By Carol Jones
County to receive library petitions
No question about it, the patrons of Freedom Public Library are in favor of the long-overdue expansion of this facility. During the last of May and early June, The Friends presented petitions for expansion to every patron entering the library. We collected over 80 pages, totaling over a thousand signatures since some pages contained more than others. Thanks to each of you from The Friends and the library staff for your continued support.
But it's not over yet. Please come and add your physical support when the Friends present all these signed petitions at the Commissioners budget meeting on Monday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m., 601 SE 25th Avenue (McPherson Complex).
This library serves a growing community and extra space is sorely needed to support this growth.
--We are running out of space for books. More space for more books means a better variety of books for the use of our patrons.
--An additional, larger community room means more children can participate in the children's programs, and the continued availability of the current room allows for simultaneous adult activities.
--We need more space for computers and other equipment so necessary in today's world.
This library was considered too small the day it was built. It’s even more inadequate today. We need to meet the demands of our patrons and provide the additional space.
Also, --and you don’t want to miss this-- in honor of Freedom Public Library's tenth anniversary, The Friends have scheduled an open house celebration for Thursday, September 9, 2010, the actual date the library opened its doors to the public in 2000. This celebration is still in the planning stages and further information will be available as the time draws near.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - June 4, 2010 issue
By Carol Jones
Dressing Up Freedom Public Library
New acquisitions proudly adorn the library's premises. A picnic table sits to the side of the building in the cool shade of an oak, and two outdoor benches affixed to the front columns provide a welcome break for patrons. A third bench will soon be added and a portable microphone for use at various library events will also be purchased.
Using the proceeds from the raffle of the Chicken Scratch quilt made and donated by Freedom Quilters, The Friends of Freedom Public Library purchased and installed the benches and table last week. A wall hanging in the Chicken Scratch design, also made and donated by Freedom Quilters, will soon be on display inside the library for all to enjoy.
"We are so fortunate," says Heather Ogilvie, library supervisor, "to have the enthusiastic support of our family and Friends. Staff and visitors alike are thrilled with the new benches and the picnic table. Now the outside of the library is as friendly as the inside! We are proud of the Freedom Quilters, a dynamic group of creative individuals committed to art and community. Thank you to all of the members of the Freedom Quilters and Friends of Freedom Public Library for your generosity."
Jeannine Sirkoch, Freedom Quilters group leader is so proud of her group's participation. "The quilt and wall hanging were designed and stitched by most of our 32 members. We wanted to do something that would benefit the library and we're very pleased with the items the proceeds from our quilt raffle have made possible."
From the Friends president, Pat Babski, "The kindness of Freedom Quilters and the resulting purchases for the library have brought our groups closer. Everybody working together as a unit is what it's all about and none of us could have done it without each other. Thank you, Freedom Quilters. What wonderful creators you are!"
In recognition of the Freedom Quilters' generosity, a plaque in their honor hangs in the library's lobby.
Dressing Up Freedom Public Library
New acquisitions proudly adorn the library's premises. A picnic table sits to the side of the building in the cool shade of an oak, and two outdoor benches affixed to the front columns provide a welcome break for patrons. A third bench will soon be added and a portable microphone for use at various library events will also be purchased.
Using the proceeds from the raffle of the Chicken Scratch quilt made and donated by Freedom Quilters, The Friends of Freedom Public Library purchased and installed the benches and table last week. A wall hanging in the Chicken Scratch design, also made and donated by Freedom Quilters, will soon be on display inside the library for all to enjoy.
"We are so fortunate," says Heather Ogilvie, library supervisor, "to have the enthusiastic support of our family and Friends. Staff and visitors alike are thrilled with the new benches and the picnic table. Now the outside of the library is as friendly as the inside! We are proud of the Freedom Quilters, a dynamic group of creative individuals committed to art and community. Thank you to all of the members of the Freedom Quilters and Friends of Freedom Public Library for your generosity."
Jeannine Sirkoch, Freedom Quilters group leader is so proud of her group's participation. "The quilt and wall hanging were designed and stitched by most of our 32 members. We wanted to do something that would benefit the library and we're very pleased with the items the proceeds from our quilt raffle have made possible."
From the Friends president, Pat Babski, "The kindness of Freedom Quilters and the resulting purchases for the library have brought our groups closer. Everybody working together as a unit is what it's all about and none of us could have done it without each other. Thank you, Freedom Quilters. What wonderful creators you are!"
In recognition of the Freedom Quilters' generosity, a plaque in their honor hangs in the library's lobby.
South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - March 26, 2010 issue
By Carol Jones
Meet the Authors
at Freedom Public Library
Left to right: Susan Rowan-Masters, Sylvia Fiorello; seated, Lyn Hill
Three local authors are scheduled to appear on Saturday, April 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of Freedom Public Library, this program provides an opportunity to hear and speak with not just one, but three published authors: Sylvia Fiorello, Lyn Hill, and Susan Rowan Masters.
While you're there, remember to fill out a ticket for a door prize. You might win one of their books. Drawing will be held during the last half hour of the event.
Spruce Creek resident and snowbird Sylvia Fiorello talks about her first book set in Central Florida . "My Best Friend Ever (Infinity Publishing) was a 2009 winner in Florida Writers Association's (FWA) prestigious Royal Palm Literary Awards contest, in the published young adult category. It's a fact-filled novel that chronicles the lives of two young 'tweens' who set out to change their body shapes and get healthier. They quickly find their success riddled with roadblocks, such as cookies, fast food, junk food and lack of exercise." Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary here in Ocala has purchased a classroom set of books to use in their wellness and reading programs.
Sylvia Fiorello has a background in teaching, counseling, and prevention education. She wrote this how-to book "For kids and their families who want to be healthier," she says. "Olive and Amy O, the book's main characters, challenge the fast food chains, the CDC, and unhealthy school menus." This is a fun and informative read and complements First Lady Michelle Obama's battle against childhood obesity by advocating fresher foods and more activity, not only in schools, but our daily lives. Sylvia is currently working on her second book of this series with the same characters, called The Green Game of Golf Which is an Oxymoron. Visit her website at www.mybestfriendever.com
On Top of the World resident Lyn Hill introduces her newly published novel, Breaking Points (Infinity Publishing). "This fast paced saga involves two families in the late Depression era of the thirties in upstate New York," she explains. "The Mafia-connected Bommeritos meet the corrupt banker Roberts in a struggle for domination of the city. Members of both families are challenged to the breaking point and the choices they make change their lives forever."
Lyn Hill has written six books in the last seven years. They are mostly historical fiction: Dynamo, about her grandfather's obsession as a young boy with all things electrical; A Viking's Tale, which takes place in the ninth century Viking Scandinavia; and Enduring Spirit, a story of adventure and survival, all published by Infinity. She wrote a non-fiction book on pain and stress management, Some Days I Wish I was a Turtle (Infinity), and a handbook on organizing writing called Take Another Look (Runaway Press). She enjoys helping new writers organize their writing and has taught classes at On Top of the World's lifetime learning center as well as workshops in Freedom Public Library and the Recreation Plantation in Lady Lake.
Hill is a teacher, lecturer, researcher and writer. She is an Emeriti Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy from Utica College and is on the Editorial Board for the Occupational Therapy Journal of Mental Health.
Susan Rowan Masters, Oak Run resident and snowbird, is the author of numerous short stories and articles and four novels for young readers: The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel, (J.B. Lippincott) a tale about the trials and tribulations of a fifth-grader; Libby Bloom, a plucky fourth-grader; Summer Song (Clarion Books), about a young teen taking on adult responsibilities, and Night Journey to Vicksburg (Silver Moon Press), an 1863 historical fiction about three slave children before the battle of Vicksburg. Visit Masters' website at www.srmasters.com
Masters was nominated for the Rhode Island Book Award and was chosen for inclusion on the Sequoyah Award Master List. She is a national winner of the "Writers' Digest Magazine" Writing Contest.
"Recently," Masters tell us, "New York State Council for the Arts awarded me an Individual Artist Grant to adapt my anti-bullying novel The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel into a readers theatre radio play. The adaptation will be completed by the fall of 2010 and will be given a pilot production with a cast of children on radio station WRFA-LP (Radio for the Arts)." Plans are in progress to develop it for distribution on public radio and made available to schools for in-school readings/broadcast.
All three authors are active members of the Freedom Writers Group of FWA which meets the third Saturday at Freedom Public Library. For information about the writers group, email Carol Jones: cjones314@cfl.rr.com . For information about the Friends, contact Pat Babski, president: cbab@embarqmail.com .
Thursday, June 3, 2010
South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - January 15, 2010
Henry Tursky presents first endowment fund check to Friends president, Pat BabskiBy Carol Jones
Endowment Fund for Freedom Public Library
Some news is too good not to share, and this news is spectacular. In December Mr. Henry Tursky presented the first check from an endowment fund set up exclusively for Freedom Public Library's benefit.
Henry says his wife Doris had been a serious library patron since the doors first opened in September 2000. "We've lived in this area for 20 years," Henry told me. "Doris just loved going there, and she always enjoyed the holiday decorations."
Doris told her husband that when she passed away, he should do something special for the library. Henry did. He started The Doris Van Tanner Tursky Memorial Endowment Fund to use for general purposes, including purchase of books and seasonal decorations.
On behalf of Freedom Public Library, the staff and the Friends, thank you, Henry, for this most generous gift in Doris's memory.
Monday, January 4, 2010
South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - December 18, 2009
By Carol Jones
Library columnist needed
More than four years have passed since this column began, in September 2005. Twice a month, news of events and programs at Freedom Public Library have appeared in these pages of the South Marion Citizen. Writing this column has been a continuous learning experience as well as a fun occupation for me. I have enjoyed the contact with our excellent library staff, the terrific folks at the Citizen and the talented people who display their wonderful creations, but it's time for me to move on to something else.
If this column is to continue as a service to the community, we need a writer to step up and take it over. For more information, please contact me, Carol Jones, by phone at 873-8565, or email cjones314@cfl.rr.com, or call Jim Clark, South Marion Citizen editor, 854-3986.
New staff member
Mrs. Rashmi Goswami joined the staff as Librarian II the week of December 7 after training at headquarters for the position.
She came to this country from India at the age of 5, settling with her family in New York. At age 26 she obtained naturalization while completing her undergraduate studies at Queens College. In December 1987, she achieved her graduate degree at St. John's University and then worked for a management consultant firm. She later married and eventually moved to Florida with her husband and two children. Here, her library career began.
When asked what improvements she considered necessary at this library, she responded, "The size is much too small for the collection we have and the community we serve. Clearly, expansion is needed."
Goswami pledges her best efforts to serve the library and its community.
Friends annual meeting
Don't forget The Friends annual meeting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2010, when officers will be elected and the Hospice Fashion Show will take the floor for your entertainment.
While you're there, pick up an application and join The Friends to actively support your library.
Census Takers jobs available
The U.S. Government is looking for 2010 census takers who meet some specific requirements. Pick up a brochure at the library or go to the website at www.2010censusjobs.gov. Take the test provided online and see if you qualify for one of these temporary positions. You can also call the toll-free jobs line at 1-866-861-2010.
Meeting Room Registration
Several group leaders still need to complete an application form to maintain their chosen meeting dates and times. Failing to register not only indicates non-renewal of your group’s meeting times but also leave the dates open and available for some other group. See Heather Ogilvie at the library or call her at 438-2580.
Gentle Yoga
Come and learn a gentle Yoga for all conditions. Ingrid Crane invites you to sit in a chair or bring a mat and experience simple techniques to feel comfortable in your skin. Saturdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Library Hours
Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.
Jan Wise and Jackie Callahan of the Friends trimming the library tree.
Erin Arnold, librarian, and her hand made duct tape tree.
Library columnist needed
More than four years have passed since this column began, in September 2005. Twice a month, news of events and programs at Freedom Public Library have appeared in these pages of the South Marion Citizen. Writing this column has been a continuous learning experience as well as a fun occupation for me. I have enjoyed the contact with our excellent library staff, the terrific folks at the Citizen and the talented people who display their wonderful creations, but it's time for me to move on to something else.
If this column is to continue as a service to the community, we need a writer to step up and take it over. For more information, please contact me, Carol Jones, by phone at 873-8565, or email cjones314@cfl.rr.com, or call Jim Clark, South Marion Citizen editor, 854-3986.
New staff member
Mrs. Rashmi Goswami joined the staff as Librarian II the week of December 7 after training at headquarters for the position.
She came to this country from India at the age of 5, settling with her family in New York. At age 26 she obtained naturalization while completing her undergraduate studies at Queens College. In December 1987, she achieved her graduate degree at St. John's University and then worked for a management consultant firm. She later married and eventually moved to Florida with her husband and two children. Here, her library career began.
When asked what improvements she considered necessary at this library, she responded, "The size is much too small for the collection we have and the community we serve. Clearly, expansion is needed."
Goswami pledges her best efforts to serve the library and its community.
Friends annual meeting
Don't forget The Friends annual meeting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2010, when officers will be elected and the Hospice Fashion Show will take the floor for your entertainment.
While you're there, pick up an application and join The Friends to actively support your library.
Census Takers jobs available
The U.S. Government is looking for 2010 census takers who meet some specific requirements. Pick up a brochure at the library or go to the website at www.2010censusjobs.gov. Take the test provided online and see if you qualify for one of these temporary positions. You can also call the toll-free jobs line at 1-866-861-2010.
Meeting Room Registration
Several group leaders still need to complete an application form to maintain their chosen meeting dates and times. Failing to register not only indicates non-renewal of your group’s meeting times but also leave the dates open and available for some other group. See Heather Ogilvie at the library or call her at 438-2580.
Gentle Yoga
Come and learn a gentle Yoga for all conditions. Ingrid Crane invites you to sit in a chair or bring a mat and experience simple techniques to feel comfortable in your skin. Saturdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Library Hours
Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.
Jan Wise and Jackie Callahan of the Friends trimming the library tree.
Erin Arnold, librarian, and her hand made duct tape tree.
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