Library News and Notes: Thirteen for 2013

After a joyous, fun-filled holiday season, programming at the library is back on a regular schedule, with a variety of activities for the new year. The digital learning center upstairs, known as @Two, welcomes more and more patrons; the BRIC continues to offer a wide variety of classes in its Hwy 101 series; diverse programming benefits those interested in improving second language skills; and children’s activities encourage reading an early age. Thirteen suggestions ring in 2013 and provide free classes, books and technology for Carson citizens.1. Boost your business savvy at the BRIC. Usership at the popular business “branch” of the library continues to grow, and the free classes, Hwy 101 — The Roadmap to Business Success, benefit new and existing entrepreneurs. All classes in this series run from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the BRIC, 108 E Proctor St. Those interested should contact the BRIC through email at carsonbric@gmail.com or at 775-283-7123.Starting a Business 101, a class for those starting a new business or adding a new product line, meets on Tuesday, Jan. 15.Marketing 101 targets strategies, the 4 Ps, competition, target markets and branding, and meets on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Finance 101 — Understanding Financial Statements and Projecting Cash Flows convenes on Thursday, Jan. 17.2. Teach a tax preparation class. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance tax preparation assistance will be offered by the library. There is a training session for interested volunteer preparers from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the BRIC. 3. Return to Story Time. After a brief hiatus during Christmas vacation, Story Time returns on Wednesday. Children participating in the 20 minute program listen to stories, songs and rhymes. Story Time meets at 10:15 and 10:45 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday in the Children’s Room.4. Practice Spanish/ English conversations. Vamos a Platicar (Let’s Talk) is held from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the auditorium.5. Listen to stories in English and Spanish. Bilingual story time includes books, crafts and refreshments for participants and meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17.6. Build something with Legos. The Lego Club meets from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, Jan. 12 in the library auditorium. Sign up at the Youth Desk. 7. Update your library card. Free premiere library cards are required for the @Two Digital Craft Zone and Teen Portal (designed for teens 14-17). The cards also enable patrons to check out some advanced technology equipment. Visit the information desk to update your current card.8. Get some help with homework. 9. Join the Teen Advisory Board. Middle and high school students help with various activities and programs and events in the library. The January meeting is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Pizza and drinks are provided, and participants are asked to bring a treat to share.10. Catch up on Downton Abbey. Circulation Manager/ Building Manager Elaine Werlinger recommends Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by Countess of. Fiona Carnarvon. Fans of the popular PBS series will enjoy a fascinating look at the woman of the house who turned her castle into a hospital for wounded British soldiers returning from World War I. Ms. Werlinger also recommends Jimi Hendrix Turns Eighty by Tim Sandlin. This fictional novel deals with Hendrix’s fans in 2022.11. Enhance your political knowledge. Sandy Foley, Library Board of Trustees chairperson, recommends “That Used to be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World it Invented and How We Can Come Back” by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum. These authors focus on issues that have and should comprise America’s “Formula for Greatness: education, infrastructure, immigration, research & development and appropriate regulation.12. Get help with homework. BrainFuse, a free homework tutoring program, is available for students with a library card. Go to www.carsoncitylibrary.org and follow the link “LOOK homework Help.”13. Resolve to check out 13 items this year. Many patrons will check out that many items at a time, including DVDs, eBooks, audiobooks and print materials. Visit the “new” racks near the front desk for the latest books, go online and download a free eBook (read quickly, because it disappears in 21 days), or browse the catalogue for a favorite author. Happy New Year and happy reading.