Our new automation system uses email addresses to notify you of three things: (1) when a book you requested is available, (2) when an item is three days from coming due, and (3) when an item you have checked out is three days overdue. In the latter two cases you are given a link to click to find out whether it’s possible to renew the item(s) in question.

You may add your email address to your record by logging in to your account through the online library catalog. The log-in box appears in the upper right corner when you open the catalog. You’ll need the barcode on your library card and the phone number that is on your record (enter without spaces or punctuation between the numbers). After entering this information, click the “My Account” button that appears.

The screen that opens allows you to edit your phone numbers and email addresses. There is also a series of three boxes where you choose how you want to be notified about overdues,  the 3-day notice, and reserve availability. Click the arrows on the right side of these boxes to choose your email address. If you already have an email address on your record, make sure it is showing in these boxes.

The only automated notice you may receive by phone is for items you have reserved. We appreciate your choosing email instead of phone for this notification because we have to pay 10 cents for every automated phone call. Emails cost us nothing. Mail notification is not an option.

If you prefer, any library staff member can add your email address to your record and make it your notification preference. Just ask the next time you’re in the library, or call us at 930-3551. We think you’ll appreciate the notices and we’ll appreciate saving the phone call expense.

The library has three secure display cases that we love to keep filled with interesting things, but we’ve run out of material. We’re open to collections of almost any kind, as long as your treasures fit on the glass shelves in the cases. We also are willing to display small pieces of original art in any medium.

The shelves are about 14″ deep and 48″ long and the only access to the cases is through locked doors, so you don’t need to worry about things being handled by anyone but you. We like to leave displays up for about one month, but the time period can be negotiated, if necessary.

We’ll make a few labels for your display, or at least one that tells something about what it is and who was kind enough to share (if you don’t mind being identified). We prefer that you do the arranging of the shelves, but we’ll have someone to help you carry things from your vehicle and unpack  if you need it. If you are displaying art that is for sale, you will need to include contact information within the display. The library staff cannot be involved in making sales or sales contacts for you.

Kathleen Bowling is our display coordinator. She may be reached by phone at 930-3551, or by email at kmb@georgetowntx.org. Or, you may speak to her in person, Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

On April 19, from 3-4 p.m., the Sun City Dulcimer Club will entertain in the lobby. The club came into being about four years ago when a small group decided they would like to learn to play this homegrown American instrument. A dulcimer is a stringed instrument, usually held in the musician’s lap and is played by picking or strumming the strings. The original instruments were created by luthiers (stringed instrument makers) in the Appalachians. This concert will feature a variety of music ranging from ragtime to hymns and folk music, including old favorites like the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Shenandoah.

Last month’s performance by the cello and accordion duo, Just Desserts, received high praise. The staff is delighted to bring music to the library and we welcome suggestions you may have about groups or individuals you would like to see perform here. The performers must be willing to adapt to our casual venue and not be bothered by people coming and going or conversations in the background. As the weather allows (will there ever be a day that is not too hot, cold, or wet?) we’ll move the music outdoors to eliminate some of those distractions. Contact Rosa Garcia (930-3623) with your suggestions. Oh, one other thing, our budget is not grand, so Yo-Yo Ma or Willie Nelson are not options.