Adults could win free gas or groceries, just for reading at the Palm Springs Library!

This summer adults can ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ and be a part of the fun at the Palm Spring Public Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Fun Fest. Adults can sign-up for the Reading Fun Fest in person at the Library at any one of the three service desks (Circulation, Information or Youth) or sign-up online via a registration link on the Library’s web site home page at www.palmspringslibrary.org. The program started on June 9th and continues through August 15th.

Almost 200 adults have already signed-up to date. After signing-up, adults receive a ‘book bingo’ sheet where they can enjoy various materials, books, and media while trying to make a bingo either vertically, diagonally or horizontally. Once they complete their bingo sheet they turn it in at the Information desk and will receive a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card, while supplies last. And in addition to the gift card, all the completed bingo sheets will be put into the grand finale drawing that will be held on Sat. Aug. 16th at 2:00 p.m. for bags of groceries, courtesy of Trader’s Joes, and $25 gas cards. Now that’s an incentive to read!

Plus, the Library will continue to offer special programming this summer for adults, including lectures and a film series. The next lecture is Monday, July 14th at 6:30 p.m. and will focus on “Amazing Desert Insects” with speaker Kurt Leuschner, M.S. Learn about the lives of the largest group of animals in the world. Leuschner will discuss these fascinating creatures through insect anatomy, survival traits, habitats, and behaviors. Listeners will learn to identify and distinguish different interesting insects and arthropods in collections and then practice their skills on there own.

Then on Wednesday, July 23rd at 3:00 p.m. Stefanie Ritter will present “Be Fruitful and Multiply: Insect Lifecycles”. There is more to insect lifecycles than meets the eye; they are as diverse and interesting as the insects are themselves. Carnivorous children turning into vegetarian adults; children bigger than their parents, being orphaned as an egg, living for seventeen years underground, beheaded fathers, perfumed mothers - everything is possible!

Finally we continue our film series examining bug movies through the decades of the 50’s, 70’s and 90’s; looking at the social themes of the day that influenced these films. On Friday, July 18th will we show “The Swarm” from 1978, pairing it with “The Girl Who Swallowed Bees” short film. The program will begin at 3:00 and is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 p.m.

So come learn about nature, enjoy the air conditioning and possibly win free gas or groceries!

The Palm Springs Public Library gets new outdoor bike racks courtesy of the Friends of the Library

The public spoke and the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Palm Springs Library (FOPSL) listened. A member of the public had requested new, secure bike racks that fit modern mountain and racing bike styles to be purchased and installed in front of the Library for customers who ride to the Library. This is a request that other users had also requested over the years. 

The Board for the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, a non-profit fund-raising and advocacy group, discussed and approved funds at their April meeting, for the purchase of the bike racks from the money they raised for the Library; mainly from book sales.  The new racks were purchased and then installed two weeks ago by the City’s Facilities & Maintenance staff.

“We are very happy to have these new modern bike racks” said Barbara Roberts, Director of Library Services.  “We thank the Friends for their generous support in making this happen for our users who bike to the Library.”

 

Adults can ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ through movies at the Palm Springs Library

This summer adults can ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ and be a part of the fun at the Palm Spring Public Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Fun Fest. The program started on June 9th and continues through August 15th.

The Library will be offering public programming this summer for adults, one of which is a film series examining bug movies through the decades of the 50’s, 70’s and 90’s. Social themes of the day influenced films and this is certainly evident in the use of bugs as main characters in the films.

Each month we will examine a film and discuss the symbolism of that particular decade as seen in the film. We are also partnering with the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Short Fest to show bug-themed short films along with each screening of a bug themed movie. A representative from the festival will be on hand to talk about the short and the upcoming PAlm Springs International Short Fest.

The first film to be shown in this series will be on Friday, June 27th and it will be the 1954 film “THEM”. We will also show the short film “Mantis Parable”. On Friday, July 18th will we show “The Swarm” from 1978, pairing it with “The Girl Who Swallowed Bees” short film. Finally, on Friday, August 1st, we will show the final film in this series the 1997 film “Starship Troopers” , along with the short films “Flutterby” and “The Gnat and the Lion”. Along with the discussions we will also share some behind-the-scenes information and little known facts about each film. These discussions and movie viewings are intended for adults, and may have adult themes. Each program will begin at 3:00 and is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 p.m.

Adults can sign-up for the Reading Fun Fest in person at the Library at any one of the three service desks (Circulation, Information or Youth) or sign-up online via a registration link on the Library’s web site home page at www.palmspringslibrary.org.

Adults will complete ‘book bingo’ where they can enjoy various materials, books, and media while trying to make a bingo either vertically, diagonally or horizontally. Once they complete their bingo sheet they turn it in at the Information desk and will receive a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card, while supplies last. And in addition to the gift card, all completed bingo sheets will be put into the grand finale drawing that will be held on Sat. Aug. 16th at 2:00 p.m. for bags of groceries, courtesy of Trader’s Joes, and $25 gas cards. Now that’s an incentive to read!

The Palm Springs Library’s Passport Processing moves to appointments only

In an effort to better serve our customers, beginning July 1, 2008, the Palm Springs Public Library will be moving to an appointments only process for Passport applications and renewals.

The Library will continue offering this service during the six days a week the Library is open, however an appointment will be necessary. “This allows us to eliminate the waiting time for our customers and give them the best service possible”, said Barbara Roberts, Director of Library Services, “an appointment guarantees a time for each customer.”

To make an appointment the customer just needs to call the Reference Desk of the Library at 760-323-8294 during Library hours. An appointment time will be given to best accommodate a customer’s schedule. Passport processing hours will be Monday thru Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and then from 2:00—3:30 p.m.

The Palm Springs Public Library Needs to Hear From You!

On Monday June 23rd and Tuesday June 24th the Palm Springs Public Library, with the help of Providence Associates Library Consultants, will be conducting important community Town Hall meetings to hear from the public about their views for future services, programs, and building needs of the Library.

The Palm Springs Public Library on Sunrise Way welcomes and serves an average of 25,000 customers each month. “We know from statistics what materials are most used and whether or not the public programs we offer have good attendance. But statistics are not opinions; they don’t tell us what users like and dislike or what they feel is missing” said Barbara Roberts, Director of Library Services.

The first of these meetings will be a Town Hall discussion to be held at the Library at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23rd. This discussion is designed to allow participants to give very specific opinions about the Library and the materials and services currently provided, as well as the demand for those not currently provided. Everyone is welcome.

The second meeting will focus on Parents and their unique needs as well as input and feedback on youth services and programs. This meeting will be on Tuesday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. in the Library. The final meeting will be on Tuesday evening, June 24th at 6:30 p.m. for Latino families. This meeting will be held at the Early Childhood Education Building, 1000 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Technology Room A. A translator will be present.

Refreshments will be provided at each of the meetings. Library users and non-users are encouraged to attend, since every opinion counts. “The Library is a major community resource and welcomes community input to help us make the Library as relevant and appealing as possible to people’s daily lives,” said Roberts.

Catch the Reading Bug at the Palm Springs Library this Summer!

 

On Monday, June 9th, the 2008 Summer Reading Fun Fest (SRFF) will begin at the Palm Springs Public Library.   This year’s fun fest will continue through August 15th with programs for all ages; toddlers, youth, teens and even adults! 

Along with reading there are also fun activities and programs that will showcase this year’s theme—bugs!  Learn about the life-cycle of insects, enjoy a puppet show, see interesting insect and animal specimens up-close and personal or enjoy the various bug-themed movies; there will be something for everyone!

And to help motivate all the kids who participate, Wal-Mart of Palm Springs, our grand prize sponsor, has generously donated (1) one vtech Learning System, (1) one Desktop computer system and (1) one Laptop computer system to be given out to one lucky toddler, youth and teen participant drawn from entries of participants who have finished all the levels of their program by the deadline.  In addition to the grand prizes, there will be other prize giveaways throughout all the levels of each age group’s program.

On Wednesday, June 11th, the Palm Springs Power Baseball team will host Summer Reading Fun Fest night at the game. The gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and everyone that registers for the SRFF at the game will be entered into a drawing to win a fabulous prize package of Palm Springs Power baseball merchandise, autographed baseballs, etc. to be announced at the game that evening.

The Library is also joining together with other non-profit and community organizations to host a ‘Buggy About Summer’ Carnival in Sunrise Park on Saturday, June 14^th from 9:00-11:30 a.m.  It will be a FREE and fun time for families to come and learn about all the activities available in the summer here in Palm Springs.  There will be fun carnival games, arts & crafts, an opportunity to test your fast-pitch with the Palm Springs Power baseball team and so much more!  Radio station Mix 100.5 will be broadcasting live from the event and the Desert Entertainer will be there with some fun prizes. Plus, you’ll be able to register for the Palm Springs Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Fun Fest right at the Carnival!

“The Summer Reading Fun Fest is a great way for families to read together and ensure kids continue learning and growing their reading skills through the summer”, said Sharon Snow, the Youth Services Supervisor at the Library.  Registration begins June 9th online at the Library’s web site at www.palmspringslibrary.org or in-person at the Library.  Plus there will be opportunities to register at the 6/11 Palm Springs Power baseball game or at the Carnival on 6/14.

This is one bug you’ll want you and your kids to catch!  So mark your calendars for June 9th and make sure to register everyone in the family for the 2008 Palm Springs Summer Reading Fun Fest.  For more information call the Library’s Youth Room at 760-323-8199.

Library Director meets with California State Senator in Washington D.C.

  Barbara Roberts, Director of Library Services for the Palm Springs Public Library met with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in Washington D.C. last week as part of National Library Legislative Day (May 13–14).

Community organizations come together to present a FREE Summer Carnival in Sunrise Park

The Palm Springs Public Library, with the help of the Desert Entertainer and Mix 100.5, is joining together with other non-profit and community organizations to host a ‘Buggy About Summer’ Carnival outside in Sunrise Park on Saturday, June 14^th from 9:00-11:30 a.m.  It will be a FREE and fun time for families to come and learn about all the activities available in the summer here in Palm Springs. 

There will be carnival games with a chance to win prizes, arts & crafts, an opportunity to test your fast-pitch with the Palm Springs Power baseball team and so much more!  Mix 100.5 will be broadcasting live from the event, Palm Springs Power baseball players will be signing autographs, there will be a climbing wall and food vendors; something for everyone!  Also, the Community Blood Bank will be on hand to accept blood donations during the carnival and until 1 pm, giving away Knott’s Soak City gift certificates and other summertime gifts.

Several local organizations will have booths where the community will be able to get information about the programs and events available in the summer. The following organizations will be participating:

• Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs       

      · Community Blood Bank

      · Desert Water Agency

      · Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council            

      · James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center

      · Mizell Senior Center

      · Palm Springs Air Museum

      · Palm Springs Art Museum  

      · Palm Springs Parks & Recreation

      · Palm Springs Power Baseball Team

      · Palm Springs Public Library

The Library will be focusing on signing up participants for the Palm Springs Public Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Fun Fest!  Beginning June 9th and continuing through August 16th, this year’s theme is ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ , which influenced the theme for the carnival. “The Summer Reading Fun Fest is a great way for families to read together and ensure kids continue learning and growing their reading skills through the summer”, said Sharon Snow, the Youth Services Supervisor at the Library.  There are programs for all ages, from toddler to adult, so everyone can sign-up and participate.

 

Library Director in Washington D.C. meeting with legislators

Palm Springs Public Library Director of Library Services, Barbara Roberts, is in Washington D.C. this week as part of National Library Legislative Day (May 13–14). As the President-elect of the California Library Association (CLA) she is representing the thousands of Libraries across our state.

The CLA advocates on library issues. Annually the association develops a legislative agenda, monitors legislation, takes positions on issues and keeps members informed on the status of bills of interest and concern to the association. As part of the visit Ms. Roberts will be personally meeting with Senator Boxer and Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack.

In August 2007 it was announced that Ms. Roberts had been elected as President of CLA; her term will begin in November 2008 at the annual conference to be held in San Jose, California. Barbara Roberts will be celebrating her 5th Anniversary as Director of Library Services in Palm Springs this August 2008.

Palm Springs Re-Imagined to be on display at the Library

“Palm Springs Re-Imagined” an exhibition of visionary architectural renderings that was organized by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will be on display at the Palm Springs Public Library May 16th through Fri. May 30th.

 

 “PALM SPRINGS RE-IMAGINED,” which was debuted at the Palm Springs Art Museum during the recent Modernism Week, consists of more than a dozen renderings and drawings illustrating visionary concepts for “re-imagining” downtown Palm Springs by architects from within and outside the Valley.

 

Last year the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation published a call for submissions to architects, designers, urban planners and artists from around the country to request visionary and innovative concepts about how to reinvigorate the Palm Springs downtown visual landscape. The challenge was to create an inviting downtown streetscape while retaining the city’s rich historic and architectural heritage.

 

The purpose of the exercise was to inspire a creative exchange of ideas to “re-imagine” a new, energetic and engaging downtown Palm Springs. “The “PALM SPRINGS RE-IMAGINED” exhibition is the result of this creative endeavor.

 

The exhibition was on display during Modernism Week at the Museum for only a few hours but generated great interest by those who attended including Mayor Steve Pougnet, Councilman Chris Mills, Councilwoman Ginny Foat and other city representatives.

 

Due to the brief time the exhibition was on view, PSPF was encouraged to display “PALM SPRINGS RE-IMAGINED” again for another period of time. “We are pleased that the Palm Springs Public Library has generously agreed to host this exhibition. The general public will now have an opportunity to view the variety of ideas that were submitted and hopefully be inspired by the exciting possibilities,” said William Kopelk, PSPFchair.