New City Library

Better Than Google

Nancy Moskowitz — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:19:39 +0000

You may have noticed that our magazine and database listing looks quite different. It has now been put on a libguide (a customized guide created with specialized software) featuring our magazines, databases, and web sites that wll enhance your research experience. It was created by the Ramapo Catskill Library System and handed off to each library to maintain. What does this mean for you? Since we no longer have to go through a third party (over-worked Jerry at RCLS), changes can be implemented, and problems can be solved much more quickly.

In addition, not only are our subscriptions listed, but Jerry had added some great websites as well, such as Census 2010 Local Data, NADA and Kelley Blue Book car price guides and other helpful aids. An added bonus is that our databases are getting used more often! It is convenient to have all our offerings on one page, and the subject headings will take you right to your area of interest. It really is better (and more reliable) than Google.

What's Cooking?: A Cup of Tea

Dorothy Ng — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:57:51 +0000

We’ve all had those hectic days that never seem to end. Sometimes you just need to get off that carousel of life for a breather and get back on again. Whenever I feel this way, I reach out for a soothing cup of tea to calm me, creating a temporary oasis. There is something about slowly sipping that hot cup of tea that seems to unwind the tensions. Besides its relaxing effect, taking the time to drink it provides a needed moment to be quiet, be centered, and clear your head so you can regroup to face the obstacles before you.

Donations - Check it Out

Gail Seidenfrau — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:57:17 +0000

So you've finally gotten around to some serious decluttering. College graduates are moving out, high school seniors have their college acceptances or you might be downsizing. Are you wondering what to do with those old college textbooks, best sellers from back in the nineties, more than gently used paperbacks or favorite bedtime story books? Many people don't want to throw books away. You might think the best place is to drop them off at the library. We appreciate your good intentions but we really can't accept them. Very few donations are added to the collection; some might make it onto our 'Littlest Bookstore" shelves. Sadly, the majority are carted off by the custodial staff for recycling. We can suggest you call local hospitals, hospice, goodwill or local senior centers. A search on the internet may turn up sites that pick up books left curbside. New City Library no longer holds book sales, but other libraries in the county do and might accept your donations. Some phone numbers you might find useful: Goodwill, 624-0187, Salvation Army 620-7200.

Summer Newsletter

Marianne Silver — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:40:31 +0000

The Summer 2013 newsletter is out! Hard copies are available at the library, and you can also access it online here. We're using a different email manager to distribute the newsletter now, so if you have not received yours, please be sure to sign up for future mailings. As always, any questions, please call the reference desk at x125 or x126.

Updated Mobile App for Overdrive

Marianne Silver — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:53:48 +0000

Overdrive Media Console, the app that enables you to check out our e-books, has been updated to v2.6.5. Due to a change in Apple's privacy policies, iOS users will be asked to re-authorize with their Adobe ID. After you have updated the app, you will be prompted to enter your Adobe ID and password. Android users are not affected by this update. Any questions, please call the reference desk at x125 or x126.

Meet Mitch Freedman

Admin — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:06:05 +0000

Tuesday, May 28, 7 PM

Come and welcome our new interim director!
Join us in a relaxed atmosphere to talk with Mitch,
board members and staff.
Refreshments will be served!

Better Than Google

Nancy Moskowitz — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:49:53 +0000

In today's topsy turvy financial world, investors have a right to be nervous. How to invest and what to invest in is a big dilemma for most of us. Where does one turn for the right advice? Since 1965, the answer to that question is Value Line. According to their website, their mission is "to provide investors with the most accurate and independently created research information available, in any format they choose, and teach them how to use it effectively to help meet their financial objectives". Well, for many years, that format was print only. That was fine for a long time, but there were drawbacks: Only one person could use it at a time, there were three different volumes to look through, and issues could be delayed in the mail or even stolen. When I previewed the on-line version, I was impressed. Patrons could use it at home or at work, mutual funds were included, and the print-outs of the reports was sharp and clear, better than a photocopy.

Time to Rock the Garden!

Kathy Bachor — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:22:44 +0000

Calling all Garden Rockers kids, Clarkstown Garden Club members, and other dirt enthusiasts! We will be weeding and planting in the Children's Garden today at 6:30pm. Our community support has been very strong donating plants and flowers - so bring your gloves and come on over! To celebrate this beautiful space and thank our volunteers,we will host a Garden Tea Party on June 8 and 9 at 3:00pm. Please plan to join us then to sip tea from a real teacup and daintily munch a cucumber sandwich as you enjoy our beautiful garden! Wearing fancy hats is encouraged!

Pixies in the Drawing Room: Gaslamp Fantasy

Karen Ostertag — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:49:58 +0000

I've discussed historical-set speculative fiction in the past, specifically the popularity of steampunk and the weird West. Today I'd like to introduce you to steampunk's fey cousin, gaslamp fantasy. If you like fantasy and you enjoy period novels, gaslamp fantasy will be right up your cobblestoned alley. Think of it as urban fantasy with a 19th-century twist.

The term "gaslamp fantasy" covers fantasy fiction set in the Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, though some will stretch the definition as far as the early years of the 20th century, up the first World War. While steampunk found its origins in the likes of Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, and the innovative marvels of the Industrial Age, gaslamp fantasy's wonders generally stem from more uncanny sources.

Interim Director Appointed

Admin — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:41:03 +0000

At a special meeting of the New City Library trustees Tuesday night, the board unanimously voted to appoint Maurice J. (Mitch) Freedman as interim director of the library. This action alleviates concerns about the library's charter and marks a turning point in the working relations between board members. Freedman served as the director of the Westchester Library System for 23 years and as president of the American Library Association in 2002. Since his retirement, Freedman has worked for his publishing company, the U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*D Librarian. In addition, he has spoken at conferences, served on numerous boards, and has taken on the roles of interim director at the Purchase Free and Nyack libraries.