LIBRARY NEWS, INFORMATION & SERVICES

December, 2022
 
Branch hours
 
Holiday Closure:  The Library will be closed from Friday, 5 pm December 23 until Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 10 am.  
 
Drop boxes at all branches will be open for returns.  Please remember: certain items, like Mobile Hotspots and activity kits, can NOT be returned through a drop box.
 
   Durham                                                 
   Tuesday      10am-7pm                            
   Wednesday 10am-5pm                          
   Thursday    10am-7pm                            
   Friday         10am-5pm
   Saturdays   10am-2pm                           
    
   Neustadt
   Tuesday    10am-1pm 
   Thursday   2pm-7pm
   Saturday   10am-2pm
   
   Ayton
   Tuesday    2pm-7pm                
   Thursday  10am-1pm
 
Note new hours in January!
 
   Ayton: starting Jan 3rd, Ayton hours are:
   Tues 2pm-7pm
   Sat 10am-1pm (replacing Thursday hours)
 
   Durham:  starting Jan 4th, open Wednesdays 10am-7pm
 
 
Questions?  phone (519) 369-2107, or email info@westgreylibrary.com
 
Notable Days in December:
 
John Milton's birthday                            Dec 9
Dewey Decimal System Day                   Dec 10
Jane Austen's birthday                          Dec 16
Hannukah                                       Dec 18-26
Winter solstice/Yule                               Dec 21
Jolabokaflod - Iceland's Yule Book Flood  Dec 24
Christmas Eve                                      Dec 24
Christmas Day                                      Dec 25
Boxing Day                                          Dec 26
Kwanzaa                                      Dec 26-Jan 1
Services, Collections and Resources
Sample our collection
To celebrate the holidays...
 
Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe
by Stuart Mclean
The Matzah Ball
by Jean Meltzer
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore 
 
Tech & Digital
WiFi to Go
Check out one of our Kajeet SmartSpot devices for mobile WiFi access.  A one-week loan with your library card - free!
 
 
Playaways
Pre-loaded Audiobooks - the easiest way yet to listen to books.  Use your own earbuds.  Press 'on' and 'play' - you're listening to a great book!
                             
 

Tech Help:  Two Ways
Enraged by email? Gobsmacked by Google?  We love to help, but we have limited time, so we have a couple of quick-fix ideas:
 
1.  Book an appointment with one of our understanding -  and understandable! - staff at Durham Branch.  You get a half-hour of one-on-one attention (Tuesday and Thursday evenings,  and Saturdays), to address just exactly what's flummoxing you. Make your appointment by contacting the Library: info@westgreylibrary.com or 519.369.2107.
 
2.  Drop in for a CyberSeniors sessions once a month at every branch.  All sessions start at 2:30pm and no registration necessary - just drop in:
 
Ayton Tue Dec 6
Neustadt Thu Dec 15
Durham Tue, Dec 20
 
(note: Durham CyberSenior sessions will move to Fridays starting in January)
 
Free Stuff:  WiFi, Computer Use, Replacement Library Cards
The holidays are a great time for reading with the kids.  And you can't beat the price for a holiday book from the library!!  If you've misplaced your card, you can now get a replacement at no charge!
 
The West Grey Library also offers free WiFi and public computer use at all branches.  
 
AND we have eliminated fines for overdue items. Patrons will still be required to pay for lost or damaged books. 
 
Upcoming Meetings
Library Board
Durham Branch
Wednesday, Dec 14th, 7pm
Meetings are in person at Durham Branch. Please contact CEO Kim Storz for more information (519-369-2107 or board@westgreylibrary.com). 
Just for fun...
 
Staff Stuff     This month's question:
What is a great book for the holidays?
 
Kim         How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss 
 
Kathleen  Dave Cooks the Turkey by Stuart McLean.  It's a must-read classic or better yet, listen to it on audio. We have both available at the library.
 
Kimm      The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell or A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
 
Kayla        Little House in the Big Wood by Laura Ingalls Wilder
 
Sarah       To every thing there is a season: a Cape Breton Christmas       story by Alistair MacLeod
 
 
Hilary        A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
                Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
And check our Programs newsletters -
December Programs newsletter available November 25th. Email info@westgreylibrary.com to get on our newsletter list.
 
Wrapping station and de-stressing zone - includes a make-your-own wrapping paper station for a donation to the Durham & District Food Bank - Thursday, Dec 8, 3-5pm - DUR
 
Upcoming programs (pre-registration required, unless otherwise noted:  adultprograms@westgreylibrary.com or call 519.369.2107):  
 
Knitting Club every Wednesday, 2:30pm - DUR (weekly; drop-in)
Cardmaking with Bonnie Dec 8, 5pm - DUR
Drop-in Dominoes - most Fridays; 2:30pm - DUR
Drop-in Chair Yoga, CyberSeniors (tech help) - sessions monthly at all branches (check our flyer: Adult Drop-in Activities)