Happy New Year!?!?!

Is it a Jackson 5 song that goes, "Can you feel it? {bom bump bom} Can you feel it? {BOM BUMP BOM} CAN YOU FEEL IT?" with lots of brass band and bass drum? I am pretty sure they weren't talking about back to school, but I find it to be quite appropriate for this time of year. There's an electricity in the air, even felt here at the library. With our Summer Reading Programs winding down, the lines aren't so long at the circulation desk, it's a bit easier to find a seat by yourself in one of the more "prime" locations at the library. The parking lot is not as full as it has been and there's a more relaxed attitude among everyone here. It won't last (thankfully!). Soon, there will be research projects, mid-terms, finals and more that you'll need Schlow for. Big question - will we be able to help you? I sure hope so! The budgets that aren't being passed in Harrisburg don't bode well for us or any library (including school libraries). How? We have online research databases available to cardholders that can be accessed from home, we have a 24/7 live chat service called AskHere PA, we stretch our money to continue to purchase as many new and up-to-date items as possible, we provide a fantastic Interlibrary Loan service which will search nationwide for a book that isn't held in our collection, usually able to have it available within 6 weeks (usually sooner). All of these things are currently available to any Centre County Federation of Libraries cardholder and if you don't have one, drop by to get one! We're on the corner of Allen & Beaver, kitty corner from Panera. We're also here for college students - even temporary State College residents can get a library card with proof of residence and a photo i.d.Oh, and when you stop in, take a moment to use our letter-writing station by the front doors to let our legislators know how much the library means to you. We'll provide the stamp if you bring it to our circulation or reference desk! We want to remain one of the true treasures of the Centre Region and we can only do that with help from those who support us.