March 17, 2008

Public Library Selling Old Furniture and Equipment

As the building project at the McPherson Public Library progresses and attention shifts to inside areas, the library has more old furniture and equipment for sale.

They have posted a photograph and description of each item on their web page.  Interested buyers may visit their web page at www.macpl.org and click on the Furniture Sale link to view the items and submit bids, which will be accepted until May 1.  Instructions for placing bids also are found on the page.  

The library anticipates that another selection of furniture (desk chairs, desks, office equipment, library furniture) will be available during the summer.  Anyone who wishes to be placed on an email list and notified when a new selection of furniture and equipment is posted to the web site should contact JoAnn Crist at the library at jcrist@macpl.org or (620) 245-2570.  

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March 6, 2008

Online Legal Forms Now Available at Public Library

Finding current legal and tax forms just became easier for patrons of the McPherson Public Library.  Starting this month, library patrons now have access to a myriad of legal forms and state tax forms online with the Thomson Gale LegalForms database.

The legal forms are specifically drafted for the state of Kansas and also include federal forms and other documents which are applicable across the nation.  A few of matters which these forms address are bankruptcy, bills of sale, contracts, divorce, employment, new businesses, landlord/tenant, wills, name change, and power of attorney.  

The database is easy to use.  After locating the right form, users have the option of filling in or modifying the form before printing or saving it.  Descriptive summaries usually accompany each form.  And Thomson Gale LegalForms are the most current ones available,  with the content subject to ongoing review by a team of attorneys.

This resource also provides forms which are particularly timely in this season:  tax forms for all 50 states.  

Thomson Gale LegalForms is available at the library, or it can be accessed from home or office by anyone who has a McPherson Public Library card by visiting the library web site at www.macpl.org and clicking on the Research Center option.  

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February 4, 2008

Public Library Helps Patrons Discover Treasure in their Basements

Ever wonder what your old Barbie Doll is worth?   Do you look at a piece of glassware from the 1920’s and see dollar signs?  Is that letter signed by Abraham Lincoln really as priceless as you think?   Trying to discover the value of antiques and collectibles is never an easy task, but patrons can now find the answers thanks to a new service of the McPherson Public Library.

Price It! is the latest online resource available through the library and provides detailed information about a wide variety of antiques and collectibles.  Each item in the database includes a description as well as the sale price and date.  All prices are reported from auction houses and online auctions, including ebay.  Most items also include color photographs.

Price It! is easy to use, with patrons being able to search for specific items or to browse through general categories.  This resource also includes an Info Center, which contains helpful articles about how to care for and learn more about antiques and collectibles.   The Collecting Clubs Directory provides information about over 4,000 clubs worldwide whose members enjoy collecting specific items, from frogs to military vehicles.

Price it! is available at the library, or it can be accessed from home or office by anyone who has a McPherson Public Library card by visiting the library web site at www.macpl.org and clicking on the Research Center option.  

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February 4, 2008

YOUNG WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS WORKSHOP AT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Budding authors in Kindergarten through 3rd grade are invited to the Young Writers and Illustrators Workshop at McPherson Public Library. Any child K-3rd interested in entering the KPTS Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest will be able to get assistance in finding story ideas and improving a story on Friday, February 8th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. For further information, please contact the library at 245-2570.

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January 31, 2008

TEENS INVITED TO AN ALL-CHOCOLATE PROGRAM AT PUBLIC LIBRARY

The McPherson Public Library invites teens from sixth grade through twelfth grade to join us at the library on Saturday, February 9th from 2:00 to 3:00 for our Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate program. We have an hour full of chocolate activities planned:  discover your chocolate IQ, play chocolate bingo, and of course, chocolate tasting from our chocolate fountain.  For further information and to pre-register please contact the McPherson Public Library at 245-2570.

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January 30, 2008

VALENTINE FOR AN AUTHOR EVENT AT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Preschoolers through fifth graders are invited to the McPherson Public Library to make a Valentine Card to send to their favorite (living) author or illustrator.  This come-and-go session will be held on Thursday, February 7th from 1:30-2:30 p.m.  In the past, many have received a reply.

Participants need to pre-register at the Service Desk.  All supplies will be provided by the library and there is no cost for this program.  All preschoolers must attend with an adult.  For further information, please contact the library.  This is a USD 418 early out day for K-8th grade.

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December 31, 2007

Public Library to Hold Great Magazine Giveaway

Starting Saturday, January 12, the McPherson Public Library will hold its annual "Great Magazine Giveaway."   The library keeps issues of its approximately 160 magazines for a certain number of years. The back issues to be withdrawn have been pulled, and the public is invited to browse and take what they want free of charge.  

The library is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The magazines will remain out over the weekend.

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November 7, 2007

Discovering Your Family Tree Now Easier at Public Library

According to a recent survey, 73% of Americans want to learn more about their roots—up from 60% in 2000.  Thanks to a new resource now available at the McPherson Public Library, people researching their ancestors will find that it has never been easier or more enjoyable.

Ancestry.com is one of the most comprehensive and important online genealogical collections available today.  It has unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom, including census, vital, church, court, and immigration records, as well as record collections from Canada and other areas of the world. This collection, with thousands of databases and billions of names, is essential to anyone researching their family history.

The Ancestry resource also includes thousands of photographic images, as well as historical maps.   It is updated continuously, with new information and databases added regularly.

Library Director Steve Read commented that, "With Ancestry, anyone seeking to learn more about their family tree can accomplish in half an hour what once took several months.  It’s an amazing product."

Library staff look forward to assisting anyone interested in learning how to use Ancestry.

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