Posted by: montclairlibrary | January 5, 2010

Library updating patron records

Happy New Year and welcome back after the library’s holiday break!

OPL is doing a bit of housekeeping in the new year and updating all patron records.  Between December 11, 2009 and February 28, 2010,  all patrons with library cards must visit a library in person to re-register their card and show a photo ID with their current address (or a recent bill or postmarked letter with current address).  A parent’s ID is acceptable for children, but the child must be present.   It’s a pretty painless process which for most people just consists of showing your driver’s license next time you go to check out books, if you haven’t done it already.

You’ll want to make sure you stop in and update your info, though, because after March 1, 2010 access to online services and to the Internet will not be available to patrons who have not verified their cards.  Plus, beginning March 1, the Library will purge records of patrons who have not visited the library since November 1, 2006 — so anyone who hasn’t used their library card in the past three years will need to get a new one the next time they want to check out materials or take advantage of Library programs and services.

The Library has never before purged old, inactive records, so streamlining things will help them provide better services to active users.  Plus, while re-registering your account you can opt to receive phone or email notifications when your checked out materials are due and when your on-hold items are available (both handy features, I can tell you from personal experience).

Sounds like a great excuse to stop into the library (especially if you haven’t been in a while) and pick up some books to start off the new year!

For further information visit the Library’s Web site.

Posted by: montclairlibrary | December 3, 2009

Book sale this Saturday!

Don’t forget: The Friends of the Montclair Library will be hosting a holiday book sale this Saturday, December 5, from 11 am-4 pm.  We’ll be set up in the teen/kids area at the back of the library, so come on in!  There are great deals to be had as usual.

Posted by: montclairlibrary | December 3, 2009

December closures

Just a reminder that, between the holidays and budget cutbacks, the Montclair branch and all Oakland public libraries will be closed from Thursday, December 24 through Friday, January 1.  Normal business hours will resume on Saturday, January 2, 2010.

Posted by: montclairlibrary | December 3, 2009

Your donations in action

The changing table the Friends purchased is now installed in the library restroom.  A small thing, but good news for all the nannies and families of wee ones who use the library!

Posted by: montclairlibrary | November 9, 2009

Save the date: Holiday Book Sale Dec. 5

The Friends of Montclair Library will be hosting a Holiday Book Sale Saturday, December 5 from 11am-4pm.  If you came to our re-opening book sale back in July, you know the great deals that can be had on gently used books.  Plus all the proceeds benefit the Montclair Branch Library, helping fund programs, purchase materials and more.

You can drop off donations for the book sale at the library during business hours.  Please review our book donation guidelines to help us make the most of your donation.  Thanks!

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | November 9, 2009

Writing class canceled; chess launch

We’re sorry to report that the National Novel Writing Month class for teens has been canceled, but hopefully at least a few of you are busy writing your own novels this month!

Stay tuned for more teen programming coming up – including drop-in chess for kids ages 11-15 beginning December 2nd. We’re hoping chess will be available every Wednesday from 3-5pm, all skill levels welcome. chess

Speaking of which, if you have an old (complete!) chess set lying around gathering dust, we’d be happy to put it to good use at the library. You can drop it off at the front desk (let them know it’s for the Friends of the Library) or email us and we’ll gladly pick it up.

And if you’re a chess wiz and would like to help teach our budding chess stars, drop us a line about that, too. We need a few volunteers ages high school-adult who can teach the fundamentals of the game and facilitate play.

Posted by: montclairlibrary | November 9, 2009

Reminder: Library closed this Wednesday

All Oakland Public Libraries will be closed this Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans’ Day.   And remember that the library will also be closed Thursday, November 26th through Monday, November 30th due to Thanksgiving plus budget cuts.

Posted by: montclairlibrary | October 30, 2009

We have a children’s librarian!

There’s been so much going on at the library that we’ve neglected to mention that we have a new part-time children’s librarian.  This is especially good news since the library had been without a children’s librarian since it closed for mold abatement last spring.

Kimberly comes in several days a week, including doing Preschool Storytime on Thursdays at 10:30am.  She’ll also be helping us develop and coordinate some children’s programs – stay tuned!

Posted by: montclairlibrary | October 13, 2009

Come Write In! Teen Writing Workshop

The Friends of Montclair Library will be hosting a free Story & Novel Writing Workshop for teens in grades 6-12 this November as part of National Novel Writing Month.
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4 sessions: 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 and 12/2
Wednesdays from 4-5pm
at the Montclair Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd

Join us for a hands-on writing adventure! Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and write a novel, or just want to improve your writing and exercise your creative muscles, we’ll be talking about things like starting a story, character development and plot. Plus we’ll give you some tools to use to continue your writing once the class is over.

Registration forms available at the library front desk or online here.
Enrollment limited to 20 students – sign up now!
Questions? Email fomlibrary@gmail.com or come see us at the library 10/28 from 3:30-5pm.

PDF flyer about the class »

Posted by: montclairlibrary | October 6, 2009

WiFi at the library

Did you know that the OPL offers free wireless access (WiFi) for public use at all 15 of its branches, including Montclair? Free Wifi Spot

From the OPL website: “You can use the wireless connection from your own laptop computer without a library card! Just bring your laptop and wireless card or wireless-enabled device, as well as your own fully charged battery, to any of these Wi-Fi “hotspots” during regular business hours….If you don’t have a fully charged battery, you may only use designated electrical outlets to connect your computer.”

For more information, see the OPL Wireless Internet Policy and connection tips.

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