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November and December 2009 (Holiday Issue)
A Publication of the Northern Tier Regional Library Association

Meet Me at the Piazza
Take a stroll past booths of gift and holiday items. Chat with friends that you meet along the way. Relax for a moment with a slice of gourmet pizza or a decadent dessert. This sounds like a European getaway - but it is all waiting for you at the Northern Tier Library's "Meet Me at the Piazza"! Please join us on Saturday, November 14th at 6:30 PM. This year, our holiday fundraiser is more important than ever. As the library faces substantial funding cuts, monies raised will be needed to maintain the level of service that our patrons have come to expect.
Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit the library.

Gold Rush!
Do you need money for Christmas? Clean out your jewelry box and cash in! Bring gold, silver or platinum jewelry to the library on Monday, November 9th, 12:00-8:00 PM, and go home with cash in your wallet! Many companies advertise this service, but we challenge you to find a better rate on your jewelry. If you don't agree with the amount you are offered, you are under no obligation to sell. Of course, all transactions are confidential. Patrons will be served on a first come, first served basis. We would like to thank Rodger Ketchell of Ketchell Jewelers for the donation of his time and expertise. All profits benefit the library.

Tree Trimming Party
Is your holiday cheer alive? Join us for some jingle and jive on Thursday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM. We will sing about Santa, hear stories galore, eat some cookies, and say "please" for more! If you want to make sure that your name is on the GOOD list, bundle up the little ones for a cozy evening of Christmas fun! Registration for Richland and Pine residents will begin on November 12th. Registration for all other patrons will begin on November 19th.

Dining in Santorini
Join chef Penny Lawrence on Wednesday, November 4, 6:30-9:30 PM, for a very special occasion event. "Dining in Santorini" is the theme of this very do-ahead dinner that will delight your guests. This is Greek food at its authentic best - light and lovely. The fee for this class is $38 per person, and spaces are limited.

National Gaming Day @ Your Library
Join us as the Northern Tier Library participates in National Gaming Day @ Your Library on Saturday, November 14th, 2:00-5:00 PM. Children, teens and adults of any skill level are invited to play. Play games on a Nintendo Wii or try a board game like Monopoly Deal, Scrabble Slam, or Pictureka! We will also participate in a national online tournament of Smash Bros Brawl.
Registration is recommended.

Computer Classes
There is no charge for these classes, but registration is required.
Library Catalog and Database Searching - Monday, November 9th, 1:00-3:00 PM
Learn how to search the online catalog, use the library's databases, place interlibrary loans, and access your library card account online. All of this can be done from your home computer!
Introduction to Publisher - Monday, November 16th, 1:00-3:00 PM
Do you want to make your own flyers, business cards, banners, or greeting cards? This class will show you how to use the basic features of this easy, multi-dimensional program.
Introduction to PowerPoint - Monday, November 30th, 1:00-3:00 PM
Want to impress your boss with a great presentation? Learn how to create slides with text and pictures, as well as other special techniques that will make your next presentation a hit.
Intermediate Word - Monday, December 7th, 6:00-8:00 PM
Got the basics down? Take your skills to the next level in this class. You’ll learn special touches like setting margins, line spacing, and page numbering - plus how to use borders, columns and clip art.
Intermediate Excel - Monday, December 21st, 6:00-8:00 PM
Are you ready for the next level? This class includes absolute references, basic functions, charts, and adding comments to a cell.

Memorial and Honor Giving Programs
Our thanks to the individuals who made contributions to the Memorial and Honor Giving Programs during September 2009.
In Memory Of:
Agnes M. Fleming
by The Robert M. Wright, Jr. Family
Joyce Heinricher
by Aileen & Jon Drosendahl
Lucille Koenig
by Rosemary Zidow & Jackie Cummings
Jean Shaw
by Aunt Gyla
In Honor Of:
Eric B. Greisinger
by Mary C. Greisinger

The following books have been added to the collection through the Memorial and Honor Giving Programs:
Abbs, Barbara - Choosing and Using Climbing Plants
An Honor to Serve
Choppa, Karen - Bessie Pease Gutman: Over Fifty Years of Published Art
Christie, Victor. J.W. - Bessie Pease Gutman: Her Life and Works

Conversation Group
Do you enjoy stimulating conversation? Interesting people gather at the Northern Tier Library on the second Thursday of each month to discuss a variety of topics and ideas. The group will meet on Thursday, November 12th and December 10th, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Join us for the lively exchange of ideas and the art of good conversation. Registration is not required - join us when you can!

Tough Toddlers
If you have a toddler, you know all about temper tantrums. Learn some techniques to manage these emotional outbursts on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:00 PM. This program will be presented by Dr. James Rodrigues of Bellevue Pediatrics. Registration is required.

Book Discussion Group
The Northern Tier Library Book Discussion Group meets on the last Thursday of each month to discuss various works of fiction and non-fiction. Join us on Thursday, November 19th at 10:00 AM for a discussion of My Grandfather's Blessings by Rachel N. Remen. Discussions are lively and open to the public. Please join us!

Knit Lit
Knitters, crocheters (and those who would like to be either one!) are invited to join us on Thursday, November 19th at 7:00 PM. If you are working on a project, bring it along with you. If you would like to learn, just bring some yarn and we'll teach you how! We'll also talk about some of the books we’ve enjoyed lately - please join us.

Classic Movies
Rear Window - Wednesday, November 11th at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, created a true classic in Rear Window. Raymond Burr is a villainous villain, James Stewart a lovable voyeur, and Grace Kelly (as always) is beautiful, classy and impeccably dressed.
White Christmas - Thursday, December 10th at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
It wouldn't be the holiday season without Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas." Add Fred Astaire, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen and you have a holiday extravaganza that you won't want to miss!

Holiday Hours
Richland Center - Thanksgiving: The library will close at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25th, and will be closed Thursday, November 26th .
Christmas: The library will be closed Thursday, December 24th-Monday, December 27th .
New Year's Day: The library will close at 4:00 PM on Thursday, December 31st and will be closed on Friday, January 1st, 2010.
The Pine Center, will be closed Thursday, November 26th-Monday, November 30th for Thanksgiving Day. The Pine Center will be closed Thursday, December 24th-Monday, January 3rd.

Fiction Critique Group
If you're a writer ready for publication and just need some good input from your peers to polish your fiction, we're the group for you. The Northern Tier Fiction Critique Group is looking for a few good writers to join us at our twice-monthly meetings. We critique novels and short stories with an eye toward helping local writers achieve publication. The group will meet at the library on Monday, November 9th and December 14th at 6:30 PM. If you're interested, call Kelly at 412-445-4878.

Friends Meet
The past few months have been busy for the Friends of the Library. In October they presented "Authors Night" and co sponsored the library's Halloween Party. In December, they will co-sponsor the library's Tree Trimming Party. Plus, as we enter another year, we can thank the Friends for underwriting the cost of our Best Friends collection. You don't have to have lots of time to be a friend - just the desire to contribute. Find out how you can help on Tuesday, December 1st at 10:00 AM. New and potential members are always welcome.