toby says...

straight from the tap 12/31/12

The following is a list of upcoming programs and closures at RPL:

12/31 | 5:00 pm, CLOSED for New Years@ all branches; will reopen 01/02
01/10 | 3:00 pm, Elder Law Workshop @ HQ
01/10 | 7:00 pm, Clay Lunsford & Wayne Henderson Concert @ HQ
01/15 | 4:30 pm, Ringling Bros. Clown Performs @ South
01/15 | 7:00 pm, Ringling Bros. Clown Performs @ HQ
01/17 | 3:00 pm, How to Pay for Nursing Care Workshop @ HQ
01/21 | CLOSED for MLK Day @ all branches
01/22 | 5:30 pm, Teen Game Night @ South
01/24 | 3:00 pm, Veteran Benefits Workshop @ HQ
01/28 | 5:30 pm, Teen Game Night @ East
01/29 | 5:30 pm, Teen Game Night @ HQ
01/29 | 6:30 pm, Book Bites Book Club @ South

Please help us spread the word!

where did all my programs go?

Some of you may have noticed that when you log in to your Citrix machine, all of your icons are not automatically appearing.  You actually have to log in a second time in the Citrix plug-in window (pictured below).

If you don't enter your log in info right away, the Citrix plug-in window will disappear.  Not to worry!  If that happens, simply right-click on the Citrix icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Select "Log On" from the menu and enter your username and password when prompted.

All the program icons should now appear.  Notice that the gray Citrix icon is blue.

memorial for tara's mom

From Pam--

If you would like to help out Tara and her family please contact me. 

Patricia "Pat" Walls Greene passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at Rowan Regional Medical Center.  Those left to cherish her memories are daughters, Tammy (Gregg) McLeod of Concord, Tweena (Ashley) Myers of Spencer, Tara Greene of Salisbury and Toni Greene of Salisbury; brothers, Eugene (Carol) Walls of Salisbury, Johnny (Donna) Walls of Statesville, Donnie Walls of Salisbury and Mike (Linda) Walls of Salisbury; grandchildren Chandler and Shelby Myers. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Lyerly Funeral Home, PO BOX 279, Salisbury, NC 28145, to help with funeral expenses.

opening attachments in Webmail

It looks like a recent Windows Security Update has created extra security, which causes problems when trying to open attachments in your e-mail.  Here is the best way to allow attachments to save in the proper format with Web Outlook.  This is a one time setting change according to Thomas R:

In your internet browser, get to your Webmail login page.   In the top, righthand corner of the screen, click on Tools > Internet Options > Security.  Click "Trusted Sites" and then on the "Sites" button (circled in red above).

The Webmail sign in address should appear.  Click "Add" to add this site to the list of trusted sites. 

toby says...

gift for stamey

Don't forget we're taking up a collection to get Stamey a gift card in honor of his retirement.  Please give your donations to Lynn by Friday, Dec. 21st.  Thanks so much!

travel reimbursement

From Pam--

Please note the change in reimbursement rates for travel beginning January 1^st.  If you have your personal travel formed saved on your computer please make the cost change in January from 55.5 cent per mile to 56.5 per mile.

straight from the tap 12-17-12

The following is a list of upcoming programs and closures at RPL:

12/18 | 6:30 pm, Book Bites Book Club @ South
12/24 | CLOSED @ all branches; will reopen 12/27
12/31 | 5:00 pm, CLOSED @ all branches; will reopen 01/02

Please help us spread the word!

straight from the tap 12-10-12

The following is a list of upcoming programs and closures at RPL:

12/10 | 7:00 pm, You've Taken a Photo-Computer Class @ South
12/11 | 1:00 pm, You've Taken a Photo-Computer Class @ East
12/13 | 11:00 am, You've Taken a Photo-Computer Class @ HQ
12/18 | 6:30 pm, Book Bites Book Club @ South
12/24 | CLOSED @ all branches; will reopen 12/27
12/31 | 5:00 pm, CLOSED @ all branches; will reopen 01/02

Please help us spread the word!

blue points update

A few more details about Blue Points (I promise I do not get a commission if you sign up)-- 

You use your insurance card subscriber number (YPPW**********) to sign in for the first time.  This will give you access to a list of your benefits, claims, and prescriptions (with interactive links to drug info).  This is also where you log your exercise and healthy eating for Blue Points, which may be redeemed for gift cards (1000 points = $10) and merchandise (they even have a John Deere tractor).  If that's not incentive enough, you can even donate your points to charity.  Here's a bit more about the charitable donation:
This 100% tax-deductible gift can be used for your gift giving or you may wish to redeem it yourself for the charity you pick. Either way, a worthwhile cause will benefit from your donation.

Please let me (April) know if you have any questions about how the program works.  My dad's company just got rid of Blue Points due to lack of participation--let's make sure the same doesn't happen here!

receipt printer troubleshooting guide

***Please note that these instructions have been revised to accommodate the new receipt layout.***

WHEN THE RECEIPT PRINTER WON’T PRINT...

1. Log out of TLC Circulation.

2. Go to the “Start” menu and click on “Settings” and then “Printers and Faxes”.  Make sure that the EPSON receipt printer is listed, hover over it with your mouse, and check to make sure its status is “ready”.  DO NOT set this as default printer or make any changes; just make sure that it’s showing up as one of your available printers.

3. Log in to TLC Circulation again.

4. Click on “Printers” under the “Setup” menu (bottom left corner of window).

5. Under “Installed Printer”, click the down-arrow and choose the EPSON receipt printer from the list (it’s usually toward the bottom).

6. Click check boxes next to each of the Margin settings, and check “Has Automatic Cutter” also.  Click the “Save” button.

7. Under the “Setup” menu, click on “Slips”.

8. Select the drop-down arrow and choose each type of slips you might need to print (Arrived Request, Checkout, Messages, Routing, etc.)

9. You will need to select the EPSON receipt printer under the “Print To” drop-down menu for each type of slip.  Make sure the “Print at This Workstation” box is checked.

10. Click “Save” and test it out by printing a message or checking out a test book to yourself. 

 

straight from the tap 12-03-12

The following is a list of upcoming programs at RPL:

12/04 | 6:30 pm, Excerpts from The Nutcracker @ HQ
12/06 | 7:00 pm, Matthew Weaver Concert @ HQ; CD signing 5-7 pm
12/07 | CLOSED for staff training @ all branches
12/10 | 7:00 pm, You've Taken a Photo-Computer Class @ East

Please help us spread the word!

blog updates

Just wanted to let everyone know about that the Children's Staff blog is up and running and there is post from Kristi about a certain little children's book and the special meaning it now holds for some of our patrons.  I also wanted to point out that I've added a new tab for "Library Notes", so you can link directly to the blog where Edward posts copies of our articles.  Let me know if you'd like me to add anything else to the blog(s)--I'm always open to new ideas!  -April

new receipt layout

Here's a sneak peek of the new layout for our receipts (isn't it FABULOUS?!).  A few changes have been made to the Receipt Printer Set-up Instructions, most notably that "Has Automatic Cutter" needs to be checked and "Use Raw Printing" should not be checked.

access to circ staff & library notes

If you're interested in what's going on at the circ desk, be sure to click on the "Circulation Staff" tab at the top of the page.  You should be able to access without logging in now.  Many thanks to Laura and other circ staff for making the circ blog such a wealth of great information!  Also, I've added a new tab for "Library Notes", which links to the blog where Edward uploads copies of our Library Notes articles.

straight from the tap 11-26-12

The following is a list of upcoming programs at RPL:

11/26 | NaNoWriMo continues through Nov. 30th
11/26 | 5:30 pm, Iron Chef Teen Program @ East
11/27 | 5:30 pm, Iron Chef Teen Program @ HQ
11/27 | 6:30 pm, Book Bites Book Club @ South
12/01 | 6:30 pm, Literary Feast @ Salisbury Civic Center
12/02 | 3:00 pm, Salisbury Salutes Sidney Festival concludes @ HQ
12/04 | 6:30 pm, Excerpts from The Nutcracker @ HQ

Please help us spread the word!

getting in the holiday spirit

These little elves worked hard to spread holiday cheer in the local parades...

...and these little elves worked hard to spread a little holiday cheer at HQ.

goodreads

Have you ever gotten a few chapters into a book and thought, "Hmm, this seems familiar..."  Or, has someone suggested the perfect read only for you to misplace the tiny piece of recycled paper upon which they wrote it?  Sign up for Goodreads, a free online service that helps you keep track of what you've read and what you want to read.  A few extra benefits (beyond keeping all of your to-reads and have-reads organized) are the user reviews, read-alike recommendations, monthly newsletters highlighting new releases of your favorites, and free online webinars that allow you to chat with authors.

straight from the tap 11-19-12

The following is a list of upcoming programs at RPL:

11/19 | NaNoWriMo continues through Nov. 30th
11/21 | Last day to buy tickets for the Literary Feast
11/21 | 1:00 pm, all branches close for Thanksgiving; will reopen Sat. 11/24
12/25 | 3:00 pm, Salisbury Salutes Sidney Festival continues @ HQ
11/26 | 5:30 pm, Iron Chef Teen Program @ East
11/27 | 5:30 pm, Iron Chef Teen Program @ HQ
11/27 | 6:30 pm, Book Bites Book Club @ South
12/01 | 6:30 pm, Literary Feast @ Salisbury Civic Center
12/02 | 3:00 pm, Salisbury Salutes Sidney Festival concludes @ HQ

Please help us spread the word!

blue points equal green

Did you know that there is a FREE rewards program through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC?  If you're a benefitted staff member, you are eligible to participate in Blue Points, a program that rewards you for daily exercise and eating healthy.  Don't think it's worth your time?  I've got a $25 Amazon gift card coming my way just because I walk at least 30 minutes every day and take the time to log it.  Visit www.bcbsnc.com and sign up for Blue Points today!

repairs & improvements

From Jeff:

Repairs on the original HQ building begin this week.

The back sidewalk at East will be removed and replaced this week also.

Beaver Brothers worked on the boiler at HQ last week.
New electrical outlets have been added to two columns on the 2nd floor at HQ.

straight from the tap 11-13-12

The following is a list of upcoming programs at RPL:
11/13 | NaNoWriMo continues through Nov. 30th
11/18 | 3:00 pm, Salisbury Salutes Sidney Festival Kickoff @ HQ
11/21 | Last day to buy tickets for the Literary Feast
11/21 | Library closes at 1 pm for Thanksgiving; will reopen Sat. 11/24
11/25 | 3:00 pm, Salisbury Salutes Sidney Festival @ HQ

Please help us spread the word!

don't forget about NaNoWriMo...

For all the cat-lovers out there...  This silly photo was posted on a popular site this week to help promote NaNoWriMo.  Only 23 more days to crank out a novel!

READ @ your library

Wake County Public Library was gracious enough to allow us to personalize their very creative stop-action video with our library information.

halloween cheer

A big thank you to staff who dressed up here,
to spread a little Halloween cheer!

happy halloween

NaNoWriMo

November is "National Novel Writing Month" (or NaNoWriMo for short).  Each year, thousands of writers try to crank out a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.  They can find tools, web forums, word counters, and more while logging their progress on NaNoWriMo.org.  Let's help promote this wonderful opportunity for creativity by encouraging our patrons to write.  (Oh, and if you're skeptical that a person could actually write a worthwhile book in 30 days, check out a few of the published NaNoWriMo writers). 

halloween at the library

I know many of you may be thinking, "They don't pay me enough..."  While you may be right, we'd still love to have a good showing of costumed staffers for Halloween, which is just a week away!  Let's try to dress up as our favorite book, movie, or famous characters and give our patrons (and co-workers) something to smile about.  For ideas, check out this blog post.  I created "guess who" badges we can wear (above).

thanksgiving hours

Per Gary Page, Rowan County offices will close at 1 pm on Wednesday, November 21st for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  This will represent a five (5) hour workday and employees must work the full five (5) hours (no lunches) to receive credit for the full day.

fall photowalk @ south

A BIG thank you to Joan Cress, Rob Howle, Paul Birkhead, and all RPL staff who helped advertise, answer questions, point people in the right direction, and cover essential duties.  We had 47 participants ranging from age 9 to 90!  Below is a photo album showcasing participant photos.  I will continue to add to this album as I receive photos.

Fall Photowalk

straight from the tap

The following is a list of upcoming programs at RPL:

10/23 | 5:30 pm, Murder Mystery Teen Program @ South
10/25 | 4:15 pm, The World According to Humphrey Book Chat @ South
10/29 | Children's Bookmark Contest begins
10/29 | 5:30 pm, Murder Mystery Teen Program @ HQ

Please help us spread the word!

straight from the tap

The following is a list of upcoming programs at RPL:

10/15 | 7:00 pm, Introduction to E-Mail class @ South
10/16 | 1:00 pm, Introduction to E-Mail class @ East
10/16 | 6:30 pm, Musical Petting Zoo @ HQ
10/18 | 9:30 am, Introdcution to E-Mail class @ HQ
10/20 | 10:00 am, Jackie Torrence Tribute Storytelling Festival @ HQ
10/22 | 6:00 pm, Fall Photowalk: Making Good Photos Better @ South

Please help us spread the word!

workplace violence training

The Workplace Violence training on Wednesday will be held at the Ag Center (2727 Old Concord Road).  Sessions are 9:30-11 and 1-2:30.

This is also a reminder to those who signed up that the training is Wednesday, the 17^th.  If you need a refresher on the session for which you signed up, please contact your supervisor.

-From Melody

flu vaccination

The final day for flu vaccination for county employees covered under the County Health Insurance Plan is Friday, October 12th, from 8:00 am -12 noon.  These will be “walk-in” clinics, and no appointments are necessary.

Each employee needs to print out the form and complete it before they come to receive the vaccine. County insured family members can also receive the vaccine but they also need to complete the form before receiving the vaccine. Vaccine information sheets (VIS) are also attached.

Flu vaccinations are available for ages 6 months and older.  Pneumonia vaccine is available for those age 65 and older or those 2 years and older that have a medical condition for which their physician recommends they receive the vaccine.

united way meeting

We will have a mandatory staff meeting for benefited staff about the county's United Way campaign on Wednesday, October 10th at all locations.

• HQ @ 8:15 am in Hurley Room
• South @ 9:15 am
• East @ 10:15 am

Light refreshments will be served.  Attendance by benefited staff is required.  Part-time staff are welcome to attend.

hunger games programs 10/07 - 10/13

The end is in sight!  The following are the final Hunger Games programs (library events are in bold)...

10/09 | 6:30 pm, Movie Night @ HQ, I am Legend (PG13)
10/13 | 10:00 am, Final Event & Challenge @ Cabarrus Arena

The Final Event & Challenge will include a relay race (for all ages), an awards ceremony for contest participants, a special "reaping" for prizes, and we'll be showing The Hunger Games on the big screen.

Please help spread the word!

straight from the TAP

You may have seen flyers posted in the bathrooms of RPL called straight from the TAP.  These are part of a new marketing strategy inspired by this book.  In all seriousness, the bathroom is the one place we are all guaranteed to visit multiple times a day, so why not use it to our advantage?  If you think of things you'd like to include in straight from the TAP, please e-mail/call/tell April.

halloween challenge

I'm throwing out a plea for everyone to dress up for Halloween this year.  What do you think about dressing up as a literary character, a famous person, or a favorite TV/movie character?  We could wear "Guess Who" badges and give out candy to winning guesses.  We could also take that opportunity to tell people about the book/movie in our collection that inspired our costume.  What are your thoughts?

Book & Movie Costume Ideas 

• The Princess Bride characters
• Paddington Bear
• Anne of Green Gables
• The Paper Bag Princess
• Dr. Suess characters like Blue Fish, Gertrude McFuzz, Horton, the Grinch, etc.
• Curious George
• Madeline
• Angelica Mouse
• Where’s Waldo
• Sherlock Holmes characters
• Man in the Yellow Hat
• Nancy Drew
• Huckleberry Finn / Tom Sawyer
• Captain Underpants
• Ramona Quimby
• Wizard of Oz characters
• Amelia Bedelia
• Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Harry Potter characters
• Pippi Longstocking
• Mary Poppins characters
• Marie Antoinette
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book characters
• Hobbit book characters
• Hunger Games characters (if you're not already sick to death of it)

Or you could get really creative and dress up as your favorite book cover…

A team who plays together stays together...

october computer class

Introduction to E-Mail

Mon., Oct. 15th, 7-8:30 pm @ South
Tues., Oct. 16th, 1-2:30 pm @ East Branch (registration required)
Thurs., Oct. 18th, 9:30-11 am @ HQ

updated sample ballots

Nancy Evans with the Board of Elections has notified us that there is a mistake in our sample ballots.  Corrected sample ballots are being printed.  Please continue to make the ones we have available until the new ones are received.  When you receive new sample ballots, please put any old ones you have on hand in recycling.

-From Melody

early voting at the library

'Tis the season for...early voting!

HQ
Voting will start at this location on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Voting will end at this location on Saturday, November 3, 2012
-- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday / October 18, 2012 November 2, 2012
-- 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday / November 3, 2012

East
Voting will start at this location on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Voting will end at this location on Friday, November 2, 2012
-- 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday
-- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday
-- 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012

South
Voting will start at this location on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Voting will end at this location on Friday, November 2, 2012
-- 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday
-- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday
-- 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012
-- Closed on Sundays

Here is a complete list of early voting sites in the county.  Refer questions to 704-216-8140.