Reference@TBML

Adult Summer Reading Wrap-Up

Several weeks ago we brought you a story about our Adult Summer Reading Program.  That program has wrapped-up, but read about all the interesting things we did and join us again next summer!

On June 22, the library hosted “End of Story: An Altered Book Workshop,” presented by library staff employees.  Participants got some hands-on experience in transforming a hardback book into a work of art.  The room was full of creativity!

The following Monday, participants attended an Exotic Gardening in Las Cruces workshop with an Agricultural Extension Agent from the NMSU Extension and Outreach Office.  Attendees learned about to create the best yard and garden plan for privacy, shade, shelter, climate control and beauty. 

The final program, Rag Rug Heirlooms, was presented by one of our library staff employees.  Attendees participated by creating small coaster/trivet size “rugs” by crocheting scrap materials or rags into a usable item.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Adult Summer Reading Program!  A total of 272 books were read by the 28 participating adults.  Way to go!  Join us again next year as children, teens, AND adults share their love of reading in our summer reading programs.  And remember, the library is an excellent place to learn something new through a program, ask a question, and find books, audiobooks and movies—all for free!

TBML's Public Services Staff--Happy to help you find your next book!

--CL

Building Improvements Update

We’re continuing to improve to serve you better here at the Branigan Library.  This summer our HVAC system was replaced so that we’re cooling better and more efficiently.  I’m sure you’ve noticed other construction activities as well.  As soon as the project to improve accessibility around the outside of the library was completed a new project was started. 

This one incorporates legislative funding designated for building expansion and to increase space for children’s programming.  The Kiva Room, adjacent to the Children’s Room, is being renovated to make it more practical for all kinds of programs.  The room has always been equipped with a great puppet theater, but the room was not the best for small children or older people.  The steps around the room will be eliminated so the floor will be level and the ceiling will be raised to create a more spacious and safe environment for small scale programs.

A new meeting room is being constructed on the Campo Street side of the building.  The current meeting room (Dresp Room) on the first floor will be converted to a public computing area to eliminate the crowding we now experience with the configuration of our public access computers.  The room will be completely redone.  New wall, window and floor treatments will offer a much more pleasant and relaxed atmosphere for our users. 

Our goal is to make the Branigan Library experience more pleasant and hope in the near future to continue with our plans for improving both the building and service.

--Kathleen Teaze, Library Administrator

TBML is now a donation site for the Pet Food Bank

 

A local animal-welfare advocacy group, ACTion Programs for Animals has started a Pet Food Bank for Las Cruces' needy pets.  The sites currently accepting donations include: The Bean of Mesilla, Better Life Pet Foods, Horse N' Hound Feed N' Supply, Mountain View Market, Toucan's Market, Calista Animal Hospital, and Thomas Branigan Memorial Library.  Just look for the brightly-colored donation bins and make your donation today! 

Click here to Download the APA Press Release.

And remember, animal welfare begins at home so check out some of these new books on keeping your best animal friend healthy and happy.

The Adopted Dog Bible -- Advice and help specific to rescued dogs.

The Cats of Kittyville: New Lives for Saved Felines -- An uplifting and hopeful book focused on a no-kill shelter in Utah.

Dogtown: A Sanctuary for Rescued Dogs -- The counterpart to The Cats of Kittyville.

The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care -- An updated edition of the classic cat care manual.

Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned -- Simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, this book points us to ways we can improve our response to disaster and protect our companion animals in the process.

The Power of Positive Dog Training -- A new book utilizing the Clicker method to encourage good behavior.

Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health -- A book intended to take the mystery out of the visit to the vet and empower us as consumers.

BES

Read All About It...

In this economic climate, reading or watching the news may not always be a pleasant experience.  But we have a few sites and books that may lighten the load or at least make the experience more aesthetically pleasing.

The Washington Post has launched an interesting site called TimeSpace: World.  Timespace is a site that graphically maps the news "hotspots" around the globe and provides an interactive news experience.  A different way to experience your daily news.

Google provides a number of infinitely useful tools in easy-to-use formats.  And they have done the same with their Google News page.  Google's news page is interesting in that it pulls together numerous news sources on a topic.  Rather then visiting a number of sites, Google cuts out the middle man and pools news stories in information groups.  A great way to get a broad and diverse view of a topic.

A little closer to home, you now have access to both the Las Cruces Sun-News and the Las Cruces Bulletin news archives.  Available through the Library's database, New Mexico Newspapers, you can access archives from 2004 to the present.  The Las Cruces Bulletin has a very nice archive which dates from 2007 to the present and is definintely worth a look.

And finally, to inject a cynical perspective, check out the book My Bad: 25 Years of Public Apologies and the Appalling Behavior That Inspired Them.  This book points the spotlight on public figures, including the news media, and their public gaffes. 

BES

Library to be closed for construction March 6-8 2009.

Branigan Library will be closed March 6, 7 and 8 for construction work. The Library entrance is getting a facelift; some of the enhancements will be new sidewalks, an ADA-compliant entrance ramp with railings, and new Xeriscaping.

The Library will be closed on Friday and will remain closed through the weekend while construction crews pour new concrete and allow it to cure. The Library will open as usual at 8:00 AM on Monday, March 9.

Barricade Art

One of the great things about the construction of the new city hall is the proliferation of art.  Set up to mask the construction site, artists from all over the city have been contributing panels to the barricade fence.  Vibrant and colorful and a true celebration of city talent, the barricade is worth an appreciative look.

Recently, the library's Teen Advisory Group created a wonderful panel that promotes reading.  Keep an eye out for a panel depicting a pink car with two passengers and bumper stickers promoting reading.  See TAG's work below and in person!

 TH

In Memoriam: Keith Wilson

IN MEMORIAM
Keith Wilson
Poet Laureate of Las Cruces
26 December 1927 (Clovis NM) —10 February 2009 (Las Cruces NM)

Keith Wilson, Las Cruces’ own poet laureate passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday the 10th.  Wilson lived a rich and varied life. His academic career enriched students at the University of Nevada—Reno, and the University of Arizona in Tucson as well as NMSU where he won the first ever Westhafer Teaching Award and was for years, the poet-in-residence. His published work includes voluminous works of poetry, and he was the recipient of numerous awards, grants and prizes.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, though, is the clouds of friends, admirers and students he leaves behind. He was the kind of person whom others felt enriched by just for meeting. There are scores and scores and scores of people who count themselves better, fuller persons for having known him.

I never had the privilege of really knowing Keith well. I only briefly met him two or three times, and on each occasion I was deeply impressed by his quiet dignity and the respect with which he treated everyone around him. He had a way of listening so intensely to you that it was almost intimidating and you could tell he was genuinely interested in what you had to say. A refreshing change in this age of instant messaging and rampant glad-handing!

Rest in Peace, Keith, your family and many friends, readers and “mentees” will miss you.

To see the works by Keith Wilson that Branigan Library owns, click here.

Some additional resources and online poetry can be found here and here.

MAP

No parking? No problem!

Download NO PARKING NO PROBLEM flyer

It is no secret that finding a parking can be difficult at Thomas Branigan Public Library.  These days, with the construction of the new City Hall, parking spots are at a premium.  Now, you can save yourself the trip and the ordeal of the parking lot by using the library's Books-By-Mail system.

Simply register for our service either by calling 528-4029 or using our online form. 

After you have registered, you can begin requesting books either by calling 528-4029 or using our online catalog.  If using our catalog, be sure to choose Books By Mail as your pickup location.  Delivery time is usually between 3-5 days.

So try Books By Mail today!

BES

Cats, Cats, and More Cats

Some of us here at the library are obsessed with cats and we are not too ashamed of it.  So, to sate this obsession, I offer a round-up of cat miscellanea--some new and some well-loved.

New to our shelves:

  Why Do Cats Bury Their Poop?: More than 200 Feline Facts, Fallacies, and Foibles Revealed   Do cats get embarrassed?  What is Cat Scratch Fever?  All this and more in this revealing book.

The Natural Pet Food Cookbook: Healthful Recipes for Dogs and Cats  An interesting take on bringing natural foods to your pet.  Worth a look.

On Cats by Doris Lessing  A great author with a great love for cats.  It is always nice to find those thoughts and emotions you have written most eloquently by someone else.

I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Collekshun  It is finally here!  The best of the best from the famous website: icanhascheezburger.com.

Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health  Be assertive and take your pet's care into your own hands.  An essential read for all pet owners.

Dewey: A Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World  Find out about the little guy who inspired a town.

Pet Food Nation: The Smart, Easy, and Healthy Way To Feed Your Pet Now  Know what is in your pet's food and do something about it!  Find out how you can provide better food for your cat without special ordering or breaking the bank.

And some well loved choices:

Planet Cat: A Cat-Alog  A compendium of all things cat.  From facts and figures to famous cats and quotes.  A must read for the serious cat lover.  Beware, it may take two weeks to make it through this one!

The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats  From one of the best animal emotions scholars around.  Beautifully written and infinitely inspiring.  A must-read.

Doc Halligan's What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs  Know your pet and your pet will thank you.  An authoritative read on your pet's mental and physical well-being.

Interested in adopting a new pet?  Visit the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley or the Safe Haven Animal Shelter.

BES