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Seven Public Library Tips:
1) Remote Link is free and powerful!
The conversion from card catalogs to computers has given library patrons a convenience many people have missed. If you have a computer and a modem, you can search the public library catalog any hour of the day from the convenience of your home.
One option is the library's web site (listed in this site's links). This is handy if you're just looking for a book or two. If you intend to do serious in depth searching, you're better off waiting to visit the library, unless you have Remote Link. Remote Link allows viewing entire lists without having to leave home. It may not be available indefinitely, but while it is here, it is definitely worth obtaining for use in curriculum development.
All you have to do is take a floppy disk to the main branch and ask for the Remote Link software, available free of charge.
Once you have the software installed at home, you will discover you now have new abilities. First, you can print a screen and paste it into a word processor document. Print multiple related screens to one document, then edit them into a clean list. Copy the list to your spreadsheet for sorting. Designate a column for location (call number or "reserve") so you can easily create efficient check-out and reserve lists for your child to take to the library. Print the worksheet as a reading record with columns designated for the child to write ratings (how well liked and the grade level) and date.
2) Video Policy Current video policy: limit is 10 videos of any kind per person for three days.
3) Annual Book Sale
The Annual Monster Book Sale offers a huge selection at garage sale prices. The library used Wilson High School for the well organized 1999 event.
4) Reading Program
Grand prize for the Summer Reading Program is a computer; sign ups start June 1.
5) Homeschooling Advice for Parents
Great homeschooling advice can be found at the library. Browse the shelf at 649.68 Here are some specific books to seek:
David and Mickie Colfax, Homeschooling for Excellence
Mary Pride, Big Book of Home Learning
Ted Wade, The Homeschool Manual
Mary Hood, The Relaxed Home School
Borg Henderickson, How to Write a Low Cost, No Cost Curriculum
6) Reading Lists
For advice on reading lists, go to the answer for question 9.
7) Reserving & Renewing Books
Tacoma Public Library allows a card carrier to reserve two books by phone, an unlimited number in writing (deliver your list to your favorite librarian). Once the reserved book arrives at your branch, they will hold it for one week. Reserves can take from one day to several weeks to arrive, depending on availability and waiting lists.
Book almost due? Renew by phone. They'll even let you renew "everything I have checked out". (Renewals are granted only if nobody has placed a reserve on the book, and only if you have not previously renewed it.)
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