Dia De Los Ninos 2014

Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day) is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy and education for children of all backgrounds. The El Paso Public Library and Parks & Recreation have been hosting this event since 1997. This is the second year that the Dorris Van Doren Branch hosts a "mini Dia" event, and we had a great turnout!

We had about 2,000 in attendance and gave away over a thousand books to children and teens. Thanks for coming out to celebrate children and literacy!

We're a Family Place Library!

The Dorris Van Doren Library has been selected as a Family Place Library through a grant from Family Place Library, A Model for Institutional Change.
We join the nationally acclaimed initiative for young children, families and caregivers.

Family Place Libraries provide a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy and socialization and family support. The Family Place Library builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children’s growth and development.

During the last two decades, research has conclusively proven that the ways in which adults respond to and interact with children between birth and 5 years have dramatic effects on the brain, impacting a child’s social, emotional and intellectual development. Researchers have also confirmed that learning is an interactive process and depends on the interwoven development of multiple abilities and skills. Resources like Family Place help foster the healthy development of these relationships.

We are currently hosting a five week parent/child workshop program that involves children ages 1-3 and their parents/caregivers. The program is facilitated by professionals from our community. The program is full, but we'll let you know when you can register for the next round of workshops.

This is the playtime setup during the workshops.

In the meantime, visit our Family Place area! The middle area of our library has been converted into a Family Place area where you and your child can read, play and learn in a safe and fun environment. The area is open during our hours of operation to children ages 5 and under and their parent or adult caregivers. This space features board books, toys, puzzles, blocks and more for little ones to explore. As your child's first and most important teacher, these activities will help you build your child's early literacy skills.

The Family Place area in the middle of the library.

The view from the fish tank. Look who we caught reading!

Beat the Thanksgiving Break Boredom

The Dorris Van Doren staff wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Downloadable magazine

Don't forget we'll be open from 9 am-5 pm today (November 27, 2013), closed Thursday and Friday, and open Saturday, 9 am-5 pm.

Sometimes having a lot of time off, along with tryptophan and carbs pumping through your veins can leave you a little bored. The public libraries may be closed Thursday and Friday, but we can still help you fight the boredom!





Make a New Tradition
All El Paso Public Libraries are now accepting poetry entries for our annual poetry contest. Entries are due January 31, 2014 (one entry per participant please). If you're in grades 1-12, you can enter! If not, then you can encourage the children and teens in your life to enter. You can make it an annual Thanksgiving tradition to read and write poetry during the break.

Collect Donations
We're hosting two different donation drives here at the Dorris Van Doren and you can help! The boxes are up front, near the circulation desk. One box belongs to the Girl Scouts, who are collecting gently-used winter clothing (any size) up until the end of next week. The other box belongs to the Ronald McDonald House, which will be collecting new, unwrapped toys up until December 16.  

Download Magazines

Dowloadable magazine

This is one of our favorite new services we offer. You get to download and keep new digital magazines for free! There are many popular titles to choose from and recent back issues are now available. Find some last minute Thanksgiving ideas with the Food Network Magazine and five other cooking magazines. Get crafty with Cloth Paper Scissors and two other craft magazines. Peruse the ESPN Magazine while watching the football games. For more information and instructions, read our previous post about Zinio.

Downloadable Music 

Download Books, Movies, & More
If you can't make it to the library in time to check out materials, visit our digital library, OverDrive. You can download books, audiobooks, music, and movies. It may seem like there aren't many movies to choose from, but there's actually a pretty good selection of indie, foreign, and documentary films. If you're feeling guilty about feasting, there are also yoga and workout videos!

It can be a little confusing at first to get started, but depending on what device you'll be using you'll need to download software and/or apps, have an Adobe ID or Amazon account, and have your library card and pin number handy. Visit the Help Center to get started

Request Materials and Make Lists
Keep track of materials you've checked out or want to check out by creating lists. You can print, email, and text the lists to yourself if you wish. Remember that creating lists does not mean you have requested items; you must click on "Place Hold" to be placed on a waiting list or request items be sent to your branch. To create lists or request materials, simply login to your account using your library card and pin number. Be sure to type in all letters and numbers without the spaces.  

Research
Why would you want to research during the break? We don't know, maybe you're getting a head start, have a last minute assignment due, or want some reliable medical information. We have access to subscription databases through TexShare that contain information and articles from books, magazines, and journals you can't access through Google or Bing. You can also study and take practice tests with Learning Express. All you need is your library card and a login and password (ask for it at the information desk).

Dowloadable movie

Dowloadable movie

Dowloadable movie

Dowloadable movie

October by Windows

October at the Dorris Van Doren Library has gone by so fast, and it's easy to see why. 

The fire department visited storytime earlier this month to build fire safety awareness (don't forget to check out their display in the lobby) and gave us a tour of a fire engine. Last week, we celebrated Teen Read Week by encouraging teens to read for fun and use the library. We had book giveaways, a contest, and a cosplay ball. 

This week we're celebrating Food Day with a display of books and free information and recipes. Food Day is a nationwide campaign for healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food. The El Paso Food Day celebration is this Saturday, October 26 at the Downtown Artist and Farmers Market in the Union Plaza District from 9 am-1 pm. Afterwards, come to the Dorris Van Doren Libray to watch an animated Halloween movie (PG rating) at 3 pm.

Next week is our annual Halloween party for kids ages 12 and under. Join us on Wednesday, October 30 from 4-6 pm for a mini carnival, spook alley, a craft, and treats. Children are welcome to wear their costumes. 

Explore new worlds with your library card. 

Stop in and see the latest window murals that local artist and library volunteer, Lizzie Ochoa has dreamed up for us this month: 

Happy Teen Read Week 2013!

This year marks the 15th year that the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) celebrates Teen Read Week! Libraries all across the nation plan fun programs and displays that encourage teens to read for pleasure and use the library's resources. Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. During this week, teens can also vote for their favorite books to be included in the annual Teens' Top Ten list.

All El Paso Public Libraries are celebrating this week with different events and contests. Here's how the Dorris Van Doren Library is celebrating:

Book-In-A-Jar Contest! Stop in & fill out an entry with your book title guess. You'll be entered in a raffle to win a Teen Read Week prize pack.

Check out the 2013 nominees at your library and vote before October 19, 2013 at ala.org/yalsa/reads4teens

• Crewel by Gennifer Albin
• Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (Next in the series: Of Triton)
• Underworld by Meg Cabot (You might want to read Abandon first)
• Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (You might want to read Graceling & Fire first)
• Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
• Skinny by Donna Cooner
• Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross
• Croak by Gina Damico
• The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda (Next in the series: The Prey)
• 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Shadowscale comes out February 2014)
• Wake by Amanda Hocking
• Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
• Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (Next in the series: Dark Triumph)
• Butter by Erin Jade Lange
• Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
• Every Day by David Levithan
• Son by Lois Lowry (You might want to read The Giver, Gathering Blue & Messenger)
• I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga (Next in the series: Game)
• Pushing the Limits by Katy McGarry
• The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen (Next in the series: The Runaway King)
• Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult
• Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (Rebel Spring comes out in December)
• Insurgent by Veronica Roth (You might want to read Divergent first. Allegiant coming soon!)
• Immortal City by Scott Speer (Next in the series: Natural Born Angel)
• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (The Dream Thieves coming soon!)
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (Rose Under Fire coming soon!)

Digital Magazines @ Your Library!

The perks of having an El Paso Public Library card just got better with the addition of free digital magazines!

Pros:

• Free for everyone with an El Paso Public Library card! No late fees!
• Current issues of popular magazines.
• Keep issues forever! No need to return magazines & they won't disappear from your device. You have the choice of keeping or deleting issues.
• No checkout limit.
• Access magazines on more than one computer and/or device.
• Available 24/7.
• Print pages 
• Hyperlinks within magazines work on computers and iOS devices.

Cons:

• No back issues. Only the current month's issue is available.
• No subscriptions. You have to log in and download every time a new issue comes out. 
• You can't view the library's collection in the app. You have to log in to the RB Digital portal to check out the magazine, then you can launch the Zinio app to download and view the magazine issue.
• Hyperlinks within magazines didn't work on Windows tablet.

Get started today! 

All you need is your library card, pin number and to create two free accounts (we recommend using the same email address & password for both). You should never enter your credit card information on either account since this is a free service provided by El Paso Public Library. 

The RB Digital Landing Site

This is your first stop where you will need to create a new account and enter your library card number. You'll be able to view magazines that the El Paso Public Library currently owns. This is also where you'll check out issues.

Once you select a magazine to check out, you'll be prompted to create a Zinio account if you don't already have one. You're ready to view the magazine on your computer.

Zinio App

If you're going to view magazines on your computer, you'll just need to log into the RB Digital link above. If you want to view magazines on a device you can download the app for these supported devices:
Android
Blackberry
iPhone & iPad
Kindle Fire
Windows

Visit this page on the El Paso Public Library's site for detailed instructions and video.

Check out this quick little screencast we created. You'll get an idea of how to access titles you've checked out and how magazines look when viewed on a PC. Warning: It might make you hungry ;)

Friends Newsletter, September 2013

Check out the September issue of the Friends of the Westside Branches Newsletter! Inside, you'll find information about the membership drive, book budget, excess book donations, and more!

You can become a member for only $5 a year. Your membership helps fund programs and book purchases for the libraries, and you get a 10% discount at The Bookmark Used Bookstore (7348 Remcon)! 

Friends Newsletter September 2013 by dorrisvandoren

End of Summer Reading Club 2013

We can't believe summer reading club is almost over! If you haven't turned in your reading logs or entered them online, make sure to do so by tomorrow (Saturday, July 20). If you didn't register online and we're closed, drop off your reading logs in the drive-thru book drop behind the library. Just make sure first and last names are legibly written on the logs.

We're still posting names, so don't worry yet if you don't see your children's names up on the board.

End of Summer Reading Club Parties:

Teen Summer Reading Wrap Up Party: Tuesday, July 23 from 4:30-6:30 pm

Ice Cream Social: Certificate & goody bag for those that completed the program. Ice cream for everyone :)

Children's Summer Reading Wrap Up Party: Wednesday, July 24

Pick up certificates and goody bags at either 3-4 pm or 5-6 pm

World Beat Drumming: Making Music Together with Karuna Richard Warren @ 4 pm 

Also, be sure to check out the amazing decorating job done by our staff!

Decorations by library staff

Window paintings by Lizzie Ochoa

TeenFest 2013

Our annual TeenFest event is only days away! Friday, June 28 is going to be filled with games, crafts, info booths, Free Hole Poetry Slam, artwork, refreshments and giveaways from 6-10 pm.

There's still time to register for the summer reading club, too. Register at TeenFest or online at this site.

Games:

• various board games
• Wii video games

Crafts:

• library card design contest
• stickers
• literary portraits
• hexagon explosion boxes
• chalk the walk

Info Booths:

• El Paso Community College
• Molina Healthcare
• Maximus
• Latinitas
• Safe Schools Texas
• YWCA

Summer Events June 17-22, 2013

Register for the summer reading club and keep track of your reading at elpasolibrarysr.evanced.info. Children, teens and adults can register with their library card number. Adults that register online will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad or a Kindle.

Here are the events for the week of June 17th:

Tuesday, June 18 from 4:30-6:30 pm
Tune in Tuesdays is part of the Teen Summer Reading Club. Listen to a half hour audiobook teaser while enjoying snacks. Play board and video games afterwards. This week's featured audiobook is Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross.

Wednesday, June 19 @ 4 pm
Our summer reading club children's programs are on Wednesdays at 4 pm. This week, the West Texas Regional Poison Center will teach us about the venomous critters of El Paso. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, June 20 @ 4:30 pm
Thursday Things is part of the teen summer reading club. Make a craft, play board or video games and enjoy snacks. This week we're making hexagon explosion boxes. Feel free to bring photos or other items you would like to decorate the box with.




Saturday, June 22 @ 2 pm
Don't forget to sign up before Friday for the Cook the Book Club potluck! Choose a recipe to make from this month's selection,The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, make it and bring it to Saturday's potluck.

Saturday, June 22 @ 3 pm
We'll be showing movies that were adapted from books as part of our adult summer reading club. All ages are welcome (movies are rated PG or PG-13). This week's movie is based on the novel One Shot by Lee Child.

Summer Events June 11-15, 2013

Summer Reading Club 2013 has begun! This year is especially exciting with the addition of the adult summer reading club and our new online registration. Visit elpasolibrarysr.evanced.info to register and keep track of your reading. Children, teens and adults can register with their library card number. Adults that register online will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad or a Kindle.

Here are the events for the week of June 10th:

Tuesday, June 11 from 4:30-6:30 pm
Tune in Tuesdays is part of the Teen Summer Reading Club. Listen to a half hour audiobook teaser while enjoying snacks. Play board and video games afterwards. This week's featured audiobook is John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.

Wednesday, June 12 @ 4 pm
Our summer reading club children's programs will be on Wednesdays at 4 pm. This week, the Asombro Institute will visit us and teach us about desert plants. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, June 13 @ 4:30 pm
Thursday Things is part of the teen summer reading club. Make a craft, play board or video games and enjoy snacks. This week we'll be making seed bombs.

Saturday, June 15 @ 3 pm
We'll be showing movies that were adapted from books as part of our adult summer reading club. All ages are welcome (movies are rated PG or PG-13). This week's movie is based on the novel by Isaac Marion.

Cook the Book Club returns this month! Don't forget to sign up for the potluck on Saturday, June 22 at 2 pm. This month's featured cookbook is The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.

BookMyne App Review

App: BookMyne

Platform: Android, iPhone & iPod touch

Cost: free
Key features: Access your library account, renew items, search catalog, request/place holds on items. Available in English, French, German, and Spanish languages. 

More info: http://www.sirsidynix.com/bookmyne

Last year, the El Paso Public Library System upgraded the software that handles our inventory, checking in/out materials, catalog, etc. With that upgrade came this handy app, BookMyne. Like any other app, it has its pros and cons, but has proven quite useful when you need to renew or request items on the go. Best of all, you'll only have to enter your library card and pin number once.

Pros: Search the catalog, renew (even if overdue) and request items. Under settings, you can change the number of days you want to be notified before your books are due. Suggested reading lists include award winners, popular best sellers (NY Times) and the ability to log into your Goodreads account (social).

Cons: Only available for Apple and Android. Some screens aren't very intuitive. I kept forgetting to use the arrow button at the top. Barcode scan search didn't work for me. I tried scanning the barcode of a book and nothing happened. The barcode scanning bug has been fixed & it now works! Just hit the search button after scanning.

Introductory and library info screenshots. 

View your account and see what items are checked out and when they're due. Renew them all or check only the ones that you want renewed by tapping the arrow at the top.

Search the catalog by keyword, title, subject or barcode. Tap the "availability" area to see which branches own a copy and if it's available (checked in).

Request items (place holds) by checking an item in the results list or tapping a title, and then tapping the arrow at the top. You'll be able to place a hold, email the item info to yourself or save to a list. When placing a hold you can change the location you want the item sent to.

View award lists and New York Times best selling lists under the Suggested Reading tab. You can also log into your Goodreads account. The Spin button will randomly choose a list for you. My Bookshelf will show the ebooks you currently have checked out through Overdrive.