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April 28th, 2008
02:37 pm - PALS is here!
Check it out: pals.polarislibrary.com
Place holds, get items from libraries around the county delivered to your library.
More information is available here.
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April 15th, 2008
04:06 pm - Clearwater Public Libraries Will Be Closed April 22
All Clearwater public libraries will be closed on April 22 to convert to a countywide catalog system. The book drop will be available for return of library materials. Clearwater libraries will resume normal operating hours Wednesday, April 23.
All libraries in Pinellas County will share one online library catalog by the end of this year. The Pinellas Automated Library System (PALS) will allow patrons to search all county libraries for materials they need. Materials can then be delivered to their local library for pick up.
For more information call, (727) 562-4970, ext. 4973 or visit the library website.
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04:04 pm - Library Recognized for Outstanding Youth Program
The Clearwater Library System was awarded the Florida Library Association’s 2008 Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award for the Bright Minds program, coordinated by librarian JoAnne Howard.
The Bright Minds program is for ages 3 to 5 and includes theme-based stories, songs, crafts, and literacy activities. This year the award is given to Children’s Services, the division that serves those ages twelve and under, for outstanding examples of direct service to youth. Outstanding is defined as unique, distinctive, exceptional, notable, praiseworthy or exemplary. Programs also promote reading, literacy, or library use.
The award will be given during the closing session at the Florida Library Association (FLA) Conference on Friday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. For more information about Clearwater Library’s Youth Services call (727) 562-5236.
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April 10th, 2008
10:51 am - Experience Puccini’s Opera, Tosca, at the Clearwater Main Library
The Clearwater Main Library will host “A Prelude to Tosca,” for teens and their families, presented by Opera Tampa and narrated by legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes on Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m.
Opera Tampa’s Apprentice Artists will present music from Puccini’s famous masterpiece, Tosca. This is a prelude to the full opera production that will be performed on April 25 and 27 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
For more information, call (727) 562-4970, ext. 5284.
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April 3rd, 2008
12:32 pm - New Service for the Hearing Imparied
The Main Library now has a new service for the hearing impaired! A new machine has been installed on the third floor called i2eye, a broadband videophone that enables the hearing impaired to sign to others through video conferencing.
Click here for i2eye's factsheet.
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March 13th, 2008
03:19 pm - Great Explorations to Host Programs at Clearwater Main Library
Join the Clearwater Main Library for a series of programs presented by Great Explorations, The Children’s Museum. Geared toward students in grades 3 through 5, the first program, Once Upon A Time, will be Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. Stories will be told in an atmosphere of wonder, excitement and surprise.
On April 12 at 2 p.m., children will learn what it takes to be a performer as they go through a training session called Acting 4 U Performing Arts. The last program, Kid Kemistry, is May 17 at 2 p.m. This scientific presentation teaches the difference between substance and solution. Great Explorations, The Children’s Museum, is located in St. Petersburg.
All programs are free.
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03:15 pm - Clearwater Main Library Spring Art Exhibits
Spring art exhibits will be on display through May 28, throughout the Clearwater Main Library’s galleries:
- Creative Vision, Seeing Beyond The Image by artist William Emrich will be exhibited in the Carnegie Gallery. Emrich’s works in abstract photography, resulted from his discovery that the colors and shapes of painted wildlife scenes on an outdoor mural were more magical than the actual images.
- Images of Japan by artist Jim Sikes will be in the Osceola Gallery. Sikes said, "My deep admiration and affection for Asian cultures emerged visually during a 30-year stay in the region. Much of my figurative work derives from a strong attraction to traditional scenes and architecture, including remnants of Japan’s cultural past. I search for new and imaginative ways to portray the images of Asia that I find compelling and strive to capture the quintessential qualities of my subject matter."
- Asian Works of Art from Nagano, Japan and Clearwater Sister Cities members will be on display in the 1st Floor Lobby Display Cases.
The galleries are open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (727) 562-4970, ext. 5284.
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March 11th, 2008
03:02 pm - Find out about PALS
Public libraries in Pinellas County are joining forces to improve your library services!
- All CPLS libraries will be closed April 22 for these changes - No items will be due April 14-23 Starting in April 2008, you will be able to get items from other libraries in the county by using the PALS catalog. Place a hold and pick it up @ your local CPLS library. Phase 1 (April 2008): Clearwater Public Library System, East Lake Library, Gulf Beaches Library, Gulfport Public Library, Palm Harbor Library, Pinellas Park Library, St. Petersburg Public Library, St. Pete Beach Library Phase 2 (August 2008): Dunedin Public Library, Largo Public Library, Oldsmar Public Library, Safety Harbor Public Library, Tarpon Springs Library Important Changes Fines · $0.10/day up to $5.00 for books, magazines, audio books, music CDs · $1.00/day up to $5.00 for DVDs · Borrowing privileges (county-wide) suspended at $10 Holds (county-wide) · 25 total holds · 5 DVD holds Check Out (county-wide) · 50 total items · 6 total DVDs · 14 day check out on new books & music CDs Renewals · 2 Renewal Limit on most items · No DVD renewals
Stay Tuned for more news about PALS!
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March 9th, 2008
03:52 pm - Teen Photography Contest Winners On CPLS' Flickr
 We have posted the winners of the teen photography contest on our Flickr site.
Congrats to: Elaine, Martha, Nick, Megan & Diana!
Check it out!
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February 13th, 2008
03:31 pm - Staff Picks for February
Check out what we're reading, viewing and listening to!
Barbara (Main)
In the spirit of supporting free speech and free choice by reading banned books, I recommend The Golden Compass. It's always interesting to see what causes controversy. And don't assume that you have read the book if you have seen the movie.
Laurie (Main)
Barack Obama - Audacity of Hope
Linda (Beach)
Curiosity Killed the Cat-Sitter by Blaize Clement
Devastated by the sudden, accidental death of her husband and young daughter, Dixie Hemingway gives her job as sheriff's deputy and is "a mess" until she finds some satisfaction in her pet-business - walking dogs, changing litter boxes, and taking care of animals while their owners are vacationing, etc. One such owner is away when Dixie finds a dead body in the kitchen, later a friend badly beaten, and then another dead body! Her sleuthing instincts kick in, especially when an obnoxious local radio personality brings up Dixie's past and implies she is the murderer. With a great setting (Sarasota's Siesta Key), a very real "heroine," a solid plot, light humor throughout, and many vivid personalities - including the pets, this delightful "cozy" is a winner. By the way, the tit;e is not true, because this is the first in a series.
Tracey (Main)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I'm generally not one to jump on a bandwagon. I don't read something because everyone else is doing it. In fact, I'm probably way more likely to shy away from it if that is the case. So when 8 people told me they instantly thought of me while reading this book and that "Tracey, you HAVE to read this book!" I was skeptical, but figured I'd give it 50 pages. Well, I have to say, the first 50 pages were tough - a lot of this memoir follows the author's quest for personal well-being after her divorce. Having recently gone through that, reading a lot of what she wrote hit home (and made me see why people saw me in this book). It took a lot for me to turn to page 51 and keep going, but I saw the transition in the story happening and as she grows past the sadness and personal devastation, the book becomes more of a travelogue of her journey through Italy, and becomes a description of finding various kinds of peace in India and Indonesia from the perspective of one who, self-admittedly, doesn't travel well but sees it as her life's passion. Georgina (Countryside) The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (Booker Prize Winner) A marvelous novel in superb imagery, lyrical prose and an interesting thematic undertone of the love-hate relationship between India and England and the reluctant admiration by the colonials of the colonists.
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12:45 pm - Jeff Corwin Photos
 Jeff Corwin spoke and signed books at the Main Library on Feb 2, 2008. The turnout was spectacular. Photos are available on the Library's Flickr Site.
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February 12th, 2008
11:37 am - Computer Classes @ the Main Library
We're taking a hard look at what we offer for free computer classes at the Main Library. We anticipate getting the classes started again mid-March, but would love to get your opinion on what we offer.
Please take 5 minutes and complete our survey on computer classes.
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February 10th, 2008
03:39 pm - Clearwater Public Library System - Database of the Month (March 2008)
Is your lawn mower giving you fits? Does your motorcycle need repair? Is your outboard in need of an overhaul? Looking for maintenance advice on your Jet Ski or Sea-Doo? The Clearwater Library has the resource for you. Small Engine Repair Resource Center contains repair manuals provided by Clymer, so whether you are looking for routine maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake service, or more extensive repairs involving engine and transmission disassembly, you’ll find reliable information to perform the job. The manuals cover motorcycles, ATVs, marine motors, and personal watercraft engines as well as lawn mowers, tractors, generators and more. So next time you are looking for answers, try this resource! Small Engine Repair Resource Center is accessible from the comfort of your home or at the library with a few keystrokes and your library card. Access by following these simple steps: 1- Access Small Engine Repair Resource Center from the library’s database page:
<http://www.myclearwater.com/cpl/databases.asp> 2- Scroll down to Small Engine Repair Resource Center, or choose it from the drop down menu. To access outside the library, your library card and password is required. Login today to find the information you need from a trusted source! This is just one of the many resources brought to you by the Clearwater Public Library. For questions on this, or other resources available, contact the Reference Department at (727) 562-4970, extension 5032.
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12:44 pm - Alternatives to Weight Loss Seminar
Join clinical alternative pharmacist Pamela Seefeld, R. Ph. at the Countryside Library to learn about Alternatives for Weight Loss and Detoxification Tuesday, Feb.12, 2 p.m.
Topics to be discussed include learning how preservatives make you gain weight, foods that assist in weight loss, and what vitamins you should be taking while dieting. Bring your questions about weight loss medications and diets to learn what you can do to lose weight. For more information call (727) 669-1295.
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February 3rd, 2008
02:56 pm - Karate Demonstration at the North Greenwood Library
The North Greenwood Library will present an interactive and exciting Karate presentation for all ages on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. Fifth degree black belt, Shihan Walter Evans, will give the presentation.
For more information call (727) 462-6895.
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02:53 pm - Improvisational Acting for Ages 11 – 18 at the Clearwater Main Library
If you have a passion for theatre, have always wanted to be an actor, and enjoy low-key theatre fun, then come to the Clearwater Main Library for an improvisational acting workshop. The program, for youth ages 11 – 18, is titled “On Stage, Off Stage” and will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, 4:30 p.m.
Amateur actors will practice a short one-act play and perform it for each other. Snacks will be provided.
Call 562-4970, ext. 5236 for more information and to register.
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02:50 pm - Database of the Month - Biography Resource Center
Clearwater Public Library System - Database of the Month (February) Biography Resource Center Is the student in your household writing a report for Black History Month? Do you want to know more about a famous actor, athlete or artist? Curious about Lawton Chiles or want to know who Count Basie is? The Clearwater Public Library has the resource for you! Biography Resource Center contains biographies along with photos of notable people, both current and historic. You can search by name, occupation, nationality, ethnicity, or create a custom search. Biography Resource Center is accessible from the comfort of your home or at the library with a few keystrokes and your library card. Access by following these simple steps: 1- Access Biography Resource Center from the library’s database page: 2- Scroll down to Biography Resource Center, or choose it from the drop down menu. To access outside the library, your library card and password is required. Login today to find the information you need from a trusted source! This is just one of the many resources brought to you by the Clearwater Public Library. For questions on this, or other resources available, contact the Reference Department at (727) 562-4970, extension 5032.
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January 22nd, 2008
12:19 pm - What We're Up To...
Check out some of the stuff that we're reading, watching or listening to...
Linda - Beach The Girl in the Face of the Clock, by Charles Mathes Eight years ago Jane Sailor’s artist father was found unconscious at the bottom of a flight of stars and has been in a coma ever since. Suddenly he begins saying, “ No, Perry, don’t do it. ” Who is Perry, and did he push Sailor? Jane has no idea, but when she finally meets the eccentric, wealthy Perry, she is charmed by him (although she feels he’s not completely honest with her), is surprised he owns a picture painted by her father, and briefly works for him. In the course of this intriguing mystery, Jane makes trips to Seattle & London, tries to track down the woman in Perry’s painting, wonders about the significance of a very ugly clock that’s been in her family for many years and a dragonfly ‘cross’, deals with her father’s totally obnoxious agent, and meets a delightful Englishman. Each of Charles Mathes’ mysteries is a “stand-alone” in which a different female heroine must uncover a dark secret about her past, and each title begins with the words, “The girl.” Baby proof, by Emily Giffin Claudia, a successful career woman, tells Ben she doesn’t want to have children. He readily agrees, but when they are married two years, he changes his mind, and she doesn’t! Since this is a situation that can’t lead to compromise, they quickly divorce. But this is in the first 70 pages! Claudia doesn’t admit it to herself, but she is still very much in love with Ben, so how does she handle being newly single? Will the new man in her life be right for her? To add to everything else, one of her sisters has a husband who’s often unfaithful, another sister wants desperately to have a baby, and her best friend is in a relationship that’s all wrong for her. A very enjoyable novel that will appeal to women of all ages. 12 Again, by Sue Corbett Patrick’s mother, after a very frustrating day, decides to spend the night nearby in the home of her (recently-dead) mother, but she doesn’t returns, and no one knows where she is. Of course, Patrick (age 12), his father and 2 brothers are very worried. Patrick e-mails his mother often, but she never responds. Alternating chapters tell the mother’s story. She has, through some ‘magic,’ accidentally become 12 again and is even in one of Patrick’s classes. Of course, she desperately wants to return to her family and her adult self, but how can she? And why won’t her laptop work? An interesting blend of reality and fantasy that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school students. Jen – East Gluten-Free Girl by Shauna James Ahern Most of my coworkers know I have Celiac Disease and cannot eat gluten, so when they put this book aside for me, I was intrigued. This is a wonderful, wonderful book. It is a Memoir/Cookbook/Ode to food written by Ahern, a true foodie. When Ahern found out she had Celiac Disease, she started to explore the world of food outside of the mass-produced, prepackaged stuff (which is inedible for Celiacs). This book captures her adventurous spirit and is incredibly inspiring for anyone who suffers from the autoimmune disorder known as Celiac. Her experiences were so much like my own, that I had to buy my own copy. The only cure for Celiac Disease is to not eat any food with gluten in it. This is a huge challenge which Ahern ran at with open arms. Read and learn from her experiences about how to avoid getting sick when eating out, cooking for yourself and finding food a friend again, instead of the enemy. I recommend this useful and engaging book to anyone who likes to cook, has friends or family with Celiac Disease, and especially, anyone who suffers from it themselves. She also has her own blog: www.glutenfreegirl.com , which is chocked-full of good advice (and lovely recipes) for anyone living with this challenge. Paula – Main Wow it's been a very busy month for me... I've gone from fiction to non-fiction, music and DVDs. The Collectors by David Baldacci on Playaway. This is book two of the camel club. Although I felt this was slower paced than I would normally like, it still kept my attention. The Collectors is about Annabelle Conroy, a con-artist, seeking revenge on Jerry Bagger, also a con-artist, for killing her mother. She basically robs Jerry blind right from under his nose. As Annabelle's fleeing the country she finds out her ex-husband has been murdered. She assists with the investigation of her ex-husband's death and solves the mystery. In the meantime Jerry Bagger is getting closer to finding Annabelle; however, she doesn't pick up on it, as she's to involved in her ex's murder case. Does he find her and get even...you'll have to find our for yourself! The New Testament on Playaway. I've always wanted to read the New Testament and tried several times, but was not able to read all the way through. So I checked out the New Testament on Playaway and was floored by the dramatization and impressed with the introduction to each book, for it included history. The book of Revelations was to me the most fascinating yet fearful book in the entire bible. If you think Steven King is frightening try Revelations! It'll make the hair on the back of your neck stand, will knock your socks off and it will make you think twice about life. Stitch 'n Bitch by Debbie Stoller. I was in middle school the last time I held knitting needles let alone knit a sweater. My mom still has my sweater (bless her heart). Here I am again in my late thirties trying to remember all the stitches, interpret a pattern, etc. The author has illustrations and easy explanations on how to learn kitting. Some of her comments are a little naught, but funny. According to Debbie Stoller knitting is back in style and people across the nation are knitting together. Thus far I've made 4 scarves and one knitting needle case. Knitting Cafe by Suzan Mischer. Now that I've graduated from scarves I have challenged myself and am knitting a funky, colorful skirt from this book. While figuring out the number of stitches to cast on my needle I ran into a snafu. I racked my brain with the formula provided in the book, but kept coming up with an odd ball number of stitches. So I emailed the author directly and to my gleeful surprise she responded by the end of day and I am now 1/4 of way through my pattern. The author was very friendly over the email as she seems to be is in her book. I really like her patterns and foresee future requests from family and friends. Additionally, there's a really yummy orange muffin recipe in this book - I made it for the husband and kids - they loved it. Country Living: Merry & Bright: 301 festive ideas for celebrating Christmas. With the holiday around the corner I anxiously make my own decorations with the assistance of my children and god-son. This book has plenty of ideas as well as pretty pictures. You're house will glow and feel chic with the newest ideas, cakes cookies, and party favors this holiday season. Gluten-free girl: How I found the foot that loves me back...& how you can too. by Shauna James Ahern This book is about the author's agony and reactions to gluten. She includes plenty of yummy recipes and how to eat gluten free and still enjoy life. The Brazilian bikini body program : 30 days to a sexier body and mind by Joseph, Regina. This book is about eating the Brazilian way. The author uses and encourages the reader to add tropical veggies and fruits to their diet. There are some really yummy recipes, including some very tasty smoothies and an exercise program. I used the book strictly for the recipes; the exercise or diet plan didn't interest me. Enjoy the Ride (CD)by Sugarland. County music CD. A couple good songs - my favorite tune is "Settlin" Feels Like Today (CD) by Rascal Flatts. Country music CD. Some really nice songs - my favorite tune is "Bless the Broken Road". It's so romantic! Complete Clapton (CD) by Eric Clapton. Soft Rock music CD. There are some really great oldies on this CD. I loved all the songs and they brought some great memories of mom dancing around the house. Magic (CD) by Bruce Springsteen. Rock music CD. Absolutely love his raspy voice and the guitar. You'll get the house cleaned in to time! Memory Almost Full (CD) by Paul McCartney. Rock music CD. I'm a McCartney fan and of course a Beatles fan, but was not at all impressed with this CD. Bug (DVD) - It was a little odd, but kept my interest. At the end you'll wonder if they were imagining things or if the government really had something to do with the bugs! Disturbia (DVD) - The beginning of the movie will get you all choked up. As you get into the movie you'll realize what the character is facing and you'll do anything to help him get the bad guy. Lisa – North Greenwood Almost Moon By Alice Seabold Most readers know Alice Seabold from her novel, The Lovely Bones... I was expecting a similar novel, one I couldn't put down. Instead, I found a book that seemed to sit on my nightstand... I finished it, only to see if it would get better and how it would end. It's about a woman, Helen, who kills her elderly mother. The book reveals the next 24 hours after Helen killed her mother. You'll get to know Helen's mother, father, and or course, Helen... It is dark, deep, and reveals the pain of each character. I am not sure I would recommend it, but it is not my least favorite book of 2008. Twilight By Stephenie Meyer This is a young adult book that will appeal to everyone, even if you are not a fan of vampire genre and even if you are not a teen. Bella the new kid in high school, in a new state, meets Edward, who is a vampire. In fact, he is from a family of vampires! Twilight is suspenseful and full of drama. Bella's descriptions of Edward will make any girl want fall in love. The ending is a cliff hanger... Will Bella choose life or death? Luckily there are two more books in this series, so you can figure it doesn't end yet, which is good, because the first book was a good read. Laura – Main Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. It's in the science fiction paperback collection, but it's a fantasy set in Ireland and England. Celtic and druid themes abound, some terrific old legends will be throughout the trilogy. Action, romance, anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction book should enjoy this one, including teens. The good news is that it's the first of a trilogy, all of which we own (or are processing now!). Tracey – Main Just Listen by Sarah Dessen A fairly typical slice of teenage life novel focusing on Annabel Green as she comes to terms with the ups and downs of life. From the angst of her middle sister's eating disorder, to her mother's depression, her family, while seemingly perfect from the outside (as evidenced by the all-glass front house that allows the outside world to view the facade they put on), is seemingly on the mend. However, Annabel's social life has been destroyed one night over the summer. But when she meets Owen, the mysterious loaner, things begin to turn around. Told in real-time and flashbacks, this novel deals with topics such as managing anger, unwanted sexual advances and just growing up. A bit heavy handed with the imagery and symbolism, but overall worth reading. Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters by Alan S. Miller A good example of what I've come to term "sound bite nonfiction", this book was a quick read with several "hmmmm" moments. The premise of evolutionary psychology - that the evolution of human minds has not kept up with the changes in our environment, and that the unconscious reason for everything we do is based on sex and the desire to reproduce - is discussed in short sections with titles such as "Why do men like blonde bombshells (and why do women want to look like them)?", "Why might handsome men make bad husbands?", "What do Bill Gates and Paul McCartney have in common with criminals?" For the first three-quarters of this book, I had few problems with the author's conclusions, and enough "yeah, that makes sense" moments to keep me interested. However, in the last couple chapters, they stretch the concepts of evolutionary psychology to try to explain suicide bombers, why single women travel more than men, and several other questions that I just don't quite buy. But there's enough in the beginning of the book to make it worth picking up. Because of the Times (CD) by Kings of Leon Great garage rock. Strong guitars, rambling thematic songs. Strong, dark lyrics challenge the listener. B.R.M.C. (CD) by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Apparently, I’m in a garage rock phase. Also strong guitars with serious attitude, this is great party music.
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January 18th, 2008
01:17 pm - Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin at the Clearwater Main Library
Conservationist and television host Jeff Corwin will present the lecture and discussion “Tales from the Field,” Saturday, Feb. 2, 1 p.m. at the Clearwater Main Library.
Jeff Corwin will be making his only Florida appearance as he promotes his message of conservation and global warming. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation.
Animal Planet audiences best know Jeff Corwin as the host of The Jeff Corwin Experience. He has made guest appearances on the Today Show, Good Morning America, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Oprah. In 2004, Corwin won an Emmy for best performer in a children’s series. He also co-hosted a series of CNN specials with Anderson Cooper titled, Planet in Peril, about problems facing the environment.
This free event is sponsored by the Clearwater Library Foundation and the Friends of the Clearwater Library. No reservations required, for more information call 562-4970, ext. 5284.
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01:09 pm - Learn About the Civil Rights Movement at Clearwater’s North Greenwood Library
Dr. Lorraine Mayfield-Brown will give an interactive presentation for all ages about the civil rights movement Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. at the North Greenwood Library.
The presentation is being held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It will focus on the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s, which broke the pattern of racial discrimination and segregation of African Americans through non-violent protest.
Call (727) 462-6895 for more information.
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