Looking for genealogy-related information?

The Genealogy Roots Blog is a wonderful blog that consolidates online genealogy databases, records, and resources. Also, check out the library's list of resources, at http://www.sjlibrary.org/research/web/iguide_subjectList.htm?t=20.

Also, Happy Blog Day!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

If you don't already have a card, fill out an online application at http://mill1.sjlibrary.org/screens/selfreg_main.html and drop by any SJPL branch or King Library to pick up your library card. Cards are free!

There are various options for "free" downloadable audio books.

A great resource is http://librivox.org/! Another service is Wowio but you must first register, which requires offering up personal information of various forms, including your credit card details.

Various catalogs are available now on one web page.

The SJPL catalog, Link+, crosslinks to the other local libraries, the aforementioned California Libraries Catalog and Worldcat.org along with the Library of Congress catalog are now available all on one page. You can get to this page by going to the Web Links by Subject main page (http://www.sjlibrary.org/research/web/) and selecting the link under "Hot Links" in the page's left column. Enjoy!

There is a problem with access to Safari Tech ebooks through the catalog.

Please use the links on the databases page which are working correctly. The link is: http://www.sjlibrary.org/research/databases/index.htm. Be sure to choose the option, "SJPL Remote & Branch Users".

The fall Consumer Information Catalog from the Federal Citizen Information Center is now available.

You have three options for obtaining a copy:

1. Visit http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/press/nfcfallcat06.htm to order a Catalog, or to read or print these and hundreds of other Federal publications for free. You can also download the catalog in PDF format.

2. Send your name and address to Consumer Information Catalog, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

3. Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Come join us for a catalog searching class.

Have you ever wondered:
How can I find books about a particular topic? What do location codes mean?
What is Links+ anyway?
How can I get copies of articles from King Library?

Learn the answers to these questions and more at this Catalog Searching class.

This Workshop is free, but space is limited to 12 participants. Please sign up at the Information Desk inside the Library to reserve your space.

SJPL has engravers available for loan.

Did you know that every branch library, as well as King, provides engravers for loan? All you need is your library card. You can find the engravers info at http://www.sjlibrary.org/research/web/iguide_subjectList.htm?t=30&catID=1115 or at Web Links by Subject > Home > Home [yes, it's not a duplicate] > Home Security.

WiFi is back now.

As of this morning, our WiFi is back to normal. Please let a staff person know if you are having problems getting on the network.

Our WiFi is down.

The WiFi access at the Almaden Branch Library is currently down. IT has been called, and I'm hoping that it will be fixed by tomorrow afternoon.

The library OPAC features a new search interface.

Did you know that the library OPAC has a re-designed interface? Advanced search features are now available without moving through different screens; just click on the appropriate tab. Check it out at http://mill1.sjlibrary.org/search/.

Today is the final day of Summer Reading Celebration.

Come in today to claim the last of your prizes! Also, there will be a magic show by Norman Ng at 11 AM. Be sure to drop by the library.

Today is the Talent Show!

Hope to see you there. Performances include singing, dancing, and stand-up comedy. We always need audience members!

I'm pondering the future of libraries after reading this article.

This article, titled "The Future of Libraries : Beginning the Great Transformation", raises some interesting points about the changing role of libraries in society. In short, libraries are no longer unique repositories of information given the ubiquity of information online. Libraries must be responsive to changing patron needs and embrace new technologies along with patrons. Other recommendations: "preserve the memories of your own communities...[and] experiment with creative spaces so the future role of the library can define itself". I couldn't agree more with each point. Our branch model does try to serve specific, localized community needs, and I'm proud of our shiny-new tech center and facility, which offers a group-study room and other 'modern' amenities like free WiFi. We're looking into offering author talks by writers in the area. We'd like to offer innovative technology programs.

If you have insights on how we can serve you better, please write me at mana.tominaga@sjlibrary.org" or drop by the branch and fill out a survey. Thank you.

Network access and computer issues are all back to normal at the library.

Please be patient as we check-in materials from two days ago! Things are otherwise back to normal at the library. Thank you again for your patience.

Some of the network functionality is back at the Library.

These functions are back up: Web Opac, Reserve a Computer/Meeting Room, Database Access, and TRS - the Telephone Renewal System. If you're worried about fines, you can just call and renew your items. Thank you for your patience!

We're having some network problems at the library.

The online catalog, access to databases, and information on accounts is all down. It should only be a few hours though. In the meantime, come by the library and test out our knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System!