12-16-2005
Genealogy at the Library. A Genealogy Interest Group has recently formed at the
Library. Since September, ten avid genealogists have been meeting on the second
Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. The group welcomes new members.
The first hour is spent sharing new resources members have found and discussing
problems they are having with their research. During the second hour, ten
computers are reserved so that group members can use two specialized genealogy
databases that the Library subscribes to: Ancestry Plus and Heritage Quest.
Reference Librarian Cherill Vencil leads the group. While in Library School at
Simmons College, Vencil completed a year’s internship at the New England Historic
Genealogic Society in Boston, Massachusetts. She has conducted genealogy
research on her family for over 20 years.
The Lake Oswego Public Library is one of the few libraries in Oregon that houses a
special collection of genealogy materials. The collection includes all the Oregon
federal censuses through 1930, the complete Oregonian on microfilm, and many
printed resources.
Vencil is also available to help patrons with genealogy research during her scheduled
hours at the reference desk. In addition, two experienced volunteer genealogists are
available on Monday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesday
afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. A list of genealogy resources may be accessed on the
Library’s homepage under Special Collections at
(www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/special/genealogy.htm).
Children’s Activities. December’s Second Saturday Special featured Oregon
Fantasy Puppet Theatre performing Little Red Riding Hood. The beloved classic
children’s tale had a varied cast of characters: 15 marionettes, Hunker-Jaw the wolf,
and some dancing cookies thrown in for good measure. Oregon Fantasy Theatre’s
Celeste Rose graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in drama. A
founder of the Rose Children’s Theatre in Eugene, she’s toured far and wide,
presenting her marionette shows to delighted audiences. Rose creates her own
stages, backdrops, props, and handmade marionettes. This show was made possible
by a grant from the Friends of the Library.
Children of all ages were invited to an all-day drop-in craft program to create
individualized holiday gift bags. A total of 50 children participated in the program.
Children’s Librarian Katie Charles designed the craft, and she was assisted by two
helpful teen volunteers throughout the day.
New Teen Program. Students in grades 7 through 12 were invited to share
dramatic and improvisational ideas and skills, ham it up, and just have fun at the
Library’s first “Improv Saturday.” Last week’s kick-off program was a success with
15 lively participants. Improvisation enthusiasts and local high school drama club
members will take turns each month hosting each “Improv Saturday” and providing
different prompts, props, and program content for each event. “Improv Saturday” is
presented by the Library’s Teen Advisory Board.
Toy and Joy Update. Friday was the last day to donate new, unwrapped toys for
the Toy and Joy program. Each December, for nearly a decade, the Library has
participated in the Clackamas County campaign to get toys to children who otherwise
may not receive a gift during the holiday season. Donations are down all over the
area, so all gifts are especially appreciated this year. Toys should be dropped off in
the large barrel in front of the main floor circulation desk.
Holiday Books for Children. The following beautifully-illustrated new books are
not just for children. Although the titles are located in the Children’s Library, people
of all ages can appreciate the delightful stories and colorful pictures on the pages of
these holiday treasures.
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Angel Secrets: Stories Based on Jewish Legend
A Box of Candles
Christmas Tree!
A City Christmas Tree
Dear Santa: The Letters of James B. Dobbins
The First Day of Winter
The Little Fir Tree
Mrs. Wishy Washy’s Christmas
The Night before Christmas
There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve
Two Christmas Mice
Winter Lights: A Season in Poems and Quilts