Belleville Public Library

Free Online eBooks

2012-01-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

Lots of people received Nooks, Kindles, or tablets from Santa! Very soon you will be able to download free eBooks with a Kansas Library Card. Meanwhile, check out these sites for access to free eBooks.

Project Gutenberg-Download books in the public domain (out of copyright). Browse by popularity, genre, and subject. Can transfer to or directly use on a portable device.

ManyBooks-Searches free ebooks from around the web. Converts the free books to more formats than they would previously have been available.

Inkmesh-Book search that includes a browse by subject alongside promotional free ebooks from companies including Baen (science fiction).

AddAll Books-Free ebook browsing includes eHarlequins.

Google eBooks-Download free or pay books here.

Reading just became EZ-ier

2011-12-07T14:14:00.001-08:00

For those who love the convenience of downloading ebooks andaudiobooks to their personal electronic devices, a new opportunity is on the way!

The State Library of Kansas and Belleville Public Library arepleased to announce the Kansas EZ Library of digital books available to allKansas library users.

OneClickDigital for audiobooks can be accessed at thissite www.kslib.info/digitalbooks. Users must have a Kansas Library card thatcan be requested at the Belleville Public Library.

Regular users of the download service will find the newinterface with OneClickDigital much simpler and faster to use. Video and written tutorials are available at www.kslib.info/digitalbooks toassist individuals in using the new service.

In addition, the State Library will begin offering an ebooksolution through 3M Cloud Library soon. Updates for the beginning of this service can be found on the www.kslib.info/digitalbooks site.The Kansas EZ library page also features other free audiobook and ebookresources available to Kansas readers.

On Dec. 5, Kansas ended its six-year contract OverDrive, asource for downloadable books. The books previously available for checkoutthrough OverDrive and possibly on hold for patrons will no longer beaccessible. However, thanks to the diligence of the State Library, many of thetitles popular with customers have been transferred to the new vendors’platforms, and now are available through the two new services.

East Elementary Classes Visit Library

2011-11-17T14:13:00.001-08:00

Classesfrom Republic County East Elementary visited the Belleville Public Library thisweek for Thanksgiving-themed storytimes and library tours. The students were the first to see the newcollection of children’s books from the Libri Foundation.

Eightybooks, with a total retail value of $1,408, are ready to be checked out. The library staff chose the books from alist, and many of them are award-winners. Board books, picture books, chapterbooks and teen books are all part of the grant.

“Theseare the highest-quality children’s books and have really helped our shrinkingbook budget,” says Judy Kisby, children’s librarian.

TheLibri Foundation, based in Eugene, Oregon, supports small rural libraries. The foundation provided $700, which was matchedby $350 from the Friends of Belleville Library, a local organization whichsupports the library. In addition,sixteen top math and science books were added to the grant by the LibriFoundation, at a value of more than $350.

Read to Your Baby...

2011-10-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Smart moms know that reading is one of the most important ways to spend time with their kids, no matter what age they are! Kids love the sound of your voice and the close cuddling that happens when you share a book. Reading together helps them learn language skills and be more prepared for school.

We have lots of great books for kids of all ages at the Belleville Public Library. Check out our sturdy board books for babies and toddlers. Need a refresher on nursery rhymes and songs? We've got lots of great books to help!

Ask a librarian for suggestions for every age and stage of reader.

Submit Your Reviews!

2011-07-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Want to have your review posted on the library's web site? Write a few sentences about a book or movie you've checked out of the library and submit it to leahkrotz@nckcn.com. We'd love to hear your opinions!

2011-06-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Youth Renewing the Countryside is a great book featuring some outstanding young people, all of whom are making a good living in rural areas. Anyone who is pessimistic about the future of rural America needs to read this! Short chapters focus on a wide variety of ambitious young adults who are creating the lives they dream of, and making a difference in their communities. From niche farming to wind energy to the arts, they are the rural America of the future! This should be read by every student in our schools as they think about their future dreams and goals.

Here's what the Amazon.com reviewer had to say, "It's welcome news that across the nation, a hearty crop is taking root. Smart, young people are returning to the roots of American agriculture, roots steeped in a tradition and culture of diversity, quality, and respect for the earth. Full of brilliant color photographs, Youth Renewing the Countryside shares remarkable stories of young people in each state changing the world through rural renewal."

Book Relays at the Library

2011-05-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Once again we celebrated National Library Week with the totally popular Book Relays for 5th - 8th grade students from USD 109. The relays are held when the library is closed so that kids can run and cheer and generally cut loose! The students were divided into relay teams and given a list of items to find in the library as quickly as possible. The teams chose their own names. This year's winners were:

5th grade: “Golden Chimps” Carl Brunner, Michael Snively, Asti Long, Nathan Rice; “Book Lookers” Lynnae Benyshek, Karlie Strutt, Gaven Gowing, Noah Springer.

6th grade: “Wendling’s Warriors” Justin Tietjen, Mikel Cottenmeyer, Darci Stanley, Ben Jacques, Grace Rieke; “Cheesy Monkeys” Kendra Scott, C.C. Ball, Trey Kuhlman, Clayton Titkemeier.

7th grade: “Lightning Bolt” Brett Klima, Heyley Bauer, Noah Cardi, Kerry Picha; “Purple Monkeys” Alexis Johnson, Kalli Valek, Derek Vanous, Ashley Daniels; “Cheesy Dragonflies” Tristan Sis, Lane Shoemaker, Tyler Popelka, Natalie Harcourt.

8th grade: “Champions” Waylon Sheetz, Josh Young, Katelyn Crim, Tia Frey; “Mattimeo” Darci Morley, Matthew Rice, Kayla Frybarger, Bryn Hobelmann.

2011-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Take a Look at Our New Early Literacy Station!

2011-03-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Belleville Public Library’s new Early Literacy Station is the premiere “All-In-One” digital learning center for children ages 2-10. It’s designed to optimize educational effectiveness while making learning fun. As Hedra Packman from the Free Library of Philadelphia says, “Kids don’t have to know they are learning: they just think they are having fun.”

The ELS has an imaginative interface that encourages exploration by readers and pre-readers alike. Children simply move the cursor around the screen and discover all of the exciting programs and activities.

Content is multimedia and educational, and it has all been evaluated by early childhood specialists, educators, and family focus groups using the latest developmental models. The content is selected from the highest rated age appropriate learning programs across seven curricular areas. The resulting combination of 50 superb software titles has been correlated to show how strongly it supports national and state educational standards.

150 “Best” Kansas Books

2010-12-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

It appears that over the years, authors have been prolific in writing about Kansas or using Kansas as a setting for their books. Nearly 300 titles were submitted as potential candidates for the Sesquicentennial-celebrating list compiled by the State Library of Kansas.

As a lead up to Kansas’ 150th Birthday, the State Library solicited recommended books throughout most of 2010. The grassroots project encouraged book title suggestions from anyone—individuals, authors, booksellers, and publishers. Criteria for nominations was simple: a significant aspect of the book must relate to Kansas, its culture, its heritage or be historical in nature; and the book must have a recognizable Kansas author. The book may be fiction or non-fiction, any genre, and suitable for readers of all ages.

“This was an interesting project for us, and unlike anything we’ve done in the past,” said Joanne Budler, State Librarian. “Nearly 300 book titles were submitted—some more than once. All titles are available through Kansas libraries, so readers may have their local library request a book through interlibrary loan if necessary.”

1. 1001 Kansas Place Names, by Sondra Van Meter McCoy and Jan Hults
2. 140 Years of Soul: A History of African-Americans in Manhattan, Kansas, 1865-2005,
by Geraldine Baker Walton
3. 83,000 Square Miles, No Lines, No Waiting: Kansas Day Trips, by Steve Harper
4. Addie of the Flint Hills: A Prairie Child During the Depression (1915-1935), by
Adaline Rogler Sorace
5. Airball: My Life in Briefs, by L.D. Harkrader
6. All Parts Together, by Tom Mach
7. The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton, by Jane Smiley
8. Annals of Kansas, by Daniel Webster Wilder
9. Artfully Done: Food, Flowers & Joy Across Generations, by Roxann Banks Dicker (ed.)
10. The Autobiography of William Allen White, by William Allen White
11. The Battle of Black Jack ‘56, by Dale E. Vaughn
12. Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker, by Robert George Reisner
13. Bleeding Kansas, by Sara Paretsky
14. Bleeding Kansas: Contested Liberty in the Civil War Era, by Nicole Etcheson
15. Bloody Dawn: The Story of the Lawrence Massacre, by Thomas Goodrich
16. Bluestem, by Thomas N. Holmquist
17. Border Warfare in Southeastern Kansas, 1856-1859, by G. Murlin Welch
18. The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians, by Carla Morris, illustrated by Brad Sneed
19. The Bravest of Us All, by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Brad Sneed
20. Brown v. Board of Education: Caste, Culture, and the Constitution, by Robert Cottrol,Raymond T. Diamond and Leland B. Ware
21. Buffalo Spirits, by Elizabeth Black
22. Call the Briefing! Bush and Reagan, Sam and Helen: A Decade with Presidents and the Press, by Marlin Fitzwater
23. Can I Keep My Jersey? 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond, by Paul Shirley
24. The Center of Everything, by Laura Moriarty
25. Chaff in the Wind, by Edna Walker Chandler
26. The Changing Wind, by Don Coldsmith
27. Charlatan: The Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age Of
Flimflam, by Pope Brock
28. Climbing Kansas Mountains, by George Shannon
29. A Curse Dark As Gold, by Elizabeth C. Bunce
30. Ducks Across the Moon: Life on Eight Acres in the Flint Hills, by Ken Ohm
31. Dying and Living on the Kansas Prairie: A Diary, by Carol Brunner Rutledge
32. Early Days in Kansas, by Bliss Isley
33. Echoes of Kansas Basketball: The Greatest Stories Ever Told, Matthew Fulks (ed.)
34. The End of Indian Kansas: A Study of Cultural Revolution, 1854-1871, by H. Craig
Miner and William E. Unrau
35. The Enduring Indians of Kansas: A Century and a Half of Acculturation, by Joseph B. Herring
36. Exodusters: Black Migrations to Kansas After Reconstruction, by Nell Irvin Painter
37. Farming in the Dark: A Discussion About the Future of Sustainable Agriculture, by
Rhonda R. Janke
38. Farming the Dust Bowl: A First-Hand Account from Kansas, by Lawrence Svobida
39. Feisty Family Values, by B.D. Tharp
40. First Dawn, by Judith Miller
41. Flint Hills Cowboys: Tales from the Tallgrass Prairie, by Jim Hoy
42. Folklore from Kansas: Customs, Beliefs and Superstitions, William E. Koch (ed.)
43. Following In His Steps: A Biography of Charles M. Sheldon, by Timothy Miller
44. Forty Years on Main Street, by William Allen White
45. Fragile Hopes, Transient Dreams and Other Stories: A Saga, by Edna Bell-Pearson
46. From Emporia: The Story of William Allen White, by Beverley Olson Buller
47. From Kaw Teepee to Capitol: The Life Story of Charles Curtis, Indian, Who Has Risen to High Estate, by Don C. Seitz; revised and expanded by Nova Cottrell
48. A Frontier State at War: Kansas, 1861-1865, by Albert Castel
49. Ghost Towns of Kansas: A Traveler’s Guide, by Daniel Fitzgerald
50. The Great Kansas Bond Scandal, by Robert Smith Bader
51. The Great Whale of Kansas, by Richard W. Jennings
52. Guide to Kansas Architecture, by David H. Sachs and George Ehrlich
53. The Guide to Kansas Birds and Birding Hot Spots, by Bob Gress and Pete Janzen
54. Haunted Kansas: Ghost Stories and Other Eerie Tales, by Lisa Hefner Heitz
55. Hayseeds, Moralizers, and Methodists: The Twentieth-Century Image of Kansas, by
Robert Smith Bader
56. The History of Rome Hanks and Kindred Matters, by Joseph Stanley Pennell
57. History of the State of Kansas: With Biographical Sketches and Portraits, by William G. Cutler
58. Home on the Range: A Century on the High Plains, by James R. Dickenson
59. Horse of a Different Color: Reminiscences of a Kansas Drover, by Ralph Moody
60. Hunting and Trading on the Great Plains, 1859-1875, by James R. Mead
61. I Married Adventure: The Lives and Adventures of Martin and Osa Johnson, by Osa
Johnson
62. The Ike Files, Mementos of the Man and His Era From the Eisenhower Presidential
Library and Museum, by Brian Burnes
63. I’ll Trade You an Elk, by Charles A. Goodrum
64. In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences, by
Truman Capote
65. Indian Orphanages, by Marilyn Irvin Holt
66. Irish Settlers of Kansas: Memories of the Pioneer Life, by Patricia Callahan
Walkenhorst
67. Jayhawker, by Patricia Beatty
68. The Jayhawker, by Norm Ledgin
69. The Jayhawker Book: A Book of Kansas for Little Kansans, by Emma Humble
70. John Brown to Bob Dole: Movers and Shakers in Kansas History, Virgil W. Dean (ed.)
71. John Steuart Curry: The Road Home, by Alice S. Bertels
72. Kansa Indians: A History of the Wind People, 1673-1873, by William E. Unrau
73. Kansas: A History of the Sunflower State, 1854-2000, by H. Craig Miner
74. Kansas and the West: New Perspectives, Rita Napier (ed.)
75. Kansas Archaeology, by Robert J. Hoard and William E. Banks
76. Kansas Conflict, by Charles Robinson
77. The Kansas Cookbook, by Frank Carey and Jayni Naas
78. Kansas Geology: An Introduction to Landscapes, Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils, Rex
Buchanan (ed.)
79. Kansas in Color: Photographs Selected by Kansas! Magazine, Andrea Glenn (ed.)
80. Kansas Murals: A Traveler’s Guide, by Laura Jost and Dave Loewenstein
81. Kansas Opera Houses, Actors & Community Events, 1855-1925, by Jane Glotfelty
Rhoads
82. Kansas Quilts & Quilters, by Barbara Brackman and Jennie Chin
83. Kansas Wetlands: A Wildlife Treasury, Joseph T. Collins, Suzanne L. Collins and Bob Gress
84. A Kansas Year, by Mike Blair
85. Land Grant Ladies: Kansas State University Presidential Wives, by Michaeline
Chance-Reay
86. Land of the Post Rock: Its Origins, History and People, by Grace Muilenburg and Ada Swineford
87. Landscapes in Kansas, paintings by Robert Sudlow
88. The Last Cattle Drive, by Robert Day
89. The Learning Tree, by Gordon Parks
90. Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland County Singer, by Chely Wright
91. Lincoln’s Little Girl: A True Story, by Fred Trump
92. Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
93. The Loose Change of Wonder, by Steven Hind
94. Lucky & Alex “Not Without a Storm”, by Mike Trost
95. The Long Journey Home, by Don Coldsmith
96. Lucky Russell, written & illustrated by Brad Sneed
97. A Matter of Chastity: The High Plains Saga of a Woman’s Revenge, by Douglas
Yocom
98. Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool
99. Next Year Country: Dust to Dust in Western Kansas, 1890-1940, by H. Craig Miner
100. Not Without Laughter, by Langston Hughes
101. Oceans of Kansas: A Natural History of the Western Interior Sea, by Michael J.
Everhart
102. One Kansas Farmer: A Kansas Number Book, by Devin and Corey Scillian; illustrated
by Doug Bowles
103. Ordinary Genius, by Thomas Fox Averill
104. Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen, by Joe Drape
105. The Peace of the Solomon Valley, by Margaret Hill McCarter
106. Peopling the Plains: Who Settled Where in Frontier Kansas, by James R. Shortridge
107. The Persian Pickle Club, by Sandra Dallas
108. Picnic: A Summer Romance, by William Inge
109. Pioneer Women: Voices from the Kansas Frontier, by Joanna L. Stratton
110. Potscrubber Lullabies, by Eric H. McHenry
111. Prairie Meals and Memories: Living the Golden Rural, by Carolyn Hall
112. PrairyErth: A Deep Map, by William Least Heat-Moon
113. Prancing Dancing Lily, by Marsha Diane Arnold
114. The Price of the Prairie: A Story of Kansas, by Margaret Hill McCarter
115. Prohibition in Kansas: A History, by Robert Smith Bader
116. Revolutionary Heart: The Life of Clarina Nichols and the Pioneering Crusade for
Women's Rights, by Diane Eickhoff
117. Rifles for Watie, by Harold Keith
118. The Rise of the Wheat State: A History of Kansas Agriculture, 1861-1986, George Ham and Robin Higham (eds.)
119. Roadside Kansas: A Traveler’s Guide to its Geology and Landmarks, by Rex C.
Buchanan and James R. McCauley
120. S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet, by Devin and Corey Scillian ; illustrated by Doug Bowles
121. Secrets of the Tsil Café: A Novel with Recipes, by Thomas Fox Averill
122. Section 27: A Century on a Family Farm, by Mil Penner
123. Seeding Civil War: Kansas in the National News, 1854-1858, by H. Craig Miner
124. Sissy!: Book One of the Jessica Radford Trilogy, by Tom Mach
125. Snow Melts in Spring, by Deborah Vogts
126. Sod and Stubble: The Story of a Kansas Homestead, by John Ise
127. Sod-House Days: Letters from a Kansas Homesteader, 1877-1878, by Howard Ruede
128. Spatzies and Brass BBs: Life in a One-Room Country School, by Ken Ohm
129. Speaking French in Kansas and Other Stories, by Robert Day
130. Spoon River Anthology, by Edgar Lee Masters
131. Starwater: Poems, by Denise Low
132. Steal Away Home, by Lois Ruby
133. Time, Politics, and Policies: A Legislative Year, by Burdett A. Loomis
134. A Time to Lose: Representing Kansas in Brown v. Board of Education, by Paul E.
Wilson
135. Title Towns!: Class BB Boys Basketball Champions of Kansas, 1952-1968, by Steven
Michael Farney
136. To the Stars: Kansas Poets of the Ad Astra Poetry Project, Denise Low (ed.)
137. Trail of the Spanish Bit, by Don Coldsmith
138. True Tales of Old-Time Kansas, by David Dary
139. The Virgin of Small Plains: A Novel, by Nancy Pickard
140. A Wall of Men, by Margaret Hill McCarter
141. War to the Knife: Bleeding Kansas, 1854-1861, by Thomas Goodrich
142. West of Wichita: Settling the High Plains of Kansas, 1865-1890, by H. Craig Miner
143. A West Wind Rises: Massacre at Marais des Cygnes, by Bruce Cutler
144. What Kansas Means to Me: Twentieth-Century Writers on the Sunflower State, Thomas
Fox Averill (ed.)
145. What’s the Matter with Kansas?: How Conservatives Won the Heart of America, by
Thomas Frank
146. While I’m Falling, by Laura Moriarty
147. Wildflowers and Grasses of Kansas: A Field Guide, by Michael John Haddock
148. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Kansas Centennial Edition, by L. Frank Baum,
Michael McCurdy, and Ray Bradbury
149. The Worst Hard Times, by Timothy Egan
150. The WPA Guide to 1930s Kansas, by the Federal Writers’ Project of the Work Projects
Administration for the State of Kansas with a New Introduction by James R. Shortridge.
(Originally published in 1939 as Kansas, a Guide to the Sunflower State.)

Coop: A Family, A Farm, and the Pursuit of One Good Egg

2010-12-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

This delightful memoir by Michael Perry, author of Population: 485, and Truck: A Love Story, will have you laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. Perry tells the story of his move to a rural acreage with his pregnant wife and young daughter, interspersed with anecdotes about his own growing up years on a Wisconsin dairy farm. His parents took in more than 60 foster children over the years, many with special needs, and raised all of them with very little money. Perry compares that to his own family life, including an attempt to build a chicken coop, raise hogs for meat, and homeschool his daughter. Perry really "gets" rural life, and he also has a wonderful way with words.

Writing about learning to drive a tractor, he says, "The equivalency is not absolute, but I'll pretty much guarantee you most farm kids remember their first moment at the wheel of a tractor with the approximate clarity of their first kiss. Me? Lisa Kettering, beneath a white pine in the moonlight on the road to Axehandle Lake, and Jerry Coubal's John Deere B through the gate beside the Norway pine with the pigtail twist."

Read Coop, you'll be glad you did!

~Review by Leah Krotz

Library Fun!

2010-11-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

Classes from East Elementary School visited the Belleville Public Library during American Education Week, November 14-20, for special storytimes conducted by children’s librarian Judy Kisby. The stories, games and activities all centered around the theme, “Reading-Smart Eating-Moving…Balance My Day!” The emphasis was on making healthy choices for food, exercise and activity each day.

The library also held a drawing for two copies of the book Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres. Winners were Kelsa Wendt and Kaycee Paredes.

Belleville Telescope and Republic County Freeman Historic Newspapers

2010-10-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Phases 1 & 2 of the Belleville Public Library Historic Newspaper Archive are now available to the public! By clicking on the link below, you can access and search all issues of the Belleville Telescope from 1870 through 2005, as well as the Scandia Journal and other county papers, including Cuba and Munden.

You can search by name, date, and topic~or simply browse through these fascinating historic newspapers. Pages can be printed as well as emailed. If you have questions about searching, please contact the library staff at 527-5305 or bplstaff@nckcn.com.

The permanent link to the Belleville Public Library Historic Newspaper Archive can found by clicking on the "Genealogy and Local History" link on the left-hand side of this page.

Or click here to try it out now!

The final phase of the project will digitize the remaining newspapers in the library's collection, including Narka and Republic. Phase 3 should be completed by the end of 2010, according to Heritage Microfilm, the vendor for the project.

Kids and Puppies At Library Storytime!

2010-09-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

See more cute pics on our Facebook Page!

2010-08-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Check Our Facebook Page For

More Summer Library Pics!

The Belleville Public Library Newspaper Archive was made possible by generous contributions from the following:

2010-04-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sponsors:

The Weary Family Foundation in memory of Robert K. and Dale J. Weary

Mable Whitney Memorial

Elbert & Edna Henry Memorial

Marjo Scott Memorial

Cuba Booster Club

Scandia Museum

Scandia City Library

Enola Boylan

Mike and Lela Knedlik

City of Munden

Duclos Foundation

Donors:

Edna Wichman

Rural Gas

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home

Dr. and Mrs. H.D. Doubek

Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Kelley

Eleanor Navis

Dr. & Mrs. D.L. Scott

Mr. & Mrs. Dean Taylor

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Trecek

Ila Marie Van Nortwick

Marge Waring

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Johnson

Leta Janasek

Jensik Insurance

Mr. & Mrs. Shirley Strnad

Mr. & Mrs. Brent Scott

Hobelmann Farms

Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Westin

Mr. & Mrs. Anton Kriks

Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Crawford

Dr. & Mrs. Nolan Beavers

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Engle

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Holt

Mr. & Mrs. Mel Pruitt

Georgine Surber

Twila Bowersox

Mr. & Mrs. Brent Martin

John Bannister Agency

Dr. & Mrs. Andy Walker

Law Office of Thompson & Thompson

Jim & Dee Erickson

Duane & Virleen Mach

Bob & Sharon Larsen

Myrna Joy

Jerry & Shirley Achtemeier

Jim Novotny

Neva Hermes

Marvin & Donna Shoemaker

Elaine M. Cottam

Robert & Barbara Dejmal

Loren & Sharon Mach

Marlin & Charlotte Havel

James & Joanne McChesney

Judith Dugan

Beverly George

Leroy & Rita Orton

Jack & Eleanor McChesney

Dennis & Mary Piroutek

Melvin & Estel Edwards

Bohman Kunc

William & Lorene Holloway

Rick & Bea Mach

Frank Filipi

Marvin Cossaart

Larry Stevens

Larry & Bernice Kasek

Don Garrison

Ferris Family

Harlan & Alice Fangmaier

Ruth Shepek

Dean Cerny

Paul Shoemaker

Janice Margison

Marcie & Ben Hollaway

Don Slagle

Sherrie Smith

Barbara Spencer

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2010-04-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

“I heard about this book long before I decided to look into it myself. The title is not one easily ignored; and the recommendations from others quickly draw a person into its pages. The cover is opened, and the first letter is being read before you are even aware. Yes, this is a novel comprised entirely of letters between Juliet, the residents of Guernsey, and the people whom Juliet knows as friends; which could be a bit of a distraction to some, if not for the wonderful characters these letters reveal. They speak with their own voice, conveying a true first-person narrative, offering a more complete telling of the story of the island, and how the perils of war affect a people, than only a solitary individual might relay.”

– Wendall, Rotating Books Driver

Hollowing Out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for America

2010-03-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a book we have in the library called Hollowing Out the Middle: the Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for America. The authors studied a small town in Iowa and the students who left and those who stayed and what influenced them.

I can't say I agreed with everything in the book, but it certainly was VERY interesting! I wish everyone interested in economic development or involved with our school system could read this. Actually, anyone who grew up in a rural area or lives in one now should read it.

At the very least, I hope someone else reads it so I can talk about it...so if you do read it, stop by to tell me what you thought, or drop an email to leahkrotz@nckcn.com.

~Review by Leah Krotz

New Movies at the Library

2010-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

New DVDs at the library include a mix of hot new releases, classics, family movies, and more. All DVDs can be checked out for one week for FREE! Here's a sample of our new titles:

Angels & Demons
Anne of Green Gables : a new beginning
The Birds
Driving Miss Daisy
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Ice age : dawn of the dinosaurs
Julie & Julia
Mail Order Bride
The Majestic
Michael Jackson : life of a superstar
My Sister's Keeper
Night at the Museum : Battle of the Smithsonian
Pretty in Pink
Primal Fear
The Proposal
Red Dawn
Reflexology Massage
Return To Me
Roman Holiday
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Soloist
Transformers, revenge of the fallen
Up
Your New Dog and You : a beginner's guide to dog care and training

You can always know the latest DVDs available at the library by clicking on the "New DVDs" link in the left-hand column of this page.

2010-02-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is a big, fat juicy read...perfect for long, late-winter evenings. The story begins with a toddler being taken on board a ship and told to hide and not tell anyone her name by a woman she knows only as "The Authoress." The Authoress never returns and the little girl sails from England to Australia all alone.

The book reveals her story through multiple points of view and over several generations, unfolding more and more of the mystery.

The Forgotten Garden may seem a little confusing at first, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with a fascinating page-turner, one of those "I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night to finish" books.

~Review by Leah Krotz

Notable Book Review – Survival of Rural America: Small Victories and Bitter Harvests

2010-01-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Marcia Allen, Manhattan Public Library, Kansas Notable Books Committee

Why do some small towns thrive while others dwindle away to clusters of abandoned buildings? Author Richard Wood, who grew up in rural Kansas, wanted to find the answer to that question, and in doing so, identified trends that spelled the end for many small communities. The rapid growth of transportation, the decline of the family farm, and the loss of a railroad hub are major causes of decline. But such events do not always spell failure. Some towns have survived through remarkable planning. Wood cites communities which have formed their own private schools, attracting both teachers and students from other areas. And he speaks of admirable efforts that have lured new industries to rural areas.

Wood enlivens his book with accounts from actual Kansas communities. He cites the declining population of Ellsworth County, for example, a direct result of the movement away from family farming. But Wood also describes the success of the citizens of Plainville, who having lost most of their local businesses, contacted Chuck Comeau and convinced him to set up a manufacturing center for quality home furnishings on their dying main street.

Wood has done an admirable job of researching his material. Fascinating tales of small Kansas communities offer a drama which appeals to any Kansan concerned about the fate of the state. This is insightful reading for anyone concerned about the future of rural America.

A video and picture gallery from the Richard Wood’s lecture at the Dole Institute on June 16, 2009 is available at the Institute web site:
Dole Institue Video

2010-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

"I saw on the library web site that you had read The Forgotten Garden. I did too. Just finished it in January and loved it. It is definitely going to be on my favorites list for 2010. I liked the dual time lines in the story. That reminded me of Possession by A. S. Byatt, which was also a wonderful story. It is set in the present and in the mid 1800's and is the story of a modern researcher and two English Victorian poets. Great romance and great stories inside of stories. The Pink Carnation series of books by Lauren Willig also do the dual time line thing and do it well. These books are not as serious as is Possession or Forgotten Garden (they are more light hearted romances) but I really enjoy them."

~Review by Benita Strnad
McLure Education Library
The University of Alabama Libraries

A Name of Her Own

2009-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

The 1st book in the Tender Ties series, "A Name of Her Own," takes you on a voyage into the mind, heart and soul of Marie Dorion. It is the early 1800's and Marie's husband is a French/Canadian interpreter aiding adventurers in a direct route to the Pacific Ocean.

Marie refuses to be left behind with their two sons to raise alone so she joins her husband on the journey that will prove just how strong a womans' courage can be to survive and keep her sons and unborn child alive. Because of bad choices by expedition leaders they are left to wander in the wilderness where she has to search her soul for the courage to do what she must.

If you love historical fiction based on true historical events I can safely say that you will love this book!

~Review by Tanya Cornett

2009-12-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

Warm Up at the Library

2009-10-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee, tea or herbal tea at the library every day! Our new beverage center is open for business, courtesy of the Friends of Belleville Library.

Coffee and a selection of teas are available at no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted to cover the cost of this new service.

Our Boys

2009-09-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's football season, and there's no better read this fall than "Our Boys: a Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen." As a football parent and fan, I found the insights into the Smith Center football legacy fascinating. But the book isn't just about football~it's about small town life, community pride, and family. You'll be glad you read this one!

~Review by Leah Krotz

Mozart's Sister

2009-05-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

This books was wonderful! I've recommended it to friends...it's a 1700's era story of the struggle to survive in a time when women were totally ignored in society and only 1 of every 6 newborns lived.

Review by Bonnie Elliott

Auto Repair, Genealogy, Health Info...Free!

2009-04-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for reliable information on that new prescription? Stumped on a car repair problem? Want to see a newspaper article from the New York Times? Hoping to search for family members in the 1880 census? Want to find a book similar to the one you just finished and loved?

All this information and much more is offered free to citizens of Kansas through the Kan-Ed network. You can access dozens of databases using your Internet connection at home or from the library.

Some of the most popular databases included in the package are: Chilton’s Auto Repair, Health & Wellness Resource Center, Alternative Health Module, ProQuest Nursing Journals, Heritage Quest, Worldbook Encyclopedia, Business & Company Resource Center, Custom Newspapers, Legal Trac, and Novelist. Many more specialized resources are also available.

Access to the databases is easy. Simply scroll down the left side of this page and click on “Online Resources” in the "Web Links" section. For any questions or problems, contact the Belleville Public Library at 527-5305.

Song of the Sparrow

2009-04-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Elaine works at a military camp. She loves Lancelot. When a new girl arrives, Elaine is excited. But the new girl is cruel and mean. When they go into battle together, they have to become friends. I liked the romance.

Review by Kayla Mudd

The Lost Quilter

2009-04-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

In Jennifer Chiaverini's book, a fugitive slave, Joanna, was recaptured and made a quilt with clues to her journey in the blocks and stitching. Over 100 years later, a quilter has that quilt and reconstructs the life of the host quilter. Most of the book chronicles Joanna's life--fascinating story of Civil War era from a slave's view. I especially liked the historical details woven into the fictionalized lives of the characters...excellent, riveting read--not just for quilters.

Review by Kay Dyke

The Broken Window

2009-04-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

In The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver, criminologist Lincoln Rhyme and his partner Amelia Sachs solve a strange murder mystery. There are twists in the story as the true murderer's identity is revealed. It was exciting, although the "high-tech" part was sometimes hard to follow.

Review by Elaine Coonrod

Favorite British Series

2009-04-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

Cranford is a new favorite among the consistently high-quality BBC television series offered at the library. Adapted from the works of Elizabeth Gaskell, author of the highly-popular Wives and Daughters and North and South, Cranford is the story, told with humor and warmth, of a small town and the ladies who try to rule it. The all-star cast includes Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, and more.

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy

2009-04-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

A boy finds a kid and tries to save him. The kid is invisible. I liked this book. It was great!

Review by Brennan Damman

1,000 Reasons Never to Kiss a Boy

2009-04-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

The book is a girl telling her reasons not to kiss a boy. What I especially liked is that some of the reasons are true! It's really good.

Review by Kara Jeardoe

Survival in the Storm

2009-04-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Grace Edward's diary of living in the Dust Bowl with many challenges is a must read. I liked that this is based on a true story and is very realistic.

Review by Micayla Pachta

"The Whole Book is Funny"

2009-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Surf's Up, Geronimo is about a mouse who needs to go on vacation. His cousin sets him up at a place that is just horrible. He is never able to enjoy it. I especially liked the funny parts. Well, actually the whole book is funny. I mean, who could have more bad luck?

Review by Tess Marie Woolsey

Twilight

2009-04-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

This book is about a human who falls in love with a vampire. I enjoyed the love story and the vampire family. A must read!

Review by Anonymous

Babymouse: Queen of the World!

2009-03-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

This book is about a mouse that thinks she doesn't have a good life, then realizes she has a great life. It's really good! I'd recommend it!

Review by Riley Palmer

Can't Put These Down!

2009-03-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers by Harry Bernstein is a book you just can't put down once you start. Berstein's second book, The Dream, is just as good. Everyone I've recommended these to has thought they were great.

~Review by Yvette Larson

The Ghost Map

2009-03-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy non-fiction, try The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson. Johnson vividly describes the conditions in Victorian London that led to the cholera epidemic of 1854. The book describes the work of Dr. John Snow and Rev. Henry Whitehead, who challenged the “miasma theory” that diseases such as cholera or the Black Death were caused by pollution or “bad air”. Intertwined with the story of Dr. Snow’s “mapping” of the cholera deaths are Florence Nightingale and the birth of Queen Victoria’s 8th child. It’s a book with lots of interesting facts, people, and comparisons with 21st century living.

~Review by Judy Kisby

The Title Says It All

2009-03-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Maeve Binchy has a gift for telling stories about ordinary people in ways that make you feel you know and care about them. In her latest book, Heart and Soul, Binchy weaves together the lives of people who are all connected in some way with a heart clinic in Dublin. If you have read her earlier books, such as Scarlet Feather, Whitethorn Woods, or Quentins, you will love learning what's happening now with many of the characters you came to know. And if you like happy endings, there are MANY in store in this book, which somehow manages to tie up nearly every loose end satisfactorily.

~Review by Leah Krotz

A Book You Can't Put Down

2009-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a book that will be hard to put down once you start reading, try "The Last Nazi" by Stan Pottinger. It's a fast-paced thriller that keeps your interest until the end, based on the premise that one of Hitler's henchmen brings the "Final Solution" into the 21st-century in new and diabolical ways.

--Review by Twila Bowersox

Fun Teen Read

2009-01-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Click here (to find out how I survived seventh grade) by Denise Vega features Erin Swift, whose separation from from her best friend for the first time since Kindergarten seems like the worst problem in the world...until her private (and revealing!) web page is published for everyone to see...including her best friend and her secret crush!

Review by Leah Krotz

New Library Catalog

2008-12-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

Starting January 1, you will be able to access the library's new automation system and catalog, Atriuum! Simply click on the "Library Catalog" link to the left to search for books and create bibliographies.

If you had a password for online access in Athena, the former system, the same password should work in Atriuum. From the online catalog home page, click on "My Items" to access your account. "Patron Username or Barcode" is your library card number, and "Patron Pin" is your password. These should not have changed.

After logging in, you can view the items have checked out or placed on reserve, renew items, and place items on reserve. Anyone with a library card can obtain access...just call or visit the library to obtain a password.

The library's catalog can be searched by clicking on the search box at the top of the screen. Additional content about each item can be viewed by clicking on it. This includes book covers, reviews, and more.

We hope you will enjoy our new and improved catalog! Please contact a librarian if you have any questions or problems.

What Are the Friends of the Library?

2008-11-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Now is the time to join the Friends of Belleville Library for 2009! If you renew your membership or join for the first time before January 25 you will be eligible to win the gorgeous Reader's Gift Basket currently on display in the library. Dues are very reasonable, ranging from $2.00 for seniors and students to $8.00 for a family.

Why should you join?

The FOBL has raised more than $30,000 in the past ten years to purchase equipment, furnishings and materials that aren't within the library's budget.

The Friends sponsor free programs ~ book discussions, storytellers, speakers, reenactments, and musical performances.

Friends members represent the library in our community by acting as hosts for receptions and tours, advocating for the library, and keeping their representatives informed of the library's needs.

Friends members provide a valuable pool of talent to assist the library in offering more to the community. Many members volunteer to do special library tasks or to help with FOBL functions.

Support the library ~ be a Friend!

Reading Ideas from Good Reads

2008-10-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

We've recently become fans of the web site "Good Reads." http://www.goodreads.com/

On this site you can find reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other readers, as well as creating your own personal bookshelves of books you've read, are currently reading, or want to read. It's a great way to keep track of what you've read and to share your favorites with others. You can even design cool montages like this one done by library director Leah Krotz. Check out Good Reads...it's a book lover's paradise!

Leah's book montage

Leah Krotz's favorite books »

Key Lime Pie Murders

2008-08-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hannah, the owner of a cookie store, gets caught up in trying to catch a murderer during the local fair. Hannah is also torn between two wonderful men who are vying for her attention. Hannah finds her own life in danger when she tries to solve the murder. This book is something fun to read if you're not in an "intellectual" mode. I especially like her use of recipes that she incorporates into her books.

--Review by Anonymous

Heartstopper

2008-08-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

A small Florida town suddenly experiences the abduction and murder of one of the town's most popular girls. And then there are other disappearances--the problem is that that there are so many suspects! I enjoyed her style of writing as well as her vocabulary usage. The best thing was that I didn't predict who the murderer was until it was revealed. Total surprise!

Review by Anonymous

Full Tilt

2008-08-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Max is all grown up and someone is out to kill him. When he goes to visit his sister he meets someone who is definitely his match. Lots of intrigue and a little romance. The characters are very likable (OK...almost all) and the story keeps you wondering who did it. I really like how she lets you figure it out instead of making it really obvious. A must read!

--Review by Sherrie Larson

A Week From Sunday

2008-07-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Adrianna Moore's father dies, leaving the 20+ year old without any family. But a "friend" of her father and his lawyer tell her on the day of her father's funeral that her father left everything to him, including her, and that they would be married a week from Sunday. Before this could happen, she took her father's car and left. Where she ended up, and with whom, are what this story is about. Really good...I'd recommend it!

--Review by Elaine Coonrod

New Teen Books

2008-06-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Tibballs, Geoff. Ripley's believe it or not : enter if you dare
Wilkins, Jessica. Date rape
Lupica, Mike. Hero
Card, Orson Scott. Pathfinder
Clare, Cassandra. Clockwork angel
Colfer, Eoin. Artemis Fowl : the Atlantis complex
Condie, Allyson Braithwaite. Matched
Funke, Cornelia. Reckless
Kerr, Philip. The five fakirs of Faizabad
Deuker, Carl. Payback time
Forman, Gayle. If I stay
McDaniel, Lurlene. Heart to heart
McDaniel, Lurlene. Why did she have to die?
Roy, Jennifer Rozines, Mindblind
Rudnick, Elizabeth. Tweet heart : a novel in e-mails, blogs, and tweets
Rue, Nancy N. Boyfriends, burritos & an ocean of trouble
Rue, Nancy N. Motorcycles, sushi & one strange book
Rue, Nancy N. Tournaments, cocoa & one wrong move
Strasser, Todd. The wave
Whitney, Daisy. The Mockingbirds
Baratz-Logsted, Lauren. The twin's daughter
Henry, April. Girl, stolen
Peck, Richard, Three quarters dead
Zindel, Paul. The gadget

The Great Debaters

2008-05-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Great Debaters, starring Academy Award winners Denzil Washington and Forest Whitaker, is a powerful movie that uses the story of a group of underdog college debaters and their coach to show what racism and poverty felt like in 1930's rural Texas. The performances by the young actors as well as the veteran stars are outstanding. Roger Ebert calls it "one of the best pictures of the year." Check it out and see what you think!

Amazing Grace

2008-05-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

This story of William Wilberforce, the British statesman who devoted his life to the abolition of the slave trade, is a powerful and moving story. Wilberforce's sprititual guide was John Newton, the former slave trader who became a Christian minister and wrote the beloved hymn, "Amazing Grace." An extra bonus is the most beautiful rendition of the song, "Amazing Grace" at the end of the movie.

The Man Who Ate the 747

2008-05-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

I read the newest review on the library web site and my first thought was yeah, I read that book too. It caught my eye because it was set in Superior, Nebraska. I thought it was a decent book. Not going to set the world on fire - but a decent story. It was a nice love story, and it did have some honest things to say about how small towns are dying. Especially those in the middle of the country. Bottom line for me, it wasn't going to set any best seller records but it wasn't a waste of
time either.

It also struck me that most of the time we don't think that the place we live is extraordinary, but it is. Every town is different because we as people are all different. Every town has a personality and unique things about it. So often those great square states from out west are just overlooked and yet they are wonderful places to live and raise families. Full of promise and a nice life. It was a welcome change to read a novel with a setting in my home area.

Benita Strnad
McLure Education Library
The University of Alabama Libraries

The Man Who Ate the 747

2008-04-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

This quirky book was set in Superior, Nebraska, and follows the story of a man who works for the World Book of Records and ends up in Superior to track the progress of a local farmer, who is grinding up and eating a 747 that crashed in his cornfield. Strangly enough, the book is a love story!

Ben Sherwood should have followed the advice commonly given to writers: write what you know. I grew up 15 miles from the real Superior, Nebraska, and although Sherwood got the geography right, he completely missed the mark with his characters. Guess what? Those of us who live in the Heartland are not caricatures. We don't have ridiculous-sounding names, don't wear new overalls as our "Sunday Best" and don't host parades every time a "New Yorker" comes to town.

The details about agriculture were way off...obviously just thrown in to make the story seem as if it were authentic. A five-minute check could have saved those simple mistakes, but nothing will change the stereotypes that abound. It's too bad, because the premise of the story is unique and the humor is well-done. Bottom line: either write what you know or take the time to get to know the kind of people you're writing about.

Review by Leah Krotz

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse: A Real Page Turner

2008-02-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

Once I started reading this book I finished it in one week. It is a Holy Grail suspense novel and it is a real page turner.

The book features a swashbuckling heroine named Alais whose story toggles between hers and her modern day counterpart Alice Tanner. The Medieval Alais is one of the guardians of the three books that contain the secret of the Holy Grail. The novel is set during the Albigensian Crusades that took place in the Languedoc region of France in the years 1208-1250. The Albigensians are also known as Cathars and were declared heretics by the Catholic Church in 1208. This is one of those works of historical fiction that has lots of tidbits of information and historical knowledge for the reader.

Not only is this a swashbuckler mystery with a medieval heroine; there is also a modern heroine named Alice whose story tags onto the story of Alais and the Cathar guardians of the books of the Grail. This is a "Da Vinci Code" with a better story line, more characterization, and defiantly a more plausible ending.

If you are looking for some adult escapism in a good novel try this book.

Review by Bernita Strnad, librarian and former Republic County resident

Kansas Residents Can Access Free Information and Homework Help!

2008-02-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

It's now easier than ever to access the free homework help and information available through the library. Users no longer have to log in or have a Kansas Library Card to use resources such as Homework Kansas, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, Heritage Quest, LegalTrac and the Kansas Library Catalog. The authentication will occur automatically as long as you are logging in from a Kansas computer.

Homework Kansas is a free online tutoring service for students in Middle School through Junior College. Students can log on and chat with a tutor, who will help them work out problems, proofread papers and give suggestions for further research. Just click on the Homework Kansas link under Web Links on the left side of the Belleville Public Library web site. The service is available from 4:00-11:00 p.m.

People of all ages will find information they can use by clicking on the Online Resources link under Web Links on the left side of the Belleville Public Library web site. Medical databases both for consumers and for nursing students and health professionals can be found here. Heritage Quest allows genealogists to search US federal censuses, family & local histories, tax lists, city directories, and probate records. There are general indexes with access to thousands of magazine and newspaper articles, all searchable by subject. Students can use databases tailored for their needs as well as World Book online.

Audio books, Music & More: You can browse and search hundreds of great titles and download them to your computer, transfer them to a portable device, or burn onto a CD for your reading and listening pleasure anywhere, anytime.

Can't find what you need in your local library? Try searching the Kansas Library Catalog, listed under Web Links on the left side of the Belleville Public Library web site. Clicking on "Kansas Library Catalog" will take you to State Library page; scroll down and look for the Kansas Library Catalog on the left side of the page.

You will be searching the collections of hundreds of Kansas libraries. Once you find the item you want, you can click to purchase it directly from an online bookstore, or print the information and bring it to your Belleville Public Library to borrow it through interlibrary loan. The service is free to our patrons!

Mixed Signals

2008-01-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

"Mixed Signals" by Liz Curtis Higgs is a fun, light Christian romance. It takes place in the world of radio, which adds a fun twist. The characters are believable and real, and there's lots of humor to keep the story moving along. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter are great. This book is available at the library in both regular and large print.

Great Costume Drama

2008-01-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

A staff member recommends the DVD, "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," based on the novel by Thomas Hardy. The acting is great and the story is timeless. Give it a try!

2007-12-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

ACT

Federal Application for Student Aid

FastWeb: Scholarships, Colleges and Financial Aid

Kaarme: Connecting Students and Colleges

SAT

Fantastic Fiction

2007-12-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

The newest link in the "Books and Reading" section of our website is "Fantastic Fiction." This site, organized by author, lists series in order, highlights each author's upcoming publications, and even showcases the cover art of the books. Check it out at http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/.

Fiction Labels Now in Place

2007-10-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

The library has recently finished a big project: labeling the entire adult fiction collection with stickers to make it easier for library users to find what they want. Now, when patrons browse the stacks, they will notice spine labels marking Mystery, Science Fiction, Romance, Western, Fantasy and Christian Fiction.

The labels make it easy to find these genres at a glance. Suspense, thrillers, women's fiction, horror and general fiction were not labeled since many of these books fit into multiple categories.

Don't forget: the library staff is always ready to help if you are looking for a certain type of book or author, or even if you just need some suggestions for a "good read." Check out the link to "What We're Reading" to find book reviews by library staff too!

We Are Marshall

2007-10-11T14:04:00.001-07:00

We Are Marshall is the perfect movie for football season. Based on the true story of Marshall University's "Thundering Herd," the movie depicts the tragic loss of almost the entire football team and coaching staff in a plane crash. As the remaining players, coaches, family members and administrators come to terms with the tragedy, the decision is made to try to rebuild the football program from scratch.

This movie offers humor, courage and some hard-hitting football action all in one package. There's something here for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Check it out today!

Wind at My Back

2007-10-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

For several months, staff and library patrons have been telling me that the Wind at My Back series was their favorite DVD series from the library. My family finally found the time to watch it, and we have to agree...it's really good!

The film takes place in Canada during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Through the story of the Bailey family, the struggles and hardships of that era come vividly to life. The stories are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes humorous, and always told with great authenticity. You find yourself feeling that you know these people!

Wind at My Back was produced by Kevin Sullivan, who also produced the Anne of Green Gables and Road to Avonlea series. Fans of The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie would also enjoy it.

Just as Good

2007-09-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Even if you're a devoted fan of the now-classic BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth, don't be afraid to give the new, movie-length version a try. This Pride and Prejudice has great chemistry between its gorgeous young stars, Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadden. The setting is more earthy and the pace is much faster than the BBC version. The casting, in my opinion, is perfect, down to even the most minor characters. If you've never tried to watch Jane Austen's work before, I recommend this movie as the perfect starting place. (And if you like it, try Emma, starring Gwenyth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam. It's great too!)

A Hard Book to Read

2007-09-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sold by Patricia McCormick is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. It's the story, based on fact, of a 13 year old girl who lives with her family in a hut in Nepal. The family lives in grinding poverty, and Lakshmi's family sends her to a what they think is a job as a maid in the city. In reality, Lakshmi has been sold into slavery and is drugged, beaten, and eventually forced into prostitution. Although it seems impossible, there are actually millions of people in the world today who are enslaved. This book brings home the truth, told in the spare, poetic voice of one young girl. A must read.

Stories to Inspire

2007-09-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Living the 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration by Stephen R. Covey is full of real stories from real people who have triumphed over difficult circumstances, both large and small. Even if you haven't read Covey's classic, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you will still find lots of inspiration in this book. There are stories about marriage, raising children, work, community and more. Also available at the library is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Look for it in our Teen section.

Belleville Public Library Offers Pre-Loaded Digital Audio Books to Patrons

2007-09-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Belleville Public Library has begun offering Playaway – the first self-playing digital audio book—adding this innovative format to their existing collection of audio books on cassette, CD, and online.

Not an MP3 or CD player, Playaway is the self-contained audio equivalent of a book, but is only half the size of a deck of cards. Using six simple buttons, Playaway gives listeners the option of placing bookmarks and controlling the speed of a narrator’s voice, all while easily moving both forward and back through the audio book.

Playaway has a universal headphone jack that works with almost any type of headphone or car adapter. For those who don’t own headphones, the library sells them for $1.00.

“We are a pilot project for this format in Kansas,” says Leah Krotz, library director. “We received a $4,000 grant to pay for a large collection of Playaways, and have just received an additional $3,500 grant because the Playaways have proven to be so popular. There are lots of advantages…no disks or tapes to change, no moving parts, and a small, very sturdy device that’s not much bigger than a credit card.”

The library currently has 110 Playaways in its collection, but plans to double that amount in the next few months. For more information about Playaway at the Belleville Public Library, please contact us at 527-5305.

2007-09-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Teen section of the library has a café atmosphere and teens are welcome to bring food and drinks (with lids) into the area. There are magazines, graphic novels and comics available.

The Teen collection is organized into categories for easy browsing: Fantasy, Humor, Graphic, Suspense, Adventure, Sports, Stories and Real Life.

We have a Teen Volunteer Program for Jr. High & High School students...applications are available at the library.

2007-09-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Children's Services

Our large collection of youth books is divided into age-appropriate categories: Begin Board books are sturdy books designed for babies and toddlers. Begin books are picture books for toddlers and preschoolers. Begin Readers are for children learning to read on their own. Juv books are chapter books for elementary students up to about 6th grade.

We also have children’s DVDs, videos, computer software, magazines and music available for check-out. A computer with children’s educational software is located in our children’s room.

Children’s programs include:

Preschool Story Time for children aged three through five.

Toddler Lap-Sit Story Time for children aged two or almost two.

Summer Reading Program for preschool through adults.

Have YOU Read It Yet?

2007-09-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from Amazon.com

Readers beware. The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling's spellbinding series is not for the faint of heart--such revelations, battles, and betrayals await in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end unscathed. Luckily, Rowling has prepped loyal readers for the end of her series by doling out increasingly dark and dangerous tales of magic and mystery, shot through with lessons about honor and contempt, love and loss, and right and wrong. Fear not, you will find no spoilers in our review--to tell the plot would ruin the journey, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an odyssey the likes of which Rowling's fans have not yet seen, and are not likely to forget. But we would be remiss if we did not offer one small suggestion before you embark on your final adventure with Harry--bring plenty of tissues.

The heart of Book 7 is a hero's mission--not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man--and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself. Attentive readers would do well to remember Dumbledore's warning about making the choice between "what is right and what is easy," and know that Rowling applies the same difficult principle to the conclusion of her series. While fans will find the answers to hotly speculated questions about Dumbledore, Snape, and you-know-who, it is a testament to Rowling's skill as a storyteller that even the most astute and careful reader will be taken by surprise.

A spectacular finish to a phenomenal series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a bittersweet read for fans. The journey is hard, filled with events both tragic and triumphant, the battlefield littered with the bodies of the dearest and despised, but the final chapter is as brilliant and blinding as a phoenix's flame, and fans and skeptics alike will emerge from the confines of the story with full but heavy hearts, giddy and grateful for the experience.

--Daphne Durham

New DVDs

2007-09-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

10 minute solution, blast off belly fat
Annie's Point
Back to you and me
Basic yoga workout for dummies
The best government money can buy?
Beyond the prairie : the true story of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Carman the champion
Charlie St. Cloud
Dance lessons 101 : the basics & beyond
Dance with Julianne.
A dog year
Eat pray love
Eclipse
Ever after
Flipped
The golden rules : a modern guide to traditional engagement.
Hip hop party
John Deere action.
Journey to the center of the Earth
Just Wright
The karate kid
Lark Rise to Candleford: Season three
The last airbender
The legend of Rin Tin Tin
Legend of the guardians : the owls of Ga'Hoole
The librarian : curse of the Judas chalice
Like dandelion dust
The long walk home
The making of the King James Bible
Nanny McPhee returns
The Pacific
Party line dances
Personal training with Jackie : power circuit training.
Pilates weight loss for beginners
The prize winner of Defiance, Ohio
Secretariat
The shaggy dog
Shrek forever after : the final chapter
Snowbound
The sorcerer's apprentice
Sounder
That thing you do!
Valentine's Day
Veiled voices

New Fiction

2007-09-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Albert, Susan Wittig. The Darling Dahlias and the cucumber tree
Alexander, Robert, The Romanov bride
Baldacci, David. Hell's corner
Bass, Jefferson. Bones of betrayal
Beaumont, Nicola. Silent witness
Beck, Jessica. Fatally frosted
Bowers, Terrell L. Konniger's woman
Bradford, Barbara Taylor, Playing the game
Bricker, Sandra D., Always the baker, never the bride
Brooks, Terry. Bearers of the black staff
Calvert, Candace, Code triage
Calvert, Candace, Critical care
Calvert, Candace, Disaster status
Canadeo, Anne, Knit, purl, die
Canadeo, Anne, While my pretty one knits
Carl, JoAnna. The chocolate cupid killings : a chocoholic mystery
Carlson, Melody. Christmas at Harrington's
Carr, Robyn. The house on Olive Street
Carr, Robyn. A summer in Sonoma
Clancy, Tom, Dead or alive
Coel, Margaret, The spider's web
Coffey, Billy. Snow day : a novel
Coleman, Lynn A. Key West : four complete novels of building community and love
Cussler, Clive. Lost empire
Dalby, Rob. A Piggly Wiggly wedding
Davies, J. D. Gentleman captain
Deaver, Jeffery. Edge : a novel
Dekker, Ted, Immanuel's veins
Evans, Nicholas, The brave : a novel
Evans, Richard Paul. Promise me
Fisher, Suzanne Woods. The choice : a novel
Fisher, Suzanne Woods. The search : a novel
Fisher, Suzanne Woods. The waiting : a novel
Flagg, Fannie. I still dream about you : a novel
Forsyth, Frederick, The Afghan
Gingrich, Newt. Valley Forge : George Washington and the crucible of victory
Grisham, John. The confession
Haines, Carolyn. Bone appetit
Haines, Carolyn. Buried bones
Haines, Carolyn. Crossed bones
Haines, Carolyn. Hallowed bones
Haines, Carolyn. Splintered bones
Haines, Carolyn. Them bones
Harper, Karen Down river
Harris, Rosie, Whispers of love
Hart, Carolyn G. Laughed 'til he died : a death on demand mystery
Hauck, Rachel, Dining with Joy
Heitzmann, Kristen. Freefall
Hickam, Homer H., Red helmet
Hoffman, Alice. The red garden
Hunter, Stephen, Night of thunder : a Bob Lee Swagger novel
Jenkinson, Noelene. Loving Lucy
Jiles, Paulette, The color of lightning : a novel
Karon, Jan, In the company of others : a Father Tim novel
Kelton, Elmer. Texas standoff : a novel of the Texas Rangers
King, Stephen, Full dark, no stars
King, Susan, Queen hereafter : a novel
Koontz, Dean R. What the night knows : a novel
Lescroart, John T. Damage
Levine, Laura, Death of a trophy wife
Lewis, Beverly, The thorn
Love, C. J. Ring around his heart
Macomber, Debbie. An ideal marriage?
Macomber, Debbie. Midnight sons.
Macomber, Debbie. Orchard Valley brides
Maron, Margaret. Christmas mourning
Matlock, Curtiss Ann. Chin up, honey
Matlock, Curtiss Ann. Cold tea on a hot day
Matlock, Curtiss Ann. Little town, great big life
Meier, Leslie. Wicked witch murder : a Lucy Stone mystery
Morton, Kate, The distant hours : a novel
Myers, Tamar. Butter safe than sorry : a Pennsylvania Dutch mystery with recipes
Patterson, James, Cross fire
Peterson, Tracie. City of Angels
Peterson, Tracie. Embers of love
Peterson, Tracie. Hearts aglow
Peterson, Tracie. New Mexico sunrise : faith and love hold generations together in four complete novels
Pierson, C. Allyn. Mr. Darcy's little sister
Portis, Charles. True grit
Reading, Mario. The Nostradamus prophecies
Robb, J. D., Creation in death
Robb, J. D., Indulgence in death
Robb, J. D., Salvation in death
Robb, J. D., Strangers in death
Roberts, Nora. Forever
Roberts, Nora. Happy ever after
Roberts, Nora. Western skies
Rollins, James, The doomsday key : a [upper case Greek letter "sigma"] sigma force novel
Rosenberg, Joel C., Dead heat
Rosenberg, Joel C., The last jihad
Rosenberg, Joel C., The twelfth Imam
Ross, Ann B. Miss Julia stands her ground
Sawyer, Kim Vogel. Courting Miss Amsel : a novel
Scottoline, Lisa. Lisa Scottoline : the first two novels : Everywhere that Mary went and Final appeal
Shreve, Anita. Rescue : a novel
Sundin, Sarah. A distant melody : a novel
Sundin, Sarah. A memory between us : a novel
Tapply, William G. The nomination : a novel of suspense
Tessaro, Kathleen, The debutante
Willig, Lauren. The mischief of the mistletoe
Woods, Sherryl. Home in Carolina
Woods, Sherryl. Honeysuckle summer
Woods, Sherryl. Sweet tea at sunrise
Woods, Stuart. Strategic moves
Yancey, Richard. The highly effective detective plays the fool

2007-09-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

WPA Art Collection

Stop by any time to view the Belleville Public Library's collection of WPA (Works Progress Administration) art, now on permanent display in the library's meeting room/art gallery.

Kansas was one of only three states to create a museum project through the WPA. Workshops in seven Kansas communities produced handicraft and visual aid materials, which were distributed throughout the state to educational institutions. The Belleville Public Library was one of those recipients, and in 1938 the library received its first WPA Museum collection.

Over the years, the items were stored at the library and rarely displayed. Now, thanks to grant funding through the Kansas Humanities Council and generous local donors, this wonderful collection of vintage WPA handicrafts is once again available to the public. The library’s collection includes 17 pairs of costume dolls, 43 prints of Kansas landmarks by Margaret Whittemore, 5 paintings of Kansas wildflowers by Avis Chitwood, 6 intricate wooden models, and one horn carving.

Belleville is also home to several other WPA sites, including the Art Deco style swimming pool, bathhouse, band shell, and park buildings, as well as the native stone grandstand at the fairgrounds. All are still in use today.

Republic County’s unique Art Deco/Moderne courthouse was built under the auspices of the PWA (Public Works Administration), another New Deal relief program. The courthouse on Belleville’s downtown square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized in the National Trust Guide to Art Deco in America.

A Birger Sandzen mural, “Kansas Stream,” was funded under the Treasury Department's Section commissions. It is located in the Belleville Post Office.

Your Belleville Public Library...At Home!

2007-09-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you can search the library's card catalog online? Just visit our web site at www.bellevillelibrary.org and look under the picture for a link that says "Search our catalog and place reserves."

If you have a library card and have chosen a password, you can also use the link that says "check due dates and renew." From here you can see everything you have checked out and even renew your own library materials (as long as they're not overdue!)

Questions? Call or stop by the library and we'll be glad to show you how it works!

Wireless Internet Available

2007-09-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Belleville Public Library offers free high-speed wireless Internet access to the public. Patrons may bring in their own laptop computers to use the Internet anywhere in the library. Wireless access is also available for classes, meetings and workshops held in the library’s meeting room.

The necessary equipment for the network was funded by the Friends of Belleville Library organization. The library’s high-speed Internet access is provided by Cunningham Cable through a grant from Kan-Ed, a legislative initiative to improve Internet access throughout the state.

2007-09-05T14:56:00.001-07:00

Google

Ixquick

Yahoo

2007-09-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

A Book and a Hug: Matching Kids with the Perfect Book

Accelerated Reader Lists

Candlewick

Funschool.com

HomeworkKansas Free Online Tutoring

KidsClick!

Scholastic Kids' Fun Online

Seussville, Thomas the Tank Engine and More!

Yahooligans

2007-09-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Access Kansas

Blue Skyways of Kansas

Kansas Health Online

Kansas Humanities Council

Kansas Legal Services

Kansas Legislative Information

Kansas Library Catalog

Kansas Memory

Kansas Rural Resource Directory

North Central Kansas Community Network

State Data Center

2007-09-05T14:28:00.001-07:00

American Yellow Pages

Britannica Online

Firstgov.gov - the US Government Portal

The Internet Movie Database

Kelly Blue Book

Librarian's Index to the Internet

MapQuest

Medline Plus Health Information

Online Databases

I-Tools! Your One-Stop Reference Desk

Political Fact Check

Snopes - the truth behind the rumors

Switchboard

The Weather Channel

Zip Codes

2007-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Genealogy and Local History

Our local history collection includes Republic County newspapers, state and federal censuses, and land plats on microfilm. We also have cemetary and marriage records indexed by surname, along with many community, church, school and family histories pertaining to Republic County. Click here to see what's available in our collection:

Belleville Public Library Genealogy & Local History Collection

Historic Republic County Newspapers Online

We invite you to visit our library to spend as much time as you like using our collection. If you are unable to visit in person, we do genealogy research for a nominal fee of $8.00 per half hour of staff time and a fee of 20¢ per copy. We also ask for a self addressed, stamped envelope to be included. We will not mail research information out until fees are paid.

Charges will apply for work done, even if we are not able to find the requested information.

Please do not send any payment until all research has been completed and you have been notified.

We ask for your patience as our research is done as time permits. This could be a day or this could be two months, since serving our local library patrons has to be our first priority.

Requests may be mailed to:
Belleville Public Library
1327 19th Street
Belleville, Kansas 66935

Or e-mailed to:
bplstaff@nckcn.com

Following are some links you may find helpful:

American Last Names

Ancestry HomeTown

Belleville Public Library Historic Newspaper Archive

Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet

History of Republic County 1901

Index to 1964 "History of Republic County"

Kansas Memory

Kansas State Historical Society

Roots Web

SEKLS Genealogy Bibliography

Treasure Maps

US GenWeb Project

2007-09-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com

A Book and a Hug: Matching Kids with the Perfect Book

AddALL Book Search and Price Comparison

Children's Literature Web Guide

Fantastic Fiction

Good Reads

Historical Novels.info

Kansas Center for the Book

Kansas Library Catalog

Non-Fiction That Reads Like Fiction

Publisher's Weekly Bestseller Lists

The SF Site: The Best in Science Fiction and Fantasy

The Mystery Reader

The Romance Reader

TeenReads.com

What Should I Read Next?

What's Next?

2007-09-05T12:20:00.001-07:00

Gmail

Hotmail

Netscape

Yahoo!

A Literate Mystery

2007-09-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

The latest thing I've read is "Death in Holy Orders" by P.D. James, a British author of mysteries featuring detective Adam Dalgliesh. I especially enjoyed the setting...a Church of England seminary on a remote, windswept coast. The library has several novels by James if you'd like to give one a try!

2007-09-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

People at the Library

Library Staff

Leah Krotz, Director
Yvette Larson, Assistant Director
Judy Kisby, Children's Librarian
Tanya Cornett, Public Services Librarian
Mildred Williams, Library Aide
Tasha Clark, Custodian

Library Board of Trustees

John Eyer, President
Mike Knedlik, Vice-President
Kay Rieke, Secretary
Bruce Ball, Treasurer
Darla Joy
Dawn Surber
Sara Van Horn

The library board meets on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., in the meeting room of the Belleville Public Library.

Friends of the Belleville Library Board of Directors

Jewelda Scofield, Chair
Harriet Goff, Vice-Chair/Programming
Susie Jelinek, Secretary
Betsy Evert, Treasurer
Jodi Ball, Membership
Staci Strnad, Volunteer and Calling
Jenny Pachta, Nominating
Leora Rundus, At Large

2007-09-04T13:35:00.001-07:00

Belleville Public Library Foundation:
Building the Future

The purpose of the Library Fund in the Republic County Community Foundation is to provide long term and stable support for the Belleville Public Library.

Our goal is to promote the development of services and resources necessary to meet the evolving educational, recreational and informational needs of the community. The Belleville Library Fund is available for memorial gifts, bequests and planned giving.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to make financial contributions to the Library Fund to assure that the Belleville Public Library can continue its exceptional service far into the future.

For more information or to make a donation online, visit http://www.republiccountycf.org/index.html. You may also contact library director Leah Krotz at 785-527-5305 to make a contribution or receive further information.

2007-09-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Belleville Public Library Internet Access

Wireless Internet access is available throughout the library. Internet access is also available at five wired workstations. Printing in both black-and-white and color is available.

In order to assure fair accessibility for all, we ask that you abide by these Internet Access Guidelines:

User must have a valid Belleville Public Library card (except for wireless use or one-time guest use).

Patron (or parent/guardian if patron is under 18 years of age) must read and sign the library's Internet Use Agreement.

An adult must accompany children under age 8 when using the library's public access computers (except for online card catalog).

Internet access will be available, subject to periodic maintenance, during the library's regular open hours. Users must sign in at the front desk before using the library’s public access computers (except for online card catalog).

Use of the Internet access computer will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Those using the Internet access computer will agree, as a condition of use, that if another patron is waiting or a library staff member needs to use the computer for library-related tasks, they will make the computer available within 15 minutes of being informed by library staff that another person is waiting.

Patrons may not save files onto the computer’s hard drive. Patrons will use only the software provided for their use and may not load any other software on the computer hard disk drive.

There is a twenty cent charge for each page printed. Patrons will be charged for multiple copies printed.

Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of your computer privileges.

Unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Destruction or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library.
Unauthorized monitoring (or disruption of) electronic communications.
Unauthorized use or destruction of data of other users.
Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected data.
Harassing, libeling, or slandering other users.
Accessing material that is considered offensively inappropriate by community standards.

If you feel your computer usage has been unduly restricted, you may contact the library board with a written request for reconsideration.

Illegal acts involving library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal officials.

Recent Gifts and Memorials

2007-09-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

Friends of Belleville Library--Cash gift

Ralph Kueker Memorial--Book

Neal Eickman Memorial--Book

Margaret Lachman--Cash gift

Friends of Belleville Library--Cash gift

Dora Devore Memorial--Book

Evelyn Bohling Memorial--Books

Athel Scott Memorial--Book

Katherine Hadachek Memorial--Books

Bernice Joy Memorial--Book

Fred Gleue Memorial--Books

Nathaniel Hadachek Memorial--Books

Betty Makalous Memorial--Book

John (Bud) F. Young Memorial--MP3-Audios

Cliff & Betty Makalous Memorial--Book

Republic County FCE Council--Cash gift

Touchstone Club Cash--gift

Friends of Belleville Library--Clock

Robert D. Fiser Memorial--Books

Harry Marty Cash--gift

Chris Garner--Books
In memory of Holly Bear, Beloved Black Labrador

Rosa Keller Memorial--Book

Friends of Belleville Library--Cash gift

Linda Melton--Cash gift

Edward & Carol Novak--Books

Friends of Belleville Library--Flag

Nathaniel Hadachek Memorial--Books

Milan Rataj Memorial--Book

Hal Ramsbottom Memorial--Book

Melissa Arbuthnot--Cash gift

Alfred & Luella Blackwood Memorial--Book

Pat Hanzlick--Cash gift

Roine Tegethoff Memorial--Books

Mable Whitney Memorial--Book

Landmark Church--Cash gift

Reuben Coonrod Memorial--Book

Larry Tuma Memorial--Books

Timothy E. Gottschalk--Cash gift

Friends of Belleville Library--Cash gift

Weary Foundation--Cash gift

Anonymous--Cash gift

Mable Whitney Memorial--Cash gift

Edna Wichman--Cash gift

2009 Rural Gas, Inc.--Cash gift

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home--Cash gift

Dr. Herb & Lou Doubek--Cash gift

Clarence & Alice Kelley--Cash gift

Eleanor Navis--Cash gift

Dr. Duane & Marjo Scott--Cash gift

Dean & Ilah Taylor--Cash gift

Bob & Glennis Trecek--Cash gift

Ila Marie Van Nortwick--Cash gift

Marge Waring--Cash gift

Harold & Betty Johnson--Cash gift

Leta Janasek--Cash gift

Jensik Insurance--Cash gift

Shirley & Phyllis Strnad--Cash gift

Brent & Rachelle Scott--Cash gift

Hobelmann Farms--Cash gift

Chuck & Carolyn Westin--Cash gift

Anton & Doris Kriks Cash--gift

Curtis & Phyllis Crawford--Cash gift

Nolan & Holly Beavers--Cash gift

Alan & Lanie Engle--Cash gift

2007-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Contact Us

Belleville Public Library
1327 19th Street
Belleville, Kansas 66935

Phone or Fax 785-527-5305

Leah Krotz, Library Director: leahkrotz@nckcn.com
For Genealogy or Reference requests: bplstaff@nckcn.com

www.bellevillelibrary.org

2007-08-31T14:09:00.003-07:00

Friends of Belleville Public Library

How Do Friends of the Library Help?

Raising money to purchase equipment and materials that aren't within the library's budget
Sponsoring informative programs to enlighten and entertain
Representing the library in our community and county
Volunteering to do special library tasks
Acting as hosts for receptions and tours
Keeping their representatives informed of the library's needs
Providing a valuable pool of talent to assist the library in offering more to the community

What Do Friends of the Library Receive?

The satisfaction of participating in the library's continuing growth and improvement
Special recognition as an informed, involved patron
The opportunity to make an educational and political impact
The chance to work for community improvement and to enhance our quality of life
A subscription to the Between Friends newsletter

FOBL Board of Directors

Jewelda Scofield, Chair
Harriet Goff, Vice-Chair/Programming
Susie Jelinek, Secretary
Betsy Evert, Treasurer
Jodi Ball, Membership
Staci Strnad, Volunteer and Calling
Jenny Pachta, Nominating
Leora Rundus, At Large
Leah Krotz, Library Director & Publicity

Membership Dues

Adult $5.00/year
Senior Citizen $2.00/year
Student $2.00/year
Family $8.00/year
Patron $20.00/year
Lifetime $100.00

2007-08-31T14:09:00.001-07:00

Services of the Belleville Public Library

Books, tapes, videos, and CD-ROMs - loaned for 3 weeks. Magazines, new fiction and DVDs - may be checked out for 1 week.

Weekly Story Time for children ages three through five.

Toddler Lap-Sit Story Time for children aged two or almost two.

Summer Reading Program for pre-school through sixth grade children.

Adult and Young Adult Summer Reading Program for seventh grade and up.

Teen Volunteer Program - for junior high and high school youth.

Library Tours - for students, groups and organizations.

Meeting Room - free use for public meetings.

Renewal of library materials by phone, in person, email or web.

Interlibrary loan - borrow almost any item from our network of libraries.

Basic computer and Internet classes.

Equipment Available for Rental - DVD player, VCR, overhead projector, video camera, LCD projector.

Equipment Available for Check-Out (no charge) - electronic keyboard, screens (3 sizes), cassette player, slide projector.

Copier/Scanner (black & white copies, 20 cents, color copies, 50 cents).

AV Materials - videos, books on tape, slide kits, and children's books with cassettes.

Free access to the Internet.

Microfilm Reader with plain paper printer; censuses and local newspapers on microfilm.

Local History Collection - includes genealogy resources, oral histories, and online collection of Republic County newspapers and censuses.

Talking Books for the blind and physically handicapped.

Book Delivery for the homebound.

Large Print Books - more than 2000 to chose from.

Magnifiers and vision aides to check out.

Puppets and Storytelling Materials for use by teachers.

Idea Box - games, pictures, and activities to check out.

Federal and state income tax forms

Travel Packets - current maps and tourist information for each state.

2007-08-31T14:08:00.001-07:00

Belleville Public Library's Circulation FAQ's

Who can check out items from the library?

Anyone may borrow from the library freely and without charge. Charges made by other libraries for interlibrary loans will be passed on to the user.

Do you deliver books?

A Belleville resident, who is homebound, temporarily or permanently, may have books delivered to his/her home. Library staff members or volunteers will check out, deliver, and pick up books.

How long can I keep items I check out?

New fiction books, DVDs and magazines will be checked out for one week. All other materials are checked out for three weeks.

Can I rent Audiovisual Equipment?

Yes, if you are 14 years old or older and have a valid library account.
Rental fees are:

$3.00 per day: Overhead projector, DVD Player, Video Player, Video Camera.

$10.00 per day: LCD projector.

No charge: Electronic Keyboard, Audio Cassette Player, Magnifiers, Slide Projector, Portable Screens (large, medium or small).

What if I'm late returning my items?

Fines for all library materials are five cents per day, after a grace period of three days. Fines do not accrue on Sunday and holidays. The maximum total fine on any one item is $3.00.

Fines for Interlibrary loan items borrowed from another library will be $1.00/day after a three-day grace period. There is no maximum fine limit.

What if I lose something I've checked out?

All library patrons are responsible for the materials they have in their possession. Patrons will be charged for negligent damage. If the item(s) is lost or damaged beyond repair the charge will be the retail cost for a new replacement. If it's repairable, a $3.00 damage fee will be assessed.

Please call, email, or stop by the library if you have other questions or concerns. We want to work with you to resolve any problem that might occur.

2007-08-31T14:07:00.001-07:00

Library Hours

What We're Watching

2007-08-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

I spent some late nights catching up on the most recently released "Monarch of the Glen" series. This is a well-done BBC television show about a modern family trying to hang on to their ancient Scottish estate. The characters really pull you in...you'll laugh and cry and feel like you live in Glenboogle, too, by the time you're done watching. The entire series is available on DVD from the library...all DVDs can be checked out for one week at no charge.

What We're Reading

2007-08-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've just started the newest "Aunt Dimity" mystery..."Aunt Dimity Goes West" by Nancy Atherton. These books are the ultimate "cozies," set in an idyllic English village. They've got it all...eccentric neighbors, an intrepid heroine, equal helpings of mystery and romance, a helpful ghost and even a recipe in each book. The library has 11 Aunt Dimity books and each one is as light and comforting as a good cup of tea!

Belleville Public Library

Free Online eBooks

Reading just became EZ-ier

East Elementary Classes Visit Library

Read to Your Baby...

Submit Your Reviews!

Book Relays at the Library

Take a Look at Our New Early Literacy Station!

150 “Best” Kansas Books

Coop: A Family, A Farm, and the Pursuit of One Good Egg

Library Fun!

Belleville Telescope and Republic County Freeman Historic Newspapers

Kids and Puppies At Library Storytime!

The Belleville Public Library Newspaper Archive was made possible by generous contributions from the following:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Hollowing Out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for America

New Movies at the Library

Notable Book Review – Survival of Rural America: Small Victories and Bitter Harvests

A Name of Her Own

Warm Up at the Library

Our Boys

Mozart's Sister

Auto Repair, Genealogy, Health Info...Free!

Song of the Sparrow

The Lost Quilter

The Broken Window

Favorite British Series

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy

1,000 Reasons Never to Kiss a Boy

Survival in the Storm

"The Whole Book is Funny"

Twilight

Babymouse: Queen of the World!

Can't Put These Down!

The Ghost Map

The Title Says It All

A Book You Can't Put Down

Fun Teen Read

New Library Catalog

Top Ten Reasons to Read

What Are the Friends of the Library?

Reading Ideas from Good Reads

Leah's book montage

Key Lime Pie Murders

Heartstopper

Full Tilt

A Week From Sunday

New Teen Books

The Great Debaters

Amazing Grace

The Man Who Ate the 747

The Man Who Ate the 747

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse: A Real Page Turner

Kansas Residents Can Access Free Information and Homework Help!

Mixed Signals

Great Costume Drama

Fantastic Fiction

Fiction Labels Now in Place

We Are Marshall

Wind at My Back

Just as Good

A Hard Book to Read

Stories to Inspire

Belleville Public Library Offers Pre-Loaded Digital Audio Books to Patrons

Children's Services

Have YOU Read It Yet?

New DVDs

New Fiction

WPA Art Collection

Your Belleville Public Library...At Home!

Wireless Internet Available

Genealogy and Local History

A Literate Mystery

People at the Library

Belleville Public Library Foundation:Building the Future

Belleville Public Library Internet Access

Recent Gifts and Memorials

Contact Us

Friends of Belleville Public Library

How Do Friends of the Library Help?

Belleville Public Library Foundation:
Building the Future