Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Stays on Shelf Overnight!

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

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.

Ozone Action Day -- Wednesday June 24

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.

Music Magazine "Paste" Struggles to Stay Afloat

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."

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

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.

THINGS ARE HEATING UP AT THE LIBRARY

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.

Suffering from Cyberphobia?

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.