See our right-hand column for announcements and news briefs. Scroll down the right-hand column to access the Archives -- links to articles posted in the main column since 2007. See details about our site, including a way to comment, in the yellow text above the Archives.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Friends of Portage Library to hold Book Harvest sale Nov. 20

HOUGHTON -- The Friends of the Portage Lake District Library invite everyone to their Book Harvest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. New and gently used books will be sold to raise money for library projects and materials that the Friends provide.

The Book Harvest also includes a feast of pumpkin treats. People are encouraged to bring pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pies, and any favorite pumpkin dish to try. Foods will not be for sale, but rather are for everyone to sample and enjoy. Recipes can be shared and copies can be made at the library. Bringing a pumpkin dish is not required for participation in this event.

Projects that the Friends of the Library have done include buying books and other materials, furniture, and the Children’s Listening Center. Information on how to become involved with the Friends will be available at the book sale.

For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Portage Library launches newly redesigned Web site

The Portage Lake District Library is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The new layout allows for easier navigation and, along with brand new online resources, gives users increased access from home.

The new front page displays recent library news, library hours, and different library resources and events. There is also a library catalog "quick search" box and account access for library patrons to place holds, renew books, and much more. Those who are interested can sign up for a weekly e-newsletter announcing that week’s events and recently added books, audiobooks, and movies.

Online content and library information are organized into six drop down menus at the top of the page:

ABOUT US -- Find information about library history, policies, staff, employment, and the Board of Trustees. You can also read the latest edition of the library’s print newsletter.

CATALOGS -- Search the library’s collection along with the catalogs of most Michigan libraries, public and academic, through UPCAT and MeLCat. Go here to access the Great Lake Digital Library and download audiobooks and e-books.

ONLINE RESOURCES -- Free access anywhere, anytime to online databases, magazines, e-books, continuing education classes and more. PLDL staff is most excited about our brand new resources -- Universal Class, Mango Languages, and Ancestry Library Edition:

Universal Class offers over 500 classes, some that meet Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. Topics range from business to computers to history to self-improvement and are taught by real professors.

Mango Languages is an online language learning system teaching practical conversation skills for real communication. Each lesson combines real-life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture.

Ancestry Library Edition offers all the genealogical research resources of the popular Ancestry.com. Vital records, census data, birth and death records, and more are all available. Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, Ancestry Library Edition can only be accessed inside the library.

EVENTS -- View a listing of library events on the redesigned calendar. Information is also available on the weekly children's story hour and annual summer reading program.

SERVICES -- Find out how to get a library card, place an interlibrary loan request, reserve the Community Room for your group, get on one of the 15 public computers, and access the library’s WIFI network.

SUPPORT -- There are many ways to support the library. Find information on donating, volunteering and the Friends of the Library group.

The public is encouraged to check out the new website to experience all the information available to them and come back often to stay up to date on everything going on at the Portage Lake District Library.

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