Berra, the Housing and Urban Development department field officer, who is expected to discuss the Neighborhood Stabilization Act.

Will be held in the community room upstairs.

Holiday Craft Night

2008-12-02T10:55:00.003-05:00

Learn the basics of needle felting, including 3-d elements and leave with a needle felting kit to continue on your own. Material cost $10.00

Hastings Public Library
Craft Night
December 10, 2008
6:00pm - 3 Holiday Crafts
6:30-7:30pm - Needle Felting Cupcake Pin
7:30-8pm finishing up projects