Tough Toddlers: Solutions for the "Terrible Twos"

Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 pm

From sweetly docile behavior to temper-induced tantrums and stubborn refusals to cooperate, children develop new behavior patterns and often test the limits imposed on them, trying the patience and skills of many parents. Dr. James Rodrigues of Bellevue Pediatrics will offer practical and useful suggestions for dealing with these issues and will allow time after his presentation for your questions.

Please register for the program using our library website's Events calendar or by visiting or calling the Adult Services Reference Desk at 412-366-8100, extension 113.

Dining with Diabetes

Monday, March 8, 15, 22, 29
1:00pm-3:00pm

Diabetes can be a serious and costly disease, but those who learn how to manage their blood sugar levels with medication, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can lead normal, productive lives and greatly lower their risks of complications.

Cindy Javor, registered dietician with the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service, will conduct a four-week series on Dining With Diabetes. The program is designed to teach adults with diabetes how to prepare meals that are healthy, simple and tasty. Participants will have the opportunity to help prepare some of the recipes, enjoy some tasty samples and learn the latest up-to-date information on managing blood sugar levels through good nutrition. Recipes and handouts will be available. Partial funding for the series is provided by the PA Department of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture.

The fee for the four-week series is $30.00 per person or $50 per couple, payable at the time of registration. (Some insurance plans will reimburse the cost.) Please register for the series at the upstairs reference desk. For questions, call Jane Jubb at 412-366-8100 X110.

Writing as a Spiritual Journey

Thursday, March 5 at 7:00pm

Madhu Wangu, former professor of world religions and art history, published writer and facilitator of spirituality-sparks.com will lead a monthly writers' group that will focus on putting deeply felt emotions and experiences into words. Madhu believes that such writings have beneficial results for the writer and the eventual reader.

If you enjoy writing, turning your thoughts into words, and learning from other writers' experiences, please join us on March 5 at the library. No registration is necessary for the free event.

Norfolk is asking for pet food donations!

Norfolk would like everyone to bring a donation (dog food, cat food, pet toy, treats, etc) for Animal Friends the evening of the derby. If you do not have a hamster (or gerbil, or other competing rodent), you may still bring in a donation for Animal Friends the week of February 21.

Norfolk's friends at Animal Friends and Kaytee have generously given her prizes to award at the derby!

Stay for a special pets-themed Pajama Storytime after the Derby (around 7:30pm)! Hamsters, gerbils, etc. in their balls are welcome, too!

Hamster Ball derby March 19, 2010 at 7:00pm.

Hamster Ball Derby Rescheduled for March 19

Due to weather-related safety concerns for the health of the participating hamsters, other rodents, and their families, we are rescheduling the Hamster Ball derby for March 19, 2010 at 7:00pm.

Future Bestsellers - March

Future bestsellers are "to-be-released" fiction titles that have been ordered for Northland's collection. Some of these items may be listed in the catalog as "on order", in which case you may place a hold to be on the waiting list for when the item arrives. Some of these titles are not yet listed in the catalog. You may reserve these by calling the Adult Services Reference Desk at 412-366-8100 x113.

Bernhardt, William-- Capitol Betrayal
Bowen, Rhys-- The Last Illusion (Molly Murphy)
Cannell, Stephen-- The Pallbearers (Shane Scully)
Coben, Harlan-- Caught
Cussler, Clive-- The Silent Sea (The Oregon Files)
Fairstein, Linda-- Hell Gate
Kellerman, Jonathan-- Deception (Alex Delaware)
Kerr, Philip-- If the Dead Rise Not
Lee, Chang-Rae-- The Surrendered
Mina, Denise-- Still Midnight
Mosley, Walter-- Known to Evil
Perry, Anne-- The Sheen on the Silk
Picoult, Jodi-- House Rules
Robards, Karen-- Shattered
Rosenfelt, David--Down to the Wire
Scottoline, Lisa-- Think Twice
Smith, Martin Cruz-- The Golden Mile
White, Randy Wayne-- Deep Shadow

Director's Corner by Sandra Collins

NORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY –CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Northland Public Library was founded in 1968 to provide public library service to residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Ross Township and the Town of McCandless. Marshall Township joined the founding communities in 1986. Residents of the 5 member municipalities voted to provide funding to Northland through their local property taxes. With Northland’s acceptance of Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) funding in 1998, reciprocal borrowing privileges were extended to all residents of Allegheny County (even if their municipality did not support a library).

Approximately 59% of Northland’s income for 2010 will come from the member municipalities, about 12% from state aid, 20% from the Allegheny Regional Asset District and 9% from self-generated income (late fees, book sales, room rentals.)
The formulas used to determine the level of state aid and RAD funds are based on the population of our designated service area and maintaining local financial support. If one of our supporting municipalities elected to withdraw their membership in the Northland Public Library Authority, the resulting effect on our services and programs would be catastrophic since Northland would lose not only that community’s financial support, we would also lose a percentage of both RAD and state funding resulting in, at a minimum the loss of a quarter of our budget. Northland would exist, but certainly not at the same level as today – the cuts in state aid that all public libraries experienced for 2010 has resulted in a 6% reduction in our budget – bringing about a 38% reduction in our books and materials budget (we will be purchasing fewer titles and fewer copies) and changes in staff benefits.

The drop in our income which would result from the loss of a member municipality such as Ross or McCandless would be much more drastic- hours open would need to be reduced, staff size reduced, children’s and adult programming reduced, number of computers available for public use cut, more losses to our books and materials budget. In addition, the residents of the withdrawing community could lose their access to some Northland services.

Due to the cuts in state aid in 2010 neighboring libraries have instituted the types of service cuts, Northland’s users would experience if a member municipality elected to withdraw. Sewickley Public Library has drastically reduced hours, including closing on Fridays. Shaler North Hills and Northern Tier have also reduced open hours. At a time when the use of our resources has grown dramatically (10% increase in items borrowed, 41% increase in visits to the library between 2008 and 2009), such cuts would certainly affect residents. The withdrawal of one municipality (and the resulting loss of services) could result in the withdrawal of other (or all) communities as well. This will mean the end of Northland as we know it.

Rama is all dressed up for President's Day!!

How many president's have held office so far in your life? Stop by the library and take out a book on your favorite or not so favorite president.

Six More Weeks of Winter!!

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow...again!!

Don't get frazzled!!

Come to Northland for Tax Preparation Assistance





Northland Public Library, in conjunction with AARP, will once again offer free assistance in preparing federal and state tax forms to senior citizens and low-income residents. This service will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to noon from February 2 to April 15. Help is offered on a first-come, first served basis, and we cannot guarantee that everyone needing assistance can be accommodated on any given day. Please make sure to bring all necessary paperwork needed to prepare the forms.

Exercising with Arthritis

Thursday, January 28 at 1:00 pm

Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when your joints are aching and stiff, but it may be just what you need. Studies show that regular exercise may help reduce joint pain and stiffness, increase mobility and muscle strength and improve your overall well-being. However, it's important to do the kinds of exercises that improve your condition and do not damage the joints or put extra strain on them.

On Thursday, January 28th at 1:00 pm, Joshua Hubert and David Campagna, Doctors of Physical Therapy from Physical Rehabilitation Services, will describe the types of exercises that can greatly benefit those who suffer with arthritis. Bring your questions and concerns for an answer session to follow their presentation. You may register for the program using our library website's Events calendar or by visiting or calling the Adult Services Reference Desk at 412-366-8100, extension 113.

Books for new parents--

Dr. Spock doesn't cover everything.
These are a few tried-and-true "parent savers" that fill in a little of the missing bits and pieces. Click on the title to go to the book in our catalog.

• The Father's Almanac
S. Adams Sullivan
Father's guide to the world of infants.

• The Mother's Almanac
Marguerite Kelly
The complete guide to loving - and living with - small children.

• Practical Parenting Tips: Over 1500 Helpful Hints for the First Five Years
Vicki Lansky
Useful tips that make a parent's life much less hectic.

Winter Storytimes

Preschool Storytimes
Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:00 am
Jan. 25, 26, Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, Mar. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
For children ages three through five who are ready to be on their own for a half-hour of stories, songs and fingerplays. No registration necessary.

Mother Goose Storytimes
Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 11:00 am
Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17
Songs, stories, nursery rhymes and "bounces" for children ages six-months through twenty-four months accompanied by a parent or care-giver. No registration necessary.

Kangaroo Storytimes
Thursdays at 10:00 am and 11:00 am
Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18
Nursery stories, songs and "tickle-rhymes" for children ages twenty-four months through thirty-six months with a parent or care-giver. No registration necessary.

Pajama Storytime
Fridays at 7:00 pm
Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19
Stories, songs, games and art activities for preschool and elementary age children and their families. No registration necessary

Kids: Upcoming Events

Northland Chess Tournament
Saturday, January 30 at 9:00 am
Our annual chess tournament for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. First place winners in each age division (Kindergarten-4th grades and 5th-8th grades) will go on to represent Northland at the finals of the Allegheny County Library Association chess finals in March. Registration begins January 6. Please register in person at the Children’s Reference Desk. There is no cost to register for this event.

Books for 4th - 6th Graders

Click on the title to go to the book in our catalog.

• Missing Manatee
Cynthia DeFelice
Skeet Waters is worried. He just found a dead manatee with a bullet hole in the Gulf of Mexico. Why would anyone kill a manatee? Meanwhile, as Skeet tries to solve this mystery, life happens around him. His parents are breaking up, maybe. His grandmother, Memaw, just won the karaoke contest. But one of Skeet's dreams comes true: Dirty Dan the Tarpon Man invites Skeet to go fly-fishing. Dirty Dan helps Skeet to see that things aren't always what they seem at first. (Ages 8-12)

• The Giant Rat of Sumatra Or Pirates Galore
Sid Fleischman
This pirate book takes place mostly on land-in Mexico. Shipwreck, a kid from Boston, has been befriended by the pirate ship's captain who has come ashore to make an honest living at ranching. But there are a lot of secrets still to be uncovered…and one secret that Shipwrecked has to hide inside his coat. (Ages 10 up)

• Moon Runner
Carolyn Madsen
Mina hates gym. She is a "girlie-girl." She and her friends, Ruth, Alana, and Sammy, have a club called the Fellow Friends. One day, though, Coach announces that they are starting track in P.E. class, and that they will be competing against another elementary school. Mina starts to run and she runs and she runs and she runs. She discovers that she loves running. Ruth is used to winning and this causes tension between the two friends. (Ages 8-12)

KIDS BRIDGE BOOKS--

Bridge books are for third grade readers, the bridge between younger beginning readers and older fiction titles.Click on the title to go to the book in our catalog.


• Dork on the Run
Carol Gorman
Jerry's running… but is it for class president or from his dorky past?

• The Killer Underpant
Michael Lawrence
Jiggy's new underwear hypnotizes the school bully, to everyone's delight.

• The Four Ugly Cats in Apartment 3D
Marilyn Sachs
Four cats, three days. Can Lily find new homes for the ugliest cats in San Francisco before someone new moves into Mr. Freeman's apartment?

• The Hamster of Baskervilles
Bruce Hale
Time is running out for detective Chet Gecko. If he doesn't solve this mystery soon, he'll forfeit two-get-out-of-detention-free cards and a box of jelly doughnuts.

• A Mother to Embarrass Me
Carol Lynch Williams
Wearing pajamas in public? Burning down the house to make toast? Starring in a fitness video for… pregnant women? Laura wants a makeover for her mother, quick!

Our new resident hamster Norfolk--

Have you met our new resident hamster Norfolk?

Visit the Children's Room to say hi!

My name is Norfolk. I am a girl (You'll just love the pink car in my cage). I am about 5 months old. I am from Animal Friends. I am so happy to be at my new home at Northland Public Library. I have many brothers, sisters, and friends still waiting for good homes. I am nocturnal-so sometimes you might not see me playing. But I love to read! My favorite books are The Golden Hamster series by Dietlof Reiche. Don’t you just love realistic fiction?

I am still getting used to everyone here at the library-the library is actually a much busier place than I ever expected. My hearing is much better than my eyesight- please don’t speak loudly to me! I am okay with indoor voices. Also, sometimes I use my teeth as my eyes-so no fingers please! I would feel sad if I accidentally tasted someone.

I look forward to getting to know you...

--Norfolk

Director's Corner by Sandra Collins

Each day, on average more than 2000 items are borrowed from Northland that are used to meet the educational and entertainment needs of our users. These are difficult economic times and with a 38% cut in our books and materials budget there will be a corresponding drop in purchases for the collection in 2010. Every empty space on our shelves is a lost opportunity to enrich our customers’ lives by informing, entertaining and sharing knowledge with them.

You can help create a richer library experience for the children, teens and adult users of Northland through our Memorial and Honor Book program which fills shelves with new books (and other formats, if you desire). You can specify a subject, age level, format or leave the choice to Northland’s collection development staff. A special bookplate recognizing the honoree and the donor is placed in each item and we will notify the recipient or recipient’s family of the honor.

You can donate online at www.northlandfoundation.org, pick up a memorial/honor donation form during your next visit to Northland or mail your donation (checks should be made out to NPL Foundation) and memorial/honor information to Memorial/Honor Books, Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or call 412-366-8100 for additional information. Thank you for your generosity.

Future Bestsellers - January

Future bestsellers are "to-be-released" fiction titles that have been ordered for Northland's collection. Some of these items may be listed in the catalog as "on order", in which case you may place a hold to be on the waiting list for when the item arrives. Some of these titles are not yet listed in the catalog. You may reserve these by calling the Adult Services Reference Desk at 412-366-8100 x113. This list is updated each week. (Last updated January 6, 2010 )


Chevalier, Tracy--Remarkable Creatures
Crais, Robert-- The First Rule
Delinsky, Barbara-- Not My Daughter
Fforde, Jasper-- Shades of Grey
Hooper, Kay-- Blood Ties
Kostova, Elizabeth-- The Swan Thieves
Lescroart, John-- Treasure Hunt
Rankin, Ian-- Doors Open
Tyler, Anne-- Noah's Compass

Director's Corner by Sandra Collins

As outlined in last month’s message, Northland’s 2010 budget will be 6% less than that of 2009. What does this reduction in our income mean for Northland’s users?

• The amount budgeted for purchase of books and other materials for the collections (CDs, DVDs, audio books, online databases, etc.) will be $190,100 as compared to $307,438 in 2009. We will be purchasing fewer titles and fewer multiple copies and waiting time for items on hold will most likely increase. Donations to our books and materials budget will be accepted gladly.

• Late fees on books, magazines, CDs, and audio books will be increased to $.25 per day as of January 1, 2010. Late fees on videos and DVDs will remain at $1.00 per day.

• Rental fees for the use of our meeting rooms by businesses will increase as of January 1, 2010.

• Rental fees for the use of our meeting rooms by nonprofits when their meeting is not open to the general public will increase as of January 1, 2010.

• A rental fee for nonprofit groups that are not based in nor have members living in one of Northland’s supporting communities will be instituted as of January 1, 2010.

• A longer period of time between check in of items and reshelving of items.

• Available technology maintained at current levels – no additional computers for public or staff user and new technology added.

There is some good news –Northland will be able to maintain its hours of service to our communities and the Northland Library Foundation has agreed to provide funding for the bookmobile service to Ross Township and Marshall Township. Please be assured that Northland’s staff is committed to providing quality service to our supporting communities.