NWRLS Library Locations
Headquarters:
Bay County Public Library
850-522-2100
Panama City Beach
850-233-5055
Parker
850-871-3092
Springfield
850-872-7510
Corinne Costin
Gibson Memorial Library
Port St. Joe
850-229-8879
Charles Whitehead
Public Library
Wewahitchka
850-639-2419
Harrell Memorial
Public Library
Bristol
850-643-2247
Jimmy Weaver
Memorial Library
Hosford
850-379-3300
|
|
Featured Items
All the Truth is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid by Matt Bai
The former chief political correspondent for The New York Times Magazine brilliantly revisits the Gary Hart affair and looks at how it changed forever the intersection of American media and politics. 
A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse
by Mimi ThorissonReserve a copy
With beguiling recipes and sumptuous photography, this cookbook transports readers to the French countryside and marks the debut of a captivating new voice in cooking.
Maeve's Times: In Her Own Words
by Maeve Binchy
Reserve a copy
She was an accidental journalist, yet from the beginning, her writings reflected the warmth, wit, and keen human interest that readers would come to love in her fiction. Maeve's Times gives us wonderful insight into a changing Ireland as it celebrates the work of one of our best-loved writers in all its diversity.
Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation
by Bill Nye
Reserve a copy
Bill Nye has set off on an energetic campaign to spread awareness of evolution and the powerful way it shapes our lives. With infectious enthusiasm, he shows that evolution is much more than a rebuttal to creationism; it is an essential way to understand how nature works-and to change the world.
Betrayed:
A Rosato & Associates Novel
by Lisa Scottoline
Reserve a copy
Judy Carrier is anxiously pondering her personal and professional lives when she must rush to the side of an aunt diagnosed with breast cancer. The death of undocumented worker Emelia Juarez, a friend who had been helping the aunt through chemo, seems decidedly suspicious to Judy.
The City
by Dean Koontz
Reserve a copy
Reserve the ebook
Reserve a large print copy
The story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable "piano man," a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences.
A Demon Summer: A Max Tudor Novel
by G.M. Malliet
Reserve a copy
Someone has been trying to poison the Earl of Lislelivet. Since Lord Lislelivet has a gift for making enemies, no one finds this too surprising. Father Max Tudor, vicar of Nether Monkslip and former MI5 agent, investigates.
Hope to Die:
The Return of Alex Cross
by James Patterson
Reserve a copy
Detective Alex Cross embarks on the most wrenching case of his career to secure the lives of family members who have been abducted by a psychotic genius.
Pegasus
by Danielle Steel
Reserve a copy
Reserve a large print copy
A historical novel of family and World War II, this is a saga that spans generations and continents. It is a story of courage, friendship, and fate as two families face the challenges of war...and the magnificent stallion that will link them forever.
Prince Lestat: The Vampire Chronicles
by Anne Rice
Reserve a copy
Vampire fans have been waiting a long time for Rice to revisit the territory first trod by that immortal dazzler Lestat. Rice revisits familiar climes and characters from her "Chronicles" but shows us a world where vampires have proliferated dangerously, leading to mass burnings. Even old vampires join in, obeying a cryptic Voice.
Gray Mountain
by John Grisham
Reserve a copy
When Lehman Brothers collapsed, law firms went down, too, and law associate Samantha Kofer loses her job and her dreams. She ends up as an unpaid intern at a legal aid clinic in Appalachia, where the problems are as troubling as the dangerous secret she discovers.
Third-grader EllRay dreads the upcoming Winter Wonderland school assembly in which he must emcee and sing Jingle Bell Rock.
The Tudor Vendetta
by C.W. Gortner
Reserve a copy
A poison attempt on Queen Elizabeth I soon overshadows her coronation, but before Brendan can investigate, Elizabeth summons her spy to dispatch him on a far more confidential mission: to find her favored lady in waiting, Lady Parry, who has disappeared during a visit to her family manor in Yorkshire.
The Perfectionists
by Sara Shepard
Reserve a copy
Forging a friendship based on their mutual hatred of a philandering boy, five girls imagine a perfect way to kill him and must prove their innocence when he is killed in the exact manner they envisioned.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
by Jeff Kinney
Reserve a copy
The Heffley family road trip starts off full of promise, then quickly takes several wrong turns--with everything from a fender bender to crazed seagulls--but even the worst road trip can turn into an adventure, and this is one the Heffleys will not soon forget.
Where's My Tushy?
by Deborah Aronson
Reserve a copy
Late one night, all of the tushes leave their small town and set out for parts unknown, so the townspeople awaken to ill-fitting clothes and no way to sit. |
NWRLS is a department
of Bay County |
|
|
Thank you for choosing to receive the library newsletter, where you will learn about upcoming programs and the many services provided in our libraries.
|
|
|
Friends of the Libraries Host Special Performance at the Kaleidoscope Theatre
The Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries will host a special fundraising performance of Said the Spider to the Spy at the Kaleidoscope Theatre on January 22, 2015. Come join us for light refreshments and a cash wine bar. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the performance begins at 7:30 PM. All proceeds benefit the Bay County branches of the Northwest Regional Library System.
WHEN: Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 PM; performance begins at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Kaleidoscope Theatre, 207 East 24th Street, Lynn Haven
COST: $25 in advance, $30 at the door; cash or check only
TICKETS: Can be purchased in advance at the Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th Street, Panama City
Said the Spider to the Spy is a comedy spy thriller that changes a quiet beach cottage into a den of intrigue and hilarious shenanigans. Augusta Waycross borrows the identity and the Florida beach home of her friend, a bestselling romance author, touching off one of the funniest mistaken identities comedies ever written. A cache of Colombian heroin is left in the house by a missing guest, attracting various characters who alternate between spy and spy catcher.
The ticket price includes the chance to win raffle prizes; you must be present to win. The ticket also includes a buy one, get one free coupon for up to 10 items at the Read Again Bookstore at the Bay County Public Library.
The cast from the show's regular run at the Kaleidoscope Theatre has generously donated their time and talent to this production.
Please come out, see a great show, and support your libraries! For more information, please call the library at 850-522-2100.
|
|
The Elves and the Shoemaker at the Library
The Bay County Public Library and the Northwest Florida Music Teachers Association will present The Elves and the Shoemaker on December 8, 2014 at 6 PM in the library's Youth Services Department. This family program is free and open to the public.
This classic Brothers Grimm fairytale will be performed by the Atlantic Coast Theatre and features original musical with new lyrics set to traditional holiday melodies. In this version, an elf must help a poor shoemaker with the help of the elves in the audience. Please come and help the poor shoemaker! 
For more information, please call 850-522-2118. |
|
Food for Fines
For two weeks, from December 1st through December 15th, all eight locations of the Northwest Regional Library System will participate in a Food for Fines food drive.
 Here's how it works: patrons will get $1 in current overdue fines waived for each can or package of nonperishable food they bring in. Food items could include peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, canned tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit, cereal, pasta, etc.). We cannot accept glass containers, opened packages, repackaged food, or expired food. "Our goal is to help the people in our communities while at the same time providing our patrons with a charitable way to pay off their overdue fines," said Robin Shader, Library Director.
All items will be donated to local organizations who help fight hunger in our communities.
Bay County Public Library - Panama City Rescue Mission
Panama City Beach Public Library - Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
Parker Public Library - Refuge Assembly of God Food Bank
Springfield Public Library - Panama City Rescue Mission
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library (Port St. Joe) - Community Resource Center
Charles Whitehead Public Library (Wewahitchka) - Ministerial Association
Harrell Memorial Public Library (Bristol) - Farm Share
Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library (Hosford) - Farm Share
Food for Fines will waive current overdue fines only. It does not include fees for lost or damaged materials, card replacement fees, printing costs, or credit for future overdue fines.
For more information, please call 850-522-2100 or your local NWRLS location.
|
|
New Staff in the Northwest Regional Library System
 Linda Griner was recently hired to work in the Youth Services Department at the Bay County Public Library. She is a native of Panama City, and attended Millville Elementary, Cove Elementary, Beach Elementary, Jinks Middle School, and graduated from Bay High. Her work history has included working at Channel 7 (18 years) and with the Bay District Schools (10 years). Her last job was in the library at Hiland Park Elementary, which led her to the love of books and working with children. She has three beautiful children of her own.  Joyelle Linton began working with the Charles Whitehead Wewahitchka Public Library in September. She is a native of Gulf County and lives in Wewahitchka with her husband of twelve years and their young son. Her work experience has primarily been in the medical office field. Previously, she attended Gulf Coast State College for office administration. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, volunteering in her son's classroom, and relaxing at the beach.  Anna Taylor grew up in Panama City where most of her family still lives. She recently returned from Tallahassee after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In addition to starting work recently at the Charles Whitehead Wewahitchka Public Library, she is currently enrolled in the FSU Master's program in Library and Information Studies where her specialization is in Leadership and Management. Her other interests include Kurt Vonnegut novels, Netflix, and singing.
|
Libraries Closed December 25th & 26th; Early Closure on the 24th
All locations of the Northwest Regional Library System will be closed on Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday.
Locations normally open on Wednesday will also close early on December 24th for Christmas Eve.
Need a book or magazine to read or an audiobook to listen to in the meantime?
We've got you covered!
Visit http://www.nwrls.lib.fl.us/ebooksandmore.html and check out our eBooks and eAudiobooks available via OverDrive and our eMagazines available via Zinio.
We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
|
|
Staff Spotlight -- Vicki Patterson
Staff member Vicki Patterson recently attended a Fresh Fiction convention in Allen, Texas while she was on vacation. This convention is one of her favorites because most of the people attending are new authors, and it is a small gathering of only 150 attendees. Authors, especially romance authors, are very avid readers, so she found it very interesting to talk to everyone.
 | | Vicki, right, provides advice on what to read to a patron in the library |
Besides the books and authors, the convention did something interesting that a lot of others don't do: they had all the authors line up at the microphone and individually introduce themselves, tell what kind of books they wrote, the title of their last published book, and their favorite Thanksgiving dish. Many of the authors were first generation Americans, so some dishes were not what we would think of as traditional Thanksgiving foods.
There was also a Bachelor Auction, which raised money for literacy. Vicki had a great time at the convention, and will use this knowledge to help advise readers on new authors to try.
If you want advice on what to read or new authors to try, stop by and see Vicki at her desk in the Adult Services Department in the Bay County Public Library or call her at 850-522-2100.
|
Dear Dewey is designed to help information flow to and from your Library. If you have library or information access questions, just Ask Dewey!
Send your Dear Dewey questions to: [email protected]. Put Dear Dewey in the Subject Line and Dewey will respond!
___________________________________
Dear Dewey,
Do you have eBooks available for genealogy research? -- Cyber Gene
Dear Cyber Gene,
Why yes! Over 28,000 genealogy ebooks are available for all Northwest Regional Library System cardholders through HeritageQuest.
To access HeritageQuest:
Click on Research
Click on Databases (if you are outside of the library, you will be prompted to enter your library card number)
Click on HeritageQuest
Enter your library card number
For eBooks, click on Search Books.
For additional help, visit the Local History & Genealogy Department Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, or call 850-522-2132.
___________________________________
Have a Dear DeweyQuestion? Dewey wants to hear from you!
Simply email Dewey at [email protected].
|
|
Books to Go in Gulf County
The Gulf County libraries plan to expand in a small way. They will set up Books to Go boxes throughout Gulf County. Each Books to Go station will be stocked with free books for anyone interested in taking one to read. Sites being considered include nursing facilities, welcome centers, and rural outposts.
Each Books to Go station will be stocked with a variety of books. You may find mysteries, romances, adventure tales, and fantasy for both adults and children.  Books are free for readers to take and enjoy. Readers can either return them when they are finished or pass them on to someone else. Readers can also add it to their own personal library if they choose.
We need people to suggest possible sites for stations; sponsor a site by agreeing to keep an eye on and restocking the Books to Go box with surplus books from the library; and building a Books to Go station. If you live in Gulf County and are interested in helping, please call 850-229-8879 or email Nancy Brockman at [email protected].
|
|
Featured Author: Michael Lister
This year is a big year for Florida author Michael Lister. It's his 20th anniversary as a writer and will see the publication of three new novels---one from each of his three main series characters: John Jordan, Jimmy "Soldier" Riley, and Merrick McKnight.
 Lister's new novel, A Certain Retribution, is a sequel to 2010's Thunder Beach and is set in his home town of Wewahitchka. Wewahitchka, which means "water eyes" because of the two nearly perfectly round lakes in the center of town, is a wild, untamed region--backwoods, dirt roads, untouched, unspoiled. This brutally beautiful place is home to the legendary Dead Lakes, world famous Tupelo honey, and now A Certain Retribution.
In A Certain Retribution, someone is killing cops with their own guns. On their way to finding out who and why, Merrick McKnight and Reggie Summers discover there is no justice quite like small-town justice, and sometimes the best you can hope for is a certain kind of retribution.
Click here to access our catalog and request a copy of A Certain Retribution.
|
|
Library Clubs
BCPL Book Club
December 11, 2014 @ 10 AM
Storyville by Lois Battle
The BCPL Book Club meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10 AM.
The meeting location has been changed for this meeting! Please call Darby at 850-522-2106 for details.
 Books in Motion: BCPL Book & Film ClubDecember 16, 2014 @ 5:30 PM
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Film begins at 5:30 PM in the BCPL Meeting Room of the Bay County Public Library followed by a brief discussion. We encourage you to read the book first, but if you haven't, that's okay - please join us for the movie.
Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.
Beach Book Club
December 3rd @ 10:30 AM
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Beach Book Club meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 10:30 AM at the Panama City Beach Public Library.
|
Computer Classes at the Bay County Public Library
Publisher Basics, Part 1 of 2
Tuesday December 9, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Understand Publisher's uses, navigate its interface, and create a card using a template. Prerequisite: Word Basics Parts 1 & 2 or equivalent experience.
Publisher Basics, Part 2 of 2
Wednesday December 10, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Complete a calendar by creating a business profile and color scheme. Prerequisite: Publisher Part 1 or equivalent experience.
Computer Basics, Part 1 of 2
Tuesday December 16, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Learn to identify and use computer components and the common elements of a Windows-based operating system. Students will also navigate software programs to create a file and organize that file in folders. Prerequisite: None.
Computer Basics, Part 2 of 2
Thursday December 18, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Learn the basic features of the Internet Explorer web browser, learn the difference between a search box and URL box, and learn to evaluate a website's content. Prerequisite: Computer Basics - Part 1, or equivalent experience.
_________________________
The Northwest Regional Library System offers free workshops for beginning computer users in the Bay County Public Library computer lab. Instruction is hands-on and is designed to be progressive. Registration is not required. Workshops start on time, so be early and don't miss anything!
Not all classes are offered every month. A new schedule is published on the 15th of the current month for the following month on our Events Calendar. For more information, please call 850-522-2107.
|
|
Special Events @ Your Library
Bay County Public Library in Panama City
December 8th @ 6 PM
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Special performance by the Atlantic Coast Theatre; co-sponsored by the Northwest Florida Music Teachers Association.
December 16th @ 6 PM
Library Family Christmas
This holiday program will include stories, songs, and crafts...and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Refreshments will be served. Sponsored in part by the Gulf Coast Woman's Club.
Harrell Memorial Public Library in Bristol
December 15th from 9 AM to 5 PM
Happy 159th Birthday, Liberty County
Drop by anytime and have some cake (while supplies last) as we celebrate Liberty County's birthday.
December 15th @ 5 PM
Christmas Film
Come see the film based on The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Popcorn and cocoa (with marshmallows, of course) provided. As a special surprise, children can also pick out a book while supplies last.
Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford
December 15th from 9 AM to 5 PM
Happy 159th Birthday, Liberty County
Drop by anytime and have some cake (while supplies last) as we celebrate Liberty County's birthday.
Panama City Beach Public Library
December 2nd @ 10 AM
Book Babies Holiday Celebration
Suggested age 0 to 2 years
December 3rd @ 3 PM
Beach Kids Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration
Suggested age K-5
December 4th @ 10 AM
Beach Storytime Holiday Celebration
Suggested age 3 and up
|
|
Ongoing Events @ Your Library
Bay County Public Library in Panama City
Please note there will be no storytimes the weeks of December 21st and 28th.
Book Babies (suggested age 0 to 17 months)
Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
Terrific Tots (suggested age 18 to 36 months)
Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM
Preschool Storytime (suggested age 3 to 5 years)
Thursdays @ 10:30 AM
Charles Whitehead Public Library in Wewahitchka
Tuesdays @ 9 AM
Capital Area Community Action Agency has an energy assistance program. Please call 850-674-5067 to schedule an appointment.
3rd Thursday of the month after 1 PM
CareerSource Gulf Coast Disabled Veterans Outreach Program will be at the library each month to assist veterans. Either call 850-872-4340 ext. 105 to schedule an appointment or drop by the library after 1 PM.
Mondays @ 11 AM
Wee Read (suggested age preschoolers)
2nd Tuesday of the month @ 3:30 PM
After School Program (suggested age K-5th grade)
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
Please note there will be no storytimes the weeks of December 21st and 28th.
Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM
Tuesday Tales (suggested age 0 to 36 months)
Harrell Memorial Public Library in Bristol
Wednesdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Craft Day
Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford
Please note there will be no Family History Workshop on December 25th and no storytime on December 27th.
Thursdays all day
Craft Day
Thursdays @ 4 PM
Family History Workshop
Saturdays @ 10:30 AM
Storytime
Panama City Beach Public Library
Please note there will be no Chess on December 25th and no Sea Needles on December 26th.
Tuesdays @ 1 PM
Sea Needles invites all needle-crafters to share the fun.
Thursdays @ 1 PM
Chess - players and boards are welcome.
Fridays @ 10 AM
Sea Needles invites all needle-crafters to share the fun.
|
Holiday Book Giveaways
The Adult Services Department at the Bay County Public Library will raffle off three book giveways in the month of December. The drawings will be held the first three Fridays in December.
Stop by the Adult Services Department in the library each week to complete your FREE raffle ticket. You don't need to be present to win - we'll call you! Once we draw a ticket, we start fresh so you have to enter each week for your chance to win!
For more information, please stop by the library or call 850-522-2107.
|
|
|
|
|
