Thursday, October 19, 2006

Back from vacation... to an upgrade

Hey all,

Just back from a trip to Albany, NY to attend the wedding of my mother-in-law. It was a great time.

This arrived while I was gone:

PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kim Harp, Legislative Reference
State Library of Kansas
300 SW 10th Ave Rm 343-N
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2149
kimh@kslib.info

Free Software Streamlines Download Audiobook Use

Topeka, KS 10/17/06

Have you tried downloading a book from the State Library’s Audiobooks, Music and More yet? Now Overdrive gives you one more reason why you should go to http://kansas.lib.overdrive.com to download your next audiobook.

Overdrive, Inc., a leading digital media distributor, announced today the release of Version 2.1 of OverDrive Media Console, free PC desktop software that enables download, management, and playback of digital audiobooks, music, and video. This free upgrade includes “Transfer Wizard,” a feature that with two mouse clicks transfers a downloaded audiobook from a PC to supported portable MP3 players. It is even easier than before!

The new software, available at http://www.overdrive.com/MediaConsole/, also provides audiobook listeners with book marking, speed adjustment, chapter navigation, resume from furthest point played, and hot key navigation features.

Audiobooks, Music and More! provides access to thousands of award-winning audiobook titles from the leading publishers, authors, and narrators including new best sellers by John Grisham, Richard Patterson, Tom Clancy, Amy Tan, Janet Evanovich, Mitch Albom, David Sedaris, Dave Barry, Meg Cabot, Dean Koontz and hundreds more.
Users of earlier versions of OverDrive Media Console 2.0 will be prompted to update to the newer version. All new patrons of Kansas libraries will automatically be offered this new release.
For more information on Audiobooks, Music and More! contact the State Library at 785-296-3296 or audiobooks@kslib.info.

###

Monday, October 02, 2006

And they don't call it a Laptop because?...

CPSC Releases Tips on Notebook Computer Use

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2006
Release #06-271 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



CPSC Releases Tips on Notebook Computer Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Notebook computers are now a part of modern life. They can be found in offices, schools and homes across the country. There are tens of millions of portable computers in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 47 incidents involving smoke or fire associated with notebook computers, from January 2001 through August 2006. To promote safe use of notebook computers, batteries and chargers, CPSC offers the following tips:


Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the product manufacturer.

Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap.

Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.

Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the computer and battery. If you suspect damage contact the manufacturer.

Do not place the computer in areas that may get very hot.

Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.

Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user’s guide.



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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Monday, September 25, 2006

ALA announces challenged books....

Harry Potter tops list of most challenged books of 21st Century


(CHICAGO) In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week (September 23-30), the American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top 10 most challenged books from 2000-2005, with the Harry Potter series of books leading the pack. The 10 most challenged books of the 21st Century (2000-2005) are:



1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

2. "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

3. Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

4. "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

5. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

6. "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers

7. "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris

8. Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz

9. Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey

10. "Forever" by Judy Blume


...


Now readers can vote online for THEIR favorite challenged book by logging on at www.ala.org/bbooks. The ALA will announce the "winners" Monday, October 2.

Friday, September 22, 2006

Sherry says:

With the Kansas Book Festival about to take place in Wichita, I wanted everyone to know that you (and your users!) can learn more about favorite authors and books in the Literature Resource Center database.

The State Library's Kansas Library Card is the key to opening literary criticism and biographical information for authors, illustrators, etc.

And it is FREE!! If you look up Rosemary Wells and her book Bunny Cakes or Gordon Parks and his book The Learning Tree, you will find articles, criticism, and author information. There is a Fort Scott connection in there too! Try the Kansas Library Card today.


Thanks to:
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
Sherry Hawkins Backhus, MLS
Information Professional
backhusz@emporia.edu
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~
"Who dares to teach must
never cease to learn."
John Cotton Dana

for this post.

--Micaela

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

The First Ever Kansas Book Festival

GALA, KANSAS AUTHORS, MUSICIANS, AND CAPOTE FILM SCREENING HIGHLIGHTKANSAS BOOK FESTIVAL


September 29-30, 2006 Lawrence-Dumont Stadium

The first ever Kansas Book Festival, a signature event in the Countdown to Statehood, features two days of continuous performances, readings,and workshops. The free Festival,celebrating books, art and Kansas heritage, runs

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday, September 29, and
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, September 30,

at the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Kansas Poet Laureate Jonathan Holden are among the many authors, performers, and presenters featured at the Festival.

“The Kansas Book Festival will enhance cultural appreciation and awareness within our state," said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. "I encourage Kansans to mark their calendars and join us for this unique event.”

Featured Kansas authors include Don Coldsmith, Robert Day, Michael J.Everhart, Jim Hoy, Craig Miner, and William M. Tsutsui.

Performers and presentations include the Friends University Soulstice, Native American Exhibition Dancers, Lemuel Sheppard, Tropical Shores Steel Drum Band, and Wichita Children’s Theatre.

The Tribute to Gordon Parks on Saturday afternoon features jazz artist Queen Bey and filmmaker Kevin Wilmott.


The Festival culminates with a film screening of the new motion picture on Truman Capote, Infamous. Director Douglas McGrath will be in attendance at this special showing at the Warren Theaters. For more information visit www.kansasbookfestival.ks.gov.


As part of the Festival, the Black, White and READ All Over Ball will be 8 - 11 p.m. Friday, September 29, at Exploration Place in Wichita. Jazz vocalist Donna Tucker will provide the entertainment for the evening along with a five-piece jazz instrumental group. The Ball will honor fifteen authors with 2006 Kansas Notable Books medals. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information contact Vikki Jo Stewart, Kansas State Library, 620-331-8218, vikkijo@kslib.info.

The 2006 Kansas Book Festival is produced by the Governor’s Cultural Affairs Council and the Kansas Center for the Book in cooperation with state and local organizations. For more information about the 2006 Kansas Book Festival, visit www.kansasbookfestival.ks.gov.


Corporate sponsors to date include Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita Eagle, Kansas State Historical Society, and Kansas State Library.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

The 2006 Kansas Book Festival

The 2006 Kansas Book Festival, September 29-30, 2006 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, Wichita is a wonderful opportunity for Kansas libraries in so many ways! The Kansas Center for the Book is a major contributor to the programming along with the Kansas State Historical Society, the Governor’s Office and other members of the Governor’s Cultural Affairs Council. Check out www.kcfb.info for updates!



An important part of the Festival for libraries is the Black, White and READ All Over Ball, Friday, September 29, 2006, 8-11 PM at Exploration Place, Wichita! Exploration Place exhibits will be open for folks attending the Ball, too!



The Kansas Center for the Book will honor the 2006 Kansas Notable Books and authors at the beginning of the Ball. Emcee for the evening is Hon. G. Joseph Pierron, Kansas Appellate Court. You’ll remember that Judge Pierron emceed the past three years of Give KLA a Leg Up Bee’s at Triconference. Following the ceremony honoring the Notable Books, Donna Tucker, www.donnatucker.com and Friends will fill the Grand Hall with jazz! We’ll have two chocolate fountains, Kansas wines from the Wyldewood Cellars, authors, the Governor (invited), and a photographer to capture your exciting evening! Semi-formal attire means everything from dressy-office to ball gowns and a tux.

For more information, call Vikki Jo Stewart

Special Projects Director

State Library of Kansas

200 Arco Place, Building Box 132

Independence, KS 67301

O-620-331-8218 FAX-620-331-9087 Cell-620-331-9619

Of Course We Closed

Funny to read that last post and realize within a week we were in the process of closing, too. By March 13, Dr. Krull had it under consider...