Arthur Johnson Memorial Library

Learning to Read

2011-12-22T10:45:00.006-07:00

I have heard and read a lot lately concerning children and teens with problems reading. This is not a new issue. In 1955, Rudolph Flesh wrote a book titled "Why Johnny Can't Read" (available at the library). That book was a best seller and is still in print today. Flesh addressed a problem that cropped up when the 'whole word' method of teaching took over the educational system. Instead of phonics (teaching the sounds of not only individual letters, but short vowel sounds, consonants and combinations spelled with two or three letters, vowels and vowel combinations spelled with two or three letters, the five long vowel sounds, and irregular spellings), children were taught to recognize words as a whole. Phonics was all but eliminated for a period, and eventually a generation of children grew up who did not have the tools to recognize that 'not' and 'knot' and 'bought' all had the same vowel sound but different spellings.

Reading is meant to be a smooth experience. With the right skills taught from the beginning, the eye will eventually recognize whole words without having to sound them out and a sentence will run smoothly together, its meaning clear because pauses to puzzle out a word are not happening every few words.

I know a couple in which the husband was taught by 'whole word' method and still has some difficulty reading and certainly has difficulty spelling; while the wife was taught from the beginning by a combination of 'whole word' with simple words such as 'a', 'the', 'it', 'Mom', 'cat', 'dog', etc., and with phonics to decipher all the consonant, vowel, and combination sounds that happen regularly. She reads well, spells well, and writes well.

So today's problem with children who are passed from grade to grade and read so haltingly that it translates into poor to non-existent spelling and writing skills is nothing new. But it is a larger issue as more and more children and teens seem to have this difficulty. The problem hasn't gone away - it has gotten much bigger. Part of the reason is not just the lack of phonics (because phonics did make a partial comeback), but with other factors that weren't identified in the 50s.

One issue was the way information dissemination changed. In the day, there was the printed word. If you lived at a distance from Washington, D.C., you read about what the government was doing in the newspapers. You read about what was happening with distant family in letters. There was no telephone. There was no radio. There was no television. And there was certainly no texting or tweeting with its own non-standard method of spelling. Reading was an extremely important skill and treated as such by teachers, parents and therefore, students. Spelling and writing naturally followed, since non-verbal communication was also a written skill.

With the development of technology and the spreading of news and communication by the spoken word, illiteracy was not such a severe problem. You could find out what was going on without having to depend on what you heard other people discussing. You could call your relatives. You could 'watch' the news.

So over the decades, functional illiteracy has increased. It often happens in family groups, from generation. Children whose parents don't read well or do not read regularly, and who see that it is possible to survive without reading, spelling and writing skills are much less likely to read well themselves. No matter what the teacher attempts to teach in the classroom (and math skills are vanishing as well with the invention of calculators and cash registers that figure totals automatically), unless the importance of these skills are on display in the home or are emphasized and proficiency encouraged by family adults, many children will not reach the level of their own individual ability, the level that almost any child who went to school a hundred years ago automatically achieved.

My parents were readers. They read for pleasure, they read for knowledge, and they read to their children. I remember learning to read myself and wondering impatiently in the first grade when I would be good enough to get past "See Spot run", and read the good stuff for myself. No more waiting for someone to read an interesting story to me. I wanted to do it on my own.

Perhaps that is what children, from a very young age, need to learn. Reading is fun. Books are hilarious or amazing or engrossing. Reading is cool. And while school might not be a child's first priority, because they love reading at least it won't be hard. Reading time will be fun, writing a paragraph easy, understanding the textbooks possible. Reading has a very important place in learning the skills necessary to get passing grades, earn a diploma, get a good job that you might actually enjoy, and of course, entertain yourself when there is nothing good on TV - or even when there is.

Reading to children who are still too young to read to themselves is a first crucial step to engaging them directly with the printed word. DVDs and video games are fun, but they will not help anyone learn to read, spell or write. Pick books, especially ones with pictures for young children, that interest your child. Not every child wants to hear about Cinderella. They might want to read about Scooby-Doo or trapdoor spiders or lightning or horses or dinosaurs or giant digging machines. We have books for young children on all of those subjects and many more, including wordless books where you and your child can make up the story to suit yourselves. To a little child, making up a story to go with pictures in a book is reading and it will introduce them to the concept of a story to be 'read'.

This library makes an effort to select and purchase books to entertain, interest, and aid children from birth through high school. Throughout the year pre-school story hour, summer story hour, and now Nature Tales are programs where children can be read to by adults and have a good time. Children can come to these programs at the library in Raton and get a head start on learning to read themselves. We invite you to bring them in.

Preschool Story Hour - Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Nature Tales - Twice a month on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. (Call 445-9711 for the next date.)
Summer Story Hour - Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. during the summer.

"For Their Children, Many E-Book Fans Insist on Paper"

2011-12-03T16:54:00.004-07:00

The New York Times reported on November 21, 2011, that parents who use E-Books all the time have a very odd double standard - they want their children to read 'real' books, not e-books. They laud the smell, the reality of turning a page, the intimacy of holding and sharing a book when it comes to what their children read. They had that growing up, and now they want it for their children.

Well, this is good news of course. Although the reporter uses the term 'dead tree' books at least twice (and I wonder what he calls furniture made of wood - 'dead tree' tables and chairs?), the journalist treats these inconsistent parents gently. According to the article, publishers say that children's books are on the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to E-book purchases. These publishers report converting more picture books, even though it takes longer, is harder, and is more expensive. But when the parents laugh at their own inconsistency on what they read and what they want their children to read, the reporter laughs along with them. He even reports what one parent has to say about an E-book at bedtime - it becomes less about reading together and more about the device. If a child can play a game on the same device they can read a book on, well, it seems that they will probably choose to play the game. So these parents prefer books to technological devices for their children.

This raises some interesting questions. What do these parents read on the Kindles and I-Pods? Newspapers and magazines? Work related material and books? Probably some fiction? And where do they use these devices? Does it work under the covers as well, before you go to sleep? Is it as good as a book when cuddled up under an afghan in a chair with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold snowy day? Or is it a convenient device for reading in the car or on the subway or at lunch time during a work day? Do they get caught up with a game instead of a book on the I-Pod themselves?

It is still less expensive to purchase an E-book than it is a regular printed volume, although from the sound of what the publishers had to say about picture books, those won't necessarily be cheap, and the price of simple text E-books has already risen. But if the Kindle dies, what happens to all those downloaded books? At the very least, it means purchasing another reading device instead of going to your bookshelf.

E-books are not a bad invention. They can be extremely convenient, they are easy to take along on a plane or wherever else you go, and for people who read a lot, that counts for something. They are the new hot thing that ties 'books' together with technology, and so they are fun and popular and very, very up-to-date. In a world where the newest hot thing is blazoned everywhere, from your latest tech device to TVs to billboards, it's not just convenient and cheaper to own an E-book reader, it's cool. Who wants to be left behind on the latest craze?

But obviously they don't fulfill all needs. Parents who insist on books for their children are saying, in essence, "My children won't learn to read as well with an E-reader. They won't learn to love a book, they won't learn to focus on the printed page, enjoy the illustrations as much and get lost in a story on an E-reader. I want real books for my children."

Adults who love to read have those needs, too. E-books will not vanish, although the devices will (and already have) change. But the niche they fill will not eliminate the desire and the pleasure to be had from printed, bound books. There is both the need and the room for both in this world.

Thankgiving at the Library

2011-11-09T15:14:00.004-07:00

What are we thankful for? For you. There are lots of reasons to be thankful for our patrons, so I thought I would list some:

1. Without the public, there would be no reason for this library to exist.
2. We have two new groups using our free meeting room. Thank you!
3. People who haven't ever been in the library before have come to "Nature Tales". . . how exciting!
4. Thank you for telling us when you have a new grandchild, get engaged, are taking a wonderful trip, stories about your pets, whether or not you have your Christmas shopping done, and the fact that you appreciate us - not just the library, but us, as individuals.
5. Our two book clubs - one formed by adults this year, and one brand new one started by grade schooler, Ginger Baird. Good job!
6. Those who bring us fun things, like the holiday donations Daniel Hicks gives us all the time. Thank you, Daniel!
7. Noticing the effort we go to to decorate the library for special times.
8. Checking out books in special displays.
9. Using our movie collection since we don't really have a special place to rent DVD's in town any more.
10. Telling us jokes, asking how we are, giving us the kind of 'hard time' that means you like us.
11. Donating books, movies, audio books, magazines and furniture.
12. For so many coming to "Zoo To You" last August that the line snaked out the door, down the front steps and down the sidewalk. What a turnout!
13. Showing up in droves on Monday afternoon, after we have been closed on Sunday.
14. Using the book drops so your books won't be late.
15. Paying overdue fines without fussing.
16. Telling us which are your favorite paintings in the library.
17. Being just as amazed as we are the "Little House on the Prairie" was once a banned book.
18. Using our computers all the time. . .ALL THE TIME.
19. Showing patience when we are short handed and you have to wait in line.
20. Understanding when we make a mistake.
21. Coming to the library, using the library, appreciating the library.

THANK YOU!

A big Thank You!

2011-10-14T16:07:00.003-07:00

The library staff was surprised to find a scarecrow made by Mrs. Aragon's class at Columbian Elementary School in front of the library, ready to greet everyone who comes in. We would like to thank Mrs. Aragon's class and the Raton Main Street organization for this great seasonal decoration. We love it!

Print vs Electronics

2011-10-14T09:11:00.002-07:00

There is a video on Yahoo today showing a one year old baby with a magazine. She is pushing non-existent buttons and trying to make it work like an IPad. Needless to say, she's a little confused.
So the question is: is the next generation of readers even going to know what a book is?
Oh, yes.
Saying that children who learn how to use electronic devices will never use a book is like saying that using a dishwasher means you have no idea how to wash a dish in a sink. It's like saying watching TV means you can't figure out how to turn on a radio. It's like insisting the invention of the car eliminated bicycles from the face of the earth.
From the the wheel to the cell phone, man has developed and invented innumerable items that have enabled humanity to do a lot of things they never did before. It's true that some of these inventions have more or less swept away certain things. For example, most households don't make dip candles any more - they flip a switch for light. But many inventions that have stood for progress in the history of mankind still live side by side with what came next. Remember when computers were first gaining popularity in businesses and homes? They were supposed to do away with the reams of paperwork considered necessary to function in the 20th century. I don't know about you, but I am sitting in an office with a stuffed file cabinet and files on the counters, just full of all that paper that was going to be eliminated.
Libraries move with the times. That's why you find public access computers for patrons, books on CD, movies to check out and Ebooks. But you also find newspapers and magazines and upstanding files holding clippings and old photographs - and, of course, books. Lots and lots of books, purchased thoughtfully to try and meet the needs of everyone the library serves, from the smallest baby to the most elderly patron.
Given the current economic realities, I think it is safe to say that if hardly anyone checked out a book, there wouldn't be very many left in public libraries. When it comes to money, librarians are realists. They have to be. They are there to provide information, entertainment and education for the public, and there is only a certain amount of money each year to meet those needs. If reading print that you hold in your hands was a vanishing need, you wouldn't find new bestsellers, new picture books, new Chilton's manuals and the local newspaper on the shelves.
People still want and desire actual books. Many of us it find that it satisfies some sort of need that is buried deep in our psyche. Access to books was something the ordinary people did not have for millenniums. The ability to read was non-existent, it was a need that was not even recognized when survival took all their waking hours. That began to change with the invention of the printing press, the beginning of formal education for everyone, the other inventions that freed up time for things like, well, reading. This need has been passed along from generation to generation, and books were the basis upon which past generations gained knowledge and skills, improved their lives, and gave an immeasurable amount of pleasure. Reading a book is hardwired into us all, and it was there long before Steve Jobs gave us the IPad.
Electronic devices also have needs that books don't have. They have to be recharged. They don't work if you drop them often enough (and who hasn't dropped their cell phone before?). They can be disabled with viruses. Computers need operating systems and those don't come cheap. Devices and apps may use signals from satellites. Some may need to be plugged in to an electrical source.
A book, on the other hand, just has to be picked up and opened. If the electricity goes out, you can still light a candle and read a good book.
As for the baby girl trying to push buttons on a magazine, she just doesn't know what a magazine is for yet. My children didn't either, but instead of trying to push buttons, they tore out the pages and had a great time. They grew up to know what books are all about, and so will the babies of today.

List of Furlough Days

2011-09-22T15:28:00.002-07:00

Furlough Days at the library will be:
Monday, August 8, 2011 (done)
Monday, September 19, 2011 (done)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, March 29, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012

"Zoo To You" A Lot of Fun!

2011-08-19T10:43:00.002-07:00

The library sponsored Zoo To You on Wednesday, August 10th. The display is never here longer than two hours so that the animals don't get stressed, and before we even opened our doors at 10:00 A.M. that morning, we had a line forming outside. It took half an hour to get everyone in the building. Over 186 adults and children came to see a baby alligator, a Kingsnake, a rattlesnake (with fangs but no venom), a hedgehog, a guinea pig and an Australian parakeet (who loved all the attention!) Other artifacts like animal skins were available for touching and feeling. The docents who brought "Zoo To You" to the library were wonderful in the way they handled the animals out of their containers and cages so that everyone could have a good look. They also were a mine of information on each creature and the artifacts. For example, did you know that a Kingsnake is imperious to a rattlesnake bite? In fact, Kingsnakes kill rattlesnakes. They kill their prey by constriction, just like a boa constrictor, and often have colorful skins.
Thanks to the community for attending this exhibit. We hope you had a good time - we certainly did!

"It Has A Red Cover"

2011-07-14T15:42:00.002-07:00

When a library patron is trying to find a book that they read once upon a time and they don't remember the author or title, the request usually goes something like this - "I read it when I was in college (or' when I was a child', or 'forty years ago'), and it was about someone who owned a Model T car (or 'a dog like the one on that commercial', or 'a man and a woman in Africa'), and it had a red cover."

If we shelved books by the color of their covers, it might actually be possible to go through the collection of books with red covers and see if their particular book was in the library. That is, if we didn't have much else to do, like shelving returned materials, answering the phone, processing new books ( some of which probably have red covers), taking care of the bills to be paid, making copies for patrons or sending faxes for patrons, checking all types of materials in and out, dealing with the budget cycle, doing the paperwork for grants, working on long term projects, mending books to extend their lives, withdrawing books that need final rites, straightening up the magazine room after a day's worth of reading has scrambled things, putting books back in order so they can actually be located on the shelf at some point in the future, helping patrons with the computers and aiding the public directly in all kinds of ways.

I used to think this was one of those 'patron' things, a description used by people who are afraid of the Dewey Decimal system and don't have very good memories. Then one day I heard myself say to another staff member, "We need to pull that book about World War II for someone. You know, the one about the black airmen. . .I think it has a red cover."

Huh. Obviously it wasn't just a patron thing, it was a people thing, maybe even a 'being human' thing. And clearly the color red is deeply embedded in our psyches, because when we finally found the book, it wasn't red. It was blue. I thought about how many times I had had a request for a book with a green cover or a yellow one, and there weren't many, if any. No, it was usually all about a red cover.

I wish I could report that we have always found the book with the red cover that the patron is looking for, but sadly, that is not true. Instead, we focus on the dog or the continent or even what the man and the woman did for a living. Sometimes we are successful, sometimes we aren't. And I have never yet filled one of those requests by looking through all the books with red covers.

Are School Libraries Important?

2011-07-07T14:32:00.003-07:00

There seems to be movement afoot in this time of 'no money' in which some schools are considering closing their school libraries. Theoretically it will save money, and perhaps that is true for some schools who have invested heavily in their libraries, their collections, their computer labs and their staff. (But if that is the case, those schools probably won't consider closing their libraries down, if only because so much money has been pumped into them.)

Unfortunately, those schools are probably outnumbered by schools who have always put libraries on the back burner because other things are more important. Things like another office staff member, raises for administration, the cost of gas to get girls sports teams and boys spots teams to different locations on different days (what ever happened to scheduling those games on the same day?), upgrading the computers in classrooms and offices, and who knows what else. For those schools, eliminating libraries probably seems logical on the surface, even though the libraries in those schools are funded with a pittance anyway and the savings may just be a drop in the bucket.

Often school librarians are not seen as equal partners with teachers and administrators in the education system. Reading is taught in the classroom and textbooks are used there to teach the three R's. Work done outside the classroom is the student's responsibility. If information is needed for an assignment, the student is expected to locate it.

What parents and everyone involved in education needs to remember is that libraries in schools are supposed to be able to supply primary and supplementary material on the premises for this very reason. Librarians can help students with books, periodicals, and computer resources for research, book reports, and sometimes (gasp) with materials a student wants to use outside homework and required reading. Teachers don't have time to walk students individually through finding everything they need. Modern education methods have left them with so much paperwork and evaluation to do, not to mention hoping they meet the mandated goals set by the federal government so the school can receive enough funds to operate, that they are lucky to have time to get through the curriculum during class. There aren't enough hours in the day to help students with outside sources one-on-one.

That is where a school librarian as an education partner can come in handy. If the school system has realized the value of an information specialist, kept the collection up to date, and made sure the library computers actually operate, students can find the guidance they need to information and knowledge. Otherwise, young students are dependent on parents who are already hard pressed for time to get them to the public library to find the book on their list. Students without computers need to find a way to get to the public library which is often the only other place in town with free Internet access, as it is in Raton. High school students who can drive have to be dedicated to go to the library for research and writing in between extra-curricular and social activities.

Public libraries help by providing books, magazines and computers for students who get there after school hours or on weekends. But the public library is meant to cover the needs of the entire public and should not be considered the primary or only source for all educational needs. Often, especially in a small town, they will not have the space or the funds to cover the needs of all classrooms at all levels or for all subjects for hundreds of students.

Which is why schools who consider closing their libraries are short changing students who are required by law to attend their institutions. The U.S. has fallen behind many other countries in the numbers of students who graduate and the amount of knowledge they graduate with. Ignoring or closing school libraries will not help improve that situation one bit.

A Treasure Trove of Local History

2011-06-07T13:28:00.003-07:00

Since July 2010, the library and archivist Sharon Niederman have been working tabulating the historic records at the library. This work was made possible by a grant from the NM Historic Records Advisory Board. National funds and/or the state through the state legislature provide the money for these grants. In our case, these funds pay the archivist to do the majority of the work while the library provides at least 20% of the money funded in 'in-kind' work and contributions.

During this last year, the Victor Grant collection of photographs of the Maxwell/Beaubien family was selected for preservation work during the coming funding cycle. I am pleased to announce that the application for re-grant funding in regard to this specific project has been awarded to the library for the 2011-2012 funding cycle.

Local libraries all over the country are rich in local history, and the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library is no exception. The Victor Grant collection is one small part of what this library holds. Upstanding files on Raton, photograph files of Raton and the surrounding area (most of them of times past), old city directories, cemetery records and other records compiled into two books by Nancy Robertson in the 1970s, scrapbooks, upstanding files on subjects of general interest in New Mexico, Father Stanley booklets on towns and villages in New Mexico, and the Raton Range on microfilm since the 1880s are all held in this library. If you have a local or or state historical interest, it might pay off to see if we have anything on your subject.

Many of these materials need preservation work. Many need expanded records in the catalog to more efficiently aid patrons in finding what they are looking for. It's a huge job and will not be done in one or two years.

But the NM Historical Records Advisory Board has given us a start. Applications for funding have come from libraries, organizations and cities all over the state, including the Navajo Nation, El Palacio Magazine, the Palace of the Governor, and UNM Hospital. For the last two funding cycles only ten grants have been awarded out of approximately 30 applicants each year, and we have now received two of them. This tell me that the New Mexico Historical Records Advisory Board realizes that the history of the state is based in large part on the local history found in each area and community. They found our collection and our specific aim this year to be worthy of funding.

Library Statistics. . .Keep Reading!

2011-04-26T09:44:00.003-07:00

Statistics, how dull. Right?

Wrong, wrong, wrong. When it comes to library statistics, you might be surprised to learn a few things about your local library. For example, did you know this library holds over 50,000 volumes? (Not including magazines and newspapers.) These materials are books (of all sorts for all types of people), audio books (in case you are taking a long boring trip on the road), music CDs, video games, and movies? Yes, in a town where the only way left to get a DVD is to buy one. . .there is another way. Each of these materials can be borrowed free of charge! They can be used in your own home at your own convenience for anywhere from a week to three weeks for those who live in or just outside Raton, or three weeks to six weeks for those who live in another area. The key word, of course, is "borrowed". The AJM Library is funded by the city of Raton and all the materials in it are city property. We lend them to you, you bring them back. If not, the word 'free' goes away and there will be a fine or a replacement cost due. But as long as anything you borrow is returned on time, it's one of the best economic deals in town.

The next statistic concerns our public access computers. The fifteen machines we have are used over 11,000 times a year. That means each computer averages being used 750 times per year. Not just by the same 750 people either. There are as many reasons for using the public library's computers as there are users. Those who are traveling, those whose computers have viruses and whose printers are not working, those who want to do a little research on an upcoming trip, those who come after school for help with classwork, and those who do not own a computer all use the library public access computers for free. There is that word 'free' again. Printing costs 15 cents per page, black and white, but using a computer costs absolutely nothing.

Every year the library uses a formula provided by the New Mexico State Library to average how many individuals come to the library. In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, this library was visited 34,164 times. The statistics for the current 2010-2011 fiscal year show that the average is going to be over 38,000 visits. During times of economic woe, people use the library more. Can't afford a subscription to the Albuquerque Journal? That's all right, we have it here in the library. Can't travel to a book store this weekend for the latest best seller? (That good old price of gas!) Call the library and see if our copy is available. Interested in a book that is out of print and this library doesn't have it? We will use the inter-library loan system to see if we can borrow it from another library for you. Need a place to use a computer or read a magazine while the car is being fixed or your wife is getting her hair done? Here we are.

Last year 2,647 people attended programs at the library. These programs were for people of all ages and a variety of interest. Many were children, and the schools brought students for tours as well. Some adult attendees were aspiring writers. Some had an interest in the world of science. Others took computer classes or saw historical artifacts. Some actually discussed books. The meeting room in this library is open for scheduling as long as the event scheduled is not a 'for profit' venture. Want a free space to meet in? Call the library.

The library accounts for 4% of the city budget. That's all. The materials provided, the individuals served, the computer usages, the programming, the 48 hours open per week - all of that is provided with a very small portion of the public money that comes into the city coffers each year to meet the needs of its citizens.

It does so with three full time staff members, one part-time aide, and one maintenance person on the payroll. (Volunteers who work for love of the library are very much appreciated and do not cost the city a dime.) The numbers of paid staff have gone down from four full time staff and two part-time aides in past years to the current level. Still, the library is serving more people and providing just as many programs, computers and services (if not more), than when we had more staff.

It is obvious from these statistics (and in the end, all they are about you more than they are about us), this library serves the public in a large way with a small fraction of the city budget. The numbers prove it.

Newport Beach, CA, Considers Bookless Library

2011-03-31T10:49:00.004-07:00

Newport Beach has a plan on the drawing table to move the Balboa Branch of their public library to 'spanking new' 2,200-square foot quarters in the proposed Marina Park project. (http://today.msnbe.msn.com, March 30, 2011.) Part of the plan includes several alternatives for this relocation. One alternative is to eliminate most or all of the books and turn that library into "a kind of community center - a place where citizens could gather, chat. . .and surf the web."

There are several interesting/horrific concepts involved in this alternative. First of all, Newport Beach is 'faced with crushing budget problems" and this could be a part of their solution - remove all books. It seems odd to me that they want to spend money on building a "spanking new" library facility in a new location but are willing to remove the books to save money. That seems a little odd. "Look! We have a new building! And we save a portion of the cost by eliminating the books!" What a political statement.

Of course, there will be computers and maybe Ebooks and a nice place to sit by the fire and play with your laptop; but if Newport Beach library users in that area want a book, they will have to request it at an electronic ordering station, then wait for someone to deliver it to them from another branch. If someone comes in who doesn't have the funds to own an Ereader or, heaven forbid, expects a library to have books, they will be disappointed and disenfranchised.

Libraries try to meet the needs of all their patrons. This includes the technological and traditional services. As one person commented on this article, "As California goes, so goes the rest of the nation". I hope they are wrong. The concept of libraries as social and electronic centers only is disturbing, to say the least.

Right or Privilege?

2011-03-26T09:43:00.003-07:00

There was a discussion recently between New Mexico librarians on whether libraries in this country are a 'right' or a 'privilege'. I am inclined to believe it is both.
Free public libraries have been a part of this nation since it practically was one. As the nation has grown, so have the amount of public libraries. Libraries have become so much a part of our national consciousness, that you could hardly find a soul that would claim they are not a right belonging to all citizens. They are there to serve the public, which covers everyone.
But in economic times like these, tax dollars decline. Libraries are then frequently designated a 'quality of life' service, as opposed to fire/EMT and police services. You might never need the fire and police services personally, but the 'right' to have access to them is safety oriented and very basic. So you might not have access to the computers or materials you use daily or weekly at the library (often because you cannot afford as an individual what the library provides for free), but those safety services will always be available and creating a safer community, whether you call on them yourself or not.
Conclusion: a 'right' can vanish when the money is shrinking unless the public makes it clear that they expect it to be there.
As for being a 'privilege', that also applies. Every citizen has the right to public library services, but criminal activity in a library can cancel that 'privilege', just like federal convictions can cancel the right, or privilege, to vote.
Criminal activity does happen in libraries. Physical and verbal abuse, deliberate theft, damage of public property, all these things are punishable by law. When they happen in a library, those who perform these acts are often banned from using the library again. That privilege is gone. It is a public employee's responsibility (in this case, the librarian's) to maintain a safe environment for everyone who works in or uses the library. It is also their responsibility to protect and maintain public property paid for by the tax dollars that provide the department, the use of which is both a right and a privilege.

"Librarian Chic"

2011-03-17T15:31:00.002-07:00

Patricia Moore, from the New Mexico State Library, just sent out a message to all of us in Library Land. It said, "Today's NYT style section has a Q&A with a boutique owner whose best sellers include a blouse that retails for $1995.00 and is described as what the owner calls, '...librarian chic - sexy but with prim cap sleeves."
Naturally I went to the website and was very disappointed. There was no photograph of this blouse. I also wanted to see what kind of model they might have put it on. Did she weigh more than 100 pounds? Was she wearing glasses and were her eyes unfocused from being on the computer too long? Was her hair in a bun or was it dyed? I mean, was she even holding a book? If you are going to use the term 'librarian' to sell a blouse that no librarian in the country can afford, these are important questions. Exactly how are we being portrayed?
Just so you know, I don't think I have ever been 'librarian chic' in the entire time I have worked in the library. I dress for comfort. This particular blouse might require an expensive pair of heels, and there is no way I could possibly get through the day in heels. It might require an expensive skirt or fabulous pair of slacks, and I do not wear clothes that I can't afford to snag, tear, get newsprint smudges on, or wear to sweep the basement.
As for sexy. . .well. It will probably surprise some of you to learn that there are individuals out there who think the library is a great place to pick up women. Really. It is true that I have never had anyone try to pick me up, but just about every other female who has ever worked here, not matter what their size, age, or style, has had at least one person give it a try. I don't know what causes this. Is it the friendly line, "Can I help you?" Are books some sort of aphrodisiac? Whatever the cause, not one of them was wearing any kind of blouse that cost over $1,000.00.
As for this particular expensive blouse, I don't suppose I need to see a picture of it. Even if I could find an exact duplicate in K-Mart for $19.99, I wouldn't buy it. I don't like cap sleeves.

Book Sale Coming!

2011-02-23T10:31:00.005-07:00

The Friends of the Library will be holding their annual book sale on Saturday, March 19, 2011. The sale will be held on the second floor of the library from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. This is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on used books at great prices. There is plenty of fiction and non-fiction, enough to satisfy all types of readers, including the youngest ones! Come to the sale and plan to carry away a sack of books to meet all your reading requirements!

"Art Techniques: Improving Your Art" Workshop

2011-01-18T14:49:00.004-07:00

The Raton Plein Air Society of artists is hosting and conducting a new workshop at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library. This workshop is for adults, 18 years of age and up, and will meet in the library on the first and third Thursdays of each month, beginning in February and running through May.

The name of the workshop reflects the goal of those who will be conducting and participating in these ongoing workshops. The medium focused on in the workshops will be oil painting. Five aspects of oil painting will be addressed: drawing, self portraiture, still life, landscape and surreal/fantasy. Techniques and demonstrations given by different members of the Raton Plein Air Society will aid those attending to prepare for the next meeting. The work of attendees will be shown and discussed within the limits of each painting type and assignment addressed each month.

The members of the Raton Plein Air Society have each been involved in painting for decades. Various degrees in architecture, design and fine arts were the springboard that led Society members to a life long involvement in painting. They invite anyone interested in developing their artistic ability to attend the initial meeting on February 3, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. Mr. Sam Hughes will give a demonstration on drawing for the first workshop.

Refreshments will be served.

New Mexico Newsbank : Access newspapers and magazines online at home.

2011-01-15T15:46:00.006-07:00

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library now provides a link on this blog through which library patrons with library cards can access three New Mexico newspapers and ten other national publications on their own computers at home. The New Mexico newspapers are:

Albuquerque Journal
Las Cruces Sun-Times
Roswell Record

National publications are:

Baby Talk
Family Life
Foreign Affairs
Newsweek
Parenting
Popular Science
State (web publication)
Stateline.org (web publication)
U.S. News and World Report
Washington Family Magazine

The text of these magazines is now available to you at home. Go to the arthurjohnsonmemoriallibrary.blogspot.com. On the right side of the screen, find the link that says "New Mexico Newspapers". Click on that link. It will take you to a sign up page which requires your personal library card number. (Those patrons who have 3 digit patron numbers must preface their number with a zero - 0.) Once you have entered that, you will find a screen on which you can take a short cut to the New Mexico publications or nation wide publications. Select one. Each of those search screens have places to put in key words and dates in order to search for specific articles or to read the publication.

This resource can be used at the library on the public access computers or on your personal computer at home. In either case, you must go to the library blog, arthurjohnsonmemoriallibrary.blogspot.com, to begin.

Since the Albuquerque Journal no longer delivers daily in our area but send the newspapers through the mail, it is no longer necessary to wait until the next day to read the most current issue of the Journal available.

Please try out the Newsbank and let is know what you think. This service has been made available to New Mexico libraries through the New Mexico State Library and paid for by this state agency.

Income Tax Forms (Free) and Printing Income Tax Froms Off The Internet (15 cents per page)

2011-01-12T16:22:00.002-07:00

I don't know why income tax time seems to roll around so frequently. It usually seems like a year between each Christmas, but the distance between each April 15th seems to get shorter all the time. Part of the reason for me is that I start worrying in December about getting my personal forms in January and hoping that I get it all done before April 14th so I won't have to stay up all night in order to meet the deadline the next day.

When you work in the library and get shipments of forms sent for free handout by the IRS and the New Mexico Department of Taxation, taxes are also on your mind for quite a while. People ask for the forms before January 1st. In fact, people trickle in all year asking for last year's forms, forms from other states, forms from so many years ago that not even the IRS has them posted online. So taxes, like overdue books, seem to be an inescapable part of life at the library.

As far as the new tax forms go each year, I have never noticed a reliable 'received by' prediction from either entity. We are usually unable to tell patrons when the forms will be here. Sometimes they arrive (in part) before January 1st. More usually they arrive afterward in several batches that contain different forms. Sometimes New Mexico Income Tax forms are here first. Sometimes IRS forms are here first.

This year, no individuals are receiving paper forms and instruction books from the IRS in the mail. It seems that the IRS wants as many forms as possible to be submitted online. Or perhaps they are busy saving tax payer dollars by canceling all that printing. However it is, this has upset a number of people who have always used these forms. I don't blame them. Fortunately, the IRS is still sending forms to public libraries who filled out the request paper work for such forms much earlier in the year. We filled out that paper work.

In the last week I have received a notification from the IRS that we may receive forms by the end of January. That was followed immediately by an email that said a shipment had left their warehouse and might be to us by January 17th. Two days later I received an email saying that the UPS now had the order. Before any of these emails, we received Schedule M - "Making Work Pay Credit" - in bulk without any instructions, and 1040EZ forms without any booklets. In between the last two emails we received 1040EZ booklets and 1040A forms. I got another email today saying another shipment had left their warehouse, and UPS brought us a delivery of forms for Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (no instructions), and perhaps six instruction booklets on Child Care and Dependent Care Expenses. Truly, the shipping methods of the IRS are mysterious. As for the shipping methods of the NM Department of Taxation and Revenue, they are currently non-existent since we have not yet received any forms or instruction booklets from them to hand out.

We will receive more forms and booklets. I hope they are all here soon. You can always call the library (445-9711) before making a special trip to pick up forms that may not be here yet. If you are in a hurry, we can help you print IRS forms and New Mexico tax forms off the Internet, as well as the booklets. Just be aware that it costs 15 cents a page to print at the library. That can get expensive when the forms and booklets provided to us by the IRS for the public are free - after they arrive.

Also, please pick up your forms in a timely fashion. Once the ones to hand out free are gone, we charge 15 cents a page to make copies of each form that we set aside for that purpose.

In the meantime, the IRS has declared that this year's filing deadline is April 18th, not April 15th. This is because there is a holiday specific to Washington D.C. only that celebrates the day President Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves, and it falls on April 15th this year. So we all have three extra days to get our taxes done.

I wish that made me feel better than it does.

Welcome to 2011 at the Library!

2011-01-06T18:53:00.003-07:00

It's a new year at the library and we would like to thank all our patrons and supporters for what we know will be their faithfulness during the coming twelve months. As usual, we will be available to schedule the meeting room for clubs and groups; we will be happy to schedule class tours (one for home schooled children is already on the calendar this month); we hope to start developing an e-book collection; and we just want to see all of you who come in to check out books, movies, audio books, video games, music Cd's and magazines. Don't forget that we have fifteen public access computers. Time is limited only when all computers are in use, and the very least amount of time you can use a computer is half an hour. (The longest amount of time is all day!

Our hours are:
Monday - 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Tuesday - 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday - 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Thursday - 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Friday - 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Saturday - 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Sunday - CLOSED

Internet computers begin going down one half hour before closing.

Patrons who wish to get a library card must provide a photo ID. (Parents must provide their own photo ID when co-signing forms for their children.)

Regular books, movies, and audio books go out for three weeks for residents, six weeks for those patrons designated 'county'.

New fiction, music Cd's, magazines, and video games go out for one week.

Preschool Story Hour occurs every Wednesday morning at 10:00 A.M.

Summer Story Hour is for children from birth through 5th grade and occurs every Wednesday during the summer for 6-8 weeks. (Beginning date will be selected later for 2011.)

The Friends of the Library sell donated used books. They are always interested in finding new members. Call the library (445-9711) for contact information.

To all of you who use the library, we appreciate you! For those who have yet to discover us, we hope you come by soon.

Happy New Year!

Reading is good for stress!

2010-12-18T14:14:00.005-07:00

'Tis the season. . .to be stressed. I love Christmas. But the week before is intensely stressful. I am one of those people who get packages in the mail just in time to get there, am wrapping gifts for stockings at midnight on Christmas Eve (unless I focus on doing it bits at a time for two weeks, which requires thought and personal reminders and, oh, yes, stress because I haven't done it yet), holds the family dinner and wants everything to look as perfect as possible, even though the tidy results of all that cleaning last for about thirty seconds after everyone walks in the door.

I saw the title of an article today on the cover of December/January 2011 issue of Natural Health magazine. It was "Instant Calm - A simple cure for days that feel crazed". I focused on that for a moment before I snorted. We can all eliminate stress instantly. It's simple. That's why so many people suffer from so much stress, right?

All the things I have read about dealing with stress require us to do something. Meditate. Eat right. Eliminate caffeine. Exercise. Sleep more. Sleep less. Make a list and don't lose it. Prioritize. Eliminating stress requires those who are already trying to keep up to do something else to eliminate the consequences of what you are doing. Does this seem counterproductive to anybody except me?

Well, I read the article. You never know. It might actually have one teeny suggestion I could implement without making a special trip for new vitamins, changing my bedtime or giving up coffee and chocolate, especially in the middle of the holiday season. As usual, it suggested vitamins that aid in calming, exercising, being in the sun 20 minutes a day without sunscreen or sunglasses, prioritizing, giving up caffeine, and meditation.

But wait. Under 'cultivate active rest', reading was listed as a form of meditation that gives focused attention to the moment! Finally, something that I do every day. Reading relieves stress and I don't have to feel guilty about it. I can remind myself, and anyone else who questions this expenditure of my time, that too much stress causes long term health problems and reading can help that.

So pick up a good book this holiday season - one you actually want to read - and enjoy yourself. The library will be happy to help you reduce stress.

They are tough on overdues in Texas!

2010-12-09T12:42:00.002-07:00

A 25 year old woman in Bayton, Texas, was taken to court after she did not return overdue library books for seven years. She didn't show up in court and was jailed on contempt of court charges, in addition to the charges for the overdue books. This was on the day before Thanksgiving. Her reason for not returning the books was that they were burned in a fire, which she said her landlord and the fire department could verify. But she never told the library and she did not show up for court.
A detective in the Bayton Police Department said this case is uncommon, but he also added, "It's a part of the deal, part of the agreement that you enter. It's just like anything else. . .you can't take something that doesn't belong to you and just hold onto it."
This is a rather extreme reaction to overdue books, although if you bring up the subject with almost any librarian, they will probably start grinding their teeth before unclamping their jaws and responding in a reasonably civil manner. Library books and materials are returned late everywhere. Usually it's just a matter of forgetting about it, receiving a notice from the library or finding the things yourself, returning the materials and paying a fine. Librarians understand that. When you are busy and the kids are in sports and the dog is at the vet's and your husband has the flu, library books are about the last thing on your mind. But at some point, most people with overdue books return them which makes everyone happy. There is no reason for a librarian to grind their teeth over the run-of-the-mill overdue book.
It's the patrons who have them out for years that cause the angst. It's when someone comes in and says, "What do you mean we owe $112.00 in fines? We couldn't return them, we moved to California! But we're back now. Are you SURE we can't check out?" It's when the library sends overdue notices and gets them back because the person has vanished. It's when a brand new book or DVD or video game gets checked out and apparently the patron thinks it now belongs to them forever. "Cool! The public library is free!"
Yes, you can check the materials out for free. But you can't keep them. They are paid for by the funding entity (city, county, school system) and legally belong to them. Besides, if you check something out and don't bring it back, you can't check anything else out. Think of what you might be missing! And think of what other patrons are missing because you didn't return it.
We appreciate our patrons. The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library is used by a large part of our community and you should know that we are not going to go as far as the library in Bayton, Texas, when books are overdue. (No need to change your name or leave town.) Just keep turning in those things you have checked out so we can keep checking out new things to you. It's what we are here for, what we like to do, what we hope you enjoy, over and over and over.

Public Libraries Administered by Private Companies

2010-11-30T16:41:00.002-07:00

There is a new trend in this day of cost cutting. (Actually, it's not brand new, but it does have to do with cutting costs.) Public libraries owned by cities and municipalities and formerly funded and operated by the same, are being turned over to private companies to operate. It's all about the bottom line. Theoretically this saves the city or municipality money. This is actually true. The private company looks upon the library as a money pit. This means fewer employees are hired, hours open to the public are cut, book budgets are slashed and the bottom line is a lot lower.

Unfortunately, this does not add up to real public service. A patron told me a story the other day about the library in his daughter's Texas town. It is going to be turned over to a private company to operate. Not only would the hours be cut and the people doing the work be more like clerks than librarians, the actual library administrative work and decision making would be done from the company's office in the east. That meant there would be no librarian on the premises to make purchasing decisions, be familiar with the needs of the public using the library, be acquainted with a single person who entered the building, have any idea if the lighting was adequate, if the books should be shifted, if another book shelf could be fit in to hold more in certain sections, if things like reference books were properly updated or even if the floor was vacuumed and the doors were unlocked on time to let people in.

The patron's daughter had seen what happened to a library in another town close by when it was turned over to a private company. No new materials (books, DVDs, Cd's, etc.) had been purchased for two years. Yes, it was a money saving deal.

Public libraries have traditionally been supported by public money. Yes, they have their business aspects. Bills have to be paid, physical plants (the actual building) have to be kept up, contracts signed, equipment purchased, building codes and federal requirements, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, have to be met. Patrons are a lot like customers, and librarians have to use the funds at their disposal to serve the largest patron base possible. But there is a lot more to libraries than the business side. There is real public service where trained people familiar with the collection and with computer usage do their best to help others. They may be paid with public funds, but that is appropriate, since they are providing a free public service. If you live in a small town, it is comforting to know who you are going to be dealing with when you go to the library. The librarian does not live in another state. You can actually talk to him/her face to face.

As for the patron's daughter, she has taken her children to the next town and gotten library cards at that public library - because that is what it still is, a real library that serves real people.

Raton Science Cafe : "Giant Waves and Rogue Waves"

2010-11-20T15:11:00.003-07:00

The Raton Science Cafe will meet at the library Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 7:00 P.M. The topic will be Giant Waves and Rogue Waves. A collection of the best 90 slides from five different sources will be shown. Giant waves can be surf waves, tsunami waves, and rogue waves. Their power is illustrated by many photographs of damageed ships and oil rigs; and in a few instances - the actual rogue waves. A handout shows 21 of the favored locations of rogue waves. Viewers may also have a CD-ROM copy of the presentation. If you are interested in reading up on the subject beforehand, the library holds a copy of "The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean", a best-selling non-fiction book by author Susan Casey. The presentation will be followed with food and drink refreshments.

Dennie R. Gum has published a new book!

2010-11-20T14:53:00.005-07:00

Dennie Gum, the assistant librarian at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library, has published a new book titled, "Unknown Lover". This is a modern romance involving three friends and their struggles and personal decisions regarding their attachments for one another. Dennie has previously published "Winter Dreamer" and has a third book in process. We are proud to have her books available to the public. If you wish to read "Unknown Lover", call and reserve the book. The library has two copies, both of which are flying off the shelf as our patrons enjoy this story by our very own library employee.

Vote "Yes" for Bond B for libraries on November 2, 2010!

2010-10-11T14:56:00.002-07:00

As libraries are more used and needed in this time of economic recession, their budgets are being cut because there simply isn't enough money to go around.
On the statewide election ballot Bond B, if passed, will provide $7,000,000 to go to New Mexico public, school, tribal, college and university libraries to update their collections, equipment and databases. This money is not distributed until the library has purchased and paid for books and materials, computers (including parts, and needs to make the patron computer experience as up to date as possible), and online data bases that charge for their information. The State of New Mexico checks all submissions for reimbursement from libraries to make sure that the funds are used properly before each library receives any of these funds.
At this library, we have been able to purchase new computers, new headphones, new parts such as increased memory, as well as many books, DVDs, audio books, music and periodical subscriptions. While the city does provide many things for the library, including funds for the books and materials, necessary budget cuts have left us with only the GO Bond funds to keep our public access computer network up and running.
Not only will public libraries benefit from much needed funds, but the school libraries throughout Colfax County will also benefit. The following figures are based on charts prepared using existing distribution formulas, population figures and existing libraries in Colfax County. These figures give you an approximate idea of how much money libraries in this county will receive if Bond B passes on November 2, 2010.
Public Libraries
Arthur Johnson Memorial Library $11,233.68
Eagle Nest Public Library 3,080.30
Fred Macaron Public Library (Springer) 4,200.30
Shuter Library of Angel Fire 3,983.44

Public Schools
Cimarron Municipal Schools $10,501.60
Maxwell Municipal Schools 6,098.27
Raton Public Schools 11,329.76
Springer Municipal Schools 8,201.66
Moreno Valley High School 3,127.45

TOTAL FOR COLFAX COUNTY: $61,756.46

Please vote "Yes" for Bond B and help all the libraries in the county provide the much needed materials and computer services for our citizens. Every penny of it is needed.
Thank you!

The Raton Science Cafe Meeting on Oct. 14th, 2010

2010-10-05T16:01:00.003-07:00

The Raton Science Cafe will present the DVD, "The Electromagnetic Spectrum". Earth Science Week is October 10 -16, 2010. This year's topic is "Exploring Energy". The electromagnetic spectrum is one of many types of energy, with light being the most common example. This 35 minute DVD will cover radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light waves, ultraviolet light waves, x-rays, and gamma rays. Although we call the latter two types 'rays', they are really waves. The video explains how these waves are formed by man or other processes, their unique properties, how we use them, and other fascinating facts. We thank Ms. Susan Welch, of the New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, Socorro, NM, for the large packet of educational material she has provided. It will be donated to Raton High School after the meeting.
The presentation will be followed with food and drink refreshments.

Donations Welcome!

2010-09-29T13:59:00.002-07:00

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library has always accepted donations. The most frequent donations have always been books. We also accept magazines (which are placed on the Friends of the Library sale shelf, but are given away free of charge), as well as DVDs and audio books. These donations have added enormously to the reading, viewing and listening pleasure of library patrons over the years. While we cannot put every book, movie and audio book we receive on the shelves, we do go through each donation item by item. Those not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Library. The FOL sell these donations and the money made by this independent support group is used entirely for the library's benefit.
In the past we have received donations in the form of art, items to display, a DVD player and holiday decorations.
Recently we have received book shelf donations from Mr. and Mrs. Steven Havill. We have used these shelves to expand the youth fiction section, the adult fiction section and the large print section.
And, as always, we accept monetary donations from generous individuals and groups whose pleasure in and support of this library has made it possible to serve our many patrons with even more materials in a pleasant environment.
Thanks to all of you who have thought of us as recipients of your donations.

Pre-School Story Hour - Introduce Your Child to the World of Story Books!

2010-09-29T13:43:00.003-07:00

Young children love to have someone read them a story. The magic of a story book is one of the best gifts you can give a child too young to read to themselves. Early introduction to books (with lots of pictures!) teaches a child early about reading. Since reading is something they will do their whole lives, whether it is in school, for fun, with a book, or on the computer, the library would like to help awaken your child's interest in reading. Come to Pre-School Story Hour every Wednesday morning at the library, 10:00 A.M., and bring your pre-school children of any age. Not only will they listen to and look at great story books, they will interact with other children and make a project to take home each week. Just one hour a week in the world of books will do your child a world of good!

School Days

2010-08-27T09:32:00.002-07:00

Now that school has started again, don't forget the library serves students of all ages throughout the school year. Class tours can be scheduled, books for reports checked out, ideas for science fair projects found, there is a fine selection of Native American books on different tribes, and we do have encyclopedias that can be checked out for three weeks.
Teachers, there are materials to aid you as well; books to aid in teaching math, English, social studies and activity books for the lower grades; books to inspire and aid teachers to do their best; books on teaching students of all ages, including advanced students and students with various handicaps; and specific materials that have been requested in the past by teachers for their students. If you have a lesson plan that requires a certain book down the road, call the library and see if we have it. If not, we may be able to purchase it.
Books on homeschooling children (not text books or home school curriculum) are also available
Books can be checked out by teachers on 'program'. This means that the books can be used in the classroom for nine weeks in order to aid students in specific projects and reports. The limit of six is extended to however many books the teacher needs and can be responsible for.
Computers for research after school hours are available. Sign up at the front desk.
The library is open Thursday nights until 9:00 P.M. and on Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. This gives students more time to utilize the collection for their educational needs.
Remember, students, it is always first come, first served. If you need a book on a specific topic, come early and check it out. If you do not have a library card, bring a parent or guardian to co-sign the form with you, and we will be happy to issue you one.
Get into the school year right by using the public library!

Library Report for Fiscal Year 2009 - 2010

2010-08-09T10:46:00.006-07:00

At the last Library Advisory Board meeting on July 21, 2010, Thayla Wright present a report on various functions of the library during the fiscal year than ended June 30th, 2010. Included were a Usage and Checkout report, Meetings and Programs report, and Financial Take-In report.

The Usage and Checkout report included a breakdown of materials used in the library and checked out from the library of various types, including adult fiction/nonfiction, juvenile fiction/nonfiction, youth fiction/nonfiction, DVDs, audio books, music CDs, computer games, and periodicals. Services in house, such as computer usage, internet usage, reference aid and computer aid were also included in this report.

Yearly total: 69, 984 Weekly average: 1,345

The Meeting and Program Report showed a total of 207 meetings/programs held in the library with a total attendance of 2,763.

These meetings and programs included everything from pre-school story hour to hosting New Mexico Census Training. Local individuals, groups, classes, discussion groups, clubs and others use this building throughout the year. So do groups on a state level. Programs that come from inside and out of the state are hosted when possible at the library. Programs and meetings are forbidden to be held on a 'for profit' basis in the library.

The Financial Take-In Report showed money coming in from donations, memorial book donations, fines and fees and copies and faxes, totaling $10,673.34
Grants and GO Bond money totaled $24,878.66.

It was explained that funds that come from fines/fees and copies/faxes go back into the city's general fund. Memorial book money is used to buy those books specified as memorials. Donations are used as the donors specify. If that is left up to the library, it is used to aid in programming, the purchase of books and materials, or other ways that benefit the patrons of the library.

The New Mexico State Library Grant-in-Aid has limitations on what it may be used for as well criteria that must met to qualify for this yearly grant. The GO Bond funds must also be used in specific ways (materials and computer needs) and have a time line by which those funds must be spent.

Make a splash!

2010-07-01T09:02:00.003-07:00

Looking for something to do? Summer Story Hour happens every Wednesday morning at 10:00 A.M. for children aged pre-school through the 6th grade. In the first three weeks, total attendance has been 232. Each of the group leaders are members of the library staff, and we are enjoying watching the children pour into the library every Wednesday morning. "Make A Splash At Your Library" has four more weeks to go. Come and discover books, projects and the Black Pearl, where you can spend Sand Dollars earned by filling out and turning in reading logs each Wednesday.
It's summer time! Come to the library for "Make a Splash!".

Did you know. . .

2010-05-25T14:36:00.003-07:00

. . .that throughout the year, we have averaged approximately 650 visits per week? Why do people come? They come for:
Books
Magazines
Newspapers
Audio books
Movies
Video games
Internet
Copies
Faxing
Research
Computer classes
Used books from the Friends
Meetings
Programs
Tours
Sometimes they just need a map, or they want to look at the paintings hanging throughout the library. Occasionally they drop in to say hi or get out of the rain.
Your library is about more than books (although they are still our favorite things!). It's a world in itself, and it's populated by all of you.

Audio Books at the Library

2010-05-25T14:32:00.002-07:00

The library has just added 14 new Louis L'Amour, two Clive Cussler, two Nicholas Sparks and one Dean Koontz audio books to the collection. These audio books on CD were donated by Kathy Harris. The audio book collection has both CDs and tapes, although audio tapes are being phased out slowly. If you have a car trip to make, an exercise routine, just want to shut out the noise, come take a look at the audio book collection at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library

Raton Science Cafe to Meet August , 2010, at 7:00 p.m., Prospecting in Utah

2010-05-10T12:15:00.002-07:00

Have you ever planned a trip using only information on the Internet? Your regular host did this for a Father's Day vacation to visit his daughter in Ogden, Utah; and they planned a side trip to Moab to prospect for uranium. Some 100 lbs. of ore were found. It was worth only $30.00, but the fun was priceless.
Sixty slides will be present in about as many minutes. You will share in the excitement of exploration, discovery, and in learning how the uranium prospecting boom exploded in Moab during the early 1950s. You will also learn about how to prospect, minerals (uranium in particular), geology, teacher workshops, radiation, and the history of Charles Steen and his impact in the region. Did you know that prospectors found a fossilized tree and a fossilized dinosaur, both
made of high-grade uranium ore?

The AJML/Longellow After School Program books available for checkout.

2010-05-10T12:06:00.002-07:00

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library has published two volumes of the "My Story" competition entries from the contest sponsored by the library for the After School Program elementary students. Each student entered an original story with original illustrations for judging. Dennie Gum, assistant librarian, has bound copies of each entry in two volumes that are available for checkout at the library. Congratulations to all the students who participated. You are now published!

Library Advisory Board Meeting

2010-05-10T12:05:00.001-07:00

The Library Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at 5:30 P.M. This meeting is open to the public.

The library will be closed on these scheduled holidays

2010-03-31T09:04:00.003-07:00

New Year's Day Friday, January 1st
Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 18th,
President's Day Monday, February 15th
Good Friday Friday, April 2nd
Memorial Day Monday, May 31
Independence Day Monday, July 5th
Labor Day Monday, September 6th
Veteran's Day Thursday, November 11th
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25th
Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 26th
Christmas Friday, December 24th
Christmas Saturday, December 25th
New Year's Day Friday, December 31st
New Year's Day Saturday, January 1st, 2011

"Defending Our World" - from asteroids and comets.

2010-03-29T15:46:00.003-07:00

Do you watch disaster movies? If so, you have probably seen "Armaggedon", starring Bruce Willis. In a last ditch effort to save us all from a planet killing collision with an asteroid, NASA sends two space shuttles loaded with drilling equipment and an atomic bomb to see if they can destroy the asteroid. Guess what. That is not as far fetched as you might think.
The January/February 2010 issue of "Planetary Report" focuses on collisions between Earth and asteroids, both past and future. According to the articles, it's only a matter of time before another asteroid hits the planet, and this time it wouldn't be just the dinosaurs that vanish. In 2036 "we now face the potential for another detected collision. In 2029, asteroid Apophis (270 meters in diameter) will pass withing 40,000 kilometers (24,800 miles) of Earth. . .In 2036, Apophis will make another close approach, and this time it could hit our planet (the current probability of impact is 1 in 250,000)."
Those odds make it more likely that this particular asteroid will hit Earth than that any one of us will win the big one in the lottery. And of course there are many more NEO (near earth objects) than have been spotted.
So are there any plans for either destroying or deflecting this or any other asteroid? And whose responsibility is it to see that a known threat is deflected? This issue of "Planetary Report" is available at the library for checkout. Come and find out what those who study these matters have on their minds.

Raton Science Cafe

2010-03-01T15:10:00.005-07:00

The Raton Science Cafe will meet May 13, 2010, at 7:00 P.M. in the meeting room of the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library. One of the following DVD videos will be shown:

The FBI Files (Discovery Channel)

The Universe (History Channel)

Dreams of Flight (Smithsonian Air/Space Museum)

IMAX Space Station (Lockheed-Martin & NASA)

Regular attendees have also received a CD-ROM, a summary and review of Dr. Michael Kaku's 1995 book about String Theory. Attendees can have a brief roundtable discussion of his book if there are questions. This book, "Hyperspace - A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the 10th Dimension", is available for checkout at the library.

Used books for sale!

2010-02-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

The Friends of the Library host "The Corner", inside the front door of the library. Here you will find used books for sale. Paperbacks are a quarter, hardback books vary in price from 25 cents to $1.50. Come stock up on reading so you are never without a good book!

Pop Bottle People!

2010-02-05T17:00:00.003-07:00

Come see the Pop Bottle People Biographies done by Mrs. Pafford's 5th grade class. They are on display in the juvenile section of the library, inside the front door. This year's class did a wonderful job of researching and portraying historical figures.

Memorial Book Program

2010-02-05T13:23:00.004-07:00

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library sponsors the Memorial Book Program. This program has been in effect for decades and has added many wonderful materials to the collection in memory of many loved ones. Individuals may give any amount of money in memory of someone. The materials selected can be chosen by the family members, the library, or the person donating the book. Occasionally materials themselves are donated, if first approved by the librarian. (This avoids donations of materials already held by the library.) The book or material may be paid for at the time of the request, or paid for when the book or material is purchased by the library and in the collection. At the time of the request or donation, the library sends a card to the family member specified by the donor, informing them that a book has been donated in memory of their loved one. This type of donation lasts for years and benefits the many patrons who use the library.

New Memory Card Readers now available for use at the library

2010-01-06T17:38:00.002-07:00

The AJML now has two memory card readers available for patrons to use at the library. These memory card readers support all versons of SD, SDHC, XD, CF, MS & MMC memory cards. These readers will aid you to look at or email photos, listen to music, and view videos or data held on your personal storage devices. They will also aid in transfering from one device to another.

2010-01-06T10:49:00.002-07:00

"Getting To Know Your Computer" is a class for computer beginners. This class will teach you how to turn your computer on; how to navigate using the mouse or touch pad; what programs your computer has and how to find them; familiarize you with your desktop icons; show you how to set up a personal email account, including how to log into your email and use it; how to insert a DVD, cd, and the use of media player. Those wishing to take this class MUST sign up with the library, as class space is limited. The library will provide the computers for students to use during the class.

Beginning Fiction Writer's Workshop, 2010

2010-01-04T16:17:00.002-07:00

Steven F. Havill, well known author of the "Posadas County" series, modern police procedurals set in New Mexico, will be conducting his Beginning Fiction Writer's Workshop, starting Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 6:00 P.M. at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library. This workshop is an eight week program and a schedule will be provided during the first workshop for those in attendance. Mr. Havill has written westerns, southwest, and historical novels. His work sells all across the country. He uses his experience as a published author to help beginning fiction writers do the best work possible, with an eye to publication. If you have started a novel, want to write a novel or are interested in learning the ins and outs of writing for publication, come to Mr. Havill's Beginning Fiction Writer's Workshop and hone your craft.

Thank you for 2009!

2009-12-29T13:58:00.003-07:00

We would like to thank all our patrons and supporters for a great 2009. Without those of you who use our library, there would be no reason for us to be here. We would like to offer a special thanks to Steven F. Havill for the fiction writing workshops he has held free of charge (look for another one in January 2010); John Rereich for his generous donation; everyone who purchased a memorial book in honor of a loved one; those who donated books, movies and magazines to the library; those who bring their children to Preschool and Summer Story Hour; those who bring their small ones to the Library Lapsit (and a special thanks to Ida for conducting this great program!); R.B. Minton for continuing with the Raton Science Cafe; our special library board; the City of Raton, including City Hall and the City Commissioners; and especially to those special people who come in regularly and enjoy using our collection! Thank you very much for your support, we look forward to seeing all of you in 2010!
The Staff of the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library

Meet and Greet the Aurthor Steven F. Havill

2009-07-15T08:35:00.002-07:00

Meet and Greet author/instructor Steven Havill at the Writing and Publishing Evening Forum, to be held August 6, 2009, at 6:00 pm at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library.
Mr. Havill, the author of the popular "Posadas County" series, will discuss writing and publishing. He will answer questions concerning his own work and experiences, and give reading from his two new works, "red, Green or Murder" and "Race for the Dying", which will be published later this year. He will also discuss his eight (8) week "Beginning Fiction Writer's Workshop" which will begin Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 6:00 pm, and be held at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library. Those interested in participating in this workshop may sign up for it at that time.

Refreshments will be served.

Friends Of The Library Annual Book Sale

2009-04-06T10:25:00.002-07:00

The Friends of the library announce their annual book sale on April 18, 2008 from 10-2 pm, upstairs in the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library.

Please bring all donations to the library by April 15, 2009 by 5:30 pm.

We cannot sell, so please do not bring the following: damaged or dirty books, textbooks, teaching materials, reader's digest condensed books, and magazines. Thank you, Friends of the Library.

The AJML Bookmark Competition

2009-02-05T15:34:00.009-07:00

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library in cooperation with the Longfellow After School Program held a bookmark competition in December. Eleven total entries were received . The entries were judged by AJML Advisory Board Members Carol Woodworth, Glenna Brink, Kathy Harris, and Jan Schumpert.

Winner for the Kindergarten was Lauren Murray.

Winner for the 1st Grade was Isaac Valdez.

Winner for the 2nd Grade and Up was Alexie Abbott.

The winners received certificates, stuffed animals, and books. All participants received certificates and stuffed animals. The winning bookmarks have been reproduced and are currently being handed out at the front desk at the AJML Library.

Back roll: Alexie Abbott, Claire Durant, Walter Dunn Front roll: Ethen Rea, Dmiti Abboott, Emma Gum

Not Pictured: Angelica Quintana, Frieda Jo Barela, Stormy Murray, Isaac Valdez, And Lauren Murray.

Museum of New Mexico, Office of Archaeological Studies to visit Arthur Johnson Memorial Library

2008-12-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hands-on Archaeology of New Mexico Exhibit Friday, December 5, 2008 at 1:00 pm and December 6th 10:00 am till close.

This is an opportunity for people of all ages to experience a wide range of artifacts from New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

The Society for American Archaeology defines archaeology as the systematic study of human cultures through material remains. The archaeological challenge is to learn about the past through the study of artifacts and the places people lived. The ever growing New Mexico archaeological record currently is represented by nearly 160,000 officially recorded sites These sites include 12,000 year old Clovis spear points left behind by the earliest Pleistocene big game hunters, 3000 year old Archaic rockshelters bearing witness to the initial tentative experiments with agriculture, sherds of the first pottery made 2000 years ago by the ancestors of Pueblo Indians, the religious monuments of Chaco Canyon, fragments of chain-mail armor form the Spanish Entrada, and the litter of bottles and cans that accumulated along the Santa Fe Trail since its opening in the 1820s. Come learn about a wide range of artifacts from these time periods at this hands-on exhibit. Experience how Native Americans made and used yucca cordage, stayed warm with turkey-feather blankets, and how the atl-atl was used by ancient hunters. This is also an opportunity to bring in your curious artifacts from the past and have an archaeologist help you with their identification and use.

Halloween Give Away Winners 2008

2008-11-05T11:21:00.002-07:00

The Adult Crazy Corn Give Away contained 683 candies and was won by Jana Floersheim with a guess of 681.

The Children's Bubble Gum Give contained 174 candies and was won by Antonia Lopez with a guess of 175.

Congratulations to the AJML Give Away Winners.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T11:16:00.003-07:00

The Pre-K Halloween party was held on October 31, 2008. The staff of AJML would like to thank the children and their parents for attending. We also hope that you had a safe and fun Halloween.

The Newest Havill Mystery Book Signing to be held in November

2008-10-28T12:32:00.005-07:00

Steven Havill will be at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library on November 15, 2008, from 1-3:00 pm to sign the newest installment in the Posadas County Mysteries.

The Fourth Time Is Murder finds protagonist Estelle Reyes-Guzman, undersheriff of Posadas County, New Mexico, deluged with challenges. First, a prominent woman reporter from a national magazine wants to come to Posadas County and do a probing story on the Sheriff's Department and Estelle in general, and Estelle's precocious 7 year-old son in particular. Then, officers find a crashed package delivery truck up on Regal Pass with the driver lying dead among the rocks. Evidence soon shows that the driver didn't die from the crash...he drowned when the contents of a can of beer was poured down his throat.
Faced with a grizzly murder, Estelle doesn't need more distractions. But when a deputy fumbles his handgun and the accidental discharge sends civilians diving for cover, her long week is just beginning.
The Fourth Time Is Murder, the sixth title in the Posadas Series, and the 15th featuring Estelle and former sheriff Bill Gastner, explores several contemporary issues involving the complicated life along the New Mexico-Mexico border.

Don't forget to stop by on November 15, 2008 and pick up your autographed copy.

AJML Staff

Video Games Now Available at AJML

2008-10-17T10:47:00.003-07:00

Video Games are a new feature added this week for the public to check out at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library. We currently have Playstation 1 and 2 games. Our collection will grow in the following weeks to include game disks for Wii. Look to the column at the right for New Games at the library to see a current list which will be updated when new games arrive. Come by and checkout a game today.

Thank you,
AJML Staff

If you would like to donate your old Playstation or Wii games we would be glad to accept those donations.

EarthScope Program A Great Success

2008-08-21T14:15:00.003-07:00

The EarthScope program, held at the library on Thursday, August 14, 2008, was enjoyed by 43 people. Sponsored by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and the New Mexico State Library, "Taking the Earth's Pulse" was presented by vulcanologist Jayne C Aubele and geologist Leo Sandoval. EarthScope is a decade-long national geoscience program that collects data form several multi-disciplinary observatories. A DVD presentation, Power Point presentation, posters, and interactive activities held everyone's interest. The geoscience of New Mexico is a fascinating subject and includes everything from volcanoes to earthquakes. A question and answer period followed the presentations. K-Bob's provided an excellent refreshment table. Those who attended were able to sign up for posters that will be provided by the sponsors of the program. The library and all the interested attendees are very grateful to the sponsors, the EarthScope program and the presenters for providing a top notch program for our community. Special thanks go to coordinator Carolyn Gregory for making it easy to host this program.

At the Library Thursday, August 14, 2008

2008-08-07T19:24:00.002-07:00

Summer Story Hour Reading Log Winners

2008-07-30T13:44:00.002-07:00

Pre-K = Sarah Warder

1st & 2nd = Lindsey Emiro

3rd & 4th = Natasha Ortega

5th & 6th = Cierra Brooks

Congratulations for your hard work, keep on reading.

Summer Story Hour Door Prize Winners

2008-07-30T13:35:00.003-07:00

The following attended the mini carnival on July 30, 2008 and won at the drawing:

Shaya Candelario - Inflatable Chair

Matias Samora - Inflatable Chair

Sarah Warder - Cow Bank

Tristin - Inflatable Chair

Petey Montya - Inflatable Chair

Matthew Quartieri - Piggy Bank

Joe - Quarter Horse Bank

If you left before the drawing please come and pick up your prize at the front desk.

Thank you for participating,
AJML Staff

Summer Story Hour Ends

2008-07-30T13:28:00.005-07:00

"A Carnival of Books" ended this year with a mini carnival held on July 30, 2008 that was attended by 92 people. We had the most fun watching the kids enjoy the games and prizes.

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library Staff would like to thank all the children and their parents for making this another great year for our summer program.

We hope to see you all again next year. Reading is fun.

Thanks Again,
AJML Staff

It is official!!!

2008-06-02T12:11:00.006-07:00

It is official. The Library opened to the public on Monday, June 2, 2008. Jason Albano was the first patron of the day. Thanks to Jason and all our other patrons who made our first Monday back a great start to our summer.

AJML Staff

Workshop for Fiction Writters Comes to End

2008-03-23T19:36:00.005-07:00

Thursday March 20, 2008 was the end of the first workshop given by Steven Havill. It was a great pleasure in having Mr. Havill host this exciting Workshop for Fiction Writers. Not only did he inspire the group, he made the class fun and interesting.

Arthur Johnson Memorial Library would like to thank all the participants that attended the workshop. This class uncovered a lot of hidden talent from the Raton and Trinidad area. I personally can’t wait to read their completed works and hopefully one day display that work here in our library.

Due to the success of the first workshop, Mr. Havill has agreed to host at least two more workshops, one to begin on April 17, 2008 for fiction writers. Sign up begins on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. The second will be held some time in August for advanced fiction writers and will be open to those who have completed a previous workshop held by Mr. Havill. Official date for this workshop will be announced at a later date.

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS March 9, 2008

2008-03-05T13:18:00.005-07:00

“The Appeal”
by John Grisham

“Strangers In Death”
by J.D. Robb

“7th Heaven”
by James Patterson

“Duma Key”
by Stephen King

“A Thousand Splendid Suns”
by Khaled Hosseini

“World Without End”
by Ken Follett

“Stranger In Paradise”
by Robert B. Parker

“The First Patient”
by Michael Palmer

“Plum Lucky”
by Janet Evanovich

“Sizzle and Burn”
by Jayne Ann Krentz

“The Pillars of the Earth”
by Ken Follett

“The Other Boleyn Girl”
by Phillippa Gregory

“The Boleyn Inheritance”
by Phillippa Gregory

“Nineteen Minutes”
by Jodi Picoult

“Water For Elephants”
by Sara Gruen

“The Kite Runner”
by Khaled Hosseini

“Atonement”
by Ian McEwan

“The 6th Target”
by James Patterson

“The Memory Keeper’s Daughter”
by Kim Edwards

“The Alchemist”
by Paul Coelho

“The Road”
by Cormac McCarthy

“No Country For Old Men”
by Cormac McCarthy

“Body Surfing”
by Anita Shreve

“Love In The Time Of Cholera”
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

“Sisters”
by Danielle Steel

“Whitethorn Woods”
by Maeve Binchy

“White Lies”
by Jayne Ann Krentz

“The Quest”
by Wilbur Smith

“Daddy’s Girl”
by Lisa Scottoline

“White Knights”
by Jim Butcher

“Eat, Pray, Love”
by Elizabeth Gilbert

“The Audacity of Hope”
by Barack Obama

“Dreams From My Father”
by Barack Obama

“The Innocent Man”
by John Grisham

“Into the Wild”
by Jon Krakauer

“The Tipping Point”
by Malcolm Gladwell

“Blink”
by Malcolm Gladwell

“The God Delusion”
by Richard Dawkins

“John Adams”
by David McCullough

“The World is Flat” (Audio only)
by Thomas L. Friedman

“The Secret”
by Rhonda Byrne

“Women and Money”
by Suze Orman

“The Third Jesus”
by Deepak Chopra

“The Dangerous Book For Boys”
by Conn Iggulden

“A New Earth”
by Eckhart Tolle

“The Power of Now”
by Eckhart Tolle

“What To Expect When You’re Expecting”
by Heidi Murkoff

“You Can Heal Your Life”
by Louise Hay

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad”
by Robert T. Kiyosaki

“The Purpose-Driven Live”
by Rick Warren

Workshop News.

2008-01-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

The Workshop Just For Fiction Writers, hosted by Steven Havill, is now full. We can no longer accept anyone else for this workshop and there is no alternative attendance list available due to the pace and requirements of the workshop.

If you are interested in attending a workshop in the future please contact us. If there are enough interested people Mr. Havill might host this workshop again.

AJML Staff

Free Workshop

2007-12-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS December 9, 2007

2007-12-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Eat, Love, Pray,
By Elizabeth Gilbert

The Innocent Man
By John Grisham

Into The Wild
By Jon Krakauer

Tuesday With Morrie
By Mitch Albom

The World Is Flat (Audio)
By Thomas L. Friedman

The Tipping Point
By Malcolm Gladwell

Blink
By Malcolm Gladwell

The Devil In The White City
By Erik Larson

The Secret
By Rhonda Byrne

Guinness World Records 2008

The World Almanac And Book Of Facts 2008

What To Expect When You’re Expecting
By Heidi Murkoff

Cesar’s Way
By Cesar Millan

The Pillars Of The Earth
By Ken Follett

Love In The Time Of Cholera
By Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Water For Elephants
By Sara Gruen

The Kite Runner
By Khaled Hosseini

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
By Kim Edwards

The Road
By Cormac McCarthy

The Alchemist
By Paulo Coelho

Atonement
By Ian McEwan

The People You Meet In Heaven
By Mitch Albom

Next
By Michael Crichton

Cross
By James Patterson

Brother Odd
By Dean Koontz

Wild Fire
By Nelson DeMille

Treasure Of Khan
By Clive Cussler

Santa Cruise
By Mary Higgins Clark

Dakota Home
By Debbie Macomber

Christmas Letters
By Debbie Macomber

Double Cross
By James Patterson

The Choice
By Nicholas Sparks

Playing For Pizza
By John Grisham

Stone Cold
By David Baldacci

A Thousand Splendid Suns
By Khaled Hosseini

World Without End
By Fen Follett

Home To Holly Springs
By Jan Karon

The Chase
By Clive Cussler

Book Of The Dead
By Patricia Cornwell

Amazing Grace
By Danielle Steel

Creation In Death
By J. D. Robb

The Almost Moon
By Alice Sebold

Boom
By Tom Brokaw

Where-o-Where are you now?

2007-11-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

If you previously worked here at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library and would like to post what you're up to now, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you,
Current AJML Staff

Halloween Party at the Library 2007

2007-11-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

We here at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library would like to thank the Pre-K Story Hour Class for another successful Halloween Party. There were several great costumes.

We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween.

Library Going Through Change

2007-08-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Currently at Arthur Johnson Memorial Library we are starting up a new checkout system, we have been running two systems for a few weeks and will hopefully be solely in the new system by the middle of September 2007. All Patrons currently have access to our catalog via the web at library.cityofraton.com/ or by clicking the link on the right side of the screen.

Mystery and Magic of Books 2007

2007-07-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Staff at AJML would like to thank all that had participated in our Summer Story Hour and Movie Saturdays. We hope to see you all again next year.

A Special thank you to Teresa Tabor for our Harry Potter Decorations.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

2007-06-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. the FOL will hold a book sale upstairs at the library. Come and stock up for your summer reading needs! Fiction of all types, self-help, history, biography, religious, cookbooks, children's books, movies and much more!

Library Get's New Logo

2007-06-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Arthur Johnson Memorial Library is proud to announce that we now have a new logo. The winner of our logo competition is Brad McQueary. Thank you to all who have participated in our competition all the entries were exciting.

5th Grade Class Banner

2007-05-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the banner hanging in the library. Created by Mrs. Pafford's fifth grade class, it displays all the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It is a fine piece of work by a great class!

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS

2007-05-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

The New York Times Best Sellers that are currently available at the
Arthur Johnson Memorial Library as of May 8, 2007.

The Road
By Cormac McCarthy

Two Little Girls in Blue
Mary Higgins

Night
By Elie Wiesel

The Fifth Horseman
By James Patterson

The Tipping Point
By Malcolm Gladwell

Gone
By Jonathan Keller

Stumbling on Happiness
By Daniel Gilbert

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
By Kim Edwards

Dreams From my Father
By Barack Obama

At Risk
By Patricia Cornwell

Running with Scissors
Augusten Burroughs

Promise Me
By Harlan Coben

The Secret
By Rhonda Byrne

Second Sight
By Amanda Quick

What to Expect When You’re Expecting
By Heidi Murkoff

Judge & Jury
James Patterson

Rich Dad Poor Dad
By Robert T. Kiyosaki

Water for Elephants
By Sara Gruen

The Children of Huran
By J. R. R. Tolkien

The Woods
By Harlan Coben

I Heard That Song Before
By Mary Higgins Clark

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
By Alexander McCall Smith

Obsession
By Jonathan Kellerman

Fresh Disaster
By Stuart Woods

Kingdom Come
By Tim LaHaye

White Night
By Jim Butcher

Step on a Crack
By James Patterson

Whitethorn Woods
By Maeve Binchy

The Audacity of Hope
By Barack Obama

Freakonomics
By Steven D. Levitt

The Wild Trees
By Richard Preston

Kabul Beauty School
By Deborah Rodriguez

The God Delusion
By Richard Dawkins

The Measure of a Man
By Sidney Poitier

Blink
By Malcolm Gladwell

Logo Competition

2007-05-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Arthur Johnson Memorial Library is pleased to announce a public competition to design a Library logo. Entry to the competition is open to all individuals who are at least 18 years of age. The rules of the competition are included below.
We look forward to receiving your entry.
Purpose To acquire a logo for the Library for use on web sites, computer desktops, printed matter, and so on. (This list is not exhaustive.) Guidelines · The logo must pertain directly to the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library.· The logo must be original work of the submitter.· The logo should be usable in monochrome and color media Limited to 2 or 3 colors, on 8½ x 11 sized paper.· The logo must not exploit or offend anyone's sex, race, religion, morality, culture, nor be salacious or pornographic.· The logo must contain the name or initials of our Library.· Designs will not be returned to the designers.· No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost, submitted past the deadline, or damaged.· Any submissions which do not satisfy the above "Guidelines” will be automatically disqualified without explanation. Submission deadline May 26, 2007 by 5:00 pm Participation The competition is open to all designers over the age of 18 except those who are a part of the Library Board, Friends of the Library, or are employed by the Library. Family members of those exceptions are also excluded. Prize $100.00 (provided by the Friends of the Library) Submission format Each submitter will be given a form to fill out for each submission, (This form can be picked up at the library or requested by submitter) which contains a number that submitter must add to their submission. Copyright The winning submission will automatically become the property of the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library, which will hold sole ownership and all rights to the logo, and the winning designer will disclaim any trademarks and without limitation all other rights related to the design. By submitting a logo for entry in the competition, the designer acknowledges that he/she is the person that made the logo and is its rightful owner. The designer also certifies that the logo does not infringe upon the rights of any third party and that it does not violate any copyright.
Judging of Competition

All entries will be judged by the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library Board Members. Winner of this competition will be announced on June 5, 2007. (If no entries are deemed suitable, the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library reserves the right to reopen or cancel the competition.)

Arthur Johnson Memorial Library Gets A Blog!!

2007-05-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today we have finally started our Blog. Thanks to the State Library and Amigos teaching staff how to bring a blog to life. I hope that you will enjoy what we have planned for this blog.