(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
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.
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.
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 Adults
Books
and Bites meets on the third Thursday of the month from 7-8 pm in
Conference Room A. 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 lists 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 Resources
Internet resources to help readers for
Adults,
Teens,
and Children.
Book Sale
The Friends of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library hosts a used book sale a couple
times of year. Check their
website for
more information.
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 of
the month from 7-8 pm in Conference Room A. 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.
Café Muse
Teen Poetry evening of coffee house atmosphere, refreshments, and poetry for grades 6 -12.
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)
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. The 2nd and 4th Tuesday in the
Library Auditorium.
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
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
Magazines - to read here or to check out
Midland historical collection
Midland newspapers on microfilm - staring form 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 check out
Music CDs
Young adult fiction, nonfiction series and audio books
Collections for Youth
Biographies
Books on cassette and CD
CD-Roms
Encyclopedias
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.
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.
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
There are 2 places to bring your donations:
Small bin behind the reference desk.
Large drive-up bin outside the employee entrance to the Library on Eastman Ave.
(Please note that left hand turns into this parking lot is prohibited.)
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.
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.
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 am - 9 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.
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 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.
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 News Indexing
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.
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.
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 Sunday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The exceptions 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.
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.
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.
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!
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 their
website for more information.
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
Sites by Subject
Reliable Internet resources by topic.