SouthWest

The Dr. Phillips Rotary Club, currently under the leadership of Richard Maladecki has announced the "Dr. Phillip's Rotary Library Project." The purpose of the "Library Project" is to enhance the Southwest Library at Dr. Phillips. A funding drive has been started to beautify the interior entrance area and to redesign the children's area. Project partnerships include the Orange County Library System and the Dr. Phillip's Foundation.

Businesses, families, schools, and library users in the Dr. Phillip's area are invited to contribute to the fund. Donor cards may be picked up at the Southwest Library. For more information, please call 407.835.7323 or email southwest@ocls.info

Watch for updates in the Southwest blog regarding this exciting project!

Posted by southwest at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meg Scholz, a senior at the University of Texas, goes online at least a few times every day to check her e-mail.

When she does, Scholz invariably scans several news websites and blogs to see what's going on in the world. She rarely picks up a newspaper or watches TV news, because for her, the Web serves virtually all her news needs.

“It's not that I have anything against reading a printed newspaper,” says Scholz, 21. “But for my lifestyle, the Internet is more accessible.”

Justin Ulahannan, 22, watches TV news occasionally and he reads the print edition of The Wall Street Journal, which he gets free as an intern at the U.S. Business Council in Washington.

But otherwise, he gets news online from CNN.com or BBC.com. “It's just a matter of convenience,” Ulahannan says. “Why would I pay money (for a newspaper) when I can get the same thing online for free?”

For the rest of the article, click here.

For more information regarding the Orange County Library Systems newspaper and magazine databases, click here.

Posted by southwest at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Medical Library Association finds the following web sites particulary useful in finding credible health information on the Internet:

*Cancer.gov
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
*familydoctor.org
*healthfinder
*HIV InSite
*Kidshealth
*Mayo Clinic
*MEDEM: an information partnership of medical societies
*MEDLINEplus (English/Spanish)
*NOAH: New York Online Access to Health

The Orange County Library System also offers many health and medicine related databases in our virtual library. Click here for a complete listing. You will need your library card and PIN to access from your home or office.

Posted by southwest at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Southwest Library proudly presents "Acrylic Paintings" by local artist, Elsie Kapuschat.

The exhibit will run from March-May 2006. Elsie started formal painting classes at age 13 in her native Columbia, although she says she always enjoyed painting things as a young child. Elsie picked up a brush again in her 50's after a 30-year absense from painting. Elsie's paintings cover a variety of themes. Elsie describes herself as a freestyle artist; painting portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. Bold colors that jump off the canvas and grab you best describe her works of art.

For more information, please call 407.835.7323 or email mayer.sandy@ocls.info

Posted by southwest at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Why is the blogosphere abuzz lately about Google buying Upstartle, a four-person software company with no revenues? The obvious answer: industry-watchers are sensing another fight coming between Google and Microsoft.

Upstartle makes Writely, a Web-based word processor that's free. Launched in November 2005, the product has gained around 150,000 users. That's just a blip for Google, of course, but the deal is interpreted by some as confirmation that the search-engine leader is trying to knock Microsoft off its software throne -- using so-called "Web 2.0" technologies. These technologies, such as asynchronous JavaScript and XML (together dubbed AJAX), allow Web applications, such as word processors, to perform at speeds comparable to desktop applications.

For the rest of the arcticle, click here.

Meanwhile, if you're interested in learning more about using Microsoft Office, the Orange County Library System offers many classes to suit your needs. To learn more about computer class information and scheduling, click here.

Posted by southwest at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Local chef, Tom Davis will be at Southwest on Tuesday, April 4 at 7:00 pm to present "Chocolate Spring Delights." Watch Chef Tom work his magic with chocolate. Best of all, get to sample some of his sweet creations and take a few recipes home with you.

Think Spring! Think Chocolate! Don't miss this tasty program. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 407.835.7323 or email mayer.sandy@ocls.info

Posted by southwest at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Southwest Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday, March 21 at 7:00 pm. Carl Honore's book, In Praise of Slowness will be the topic of discussion.

Honore, an award-winning Canadian journalist explores and challenges the cult of speed in our 21st century. The author's wake-up call came when he began reading one-minute bedtime stories to his two-year-old son in order to save time. Honore explores a quiet revolution going on called the "slow movement" which strives to integrate and achieve balance while living in a technology-charged world. But note this is not one of those anti-technology books! If you have come to believe faster is not always better or more is rarely enough (and cringe when you hear the word, "multi-tasking"), come join the discussion.

Anyone 18 or older is welcome. For more information, please email mayer.sandy@ocls.info

Posted by southwest at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Quilts, knitted items, postage stamp cards, cross stitch and many other types of handcrafts are now on exhibit at the library through May 2006.

Southwest Library presents the Twisted Stitchers and the Needles and Hoops! These two local "crafting" groups meet at the library every Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The members enjoy working on various handwork projects and the camaraderie. Anyone who enjoys doing handcrafts or wants to learn a craft is welcome (yes, men are most welcome). For more information about the groups or handwork items, you may contact the Southwest Library or email mayer.sandy@ocls.info

Posted by southwest at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

March is National Women's History Month.

Did you know?
In 1826 the first public schools for girls open in New York and Boston.
In 1849 Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to receive a medical degree in U.S.
In 1920 Women win the right to vote in Federal elections.
In 1981 Sandra Day O'Conner becomes the first woman appointed to the U. S. Supreme Court.

Come and see the special display table at the library or click here to learn more about women's history and resources on our website.

Posted by southwest at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

March is National Crafts Month. For those of you who craft, this is your month to learn a new craft, complete a half-finished project, or teach your favorite craft to someone. For those of you who do not craft, this is your month to start. Did you know doing crafts has emotional, social, and physical benefits? Reducing stress and promoting relaxation, providing something to do with your family or friends, building self-esteem, and learning a new skill to keep your brain sharp are just a few of those benefits. Most of all doing crafts is just fun! National Craft Month is sponsored by the Hobby Industry Association, a non-profit trade organization consisting of over 4,000 member companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of craft and hobby products.

During the next few months be sure to check out the special display at Southwest featuring DVD's, videos, and books on various crafts for adults and children. Also, be sure to take a look at craft displays which will be on exhibit.

Posted by southwest at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)