Library News

Thanks to Lynn Snodgrass-Pilla for forwarding this piece on the different ways you can use the library, especially during a tough economy:

There's a great deal of talk these days about the economy. A lot of scary words are being tossed around, economic downturn, recession, bank failure, foreclosure, lay-offs, jobless rates. Everywhere people are spending more and getting less. A trip to the gas station or to the grocery store can mean empty pockets and purses. People are finding it necessary to cut out most of the extras and even some of the basics in their everyday living.

While the Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity can't change the price at the pump or stave off the job loss, the library can help the community during tough times. As a matter of fact, if you seek advice on how to save money, using your public library is likely to be at the top of the list. Most services offered at the library are free or at little cost to you. Library cards are available for free to residents of Nazareth, Bushkill, Upper Nazareth and Lower Nazareth Townships.

Here are 10 important ways to make the most of your library.

1. Money is tight. Don't buy a CD, DVD, or book. Come to the library and borrow it. You will know if it is an item that you want to own and will have tested that out for free. The library collection includes most of the latest bestsellers and many popular movies. If it is something we don't have, you can request it and we will work to get it for you.
2. FREE INTERNET! 2 words that mean so much. Many people are finding it difficult to continue to pay for an internet provider. The library has 12 computers free for public use, as well as free wireless access. These computers can be used for research, school work, email, word processing, etc.
3. The library's website www.nazarethlibrary.org gives you access to the Power Library’s full text databases, Downloadable audiobooks and e-books, Learning express databases, etc. You can access these from the library or from your home computer.You can read full text magazine and newspaper articles, learn to fix your car, entertain your children, take practice tests for academic (SAT, GRE, EMT) and licensing tests and much, much more.
   
4. Boost your business. We have a Business Collection of books and databases with tips on managerial skills, building a business, solving problems, and winning customers.
   
5. Get the skills you need. The library offers computer classes, and other educational and craft programs.
6. Find Entertainment. Your library offers Storytime for ages 6 months to 6 years, other events and activities for child and family at no cost, thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library for these programs. A fun time doesn't have to be expensive! Upcoming programs in 2009 include: Messy Mondays a monthly craft program, Resume Writing Workshop, Young Writers Contest, Book Discussions, and much more.
   
7. Hold a meeting. The library offers free meeting room space to non profit and other organizations. Whether you need to hold a business meeting or organize a fundraiser, stop by the library and see if our meeting rooms are right for you.
8. Read current newspapers and magazines. The library has a collection of local newspapers, the Wall Street Journal and a wide variety of popular magazines including Business Week, Rolling Stone, People and Gourmet.
   
9. Find a new job, a better job or a different job. Use computers, books, newspapers and more to find employment and build resumes and cover letters. Copy, Fax, Print. Whether you need a copy of a document, to fax a document or to print from the computers, the library offers those services for a small fee.
10. Regain a sense of community. Feeling a bit disconnected through tough times? Libraries are places where communities come together. Stop in and take a moment to take in the action…you'll find it abuzz with information, people and possibilities!

The Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity can’t make the tough times go away but, it can make thema little easier to get through. Stop in and discover how much your library has to offer today and everyday.