Amnesty Week Feb. 23-Mar. 7, 2009

The El Paso Public Library is offering its patrons a period of amnesty beginning February 23 through March 7, 2009. During this time, anyone with overdue library materials may return them to the library without penalty. No fines will be charged during that week, provided that the library books and materials are returned in good condition.

The primary goals of the amnesty period are to encourage library patrons to return their materials AND to return to the library. “Some people amass so much in fines that they forfeit their borrowing privileges until they can afford to pay them,” says Library Director Carol Brey-Casiano. “What we are saying with this period of amnesty is we want our books and our customers back.” Those wishing to take advantage of the program should go to any public library branch, return their materials, and let the staff know that they would like amnesty.

The Library would like to encourage everyone to visit or call their nearest library branch to check on the status of their materials.

Saturday Movie Matinee

Join us this Saturday for a showing of The Secret Life of Bees. The movie is based on Sue Monk Kidd's best selling novel. It is rated PG-13 and is free to the public.

Saturday, February 21 @ 2 p.m.

February's Crafty Hour

It's not too late to sign up for this month's craft hour! Youth in grades 4th-8th are invited to learn all about quilling next Thursday. Quilling is the art of creating designs out of rolled narrow strips of paper. Pre-registration is required at the information desk. Sign up in person or give us a call.

Thursday, February 19th from 4-6 p.m.

Check out these quilling sites:

• Origami Resource Center
• Handmade Craft Ideas
• Martha Stewart
• Quilling Patch
• Whimsiquills site and blog

Music From the Heart

Whether you have a Valentine or not, stop by the library to listen to some sweet Baroque music for guitar. Internationally renowned classical guitarist, Peter Fletcher will be performing at both libraries on the Westside. The concert will feature selections from Fletcher's 2008 CD release on Tower Hill Records, Music of the Baroque.

Free and open to everyone!

Saturday, February 14th @ the Westside Branch
on 125 Belvidere @ 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 14th @ the Dorris Van Doren Branch
on 551 Redd Rd. @ 4 p.m.

Free E-Resources!

Did you know that the El Paso Public Library provides free access to electronic resources?

E-books are now available through the library's catalog courtesy of NetLibrary. Databases such as EBSCO, Heritage Quest, and Health and Wellness Resource Center can help you with homework, research, and more! Databases are directories of information from magazines, newspapers, and encyclopedias. They include articles, maps, pictures, and charts. You can search for current and historical information for all grade levels on all subjects that is safe and reliable.

To access them, go to elpasolibrary.org and click on the Texshare Databases icon, located on the lower left-hand corner. You can log in to the databases by using your library card number and four digit pin number. If you don't have a pin or have forgotten it, ask a staff member or give us a call.

Stop in the library to find out how you can access Consumer Reports and learn other great tips!