Spring Break at the Library 2019

Posted on March 15, 2019

Looking for something to do with kids over the weeks of Spring Break? The Sonoma County Library has a variety of activities scheduled for children, tweens and teens during spring school vacation weeks.

Beginning Friday, March 15 through Saturday, March 23, the Library will offer free programs ranging from storytimes and Read to a Dog events to silly Seuss shows, from gaming programs to Zumba for kids, STEM programs, paper airplanes, kids' yoga, crafts, makerspaces, and more!

All events are free.

For more information, check the library’s online calendar at https://events.sonomalibrary.org/events, or Ask A Librarian.

For All Ages

SILLY SEUSS SHOW (ages 4 & up)

• Windsor         Sat. Mar. 16, 10:30 am
• Petaluma                   Sat. Mar. 16, 1:00 pm
• Cloverdale                 Mon. Mar. 18, 11:00 am
• Rohnert Park Thu. Mar. 21, 10:30 am
• Sonoma        Thu. Mar. 21, 4:00 pm
• Guerneville                Sat. Mar. 23, 11:00 am
• Central          Sat. Mar. 23, 3:00 pm

PAPER AIRPLANES!

ART TIME (ages 3-7)

• Windsor                     Sat. Mar. 23, 10:30 am

ART WITH JENDALA (grades 3-6)

• Healdsburg      Fri. Mar. 15, 4:00 pm

Family Movie time                             

• Central               How to Train Your Dragon (PG)      Fri. Mar. 15, 4:00 pm

BOARD GAMES ARE FOR EVERYBODY

•  Sebastopol     Tue. Mar. 19, 3:30 pm-5:00 pm

Events For Grades K-6

MAKER STUDIO: LEGO ROBOTICS

BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM’S TRY IT TRUCK (grades K-5)

• Rincon Valley        Sat. Mar. 16, 11:00 am-1:00 pm

CREATING COMICS w/ BRIAN KOLM (grades 4-6)

• Rincon            Sat. Mar. 16, 2:00 pm-3:30 pm         

LEARN HOW TO DO MAGIC TRICKS! (ages 8-12)

• Northwest                  Mon. Mar. 18, 11:00 am
• Cloverdale                 Mon. Mar. 18, 4:00 pm
• Rohnert Park             Wed. Mar. 20, 4:00 pm
• Petaluma                   Thu. Mar. 21, 3:00 pm
• Windsor                     Fri. Mar. 22, 4:00 pm
• Roseland                    Sat. Mar. 23, 12:00 pm 

GET YOUR GAME ON w/ ROLLING VIDEO GAMES! (ages 7 & up)

• Central             Fri. Mar. 22, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm

WRITING CLUB FOR KIDS 9 & UP

• Windsor           Fri. Mar. 15, 4:00 pm

• Healdsburg      Mon. Mar. 18, 4:00 pm
• Rincon Valley  Thu. Mar. 21, 4:00 pm
• Sebastopol      Fri. Mar. 22, 3:30 pm

Zumba for Kids 5 & up

• Cloverdale       Fri. Mar. 15, 1:30 pm

• Windsor           Thu. Mar. 21, 4:00 pm
• Rohnert Park   Fri. Mar. 22, 4:00 pm
• Central            Sat. Mar. 23, 1:00 pm

Events For Teens

Teen Anime & Manga Club

• Rincon Valley, Tue. Mar. 19, 3:30 pm

TEEN BOOK CLUB

• Cloverdale Library, Tue. Mar. 27, 3:30 pm

Game On! Board Games

YOUTH CHESS CLUB

Improving your electronic book experience: Moving from Axis 360 to OverDrive

Posted on February 15, 2019

Update: We are happy to inform you that the Axis 360 holds were successfully transferred from Axis 360 to Overdrive. Please note that a snapshot of the holds lists was taken on the 25^th of February and that is the point from which the lists were rebuilt. This means there may be items on hold for you that you have already had access to. If you have already listened to or read materials you had requested on Axis please cancel your current hold in OverDrive so the next person waiting in line can access the material. Thank you very much for your support and patience during this transfer process.  

El mensaje en español sigue abajo.

Dear Library Patron,

We are constantly working to enhance your digital experience, and we are improving our system for how you read, listen to, check out and reserve eBook and eAudiobook titles. The library is moving eBooks and eAudiobooks from the Axis 360 platform to our OverDrive website and Libby app. This change will go into effect on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Why make a change?

After receiving complaints and concerns about Axis 360, we studied both platforms and concluded that OverDrive is simply a better platform for our patrons. It’s faster, easier and offers more titles!

• OverDrive (and its app, Libby) is easy to use and is very reliable.

• Having eBooks and eAudiobooks in one place makes it easier to find what you want.

• We are increasing your checkouts, from six to 8.

• We are increaseing your holds to five.

• You will be able to listen to MP3s on OverDrive.

Your holds will transfer

If you have holds on Axis 360, they will be moved to OverDrive, we will make an announcement on our website when this process is complete.

Please note: Any wish lists you have in Axis 360 will not move to OverDrive. The same titles will be on Overdrive, so you can add them to your wish list there after the move is complete.

Do I need to do anything?

No. Try exploring the OverDrive website and downloading the Libby app if you haven't used them before. Here is the OverDrive “Getting Started Guide,” including device specific instructions.

Please Note: Your current checkouts in Axis 360 will not move to OverDrive. We highly encourage you to finish reading or listening to your current checkouts prior to March 4th.

The timeline

• February 19^: No new holds can be placed in Axis 360. Look for new titles and always available eAudiobook titles in OverDrive or Libby!

• February 25: No new checkouts in Axis 360. No worries, try OverDrive or Libby!

• March 4: Axis 360 no longer available; eBooks and eAudiobooks that are moving to OverDrive will be unavailable for up to 24 hours until the move is complete.

• March 5: all eBooks and eAudiobooks formerly on Axis 360 will be available on OverDrive.

• March 5: Transferring of holds from Axis 360 to Overdrive starts. When the transition is complete email notices will be sent to Axis 360 users with current email addresses on their Axis account. Please check before Feb 25 to make sure your email is correct so we can keep you informed. You can also check out library news on our home page for updates.

We will let you know when the move is complete and the holds lists have been recreated. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local branch or submit your questions online.

Questions can be submitted online for:

Sonoma County Library patrons at Contact Us: We Want to Help

Mendocino County Library patrons at: Ask a Librarian

Lake County Library patrons at: Ask a Question

¿Cómo mejorar su experiencia con los libros electrónicos? Estamos cambiando de Axis 360 a OverDrive

 Estimado Usuario de la Biblioteca,

Estamos trabajando constantemente para mejorar su experiencia digital, y estamos actualizando nuestro sistema que se utiliza para leer, escuchar, sacar en préstamo y reservar los títulos de libros y de audiolibros electrónicos. La biblioteca está cambiando sus libros electrónicos y audiolibros de la plataforma Axis 360 a nuestra página OverDrive  y a la Libby app. Este cambio entrará en efecto el lunes 4 de marzo de 2019.

¿Por qué hacemos este cambio?

Después de recibir varias quejas y comentarios acerca de Axis 360, analizamos ambas plataformas y llegamos a la conclusión de que OverDrive es simplemente una mejor plataforma para nuestros usuarios. ¡Es más rápida, más fácil y ofrece más títulos!

• OverDrive (y su app, Libby) son fáciles  de usar y muy confiables.

• Al tener los libros y audiolibros electrónicos en un solo lugar se hace más fácil encontrar lo que busca.

• Estamos duplicando sus préstamos posibles, de 6 a 12.

• Estamos duplicando sus reservas, de cinco a 10.

• Usted podrá escuchar MP3s en OverDrive.

Sus reservas se van a transferir

Si usted tiene artículos reservados en Axis 360, se conservarán en OverDrive, le daremos una notificación en nuestra página de internet cuando este proceso sea terminado.

Por favor tome en cuenta que: Cualquier lista de deseos que tenga en Axis 360 no será transferida a OverDrive. Los mismos títulos estarán en OverDrive, asi que los puede añadir a su nueva lista de deseos, después de que el cambio se haya concluido.

¿Tengo que hacer algo?

No. Intente explorar la página OverDrive y bajar la Libby app si es que no las ha usado antes. Aquí está la “Guía para Principiantes” de OverDrive, que incluye las instrucciones específicas para cada tipo de aparato.

Por favor considere que: Sus préstamos actuales en Axis 360 no se cambiarán a OverDrive. Le invitamos a que termine de leer o de escuchar sus préstamos actuales antes del 4 de marzo.

El calendario para el cambio es como sigue:

• 19 de febrero^: No se pueden reservar artículos en Axis 360. ¡Busque los nuevos títulos y los títulos de audiolibros electrónicos que siempre se encuentran disponibles en OverDrive o en Libby!

• 25 de febrero: Ya no se pueden sacar préstamos en Axis 360. Pero no se preocupe, ¡utilice OverDrive o Libby!

• 4 de marzo: Axis 360 ya no estará disponible; los libros y audiolibros electrónicos que se pasan a OverDrive no estarán disponibles por un periodo de hasta 24 horas, hasta que el cambio sea terminado.

• 5 de marzo: todos los libros electrónicos y audiolibros electrónicos que antes se encontraban en Axis 360, estarán disponibles en OverDrive.

• 5 de marzo: Empieza la transferencia de reservas de Axis 360 a OverDrive. Cuando se termine esta transición, se les enviarán notificaciones por correo electrónico a los usuarios con direcciones de correo electrónico actualizadas en sus cuentas de Axis. Por favor asegúrese antes del 25 de febrero de que su correo electrónico es correcto, para que podamos mantenerlo informado. También puede revisar las noticias de la biblioteca en nuestra página de internet, para mantenerse actualizado.

Le avisaremos cuando este cambio esté terminado y las listas de reservas se hayan recreado. Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, por favor contacte a su sucursal local de la biblioteca o mande sus preguntas en línea. 

Las preguntas se pueden mandar en línea a:

Usuarios de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma en Contáctenos: Queremos Ayudarle

Usuarios de la Biblioteca del Condado de Mendocino en: Pregúntele a un Bibliotecario

Usuarios de la Biblioteca del Condado de Lake en: Haga una Pregunta

­

Sonoma County Library appoints new director

Posted on January 08, 2019

The Sonoma County Library Commission, at its January 7 meeting, voted to hire Ann Hammond as the new, permanent director for the library, which spans 12 branches, two stations and multiple special collections and libraries.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Ann,” said Reece Foxen, Chair of the Library Commission. “I believe she has the exact balance of experience and skills the library needs.”

Hammond comes to Sonoma County from Lexington, Kentucky, where she is serving as the Executive Director of the Lexington Public Library. This is Hammond’s third position as a library executive in California, serving in leadership roles in San Diego and Alameda counties before her position in Kentucky.

Hammond is experienced in public library management, budgeting, strategic planning and collections planning. Under her tenure, the Lexington library system renovated most of its branches and increased donations and community outreach.

“Kentucky is one of the friendliest and most beautiful states in the nation, and will always have a special place in my heart,” said Hammond. “But California is home, and I am overjoyed to be returning, and especially to be joining the Sonoma County Library team. This is an excellent library and I look forward to working with the staff and commission to continue growing services for the people of Sonoma County.”

Prior to her first library job in 1995, Hammond was a US Navy officer, a stay-at-home mom, an agronomist and a forensic scientist. In the 1990s, she met Deanna Marcum, who at the time served as the dean of the library school at Catholic University in Washington, DC. “Within 10 minutes, Deanna convinced me that not only did I want to be a librarian, I had always wanted to be a librarian,” Hammond said. “And she was right, there is no place in our society that is as positive and welcoming as a public library and I feel honored to be a librarian.”

The Sonoma County Library has been without a permanent director since mid-2017, when former director Brett Lear stepped down. Tracy Gray and Jaime Anderson served as interim directors until July 2018, when Susan Hildreth, a veteran of local, state and federal library service, joined as interim director.

“We have had excellent interim Library Directors while we searched for the right person. They have invigorated the staff and the commission,” Foxen said. “Ann will help us move the library into the future, continuing to give Sonoma County residents a library of which they can be extremely proud."

Hammond’s first day will be March 11.

History and Genealogy Library Reopens

Posted on December 13, 2018

Improved space for history collections

The Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library reopened Monday, Dec. 10 in downtown Santa Rosa, after a two-and-a-half month modernization of the facility.

Students, genealogists, historians, journalists and those researching a myriad of topics specific to Sonoma County and its environs will find a fresh and expanded experience at the library, located next door to the Santa Rosa Central Branch. The Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library has new paint, updated heating and air conditioning, modern lighting and more space for reference and research.

The recent work was paid for by proceeds from Measure Y, a one-eighth of a cent sales tax approved by Sonoma County voters in 2016. The Sonoma County Library is in the early stages of a multi-year project to update and modernize all its branches and facilities. The History & Genealogy Library will be updated further in the future, as funds become available.

The Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library was established in 1967 as the Sonoma County Room and was located on the second floor of the Central Library. As the collection grew, in 1998 it was transferred to 725 Third Street, commonly known as “The Annex.”

Until this year, it shared space with the Sonoma County Library’s Adult Literacy program. When library administration moved to another facility in February, Adult Literacy moved into the Central Library.

“The History & Genealogy Library will now occupy the entire Annex, giving us more room to grow and space to comfortably accommodate patrons,” said Katherine Rinehart, History & Genealogy Manager. “This also gives us more space to properly store and process a backlog of materials, which we are eager to share with the public.”

The Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library is open the same hours as most Sonoma County Library branches. It opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, closes at 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and 6 p.m. all other days.

“Our staff is dedicated to collecting, preserving and making accessible local history, as well as genealogical materials of a national and international focus. We look forward to welcoming the community as we grow,” Rinehart said.

An open house and celebration is planned for January 9, 2019, from 4 to 8 p.m. More details will be available soon. For more information, contact Katherine Rinehart at krinehart@sonomalibrary.org.

The Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library is online at sonomalibrary.org/locations/sonoma-county-history-and-genealogy-library and on Facebook at facebook.com/Sonoma-County-History-Genealogy-Library-420254201495985/