Winter 2015 newsletter by City of Norfolk

@YOUR In This Issue

Friendly Book Corner

You’re Invited: Friends Fundraiser

UMIGO® – You Make it Go

Library December January February 2014-15 A quarterly publication containing news and events from the Norfolk Public Library and the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library.

www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org

SLOVER LIBRARY GRAND OPENING!

Ten Reasons You are Going to Love the New Slover Library Written by Penny Neef www.altdaily.com, September 17, 2014

January 9-11, 2015 Join us for a fun-filled weekend to celebrate Norfolk’s new high-tech library. Stay posted for more exciting details! Slover Library 235 E. Plume Street Norfolk, VA 23510

www.sloverlibrary.com

You know that satisfied feeling you get when you solve a difficult problem, when an important piece of the puzzle fits, or when you know things are coming together for you in just the right way? We are all going to feel like that very soon, in January of 2015, when the new Slover Library opens in downtown Norfolk. This piece of the puzzle is going to be one of the most beautiful and high tech additions to the city center. Trust me, there is something for everyone here. 1. The Space of It All The new Slover Library on Plume Street has 138,000 square feet of space that includes the magnificently restored Seaboard Building and the soaring new building designed by Newman Architects. There are places you can settle down with a newspaper for the afternoon, use a green screen for your latest YouTube production, get a cup of coffee and lunch, meet with a study group, research your long

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

dead relatives, game with your friends, get married, and much, much more. There are outdoor terraces with lovely views and a patio for dining. 2. This Place Will Soothe Your Soul One of the keys to a great city is public art and architecture. The Slover Library is a work of art itself, and contains uplifting works of art. Sculptures by Kent Bloomer clad both the exterior and interior spaces of the library. The architecture and interiors of the new spaces are designed and executed with great thought and attention to detail. Look up to the very top of the new building and you will see an open book, inviting everyone inside. The inside and outside of the historic Seaboard Building are restored and lit to perfection. Donald Trump would be lucky to conduct business in “The Boardroom” of the Seaboard side of the building. The Slover Library is a destination for art and architecture. continued on page 2

read and catch the light rail towards home all within a few steps.

The reading area for the Sargeant Memorial Collection on the old Seaboard side is surrounded by beautiful marble columns.

continued from page 1

3. A Techie’s Dream Come True David Sullivan, Director of Information Technology for the city of Norfolk, knows his tech and has made sure that the Slover Library has leading edge technology. As you enter each floor, Mr. Sullivan points out there will be a “digital way-finding system.” There are public computer labs and Wi-Fi throughout, of course, but also interactive digital displays, interactive digital archives of historic documents, a specialized digital media lab, a computer training lab, a video production room, a video gaming room, and everything you might need for a collaborative meeting room. Businesses and schools in Norfolk will want to use the library for their meetings. 4. Make Mine Old School Maybe you prefer the look and feeling of a historic library’s central reading room, like the magnificent New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room. The Slover Library offers a beautiful gem of a reading room in the old Seaboard side of the library. Surrounded by the original marble columns and intricate plaster detailing, you can read, study or research the Sargeant Memorial Collection with a beautifully lit glass atrium above you. But there is also a digital interactive experience on the 3rd floor cortile above the reading room that allows you to interact with thousands of searchable artifacts from the historical collection. Mr. Sullivan calls it “a three century library – 19th century, 20th century and 21st century.” 2

5. From Birth to 100 It doesn’t matter how old you are. You are going to love this library. There is a whole floor devoted to children in the new space — books and other materials for kids, a Playscape for young children, a KidZone for the next age group, a Pre-teen space, a computer lab, an art studio and a room for story times and programs. Teens, young adults and adults will have study rooms, the gaming room and other places to study and interact. Everyone will feel welcome. 6. Environmentally Friendly Everyone involved in the design and construction of the Slover Library is interested in the environmental impact of the building. The Library is hoping for LEEDS certification when complete: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings. There is LED lighting throughout, some on zone control; the heating and cooling systems are state of the art; and the historic part of the building has been made as environmentally friendly as a 100+-year-old building can be made. 7. A Community Anchor Another key to a great city are public spaces, both indoors and out. The Slover Library is one of the anchors of MacArthur Square, in the center of the city. The Tide station, MacArthur Center, and the MacArthur Memorial surround a nice patch of green trees and brick walkways. You can shop, sit and relax, research,

8. Your Tax Dollars at Work Libraries are basically free in this great country of ours, unless you owe money on an overdue book or want to rent out a fancy meeting room. Not so true in other parts of the world. This library would not be nearly as magnificent but for a huge ($40 million huge) donation from Frank and Jane Batten, a commitment to excellent libraries ($21 million commitment) from the city of Norfolk, and ongoing gifts and donations from the public through the Slover Library Foundation. The city and the library staff worked together within a public/private partnership to produce this exceptional facility. Are you looking for a way to give to your city that will make a difference for everyone? This is a great option. 9. On Time and On Budget Good job everyone. It’s beautiful, high tech, on time and on budget. There’s not much more to say about that. 10. This Place Will Win Some Awards for Sure Did I mention I am a librarian? I have been to beautiful, historic, high tech libraries all around the country. When the American Library Association and the Public Library Association hold their big conventions, I’ve always taken the opportunity to tour the local library. I’ve seen the main libraries of Detroit, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Miami and probably a few I have forgotten. I’ve never been as impressed as I am by the Slover Library. Norfolk, you are going to be proud. About Penny Neef

Penny was born in Detroit and lived in Michigan until her recent move to Hampton Roads. A graduate of one of Malcolm Gladwell’s favorite schools, Kalamazoo College, she also holds advanced degrees from Wayne State University and Oakland University. She is old, but hasn’t lost her joy for children, literacy, a good marble rye, Pilates, yoga and life in general.

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

Friendly Book Corner Enjoy these suggested reads by members of The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

Wonder

by A.J. Palacio August Pullman, a young man with significant facial birth deformities learns kindness’ many forms as he endures his first year in public at the age of ten. Palacio introduces us to characters whose depth, weakness and humanity keep them full of life, honesty and hilarity. While intended (technically) for 8-12-year-olds, this fifty-something reader is richer for reading “Wonder.” It should be required reading for all of us! Reviewed by Ellen Selig

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

A beautiful work of unrelenting suspense, this novel weaves the story of a blind French girl and her father who flee Paris to the city of Saint-Malo during WWII with a German soldier, as each moves inexorably toward a climax not without tragedy where curiosity triumphs over greed and power. Reviewed by Susan Paxton

Orphan Train The Train to Warsaw by Gwen Edelman

This book provides a poignant look at the lingering effects of the Holocaust, and was highly touted by the New York Times. Reviewed by Sue Doviak

by Christina Baker Kline This beautifully written novel about a young girl and her search for family after being abandoned reveals a fascinating and forgotten part of history in America. In the early 1900s, many orphans traveled by train from the East Coast to the Midwest stopping in various cities in hopes of finding adoptive families. Reviewed by Nicole Hostutler

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

The Children Act by Ian McEwan

McEwan’s newest work is a wonderful mix of personal reflection for the main character and a realistic window into the world of family courts related to children’s concerns. The story reveals the inner workings of a heart wrenching case that could have been lifted from the headlines in any newspaper and provides empathy and understanding from both sides of the courtroom. Reviewed by Elizabeth Woodard

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

A love story for book enthusiasts about a book store owner off the coast of Massachusetts who only stocks the books that he finds appealing. Despite his dislike of many things, including most people, he finds understanding and love with a traveling sales representative. Zevin provides humorous insights into the world of publishing. Reviewed by Susan Paxton 3 5

Celebrate

Slover!

Tours • Music • Drinks Food and Fun

A fundraising event sponsored by

The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library Save the Date:

Friday, January 30, 2015 • 6 PM - 9 PM

Slover Library

235 E. Plume Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

More details to come!

For information, contact: Sue Doviak at sdoviak@odu.edu.

You’d Better Watch Out

SantaClaus isComing to Town! Come for a magical encounter with the jolly old elf himself and remember to bring your wish list! Cameras are welcome. For a complete list of holiday events, go to www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/Holiday. (Family) Thursday, December 11 Van Wyck Branch @ 4 PM (757) 774-2844

Saturday, December 13

Jordan-Newby Branch @ 1 PM (757) 441-2843 Pretlow Anchor Branch @ 2 PM (757) 441-1750

Saturday, December 20

Horace C. Downing Branch @ 1 PM (757) 441-1968 Lafayette Branch @ 2 PM (757) 441-2842 4

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

TREK for Civility Week January 17 - 24, 2015

â&#x20AC;&#x153;TREKâ&#x20AC;? stands for Tolerance, Respect, Empathy and Kindness. Help NPL spread civility to the surrounding community by participating in special events. For event information and a booklist, go to www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/TREK.

Looking for FREE Weekend FUN? Just Got Better @ NPL!

Make NPL your budget-friendly destination for Saturday outings all year long! For a list of events, go to www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/events.

African-American History Month

Theme: A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture February 1-28, 2015 In 1915, few could have imagined that African-Americans in music, art and literature would become appreciated by the global community. Fewer still could have predicted the prominence achieved by African-Americans, as well as other people of African descent, in shaping world politics, war, and diplomacy. This February, the Library recognizes the historical achievements of African-Americans with special events.

Go to www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/AAHM for a complete list of events. Sponsored by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library and coordinated by the NPL Multicultural Committee.

Carter G. Woodson Founder of Black History Month

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

UMIGO® – You Make it Go: An Innovative Approach to Math By Terry Wanser, Family Place Librarian at Norfolk Public Library

Learning mathematics has never been easier. Through entertaining and interactive stories, songs, games and narrative-driven appisodes, children are becoming active learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers while learning fundamental math concepts with UMIGO®. UMIGO - You Make It Go - was created to engage children in the exploration of math with practical and fun applications. Children learn math and develop the skills they need for problem solving and effective reasoning. UMIGO is a research-based multimedia property for children ages 5-8, is fully aligned with the Kindergarten through 2nd grade Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and is funded through the Ready to Learn Initiative of the U.S. Department of Education.

Math learning is introduced through animated appisodes. Each appisode features three amazing characters: Bit, Dizzy and Bean. Bit, the magic box, gives learners the tools they need to navigate through math ideas. Dizzy, the big blue bundle of energy, provides inspiration. Bean helps learners execute tasks through her incredible know how. As UMIGO best friends, Bit, Dizzy and Bean have amazing adventures. They save the day from broken roller coasters, ancient mummies and more! Throughout each appisode, the animated characters model strategies for thinking about and using math, along with music videos to reinforce the story’s main educational concepts. The characters help children learn math by overcoming

problems and achieving goals. In 2013, Norfolk Public Library was selected as one of three library systems in the United States to be a pilot site for the development of the national UMIGO curriculum. Four neighborhood libraries began offering a variety of UMIGO programs, Jordan-Newby Branch, Lafayette Branch, Larchmont Branch and Little Creek Branch. In September 2014, the Lafayette Branch was the recipient of a UMIGO Kiosk to pilot test for one year. The kiosk is a dedicated UMIGO system, featuring an iPad Air, where children can access all the UMIGO appisodes. More appisodes are currently under development and will be released throughout the year. For more information about UMIGO, go to www.umigo.com.

NPL’s LEGO® Collection Scores 12,000 Bricks! By Raquel Taylor, Public Information Specialist at Norfolk Public Library

The winning LEGO design, “Game to Give” (featured above), represents the “FUN” in giving to the community.

This fall, NPL received a generous donation of LEGOS from Affinity4, a Norfolk-based company that takes up community causes and raises funds for nonprofit organizations. Affinity4 is also the 6

sister-company of Beliefnet, a website that provides information about various faiths and features editorials around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love, family, news and entertainment. Volunteers from both companies united during the summer to host “Building Blocks for the Community,” an internal drive to collect LEGO bricks to donate to NPL in support of its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. “We take volunteering very seriously and inject a high level of competition,” said Mandi Fornes, the marketing and business analyst for Affinity4. “The LEGO drive was catered to help the community with math, and we wanted to make sure the outcome was positive,” she said. Thirty-three volunteers either collected or purchased more than 12,000 LEGOS to contribute. Volunteers then divided the LEGOS and split into five teams. A fierce building competition ensued, with teams venturing into the vastly untapped world of adult creativity and working fervently for one

month. The result—five outstanding LEGO creations—each embracing some aspect of the symbiotic relationship between Affinity4 and Beliefnet, and how they work collaboratively to inspire positive thought into action for the greater good of the community. Votes were collected for the favorite design, and the winning team received a small prize. The winner— “Game to Give”— featured a video gaming station that included an image of the fictional Nintendo character, Mario. Fornes said of the LEGO building contest, “It was a lot of fun getting to be a kid again during the work day! This wasn’t about the winning design or prize, it was about bragging rights, teamwork and helping others.” If you are interested in making a donation of gently used LEGOs to the Library, you may take them to any NPL location. For details, just ask any library staff member or call (757) 664-7328 X349.

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

Library Closings Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24 Close @ Noon

Christmas Day

Thursday, December 25

Give the Gift of Nostalgia! The 2015 Norfolk Historical Calendar

$10!

New Year’s Eve

Wednesday, December 31 Close @ 5 PM

New Year’s Day

Theme: Making a Difference The NPL Foundation’s 2015 calendar is available to purchase for just $10!

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Sunday, January 18 & Monday, January 19

For more information or to order a calendar online, go to www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/HistoricalCalendars Proceeds support the Sargeant Memorial Collection at the Slover Library (opening January 2015).

Vice Mayor Angelia Williams addresses Staff Training Day participants on how to stay positive in the workplace.

Thank You!

Staff Training Day 2014 Sponsors American Rover California Pizza Kitchen Cloud Nine Trampoline Arena Friends of the Norfolk Public Library Funnybone Comedy Club & Restaurant Hot House Yoga in8 Chiropractic – Norfolk Laser Quest Mambo Room NPL Staff Association Savarna Threading & Beauty Studio The Skinny Dip The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk Virginia Opera House YMCA South Hampton Roads

Congratulations to the NPL Volunteer of the Month July 2014: Linda Brandt Linda Brandt is a zookeeper at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk who volunteers at the Little Creek Branch Library on her days off. She cheerfully tackles any task given to her, and has been a huge help with weeding out the adult and juvenile nonfiction collections, and cleaning toys in the KidZone. Linda states, “I have always loved reading and naturally gravitated toward the idea of spending time in a library. I have been enjoying my time at the Norfolk Public Library, and I’m glad that I can be part of the Little Creek Branch making a difference!” Linda, the Little Creek Branch Library is proud to have you as part of its volunteer team. Thanks for all you do!

Creating a City of Readers Published by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

Friends of the Norfolk Public Library P.O. Box 3234 Norfolk, VA 23514

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORFOLK, VA PERMIT NO. 2112

Board of Trustees:

www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org Opening January 2015! Slover Library 235 E. Plume Street (757) 664-READ (7323) Barron F. Black Branch Library 6700 East Tanners Creek Dr. (757) 441-5806 Blyden Branch Library 879 E. Princess Anne Road (757) 441-2852 Horace C. Downing Branch Library 555 E. Liberty Street (757) 441-1968 Janaf Branch Library 124 Janaf Shopping Center (757) 441-5660 Jordan-Newby Branch Library 961 Park Avenue (757) 441-2843

Lafayette Branch Library 1610 Cromwell Drive (757) 441-2842 Larchmont Branch Library 6525 Hampton Boulevard (757) 441-5335 Little Creek Branch Library 7853 Tarpon Place (757) 441-1751 Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library 111 W. Ocean View Avenue (757) 441-1750 Park Place Branch Library 620 W. 29th Street (757) 664-7330

Roy B. Martin, Chairperson Ann Morgan, Vice Chair Dr. Charles H. Ford Charles E. Johnson, Jr. Dr. Linda B. McCluney Janelle M. Morris Andrew Nusbaum Daymen W.X. Robinson Bert Schmidt

Officers, Friends Board

President: Sue Doviak Vice President: Rhonda Price Membership VP: Perry Bussard Treasurer: Paula Cook Secretary: Nicole Hostutler

Library Director Sonal Rastogi

Address Service Requested

Newsletter Editors Lori Sharp Raquel Taylor Tamara Boyle Brittany McBride Kevin Kaiser Elyse Lovelace

Van Wyck Branch Library 1368 DeBree Avenue (757) 441-2844 NPL Bookmobile (757) 858-2044

Paging all booklovers! Join the Friends and support your library. The Friends provide funding for special children’s programs and library projects, specific needs at branch libraries, hospitality for receptions, serve as volunteers and lobby to promote and support our libraries. Projects include used book sales, the annual Book Review contest, Tales to Tails, and more.

Be a friend every day!