Today's Feature

CPL Can Meet Internet Demand.

Carthage Library Compares Well Against Library/Internet Study.

A recent study conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Information Use Management and Policy Institute at Florida State University (FSU) reveals about libraries across the nation a struggle to meet the growing demand for computer and internet use. The Carthage Public Library, which opened a new expansion in May of this year, may be ahead of the curve.

According to the study, 73 percent of the nation’s libraries are the only source of free public access to computers and the internet in their respective communities. The study also shows that the increasing demand is not always met with increased budgets to allow for more computers and sufficient internet connections.

Carthage Public Library Director Jennifer Seaton in a Mornin’ Mail interview on Wednesday expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand the library and increase computer resources.

"It’s really a blessing," said Seaton.

Seaton said that prior to the expansion the library had 7 computers available for use. During the expansion additional computers were purchased and there are now 10; 4 in the children’s section downstairs and 6 upstairs, all of which may be used by patrons for internet use, word processing or educational programs.

For patrons who own laptop computers the library also offers wireless internet access, according to Seaton.

Additionally, a "Teen Spaces" grant received from the Missouri Library Association funded the purchase of 4 laptop computers which may be checked out by teenagers for use in the library.

Common uses for the internet access at the library include checking e-mail, looking for employment and researching housing information. The computers at the Carthage Library are also frequently used for writing resumes and school reports.

The ALA study also addresses the shifting duties of library personnel; stating that in addition to filing books and paperwork, some library employees have also begun providing internet and research assistance. Seaton said that the same is true in the Carthage library, although limited staff prevents the availability of full time assistance.

Another important advantage to the recent Carthage expansion is the room for further growth. As the framework is in place for the internet network, the addition of more computers presents less of a challenge than it would have in the original adjoining library facility.

Prior to the opening of the new expansion, the computers at the library were averaging 1,000 users per month. After the opening of the new addition, the numbers have increased, according to Seaton. In August the library set a new record, logging 1,693 users.

The library report was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ALA, and can be viewed at www.ala.org/plinternetfunding.

The sheet is what most of us would call a rope, ‘cept most ropes are called "lines." You don’t use right and left, it’s starboard and port. The first term most rookies learn is "prepare to come about." That means the boat is changin’ directions and the boom (a word you will always remember if you forget the first term) is goin’ ta be comin’ across the "deck" (another term that starts makin’ a lot of sense after ya wake up from bein’ hit by the boom.) I suppose if I were to try to get out in a sail boat today I’d prob’ly remember a lot of sailor talk (both kinds) that I hadn’t thought of in years.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Natural Nutrition
By Mari An Willis

While doing research, I have run across several remedies and wives tales which I want to share with you. Many of the following are from the book FOLK REMEDIES, RECEIPTS & ADVICE by Jon-Erik Svensson.

Europeans were first introduced to Sarsaparilla in the 16th century when it was brought to them from Mexico. The colonials used it for just about all ailments. A DRINK: In a gallon of water, boil two ounces of sarsaparilla and two ounces of liquorice, until the water is reduced to three pints. This decoction may be taken at any time, even at meals; instead of water, ale or porter; it is a good purifier of blood and slightly aperient. (Godey’s Lady’s Book, Oct. 1859)

TO EASE THE STING OF a bee or wasp: Take a handful of Rue and crush it to extract the juice from the leaves. Apply it to any part hurt by the sting of a bee or wasp or even an asp. (Helpful Advice, 1801)

TO PREVENT MOTHS: cloves in a coarse powder, one ounce; bay leaves, one ounce; lavender flowers, one ounce; lemon peel, one ounce. Mix and put into little bags, place them where the clothes are kept, or wrap the clothes around them. They will keep away moths and insects. (Godey’s Lady’s Book, May 1864)

FOR ARTHRITIS... CELERY SEED TEA: take one ounce of celery seed and boil it well in one pint of water until it is wasted to a half a pint. Strain and bottle. The dose is one teaspoon a day. The effect is miraculous. (Household Discoveries, 1868)

We have come a long way since these remedies have been suggested, but one thing is for sure that throughout history the pendulum always swings back the other way before it settles in the middle.

artCentral
Art Notes from Hyde House
By Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

Seasons are changing, and as summer fades into fall, and the rain returns and cooler temperatures emerge, so do the fall art shows and exhibitions! One of the first is the annual MIDWEST GATHERING OF THE ARTISTS, which is held annually in Carthage the second weekend of September at the Carthage Memorial Hall. This art sale and auction celebrates a 30 year anniversary as a continuously running event, and occurred again this year with some 29 artists from this area and far beyond exhibiting during the weekend. From October 13- 28th, at the Longwell Museum in the Elsie Plaster Community Center in Neosho, the THOMAS HART BENTON ART COMPETITION & EXHIBIT will take place. This exhibition and competition is sponsored by the Southwest Missouri Art Alliance and features judging by George Tutt, artist and teacher for 35, years serving as chairman and head of the art departments at William Woods and Westminister Colleges in Fulton, and president of the Missouri Watercolor Society, as well as a demonstration by art speaker and appraiser Michael Bell. This exhibit is open to all artists and includes numerous awards. September 29- November 18, SPIVA CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Joplin offers a new exhibition, AMERICAN EXPLORATION: KARL BODMER & GEORGE CATLIN which includes 19th century prints from the artists who traveled deep into the American West to record customs, costumes and ceremonies of Native Americans during the time of Lewis and Clark. Western bronze sculpture is included in this exhibition, by Joplin native Joe Beeler. Finally, artCentral in Carthage offers a new exhibition opening October 12th from member Marilyn York of Olathe Kansas entitled "FROM BOTH SIDES NOW" in the Main Gallery. Marilyn was first place winner of this year’s Membership Show for her watercolor entitled "39 Down" and will be showing additional examples of her watercolors. Along with Marilyn, we will feature a group of photographs by Joplin photographer Linda Teeter in a Member Gallery show entitled "PHOTOSCAPES".

These exhibits remain until October 31st. Much to see and experience this fall in our part of the Ozarks!