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DIRECTOR'S LOG ARCHIVES 2009 October - Welcome to the new Director of the Schiavo Library, Christine Rohrman. "October 27th was my first day on the job. I'm a retired elementary school librarian - from Valley Park School Library in Pennsville, New Jersey. My husband and I retired to Wildwood a little over a year ago from West Deptford, NJ. I'm thrilled to be "down the shore" and especially working here in this lovely seaside town and at this beautiful new library. Please stop in and say hello!" Christine Rohrman, Director of the Schiavo Library October display at the Schiavo Library Mini Museum: There are currently 2 displays at the Schiavo Library Mini Museum. The first shown in the 2 photos below was provided by the Ocean City Historical Museum and it features photos and items from the Sindia. 
 The other display is from Strathmere residents Dewey and Terry Powell and it features some interesting fishing trophies and old fishing lures. 
 Please stop by the library to view the Mini Museum, which is right in the lobby of the Library. October 5th - Read the story from the Press of Atlantic City on the Schiavo Library's presentation of 'Cape May County Shipwrecks: the Slocum & the Sindia' this past Saturday - New Cape library features exhibit on shipwrecks Thank you to Captain Ronald Sinn and Paul Anselm, of the Ocean City Historical Museum for speaking at the event. A display of artifacts and information on the Sindia is now on display in the Mini Museum in the Schiavo Library. Also on display in the Schiavo Library Mini Museum are antique fishing lures from the collection of Dewey & Terry Powell. October 2009- The Schiavo Library would like to give a big 'Thank You' to our Summer 2009 Volunteers: Marion Ingram, Marion Latwinas, Rosemarie Whelan, Jessica Weaver, Wendy Buckland, Abigail Freitag, Megan Riordan and Haley Bowen. Some are leaving us for the Winter, and some will continue to volunteer their services at the Library throughout the Winter September 2009 Part 2 Director’s Log – September 2009 These words, usually spoken at award events and pageants, often signal the announcement of the winners – and today is no different! You are about to learn the winners of the “Cooking with Books Contest” and the winner of the “Send in Your Six-Word Wonders” Contest. Participants in the first competition were challenged to use Schiavo Library resources*, plus Jersey Fresh ingredients, to make a dessert. The submissions were varied and delicious! The second contest tasked members with describing their feelings about Strathmere in just six words**. Many people were obviously intrigued by this creative challenge and submitted multiple entries! There were 24 entries total. And now…the envelope please! Cooking with Books Contest: Members who came to discover the cooking contest winners really enjoyed the fabulous, tasty results! Thanks to the participants for taking part in this contest and to the judges: Linda Carnuccio (popular local restaurateur & cookbook author) and Walt Hohman (Ward’s Bakery) for the very generous contribution of their time and expertise. “Send in Your Six-Word Wonders” Contest: Thanks to all those who submitted 6-word wonders, it was a difficult choice. This entry seems to reflect the passion so many feel for Strathmere and the desire to keep its many charms a secret! * Check out our collection of COOKBOOKS (641.5) next time you visit!
Part 1 ANOTHER FIRST! I’m pleased to announce the creation of Voices & Visions: Celebration of the Arts @ the Schiavo. This series of events, exhibits, and programs supports the arts – with an emphasis on local artists, writers, and locales. This month we are presenting two exhibits - one in our Mini Museum and the second adorns the gallery space on the walls inside the Schiavo Library. You know her as a chronicler and collector of local history and current events, but this month Carol Baker MAKES history herself – as the first curator for the Mini Museum! She has assembled a wonderful exhibit titled “Strathmere By-The-Sea” for the famous promotional postcard that forms a centerpiece for the exhibit (see a representation of the postcard from the book, New Jersey’s Southern Shore by local book author, Susan Miller). Take a look at Carol’s display as you pass through the vestibule as you enter the library. See if you can identify the people, places, and events depicted on the postcards she has included. Captions were added to help with the identification and enjoyment of these local scenes. You may also want to visit – or revisit – Carol’s website www.strathmere.net for more on the history of Strathmere. You can also submit your memorabilia or photographs for possible inclusion on this wonderful web tribute to our island community. Thanks, Carol Baker for being our first Mini Museum curator! The second part of this inaugural Voices & Visions: Celebration of the Arts is an art exhibit, Personal Visions, featuring an eclectic collection of pieces created by South Jersey visual artists. These artists are part of the Ocean City Art League and they have used a variety of media, styles, and subject matter in the creation of landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that you will find interesting and appealing. This exhibit provides an additional reason to visit the Schiavo and furthers our commitment to offering a variety of resources and events to the community. In the future, other art exhibits will be presented for the enjoyment of our members and to help support local creative expression. These works may be purchased directly from the artists. Thanks to local artist and Arts League member, Rae Jaffe, for selecting and hanging this beautiful exhibit!
August 2009 Hello Members! (If you have not collected your Membership Card yet, please pick it up at the library at your earliest convenience.) August is a very busy month @ the Schiavo! I’d like to invite you to participate in special activities, classes, and contests. We also have a new art exhibit installed featuring an eclectic collection of works by New Jersey artists. Save these dates! August 12 (6PM – 7:30PM) Kid’s Club (final meeting for 2009) FREE COMPUTER CLASSES for MEMBERS!
Reservation Required (486-6265) – Call today for FREE instruction thanks to volunteers, Wendy and Abby. Mommy & Me Read-A-Long with Lydia Krueger (10:15AM - !0:45AM) August 18 (7PM – 8PM) Sea Creatures with Amazing Features August 29 – “Cooking with Books” (SHOW YOUR LIBRARY CARDS FOR A TASTE OF THE ENTRIES – while supplies last!!) Month-Long “Six-Word Wonders CONTEST” Full details & submission form available @ the Schiavo.
Getting to Know You – Part 1 “Getting to know you…getting to know all about you…getting to like you…getting to hope you like …(the Schiavo!),” Anna sings in The King and I. This month, rather then write one update from the Schiavo Library, I will send you a series of short pieces about different aspects of the library and the collection. – helping you to get to know the Schiavo Library! First topic - “Books for the Beach” – These special sections are comprised of paperback books that Members can self-circulate. The books are grouped together on small crème-colored bookshelves (ADULTS) and in a navy canvas tote (CHILDREN’S CORNER). Here’s how it works. Select a book you would like to read, take it home to enjoy, and then return it to the library and replace it on the shelf with other books having the same letter (for the author’s last name) on the spine. No need to visit the circulation desk with books from this section! There is a similar section contained in the blue canvas tote in the Children’s Corner of the library. Young members can select a paperback with a white “Schiavo Library” label on the spine, enjoy the book, and then return it to the tote when finished. Getting to Know You – Part 2 Did you know that at one time there was no consistent and universal way to organize a library collection? Melvil Dewey is credited with developing the system that bears his name and was first used in the late 1800s. Using the Dewey Decimal System, all knowledge is divided into ten main classes or categories. These are further divided into additional categories in order to accommodate even new technologies and information. For example, 000 is the category for General Works, 100 is for Philosophy and Psychology, 200 for Religion, and so on. These main classes are then divided into smaller segments using decimals – so there’s always room for more. In addition, it is continually revised to keep pace with new knowledge and formats. Very clever! Many people mistakenly believe that Fiction is not part of the Dewey Decimal System. However, the 800 section is dedicated to Literature. Therefore, for example, a fictional book by James Patterson could be classed as F (fiction) PAT (first 3 letters of the author’s last name) OR 814.5 (Dewey Decimal number) PAT. On the Schiavo Library shelves, Fiction books are arranged by the author’s last name – regardless of the number. Our fiction section is in the north side of the building with the Children’s, Media, and Large Print collections. Nonfiction, computers, YA (Young Adult), and Periodicals (newspapers & magazines) are located in the south room. The goal for all libraries is to arrange their collection in a manner that is understandable and easy to use for their patrons. Our library Catalog is available on the first computer and allows you to search for materials by TITLE, AUTHOR, or SUBJECT. Just ask if you ever need additional assistance. The Dewey Decimal System continues to be used in most public libraries and in many schools and universities. However, some institutions use the Library of Congress classification system. If you want further information about the Dewey Decimal System, visit www.wikipedia.org on the web.
Copious amounts of spring rain have finally abated and we’re experiencing a lovely Strathmere spring. Gardens and lawns are lush, crisp ocean breezes bathe the shore, and an enthusiastic avian chorus serenades us as we work with the Schiavo Library windows wide open.
An area of special emphasis is the New Jersey Collection, officially initiated this month. Materials in this collection will be identified with a small representation of the New Jersey state flag & will have some connection (sometimes tenuous!) to the state. We will be assembling a collection highlighting works by New Jersey authors, those featuring local settings, or those covering local events, people, or topics of regional interest, for example. Look for the state flag on material in various formats interspersed throughout the Library and enjoy! We will continue to build our New Jersey Collection as funds allow. June is a busy month @ the Schiavo! Consult the Calendar for the list of Special Events (Grand Opening, June 26, 7:00PM) and Activities and check your email or this website for periodic updates. Looking forward to seeing you soon…and often @ the Schiavo!
This year, April showers brought…landscaping! With the furnishings in place inside, we turned our attention to the yard. Under the direction of Brian Riordan, and with the expertise of John McNulty and the crew of Bayshore Landscaping, the muddy construction site is now transformed into a lovely yard. The garden features saplings with burgundy-colored leaves and a variety of shrubs like Golden Thread Cypress, Japanese Bayberry, Rugosa Roses (some already have pink blossoms), and various ornamental grasses. Strips of emerald sod were carefully laid down like a geometric mosaic and Mother Nature did the rest - sending several days of rain to water everything thoroughly. The completed garden wreaths the building with a touch of color and texture and a natural appeal that all can enjoy.
The masons arrived when the showers abated, completing the brickwork on the columns that will support the library sign. Eastern Sign Company created the signage that echoes the colors of the building, but with some golden embellishments that make it very elegant. It pays homage to Dr. Rita C. Schiavo and will certainly be a landmark along South Commonwealth Avenue.
With these projects complete, the opening of the Schiavo Library is fast approaching. The official Grand Opening is slated for Friday, June 26, 2009. Save the date – hope to see you there!
Membership If you have not had an opportunity to join the Schiavo Library, please stop in for a membership packet or we will mail one to your home. As you know, we receive no tax dollars and appreciate your support. Beginning in June , Membership Cards will be distributed at the Schiavo Library (which is the start of the membership year). Thank you!
Part 2: “Liquid sunshine” was present once again during the final days of furniture installation at the Schiavo Library. Nevertheless, there are signs of spring here at the shore. Bradford Pear trees are decked out in delicate white blossoms, Weeping Cherry trees dangle pale pink flowers toward the earth, and brilliant blooming daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths dot gardens like miniature impressionistic paintings.
In the weeks to come, books and other materials will arrive. The collection will be processed, files organized, and displays arranged. It will be a very busy time…and I hope you love the final result! The proverbial April showers were streaming down from leaden skies on the morning furniture delivery was scheduled for the Schiavo Library. Even so, when I arrived, the building was filled with activity. The Comcast technician was there installing phone, cable, and fax lines and two of the builders were working their way down a long “punch list” of assorted jobs. The detritus of a construction site was everywhere.
(To be continued…check back for more details about the furnishing of the library.) DON'T
FORGET– APRIL IS MEMBER ENROLLMENT MONTH
The envelope please!” The results of the Schiavo Library Survey are in and it’s time to announce the identity of the Top 10 Favorite Authors. But first, I would like to thank all those who participated in the Survey; I appreciate your time and your input. The goal was to gather information that would help determine what resources and services and operating hours are needed or wanted by future Library Members. A 10% response rate is considered average, but Strathmere residents far exceeded expectations with a response rate of nearly 30% There was a general consensus on several issues. For example, many people are interested in expanded hours – specifically weekends and some evening hours. On a related issue, people are requesting a drop-box for times when the Library is closed. Bruce Riordan reports that is in the works. There was also an interest in Children’s materials (books & family movies) and that is also being addressed. We also hope to have a children’s Summer Reading Club and a special selection of materials on New Jersey. The Library is approximately 2000 square feet. That means we are a small facility – both in size and budget. Therefore, we are delighted that a number of neighbors – from Strathmere and surrounding communities – have offered to donate books. Happily, a number of people have also offered to donate their time and that will be very welcome when we begin collecting those books. We need to carefully list all donations so we don’t purchase or shelve duplicate titles. I am very grateful to those who offered to help – we will be inviting your participation in the near future. And now… the Top 10 Authors* as selected by Survey respondents (you will notice you have similar tastes!):
*Yes, there ARE 11 authors listed – those indicated by the same symbol had the exact same percentage of “votes.” So, there you are! Favorite Genre: Naturally, there is a lot of interest concerning the much-anticipated opening of the Schiavo Library, which is fast approaching with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony tentatively scheduled for spring of 2009
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What’s happening now? The building, designed by Bob Bachich Associates, is nearly complete. It is a beautiful building – inspired by indigenous seashore-style structures and featuring grey siding, weathered brickwork, and a rooftop cupola reminiscent of a lighthouse. It sits on the site of the former summer home of the Schiavo family and complements the neighborhood where it stands. The mason is completing work on the entrances and is installing the distinctive signage. Local builders, Dougherty & Johnson, have detail work to complete - including some interior painting - and carpeting will soon be installed. The seashore environment inspires the colors utilized throughout. There’s the soft grey of driftwood, nautical navy and white, warm terra cotta like clay pots filled with geraniums, warm wood tones, and the blue-green and tan of sea and shore. The atmosphere being created is warm and welcoming – a fitting extension of the living rooms and gathering places of Strathmere (a small island and community off the coast of southern New Jersey).
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Attention is almost fully focused now on preparing the collection for shelving. Thanks to the generosity of so many people, we have a selection of novels by popular authors and varied nonfiction offerings, too. Arrangements are in place for the regular delivery of a selection of magazines and newspapers. Areas where growth is needed are the Children’s Collection, selections for YA (young adults), and the Media (DVDs & audio books) Collection.
Inside,
the work continued for several days. Slowly a library emerged from the
boxes and piles of lumber. Chairs arrived adding a touch of color and
texture. When the crew departed, I spent a morning pushing things into
position, lining up chairs and tables “just so” and finally, adding
a few books and magazines to the shelves so I can begin to get an idea
of what the finished library will look like. I think it is attractive,
yet functional, and it has a few unexpected touches that make it unique.
The children's area is clearly defined, yet it has style. A sitting
area takes advantage of a view of the street and features comfortable,
upholstered armchairs. Gwen and Bruce Riordan created a beautiful design
and selected appealing colors that create a wonderful canvas for the
furnishings and accessories.
The
delivery truck had just arrived with the furnishings, so the installers
were trekking back and forth with bookcases, tables, and computer desks
in various stages of completion. Soon pieces of furniture were
neatly stacked in piles around the room looking like a grownup-sized
Lego set. The layout plan was consulted and the work began.