Out of the Stacks, Into the Oven

 Despite the rain on April 26, 2012, the Cheraw “taste of” event was a great success for Chesterfield County Library.  Our table focused on mouth-watering breads, freshly baked by students of our honored guest, internationally recognized, Chef Peter Reinhart, instructor at Johnson and Wales in Charlotte.  His breads were accompanied by a variety of cheeses, infused oils, vinegars, bruschetta and special French and Italian wines hosted by The Wine Factory.  This delectable pairing of breads and cheeses were a perfect complement to the other fabulous foods and culinary offerings by local chefs, while fostering a sense of community and supporting our local library. 

The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to meet and greet the community; old friends, new friends, former students, politicians and many, many library supporters while offering them bread and wine - a bit of literary communion.   Chef Peter shared his baking experiences, tips of the trade, and just plain “bread talk” with guests as they sampled the savory breads.  A favorite of a small table of Provence-like on-lookers, was Chef Peter’s fruit bread which seemed to disappear very quickly…hmmmm.  A former student, also a bread maker and owner of a much used copy of Chef Peter’s bread Bible, made a special trip to the Taste, just to meet the bread man!  We’re hoping he will continue the trade here in Cheraw – how wonderful would it be to have locally baked fresh breads?  We’re waiting and hoping to hear from you George!   If you sampled a favorite bread, we’d love to hear about it.  Chef Peter’s books are still available in the Matheson Library, along with a sampling of some of the remaining breads.  Please stop by and check them out.  Many thanks to Marilyn Burns, Joyce Hickey, the Cheraw Chamber, Gail Ingram-Library Board Chairperson and staff members Beverly Allen and Joyce Quick for their support in making this happen.

Looking ahead, you’ll want to check out the new Fifties Club in Chesterfield, bring ID – you could be carded if you’re aging well!  There will be a variety of events from BINGO, live music, guest presenters, craft classes, and we’re accepting suggestions from you – just see Jennifer.  Programs will be held at 2:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month. The May 16th program features The Red Toppers which has proven to be a favorite group all over Chesterfield County.  Put on your dancing shoes and join us at the library!  Call for more details.

The Summer Reading Event is just around the corner and this year the library will offer an adult component.  Be sure to get involved because there will be lots of fun activities and opportunities for you to meet and share your literary and technological experiences with friends.  Each branch will feature different events so you may want to travel around a bit this summer and check out the different branch programs.  The Children’s Program will kick off the week of June 11^th so watch for detailed plans, arriving soon at each branch.

I leave you this month with a brief mentioning of a wonderful new read – Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlin, a memoir, exploring the life and lives of today’s woman.  She shares childhood memories, “maniac motherhood” experiences, and those wonderful mid-life “finding yourself” days.  You’ll see reflections of yourself among the pages as Quindlen points out the valuable wisdom we’ve acquired along the difficult and long road to becoming who we are today.   You’ll laugh, cry, reminisce and dream as you devour Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake.

Events for May

All Branches will be closed May 26  & 28 for Memorial Day

Chesterfield

               May 3, Game Day @3.30

               May 7, Book Club @ 2pm

               May 9, Bridge @ 2 pm – open to all

               May 10, Kid's Craft-Make a gift for Mom @3:30

               May 16, Fifty Plus Group The Red Toppers @ 2 pm

               May 17, Kids Movie How To Train A dragon @3:30

               May 23, Movie Vs. Book - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan @ 2 pm

               May 24, Kids Clean Up Day Bring Your Own Tools and Gloves @ 3:30

Matheson Library

May 1, Job Corps@10:30

May 7, Book Club@ 4pm

May 11, Motheread@ 12-2

May 7-12, Children's Book Week

May 22, Movie Vs. Book - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan@ 2pm

May 23, Novel Book club@ 2pm

May 25th, Motheread@12-2

McBee

May 1, Head Start @ 10:30

May 1, Senior Computer Class @ 5:00

May 8, Head Start Craft-Make a gift for Mom @ 10:30

May 8, Kid's Craft-Make a gift for Mom @ 4:00

May 8, Senior Computer Class @ 5:00

May 15, Head Start @ 10:30

May 15, McBee Elementary 3rd Grade Class Tour @ 1:00

May 15, Senior Computer Class @ 5:00

May 17, Ladies Night Out-Homemade Body Scrub Class @ 4:00

May 22, Head Start Class @ 10:30

May 22, Senior Computer Class @ 5:00

May 24, Carolina On My Mind Book Club-Meet @ Jefferson Community Center@ 5:30

May 29, Head Start Class @ 10:30

May 29, Senior Computer Class @ 5:00

Pageland

May 1 Game Day @3:30

May 2 Computer class@ 10:30-12:00

May 8 Craft Day @ 3:30

May 15 Movie Day @ 3:30

May 17 Jewelry Class – Kumihimo Weaving @ 10:30

May 22 Clean-Up Day @ 3:30

Jefferson

May 2, Kid's Day @ 3:30 Kid's Day

May 9, Kid's Day-Make a gift for Mom @ 3:30 Kid's Day-Make a gift for Mom

May 14, Ladies Night Out-Homemade Body Scrub Class @ 3:30 Ladies Night Out-Homemade Body Scrub Class

May 16, Kid's Day @ 3:30 Kid's Day

May 23, Kid's Day@ 3:30

May 24, Carolina On My Mind Book Club-Meet @ Jefferson Community Center

@ 5:30

May 30, Kid's Day @ 3:30

National Library Week

Chesterfield County Library is celebrating National Library Week by offering a Technology Petting Zoo and E-reader training. Come by your branch next week to check out a variety of e-reader options or bring your own and a staff member will be on-site to help you learn how to use all the bells and whistles.

Whether you are a job seeker looking for resources to land a new job, a parent looking for free activities for children or a student searching for your next favorite book, you belong at your library.

Today’s libraries help level the playing field by making both print and digital information affordable, available and accessible to all people. Libraries provide cultural heritage and genealogical collections, materials in print and electronic formats, job seeking resources, English as second language and citizenship classes and many other creative and resourceful programs.

Libraries have historically served as our nation’s great equalizers of knowledge. The strength of libraries has always been the diversity of their collections and commitment to serving all people. This National Library Week, join our nation’s libraries and librarians by celebrating the place where we all belong.

The Library’s Technology Petting Zoo Schedule is:

Tuesday, April 10 at Chesterfield from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 11 at Pageland from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 11 at Jefferson from 2 to 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 12 at Cheraw from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 12 at McBee from 2 to 5 p.m.

“Our libraries provide a wide range of opportunities for people with different needs and interests,” said Brenda Branson, Director. “As well, we strive to provide our community with custom collections and services for the diverse backgrounds and interests represented throughout our county. We love to hear from you — let us know what you need or want.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

Other new and special events being featured this month includes a Fifty Plus group which will begin meeting on the third Wednesday of each month. The first meeting will be on April 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. We will get to know each other over a game of Bingo. Light refreshments will be served.

The “Let’s Talk About It” Series will be hosted in McBee on April 26 at 5:30 p.m. The book being discussed this month is “Partisans and Redcoats” by Walter Edgar and the discussion will be facilitated by Frank White. All county residents are welcome. Call to register and pick up a copy of the book.

For more information, visit the Chesterfield County Library in your community, or call 843-623-6720 or see the library’s Web site at http://www.chesterfield.lib.sc.us/.

Author to Visit in Chesterfield

Local author Bea B. Todd will visit Chesterfield County Public Library this Saturday, March 10, at 2 p.m. to promote her book, “Appalachian Child: The Chronicles of an Abused Child and Her Journey to Survival.” The book will be available at Chesterfield Drug Store, Burry Book Store in Hartsville, and the library.

In her book, Bea also grows up dirt poor among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in central West Virginia. There’s lots of work to do, and amenities such as indoor plumbing and central heating are nonexistent.

While others in Nicholas County had it tough, few had to suffer the type of abuse she did at home. Bea’s father runs his household like a dictator, and he’s never hesitant to abuse his daughter whenever she does anything not to his liking. Bea gets slapped, kicked, and beaten even at 5 years old.

While Bea’s spirit sometimes wavers as a result of being unable to please her father, her story is ultimately one of survival. By never giving up and trusting in God, she overcomes years of abuse, proving that fate and faith can lead to dreams that victims of abuse often think are unattainable.

“Become immersed in a story that defines the true meaning of determination as Bea recounts a journey that will inspire anyone who has ever suffered or felt like giving up in ‘Appalachian Child,’” encourages the publisher.

Bea shares her way of surviving the child abuse she endured and believes that anyone can make the decision not to be like the person that abused them. She knows from first-hand experience that you can pull yourself out of it and not let it influence your life in a negative way.

Bea B. Todd now lives in Shallotte, N.C., with Joe, her husband of 39 years. Bea is retired from federal service and is devoting her time to get her message of encouragement to those in need of hope.

Kids Are In At CCLS

Chesterfield County Library’s Children's Program will soon be offering afterschool events at each branch, in addition to their pre-school story time. A special program for ages 8 - 12 will be held weekly throughout the remainder of the winter months and evolve into our Summer Reading Program, come June. A different activity will be featured each week, such as seasonal craft activities, movies, games, or special interest group activities. A monthly “Teen Event” will held in each main branch on Mondays such as a movie, art contest, gaming tournament, etc. Contact the library by phone or check out our website for the exact dates and time in your branch. Looking ahead, we will sponsor an Adult Summer Reading Program along with our regular Children’s Summer Reading activities so clear your schedules.

Ms. Dorothy, has announced the schedule for February which includes: the movie, “Diary Of a Wimpy Kid,” a Valentine’s Craft Activity, Corn-hole tournament, the movie, “Gnomeo & Juliet,” and a Duct Tape craft activity. For teens, on Mondays between 3:30 and 5:00, a stimulating game of Corn Hole will be the main event. Each month will feature a different activity so be sure to visit our website for up-to-date information on a regular basis. Calendars are available at the Chesterfield library if you’d like to have one.

Schedule at a glance:

Monday Teen Events@3:30 – 5:30 – Chesterfield, Feb. 6; Pageland, Feb. 13; Cheraw, Feb. 27

Tuesdays in Pageland: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

Wednesday in Jefferson: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

Thursday in Chesterfield: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

Friday in Cheraw: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

McBee children’s activity schedule varies -please check with the library or website for information.

Other special events for adults include a “Bridge Club” which will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:30 in Chesterfield. Come learn to play, bring your group, or team up with other experienced players. There will be no fee for this group – just come and have fun.

Our Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture series begins again in February, featuring Mrs. Felicia Fleming McCall, local author and researcher. We welcome you to bring a bag lunch and join us for a captivating experience with Mrs. McCall. Tea and coffee will be provided. At Matheson, on Feb. 23 at 11:30, author, Edward Patillo will be speaking – bring a brown bag lunch and rediscover the life of Southern pioneers and planters. Tea and coffee will be provided. More information about Mr. Patillo and his book will be provided in a separate article.

McBee and Jefferson branches will be hosting a Let’s Talk About It program, entitled “Carolina On My Mind” and funded in part by The Humanities Council. The program will begin on Feb. 23 at the McBee branch – books are provided free but please come by McBee or Jefferson to register and pick up your copy. Contact the McBee Depot Library at 843 335-7515 for details.

The second movie vs. book program scheduled for February, features the movie “The Help.” Please join us at the branch of you choice. The program will be held in each branch at various times throughout the month. Call your branch or check the website for details. www.chesterfield.lib.sc.us or 843 623-6720.

Events by Branch:

Chesterfield

· Thursday in Chesterfield: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

· Monday, Feb. 6@3:30, Teen Event

· Tuesday, Feb. 7@12:00 Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture with Felicia Fleming McCall

· Wednesday, Feb. 8@2:00 Bridge Club meets for first time

· Wednesday, Feb. 8@6:00 John Griffin shares his newest book

· Wednesday, Feb. 22@2:00 Movie vs Book, The Help

McBee

· Tuesday, Feb. 7@4:00 Valentine’s Craft

· Thursday, Feb. 9@4:00 Polymer Clay Class w/ Alisa Raley – please call and register, $3.00 fee

· Thursday, Feb. 16@4:00 Movie vs. Book, The Help

· Thursday, Feb. 23@6:30 Carolina On My Mind, LTAI Program, must register and pick up book.

Jefferson

· Wednesday in Jefferson: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

· Wednesday, Feb. 1@4:00 Movie vs. Book, The Help

· Monday, Feb. 6@6:00 Polymer Clay Class w/ Alisa Raley – please call and register, $3.00 fee

Pageland

· Tuesdays in Pageland: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

· Monday, Feb. 13@3:30, Teen Event

· Wednesday, every other beginning Wed. Feb. 15@12:30-2:00, Motheread Classes w/ First Steps

· Wednesday, Feb. 15@2:30 Movie vs. Book, The Help

Matheson

· Thursdays, throughout Feb., AARP offering free tax services, first come,first served.

Friday in Cheraw: Preschool Story Time 11:00; School-age 8-12, 3:30-4:30

· Wednesdays, every other beginning Wed. Feb. 8@12:30-2:00, Motheread Classes w/ First Steps

· Thursday, Feb 23@11:30 Author, Edward Patillo, Bag Lunch’n Lecture

· Monday, Feb. 27@3:30, Teen Event

· Tuesday, Feb. 28@2:00 Movie vs. Book, The Help

How to Save Money!

Article contributed to local papers: Cheraw Chronicle and The Link

If you haven’t been in one of county libraries lately, we invite you to check us out. We’re trying to shed the “dusty, musty book” image and offer more opportunities for community interaction, partner with local organizations to provide services, and offer a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. CCL offers adult computer classes, JobSearch workshops, resume writing, crafts and arts programs, and literacy programs. Most of our programs are free or require only a nominal fee.

A luncheon, presentation, and book signing by author, John Laurence Busch, will be hosted by the Cheraw Friends and sponsored by the Matheson History Room Endowment committee, on Friday, November 18, 2011 in the Matheson Library conference room, beginning at 11:30 am. Mr. Busch’s book, Steam Coffin—Captain Moses Rogers and The Steamship Savannah Break the Barrier has significance, not only for maritime history, but for Cheraw history, as well. Weather permitting; an optional living history tour to Moses Rogers’ gravesite at Old St. David’s Cemetery will be available following the book signing. Details about the book are posted at Matheson. Because space is limited, reservations are required and you must register by Wednesday, November 9, 2011. Free!

Jason Broughton, State Library Consultant, will be offering a workshop on Jobsearching on the Internet from 6:00 until 7:00 pm at the Chesterfield Main Library. Instructions on how to fill out a job application will be offered in the second half at 7:30. If you haven’t been in the job market in years and need a refresher, join us on November. 3 beginning at 6:00 pm. Free!

Dearest to our hearts is our book service! We’re working hard to meet the needs and meet them quickly. But one thing is for sure – they are FREE! Beginning November 30, we are pleased to announce that we will be offering eBooks which you can download into nearly any format that works with your computer, eReader or other device. The downloaded books will expire at the end of their loan period so no returns necessary. Our staff will even help you learn to download ebooks on your own device. Overdrive will be our provider – go to this website and take a look to see how easy it is: www.overdrive.com.

Still fancy the paper and ink - if you’re buying your books because of the convenience or the “don’t want to wait syndrome,” think about this:

· The average price for hardcover fiction title is $26.00.

· The average price for mass market paperback fiction title was $6.80.

· The average price for an audio book fiction title was $50.42.

But, you don’t have to pay those prices, the library offers books, ebooks and audio books, FREE, along with many other services such as:

1. Magazines and Newspapers
   From Better Homes and Gardens to South Carolina Wildlife, our library has tons of magazines. We also carry the local papers, New York Times, The State and Charlotte Observer. Are you paying for magazines and newspapers that you just toss?
2. Audio Books - Coming Soon
   You will soon be able to check out audio books on every subject for your commute to work, for waiting on your kids at various sports practices or to listen to while you walk - check us out.
3. Free Periodical Searches
   In high school or college? We have access to DISCUS which will provide you with magazine articles, newspaper articles, special reference works, websites and all you pay for is the cost for print/copies – 10 cents a page.
4. Internet and Wi-Fi
   CCL offers free internet access and Wi-Fi, all you need is a library card to use our computers! Be aware that our libraries use a "censoring" program and parental consent may be required to use the Internet. Using our Internet services can save you as much as $25.00 a month.
5. Meeting Space

Our new “Meeting Room” policy allows nonprofit local groups and organizations to reserve the room, free for meetings during regular library hours. After hours, a $25.00 fee is charged for groups with some exceptions. Birthday parties, showers, parties, solicitation/sales, etc., do not fit under the goals and purposes of our institution. We welcome nonprofit, local organizations and clubs.

6. Movies
   We have children's movies, teen favorites, and blockbusters. Why buy a video for one or two viewings when you can borrow for free – save your 19.99!
7. Free Job Search and Resume Help
   We will be offering online assistance for job searching and resume writing. If you could use a refresher course on how to find a job or how to write a resume, check us out.
8. Other Free Services
   You’ll find tax forms, voter registration forms, test prep manuals and fax services, along with a variety of other services in the library. So save your money by visiting the library and getting your own library card that gives you carte blanche to global access for information, instantaneously. Check out the CCL library for varied programs and unbeatable bargains.

What’s happening in the CCL Stacks this month:

Nov. 3	How to Search for a job on the Internet, 6:00 pm - Chesterfield
Nov. 3	How to Fill Out a Job Application, 7:30 pm - Chesterfield
Nov. 7	Julia Griffin, local author 12:00 to 1:00, Bring a lunch, tea provided, Chesterfield
Nov. 8	Staff training - all branches CLOSED for state-wide software update
Nov. 9	Christmas Bling Jewelry Workshop 6:00 pm at Jefferson, must register
Nov. 10	Christmas Bling Jewelry Workshop 6:00 pm at McBee, must register
Nov. 11, 12	Veteran’s Day - Closed
Nov. 13	Research Team visiting Matheson
Nov. 16	Christmas Bling Jewelry Workshop 6:00 pm at Chesterfield, must register
Nov. 18	John Busch, author presentation & luncheon, Matheson 11:30, must register
Nov. 21	Make your very own pine cone bird feeder, 4-5 pm, Jefferson branch
Nov. 24-26	Thanksgiving Holiday - Closed

October Delights

October brings ...

• cooler weather
• colorful trees
• fires
• bazaars
• new books:

The Night Strangers' by Chris Bohjalian - October 4, 2011
The Best of Me' by Nicholas Sparks - October 11, 2011
The Litigators' by John Grisham - October 25, 2011
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by Jerry Pinkney- October 6, 2011

Where do you use your library card?

Where do you use your library card? Chesterfield County Public Library is a member of SC LENDS consortium, meaning we share our resources, providing you with access to over 2.5 million library materials. SC LENDS, which stands for South Carolina Library Evergreen Network Delivery System, is an open-source integrated library system (ILS), which, allows us to manage transferring books between the 52 participating libraries. We share a single catalog, and any of our library users can search for items at any of the 52 libraries as easily as they search for items in our home library. Requesting items is as simple as clicking a button. Within a few days, any circulating item can be delivered from any SC LENDS library across the state. Your library card can also be used in any participating library across the state of South Carolina – just walk in browse their libraries, and check out what you want! You can return library resources to any participating library, as well.

The following libraries have joined SC LENDS so the next time you’re in one of these locations, check them out: Allendale- Hampton- Jasper Regional Library, Anderson County Library, Beaufort County Library, Calhoun County Library, Chesterfield County Library, Colleton County Library, Dorchester County Library, Fairfield, County Library, Florence County Library, Kershaw County Library, The South Carolina State Library, Union County Carnegie Library, Williamsburg County Library and the York County Library.

What all does this mean for you, as a library user?

• It means that you have access through your SCLends card to more than 2.5 million items, including books, videos, audiotapes and more.
• It means that there are many new features in the online public catalog that you can access from any Internet access computer. Many of these features are only available after you log into the "My Account" feature.
• You will need to establish a password the first time you access "My Account":
• Click on My Account. It is located at the bottom of the initial screen or on the left navigation pane after the initial screen. You will get a security page the first time. Just click through it.
• Enter your CCL library card 13-digit barcode number in the Username space.
• Enter the last four digits of your phone number for your password. If you’ve had your card more than a month, you may have already been assigned a randomly selected password, just ask what that is next time you’re in the library or give us a call.
• Click on Login.
• The first time you log on to "My Account", you’ll be prompted to change your password to a number/letter combination of your choosing. Your password must be at least 7 alphanumeric digits long. It is case-sensitive.
• Don’t hesitate to call and ask for help if you have any questions. We’re here to help you!

Upcoming events at the library include, our continuing computer classes for seniors, the Lunch In the Stacks event on September 29 – tickets are $8.50, call to reserve your ticket today! Storytelling event with Felicia Fleming McCall on September 28^th at Matheson Branch and on October 1, at 11:45 and 1:00 at the Chesterfield Branch. October 7^th, Brown Bag Lunch N’ Lecture Series continues with Elizabeth Dutton, sharing her newest book, 1,033 Reasons to Smile. By the way, if you don't read her blog, you need to check it out.

Thanks for reading with us! We’ll see you “in the Stacks!”