Pima County Public Library http://www.library.pima.gov Just another BiblioCMS Sites site Thu, 30 Jul 2015 01:22:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 A to Z Health Guide http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/a-to-z-health-guide/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/a-to-z-health-guide/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:25:31 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180934 Learn about 100 common medical conditions, from Acne to Zoster, from a reputable source!

Want a medical reference book that offers general health information in plain language? Look no further than the new Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide.

The guide's helpful information about each condition includes:

  • Definition
  • Symptoms
  • Treatments
  • Lifestyle modifications that could improve the condition (where appropriate)

If you want more in-depth information on a topic that isn't covered in the book, don't forget about the trusted online resource MedlinePlusMedlinePlus covers over 950 topics and is available in multiple languages.

 

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119 Candles, and even more Fun! http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/119-candles-even-more-fun/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/119-candles-even-more-fun/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2015 22:03:41 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180878 When we found out it was the 119th birthday of the pinback button on July 21st this year, we knew we had to celebrate!

We knew we couldn’t party like it’s 1896, like President McKinley, our first president to have appeared on a pinback campaign button. Instead, we invited the community to join in the fun and design their own unique pinback button.

We set up a "button-making station" with our button-making machines in the lobby of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library.  We had everything needed to make buttons except the designs – those came from the imagination and creativity of the button designers who walked in the door.   All ages participated, and our volunteers worked for four hours nonstop to keep up with the line of button designers!  We know we made President McKinley proud!

Sad you missed out? Find more crafty events in our calendar here!

a child creating a pinback button the button maker in action a little girl wearing the pinback buttons that she made brother and sister showing off their pinback buttons a girl wearing pinback buttons that she created a father and daughter wearing pinback buttons pinback button making party supplies ]]>
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Groovy Baby! A blog about a swinging sixties spy novel http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/spy-novel/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/spy-novel/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2015 16:27:25 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=176012 When I was a kid growing up in the early 1980's, one of my favorite movies was about a goofy comic book artist who suddenly becomes a superhero. It was a film by Disney called Condorman. It's filled with gadgets, exotic foreign locations, and gorgeous women spies. The lead actor was, oddly enough, singer Michael Crawford. Toss in a bit of Oliver Reed as the villain, and you know this film has to be campy.

The move was like James Bond for kids. Though I'm not quite sure it was entirely appropriate for kids.

So it was with great surprise that I found out there was a book that Condorman was based off that was written in 1965, at the height of the spy mania. I had to read it immediately. I searched but it was out of print, so I ordered it off Amazon and finished it in a day. How I wish I had known it was in eBook form.

This book is called Game of X and was written by Robert Sheckley. It's safe to say that if you enjoy humorous spy books or movies such as Austin Powers or In Like Flint, you'll be at home with this book.

Sheckley was mainly known for his science fiction and fantasy books and short stories. In 1965 he penned this humorous story. It's about an everyday guy who is asked to fill in on a routine task for a spy organization as a favor to a friend. He winds up becoming more involved than he ever intended, and blunders and fumbles his way through mission after mission, including managing to (barely) fly an airplane. Written with hilarious deadpan wit and a serious plot, this book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions.

Thanks to the world of the eBook, Game of X has a home in PCPL.

The Game of X

Austin PowersUltimate Flint Collection

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The Family Stone Wants to Take You Higher http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/the-family-stone-wants-to-take-you-higher/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/the-family-stone-wants-to-take-you-higher/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:58:28 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180772 sly and the family stone promo photo
Image of Sly and the Family Stone courtesy of the artists' website, http://www.slystonemusic.com/

Perhaps some Tucsonans caught The Family Stone here in town when they played the Fox Theater as part of the "Hippie Fest" in early July. Unfortunately, I missed this event. The good news is, I saw The Family Stone last week as part of my annual trip to upstate NY and The Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival. I figured I would enjoy the set, but I had no idea that I would recognize nearly all of the 90 minute set, and how very bada** it would turn out to be.

The festival crowd was blissed out and grooving through the entire set, with funky numbers like "Dance to the Music," "Family Affair," "Everyday People," and (of course), "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" coming one after the next.

While Sly is no longer part of the group, the band consists of three of the original members; Cynthia Robinson on trumpet, Jerry Martini on sax, and Greg Errico on drums. Additionally, Sly's (and trumpeter Cynthia Robinson's) daughter, Phunne Stone is part of the present group.

PCPL has you covered in your search for this great funk music. Our CD collection carries There's A Riot Going on and Freegal has what seems to amount to the whole Sly and The Family Stone catalog, including The Essential Sly and The Family Stone, Greatest Hits, and live options Live at the Fillmore East October 4th & 5th 1968 and Sly & The Family Stone: The Woodstock Experience. Start downloading, and have yourself a life and love affirming dance party!

Cheers, Brian

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Library Love: Himmel Park Library volunteers make a difference! http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/library-love-himmel-park-library-volunteers-make-a-difference/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/library-love-himmel-park-library-volunteers-make-a-difference/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:50:21 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180246 image of the i love my library sticker

"I want to thank the library and folks who came up with the idea of one-on-one computer help! While I know a few basics, I felt I was becoming illiterate, as I didn't have a smart phone or tablet. I bought an inexpensive tablet at Target but quickly become overwhelmed at the lack of instructions. I decided that it was going to be too difficult and that I would return it. Then I saw that you offered this wonderful one-on-one service.

Jason was my first instructor, and he literally showed me how to turn it off and on, how to touch the screen, explained apps, and helped me get me my email set up. My following sessions have been with Kayleigh, and she has been so patient and kind....I am very grateful. I won't be returning the little tablet after all."


Himmel Park Library received this lovely thank you note in the suggestion box.

Want to share some Library Love?
Email us at Library.News@pima.gov. Tell us about your branch, a recent visit, or the services and resources that you really love, and you might see your comment on our website.

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Library Love: Teachers use the library, too! http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/library-love-teachers-use-the-library-too/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/library-love-teachers-use-the-library-too/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2015 16:01:33 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180256 image of the i love my library sticker"I am a first grade teacher. On every report card at the end of the school year, I include the statement:

'As a fun way to keep reading during the break, I highly recommend the public library's summer reading program.'

Every new school year, my students come back to tell me how many books they have read. I love that. All of my life, the library has been a haven, a place I go to feel better when I am sad, and to feel even better when I am happy. That's a huge part of why my prior experience with the new format was so frustrating.

Thanks for being there."


This patron contacted us about the new website design for the checked out pages and holds pages. She didn't like the website at first, but we quickly responded to her email regarding her concerns. Now she's a convert, and sent us this email in response.

Want to share some Library Love?
Email us at Library.News@pima.gov. Tell us about your branch, a recent visit, or the services and resources that you really love, and you might see your comment on our website.

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Learning to Share? Try Bears on Chairs! http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/learning-to-share-try-bears-on-chairs/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/learning-to-share-try-bears-on-chairs/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2015 20:01:12 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180788 girl reading to teddy bearCounting! Rhyming! Bears on Chairs! There is a lot to like about Bears on Chairs. This book combines Shirley Parenteau's bouncy, preschool-friendly rhymes with simple and sweet illustrations by David Walker.

In particular, I like that Bears on Chairs tackles two important and often difficult concepts for preschoolers: fairness and sharing. While it’s readily apparent to small children that it’s only fair that others should share with them, the reverse of this, that it’s fair that they should share with others, is not always so self-evident.

When the book opens, all is well in the pastel world of bears Calico, Fuzzy, Yellow and Floppy. Each is happy to be sitting on his or her own chair. One chair apiece is clearly a fair and equitable distribution of seating resources, but the arrival of Big Brown Bear complicates the situation. How to share four chairs between five bears? After some experimenting, a solution is found to satisfy even the most stringent of pint-sized moralists. All of the bears share by pushing their chairs together into a kind of bench that can hold everybody.

Along with sharing, there are many concepts to talk about as you read this book with your child. How many bears and how many chairs do you see on the cover? How do you think Calico, Fuzzy, Yellow and Floppy got their names? What would you do to help Big Brown Bear? You probably have everything you need at home to keep the story going into playtime with your own stuffed bears and your own chairs. Extending the reading through play is a great way to reinforce concepts and ideas.

Check it out! Use Bears on Chairs as a fun way to read, talk and play with your child today.

 

~ Miss Robin

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Calling All Artists! http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/calling-all-artists/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/calling-all-artists/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:34:06 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180700 Are you glass container of paintbrushes on tablea visual artist residing in Pima County?

Are you interested in exhibiting your work in the Joel D. Valdez Main Library gallery?

We get more than 40,000 visitors each month – this level of visibility is unheard of in a regular art gallery. The space is incredibly visible to a vibrant and growing downtown community.

We conduct a Call every other year and usually receive about 60 submissions. As the Art & Exhibits Coordinator, I love getting a sneak peak at all the intriguing and original artwork coming in. Selected artists will get to showcase their work in a month-long show in the Main Library during the 2016-2017 juried exhibit season.  Artists may be asked to show at other libraries, as well. Submissions will be accepted September 1-15, 2015.

Submissions may be emailed (calltoartists@pima.gov) or mailed/dropped off at the Main Library (101 N Stone Ave), and must include:

  • Artist contact information
  • A brief artist statement (75 – 150 words)
  • Up to 5 JPG images (not necessarily the pieces you will show)
  • An image list (including the file name, title of the artwork, approximate year created, medium, and dimensions)

For more information on how to enter, please see the Art Submission Guidelines, the Exhibitor Waiver Form, and if applicable, the Guidelines for Sculpture and Three Dimensional Art.

Need help preparing your submission?

Learn more about the Call to Artist process, best practices, how to write an artist statement, and what to expect when exhibiting at the Library by attending one of our free workshops at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library Idea+Space on the 2nd floor. No registration is required.

Preparing Your Call to Artists Submission Workshop

Wed, August 12, 2015, 6-7 pm

Sat, August 22, 2015, 11-12 noon

Directions and parking info for Main Library is here.

Questions?  Contact Betsy Langley at  betsy.langley@pima.gov

Good luck!

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Seed Cleaning Screens, Check Them Out! http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/seed-cleaning-screens-check-them-out/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/seed-cleaning-screens-check-them-out/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:58:35 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180588 seed screen checkout card

Hello Seedfolks! The Seed Library now has seed cleaning screens available for you to check-out with your library card.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • They are currently only available for check-out at the Main Library
  • They check-out for 3-weeks and cannot be renewed
  • You can check-out more than one screen—it’s likely you will need at least two
  • Quantities are limited so the sizes you’re looking for may not always be available—please check back later!

How to select your screens:

Step 1) Find the screen that is just barely bigger than the seeds you plan to clean.

You will shake the seeds through this screen, putting another, finer screen, or baking sheet underneath it to catch the seeds.

Step 2) Next, find the screen that is just slightly smaller than the seed.

small seed screenThis screen will be used for shaking out the smaller chaff.  What will be left is the seed and a small amount of chaff that is the same size as the seed (this chaff is usually much lighter than the seed and will rise to the top if you give the seeds a little shake).  Still shaking, work the seed/chaff mixture toward the inside edge screen by tilting the screen down in the front being careful not to spill the seeds.  Then carefully and gently blow across the top of the seed, blowing the chaff away.  What you now have in the screen is pretty likely pretty clean.

If you’re more visually oriented (like us!) we recommend checking out some of the many great YouTube videos on how to use seed cleaning screens, like this one from the Seedkeepers. Or check out one of the many books on seed saving for step-by-step tips on using seed cleaning screens, as well as other seed cleaning methods.

Here are the opening sizes for the screens (the distance between the wires) in millimeters:

  • #1 screen = 5.1 mm: Good for larger seeds such as: beans, corn, peas, okra, chickpeas, and hollyhocks
  • #2 screen= 3.3 mm: Good for medium-large seeds such as: sorghum, fennel, cilantro, beets, asparagus, and small sunflower varieties
  • #3 screen = 2.2 mm: Good for medium seeds such as: radish, parsley, cilantro, carrots, broccoli, and spinach
  • #4 screen = 1.65 mm: Good for small-medium seeds such as: arugula, lettuce, celery, mustard, and cauliflower
  • #5 screen = 1.39 mm: Good for small seeds such as: arugula, lettuce, chives, flax, parsley, and cauliflower
  • #6 screen = 1.29 mm: Good for tiny seeds such as: basil, poppies, parsley, chives, celery, and chia
  • #7 screen = .76 mm: Good for teeny seeds such as: basil, poppies, amaranth, and tobacco
  • #8 screen =.38 mm: Good for teeny-tiny seeds such as tobacco, poppies, and chamomile

seed screen card displayCare and handling:

Please help us keep these screens in good shape for future seed savers and store the screens indoors when not in use. Be careful to not put excessive palm force on the screens when trying to push seeds and chaff through them, especially when the screens are grounded on a table (instead of hand-held in the air).

 

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Library Love: Job Help works http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/library-love-job-help-works/ http://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/library-love-job-help-works/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2015 16:08:09 +0000 https://www.library.pima.gov/?p=180318 image of the i love my library sticker"I have been looking for a job for over 6 months. I just want to express how grateful I am for Dan with job help. He has been so so helpful to me. I got several job offers because of his help.

Thanks again."


Congratulations to our customer who left this note in the Joel D. Valdez Main Library suggestion box!

Want to share some Library Love?
Email us at Library.News@pima.gov. Tell us about your branch, a recent visit, or the services and resources that you really love, and you might see your comment on our website.

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