January Happenings

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Happy New Year, everyone! We have some exciting news to kick off 2023--as of Jan. 3, Barrett Paradise Friendly Library will be fine free! We will no longer charge late fees for overdue items. Any overdue fines currently on your account will be removed, but fees for lost or damaged items will remain. You are still responsible for returning your items on time so that others may enjoy them. Loan periods and renewals will still be the same. If an item is more than 30 days overdue, it will be marked as "lost," your account will be blocked, and you will be billed for the item. If you return the item, your account will be cleared. Feeling guilty about that late return? While it's not necessary, donations are gladly accepted and greatly appreciated :) Research and the experiences of other libraries have shown that overdue fines are not effective and can act as a barrier to library services. Eliminating overdue fines promotes equitable access to library services for everyone in our community. Now that we've taken the plunge, all five of the public libraries in Monroe County are fine free!

Many thanks to everyone who supported this year's Basket Raffle! Once again, the generosity of our community made it possible to host a wonderful event. We raised more than $3900! All proceeds support Library services. Click to see a list of the prizes and winners.

Beat the winter doldrums with some Library activities! Storytimes and Block Parties for pre-schoolers, a Winter Reading Challenge, and Movie Day are among our program offerings this month. For details, descriptions, and lists of upcoming programs, follow these links: Adult Programs; Youth Programs. Check our Facebook page for additional programs, posts, and opportunities: www.facebook.com/BPFLibrary

Visit our website for updates and digital resources: www.barrettlibrary.org.

Wishing you all the best for a healthy, joyful year ahead in 2023! May it include many trips to the Library :)

Mary Ann Lewis

Library Director

Currently reading A Lady's Guide to Fortune-hunting by Sophie Irwin.

Library Hours:

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 10am – 5pm
Wed: 10am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Face masks are optional if you are healthy. If you have cold-like symptoms (runny nose, congestion, coughing) please wear a face mask covering the nose & mouth. Disposable masks are available at the desk if needed.
Please maintain social distance.
If you have a fever or are not feeling well, please postpone your visit.

Computer Use

Call the Library to request an appointment to use a computer: 570-595-7171. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
Sessions are limited to 2 hours but can be extended if space allows.
Prints and copies: $0.25 per page for black & white; $0.50 per page for color.

Online library card sign up!

You can now register for a library card on our catalog home page. Scroll to the botttom and click Request Library Card. Or feel free to call the Library or stop in to register for a card.

Also, if you have a library card but the number starts with "P," you can request a new 14-digit card using this form, or call/stop in to update.

Costume Jewelry Donations

Cleaning and organizing? If you come across old or unused costume jewelry please consider donating it to the Library. The jewelry will be put out for sale at the Library. All proceeds support Library programs and services. We appreciate your support!

Curbside Pickup Service!

Have you tried our Curbside Pickup Service yet? Just call the library and let us know which books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs you want. We’ll arrange a time for you to come to the library and deliver them right to your car. Not sure what you want? Browse our online catalog (https://bpfl.sparkpa.org) or let us know what you like and we’ll make some suggestions.

Searchable History Project

Interested in local history? Our Searchable History Project is in the process of digitizing materials in three local history collections, beginning with items from the Buck Hill Falls community. The items that have been digitized are now available online, so you can view and explore the collection. So far, there are over 200 images from the early 1900s (many of the Cottages) and Buck Hill Breeze issues from the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s. The archives web site and the project are a work in progress; come back often to see what's been added. You can go directly to the site at https://barrettlibrary.catalogaccess.com, or look for the Searchable History link on the Library’s main web site: www.barrettlibrary.org.

Brainfuse

Brainfuse provides support for learners of all ages, with an emphasis on assisting students in grades K-12. The Homework HelpNow service is staffed by professional tutors with expertise in all K-12 subjects. Online tutoring is available from 2 pm to 10 pm, seven days a week, to anyone with a library card. A Writers Lab allows students to receive live support with writing, or upload documents and receive feedback from experienced tutors. The platform also features: Practice tests and preparation for exams, including the SAT, ACT, ASVAB, GRE, GMAT and others; a 24/7 Question Center – students submit questions that are answered within 24 hours; support for students studying a foreign language; and more! Brainfuse also has support for adult learning, including preparing for the GED, career based exams, and help with writing resumes and preparing for interviews.

Hoopla!

Download ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and music! You can borrow six items per month. If you haven't made an account with Hoopla yet, here's how (you will need your 14-digit library card number to create an account):

Go to www.hoopladigital.com.
Click on “Get Started Today,” located at the upper middle of the page to set up your account.
Follow the prompts to register.
After registering, download app onto your smart device and log in with new account information (You can also set up an account through the app).

OverDrive e-books, Audio-books, & Digital Magazines

OverDrive e-books: Download and enjoy e-books on your computer or portable device. The collection includes fiction and nonfiction e-books for all ages. OverDrive also offers audio-books and magazines. Click here or look for the link on the Library’s web page (www.barrettlibrary.org). This will take you to the Easton Library District Overdrive page. Search for titles or browse the collections. Click “Borrow” on a title, then select Barrett Paradise Friendly Library from the drop-down menu. Then enter your library card number (14-digit barcode with no spaces or dashes) and your PIN* (same PIN you use for our online catalog, the last 4 digits of your phone number, unless you changed it). Next, select Download (choose format) or Read (in your browser) and follow the prompts. If you use a mobile device (smart phone, tablet), OverDrive will prompt you to download the Libby app. If you already use Libby, you can add your Barrett Paradise Friendly Library account.

Free Library of Philadelphia

Any resident of Pennsylvania can get a library card from the Free Library of Philadelphia! With your new library card number, you can access their many digital media platforms, including OverDrive. To get your library card, go to https://catalog.freelibrary.org/MyResearch/register. Click "Online" under "How to get a card?" and follow the instructions. Then browse all the digital media databases Free Library of Philadelphia has to offer! There are tens of thousands e-books, audiobooks, and more!

Name a Shelf at

Barrett Paradise Friendly Library

Something to think about: Name a Shelf at the Barrett Paradise Friendly Library! Please consider "buying" a shelf to honor an individual or an event. Your gift of $100 buys a nameplate attached to a small shelf in the Library. A gift of $1000 buys an entire section of shelves (3-6 shelves). Stop by the Library to fill out a form, or follow this link to submit a form online.

The Board of Trustees of the Barrett Paradise Friendly Library meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at the Library. The Board meets every month except December. Board meetings are open to the public.