The Library A to Z

(The what is it and what does it mean guide to library services, programs, policies, and lingo)

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 

 

Accelerated Reader Lists
Copies of Accelerated Reader lists for Midland County schools are available at the Youth Services Desk to aid in the selection of books.

ADA Accessible Computer
Specialized equipment is provided on the main floor in the Reference area for users with special needs. Software installed includes a web browser, Jaws, MAGic, and Open Book. Contact the Reference Desk for assistance.

Baby Time Story Time
A 45-minute program for non-walking babies designed for parents and caregivers to introduce their babies to books, songs, finger plays, bounces, and rhymes. There is a 20 minute adult-child interaction portion, followed by 25 minutes of social time for babies to play and adults to chat.

Babysitter Bags
Teens, are you looking for some good books and activities to help you entertain the kids you babysit? Then our Babysitter Bags may be just what you’re looking for. Babysitter Bags are themed and contain two or three books and a video, as well as a variety of coloring and activity sheets geared toward toddlers and preschool age children.

Baskets to Borrow
Handy baskets will hold your materials as you make selections or can be checked out for convenient storage at home. Baskets are checked out for 28 days and may be renewed. Return the basket to the check-in area. Look for the plastic yellow baskets several places around the library.
Thanks to the Friends of the Library for generously providing the baskets.

Battle of the Books
This special reading program is for students in Grades 4 and 5. The students form teams and read from a list of 20 librarian-selected books from November to March. Two Written Battles determine the top 16 teams which compete in a series of Oral Battles. The top two teams from the Oral Battles face off in a Championship Battle to determine the winning team.

Blog
The Literary Arts Blog: News and Reviews from Grace A. Dow Memorial Library

Book Club in a Bag
The library offers a quick and easy way to hold a book discussion group: Book Club in a Bag. Each kit contains ten copies of a popular book and information about the author and book, including some discussion questions, all packaged into a sturdy zipper bag for you to carry.

Book Discussions for Youth
Book discussion opportunities for youth include the Brown Bag Book Club for students in grades 4-5 and Plots & Pizza for grades 6-8. These popular programs allow students to read the same book and then get together at the library to share their thoughts and ideas. Registration is required and begins on the first day of the program month.

Book Discussions for Adults
Books and Bites meets on the third Thursday of the month from 7-8 pm and the fourth Wednesday at 2:00 PM. Join other readers for stimulating conversation and tasty treats. The Library Staff has carefully selected diverse, well-written novels that are sure to generate lively discussion. Participants are encouraged to read the book before attending the meeting.

BookLetters
BookLetters offers book reviews and information on hundreds of authors, all easily accessible online. To receive regular updates on books in special areas of interest, simply sign up for BookLetters’ email newsletter service. Reviews of recommended books in your favorite genres will be delivered right to your inbox.

Book Express
The purpose of Book Express is to get new popular books into the reader's hands as quickly as possible and to move a book from person to person with a minimum amount of time involved. These books circulate for one week and do not allow holds. (Additional books are available for holds.) The collection is located in front of the Reference Desk.

Book Lists for Adults
Take a look at our booklists for adult readers. You can find reading suggestions for the audio-book, fiction and nonfiction collections.

Book Lists for Children
Our librarians have created lists of recommended book titles available at the library. The lists were developed for children, parents, and teachers to get ideas for books to read on many topics or by reading levels.

Book and Reading Resources
Internet resources to help readers for Adults, Teens, and Children.

Book Sales
The Friends of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library hosts a large used book sale a couple times of year. Check their website for more information.

The Friends also provides books for sale in the Cups and Chaucer Coffee Bar area and in the lower level hallway across from MCTV anytime the library is open.

Bookmark Bear
Bookmark Bear is the tall, stylish, friendly bear mascot who welcomes the children at the entrance of Youth Services along with his friend, Flamingo. They love to have children come up and say hello to them!

Books Coming Soon
Want to see what new titles are due out in the coming months? Discover which authors will be releasing their new books soon. The titles have a link into the Library Catalog that will allow you to place a hold.

Books and Bites
Books and Bites meets on the third Thursday at 7 pm and the fourth Wednesday of the month at 2 pm in a library conference room.  Join other readers for stimulating conversation and tasty treats. The library staff has carefully selected diverse, well-written novels that are sure to generate lively discussion. Participants are encouraged to read the book before attending the meeting.

Brown Bag Book Club
An hour-long program for students in Grades 4 & 5. Students all read the same book and meet for a fun discussion session and activity. Students bring their dinner – in a brown bag – and the library provides dessert and a drink. Registration is required and begins on the first day of the program month.

Catalog
A searchable database that organizes materials a library owns and shows where these material are located. You can also use the catalog to view your account to see what you have checked out and to renew items.  Help for using the catalog.

Check Out Periods
Loan periods vary from 4 days to 28 days. The library has a 4 day grace period on overdue materials (except videos, DVD's, Book Express and most material loaned from another library). If you return your materials within this period you will not be fined. A printed receipt will list the due dates of your library materials.Or click here to check your account. Checkout periods are:

4 Weeks Most items, Children's C D Roms & magazines
2 Weeks New books, Adult CD Roms, Adult CDs, Adult magazines, holiday materials, circulating encyclopedias, maps, pamphlets and other high demand items
1 Week Nonfiction videos, and Book Express items, Feature and children's videocassettes and DVD's older than 6 months
4 Days New DVD's (up to 6 months after release)

Child's Library Card
Minors (under 16 years old) must have a parent or legal guardian present and sign the application to obtain a card. More card information.

Circle Time Story Time
A 45-minute program for children 2 and 3 years. Adults and children are active participants, sharing the simplest of books and including lots of fun finger plays, puppets, songs, and get-up-and-move activities. Due to the interactive nature of the programs we recommend one adult per child, and that only children of the appropriate developmental age attend. All sessions are drop-in an no pre-registration is required.

Circulation Desk
The service desk where books and other materials are loaned or checked out. This is where you apply for a library card, return your books and check out or renew library materials. The phone number is 837-3457.

Classic Movies in the Afternoon
Enjoy a free showing of classic movies.

Coffee Bar
Stop by the Cup and Chaucer for a beverage and a snack.

Collections for Adults

Book Express  - high demand bestsellers
Books on CD and cassette, mp3 and playaway device
Business Resources - Small business, investment, directories and more
City of Midland government information
Consumer information
Fiction - popular novels, classic, mysteries, science fiction, romances, and westerns
Floodplain Management Resource Center
Foreign language learning materials
Genealogy collection
Large print books
Legal Resources - Westlaw, Michigan Compiled Laws, forms and more
Magazines - to read here or to check out
Midland historical collection
Midland newspapers on microfilm - starting from 1881 - present
Music CDs
Newspapers
Nonfiction - informational books on a wide variety of topics
Reference collection - books on many topics for in-library use
Tax Forms - during tax season
Videos and DVD's - feature films and nonfiction

Collections for Teens

Graphic novels
Magazines - to read here or to checked out
Music CDs
Young adult fiction, nonfiction, series, and audio books

Collections for Youth

Biographies
Books on cassette and CD
CD-Roms
Encyclopedias
Graphic Novels
Leap Frog players and materials
Music CDs
Nonfiction - informational books on a wide variety of topics
Parent & Teacher collection
Reference Collection: books on many topics for in-library use
Storybooks - picture books, board books, beginning readers, "chapter" books, holiday books
Videos and DVD's

Computer Classes
The library holds a series of computer instruction sessions on general computer skills, using the catalog and databases, and more a couple of times a year. Check the library newsletter- Library Connection, for upcoming dates and registration information.

Computer Services at the Library
The library has a variety of  computer services available to patrons. They include access to the Internet, word processing, in-house laptop rental, and more. Click here to find additional information.

Corporate Cards
If your business/organization is located within the Library’s service area, you are eligible to receive a library card. Contact the circulation department for more information, 837-3457.

Cup and Chaucer
Stop by the Library coffee bar for a beverage and a snack.

Crafty Readers
A thematic 45 minute program for students in Grades K-3. Students listen to stories, enjoy a snack, and create crafts. Registration is required and begins on the first day of the program month.

Databases
Collections of information searched for and accessed by a computer. By searching these resources the user can view magazine and newspaper articles, reference book entries, pictures, statistics, and other valuable information. This is published and more reliable information that a searcher typically can find on the Internet using a search engine. Use your library card number to access these resources from home

Display Rental Areas
The library has art exhibition and display spaces for use. Contact the library during administrative office hours
(M-F 8 am-12 noon & 1-5 pm) for information about reserving the spaces. 837-3430

Donations
Donated materials become the property of the Library. Materials may be added to the collection or given to the Friends of the Library to be sold at their used book sales. Proceeds from the sale support library projects and programs. A receipt for donated material is available for tax purposes at the reference desk.

    There are 2 places to bring your donations:

DVD Rentals
New videos check out for 4 days at $2.50 each. After 6 months, videos are $1.25 each for 7 days. Beginning Monday , January 4, 2010, new videos will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Holds will no longer be allowed on videos until they are reassigned to the regular video collection.

Employment
Check the City of Midland's Human Resources page for current openings.

Exam Proctoring Service
The library provides a proctoring service for distance learning students. Please contact the Reference Desk for more information 837-3449.

Facebook Page
Come visit us on facebook.

Family History: The library supports family history research. Please see the Local History/Genealogy Room and Genealogy entries.

Fines and Fees

Friends of the Library:  The Mission of the Friends of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library is to support, strengthen, and enlarge the scope of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library community.

Foreign Languages
Mango Languages is an interactive web based resources you can access using your library card.  The library also has books and recordings to assist you in learning another language.

Genealogy: Housed in the Local History /Genealogy Room, genealogical services include: access to microfilm readers and printers, complete Midland newspapers on microfilm, microfilms of US censuses for Midland, and microfilm copies of other local vital statistics. The Genealogy Collection (RG) contains materials of basic genealogical references, local and regional genealogy sources, materials on states of basic migration patterns, and basic Canadian materials. Materials such as family histories are not added unless there is a Midland connection. Reference Genealogy materials do not circulate, except for a small collection of genealogy cd-rom resources that can be checked out.
Several resources are available from home using your library card.

Genealogy Volunteers: Local genealogists volunteer to provide specialized assistance. Normal hours are M-F, 1-4pm. Please call to confirm before making a special trip: 989/837-3449. Library staff provides assistance during regular hours.

Gifts
Monetary gifts are welcome. They may be given in honor or in memory of a person. Donors may request the type of material and the subject area. An acknowledgement is sent to the donor and to the honoree or the honoree's family. A bookplate is placed in each item and includes the donor's and the honoree's names.

Government Information
The library has a section in the reference area for Midland City government material.

Holds
A hold allows a person to acquire material that is either currently checked out or at another library. Place a hold at the reference desk, any library computers, or by using the online catalog.  The Reference Desk staff will also place a hold for you over the telephone, 837-3449. You must have your Library card with you to place holds. Cost for placing a hold is 25¢, collected when you pick up your item. You will be notified by phone or email when the item is at the library and waiting for you.

Holiday Programs for Youth
Halloween, Christmas, and National Library Week are celebrated with special programs in the Youth Services department.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
  Closed Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day

Inter-Library Loan
When information is not readily available at the Library, we will help you locate it in another location. Use the Library's catalog or Melcat a Michigan-wide catalog, to place requests yourself or contact the Reference Desk for assistance. 837-3449.

Jackie’s Junction
Jackie’s Junction is the home of our caboose-inspired puppet theatre where children can use our large variety of puppets to perform their own stories.

Laptop Rentals
The Library has several laptops for use within the library. The computers have access to the Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

LeapFrog Learning System
The Youth Services Department has a collection of LeapPad and Quantum players and books & cartridges available for 28-day checkout periods. These fun and educational titles help children, ages 4-12, learn as they listen and play along with the stories.

Library Board
The Library Board studies library services offered to the community. The board advises the City Council on user policies and future plans for improving library services.

Library Cards
A library card is available free of charge to all individuals who show proof of residency within our service area. The cardholder is responsible for all library materials checked out, overdue fines, and various fees. This is a bearer’s card so the cardholder should report lost or stolen library cards to the Checkout Desk. Change of name, address, phone number, or e-mail address should be reported to the Checkout Desk. Minors (under 16 years old) must have a parent or legal guardian present and sign the application to obtain a card.

Library Connection
The Library Connection newsletter is a free publication of information and happenings of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. It is published 6 times a year.

Local History/Genealogy Room: The Local History/Genealogy Room houses historical collections of the Library. These include the Reference Michigan collection (RM), Genealogy Reference (RG), Midland newspapers, any microform materials and a small, circulating cd-rom collection. The Reference Michigan collection is comprised of materials pertinent to the City of Midland and Midland County, materials important to the development and history of the county, major industries, and major personages.
Several resources are available from home using your library card.

Melcat
Michigan-wide catalog and loaning system. You can search and request for material to be sent the library using your library card number.

Memorials
Monetary gifts are welcome. They may be given in honor or in memory of a person. Donors may request the type of material and the subject area. An acknowledgement is sent to the donor and to the honoree or the honoree's family. A bookplate is placed in each item and includes the donor's and the honoree's names.

Midland Daily Newspaper
Historical Midland Newspapers (1870-1922). Search and read articles. (Requires library card to access)
Midland Daily News  (2002 – present) Search and read articles. (Requires library card to access)
Index (2003-2009) Find citations for Midland area information and local obituaries from the Midland Daily News. 

Midland Government Information Center
The Library maintains a partial collection of City of Midland documents which includes meeting minutes, annual reports, budgets, and proposals. EPA and a limited number of other government reports are also available. Documents are housed near the Reference Desk.
Also available on the city's website: Boards and Commissions (includes agenda, reports, and streaming video of meetings),   Budget,   City Charter,   Code of Ordinances,   Dioxin Information,   Employment,   Garbage Collection and Recycling,   Property Information,   Recreation Information,   Tax Bill Information,   Zoning Ordinance,  and much more.

Move and Groove
Enjoy an active musical program in the Story Room for ages 2-6.

Movies for Youth
Full-length feature films are shown free of charge in the Auditorium during school vacation days and throughout the summer. Check here for upcoming movies.

Movie Rentals
New videos check out for 4 days at $2.50 each. After 6 months, videos are $1.25 each for 7 days. Beginning Monday , January 4, 2010, new videos will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Holds will no longer be allowed on videos until they are reassigned to the regular video collection.

Multiple Copies of Books for Youth
Teachers or book discussion leaders can easily find out what books the library has multiple copies of the same title available. Before planning a literature circle or group book discussion, take a look at the quality children's literature we have in multiple copies. Click here to see the list of books that are available with 10-15, 16-20, and 21 or more copies.

National Library Week
In April we celebrate week long with special presenters, concerts, and programs, as well as free food and souvenirs.

New and Notable Display
The New and Notable display contains a selection of new books. They are primarily fiction and of general interest. Holds may be placed on these items which remain on display for one week -- Monday through Monday.

New Audiobooks at the Library
List showing a selection of new audiobooks available at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. Subscribe to the email newsletter to receive the list every other week.

New Books at the Library
List showing a selection of the new and popular books at the library.

New DVD's at the Library
List showing a selection of new DVD's available at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. Subscribe to the email newsletter to receive the list every other week.

New Items Just Ordered
List displaying library items just added to the catalog.

Online Book Clubs
Join our Online Book Clubs and every weekday morning, we’ll email you a portion of a book that takes about five minutes to read. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Phone Numbers

General Library Information: 989-837-3430
Reference Questions: 989-837-3449
Checkout, renewals, overdues: 989-837-3457
Youth Services: 989-837-3466
MCTV Network: 989-837-3474
TDD: 989-837-3472
Friends of the Library: 989-839-8159

Playaways
The newest format in audiobooks, a Playaway contains an entire book that is pre-loaded in one small portable device. This means no changing tapes, CDs, or downloading is required. Patrons can use their own earphones and battery or purchase them at the checkout desk. View a list of playaways in the catalog.

Plots & Pizza
An hour-long program for students in Grades 6-8. Students read a selected teen book and get together to eat pizza and discuss the book. Registration is required and begins on the first day of the program month.

Proctoring Service
The library provides a proctoring service for distance learning students. Please contact the Reference Desk for more information 837-3449.

Printing
Print from the Internet or word processing using the library's computers. Printing is not available from your own computer. The cost for black and white prints are 10 cents per page with the first page free. Color printing (only available for the Internet) is $1 per page.

Programs for Youth
From book discussions and storytimes to special event programs, the Youth Services Department offers many different opportunities for children of all ages. To see what programs are coming up next, click here for the latest children or teen.

Programs for Adults
Book discussions, classic movies, computer classes, small business seminars and writer workshops. Click here to view the options.

Puppet Stage
The Youth Services Department has a puppet theatre and a large variety of puppets available for children to play with and perform their own stories at Jackie’s Junction – home to our caboose-inspired theatre.

Reading Resources
Internet resources to help readers for Adults, Teens, and Children.

Ready, Sit, Read! Storytime
Independent preschool listeners, ages 4 & 5, can experience the joy of children's literature with the very best in picture books, classic tales, flannel board stories, puppets, and rhymes. Adults are welcome but not required to attend.

Reference Services
We provide information such as statistics, business information, homework help, reader's advisory services, and much more to the general public and local government. When you have a question, call us at 837-3449.

Renew Items
This is an extension of the loan period for material that has been checked out. Two successive renewals may be made on most materials if another patron has not placed a hold on them. You must have your Library card with you to renew. Materials not eligible for renewal are videos, DVD's, CD Rom's, Book Express, Battle of the Books, holiday items and most material loaned from another library. (Music CD's and audiotapes may be renewed once). Renew your material by stopping at the Checkout Desk, calling the automated renewal line at (989) 835-3280 or the circulation desk at (989) 837-3457, using the public terminals at the library, or accessing our web catalog.

Room Rentals
The library has rooms available for rent: three conference rooms (20 person capacity), the Lounge (49 person capacity) with kitchen facilities, and the Auditorium (266 person capacity) with projector, lighting, and sound system. Contact the library during administrative office hours
(M-F 8 am-12 noon & 1-5 pm) for information about reserving the meeting rooms. 837-3430

Shelf Life: Book Reviews
This book review collection, with original reviews by the Adult Services Department, goes in-depth to describe ten of our most interesting fiction works. Librarians review not only current library acquisitions, but also some you may have missed in the past few months. This publication is released quarterly.

Small Business Start-Up Seminar
Starting your own business? Want to learn more about community resources for small business? Learn the basics about business ownership from a Small Business and Technology Development Center consultant.

Spring Writers Event
This annual event held the second Saturday in May is a 2 hour workshop for both beginning and established writers to meet, exchange ideas, discuss problems, and get a closer look at different areas of the writing process.

Storytimes
There are four different storytimes designed especially for the developmental stages and interests of children: Baby Time (for non-walking babies); Toddler Time (for walking babies up to 24 months); Circle Time (for ages 2 and 3); and Ready, Sit, Read! Storytime (for ages 4 and 5). These are drop-in sessions, so no pre-registration is required.

Summer Reading Programs for Adults
Read to earn prizes, attend fun activities, and view free movies! The programs run from early June to mid-August.

Summer Reading Program for Youth
A reading/listening program is held each summer for all ages -- from infants to teens. Participants receive prizes for reading or listening to books throughout the summer. Many programs and special performances are scheduled throughout the summer to celebrate summer reading.

TAB (Teen Advisory Board)
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join this group which meets one Saturday each month to plan teen programs, share ideas, attend special outings, and discuss books, music, and websites.

Teen Programs
Various teen programs are held throughout the year, from Cram Night to Lock and Roll. Please check our Teen Spot or ask a Youth Services librarian about upcoming events.

 Toddler Time
A 30-minute program for walking babies up to 24 months designed to share books, rhymes, music and more in a 15 minute adult-child interaction portion followed by 15 minutes of social time for babies to play and adults to chat.

Touch-a-Truck Day
This annual event is usually held the last Thursday in July at the far end of the parking lot. The city brings in a variety of emergency and construction trucks for an up-close experience. A fun event for truck-lovers of all ages!

Tours for Youth
Tours provide an overview of the library’s collection and services for children. The library schedules tours for first grade classes from public schools in the library's service area. Other groups in the community have the opportunity to schedule special tours for their needs as well. Interested adults can either call Youth Services to schedule a tour or complete the Library Visits & Orientation form and return it to the library. Tour requests need to be made at least two weeks in advance.

Trains
Trains are an important part of the Youth Services Department! The train that runs along the ceiling in the nonfiction collection is a fun sight to see. From the ever-popular train table to the caboose-like puppet stage at Jackie’s Junction, train fans enjoy visiting the library!

Used Book Sale
The Friends of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library host a used book sale a couple times of year. Check here for more information.

The Friends also provides books for sale in the Cups and Chaucer Coffee Bar area and in the lower level hallway across from MCTV anytime the library is open.

Video Rentals
New videos check out for 4 days at $2.50 each. After 6 months, videos are $1.25 each for 7 days. Beginning Monday , January 4, 2010, new videos will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Holds will no longer be allowed on videos until they are reassigned to the regular video collection.

Visually Impaired Services
The library has resources for individuals with low vision abilities.

VolunTEEN
Teens in grades 7-12 are encouraged to volunteer at the library during the Summer Reading Program. Teens can help out by working the prize table, ushering movies, and assisting at programs.

Volunteer Opportunities
The library has several ways you can get involved. Library Board, Teen Advisory Board, and Friends of the Library

Westlaw Database Training
Powerful legal research tool. Information that can be found are: Michigan Compiled Laws,  Michigan State Cases, Michigan Court Rules, Michigan Administrative Code. This database is accessible in the library only. The library provides training sessions a couple of times a year.

Web Guides
Reliable Internet resources by topic..

Wireless Access to the Internet
The library provides free open access to the Internet through the wireless network. Click here for more information.

Youth Services Department
Offers a variety of resources and services designed especially for infants, children, and teens, along with their parents, caregivers, and teachers. Its large collection of fiction and non-fiction books, along with various multimedia materials, are located on the lower level of the library. At the YS desk, helpful librarians are ready to answer questions or offer reader’s advisory. There is much to see and do in our inviting youth-centered environment, from the various children’s activity stations to the lively Teen Spot. Storytimes and special programs are offered throughout the year for all ages. For details about programs or resources, view the Youth Servicess page for more information.

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