The Trustees would like to recognize the Library staff who provide the community with outstanding service. This month the spotlight is on Norma Kelley, the longest member of the Library family. Mrs. Kelley started volunteering at the Library in 1977. Then Director, Pam Schwotzer asked her to join the staff when a change in schedule required someone to cover the dinner hour. One of her duties was to prepare the date cards for the next day. Books were checked out manually, a date card from the book was stamped with the borrower's card number then arranged alphabetically. Other practices that have changed were checking-out books in the Children's Room, maintaining a notebook for museum passes, and typing book-pockets for every item in the collection. When computerization of library operations arrived in Manchester, 1987, Norma helped with the massive chore to barcode every item in the collection. Computers were very expensive then, so check-out was only available at the main desk. In the past 30 years Norma has witnessed three new library automation systems, on-line museum pass booking, email notification for patrons, accessing periodical articles via the internet rather than the printed copy, and she remains a welcoming presence at the Circulation Desk. Norma has seen many changes in operations over the years, but the constant has been the committment to service to the Manchester community.
 

Teens n' Tweens Grant
 

Children's Librarian, Sara Collins has received a $20,000 competitive grant from the Board of Library Commissioners to improve library services to teens, ages 12-18. This January Ms Collins will focus on "Gaming" in the Library, board games, hand held games, and, yes, video games. See what all the excitement is about with this new generation of active games:
 

 

Catch the beat at The Manchester Public Library this January with a program for teens featuring the popular game, Dance Dance Revolution, on January 22 and 31, 5:30 PM.

DDR is a game players can dance to (like an electronic version of "Twister," or "Simon Says" for your feet). Players compete by following directional arrows on the screen and stepping on corresponding arrows on a floor mat controller. More details can be found at http://www.ddrfreak.com.

Research has demonstrated that playing DDR improves pattern recognition skills, especially in ADHD students, and offers an aerobic workout that gets the heart rate up to 140 beats per minute. Schools in West Virginia, Kansas and California are implementing DDR and similar video games into the physical education curriculum.

Registration begins on January 2, 2008. The first twenty-four (24) players to return a signed permission slip will be eligible for participation; this program is limited to students in grades 6-12.

DDR is a safe and fun game; however, participants play this game at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible for participants’ health or fitness. To add your name to the registration list and pick up a permission slip and fact sheet, please contact Ms Collins at 978-526-2016 .