Tag: Public Libraries

New at the “Other” Branch

Posted on by Peggy

We know that many of our readers love to browse the “New” shelf at our libraries. Although we buy two copies of many titles, you could be missing out on some great titles by looking at the new releases at just one branch. Staff members are always happy to help you learn about the new books at the “Other Branch” by using the online catalog. Here’s a sampling of the one-copy titles that were purchased in the last month. You can ask the circulation librarian to have the books you want sent to the branch of your choice.

Happy Reading!

 

The Imaginative Worlds of Chris van Allsburg

Posted on by Peggy

You are probably already familiar with author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg from his best known children’s books: The Polar Express and Jumanji. Both have been turned into extremely successful feature films. They also both earned Van Allsburg a Caldecott Medal for best illustrated children’s book in the year they were published.

Van Allsburg’s work features detailed drawings in a limited range of colors and with unusual perspectives. Look closely and you’ll almost certainly find something surprising, or even other-worldly. Although his books are usually in a picture book format, they are suitable for older kids and adults, as well. You’ll need to spend some time on each page, soaking up the words and the illustrations, to appreciate the richness of the art form.

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris van Allsburg Jumanji by Chris van Allsburg

Queen of the Falls by Chris van Allsburg Just a Dream by Chris van Allsburg Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg

The Widow's Broom by Chris van Allsburg  Ben's Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg and others

 

In 1984, Van Allsburg published an unusual book called The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, consisting almost entirely of strange and haunting illustrations. These illustrations were often used in schools as writing prompts. In 2011, a group of young adult authors were asked to write a collection of short stories based on the Harris Burdick illustrations. You can read the stories in The Chronicles of Harris Burdick.

 

 

 

We’re still here!

Posted on by Peggy

The Aurora Public Library District is still open normal hours as of November 20th! However, we realize that some of you are taking extra safety precautions with the increased number of COVID cases in our area. Here are some ways we can help you keep up your reading while staying safe.

curbside service

We’re continuing to offer our curbside service to anyone who doesn’t want to enter the Library building. Just call 812-926-0646 and give us your requests for DVDs, books, or magazines. We’ll pack everything into a paper bag and have it waiting for you when you arrive at the Library. This service is available at both Aurora and Dillsboro; just let us know where you will picking up your items. You can also log into your Library account at: https://eapld.org/account/ to request items. When placing your request online, we’ll call you to let you know when everything is gathered together and ready for pickup. It’s that simple!

When you come to the Library to pick up your items, just call us to let us know you are parked outside and we’ll bring the bag of items out to you.

As items are returned to the Library, we quarantine each item for 72 hours before replacing it on the shelf. This is to protect your health and the health of our staff.

Don’t forget that we also offer lots of digital choices (books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines) through the Indiana Digital Download Center.  Libby Promotional photoMake sure you sign in before searching for items to see everything that is available. If you are new to digital downloads, we’re happy to talk you through the process for getting your items onto a computer, tablet, phone or other device.

No matter if you’re hunkered down alone, or just taking extra care, we have something for everyone at your house. Just give us a call and let us know how we can help.

 

Love Your Library and Love Your Community

Posted on by Peggy

February is National Library Lovers Month, and we’re asking you to show your love by donating cans of food to the Aurora Public Library District. For each item you bring in, we’ll reduce any outstanding fines on your library account by $1.00. Then, we’ll spread the love by donating the food to a local food pantry. Food items must not be expired, and cans must be undented and have a label.

As most of you know, outstanding fines or fees in excess of $5.00 prevent you from checking out Library materials. That makes us sad, so this is a great way to clear some of those pesky fines and to get back the ability to make full use of the Library’s wonderful resources. Fines for late, lost, or damaged items can be reduced through this program. Fees for printing, earbuds, Inter-Library Loans, PLAC cards, or non-resident cards cannot be reduced by bringing in food items.

Please pass the word to anyone you know who may have outstanding fines, so they can start using the library again!

We will be accepting donations through Saturday, February 29th.

2020 Hours of Service

Posted on by Peggy

In order to better serve the community, some of our operating hours will change, beginning on January 2, 2020. The changes are shown in red.

The Aurora Public Library

Monday 10 am – 6 pm

Tuesday 10 am – 8 pm

Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm

Thursday 10 am – 8 pm

Friday 10 am – 6 pm

Saturday 10 am – 3 pm

The Dillsboro Public Library

Monday 10 am – 6 pm

Tuesday 10 am – 6 pm

Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm

Thursday 10 am – 6 pm

Friday 10 am – 6 pm

Saturday 10 am – 3 pm

 

The Local History Library
@ the Depot

Tuesday 10 am – 6 pm

Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm

Thursday 10 am – 6 pm

1st & 3rd Saturday 10 am – 3 pm

(closed each day 12:30-1 pm)

 

 

Steamboat’s a Comin’!

Posted on by Peggy

Step back in time as singer and storyteller Kevin Stonerock takes you on a grand adventure of story, song and first person living history about life on the Ohio River from the frontier era through the glorious age of steam. Kevin will be presenting “Steamboat’s a Comin’!” at the Aurora Public Library on Tuesday evening, June 18th, beginning at 7 p.m.

In addition to song and story, the audience will meet four rollicking river characters (portrayed by Kevin), including a keelboat man, a steamboat passenger on the J. M. White, a showboat barker from the 1890’s and steamboat captain Ebenezer Cline. This program is appropriate for all ages, but especially suited to adult audiences.

Kevin Stonerock began performing more than 30 years ago and has never stopped. From stage to television, from coffeehouse to concert hall, Kevin has entertained and captivated audiences from Cape Cod to Los Angeles. A consummate professional, his performing philosophy and work ethic is simple  – “Always be prepared and leave it all on the stage”.

What Public Libraries Do – Part 2

Posted on by Peggy

Since the 1980s, Public Libraries across America have been providing free computer and Internet access to community members. The Aurora Public Library District is no exception. In 2017, our public computers were used by library patrons 4,678 times and we had 7,295 people use our Wi-fi connections. The Library District remains committed to providing this access to all members of our community. We see everyday the growing need for computer access, not only for looking up information, but also for applying for government or state benefits, applying for jobs, filing tax returns, staying connected through social media and email, and a variety of other activities.

You can access our Computer and Internet Policy at: https://eapld.org/about/policies/. Anyone age 18 or older may use the public computers with a library card, and visitors to our area may use a computer by showing a photo ID. Children and youth under age 18 are required to have a parent or guardian signature to use a computer. The Library District does have a content filter on the public computers to comply with the federal Computer and Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

If you need help at one of our public computers, just ask at the circulation desk! Staff members can assist with many things, although we can’t give you medical, legal, or tax-related advice. If you are interested in taking a computer class or in getting some individual instruction, let us know. We are hoping to be able to offer more training in the near future.