January 30, 2012

Public Library to Close for Computer Upgrades

The McPherson Public Library will close on Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7 for computer upgrades and staff training. 

The library will upgrade two of its servers, including the Polaris server, which hosts the library catalog as well as providing functions such as checking in and out of items and placing holds.  The new Polaris server and software will increase the efficiency of the library system and provide some new features.  One of those features will be MobilePac, which will allow anyone with an iPhone or droid compatible device to check the library catalog from their phone.
The library will reopen on Wednesday, February 8. 

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January 9, 2012

Fun and Games Camp Starts this Week

Attention parents of kids in grades K-5: the McPherson Public Library will be having a fun and games camp from 4:00-5:00 on Tuesday, January 10, 16 and 23.    On Tuesday, January 10th we will be playing “Giant Candyland”. The library basement will be the gameboard for a giant game of Candyland.  On Tuesday, January 16th we will be playing board games and on Tuesday, January 23rd we will be playing “games from the past” including marbles and pick-up sticks. Come to one or all three programs and stay warm inside. 

Pre-registration is requested for this program. 

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January 2, 2012

Public Library to Hold Great Magazine Giveaway

Starting Saturday, January 7, 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  The back issues to be withdrawn have been pulled, and the public is invited to browse and take what they want free of charge. 

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December 13, 2011

Public Library Receives Automation Grant

The McPherson Public Library has been awarded a $9,000 matching grant from the South Central Kansas Library system to assist with the upgrade of their POLARIS library system and computer network. 

The POLARIS system has been in use at the library since 2006 and provides the means by which library materials are cataloged, checked out and in, reserves placed, fines paid, and other library functions.  POLARIS also hosts the online catalog where patrons can see what items are in the library collection, either in the library or from home.

One of the new features included in the upgrade will be a module enabling patrons to easily search library resources from their iPhone or droid.  The library expects to complete the upgrade in early February.

The South Central Kansas Library System  provides grants, consulting, continuing education, and cost-effective support services to 147 public, school, academic, and special libraries in twelve counties.  The system is headquartered in South Hutchinson. 

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December 5, 2011

Public Library to Hold Used Book Sale this Saturday

The McPherson Public Library will hold a used book sale this Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.   A wide variety of books will be available for the public to browse.  Some of the titles have been withdrawn from the library collection, and others are donations that could not be added to the collection.

The cost is $1 for each hardcover book and 50 cents for each softcover book.   All revenue from the book sale will go toward the purchase of new library materials.

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December 5, 2011

eBooks Now Available for Checkout at the McPherson Public Library

People can now browse and checkout eBooks, to be read on devices such as the Kindle, Nook, and iPad, with the debut today of a new service from the McPherson Public Library.  The Sunflower eLibrary is a consortium of several medium-sized libraries in the central Kansas who have joined together to provide eBooks for their patrons.
 
Anyone with a McPherson Public Library card may now login to the Sunflower eLibrary and download eBooks to their eReader.  Patrons may also place titles on hold if they are currently checked out by someone else.  After the due date, the title vanishes from the eReader and the next patron is notified that it is available for download.

Library Director Steve Read said that many patrons have inquired about the availability of eBooks for checkout over the past year.  “We have been searching for a quality eBook service for some time, and we’re very excited about the potential for the Sunflower eLibrary.”

He noted that the number of eBooks available for checkout on the
Sunflower eLibrary will grow continuously as the libraries purchase titles and add them to the site.

The eLibrary also includes eAudiobooks which can be downloaded to an mp3 player or iPod.

To access the Sunflower eLibrary, patrons must have a valid McPherson Public Library card, as well as a PIN number.  Visit the library website at www.macpl.org and click on the Collection Central button.
Read commented that library staff have been well-trained in using the eLibrary and in downloading titles to the various eReaders and that they are available to assist patrons.   “Getting started with eBooks can be a daunting task.  We’re here to make that a little easier.”

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November 28, 2011

Public Library Changing Hours on December 1

The McPherson Public Library is changing its hours of operation on three days effective December 1.  On Thursdays the library previously was open from  9:00 am to 9:00 pm; they will now close at 8:00 pm on that day.  On Fridays the library was open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm; they will now close at 8:00 pm.  And on Saturdays the library was open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; they will now close at 5:00 pm.

The shift in hours is in response to changing library usage patterns by the public.  While there have been very few people in the library during the additional hour of open time on Thursday evenings, there is a demonstrated need for longer hours on Friday evenings.  Similarly, the hour between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Saturdays saw very little activity.

Library Director Steve Read commented that libraries typically are closed on Friday nights but that the demographics are changing and the ways that people use the library also are evolving.  “We want to use our resources so that the library is open as much as possible when patrons need it,” he said.   “This change in hours represents neither an increase nor decrease in operating expense – we’re shifting the operating hours where they will be used the most.”

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November 4, 2011

Puppet Show at McPherson Public Library

McPherson Public Library will be celebrating “Kansas Reads to Preschoolers” week with books and a puppet show on Tuesday, November 15th from 6:00-6:45p.m.  Children of all ages and their families are welcome at this event.  Come share in our popular puppet shows and the well known book “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin.

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October 14, 2011

Superheroes Program Scheduled at Public Library

Do your kids have more superhero outfits than you know what to do with? Now is the perfect opportunity for your kids to get out their superman, spiderman, or batgirl costumes.

The McPherson Public Library is sponsoring a "Superheroes" event on Friday, October 21st (This is a no school day for USD 418).  Four through five year olds are invited to join us from 10:00-11:00 a.m. dressed for superhero games, books and crafts to prove their superhero strength. Kindergartners through 1st graders are welcome to attend the program from 1:00-2:00 p.m.  Pre-registration is requested for this free program. 

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October 12, 2011

Teen YouTube Film Festival Upcoming at Library

What are your favorite YouTube videos? Teens in 6th-12th grade are invited on Thursday, October 20th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. to come to the McPherson Public Library for an evening of YouTube awesomeness! Submit your favorite videos to Abby@macpl.org by October 18th. On the day of the festival submitted videos will be shared. Come see what others love to watch and find some new favorites. Free popcorn and pop will be provided. 

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