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Peter Yarrow is coming to the library Saturday August 28th at 1:00 to read and talk about his children's books and more.  Books will be available for purchase.  Come and meet one of the legends of folk music.  Space is limited so registration is suggested.

Register online now.

Peter Yarrow is perhaps best known as one third of the successful folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary.  A successful artist and activist, his talent is legendary.  His gift for songwriting produced some of the most moving and memorable music recorded including "Puff the Magic Dragon", "Day is Done" and "Light One Candle."  Mr. Yarrow will be lending his talents in a concert Saturday, August 28th at 7:30 to benefit the Middleburgh Library's Early Literacy Programs and the Butterfly Cafe in Schoharie.  He'll be joined by his daughter Bethany, a Schoharie County resident and Rufus Cappadocia, one of the leading voices on the cello today.  The concert will be held at the Middleburgh Methodist Church. Tickets will be available at the door.  $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors/students.  We hope to see you all there!

Finding a job in our uncertain economy can be a challenge.  Be better prepared by using our online resources listed below:

Begin your search with the Mohawk Valley Library System's online databases.  Your library card and pin number (the last 4 digits of your telephone number) are required to access some of these resources.

Find information on resumes, freelancing, civil service and more in our
Jobs and Employment subject guide.

Create a resume with ease, find tips on writing a cover letter, view mock interviews and find your next job with the Schenectady Public Library's Resume Maker for the web.  Simply go to their site and click on Resume Maker on the right hand side of the page.  Set up a free account and you're on your way!

Times are tough, and our money is not going as far as it used to. Our utility bills are outrageous, and the rise in the price of gasoline is making the cost of everything else we buy go up too. 

In order to lower our bills and stay ahead, it's more important than ever to stretch a dollar .  Here are some sites that may help:

66 Ways to Save Money

The federal government has published a pamphlet called 66 Ways to Save Money, which gives easy tips that touch upon all the topics on this page.

 

Blogs

About.com's Surviving a Recession  Top 10 Ways to Find, Save and Spend Money During Tight Times

Consumer Tips: Empowering YOU to be a Savvy Consumer
From CNN

Not Made of Money 
A personal finance blog by a husband and wife.

Cheap Gas

Gas prices are higher than we've ever seen them, but they aren't the same everywhere. Here are a couple Web sites that let you know where to find the cheapest gas in your area.


 AAA Fuel Price Finder
Once you enter your Zip code, click on the "Fuel Price Finder" link in the Savings Spotlight box on the right.
Automotive.com
Click on your state and county to see your local prices.
GasPriceWatch.com
Select your location and see the prices in your area.
New York State Gas Prices
From GasBuddy.com, this site shows prices at your local gas stations complete with a map and the time that price was reported.

 

Fuel Efficiency

Saving Money at the Gas Pump
Produced by the Federal Trade Commission, this site offers quick gas-saving tips for different parts of your car, including the tires, the truck, and under the hood.
The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline
If you think that high octane gas is always the best for your car, you need to read this page by the Federal Trade Commission.
"Gas-Saving" Products: Fact or Fuelishness?
Not all gas-saving products are created equal. Get the facts from this Federal Trade Commission page.
Fuel Economy
This government site allows you to look at the fuel efficiency of different cars, read gas mileage tips, learn more about hybrid cars, and compare cars side by side.
AAA Fuel Cost Calculator
If you're traveling somewhere, this site lets you plug in the type of car you have and tells you how much gas you will use on the trip and how much it will cost. The calculator gives you a list of major U.S. cities to choose from, so you may not be able to find the exact city you are in.

Green Living

The Middleburgh Library has created a guide on Green Living, and many of the resources mentioned on this guide will also help you save money in your commute, your home, and at the store.

Cheap, Healthy Meals

Yes, you can eat cheaply without resorting to junk food.
Food Stamp Nutrition Connection: Recipes Finder
Database started by USDA of cheap, but healthy, recipes for people on food stamps. They'll work for anybody, though.
Low Cost Meals
Meal planning tips and recipes for all tastes from Creative Publishing Services.
Shopping, Cooking, and Meal Planning
Lots of information from the National Agricultural Library.

Coupons Coupons Coupons!

A penny saved is a penny earned, and coupons help you save a lot of pennies. Look at these places that give coupon offers you may not see anywhere else.
CoolSavings.com
Free grocery coupons, online coupons, printable coupons, free offers from top brands, free samples and more.
Coupons.com
Printable coupons for many grocery store items. You need to download special printing software, but it is free.
CouponSaver.org
Coupon Saver has many coupon codes, promotional codes, and coupons that will save you money with your online purchases.
Fatwallet.com
Free online coupons, online bargain shopping, price comparison
MySavings.com
An online community that shares money saving tips and offers. You must register and join to recieve coupons, but it is free.
RetailMeNot.com
Coupon codes for thousands of online stores

Lower Your Utility Bills

There are a lot of tricks to make your house more energy efficient, so you use less gas and electricity and have smaller bills as a result. These sites will help.
Energy Efficient Homes | DoItYourself.com
This site has lots of of pages on making your home more energy efficient, including sections on evaluating your windows and doors, insulating, and weatherizing.
Home Energy Saver
This Web site, designed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, offers an energy use calculator that can help find the best ways to save energy in your home.
Saving Starts at Home
This guide from the Federal Trade Commission gives energy-saving tips for all areas of your home.
Energy Savers Blog
From the U.S. Department of Energy, this blog provides a place for consumers to learn about and discuss energy efficiency and renewable technologies at home, on the road, and in the workplace.
Energy Savers
Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency offers links to energy efficiency tips, ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and energy use calculators.
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits
This guide from the U.S. Department of Energy shows you how to conduct your own home energy audit.
Tips for Cutting Your Carbon 
Cool Capital has compiled a list of ideas for reducing your energy use at home.
Maryland State Office of Energy Programs
How to contact your local home energy program office
Office of Energy Programs
From the Maryland State Department of Human Resources

Low Interest Credit Cards

Paying down high-interest credit cards can be one of your biggest monthly expenses. Finding a lower-interest card can reduce your payments and let you use your money more efficiently.
Federal Reserve Board: Choosing a Credit Card
This Web site contains concise explanations about credit cards and terms related to credit cards such as APR, finance charge and variable-rate. This site answers questions for people new to credit cards and people who already have credit cards. Specific topics include: what are APRs, types of cards, what are liability limits, and what to do about billing errors.
Bankrate.com: Best Credit Card Offers
This site allows you to see what different credit cards are available to consumers. You can search for low-interest cards, cards for people with bad credit, or cards with specific types of rewards.

Medical Assistance

Health care costs keep going up, but these Web sites may be able to help.
Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
If you have limited income and resources, there’s a Medicare program where you pay no more than $2.40 for each generic drug and $6 for each brand name drug.


Job Loss - Important Information Workers Need to Know to Protect their Health Coverage
From the U.S. Department of Labor.
New York State Health Insurance Programs
A comprehensive list of New York State Medical Assistance programs.

Protect Your Investments

Are My Deposits Insured? 
Find out how Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) deposit insurance works and estimate coverage on your deposits.
Protect Your Pension - A Quick Reference Guide
This page, from the U.S. Department of Labor, is a brief guide to tell you how to find out who is managing your pension money and explain the rules that pension managers must follow.

Save Your House

The housing boom of a few years ago has become a foreclosure boom today. There are many community organizations who want you to keep your home.

Mortgage Foreclosure Resources
A collection of federal government resources compiled by the Federal Reserve Board.
Foreclosure Prevention Project
This pamphlet from the NYS Legal Aid Society outlines where to get help by county.
New York State help for homeowners facing foreclosure.

 

Smart Shopping

 Consumer World  This is a big site with a price checker, links to product reviews, and links to consumer articles from many sources.

mySimon.com Compare prices of electronics, clothing, furniture, books, jewelry, and more.

Thrift Stores

TheThriftShopper.Com Thrift Store Directory
A nationwide directory of thrift stores. Just type in your zip code or city to find stores in your area.
Thrift Store Safety Checklist
If you buy at thrift stores, here are some tips to help you make safer purchases. From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Staycations--Vacations at Home

With fuel prices hitting record highs, traveling has become incredibly expensive. More people are trying "staycations," or stay-at-home vacations. Explore your home state as though you were a tourist.

37 Fresh Staycation Ideas
From SuperEco here are 37 ideas for any budget.
I Love New York Office of Tourism
Find out all that the Empire State has to offer.
Travel and Tourism Sites for the 50 States and U.S. Territories
If you're not from Maryland, look at this site, provided by the federal government, which links to each state's travel and tourism Web page.
Physical Activity for Everyone: Recommendations: Young People
From the Centers for Disease Control, this page has ideas for young people and their parents on staying active. Staying at home for vacation doesn't mean you can't have fun.

Using Your Library

When money is tight, remember that your public library offers many services for free.  Watch movies, borrow books, music and DVDs, use library computers, attend free educational programs and more.  To calculate the value of our free services click here.

Make sure that you have the most up to date information about the H1N1 virus. Flu.gov is the authority on all aspects of the disease and the vaccine here in the United States.  To see how the H1N1 virus is effecting the rest of the world, take a look at the World Health Organization's informative site.

google.org: Flu Trends
This tool "uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity." View data for the U.S. (national and states) and several other countries, and download raw data for current and historical estimates. Provides an overview of the tool and a FAQ. From Google.
URL: http://www.google.org/flutrends/


FDA 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu Virus
This page compiles news, advisories, and fact sheets for consumers and health professionals about 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus. It includes a fraud alert about websites claiming to sell prevention and treatment products, information about antiviral drugs and influenza medications, and updates about U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involvement with and response to the H1N1 flu virus threat. Also includes information about personal protective equipment (such as face masks). From the FDA.
URL: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm150305.htm

For an interactive tutorial about the H1N1 virus please click here.

From our catalog: 

	Influenza : the next pandemic?
	by Goldsmith, Connie, 1945-

	Beating the flu : the natural prescription for surviving pandemic influenza and bird flu
	by Williams, J. E. (James Eugene), 1949-

It's hard to keep up with all that's happening at the library - but there's no reason to miss your favorite event.  Check out the Events Calendar or our "This Week at the Library" widget (those little boxes in the sidebar of our page) for dates and times of upcoming programs.  For more in-depth information you'll want to read our monthly program brochures:

Adult Program Brochure

Storytime Brochure
Make a Splash Read - Summer Reading for kids Pre-school - 5th Grade
                                                      Make Waves - Summer Reading Program for 6th Grade & up

If you would like to receive the monthly brochures in your e-mail - before they appear on the website - click the link at the top right of this page.  To make sure you know everything that's going on,  subscribe to a feed of all website posts.  Information on Book Discussions can be found on our Reader's Services page.

Some library events require registration and some do not.  To register for a program, call the circulation desk at (518) 827-5142, or send us an email.  Make sure you include your name and phone number in your e-mail.  For some events you will see a "Register Now" button at the bottom of the event post.  Click there to automatically register.  If you have suggestions or ideas for programming, please contact the director - I love to hear from you!

The Middleburgh Library strives to offer the best service to our patrons.  The Library champions the joy of reading and lifelong learning with children’s programs, family and community events, educational programming and collections that nurture the imagination. Through your donations, volunteering and advocacy, you support the library's mission and help us to be the best that we can be.

There are many ways for you to make a difference!

Individual Giving:

You may make a tax-deductible donation to support the Library at any time by mailing a check made payable to The Middleburgh Library Association.

Memorials

Would you like to honor the memory of a special loved one?  Consider making a donation as a memorial; amounts are kept confidential.

Endowment and Planned Giving

Gifts to endow the Library demonstrate a fundamental dedication to the long-term intellectual and cultural vigor of our community. You can help build the Library endowment with gifts of cash, stock, real estate or other assets. You may also choose to include the Middleburgh Library in your will or other estate planning.  Please call the library director at 827-5142 to discuss your options.


Donation of Material 

We are happy to accept donations of good quality hardcover and paperback books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept encyclopedias, Reader's Digest editions or material that is dirty, moldy or beyond repair.  We will review all donated material to see how it fits our needs.  Some items will be added to our collection, while others will be sold in our Book Nook or at our annual book sale. The money raised will support all of our programs and services, especially our Summer Reading Program. It is best to contact the library first before bringing in your donations.

Volunteering

We are always looking for volunteers!  If you have a special talent or interest, consider teaching a class or workshop to your neighbors.  You may also volunteer your time to shelve books, or to participate in one of our many projects.  Simply stop in the library to fill out a volunteer application.

Board of Trustees

You can serve the library and your community an impactful way by running for one of our vacant Board of Trustees seats in April.  Serving the the community as a library trustee is an important job.  As State Librarian Janet Welch writes in the preface to the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State (2000) "A good public library benefits and serves the entire community. [Trustees] make policy and fiscal decisions crucial to the life and direction of the library. Their decisions impact the lives of people and the future of their community. Library trustees are responsible to the library and to the public it serves and must be tireless advocates for improving library services."  Serving as a board member includes many challenges and many rewards as well.  For more information please contact the director, Terry Pavoldi at 827-5142.

Friends of the Library

Coming soon!

Other Ways to Help

Are you an online shopper?  Turn your online shopping and searching into donations for the Middleburgh Library.

1.  Join iGive.com for FREE.
2.  Shop online at any of the 700+ stores in the iGive network.  You'll see all of your favorites including     Amazon.com, Best Buy, Staples, eBay and Pottery Barn!
3.  The Library receives a check for up to 26% of each purchase.

It's FREE, it's easy and every purchase you make generates a donation to the Library.  Click below to get started.