The Tocker Foundation has awarded the Whitewright Public Library $10,200 for a new catalog system, Apollo by Biblionix. The funds will pay for the library's data to be imported into the new system, as well as five years of service.

The new system will allow the library's over 20,000 items to be browsed online by anyone via the Internet. Search results include cover art, title and author of the book, and will let browsers know if the item is checked out. Those interested in viewing the latest titles have the option of viewing a list of items added to the collection in the past two or four weeks.

Registered library users will be able to view items they currently have checked out, renew or reserve items, and update contact information, all from the convenience of home. Items can also be reserved based on author name, so you'll know whenever a new book is added to the collection by your favorite author(s). Email alerts can be sent three days in advance of an item's due date, as well as notifications when reserved items are ready for pickup, when items are overdue, etc.

For those without online access, the system will still provide better service than the system the library has been using for over a decade. By automating more of the work, this makes it easier for librarians to contact those not online regarding reserves, overdues, etc.

Library staff anticipates the online catalog will be available in approximately one to two months, depending upon when the transfer of data into the new program can be done as well as staff training time.

The library will publish more details once the catalog is online. You can also watch www.whitewright.lib.tx.us for more details, or call the library if you have questions, 903-364-2955.

Banned Books Week is observed during the last week of September each year (September 29 - October 6 this year). Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National Association of College Stores. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses it.

Each year, the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports on books and other materials that were "challenged" (their removal from school or library shelves was requested). The ALA estimates the number represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges. "Most Challenged" titles include the popular "Harry Potter" series of fantasy books for children by J.K. Rowling. The series drew complaints from parents and others who believe the books promote witchcraft to children.

The challenges reported reflect a continuing concern with a wide variety of themes. Other "Most Challenged" titles include "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, for its use of language, particularly references to race; "It's Perfectly Normal," a sex education book by Robie Harris, for being too explicit, especially for children; and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, for the description of rape she suffered as a child. 

The Whitewright Public Library will be highlighting books on ALA's list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–2000, as well as other challenged books, by placing a black sticker on the spine. We encourage everyone to visit the library to see the vast number of books carrying such a "black mark." You might be very surprised at what you find… and what you've read.

For more information:
ALA's 10 Most Challenged Books of 2006
The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–2000
Forbidden Library - lists challenged and banned books, and the reasons why in many cases.

The Whitewright Public Library has received a grant for a new computer and a copy/fax machine from The Tocker Foundation.

The Tocker Foundation was established in 1964 by Phillip and Olive Tocker as a general philanthropic foundation and to help disadvantaged high school graduates obtain a college education. In 1992, the foundation board decided to focus grant distribution to small rural libraries in Texas, serving populations of 12,000 or less.

Grants have been extended for outreach and "shut-in" programs, library automation, enhancement of services, adult reading classes, after school projects, bilingual material and many other projects initiated by community public libraries.

The goal of the Whitewright Public Library is to purchase equipment to replace aging equipment needed to operate library services. The library's computer, which houses the circulation system, suffered a crash in between submission and receipt of the grant, and will be replaced.

Our copier, which is used for both library purposes and to make copies for the public, is over five years old. It has already had the drum replaced twice and is becoming more difficult to maintain. A new copier, with a fax machine built in, will be purchased to streamline our services to patrons.

For more information, contact the library at 903-364-2955.

Vendors and community groups for the event include:

 A Touch Above the Rest (massage)
Arbonne International
Curves
Cub Scouts
Dr. Marchal Fulmer (cranial adjustments)
Friends of the Library
Grayson County Crisis Center
Home Interiors
* Homemade Gourmet
Mary Kay
Needlework Guild
* Pampered Chef
Premier Designs Jewelry
* Southern Living at Home

Texoma Regional Blood Center will also have a their mobile unit in front of the Civic Center for a blood drive.

* These are direct links to the local representatives where you can order online if you prefer. If the site asks for an organization name, please put in "Whitewright Friends of the Library" and we'll receive a percentage of the sale.

"No Fooling, Shop With Your Friends" will be held Saturday, April 1st in the Whitewright Municipal Auditorium (same building as the library). This fun spring event is sponsored by Whitewright Friends of the Library to raise funds for the new library building. Admission is FREE. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m.

All Grayson Co. citizens are invited to attend a town hall meeting February 9th at 7 p.m. at the Whitewright Municipal Building to hear from the candidates running for Grayson County Judge in the March 7th primary election. All persons of any political persuasion are urged to attend. No one is running in opposition in the general election; whoever wins the primary will become the county judge for the next four years. Don’t miss your chance to learn about the candidates and their ideas.
 
Incumbent Tim McGraw and opponent Drue Bynum have been invited. Each will be given five minutes to introduce himself. After introductions, several Whitewright high school students will take a half hour to ask questions.  Mark Kline, government teacher at Whitewright High School, has been asked to be the moderator. This will be followed with ample time for questions from the audience.
 
Light refreshments will be served after the program, and the participants will be there for you to speak with.
 
This important event is sponsored as a community service by Whitewright Friends of the Library.