Changes in Adobe Digital Editions

There have been some updates to Adobe Digital Editions that may be helpful to those of you who use it to access electronic library books from WV Deli with your Nook or other device. In mid December, Adobe released the 2.0 version of the software. Patrons currently using the older version have been able to continue to use it without changes, but the new software does have some advantages. The new version has been designed to be easier to use for people with disabilities. There are functions that aid in the use of screen readers, and shortcut keys are available to lessen the need to use the mouse. Drop down menus are more common in this version.

One command that most patrons use is in a different location in the new version. That command is the one to return a library book or to delete an expired book  To return a library book in the older version, clicking on the upper corner of the book cover would bring up the menu with this command, but in the 2.0 version, a right click on the cover of the book will bring up the menu to return or delete a book.

For those of you comfortable with the old version, there seems to be no need to do anything at the moment. You can continue to use it. For those who would like to get the new version, the WV Deli page links directly to the Adobe download. In the process, you are given the option to remove the old version and transfer any files. On the Adobe site, there is a pdf file of instructions to download or print to help you get started. This document lists the shortcut keys available.

The world of eBooks is always changing!

Check out the Videos!

The WV Deli has been popular addition to the library's collection. The use of the downloadable eBook collection grows every day. There are other sections of WV Deli that don't seem to be drawing as much attention as the eBooks are. I noticed recently that we now have the option to purchase some PBS videos for the downloadable video collection. This inspired me to look more closely at what has been added to the video collection in recent months. When the collection began, classic cartoons and films were were the focus. Popeye, Betty Boop and Casper the Friendly Ghost can all be found in WV Deli. You can also catch classic films with stars such as Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price, Charlie Chaplin, John Barrymore, John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Bruce Lee, Cary Grant, Shirley Temple, Danny Kaye and Peter Fonda to name a few. But what I found surprising was the number and variety of nonfiction videos now available. WV Deli has exercise videos covering Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Walking. There are videos starring famous chefs like Jacques Pepin, Jamie Oliver and Anthony Bourdain. There are nature films, travel films, historical films, and films about pregnancy and childbirth. With librarians from ten different libraries selecting material, the collection has become quite diversified. If you haven't looked at the video collection in WV Deli lately, it's time for a second look!

February Book Discussion

The Mary H. Weir Public Library will hold the second in their series of monthly book discussions on Saturday, February 23^rd at 1:30. The subject will be the book An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter, a memoir of his childhood and youth in rural Depression-era Georgia. In the book, Carter provides a vivid description of life in the sharecropping south before the civil rights movement.

This series of monthly book discussions is designed to be flexible to accommodate busy schedules. Everyone is welcome, and people may attend any session that interests them. There are no requirements other than an interest in the book.

The deadline to sign up to be a book giver for World Book Night is January 23. If you are interested go to www.WorldBookNight.org.

West Virginia Reads 150

Join the Mary H. Weir Public Library, the West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC), and the West Virginia Center for the Book in a fun reading challenge called West Virginia Reads 150, which celebrates West Virginia’s 150th birthday in 2013.

The year-long reading initiative encourages West Virginians to read 150 books in any format (printed book, e-book, downloadable text, etc.) from any source, during the course of 2013, West Virginia’s sesquicentennial year. Books can be on any topic, fiction or non-fiction; they must be read between January 1 and December 31, 2013.

People can read 150 books individually, or create teams to read 150 books collectively. Talk to your friends and create your team at the Mary H. Weir Public Library. Teams can have up to 15 members. Teams must choose a name and select a leader to keep track of the books read by individual team members.

All ages and groups can participate – families, friends, coworkers, clubs, classmates, etc. If children are too young to read on their own, kids can have their parents read to them. Families can use their Summer Reading Program reading toward their West Virginia Reads 150 tally.

To register for the program, visit the WVLC web site, www.librarycommission.wv.gov or visit the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

Grantseeking Basics Workshop

We would like to invite you to our forthcoming workshop, entitled Grantseeking Basics, on Wednesday, January 16^th, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, in the Activity Room of the Library.

This workshop is a basic orientation for non-profits explaining the process of seeking funding from foundations. We will also introduce you to the resources that are available for your free use at the Mary H. Weir Public Library, and how they can help you in the grantseeking process.

This webinar is FREE and open to the public and no reservation is required. For more information, simply respond to this email or call the library at (304) 797-8510 and ask to speak with Lois.