Return of the Self-Check

It seems like it has been forever, but it has only been a bit more than 12 weeks since the self-check machines nearly simultaneously gave up the ghost. When you are looking for a tool that costs anywhere from $10-18,000 per unit, you want to take your time. The main thing we wanted to do when it came to replacing them was to find reliable machines for a good price. I know that we have done the latter, since we are getting two machines for the price of one of many other brands. However, for the time being we will have to wait and see on the former. All indications point to a good solid machine with good support and repair turn-around time. Here's a drawing of what they'll look like:

They are much smaller than the old self-checks, and use a touchscreen for input. They will have a small printer attached for receipts, but beyond that they are barely larger than a 19" LCD monitor. One of the best features is that they connect directly to our new Polaris catalog system so that you can access your patron account directly from the self-check.

We will have the machines set up in the next few weeks, in time for the upcoming summer reading programs.

Visit by Nancy Pickard

Wow! We had a great turnout for the programs put on by mystery author Nancy Pickard this past weekend. Her writer's workshop was attended by 18 local authors. Monday night's author talk was attended by about 28 people. It is heartening to me that Hutchinson is such a supportive place for the arts. We have a fantastic Art Center, the Fox Theater, and many music and live performance options. I would like to continue to build the reputation of HPL as the place to go to learn about the writers and the written word - it seems like a natural fit!

I know that the Friends of the Hutchinson Public Library, who sponsored Ms. Pickard's visit, like to bring authors to Hutchinson. I hope the Friends will continue to do so. Are there any authors you would like to hear? Perhaps a Kansas-based author or someone with ties to Kansas? Maybe an author of children's books, or westerns, or science fiction for a change of pace? Please leave a comment below if you have an idea or opinion. No matter what, we will continue to cultivate relationoships with authors we meet and try to have as many as we can afford visit Hutchinson to share their perspectives.

Friends Book Sale - Bargains Galore!

Once again the Friends of the Hutchinson Public Library will be holding a big book sale in the library basement. This semi-annual event offers some great bargains to book lovers from all around, April 2-4.

If you purchase a membership in the Friends organization, you can come for the special "Friends Night" and be among the first to have a crack at the items for sale the evening of April 2nd, 5:30-8pm. Friday, April 3rd the sale is open to the general public 9am-5pm. The final day of the sale is Saturday, April 4th from 9am-4pm. This last day is traditionally "sack day" where each sack you fill costs only $1!

There are few opportunities that I know of where you can get such bargains on books as you will find at this sale. Please come by and browse, I am positive you will not be disappointed!

Coffee, Tea, or Milk?

The library is set once again for a period of change. Last October we ventured into new territory by offering beverages and snacks in the library. We did a lot of research and talked to other libraries offering this service, but you never really know about something until you try it for yourself. This was new territory for our contractor too and, unfortunately for us, she has decided that the coffee business might not be for her.

I have to say that I am disappointed, especially since we are moving the kiosk to a new, more prominent spot in the library. But we have advertised for a new contractor and I am hopeful that we will have a coffee bar in the Library on a permanent basis.

One of the difficulties we have run into is knowing when to have refreshments available and what type of refreshments those should be. So, what do you think? If you are a user of the library, tell us what you would like. If you aren't a user of the library, tell us what you treat yourself to at the bookstore. Maybe we can offer something similar and save you some money on books too!

Do you like a good mystery?

HPL is participating in the state-wide reading project for 2009, "Kansas Reads: The Virgin of Small Plains" by Nancy Pickard [read about the project here]. The Friends of the Hutchinson Public Library have graciously agreed to sponsor a visit by the author here at the library on March 22nd and 23rd. Ms. Pickard is the author of sixteen popular novels, many critically acclaimed. You can read more about her here.

Ms. Pickard will lend her expertise from 2pm to 4pm on the 22nd in a writer's workshop. If you are a writer, published or not, and wish to participate, call Annette at (620)663-5441 ext. 132 to reserve a spot for this great opportunity.

The 7pm March 23rd event is a more traditional "author talk" where Ms. Pickard will discuss her books and interact with the audience. Both the writer's workshop and the author talk will take place in the library's auditorium on the 2nd floor.

I hope you will take advantage of this visit, whether you are an author or a fan of mysteries or simply enjoy reading and want to meet someone who makes that possible.