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Myths, Legends and Lies: The Dangers of Family History Research

by: 
carol

Can you handle the truth? Family history research is a burgeoning pursuit thanks to TV programs like "Who Do You Think You Are?", "Genealogy Roadshow," and "Finding Your Roots." But before you jump in, have you asked yourself if you’re fully prepared for what you might discover? Together we will be opening closets to expose skeletons, peeking under the lid of Pandora's Box, and shining light on the ethical dilemmas you may encounter in the quest to find your missing ancestors. They may have good reasons why they're hiding from you.

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9

Evergreen

Ages: Adults

Tell me about TAB

by: 
mackenzie

What’s a Teen Advisory Board (TAB)? It’s a fancy way of describing a group of teens who are interested in becoming more involved in their community and library. These teens work with teen librarians to determine which areas of service they wish to focus. Teens can give input on library Young Adult books and materials, help lead/create programming, volunteer at events, organize community service projects, and influence how their library serves their community.  

We asked some of our Teen Advisory Board members why they decided to get involved with Jeffco Library and here’s what they said:

“I decided to join TAB for a few reasons. One thing was that I had been to a few teen functions at the library before, and it seemed like planning the events would be something I would enjoy. Also, I had been to a meeting at another library with some of my friends, and the experience was a unique and really enjoyable one.”

                                                                -Izzy, Columbine Library

 

“I decided to join TAB because I decided I would like to be more involved with the community and help others (give back).”

                                                                -Angelica, Lakewood Library

 

“I wanted to help the library with its events, and I had some ideas that I wanted to put in. I also volunteered at the library over the summer and I wanted to continue to support some of its great programs.”

                                                                -Ellie, Columbine library

We also asked our TAB members why they think other teens should join them.  Here are their reasons.  

“Everyone in TAB is super fun, creative, and really amazing to be around. The behind-the-scenes planning is a very unique and awesome experience that can spark many creative muses in anyone. And, lastly we get to talk about a lot of awesome stuff that is exclusive to TAB. And the cookies; cookies are one of the best parts.”

-Izzy, Columbine Library

 

“It’s fun to plan events, it makes you think about younger kids, after hours parties are fun, especially for 8th-9th graders. “

                                                                                -Annie, Lakewood Library

 

“TAB is a great way to get involved with the community and know what’s going on with your local library (events, movies, etc.).”

                                                                -Angelica, Lakewood Library

 

TAB is fun, helps with creativity and planning skills, and you can meet some awesome people that have similar interests to yours.

                                                                                -Ellie, Columbine Library

               

If you love what's going on at the library and you want to supply a little bit of your brand of awesomeness to the events that will going on in the future, come on over the TAB side, we have cookies!!!

                                                                -Mykenna, Columbine Library

To review: TABs let you get involved with your library, plan teen events, and give back to your community. It's also fun and creative, lets you connect with other cool people, allows you to see behind the scenes, and you occasionally get cookies. Want to get involved in your library’s TAB? We’re taking new members for 2016 now! All you have to do is connect with your local Teen librarian to get involved!   

 

How do you connect with the library?

by: 
cindy

“People may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other there.” - Robert Putnam

If you’ve been to the library in the last couple of years, you know it’s MUCH more than a place to find something to read or do research. It’s a place to connect.

People are finding their connection through eBooks, audiobooks, interactive language learning, computer access, storytelling, teen meet-ups, and craft sessions. And that’s just naming a few.

Think about the impact on the community. Parents bring their babies to hear stories, sing songs and make friends. Students come in for help on tough homework assignments. The career-minded explore online job possibilities. The wiser population learns a computer skill to keep their minds active. The possibilities truly are endless.

We celebrate the joy of helping our community make connections. We also ask for our community to come together in support.

There are many ways you can make a connection:

  • Give money – This one’s easy, just spare a few dollars with a few clicks
  • Volunteer – Connect and make friends while you help with our popular annual book sales, fundraising events, book donation processing, and other programs.
  • Donate books – There are never enough!
  • Share your library experience – Spread the word. The more people we can connect with, the stronger our community becomes.

Think about how you would answer the following: “At the library, I…”

• Made a friend.
• Was enthralled by a storyteller.
• Found a book.
• Got an A.
• Listened to a song.
• Learned a lesson.
• Discovered an author.
• Built a Lego house.
• Found a job.
• Got inspired.
• Solved a problem.
• Wrote a poem.
• Learned a language.
• Made a decision.
• Read with a dog.
• Struck a pose.

Tell us how you connect with your library by sending us an eMail or sharing your connection on Facebook or Twitter.

Thanks, Jeffco!

by: 
Rebecca

It's a new day for Jefferson County Public Library!

Based on unofficial election results, Jefferson County voters have approved a mill-levy increase for the Library. (There are still votes to be counted, and they won't certify the election for another couple of weeks, but campaign pundits are telling us to expect a win!)

The one-mill increase will enable the library to restore library services to pre-recession levels. Here's what you can expect in 2016:

  • We hope to restore library hours in April. It will take us some time to hire and train employees, but our goal is to launch expanded hours on April 3.
  • We'll spend approximately $2 million more on books and materials.
  • We'll begin to update public access computers and our technology infrastructure.
  • Other initiatives, such as refurbishing library buildings and enhancing services in underserved areas will take a little longer.

We couldn't have accomplished this without the support and dedication of an army of library advocates: the Library Board of Trustees, the Jefferson County Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, community leaders, volunteers, employees, patrons and residents. We are enormously grateful for their passion, interest, civic-mindedness, friendship and support!

We are excited to be moving forward into this new day, one in which we'll be able to fulfill our community's shared vision of library services - and become the library we know we can be.

We'll be posting updates on the restoration of services on our Director's Blog. You can sign up to receive updates here

Jeffco Library Foundation Launches New Website

by: 
carol

Our Foundation's new look is in sight! Jefferson County Library Foundation just flipped the switch on their newly-designed and responsive website. "Responsive" means that the site is easily accessible on any device, including a computer monitor, a tablet and a cellphone. In other words, when you need to know, it's info on the go.

The Jeffco Library and Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) have a symbiotic relationship. The Foundation supports programs to "enrich the capabilities, resources and services of the Jefferson County Public Library through fundraising and advocacy efforts that benefit our diverse community."

Being a Friend has its benefits.
One important thing you'll learn about on the Foundation's new website is "Friends of Jefferson County Public Library," which is a county-wide group dedicated to enhancing the resources of Jefferson County Public Library. Members are people who cherish our Library and believe that JCPL is a valuable, essential and fundamental part of the community. Friends lend their voices, time and resources to ensure quality library services in Jefferson County.

As for benefits, as a Friend of JCPL, you get:

  • The Friends’ Footnotes quarterly newsletter
  • 10% discount at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop
  • Admission to Friends’ Preview Night at the Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale
  • Free entrance to the Annual Meeting featuring a Pulitzer Prize winner headliner (Next up: January 29, 2016 and features Elizabeth Fenn)
  • Satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the mission of Jefferson County Public Library!

Fire up a new browser and check out the new ‘n’ improved jeffcolibraryfoundation.org

 

Reconnect with Connect for Health Colorado

by: 
carol

It’s time to reconnect with Connect for Health Colorado. Launched last year, Connect for Health Colorado (connectforhealthco.com) is the non-profit health insurance marketplace established by state law in response to the Affordable Health Care Act. It is the one-stop, online marketplace designed to help Coloradans find the best health plan for their needs and find out if they are eligible for federal financial assistance to help them pay for coverage.

There’s a lot to understand and the process can be confusing. The Belmar Library is here to help! 

Belmar Library is once again a Certified Assistance Site, where you can meet with a Certified Health Coverage Guide to explore Connect for Health Colorado and understand your options.

Personal assistance will be available at the Belmar Library at the following dates and times:

NOVEMBER

  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25

DECEMBER

  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30

 JANUARY

  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6,
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8,
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25
  • 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29

Here’s to your health!

Dogtoberfest Wrap Up

by: 
mackenzie

Adopt-A-Dog month is officially over and we want to celebrate the adoptions of Melvin, Kaiser, Loki, Tara, Roni, Daisy, Azar, Rue and Lovey Dovey from Foothills Animal Shelter. Now that they’ve found their forever homes, we have some book recommendations for them to share with their new families. 

 

Since Melvin is only three months old and very curious, we think he'll learn a lot by reading about Bella and Harry’s adventures as they travel the world. Lisa Manzione has a whole series dedicated to the travels of these two Chihuahuas, so Melvin and his family won’t run out of fun tales for a while!

 

 

Tara is a calm and curious kind of gal who we think will appreciate reading Dog Days by Elsa Watson with her new family. The book’s about a dog and a café owner who switch bodies and will definitely give Tara and her family a new appreciation for each other!

 

We think that outgoing and adventurous Loki will definitely connect with Dash, the pit bull sidekick in Carol Lea Benjamin's Rachel Alexander and Dash Mysteries. Maybe he can even convince his new family to start their own private investigation company! 

 

 

Since one year old Kaiser loves exploring, we just know he’ll love getting to know Carl, created by Alexandra Day. This is another series that has a bunch of books, meaning Kaiser and his family can keep reading about Carl for a long time!    

 

 

Roni loves to cuddle and be a couch potato, so we think she and her family will appreciate Esri Allbritten’s Chihuahua of the Baskervilles and its sequel The Portrait of Doreene Gray. They can cuddle up and read these mysteries all night knowing they’ll keep each other safe. 

 

 

We think that Azar’s natural curiosity and inquisitiveness will allow him to get sucked into the plot of The Drop by Dennis Lehane. His family will totally connect with the protagonist, who rescues a puppy and then has his life turned upside down. 

 

 

Daisy’s love of the outdoors and the fact the a family gave her second chance makes The Mountain Top School for Dogs and Other Second Chances by Ellen Cooney and perfect fit for her and her new family. After all, everyone, human and canine alike, deserves a second chance. 

 

 

We think that shy and goofy Rue and her forever family will enjoy reading about the (mis)adventures of Sally in this series about a fellow black Labrador by Stephen Huneck. This is another series that’s bound to satisfy this smarty and her people for a good while.  

 

 

Lovely Dovey and her family are going to love learning about the role doves played in history while they read The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.

 

Here are some other books to check out if you’re considering adopting an animal or want to get involved in animal rescue: Unlikely Loves: 43 Heartwarming Stories from the Animal Kingdom by Jennifer S. Holland; Love at First Bark: How Saving a Dog Can Sometimes Help You Save Yourself by Julie Klam; A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life by Steve Kotler; Internship and Opportunities for People Who Love Animals by Ann Byers; and Adopting Pets: How to Choose Your New Best Friend by Bill Gutman.

November is Senior Animal Month, so keep an eye out for more book recommendations for animals of Foothills Animal Shelter in the future! 

Dogtoberfest Book Recs

by: 
mackenzie

It's the third week of Adopt-A-Dog Month and we're featuring a whole bunch of new cuties this week! In the past two weeks, Melvin, Kaiser, Loki, Tara, Roni, and Lovey Dovey have been adopted! If you're interested in any of the animals featured in this series, you can learn more about them here, or by calling 303-278-7575. 

Azar is a four-year-old American Pit Bull mix. He is inquisitive about his surroundings, constantly sniffing about for the answers. Because he is an observer, with a love for the outdoors, we think he’ll love reading about the adventures of Homer Pudding and the basset hound Dog in Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors. If you want to be the companion who sees the world with Azar, his ID Number is: 163096. 

Daisy is a two-year-old Labrador retriever mix who wants to be by your side while getting her fresh air fix. She loves the outdoors and is looking for someone to take with her on hikes to the mountains, which she’ll be prepared for after she reads The Trail Hound’s Handbook: Your Family Guide to Hiking with Dogs by Elle Eastwood. If you want to be Daisy’s hiking buddy, her ID Number is: 159570.

Rue is a three-year-old Labrador retriever mix. She is a little shy at first but an absolute delight around the house once she is familiar with you. She can be a bit of a goofball, too! Rue can be very playful and is also quite the smarty pants, which is why we think she will enjoy reading Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley. If you want to learn with Rue, her ID Number is: 160778.

Baldwin is an energetic and affectionate three-year-old American Pitbull Mix who loves playing with toys all day long, which is why we think he’d relate to Kipper in Kipper’s Toybox by Mick Inkpen. If you want a buddy who is always up for anything, Baldwin’s ID Number is: 161781.

Cute Critter Extra

Hammy is a cute little hamster with a love for her exercise wheel. Hamsters are known for their energy and Hammy is no exception. She especially loves running at night when she feels the most adventurous. We think she’d really connect with Harriet in Harriet the Hamster Fairy by Daisy Meadows. Hammy’s ID Number is: 163412 so come in and visit with this little gal today!

 

“I got a job!” – A story about true grit.

by: 
cindy

It’s not every day someone says, “You changed my life!”  But that’s exactly what Charles Armstrong is saying about the librarians at Lakewood Library.  Listen to Charles’ message.

Charles chooses to make the Lakewood Library his home library because of the unparalleled service he receives from the librarians.  Charles moved to the Denver area about five years ago. He is a steelworker who recently had been struggling to find work.  He came to the library seeking help with his resume and job search when experiences associate Lindsay Masciotti asked him to tell her about himself.  She asked him what he missed most about his home state of Alabama in an effort to get to know him better. When he replied, “Grits! You just can’t find good grits in Colorado!” This gave Lindsay an idea on how to help him stand out from the crowd and capture a potential employer’s attention.  

Lindsay suggested he insert some of his story into his cover letter. Charles followed her advice and included more of his personal story in his cover letter, sharing his love of grits, how steelworkers have grit, and how that grit makes him the perfect candidate for a steel working job.

Teen services librarian Marie McColley, patron experience associate Brianna Francis, and adult services librarian Lynn Gunderson continued to advise him on how to finalize his resume, post his cover letter and resume online, scan training certificates, while offering moral support.

Shortly after posting his information on steelworker job sites, he began to capture employers’ attention.  The next day he had an interview and then an offer of employment. He accepted the job offer and began to make plans for his temporary move. The next day he received three more offers for employment, then another two, and the offers continue to trickle in.

People often only think of libraries as places to find toddlers during story times or students doing research.  Sometimes, they forget the role libraries play in the economic well-being of a community. Libraries are the trusted repositories of knowledge and information, and it is that knowledge and creativity that help drive productivity and economic health. Today’s library is a lively community center with patrons of all ages and stations in life actively engaged with a wide variety of print and electronic media, library staff and each other. Today’s libraries are a dynamic part of a community’s learning infrastructure and support economic development.

Libraries support the economic health of their communities by:

  • Supporting early literacy and education;
  • Contributing to a technologically literate workforce;
  • Providing critical resources for job seekers;
  • Supporting local businesses and startups;
  • Anchoring commercial developments and redevelopments; and
  • Contributing to a community’s quality of life.

At the time of this writing, Charles has moved to Cincinnati for the next six months to work and complete his next professional job building buildings and bridges, adding his own personal touch of grit to each of his projects.

Teen Read Week

by: 
mackenzie

Teen Read Week™ is a national adolescent literacy initiative created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). It began in 1998 and is held annually in October to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users. We’re kicking off Teen Read Week by highlighting some of the programs and opportunities Jeffco Library offers exclusively for teens.

Teen Advisory Board

We include actual teenagers in the decisions we make regarding teen programming and materials. Every library has its own TAB (Teen Advisory Board), a group of teens interested in becoming more involved in their library and community. These teens work with our Teen Services staff to give input on library YA collections, contribute to the Teen blog, help create teen programming, volunteer at events, organize community service projects, and influence how their library serves teens. Want to learn more about joining your local TAB? Just ask your local Teen librarian. 

Teen Blog Submission

We love highlighting our teens’ amazing talent! Teens can submit their original creative writing, editorials, book/movie reviews, photography, or artwork to be featured on our Teen Blog. Check out what’s been posted recently and submit your own work.

Movie Passes

Our Teen Services Coordinator has incredible connections that get our teens exclusive access to FREE passes to advanced screenings of hot movies, like Goosebumps and Me & Earl & The Dying Girl. Join her email list so you can learn about upcoming advanced screening passes too! 

After Dark Events

Ever wonder what your local library’s like after hours? Many of our libraries become TEEN ONLY zones once a month by offering programing that takes place after we’ve kicked everyone else out of the library. Find an After Dark event at your library.  

Tutoring

Teens can get homework help from Colorado School of Mines student volunteers every Wednesday and Thursday at the Golden Library.

Special Events

Our Teen Services staff puts on more programs and events for teens than we can count; LEGO Clubs, movie nights, writing workshops, and more! See all our Teen events right here

 

You can learn more about Teen Read Week and join the conversation about it on Twitter with #TRW15.

 

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