Dear Library Community,
We've been thinking about that old song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," from 1943's Meet Me in St. Louis. One of the original verses sung by Judy Garland was, "Someday soon, we all will be together/If the fates allow/Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow." When Frank Sinatra recorded the song years later in 1957, the last lyrics were changed to the much sunnier "hang a shining star upon the highest bough" at his request.
This is definitely a muddling-through year. Your December plans may look different than usual, but we've still got plenty of holiday cheer for you. We'll present a free, at-home concert with Adam Miller on December 5. Read on for lists of holiday reads and movies for all ages. Doing some crafting or baking? Check out our wide array of hobby titles and cookbooks to inspire you.
As always, check out our website for COVID-19 news and resources. We're continuing to expand services as we can do so safely for patrons and staff. During the statewide freeze, we've cut back some services, including computer appointments and kids' activity kits, but we're still offering curbside pickup and we're available to take your calls during regular hours. For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
We'll muddle through this together, friends. Wear your mask, stay safe, and we can't wait to see you again soon!
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 Holiday Concert at Home with Adam Miller
Saturday, Dec 5, 7 PM
We're excited to present a virtual concert with Adam Miller. He'll be performing traditional folk songs of the winter holidays. The concert will premiere on our YouTube channel Saturday night, and will be available for later viewing. See you there! (photo: Royce McCornack)
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 Holiday Hours
Thurs, Dec 24, 10 AM - 12 PM
Fri, Dec 25, closed
Thurs, Dec 31, 10 AM - 12 PM
Fri, Jan 1, closed
The library will have limited hours for Christmas and New Year's Day holidays. In both cases, we'll reopen for phone calls and curbside pickup on the following business day.
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 What's New Online
If you haven't checked them out already, this is a great time to explore NewsBank and RB Digital. NewsBank includes local, regional, and national newspapers. RB Digital has a wide array of popular magazines. For each service, you can read current issues and search the archives. You have free access to both services from your own device with your library card. Just go to our website and click on "Magazines & Research" to get started.
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 Holiday Picks
Check out our new videos this month featuring holiday movies and books you can borrow, plus what's new on the fiction and nonfiction shelves, audiobooks, and more. Watch our social media for the latest videos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified when there's something new!
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 Book Brunch
Thursday, December 10, 10:30 AM
You're invited! For our December meeting, we'll be having a general discussion of what we've been reading lately. (So if you've been putting off joining because you don't want to read the book, now's your chance!)
Contact ref@siuslawlibrary.org or call 541-997-3132 to request a copy of the book and to get the required Zoom meeting passcode.
See you there!
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 Siuslaw Reading Challenge
We are modifying this year's challenge. You only have to get 10 punches on your entry card for the year (not all 12), and you can decide which months to skip. See the full details and list of themes on our website: https://www.siuslawlibrary.info/reading-challenge.
December's theme is seasonal stories and crafts. Here are a few suggestions from our collection, which you can request for curbside pickup or through our digital collection (if available):
   
   
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 Curbside Hold Pickup is Here!
Phone Request Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 1 PM
Pickup Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 AM - 2 PM; Friday 11 AM - 6 PM
Curbside pickup has moved into our front lobby for the season. You can also drop off your returns and pick up kids' activities at the same time. Don't forget your mask!
Call us at 541-997-3132 during phone request hours, or go to https://www.siuslawlibrary.info/item-request-form any time to get started. You can request up to five items, which are usually available the following weekday.
We're now doing weekly pickup service in Mapleton, too. Call us to arrange to get your materials at the Mapleton branch on Thursday afternoons.
We're not doing walk-in/drive-up orders at either location, so you'll need to call ahead or go online to make your requests. We can even select things for you based on what you like!
Need help searching the catalog? Check out this brief video that will give you an overview of basic and power searches, and browsing new items.
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 Item Returns
Monday-Thursday, 11 AM - 2 PM
Friday, 11 AM - 6 PM
We've moved the item return bins into the front lobby. You can now pick up your holds and drop off your returns in the same place. Don't forget your mask to enter the building!
Days and hours remain the same. We're quarantining returns for 72 hours before checking them in.
For upriver patrons, the outside book drop at Mapleton is open.
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 Use Our Free Wifi
We're not currently offering public computer appointments, but if you have your own device, you can use our internet from the privacy of your vehicle. Our free public wifi is on during the day and evening in the Florence and Mapleton library parking lots. We've recently increased the signal in Florence with new access points. There's no password required for wifi. Look for the blue signs in the parking lot with network information.
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 Need Tech Help? Book a Librarian!
Questions about video chatting, downloading ebooks, ordering groceries on your phone, or other online services? Make a 30-minute phone or video appointment with one of our librarians. Go to our website to fill out the request form.
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 Explore Our Digital Collection
Did you know you have access to thousands of ebooks and eaudiobooks with your library card? Check out the collection on our website.
If you're new to e-reading, take a look at this short video that'll show you how to get started.
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Stay Connected
Telephone: 541-997-3132 (Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM)
Email: ref@siuslawlibrary.org
Social Media: For news, resources, and fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Newsletter: If you haven't already, subscribe to our monthly newsletter (link below).
Storytime: Join Miss Gayle every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 AM on Facebook Live for reading, singing, playing, and laughing. All ages are welcome! (Please note: storytime will be taking a two-week holiday break from December 21-January 1. See you next month!)
Apply for a Card: Fill out the online form to request a temporary library card. It's quick and easy!
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