January 24th, 2012
by Carol
Experts are now saying that slow but steady improvement is expected in the job market in the coming months. This is great news, especially with more than 13 million people still out of work in the US. If you or someone you know is out of work and looking for a job, your library is here to help with our upcoming Job Lab and Public Library Workforce Center BTOP Computer classes (see our online calendar for more information).
However, with so many out of work and competing for the same jobs, how can you set yourself above the rest? Statistics show that many of the unemployed have been out of work for over six months with little current information to place on a resume. One possible solution is volunteering. A recent LinkedIn survey found that one in five employers hire someone primarily because of his volunteer service outside the office. If you are unemployed, this volunteer service shows you’ve been productive with your time. It further shows that you have continued to gain experience, and it can provide that current resume information that may set you above the competition.
So, while you continue to wait for the economy to improve, find a volunteer opportunity in your community. Be sure to look for work that is substantive and may apply to the type of employment you would like to have. Ideally, volunteer within your field of expertise and find work that allows you to demonstrate your leadership qualities.
JCPL has various resources available on resume writing and job interviewing to assist you as you move back into the job market. Look on the shelves in the 650.14 section for multiple resources on interviewing and resume skills. Also, check out the links below for more information on using volunteerism in your resume:
http://www.snagajob.com/job-articles/volunteer-experience-on-resume.aspx
http://www.volunteerguide.org/motivate/resume
http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/Resume-Writing-Tips/Leverage-Volunteer-Work-on-Resume/article.aspx
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January 10th, 2012
by Kendall

Photo credit: The Farmers' Museum
JCPL has launched a unique program series, “Third Thursday,” specifically for homeschooling families in the community. Begun in November, the series will take place every third Thursday of the month and cover a variety of topics.
After meeting with parents and receiving feedback about interests and needs, the children’s and teen librarians have planned programs that homeschool families can apply to each student, no matter the age. The programs help families address the need for field trips and professional instructors, for FREE.
For November’s program, “A Visit to the More House,” the library took advantage of its Internet-2 connection to take a virtual field trip to the New York State Historical Association’s Jonas More House kitchen to see how food was stored and prepared in the 19th century. Internet-2 is an advanced networking consortium led by the U.S. research and education community, with access to an upgraded high speed internet for clear two-way conferencing. Jessamine County has used the revolutionary technology to great effect over the past few years and considers it an integral part of the library’s programming goals. The More House program, scheduled with Thanksgiving in mind, was a success with homeschooling children, teens, and parents. More than 30 participants were able to speak directly with “Mrs. More,” watch live methods of cooking and ask questions about traditional foods. As one homeschooling mother commented, “It really brought history to life for the kids.”
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December 28th, 2011
by Carrie
If you’d like help learning how to download library eBooks to your new eReader or mobile device, come to one of our free hands-on training sessions. Click on the links below to register.
How to Download Library eBooks to a Kindle
Thursday, Jan. 12 @ 1:00 p.m. or Friday, Jan. 20 @ 2:00 p.m.
In this class, you’ll search our downloadables database, check out an eBook, and transfer it to your Kindle via Amazon.com. Bring your Kindle and its USB connector.
How to Download Library eBooks to an eReader or Mobile Device
Friday, Jan. 13 @2:00 p.m. or Thursday, Jan. 19 @12:00 p.m.
Learn to download library eBooks to your nook, Sony Reader, iPad, or other eReader or mobile device. You’ll create an Adobe ID, search our downloadables database, check out an eBook, and either transfer it from the computer or download it directly to your device. Bring your device and its USB connector, if it came with one.
Can’t make it to any of these sessions? Feel free to stop by the Information Desk or call us at 885-3523 ext. 228.
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October 26th, 2011
by Les
October has been a fun month here at JCPL. On October 8th, our HG Library participants showed that they geek pumpkin carving – although a few of the pumpkins got a little sick from the procedures.


Jessamine County residents also geek their pups. Over 100 people and more than 50 dogs came to trick-or-treat on the library lawn. The Friends of the Animals of Jessamine County were also there with a few canine friends looking for homes.



Our creative JCPL staff geeks costumes. Come check out the staff costume contest. Photos are on display in the foyer and patrons are encouraged to vote for their favorites in 4 different categories. Winners will be announced on October 31st. Happy fall, everyone!
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October 19th, 2011
by Carrie
Among other things, JCPL geeks costumes, and this year, we’re not only having costume contests for children and dogs, we’re also having a staff costume contest. On October 25th, JCPL staff will dress up for a chance to win in four different categories: Best Book Character, Best Movie Character, Best Music Character, and Most Creative Costume. JCPL customers will decide the winners based on photographs that will be posted in the library from October 25th-31st.
Still searching for an idea for your own Halloween costume? See below for links to literary-inspired ideas:
The Books are Alive!
Costume ideas from The New Yorker.
10 Literary Halloween Costumes
From litdrift.com. My favorite is Scout’s ham costume from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Literary Halloween Costumes
Children and adult costume ideas from the book blog, “Apparently Not Deranged.”
Costumes: Literary Inspired
Ideas for homemade children’s costumes from ohdeedoh.com
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October 17th, 2011
by Kendall
Do you know a teen who’s full of creativity? The Jessamine County Public Library now offers regular monthly programs to inspire teens in 6th through 12th grades.
On the second Thursday of each month, teens can join the Animé & Manga club. We meet at 4:30 pm to explore Japanese animation, culture and food. In October, we screened the popular animé series Avatar: The Last Airbender and hosted a manga drawing competition. Registration is required to attend so that we can make sure we have enough Japanese snacks and drinks.
On the third Saturday of each month, JCPL hosts the Living Arts and Science Center for an art class just for teens. With a bit of art history, criticism, and hands-on activity, participants discover specific artists and techniques. In November, teens will investigate Kentucky contemporary arts and crafts and create their own Kentucky-inspired art to take home. For more information check out the JCPL Calendar of Events at: http://www.jesspublib.org/calendars/index.php?c=0&o=1
For those teens who are more interested in writing, JCPL offers a creative writing club for teens. Join other teen writers for inspiring exercises, peer reviews, and more! This is a writers’ club, not a class, so all activities are influenced by teens. No grades, no requirements, just writing for fun. The club meets at 2:30 pm on the third Saturday of each month. All teens are welcome.
And, as always, the Jessamine County Public Library is open to new ideas. If you have a suggestion for a creative teen program, feel free to stop by the information desk or call 885-3523.
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September 6th, 2011
by Carrie


Click below to see more great photos by library staff member Amy, who geeks photography!
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September 1st, 2011
by Carrie
More than 1,900 people attended our Geek the Library event last Sunday, and we couldn’t be more excited about that. The Jessamine Journal posted some great photos of the event on their website. And our very own Circulation Associate, Amy, who geeks photography, took photos as well. We hope to post some of those early next week.
In the meantime, thank you for supporting your public library!
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August 25th, 2011
by Carrie
Date: August 28, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Inside & Out
For All Ages
Geek//Verb
- To love, to enjoy, to celebrate, to have an intense passion for.
- To express interest in.
- To possess a large amount of knowledge in.
- To promote.
The library helps everyone explore the things they geek. With Internet access for all, knowledgeable librarians, and local programs, the library is an important resource for your community. Geek the Library is a national campaign to spread awareness about the value of libraries and the critical funding issues they face.
Jessamine County Public Library invites everyone in the community to celebrate the diverse interests and passions of our county at our Geek the Library Campaign Kick-off.
Events & Booths include:
- Car Show
- Antique Tractor Display
- Open Mic Stage
- Food Vendors
- Animal Rescue Organizations
- Model Train Display
- Lego Sculpture Display
- Camp Nelson Historians
- Air Brush Tattoos
- Inflatable Slide
- Food Vendors
- Storytellers…
…and much more! No registration necessary–just come and join the fun!
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July 20th, 2011
by Carrie
This afternoon JCPL teens celebrated the artistry of India by watching a Hindi-influenced movie, tasting Indian food, and getting henna tattoos from a professional Mehendi artist. Click on “read more” below to see their chosen henna designs.

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