What happened to the catalog?

If you’ve visited the CLEVNET catalog website recently, you’ve probably noticed its new look. CLEVNET has switched over to a new catalog site with a new look and new features. There’s also a corresponding new app – the CLEVNET app will have stopped working, and the new app to download is called BookMyne, available for both iOS and Android.

As with any big move, a few issues have popped up. Anyone having trouble logging into their account is welcome to call or visit the library for help. (Logging in with the barcode on the back of your library card, instead of your username, and capitalizing any letters in your password can sometimes solve the problem.) If you used the lists feature, some of the lists are still migrating over – one of our librarians noticed that their “to-read” list on the new site had everything they’d ever added to it, including books they’d deleted from it years ago – but they should be settling in shortly.

Media and e-media are integrated in the new catalog, so instead of going to a separate site to check out, for example, a book for your e-reader, you can do it on the same site you use to look for books in the physical library. Searches can be narrowed to show only digital materials or only library materials: there’s a green bar under the CLEVNET logo, and next to a little icon of a house, click on the drop-down menu that says “Everything” to choose which collection to search. 

Digital holds and checkouts can be viewed alongside library holds and checkouts under “My Account.”

As always, feel free to call or visit the library with any questions about the new catalog, the new app, or anything else you may be curious about.

When are the tax forms coming in?

With tax season upon us, many patrons have come to the library looking to pick up their federal tax forms as they have in the past. We had always received a large selection of forms and publications from the IRS through the Tax Forms Outlet Program. The program provides tax forms to participating locations, primarily post offices and libraries, which then distribute them to the public.

Last fall, the library requested a variety of forms and publications from the IRS, as we’ve done in previous years. They usually arrive by the end of the year for us to put out in January. However, they did not arrive, and in January we received an email explaining the situation. Having lost $300 million in funding with the passing of the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill, the IRS is unable to provide many forms through the Tax Forms Outlet Program this year. According to their email, they’ll be sending us copies of the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ, Publication 4604, and one reference copy of Publication 17. We aren’t sure when these will arrive.

Filing taxes online is always an option. For those who would prefer to file on paper, there are a few ways to get the forms. It’s possible to order tax products directly from the IRS to be delivered by mail. Orders can be placed either online at http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs/Order-Products or over the phone by calling 1-800-829-3676. Forms and publications can also be printed from http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs. The library staff is happy to print any forms that our patrons need. (Regrettably, we aren’t able to offer the forms for free, and the printing charge will be the same as for any other black and white copies: ten cents per page, with no charge for the first five pages.) Because we aren’t legally allowed to give tax advice, we do ask that patrons know which forms they need. For those who would like more help, we can provide a list of AARP Tax-Aide locations staffed by qualified volunteers.

All links mentioned here are also linked from our website at http://www.newtonfalls.org/index.php/tax-information. We also have links to the AARP Tax-Aide locator, the City of Newton Falls taxforms and information, Ohio tax forms and where to file them online, and the Ohio Benefit Bank, where those below a certain income can file their taxes online for free. 

What Do You Do With The Money From The Book Sale?

"What do you do with the money from the book sale?" There are two annual book sales at the Newton Falls Public Library, one in the spring and one in the fall. There's also a small cart in the lobby where people can buy books year-round. All sales are put on by the Friends of the Newton Falls Public Library.

The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 dedicated to supporting the library. The money from the book sale, as well as what's brought in from their other fundraisers, pays for supplies, prizes, and special programs during Summer Reading. The money also goes toward projects to improve the library, such as siding the garage, and all of our other speakers and programs throughout the year, including the Harvest Fest.

Along with running the book sales, the Friends also volunteer at the library and sponsor programs like the Annual Poetry and Short Prose contest. Membership is open to anyone, and those interested can pick up an application at the library's circulation desk. The Friends of the Library are currently running a spring membership drive, and any new or renewed memberships between March 3 and May 20 will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle Fire HD, so it's an excellent time to join for anyone who's interested.

Is There a Limit To or a Cost Per Question?

“I see that your sign says ‘Question? Ask me!’ Is there a limit? How much does it cost for each question?” To our patron’s request, the Newton Falls Public Library staff member said, “There is no limit and there is no charge. In fact, when we are closed, if you have a question and Internet service, there are librarians available to assist you 24/7.”

Visit Ohio’s online reference service, the Ohio Web Library at http://www.ohioweblibrary.org/. Click on Librarians 24/7; it will take you to KnowItNow24/7. Librarians from public libraries, colleges and universities are available around the clock to assist you using online chat.

Also at Ohio Web Library are statewide databases on the following subject areas: Genealogy, Magazines and Newspapers, Reference and Research, Students and Homework, Books, Arts and Literature, Business and Government, History and Biography, Science, and Employment Resources and Practice Exams. Newton Falls Public Library has purchased these additional databases to assist their patrons: ALLDATA automotive diagnostic and repair information, Literary Reference Center Plus, Ohio Capitol Connection, and Small Engine Repair Reference Center.

To make searching easier for Ohioans, there is a link from the Ohio Web Library to the state’s Ohio Here to Help website. From this site there are links to assist individuals in finding information about Money, Food, Housing, Healthcare, Education and Training, and More including applications for benefits and services. Ohio Here to Help has the option for users to receive notifications about job openings, news, helpful links, reminders, and follow-up materials.

The staff understands that not everyone owns or feels comfortable with computers. For those not having a computer at home, the library has them available for patrons to use. For those who prefer a little less technology, we have staff willing to assist them in finding needed information.

I'm New to the Community. What are Your Programs? What are Some of the Activities in Town?

“When are your children’s programs?” “I’m new to the community. What are some of the activities in town?” The Newton Falls Public Library frequently hears questions such as these.

Answers to these and other questions can be easily found on the library’s website, http://www.newtonfalls.org/. There is a listing of this week’s library events on our homepage. Down the left side of the page there are links to the Library and Community Calendars for the present and upcoming months. Community groups wishing to have their events listed on the Community Calendar may notify the library.

Below the Library Calendar link are sections for Children’s, Teen’s, and Teachers’. The first two have links to sites which assist students working on homework, including KnowItNow 24/7 [formerly HomeworkNow] and the Internet Public Library. The Teachers’ section was created to support teachers: outlining privileges, highlighting our Parent/Teacher Collection, and an online request form for Teacher Totes, Pathfinders, and Assignment Alerts. Three library blogs may also be accessed from this main page: 44444 Questions [and Answers], 44444 Kids, and 44444 Teens. In this area of our homepage, users can also find links to Newton Falls and Newton Township government sites, as well as local history and tourist information.

Patrons wishing to be notified about programs, new materials, and up-to-the minute updates on library events can sign up to receive monthly email newsletters. Visit the library to register for this new service.

While the library has WiFi access, the staff understands that not everyone owns or feels comfortable with computers. For those not having a computer at home, the library has them available for patrons to use for word processing and Internet. For those who prefer a little less technology, we have staff willing to assist them in finding needed information and an electric typewriter. Library programs are also listed in the local newspapers.

The library also has exhibits and displays of local interest which may be enjoyed during library hours. Presently featured are art and ceramics by Newton Falls High School students.

Do You Have Tax Forms?

“Do you have tax forms?” The Newton Falls Public Library staff has already begun hearing this question. As many people are aware, the federal government is not mailing individual forms to homes this year.

The library will try to meet the tax form needs of people. As we receive the forms, they will be available in our lobby. Patrons will also be able to print federal forms from http://www.irs.gov/. Ohio forms are available at www.tax.ohio.gov/online_services/thefinder.stm. At both sites, taxpayers may file online. Newton Falls’ residents can print the city income tax form at www.ci.newtonfalls.oh.us/PDFs/Tax_Forms/NewtonFRWebPDF.pdf.

The Benefit Bank Self-Serve [https://selfserve.thebenefitbank.com/] is a useful resource. “The Benefit Bank Self Serve is the ‘ready when you are’ version of the The Benefit Bank® (TBB™), a FREE web-based service that simplifies and centralizes the process of applying for benefits and filing income tax returns. . .”

The library also has books such as Taxes . . . for Dummies and The Complete Guide to Working for Yourself: everything the self-employed need to know about taxes, recordkeeping, and other laws by Beth Williams & Jean Murray to assist individuals in planning their financial strategies.

Can I Register to Vote Here?

“Can I register to vote here?” With registration closing on October 4, 2010 in order to vote in the November 2, 2010 General Election, the Newton Falls Public Library staff views this as a very important and timely question.

The library has voter registration forms for Trumbull, ones that may be used for other counties, and Absentee/Early Voting ballot requests. The latter begins Saturday, September 18, 2010 for Uniformed and Overseas (UOCAVA) Voters. Absentee voting for non-UOCAVA Voters begins Tuesday, September 28, 2010.

According to the Trumbull County Board of Elections’ website [www.electionohio.com/trumbull]:
“Every voter will be required to provide proof of identity before voting.” Acceptable forms of identification include “your current and valid photo identification card, military identification, copy of utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or government document showing your name and current address. (Note: You cannot use as proof of identification a notice the Board of Elections mailed to you.) If you do not have, or fail or refuse to provide, the required proof of identity, you may cast a provisional ballot.”

The Board of Elections’ site also has other useful information including:

• Where to vote

• Are you registered

• Polling places

• Forms to be downloaded and printed

• Candidates and issues

• How to become a poll worker

• Election results.


Voters are always searching for information about local, state, and national candidates and issues in order to make wise choices. The library subscribes to local newspapers in Mahoning, Portage, and Trumbull counties; newspapers from larger Ohio cities; as well as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA today. Reading the library’s news magazines will also be helpful in making your decisions. The League of Women Voters [http://www.lwv.org/], the Ohio LWV [http://www.lwvohio.org/], and the Trumbull County LWV [www.orgsites.com/oh/lwvtc/index.html] all have useful information on their websites. Smart Voter [http://www.smartvoter.org/] is another website sponsored by the LWV.

Where Have the Books Gone?

“Where have the books gone? I was in the library the other day and noticed some empty shelves.” Keeping available materials current and pertinent are part of the duties of the Newton Falls Public Library staff. The task is called weeding and, as in gardening, it means to remove what is not wanted to make room for what is needed. As in your garden, it also means that you are able to enjoy more items without digging through that which is no longer useful.



Some items may not have been weeded, but transplanted. Before the Internet, libraries kept large collections of reference materials, books which could only be used in the library. We have recently chosen to move many of these items to the circulating collection, where patrons may now borrow them to use at home.



“But how do you decide what to take away and what to leave?” We look at materials which no one has borrowed from the library for at least four to five years and make decisions on the disposition of these materials based on several things.


• Is the information current? This is very important when looking at items concerning medicine, law, science, and the Internet.


• Are there other books available on this subject that people are selecting instead of these?


• Does the library have multiple copies of a title that is no longer in high demand?



“What happens when you are done?” The books withdrawn from the collection are given new life. Some of them are sent to the public schools for use in their libraries and classrooms. Others are placed in the Friends of the Library’s book sales, where people in the community may purchase them. The Friends use the money raised to help support library programs throughout the year. This support allows the library to offer these programs at no cost to those attending. The next book sale will be held on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.



As in a garden, the space created by weeding allows us to have space on the shelves for new materials. These new items are purchased to meet the current needs and interests of our community.

What is a Playaway?

“I saw something called a Playaway on your New Books’ shelf. What is it?” The Newton Falls Public Library enjoys introducing patrons to new ways to enjoy books.

 The Playaway is a type of audio book; perfect for people who enjoy listening to books. This simple-to-use player is smaller than a deck of cards and contains an entire book. It is not necessary to change cassette tapes or disks while listening. Besides the player, all one needs for listening is an AAA battery, and a set of ear buds or headphones. It will also work through the speakers of your car if the vehicle has a place to plug in an MP3 player. Many of our patrons enjoy listening to Playaways while exercising or walking as the players come with lanyards and can be worn around the neck.


The Newton Falls Public Library owns over 130 Playaways. Our shared TiPL [Trumbull Independent Public Libraries] catalog permits patrons to select from over 380 players. The titles can be found by going online to http://www.newtonfalls.org/. Click on Search the Catalog. At the Keyword Search, select Keywords, then contain, and finally type in the word playaway. Selecting Newton Falls shows what is owned here; selecting All Branches will show what is owned by all the libraries in our shared catalog.

What can I do to help?

“What can I do to help the library?” During February's Love your Library Month this was a question the Newton Falls Public Library loves to hear.

• Volunteer. You can join our elite corps of dedicated volunteers! By sharing your time and talent with us, you can make a big difference in the quality of library service in your community. Library volunteers work side by side with staff in many activities. There is an ongoing need at our library for help sorting and shelving library materials, assisting with special projects, demonstrating new technologies to the public, answering phones, shelf-reading (Adopt-a-Shelf), and more. You will be able to acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience, expand your social horizons, serve in your own neighborhood, keep up with the latest books, help, and be appreciated for it. What is expected of you? Respect the public and be responsive to its needs, be willing to learn, and to meet the schedule and length of service that you have negotiated with the library.


Our volunteers range in age from 15 to ? Some do short-term projects, and some stay for many years! We welcome your gift of time, whatever it may be.


• Donate monetary gifts for the purchase materials. These items may be placed in memory of a loved one, or in honor of a person or special occasion.


• Donate gently used books and media. Some items will be placed in our collection for others to enjoy; the rest will be passed along to our Friends for their book sales.


• Join our Friends of the Library. Membership does not require attendance at meetings, only a willingness to assist once or twice a year during a special event or a book sale, or bake cookies for a program. Over the years our Friends have financially supported all of the free programs offered by the library, as well as donated additional money for purchase of materials and our building fund. Application for membership is available at the library.

A Very Special Library Lover

The Newton Falls Public Library received a special donation during Library Lovers’ Month from a very small library lover. Six year old Melody Jacques visited the library to select books and to make a gift to the library. In July of 2009, after a discussion with her parents, Heidi and Les Jacques, about how the library depends upon donations to have books and stay open, Melody informed them she wanted to give money to the library and have her name put into the big book in the foyer. Her mother helped to make a box, covered with stickers and surrounded by books, to hold her fund. Good deeds and hard work were rewarded with green stones in a jar, which earned her money each week. When Melody received money as gifts from family members, the money went into her fund. Upon reaching $50, her pediatrician Dr. Giorgio Vescera matched her fund. On February 13 Melody presented her gift to the library staff for the purchase of more of her favorite books.

Melody and her favorite books with Youth Services Librarian, Chrissy Braun.

Affordable Activities for Everyone

“I’m looking for affordable activities for my family this summer. Does the library have any programs?” The Newton Falls Public Library has great programs for all ages this summer. There are also resources and ideas to borrow with activities which you can do without spending much money. Visit the library and ask a librarian to show you the many local travel, craft, project, and game books. Borrow DVDs and videos, audiobooks and CD-Roms.

Parents and children, ages 0 – 5 years can participate in Read to Me @ My Library. At home, read to your child, complete the reading readiness activities, and earn up to 4 prizes. Parents will be eligible for the grand prize drawing of Roby Lee’s gift certificate. Family Story Time for children, ages 0 – 6 years and their families will be on Tuesdays, June 16 through July 28, at 7 p.m. Story Time for children, ages 2 ½ - 5 years, with a caregiver will be on Wednesdays, June 17 – July 29 at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the programs will begin on June 1.

Children, entering grades 3 – 6, can join our Readers Theater and help choose, prepare, and present a short play. There will be no auditions or lines to memorize. The group will meet on Tuesdays, June 9 – 30, at 2 p.m. Registration begins on June 1 and the performance will be on July 1 at 2 p.m.

Library Sprouts is for children, ages 4 – 12 years. Learn about growing and harvesting your own food. This group meets weekly in June and July on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Call anytime to register. Please be aware that they will be working outside and eating the items they grow. Please alert the Children’s Librarian of any insect or food allergies.

Children, going into kindergarten through sixth grade, can win weekly prizes for reading. Packets can be picked up beginning June 8. Prizes have been donated by the Friends of the Library, Dairy Queen, and Subway. In conjunction with the Reading Rewards activities there is also weekly programming on Wednesday afternoons, June 17 – July 22. There will also be a weekly ‘Look & Find.’ Search the library for the missing puzzle piece and help us to put together our masterpiece.

Teens, entering grades 7 – 12, Express Yourself @ Your Library by earning scratch off tickets for books read. There will be weekly instant winners and non-winning tickets will be entered into the grand prize drawings, which include video MP3 players donated by Pamida. Register to create a Duct Tape Bust - June 15, Altered Books - June 29, Collage Self Portrait - July 13, and Tie-dyed shirt - July 27. These Monday programs will be at 3 p.m. Teens, register for the three week Game Design Workshop and create your own video game. Sessions meet Thursdays at 2 p.m. Session 1 runs from June 11 – 25; session 2 from July 9 – 23. Anime/Manga Club will meet Saturday, June 27 and July 25 at 2 p.m. Students under 16 must have a signed permission slip or be accompanied by a parent. Wii Play for students ages 10 – 17 will be on Thursday, June 11 and July 9 at 4 p.m. Registration is required.

Adults can also participate in reading activities. For each library book, audiobook, or magazine enjoyed, earn an entry into our weekly prize drawing. At the end of the program, a winner’s name will be drawn for the grand prize which includes a gift certificate to Café 422. Register today for the Garden Plant Exchange on Wednesday, June 17, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bring seedlings or cuttings to exchange with the other participants. Sign up for the Meet and Eat, pick up a recipe form, submit it to the library by July 20, and on Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. bring your prepared dish for a recipe tasting. The Get Back to Work @ the Newton Falls Public Library computer skills training courses will be continue through the summer. Contact the library for the schedule of classes.

Knit and Stitch will continue to meet during the summer on Mondays, June 8, June 22, July 6, and July 20 at 4 p.m. Anyone, ages 10 years and older, who wishes to make a project for themselves or a friend is welcome. Register anytime for this ongoing program.

For more information about summer programs visit the Newton Falls Public Library, 204 S. Canal St., Newton Falls, phone 330-872-1282, or online at www.newtonfalls.org.

Car Trouble

“I’m having trouble with my car. Where are your auto repair books?” The Newton Falls Public Library staff instructed the patron in the use of our online catalog to find the location of the auto repair manuals.

There is a large selection of repair materials in the books numbered with 629s, but these did not have the information needed by the patron. After discussion with her, she said, “The problem isn’t with the engine, the wiring, or the body. The problem is with the seat arm; it has begun tilting downward and it is driving me crazy.” The library has purchased the use of the online database, AllData, which provides comprehensive automotive reference for domestic and foreign cars, trucks, and vans from 1982 to the present. Maintenance information, technical service bulletins, schematics and diagrams are included. Since access to the database is only available within the library, the patron ‘borrowed’ a computer using her library card.

All Data is accessed by going to “Library Databases” on the library’s homepage. Then from All Data, she selected the year, make, model and engine of her vehicle. It is possible to do a component search in All Data, but we first went to the Technical Service Bulletins. There was nothing of interest listed under Recalls, but there was an extensive list of things under Customer Interest. A bulletin was issued for “Armrest Angled Down on Front Driver or Passenger Seat When Seat is in Upright Position.” This was exactly the problem the patron was experiencing with her vehicle. She printed a copy of the information, including the instructions on how to correct the problem. Since the vehicle was still under warranty, the dealership repaired the armrest for her free of charge. It was interesting looking at all the noises reported by other customers who own the same vehicle. Apparently hissing, squeaking, whistling, squealing, fluttering, shuddering, vibrating, whining, clunking, popping, rattling, and itching noises have been reported to dealerships. This is a useful tool in understanding one’s vehicle, and learning what may be a concern which should be dealt with by a mechanic.

Computer History

Our new computer classes, Get Back to Work @ the Newton Falls Library got the staff asking their own questions. “How long have there been computers at the library? Wasn’t there once a dial up access to the library?” The answers to these questions involved a trip to the Local History Room on the 2nd floor.

Working backward through scrapbooks, we found that the staff began barcoding books in 1995. In December 1995, library patrons signed up for their new raspberry colored barcoded library cards, and the first day of library automation was February 11, 1996. Other paperwork showed that there was a microcomputer policy in existence before 1994. We continued working our way through older scrapbooks and the Newton Falls Herald. After the grand opening of the two-story library addition on April 14, 1988, it was announced in the following week’s Herald that the library had hired a new Tech Assistant to orient patrons in the use of the public access computers.

Reviewing our Technology Plans’ background sections, microcomputers were available for public word processing in 1983. The library began its automation process in 1991. In 1993, CD-Rom reference materials were available on library computers. The Internet could be accessed in-house by patrons with staff assistance in 1994. Beginning in September 1996, they had dial-in access from remote sites though our Newton Falls Information Network. Free Internet use and access to reference databases became available to the public in April 1997, through the Ohio Public Library Information Network [OPLIN].

For 26 years the library has offered computer training to the community. The R. J. Wean Foundation recently provided grant monies allowing the library to purchase the necessary equipment for our new wireless laptop computer lab, which is being used for classes on computer skills training courses. Our new classes cover a variety of topics including: basic computer skills, setting up email accounts, online job searching, resume and cover letter writing, MS Word and Office Basics, MS Excel, and photosharing.

Students, teachers, parents and reports

“My daughter has to do a report on a city. Can you help us? She wants to use the Internet, but are there any books too?” School has begun and the Newton Falls Public Library staff is always happy to assist students in finding the information they need. We won’t do their homework, but we can help them to learn how to locate what’s required.

An interesting city which this child might consider is Washington D.C. The library has two books specifically for elementary students on this subject: Around Washington, DC with kids by Kathryn McKay and Washington, D.C.: a scrapbook by Laura Lee Benson. Encyclopedias such as World Book are great sources of basic information on a topic and the library has copies which may be borrowed. The City of Washington: an illustrated history by the Junior League of Washington will include important events going back to 1790.

A good place for this student to begin searching online is the library’s home page www.newtonfalls.org. Selecting CHILDREN’S will take her to the Internet Public Library and HomeWorkNow. This latter site will let your child chat online with a librarian who assists in finding reliable information. Ohio Web Library [http://www.ohioweblibrary.org/] also provides many resources including popular magazines, scholarly research journals, newspapers, encyclopedias, and more. Your library card is all you need to access this from home. Since, in this case, we are looking for materials for an elementary age child, we select Resources at Ohio Web Library. There is a section called STUDENTS AND HOMEWORK that can be used to search for information on the selected city.

Your child’s teacher may have also elected to have the library create a Pathfinder. If the teacher requests it, we can assemble a list of websites specifically for the students to use for a particular assignment and make it available on our website. All they need to do is go to our website, select TEACHERS’, find the teacher’s name, click and complete the work. It is an easy way for students to find reliable websites for their homework.

Teachers, if you are interested in having a Pathfinder for your students you may request one through the library’s TEACHERS’ link. Teacher Totes may also be requested. To ensure that all the students will have access to the required materials, give us an Assignment Alert so we can pull books and hold them for just your class to use.

If the worst case scenario occurs and we cannot find anything for a student, we will give a completed and signed Sorry . . . We Tried slip. This notifies parents and teachers that we were unable to fill the request and why. Taking the time to do this also helps us to become aware of subject areas where we may need to acquire more materials.

Who are these people?

“I stopped at the library the other day. It’s been awhile and there are all these new people working there. Who are they?” The Newton Falls Public Library does have some new faces and some familiar ones who have moved to other jobs in the library.

‘Miss’ Dawn (Nutter) has given up the joys of Youth Services and is now busy cataloging all the new materials as quickly as possible to ready them for our patrons to borrow. Taking her place is our new Youth Services Librarian, Chrissy Braun. ‘Miss’ Chrissy comes to us from Stow-Monroe Falls Public Library. Watch the library’s online calendar and the newspapers for the dates and times of the programs she is planning for our children and teens. She is also creating blogs, “44444 kids” and “44444 teens.”

When you come to the circulation desk, Jen Ashforth, Julie Sideropolis and Karen Moser are always available, along with Barb Gacura, to check out your selections. They work very hard making sure that the items you return are promptly put back on the shelves for others to choose. They will also assist you in answering questions, locating items, and placing holds.

For those individuals needing computer assistance we often call upon the services of our Systems Manager Sean Pierce. Among his many technical jobs, he keeps our computers and other equipment running efficiently, updates information on our website, and has been teaching Game Design Workshops for teens.

Upon initially calling the library, the pleasant voice usually answering the phone is our Administrative Assistant Deb Augusta. Deb will assist you if she can or direct your call to the individual you need to speak with.

When you need help finding answers our Reference Librarian Elizabeth Glasgow is available, both in the library under the large ASK ME sign and online at www.newtonfalls.org. There you can ask questions either through “Need Help? Ask a Librarian” or her new blog “44444 ask me.”

If you are looking for Karen Armstrong, she is now upstairs in the George and Ruth Sharec Local History Room. Visit her and enjoy the interesting exhibits and items about people and events in Newton Falls and Newton Township. When Karen took over the Local History position, Lisa Connell moved into the technical service area where she processes the new materials for borrowing. Stop and look at the displays Lisa creates for our lobby display case. This month features books and information about Anne Frank and the Holocaust.

The library would not look as nice as it does without the efforts of our Facilities Manager Kevin Gazda and Ed Rasp. They work tirelessly to maintain the building and grounds as well as always preparing our meeting room for the myriad of programs occurring there.

Two individuals you may not see often, as their jobs require them to spend time in their offices making sure the library’s administrative and financial tasks are dealt with promptly and efficiently, are Director Kerry McCrone and Fiscal Officer Judy Freeman.

Next time you are in town, stop and visit the Newton Falls Public Library, 204 S. Canal St., Newton Falls. Our friendly staff will be happy to help answer your questions, assist you in finding the information you need, or make suggestions about what books or movies are enjoyable. If you need information and are unable to come to the library, we can assist you online at www.newtonfalls.org or by phone at 330-872-1282.