Osterhout Free Library Branch Libraries

Preschool Storytime @ Plains Branch

2006-12-20T15:24:00.000-05:00

For parents and children (2 ½ to 5 years old, not in Kindergarten). Stories, songs, and poems...oh my! Join the fun and enroll in our storytime sessions. Kids will have a great time practicing their numbers, colors, and shapes and making a fun craft too!

Programs will be held weekly on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. Sessions begin on January 8th and will end on February 12th. *Note that there will be no storytime on January 15th.

Stop by the Plains Township Library to sign up or call 824-1862.
Please register by December 29, 2006. Space is limited!

126 North Main St.
Plains, PA 18705

Plains Branch Activities

2006-10-07T12:39:00.000-04:00

Check out the October activities

Comic Book Chat for children ages 10-15 on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Comic book fans can come share and swap their favorite comics.

Halloween Story and Craft Hour for all children on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 6:00-7:00 p.m. We'll read spine tingling stories, have spooky snacks, and make a scary craft.

Please call the library to register for either of these programs at 824-1862.

Plains Township Branch Library
126 N. Main St
Plains PA

Barnes and Noble BookFair

2006-09-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

The good people at the Barnes and Noble at 421 Arena Hub Plaza Wilkes-Barre will be holding book fair to benefit the Osterhout Free Library.

A percentage of net sales made during the week of September 24-30th will be donated to the library.

Stop by the store to say hello to our staff or during one of our special storytimes. Storytimes will be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 10 a.m. & Thursday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. Clifford the Big Red Dog will be visiting our storytimes on Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

For more information about the book fair please contact the Osterhout Free Library at 823-0156

2006-09-21T14:56:00.000-04:00

Banned Books Week
September 23-30, 2006

"Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2006, marks BBW's 25th anniversary (September 23-30)." -ALA.org

Help Celebrate Banned Books Week by visiting your local library. Check out one of the 100 most challeneged books and see what all the fuss is about.

More information on Banned and Challeneged Books can be found at the ALA website by clicking on the Banned Books Week icon or one the following sites:

American BookSellers Foundatin For Free Expression at http://www.abffe.org/banned.htm

American Library Association- Challenged and Banned Books- http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/challengedbanned/challengedbanned.htm

Amnesty International- http://www.amnestyusa.org/bannedbooks/

Google- http://google.com/bannedbooks

Win an MP3 Player

2006-09-01T10:16:00.000-04:00

Enter our drawing to win an MP3 Player at the Osterhout Free Library and it's 3 Branches!

To enter visit our website at www .osterhout.lib.pa.us and click on the Downloadable Audiobooks icon:. Find 2 titles from the titles available and list them on your raffle entry tickets with your name and phone number. Raffle tickets can be found at the circulation desk at your local Osterhout library.

Downloadable Audiobooks are free for Luzerne County Library System card holders. Library cards are free to Luzerne County members. For more information please visit the library's website at www.osterhout.lib.pa.us or read our Getting Started information.

The Drawing will be held on October 3, 2006. Each branch has it's own player to give away so make sure to enter! Good luck and enjoy our great new service!

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

2006-08-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

NORTH BRANCH
235 GEORGE AVENUE
PARSONS SECTION

· PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
MONDAY MORNINGS
· SEPTEMBER 11 – OCTOBER 2, 2006
· 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
· Stories, Crafts, Fingerplays
· FOR CHILDREN 3 1/2 – 5 Years
· not attending kindergarten
· CALL 822-4660 TO REGISTER

2006-08-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

Preschool Storytime

Are you between the ages of 2 1/2 and 5 years old but not in kindergarten yet? Are you a parent eager to start getting your child ready for kindergarten? Come to the Preschool Storytime this fall at the Plains Township Branch Library at 126 North Main Street Plains!

Storytime will be held on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. starting September 11 and ending on October 30th! Each week we will read stories, sing songs and do fingerplays while highlighting early literacy skills.

Please call 824-1862 to register by September 7, 2006.

Party Time

2006-08-04T13:46:00.000-04:00

Don't miss the grand finale party for the Summer Reading Program on August 14, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. The party will be held at the Plains Muni. Park on Clark Lane in Hilldale. We'll play Animal Bingo and prizes will be awarded to winners and readers.

For more information call the Plains Township Branch at 824-1862.

2006-07-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

Come join the Plains Township Celebration of National Night Out. The Plains Branch Library will be on hand to discuss library resources and activities. We'll have coloring books, pens and other give aways not to mention all fellow supporters of this great activity.

Support your local community members who fight against crime on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. The demonstrations and fun will be held at the Plains Volunteer Ambulance Association Hall at 90 Maffett St, Plains PA.

For more information contact the library at 824-1862

Flood Information

2006-07-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Was your house or property damaged by the recent flooding?

Check out the Pennsylvania Disaster Information and Assistance website on Flooding at www.paflooding.state.pa.us for more information on where to apply for aid, flood insurance and tips on how to cope.

Also check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (also known as FEMA) for further information on Federal aid and applying for it at http://www.fema.gov/. Apply for assistance by clicking on the link "Apply for Assistance" located on the middle of the page.

Stay connected for up to date flood information with one of the area's many local news sources via the web.
WBRE News @ http://wbre.com/
WNEP News @ http://wnep.com/
WYOU News @ http://wyou.com/

The Citizen's Voice @ http://citizensvoice.com
The Times Leader @ http://www.timesleader.com
The Times-Tribune @ http://scrantontimes.com/

NEPA News @ http://nepanews.com

For a look back at past floods such as the 1972 caused by Hurricane Agnes stop by the Information Services Department at the central library of the Osterhout Free Library. We have a wide collection of newspaper clippings from that time and other major local events. Contact the Information Services staff at 821-1959. The central library is located at 71 S. Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre PA 18701.

Events in July at the Plains Branch

2006-07-07T11:31:00.000-04:00

Don't miss out on the fun at the Plains Township Branch at 126 North Main St. Plains in July.

Story and Craft Hour– Open to all ages. We will read fun stories on our weekly theme and make a handmade craft to take home with you.
Wednesday–July 5 @ 10:30 a.m.– Cats
Tuesday–July 11 @ 10:30 a.m.—Reptiles
Tuesday–July 18 @ 10:30 a.m.– Jungle Animals
Tuesday–July 25 @ 10:30 a.m.– Forest Animals

Family Fun Nights– Open to all families.
Join us as we spend an evening together at the Plains Township Municipal Park on Clark Lane.

Monday–July 10 @ 6:00 p.m. Animal Jeopardy! Test your animal knowledge as we go head to head on this animal trivia game.

Monday– July 21 @ 6:00 p.m. Fish Night! We will play the favorite card game of Go Fish with special fish shaped cards and make a fish tank bottle craft!

Teen Game Night- Stop by the library for great snacks and boards game fun. You’ll have a chance to play UNO, Card games, Monopoly and more! For readers 12-16 years of age.
July 12 @ 6:00 p.m.
July 26 @ 6:00 p.m.

For more information please contact Plains Branch @ 824-1862

Summer Reading Program

2006-06-09T10:12:00.000-04:00

Join the Summer Reading Program at one of the Branches of the Osterhout Free Library. We will be having weekly prizes for your reading accomplishments. Join us for our exciting summer activities. Activities include story and craft hours, tours of the SPCA, photography workshops, jewerly making workshops and much more!

Contact your local branch for activities and times:

North Branch
235 George Avenue, Parsons Section
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Telphone/Fax (570) 822-4660

Plains Township Branch
126 North Main Street
Plains, PA 18705
Telephone/Fax (570) 824-1862

South Branch
2 Airy Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Telephone/Fax (570) 823-5544

2006-05-18T14:09:00.000-04:00

The Branches of the Osterhout Free Library would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial day weekend. The Osterhout Free Library and branch libraries will be closed Saturday, May 27 and Monday, May 29, 2006 for the holiday. The libraries will reopen on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at their regular times.

Please take this time to honor our armed forces for their service to our country. More information on Memorial Day can be found via The United States Department of Veterans Affairs at http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/ .

Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse

2006-05-03T14:48:00.000-04:00

Come Join the Fun of the Pennsylvania's One Book Every Young Child program as we read Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse by Lindsay Barrett George and other favorite mouse stories. We'll make our own inside and outside mice!

Monday May 8, 2006
6:00-7:00 p.m.

Plains Township Branch Library
126 North Main St. Plains

Please call to make reservations 570-824-1862.

For more information on the PA One Book Every Young Child please visit their website at http://www.paonebook.org

2006-04-19T16:42:00.000-04:00

Bracelet Workshop

Stop by the South Branch of the Osterhout Free Library on May 11, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. for a free bracelet workshop. Learn the basics and make your personalized jewerly.

Contact Rebeccas Schmitt at 823-5544 for more information.

The South Branch is located at 2 Airy Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Button Night

2006-04-10T14:17:00.000-04:00

Stop by the Plains Township Branch Library at 126 North Main St. Plains for Button Night, Monday, April 17, 2006 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.

We'll be making personalized buttons of two sizes for your shirts, bags, hats or anywhere you want to pin them!

Please call Elizabeth at 824-1862 to register for this free craft program.

2006-04-10T14:14:00.000-04:00

The Branches of the Osterhout Free Library will be closed on Friday, April 14, 2006.

The Osterhout Free Library in downtown Wilkes-Barre will be opened from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Thank you and Happy Holidays.

Popcorn and Games Night

2006-03-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Stop by the South Branch Library on Thursdays 6:300-8:30 p.m. for popcorn and games. Rebecca will love to see you!

For more information call 823-5544 or just visit 2 Airy Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

2006-03-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

"The sky is falling!!"

Not really but we will be hearing more from Chicken Little as we watch the Major Motion Picture by Disney on April 5, 2006 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Plains Township Branch Library.

Come join the fun as we watch the movie and have some popcorn! All ages are invited but space is very limited so please call 824-1862 to reigster.

In the mean time check out the official Chicken Little website
or try one of these book versions of the timeless classic:

Chicken Little retold & illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Henny-Penny retold and illustrated by Jane Wattenberg.

Tax Time

2006-03-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

With the recent turn in the weather, April will be here before you know it and you know what that means! Time to file your taxes! Did you know that all the tax forms are available for free online? Or that you can even file online?

For more information on Federal Electronic Filing or Printable Forms check out the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at http://www.irs.gov/.

For more information on Pennsylvania State Electronic Filing or Printable Forms check out the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue at http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/.

Some Branch Libraries still have forms available for free but hurry supplies are running low.

Also check out the OPAC or card catalog to see if we have any income tax manuals available to help prepare your taxes.

2006-02-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

Celebrate the life of the beloved children's author, Theodor Seuss Geisel on Thursday, March 2, 2006 by reading one of his many books.

Take a look at the catalog online to check out your favorite, whether it be The Cat and The Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham or one of the many others!

For a complete history of his phenomenal career take a peek any of the following books:

The boy on Fairfield Street : how Ted Geisel grew up to become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull

Dr. Seuss by Mae Woods

The Seuss, the whole Seuss, and nothing but the Seuss : a visual biography of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Charles D. Cohen.

Also take a visit to the website dedicated to the man himself at http://www.seussville.com/

2006-02-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

Preschool Story Time

When: Mondays in March (6, 13, 20, & 27) @ 10:00 am

Where: Plains Township Branch Library
126 North Main St. Plains

What: Story time for children ages 2 1/5—5 (not in preschool) and their parents. We will read books, sing songs and perform finger plays.

Sign Up to join the fun @ 824-1862- Space is very limited

Valentine Craft Hour

2006-02-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

Stop by the Plains Township Branch Library Monday- February 13, 2006 at 6:00-7:00 p.m. to make some Forget-Me-Not Elephants for your Valentine!

We'll make other last minute valentines for your sweethearts.

Call 824-1862 to Register.

Free Book Distributions

2006-01-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

Here are the upcoming dates for Reading Is Fundamental Free Book Distributions at your local branch libraries of the Osterhout Free Library. Book distributions are provided by the Friends of the Osterhout Free Library and the Reading Is Fundamental Organization.

All children in grades K-6th are invited to attend one distribution to recieve a free book.

Plains Township Branch: Monday, January 23, 2006 2:30- 5:00 p.m.

126 North Main St. Plains

North Branch: Monday, January 23, 2006 3:00-5:00 p.m.

235 George Avenue, Parsons Section Wilkes-Barre

South Branch: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 3:00- 5:00 p.m.

2 Airy Street Wilkes-Barre

Osterhout Free Library: January 25, 2006 2:00- 4:00 p.m.

71 South Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre

2006-01-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

Attention Lemony Snicket Fans!

The Plains Township Branch Library is holding an 'unfortunate event' writing contest for students in grades 4-8th. To enter please submit your own 'unfortunate event' based on the three Baudelaire characters of Lemony Snicket's books, A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Entries are preferred to be typed but there is no word limit. Please either submit them in person or via email by January 23, 2006. Please make sure to add your name, address, telephone number and grade somewhere in the body of your email or entry.

Then please join us on February 6, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. to view the major motion picture, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. The winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded. There will be refreshments and fun for all!

For help don't forget to check out the Lemony Snicket books at any of the libraries. Check our catalog at http://www.lucasatyourservice.org to see if they are available.

For more information please contact Elizabeth at the Plains Branch library at 823-1862. Email entries can be submitted directly to Elizabeth at edavis@osterhout.lib.pa.us.

Holiday Hours

2005-12-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

The Librarians of the Osterhout Free Library Branches would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday season.

The Osterhout Library and it's Branches will be closed on Saturday December 24th and Monday December 26th.

We will close at five each day between December 27th- 30th. Please contact your branch of choice for hours or check out the master list of holiday hours here.

We will be closed on Saturday December 31, 2005 and Monday January 2, 2006.

Check out the OPAC for books on Chanuka, Christmas and Kwanza.

Holiday Craft & Story Hour

2005-11-28T12:44:00.000-05:00

Join us at the Plains Township Branch as we celebrate the holidays in the month of December. We'll read stories and create a craft. Fun for all ages and a great way to start off the holiday season!

Wednesday, December 7, 2005
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Call Elizabeth @ 824-1862 to register. Space is limited.

Plains Township Branch
126 North Main St.
Plains

Auntie Claus Program

2005-11-22T14:07:00.000-05:00

Come and Celebrate Christmas
At the North Branch!

Make a craft
Feast on Christmas goodies
&
Listen to the wonderful story of

AUNTIE CLAUS
BY ELISE PRIMAVERA

MONDAY
DECEMBER 19, 2005
AT 6:45 P.M.

REGISTER BY CALLING 822-4660
235 GEORGE AVENUE
(PARSONS)
WILKES-BARRE

Check out the Auntie Claus website to get a sneak peak at the book!

http://www.auntieclaus.com/index.html

Also Take the Bad Boys & Girls Quiz to see your fate for this Christmas!

http://www.auntieclaus.com/bbgquiz.html

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

2005-11-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

The Osterhout Free Library and it's Branches will be closing at

4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd.

The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 24th

in honor of Thanksgiving.

We will re-open with regular hours

on Friday, November 25th.

All the Branch staff would like to wish you

and yours' a happy holiday.

For more information about Thanksgiving visit the

Library of Congress or the Census Bureau for some fun facts!

Thanksgiving Story and Craft Hour

2005-11-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

Visit Plains Township Branch Wednesdays November 16, 2005 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a Thanksgiving Themed Story and Craft Hour. All ages are invited but space is limited so please call 824-1862 to register.

Luzerne County Library System to Offer Fine Free Coupons

2005-11-05T09:58:00.000-05:00

Luzerne County Library System to Offer Fine Free Coupons

The public libraries of Luzerne County are participating in this year’s WNEP TV and Pepsi Cola-sponsored Feed a Friend Campaign by providing one “Fine Free Coupon” to persons who donate food items or cash to the community food drive.

Anyone bringing non-perishable food items or monetary donations to member libraries between now and November 18 is eligible to receive a coupon good for the fine free return of one overdue library item at any of the Luzerne County Library System’s fifteen locations. System Director Diane Suffren said “The fine free offer is a wonderful way for libraries to give our customers a reward when they help those in need in our communities.”

Participating locations are: Back Mountain Memorial Library, Dallas; Hazleton Area Public Library and its branches; Hoyt Library, Kingston; Marian S. Kirby Library, Mountaintop; Mill Memorial Library, Nanticoke; Plymouth Public Library; West Pittston Library; Wyoming Free Library; and the Osterhout Free Library and its branches. Items donated at the Pittston Memorial Library will be given to Gabriel House.

2005-10-31T15:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Have a fun Trick-Or-Treating tonight!

Here are a few safety tips before venturing out this evening:

1) Carry a flashlight or glow stick, or wear reflective tape

2)Use crosswalks. Look both ways when crossing the street and

do not cross from behind parked cars

3) Dispose of any candy with loose wrappers —

"When in doubt, throw it out!"

4) Trick-or-treat only in neighborhoods with which

you are familiar, and don't go out alone.

5) Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths.

6) HAVE FUN!

2005-10-14T11:15:00.000-04:00

Reading Is Fundamental Book Distribution

Visit your favorite branch library on the following days to
recieve your free R.I.F. book.
There will be something for everyone grades K-6th.

North Branch: Thursday October 20 from 3-5 p.m.
Plains Branch: Tuesday October 25 from 3-5 p.m.
South Branch: Wednesday October 26 from 3-5 p.m.

If you can't make any of these dates try and visit the
Central library:Saturday October 22 from 2:30- 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the R.I.F. organization please visit their website at http://www.rif.org

2005-10-08T10:24:00.000-04:00

October Events at the Plains Township Branch Library

October 12th:

6:30- 7:30 p.m.

Comic Book Chat

Ages 11 and up

Come meet fellow comic book or graphic novel fans to discuss

your favorite authors, artists, characters and more!

Starting October 13th:

Weekly Storytime

11:00 a.m.

All ages welcome!

Visit the Plains Township Branch Library for a weekly storytime.

October 26th:

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Halloween Story and Craft Time

All ages welcome

Stop by the library to help celebrate Elizabeth's favorite fall holiday.

We'll read scary stories and make a monster mask.

2005-09-27T13:11:00.000-04:00

New Books!

Just in time for the changing of the season,
new books to dive into before raking the leaves.

Flashback by Gary Braver
Ready or Not by Meg Cabot
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
The Divide by Nicholas Evans
The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans
The Only Suspect by Jonnie Jacobs
The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
The Jury by Fern Michaels
13 Steps Down by Ruth Rendell
Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts
Cinnamon Kiss by Mosley Walter
Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

Check out the Catalog to see if your branch has a copy available
or call to be put on the waiting list.

2005-09-24T16:24:00.000-04:00

Help Celebrate Banned Books Week @ your local library.

Visit your favorite Branch of the Osterhout Free Library between
September 24 and October 2, 2005 to learn more about Banned and Challanged Books.

For additional information visit the American Library Association Website @ http://www.ala.org/bbooks/

2005-09-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

Family Place Parent & Child Workshop:

There will be a five-week series of programs
for parents/caregiver, and toddlers ages 1 - 3,
at the North Branch Library 235 George Ave. Wilkes Barre

Programs will be held on Friday mornings
October 7,14,21,28, November 4, 2005
From 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
For more information and to make a reservation
beginning September 12, 2005, please call 822-4660.

This five-week workshop seeks to build healthy communities by partnering with local organizations and professionals to educate parents on issues related to early child development. In addition to themed presentations, the workshops will provide families with informative literature and other resource materials. While caregivers discuss topics such as health and nutrition, speech and language, and social-emotional growth, their children will participate in corresponding age-appropriate activities.

THERE IS A CLASS SIZE LIMIT, SO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW

2005-09-16T10:51:00.000-04:00

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the offical blog of the Branch Libraries of the Osterhout Free Library. Here you will find postings about upcoming events, news and points of interest for the North, South, and Plain branch libraries. Please visit often and feel free to comment. We hope to hear from you soon!

Elizabeth
Plains Branch Supervisor