October has arrived and with it comes the welcome change of climate. The muggy days of summer have given way to the cooler days of fall. The leaves on the trees, with anxious anticipation, prepare to burst forth with change. Their moment has arrived and they steady themselves to explode with a multiplicity of colors….to orchestrate an artistic demonstration that even the hurried dweller would tip their hat and the unhurried one would bow in awe to the creator. Seasons change.

Solomon once said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to born and time to die….” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) William Jennings Bryan said, “Destiny is not a matter of ...

Gary Chapman, a renowned minister, speaker, and author on marriage, family and relationships, has been writing books on the 5 love languages since the early 90’s.
I read his book when it was first published and recently read another of his selections “5 LOVE LANGUAGES FOR SINGLES” and was reminded why the love languages are still
so invaluable for any relationship whether it be between spouses, friends, family members, co-workers, etc.

His premise is that there are 5 ways that people can give and receive love: through words of affirmation, tangible gifts, quality time, acts of service and physical touch. We all need
each of these, but we have a preference for one or two that are most important for ...

Our kids are awesome! They read 13,012 children’s books during the 2012 Summer Reading Program! Wow! We are so proud of you! The DeSoto Parish Library would also
like to thank the following volunteers and supporters for all their help to make this year’s

Summer Reading Program such a success:
Logansport—The Logansport Friends of the Library, Josh Denmon, Katie Rhoades, Cierra Stephens, Kayla Woodall, Janet Dockens, Bobbie Childress, Leah Madden, Marissa Burns, Whataburger, Dairy Queen, Logansport Truck Stop, Joaquin Quick Stop and a special thank you to Sara Blevins.

Mansfield—The Mansfield Youth Connection Volunteers.

Pelican— The Pelican Friends of the Library, Pat Hooper, Girl Scout Troop Leader Laura Lahneman, Chimp Haven’s Angela McCleaf, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Quinton ...

The Summer Reading Program at the DeSoto Parish Libraries this year is “Dream Big.. READ!!” Our goal is to keep children reading during the summer with fun and entertainment while we continue to educate all ages from pre-school through tweens and teens. Our programs are varied, with music, stories, dance and entertainers of all kinds! We award everyone’s efforts as we encourage our children to do their best. Let’s keep our children reading this summer and participate in the multitude of free programs at all four branches of the DeSoto Parish Library. We look forward to seeing you, so come in to register and… “Dream Big!”

Cookie Cole, Stonewall Branch Children's Librarian

I have just returned from a Project Compass National Convening in Arlington, VA. In attendance were over 215 library staff members from 45 states. The cost of the event was funded by a federal grant-- thus there was no cost to individual library systems. Project Compass is a national initiative that was created to assist with workforce recovery and to help citizens build skills and knowledge that will keep our nation strong and viable on the world stage utilizing public libraries as the primary agents. Collaboration was stressed as an essential ingredient in this process. 

The speakers were inspiring and we heard from an author who has written a book entitled This Book is Overdue? How Librarians and Cybrarians Can ...

April is a month when we experience renewal with all the wonderful signs of spring. The entire library staff, plus a couple of Library Board of Control members, attended a state-wide conference sponsored by the Louisiana Library Association. Conferences always provide one with the chance for renewal and reflection as we gather with others with similar interests and in this case that interest is our involvement with the library community. This conference is held every spring and fortunately the location was in Shreveport this year, which allowed us to easily attend for one day. We all had the opportunity to attend sessions on different topics and visit a multitude of vendors exhibiting their library wares. Plus we attended a luncheon ...

Just like any organization or institution, libraries continue to change and evolve to meet the needs of people. We care about providing you with the best possible materials, programs, and services to meet your requirements. A public library belongs to all the citizens and to make it relevant to all of you we must find out what you want us to be. We have devised a simple survey to access how we are doing and what we can do to improve. Surveys will be available at each library and a copy will be on our web page as well. In addition, we will have surveys when we conduct our outreach activities. The most valuable information for us will be what ...

When we think of the month of February we think of Valentine’s Day, which is a day to celebrate love and affection. I hope you also “love” your library and if not, I would ask you to visit your local  branch library and see what might entice you to “fall in love” with your library. Libraries have changed dramatically in the last few years with the DeSoto Parish Library System being no exception. As the expression goes, “we’re not your grandmother’s library anymore.” Our libraries now offer: E-Library including ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and music that can be downloaded free on many devices. In addition we have computers both for use in the library and for checkout and classes to assist ...

LINN’S LIBRARY LINE
JANUARY 2012

New Year’s resolutions are often difficult to keep. We start out so determined and eager to do what we set out to do, but “life gets in the way” as the expression goes. Many of us do not succeed in meeting our resolution goals. One article stated that perhaps 90% of the resolutions are not met. If in fact you are committed to reaching that resolution, I believe that your local public library can assist you.

I did some research on the internet and found the following list of the top ten New Year’s Resolutions for 2011 in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Other lists I viewed were very similar. They are as follows:
Spend More ...

As the holiday season is fast approaching, we are all trying to provide the perfect gift for those on our shopping list. I have always recommended that we should give “the gift of reading.” That can even be extended to include items other than books such as DVDS, since many movies come from books, and books on CD, as well. Magazines are also a great choice since the title can be tailored to an individual’s hobbies or interests. Plus, as the person receives the magazine each week or month, he or she will continue to think of you for the entire year. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving! Our library staff will be more than willing to help you with your selections as we have resources that can show us popular magazine titles, books, and ...