Friday, September 30, 2011

October Art in the Library Galleries

Main Library
I See Me
Photographs
by Lisa Blair
&
Arts and Crafts
by The Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club




La Farge Library
Portraits in Oil
by Robin B. Berrie




Southside Library
Field of Spirits

Grave Markers of Northern New Mexico
by Dirk Wales


For more information, check our Art page.

For upcoming events, check our Calendar and Children's pages.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Email is working

Our email is working again!

If you're still experiencing problems, please email circulation@santafelibrary.org.

Mindful Miscellanea

Thich Nhat Hanh : essential writingsThe post originally scheduled for today had to be yanked at the last minute due to technical issues. Since I know a day without Icarus is a day without oxygen, here's a mini-post for you, especially those readers who keep us stocked in Thích Nhât Hạnh.

Without further delay, the Mindfulness Bell. You can set the bell to ring at intervals to remind you to take 3 mindful inhalations and exhalations, thus getting your oxygen and mind back for the moment. Or, you can work downtown and keep an ear open for the bells at the Basilica.

Don't forget to breathe!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Decorate Your Own Owl Craft

Whooooooo's ready to design and decorate your own ceramic owl?

OwlSouthside Library
Tuesday, October 11
3:30 - 4:30 pm

Main Library
Wednesday, October 12
3:30 - 4:30 pm

La Farge Library
Thursday, October 13
3:30 - 4:30 pm

This program is for 5-12 year olds and registration is open two weeks before the event.

Space is limited.
Call your local branch to register:
Main: 955-6783
Southside: 955-2828
La Farge: 955-4863


Owl illustration courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Swimming in Stars

You may have noticed a small change in our catalog recently. If you've read something or watched something that you feel strongly about, you can rate them on a Five Star scale. Just login to your account, find the title of the book or movie, and click the stars that are a couple of lines beneath the title.

For example, I just read The Hunger Games, and every few pages I was either laughing out loud or choking back tears. So that gets 4 Stars from me. Why not 5? Well, it's difficult to read a book at lunchtime with mascara running down your face. Ahem.

The Hunger Games

My Ratings ButtonBut if I ever change my mind and want to give it 5 Stars, or 1 Star, or just remove my rating altogether, I can click on the "My Ratings" button in my account, see what I've already rated, and delete all or some of my ratings. My Ratings are completely anonymous, so if a friend recommends something that I didn't enjoy much, I can give it 2 Stars with impunity.

So if you check out something that you feel strongly about, let the rest of us know!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Literary Cat Bench Dedication

Literary CatSaturday, October 1
10:30 am
Southside Library
6599 Jaguar Drive


This Caturday, um, we mean, Saturday, you're invited to the dedication of The Vanity Bench honoring the sophisticated literary calico cat, Vanity, with Peggy and David van Hulsteyn. This sunny bench at the Southside Library is a tribute to the feisty feline’s literary accomplishments. A reception will follow the dedication.

Diary of a Santa Fe CatVanity,the Eloise of the Cat World, produced two classics, Diary of a Santa Fe Cat and Vanity in Washington. The van Hulsteyns hope you can join them to celebrate Vanity’s felicitous life and to commemorate her tireless quest for a good nap and a good book.

Peggy Van Hulsteyn won the Southwest Writers Workshop Storyteller Award for Best Novel for her murder mystery in-progress. She was awarded first place for non-fiction by The New Mexico Press Women for her book, Mind Your Own Business, and she won a Certificate of Excellence in Humor for Vanity in Washington from the Cat Writers Association. Van Hulsteyn, who attended the University of Missouri Journalism School, holds a degree in English and journalism from Indiana University. She now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her physicist husband and two literary and bird-friendly cats.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Friday, September 23, 2011

What's up with my holds?

SemaphoreA question we hear often when you're placing a hold is, "How will you let me know when it's here?" You're able to choose how you want to be contacted by the library when you apply for a library card, and you're able to change your mind by logging in to your account on the catalog. The library uses an automated service to send out the message that you have a hold to pick up or an overdue item to return.

Right now the three options are to be notified by email, by telephone, or by the US Postal Service, aka snail mail. In our humble opinion, email is the far superior option. It's nearly instant, much more detailed, and doesn't depend on the post office's backlog or your voicemail settings. Just make sure to add SFPLCIRC@yahoo.com to your address book so your email account doesn't think it's spam.

Update Account buttonWhen you login to your account, you can click "Update Account" if you'd like to change how we notify you, update your email address, or change your pickup location for holds. You can change your mailing address or phone number at any checkout desk, and you'll need proof of address to change your mailing address. If you want more information about this, we have a Library Notices section on our News page.

If you need to contact the library and prefer email, you can use our general email address, library@santafenm.gov. Also, this year we have two new email addresses. One is for circulation at circulation@santafelibrary.org. Please use this email address instead of library@santafenm.gov for questions about overdue or returned books, holds, and for all questions regarding your account. There's also one for interlibrary loan questions: interlibraryloan@santafelibrary.org. When you fill out an interlibrary loan form, you can also choose how you want to be contacted, by email, phone, or snail mail.

Of course, we're always thrilled when you pay us a visit at any of the 3 branches, and you can give us a call to inquire about your holds or ask us any other questions. Just don't flag us down with semaphore, or expect hold delivery by carrier pigeon, because that might result in a really, really long delay.

Semaphore image from the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Artists & Poets Collaborative Call

Joan LoggheThe City of Santa Fe Community Gallery is seeking artists to participate in the upcoming “Odes and Offerings” exhibit. “Odes and Offerings” will be an exhibition in collaboration with City of Santa Fe Poet Laureate, Joan Logghe, and is intended as a rare opportunity for local artists working in all media to create original works in response to the written work of a local poet.

The Community Gallery is inviting artists to apply who are interested in the collaboration of their visual medium with the written word. All selected artists will be partnered with a local poet and given two works from that person’s poetry collection. Artists will then be asked to choose a line, phrase, stanza or the entire poem to incorporate into their final piece. "The idea is not a poetry-inspired piece, but a piece where the text becomes part of the work of art," states Logghe.

The Community Gallery is planning the exhibit for the spring of 2012 and it is tentatively scheduled to run from April through June 2012. Artists are asked to provide portfolios of previous work for review no later than October 28, 2011. Artists will be notified of their participation by the middle of November 2011 and asked to submit digital images of their work to the Community Gallery by the end of February 2012. Approximately 35 artists from a variety of media will be selected to offer a full range of work that expresses the breadth and depth of work being created in New Mexico.

Any interested artists should submit an artist portfolio of their work to Rod Lambert, the Community Gallery Manager. Portfolios should consist of 5-10 printed images of the artist’s work on standard digital print paper and an artist statement, resume and/or bio. Portfolios should be addressed to Community Gallery, PO Box 909, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Please specify that you would like to be considered for the ODES & OFFERINGS Exhibit. Portfolios must be received by October 28, 2011 for inclusion.

Arts Commission Community Gallery
201 W. Marcy St. at Sheridan
In the
Santa Fe Community Convention Center

Arts CommissionCommunity Gallery Hours of Operation:
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Public parking is available in the Center garage, located off Federal Avenue.

For more information:
Rod Lambert, Gallery Manager
Call (505) 955-6705
Email rdlambert@santafenm.gov
Visit The Arts Commission Website.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

100 Thousand Poets for Change

Saturday, September 24
6:00 - 9:00 pm


Eggman & Walrus
130 W. Palace Ave., 2nd floor
Santa Fe, NM

Join poets around the globe in a demonstration & celebration of poetry to promote sustainable change! So far, 450 cities representing 95 countries are planning 650 events.

Contact Julie at julie@cybermesa.com if you would like to participate.

For more information, go to 100 Thousand Poets for Change.

Sponsored by Little Wing Productions, a roving arts & music collective.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Free Artist Workshops

for National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15


Arts Commission Community Gallery
201 W. Marcy St. at Sheridan
In the
Santa Fe Community Convention Center

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission Community Gallery will be hosting a free series of artist demonstrations and workshops on the following Saturday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Artists will have work for sale as well, so come support a local artist.

Image Transfer WorkshopSaturday, September 24
Darlene Olivia McElroy
Collage Workshop

Darlene is a mixed-media collage artist whose work weaves together “textural surfaces, found objects, and rich symbolism”. Darlene is best known for her surface treatment techniques and incorporation of non-traditional materials in her work. She is the author of the book, Image Transfer Workshop. For Darlene the creative process is a playful one, so join us!


Saturday, October 1
Victor Archuleta
Woodcarving Demonstration
Victor is a Spanish Market Artist known for his traditional, classic furniture design. Victor’s work is both decorative as well as highly functional, combining design elements from Northern New Mexico and classic European furniture. Collectors keep him busy in his studio with commissions, so take the time to see Victor work and pick up a piece of your own.


Saturday, October 8
Felicia Trujillo
Willow Basket Workshop

Felicia is a celebrated willow basket weaver whose work can be as simple as a holiday tree ornament or small basket and as complicated as a hand-woven cover for the bed of a pickup. Primarily self-taught, Felicia is eager to share her techniques and materials with the public and offer the simple joy of creating something with your own hands.


Saturday, October 15
Robb Rael
Painting Demonstration
Robb is a celebrated local painter whose work can be found in private collections both locally and nationally. Among his most-viewed works are his 2009 Zozobra poster image as well as the mural capping the bar at the Plaza Restaurant on Santa Fe’s south side. Inspired by illustration, graffiti and the local environment, Robb’s work is a staple for any local collector. Come meet Robb and watch his imagination at work.

Arts CommissionCommunity Gallery Hours of Operation:
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Public parking is available in the Center garage, located off Federal Avenue.


For more information:
Rod Lambert, Gallery Manager
Call (505) 955-6705
Email rdlambert@santafenm.gov
Visit The Arts Commission Website.

Monday, September 19, 2011

In New Mexico Writing Mystery

J.P. Hudson
A Book Discussion by
J.P. Hudson and Michael Arkin


Saturday, October 1
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Main Library Community Room
145 Washington Ave.


Kidnapper’s Moon by J.P. Hudson:
When Paul awakes, he finds his world reduced to a small circle defined by the sweep of a chain tethering him to an eyebolt. Boredom turns to horror when he learns that he will not be alive to celebrate his eleventh birthday party, whether or not the ransom is paid. People who love him are powerless to do anything but meet the kidnapper’s demands. Bill Hamilton and Freddie Herrera are the only ones who can possibly solve the riddle of a shadowy criminal network, rescue Paul and find those responsible.

Michael ArkinOut of Balance by Michael Arkin:
Matt Lucas, a lawyer who has devoted his professional life to obtaining justice for women and children in a rural community, is in the process of retiring and relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico, when he is called upon to assist Linda Lawson, an award-winning San Diego reporter, in a seemingly routine investigation of an incident of domestic violence. Their investigative assignment quickly transforms into a suspenseful mystery that plunges the reader into the worlds of domestic violence, child abuse, corruption, and judicial cover-up. Michael Arkin is a former attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He now lives in Corrales, New Mexico.

This program is free and open to the public.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Storytelling in Any Medium

As the token librarian in social and familial circles, folks often try to get me to choose sides in the Print vs. Internet debate, or Book vs. eReader kerfluffle. I have to say that I can't choose sides; there are uses and advantages to both print and electronic information. I also can't agree that the internet is just for cat photos and timewasting. For one thing, it makes possible a whole new way to tell stories. For example, I can envision this piece appearing in a print magazine 15 or 25 years ago, possibly The New Yorker, but more likely in National Lampoon or Mad Magazine. However, seeing the "artifacts" reproduced brings something to the tale that a straight text narrative may have not. Also, something about scrolling down through bigger and better punchlines has an appeal.

Oh, the story? It's about two coworkers who just don't get along. If that's not enough to inspire you to click, then check this out:



Yes, that's teen heartthrob Justin Bieber photoshopped onto a pickle.

You're welcome.

p.s. No work time was consumed in the scrolling through these web pages. However, I would not recommend eating lunch while perusing, because you will definitely be at risk of choking on your sandwich.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The New Server and You

Good afternoon!

The new server for the Library catalog has been successfully installed and is zipping along smoothly. It's business-as-usual at all of the Library's checkout and reference desks as well.

Because we were offline for most of yesterday, there may be some glitches involved in check-ins or holds. If you see items on your account that you returned on Wednesday, September 14, please let us know so that we can check these items in for you. You can email circulation@santafelibrary.org or call the Circulation Supervisor at 505-955-6803 to have us check your account.

We thank you for your patience amongst these technical improvements and difficulties.

Batten down the hatches

Internet PrivacySince I've subscribed to the Swiss Army Librarian blog, I'm tempted to share his posts several times a week. But since you also have the option of subscribing to this blog, I'm trying to only pass on information that is absolutely essential.

Internet PrivacyA post that's come through in the past few weeks is about IT security in libraries. That translates to things like choosing hack-proof passwords, making sure your email and Facebook accounts don't get hijacked, and how to test if you're scam-savvy. It isn't just security in libraries, but good privacy tips for all online users. While not all of the resources will be applicable to your internet and computer use, there is just too much here for a handy cheat-sheet or summary. So click on the links above, bookmark them, and go through them bit by bit to make your internet experience safer.

Online piracy graphic courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Server Maintenance Update

The Library's catalog server is now up and running.

You can use the Library's online catalog.

We are still working on bringing up the system at all public checkout desks, so you will still need your library card to check out.

If you notice any glitches, please email circulation@santafelibrary.org

We thank you for your patience.

Today: Catalog down for Maintenance

TODAY: Wednesday, September 14, our catalog server is down for maintenance starting at 7:00 am. We anticipate it being out-of-action for the full day and should be up and running by tomorrow, Thursday, September 15.

How will this affect you?

All branches of the Santa Fe Public Library will be open regular hours, 10 am - 8 pm. You will be able to check in, check out, and renew materials at any check-out desk if you have your library card. We will not be able to look up your library account by your name or birthday, and checkouts and renewals will not be permitted without your library card. You will not be able to place holds on items, nor will you be able to check your account on the online catalog.

Additionally, the catalog will be down for all patrons and staff. Reference librarians will be able to assist you in finding general locations of materials, but they will not be able to pinpoint an item's whereabouts if it isn't on the shelf. The automatic renewal phone line, 955-6987, will be down, and we will not be sending out hold notices by phone or email today.

Our subscription databases—such as Gale, Chilton's Auto Repair Manuals, Mango Languages, Grzimek's Animal Life, LearningExpress, and Britannica Online—will not be accessible today. You will be able to access OneClickdigital by going directly to their site if you have already signed up for an account with them. You will be able to access most Gale databases through El Portal.

This server maintenance will result in faster searching, improvements in the online catalog, and fewer glitches in record-keeping. All your information will be safe, and we should be back to business as usual by tomorrow, September 15.

Thanks for your patience, and please watch this space for updates!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Gimme Envy

Sometimes, another library comes up with something so cool that:

a) We're in awe
b) We're jealous
c) We're champing at the bit to become petty thieves
d) All of the above
CosmicThe most recent resource to inspire this collegial envy is Gimme! from the Scottsdale Public Library. Gimme! is a simple book recommendation tool that's open to everyone. Just choose what you're looking for from the easy drop-down menu, and Voila! Author, title, book description, and brief review! For example, I asked Gimme! to "gimme a laser gun", and was told to read Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce. When I commanded, "Gimme something old school," it replied with Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, one of my all-time favorites.

More Like ThisWhile we're just not as cool as Scottsdale, we do have something in our catalog that can help you get book recommendations. If you're in the catalog and looking at a title you like, say, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, you can find a button that says "More Like This" on the top row. When you click on it, it gives you a list of similar titles based on subject headings. In this example, I have 1,967 suggestions, but I can modify the keywords searched, or further limit and modify the search to a reasonable length of suggestions.

If you'd still like more book recommendations, check out the page, About Books and Literature, linked on our homepage. The Book clubs, lists, genres section in particular has a great collection of "If you like" lists, which should start you on your way to piles and piles of great books to read. But either way, if you decide to use Scottsdale's Gimme! to get suggestions, we won't cry or pout. We promise!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Connect in Nature

Zen BirdingA Book Talk and Presentation
By Susan Guyette and Earl D. James


Thursday, September 22
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Main Library Community Room
145 Washington Ave.


Authors Susan Guyette, Zen Birding: Connect in Nature, and Earl D. James, Bella Coola: The Rainforest Brought Them Home, will hold a book talk and discussion on the coming cultural shift needed for planetary action, Eastern and Native American spirituality, birdwatching, and the importance of habitat conservation.Bella Coola

Ms. Guyette's Zen Birding portrays birdwatching as one path to connect with Mother Earth, as well as to recognize the balance of her ecosystems. Mr. James' eco-novel, Bella Coola, probes the spiritual fault lines of our civilization in crisis.

This program is free and open to the public.

Friday, September 09, 2011

Water on the Mind

Journey SantaFe and The Travel Bug are resuming their Sunday morning presentation series. Each one begins at 11:00 am. There's no admission, but a $3-5 contribution is encouraged.
Rio Grande Gorge
September's presentations are part of "A Continuing Conversation with David Bacon, host of KSFR's Living On The Edge, on Who Controls Water in the Bio Region." So show up at The Travel Bug, grab some coffee, and feast your mind!

Upcoming events are:

September 11
Book Signing & Discussion

On: Rio Arriba: A New Mexico County
A Look At Land Usage, Irrigation, Land Grants & Water Issues
with Robert J. Tórrez & Robert Trapp, Co-Authors

September 18
William DeBuys

Author, Historian and Conservationist
Discusses Water and Climate Change In the Bio Region

September 25
Steve Klinger

will unveil the newspaper The Light of New Mexico

The Travel Bug Bookstore is located at 839 Paseo de Peralta between Palace and Alameda. You can call them at 992-0418 for more information.

Rio Grande Gorge photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Cipriano Vigil Presents

A folk music program for all ages!

Cipriano Vigil

Southside Library
Tuesday, September 20
3:30 - 4:30 pm

Main Library
Wednesday, September 21
3:30 - 4:30 pm

La Farge Library
Thursday, September 22
3:30 - 4:30 pm

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the beautiful music of renowned ethnomusicologist Cipriano Vigil. He specializes in the traditional folk music of New Mexico.

This program is free and open to the public.

Cipriano Vigil Photo courtesy of Lore of the Land.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

2011 Fall Friends Book Sale

Book SaleMain Library
145 Washington Ave

September 17 & 18


Friends Only Hours:
Saturday:
10 am - 12 pm

Memberships will be available at the door:
Individual: $10 / / Household: $15

Open to public:
Saturday:
12 pm - 4 pm
Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm

Tatum Community Room:
Discount items

Southwest Room:
Specially-priced items

Bag Day Sunday: Community Room : only $3.00 per bag!


Hardcover books - $1.00 ea.
Paperback books - $0.50 ea. or 3 for $1.00
Children's books - $0.25 ea.
DVDs, CDs and Audiobooks also available!
Sale will feature Gift books individually priced & discount books.

For more information, call 955-2839.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library. All proceeds from the sale of these donated books are used to purchase new books for the Library.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Server & Catalog Scheduled for Maintenance

On Wednesday, September 14, our catalog server will be down for maintenance starting at 7:00 am. We anticipate it being out-of-action for the full day and should be up and running by Thursday, September 15.

How will this affect you?

All branches of the Santa Fe Public Library will be open regular hours. You will be able to check in, check out, and renew materials at any check-out desk if you have your library card. We will not be able to look up your library account by your name or birthday, and checkouts and renewals will not be permitted without your library card. You will not be able to place holds on items, nor will you be able to check your account on the online catalog.

Additionally, the catalog will be down for all patrons and staff starting Tuesday, September 13 at 8:00 pm. Reference librarians will be able to assist you in finding general locations of materials, but they will not be able to pinpoint an item's whereabouts if it isn't on the shelf. The automatic renewal phone line, 955-6987, will be down, and we will not be sending out hold notices by phone or email that day.

Our subscription databases—such as Gale, Chilton's Auto Repair Manuals, Mango Languages, Grzimek's Animal Life, LearningExpress, and Britannica Online—will not be accessible on that day. You will be able to access OneClickdigital by going directly to their site if you have already signed up for an account with them. You will be able to access most Gale databases through El Portal.

This server maintenance will result in faster searching, improvements in the online catalog, and fewer glitches in record-keeping. All your information will be safe, and we should be back to business as usual on September 15.

Thanks for your patience, and please watch this space for updates!

Friday, September 02, 2011

This doesn't pertain to us

Expletive DeletedThe Swiss Army Librarian blog posted Swear like a Librarian, positing that sometimes serving the public is stressful enough to make one swear, yet swearing is the last thing one does when working with the public. While the librarians at the Santa Fe Public Library do not relate to this tendency at all, we did find the list of swear substitutions to be quite humorous, despite a few bordering on PG-13.

Also, I believe that this tendency doesn't entirely belong to other librarians. One of the examples given is Jeepers Crow, which reminds me of my much-missed departed grandfather's favorite, Cheesum Rice. Interestingly, this was almost always followed by him hollering "Shut the front door!"—another phrase on the list. I'm also reminded of colorful old-timey favorites such as dagnabbit and goldarnit. And yet, what I'm really reminded of is the end of summer, children & teachers back in classrooms, the ease of the last few months gone in just a few weeks, and I'm sure more than a few folks are biting their tongues, the phrase "Mother of Pearl" escaping from between clenched teeth.

Happy End-of-Summer, everyone! And no, that isn't a substitution for something PG-13.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

September Art in the Library Galleries

Main Library
Monsters
Papercut Artwork
by Valerie Rangel
&
Stitching New Mexico
Hand-Embroidered B&W Photography
by Brooke Williams




La Farge Library
Egg Tempera on Wooden Panels
by Eliza Schmid




Southside Library
Liberia in Pictures

Digital Photography
by Mario Ruiz


For more information, check our Art page.

For upcoming events, check our Calendar and Children's pages.