So, you may be asking, what does the audiovisual librarian for the New City Library do on her Christmas vacation break?  She goes to the movies, of course!

Over this past vacation I got to see several movies. Here are my thoughts and comments on five new movies (in alphabetical order):

The Descendants - I agree with the critics on this one; I thought it was a winner.  George Clooney is wonderful as the father/husband who has to come to terms with the way he has led his life and the choices he has made in the past.  His growing recognition of what he is and what he now needs to be for his family makes for a  wonderful film.  His older daughter, played by Shailene Woodley, gives a terrific performance also.

The mobile version of our new Enterprise catalog, BookMyne, is now available for iOS (iPhones, iPads, and iPods)  and Android.  Find the app in iTunes or Android Market.  Please have a look at the User Guides for Android and iOS and take it for a spin!

What are your New Year's resolutions?  Many people use the new year as a clean slate to embark on all kinds of self-improvement projects.  Losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising more, learning a new language...Hey, stop, we can help you with the last one (actually the library can help with all of them, but let's concentrate on learning a new language).  We have a great on-line language learning product called Mango Languages.  When Rosetta Stone stopped selling its on-line database to libraries, we scrambled to find a suitable replacement, and we found Mango.  Their program is fun, effective and easy.  You'll have the choice of Mango Basic, which covers 49 languages, including Farsi, Korean, Mandarin and Croatian, as well as ESL courses for specific language speakers.  Mango Complete.

Quilts and bobbin lace abound in the exhibit areas at the New City Library. In the Meeting Room, there are hanging quilts that range from traditional patterns to very current designs. The bold and bright colors are most striking. In past centuries, castles had huge tapestries adorning the walls as a way to reduce drafts and cold temperatures. Though not drafty, the library is able to accomodate quilts that are ten feet in length. One special quilt is a tribute to the late Dr. MacGuffie and her fight to end AIDS in Africa. This fine exhibit was organized by Mary Jane Sexton and her fellow friends and members of the Heritage Quilters of the Hudson.

A second exhibit features bobbin lace on loan from the Manhattan Chapter of the International Old Lacers. These samples may be seen in the exhibit cases by the Meeting Room. Bobbin lace is a very old craft that uses fine thread that is wound on small finger bobbins. Using a pattern, the bobbins are moved within following the design pattern.

Take a look. You will walk away inspired.

The first phase for reserve notification is in place.  New City card holders are receiving pickup dates either by email or an automated phone message.  You will notice that wrappers are printed in a new format; the first 3 letters of your last name and the last four digits of your library barcode.  Having your library card in hand will facilitate finding your reserve.  Last names can start with the same three letters, so it wil be faster and more accurate to identify your material by the last 4 digits of your barcode. Names are shelved in alphabetical order, then we'll shelve according to numerical order.  For example, MAR 2486 will be shelved before MAR 9128.  If picking up items for family members it will be helpful to have their cards.  The self-checkout machines prevent errors by only allowing checkouts on the account that placed the reserve.  Your library card is the safest and most accurate way to protect your account and we encourage you to bring it with you every visit.