New Cake Pan Page
I have just added to our website a page that shows all of the cake pans available here at the library. They are all ready and waiting to be checked out.
Help Improve Local Cell Service
We all know that cell phone service is lacking in our area. Yes, we have good service right in the town of Sargent, but start traveling outside of town and cell service is spotty and poor. Here is a way that individuals like you can help. The Nebraska Public Service Commission Is trying to map out where mobile phone service is lacking in Nebraska. They are doing this through an app called Mobile Pulse. When you download this app to your phone, it runs automatically in the background collecting anonymous location and device-type data – no personal data. To download the app, search for “Mobile Pulse” in the app store of your device. For more information, click on the link below.
Broadband Connecting Nebraska Conference
Thanks to a scholarship from the Nebraska Broadband Initiative, I am currently attending the Broadband Connecting Nebraska Conference. There was a lot of good information presented today, but I felt the talk by Ryan Mead (CEO/founder, Vitru, Inc.) was the best and most inspiring. Times have changed. No longer do people always have to move to where their job is. With a good broadband connection, people are able to do their jobs from anywhere in the world. According to Mead, small communities should not focus on bringing in a big employer with 100 jobs. Instead the communities should focus on becoming more friendly and attractive to young families (good broadband access, child care, quality education, etc.) Try to bring back into the town those who may have graduated from your local high school 15-30 years ago. Our world is quickly changing, and we need to update our strategies for community growth.
Responding to the Digital Era
Today I took a class in Kearney on how to increase your business presence online. Some very helpful ideas were presented. The first thing we learned was “claiming your bubble.” According to the instructor, maps are the new phone book. If anyone wants to find a business today, they don’t use a phone book. Instead, they Google it. Go to Google Maps and do a search for Sargent, Nebraska. You may be surprised to find out that very few businesses are listed on the map of our town, and some of those listed may not be that accurate. You can add your business or update your business with more accurate information. Let’s make it Sargent’s goal to make every business visible on the maps of all the major search engines. If you would like help updating or adding your business, come to the library and I will assist you.
Junk Jaunt 2014
The first day of our Junk Jaunt book sale went well. Many books were taken out. We still have lots of books though for those who weren’t able to make it here today. Our book fundraiser is at the Church of Christ in Sargent, NE. We will be there tomorrow and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Books are great for reading, but they can also be used for interesting crafts. Here are some stars that I made using pages out of an old book. You can follow this link for a tutorial on how to make them. Woven Star Tutorial
Library Book Fundraiser
Shirley, Lowell, Dennis, and I were busy today getting ready for the huge book fundraiser coming up September 25 – 27 during Junk Jaunt. In case you thought I was exaggerating on the number of books, here’s a few pictures to prove it. It is a book lover’s paradise – ten banquet tables full of books. Be sure to come and let your friends and relatives know about it too. Since we have so many books, we are holding the book sale at the Church of Christ in Sargent, NE. We will be there Thursday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All proceeds will go toward new windows at the library, so give generously. We are vendor #11.
Our Library Will Soon Triple in Size
That’s right. You read that correctly. The Sargent Township Library is in the process of subscribing to Nebraska Overdrive. What this means is that starting October 1, patrons will be able to check out popular eBooks and audiobooks online from home. Currently Overdrive has over 13,000 eBook titles and over 6,700 audiobook titles. These books can be downloaded to your computer, tablet, eReader, smart phone, or MP3 player. Students can use this service to download Accelerated Reader books. Those who spend a lot of time on the road or in a tractor will find this handy for audio books. All that is required to use this service is a login number. Be sure to come into the Sargent library to receive your number and sign up for access to Nebraska Overdrive. Sign up is free to everyone in Sargent and surrounding communities. Click here to view the Overdrive website.
Win a $529 Scholarship – All Kids 3-18 are eligible!
Here is another incentive to read this summer. The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) will deposit $529 into NEST 529 college Savings Plan accounts for 15 lucky summer readers, five in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts selected randomly among children registering for and completing the Nebraska “Summer Reading Program.” Each winner’s library also wins $250!
For the Sargent area, this would require children to read or have read to them 600 pages. Those who complete the summer reading program will be automatically entered in the drawing. However, it you read the small print, it is also possible to enter the drawing without participating in a reading program. Therefore, every child ages 3-18 needs to send in an entry. Ask at the Sargent Library for more details. 308-527-4241 or sargentlibrary@gmail.com
Summer Reading Has Begun
Read books this summer to get free ice cream cones!
To earn an ice cream cone, all children must read (or have read to them) 300 pages. This averages out to be around 10 to 12 picture books or 1 to 5 chapter books depending on size. The books read must be age appropriate and must be books that have been checked out from the Sargent Township Library. All children from toddlers through those entering 6th grade in the fall are welcome to participate.
There is a limit of no more than 2 ice cream cones per child throughout the months of June and July. Thank you to the Sargent Chamber of Commerce, Deer Canyon Coffee, The Ritz, and Trotter’s Whoa & Go for helping to sponsor our reading program.
Sargent High School 1943
