The MovieBox is almost operational at the Main Library, and we expect that it will be operational at Fairmont very soon. Please check it out the next time you visit us. For your enjoyment, we have purchased over 5,000 new DVDs many of them in Blu-Ray. We pledge to buy the newest releases of box office hits, as soon as they are available in the stores so that you can watch them when they are "hot." Remember you will need your valid Library card, and your PIN to use the MovieBox.  

The best way to use the MovieBox system is to search for your DVD from your home computer or smart phone, reserve it, and then just pick it up when you visit the Library. You can also select your movie from the computers inside the Library when the Library is open. At the Central Library there is also a movie selector to the right of the front door which is on 24/7 just like the MovieBox. An outdoor selector for the Fairmont Branch will be arriving later this year. The MovieBox operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can borrow up to three movies at a time, for up to three days. The cost is zero dollars. ($0.00). Remember to return them within your three day period or you will be charged a One Dollar ($1.00) per day, per disk, fine if they are late.

The app for smart phones and tablets will be out by the time you read this. You can get it free at the Apple Store, the Android stores and other online app stores for your smart phones and tablets. Just search for the Pasadena Library. It will also be linked to our web page, so you can find it there as well. This makes using your public library so much easier and more efficient in your busy world.  

Book reads this month? A small-well written book of poems by Mary Oliver entitled Dog Songs. The poems, accompanied by illustrations, in this little book, portray the companions who have accompanied the author throughout her life. As one reviewer said, "Dog Songs is a testament to the power and depth of the human-animal exchange, from an observer of extraordinary vision." I could not agree more. If you are a lover of animals, and particularly dogs, you will enjoy this book of poems by Mary Oliver. Dog Songs currently ranks number two in Amazon's Literature/Fiction/Poetry list of sales. I read it this week, and you can too at the Pasadena Library.

Many members have been asking us about the book-drop at the Main Library. As you know, we had to close the old drive up book return because of security problems. We have a new drive up book return box which has arrived at the library and will be installed as soon as we can get a concrete pad in place. We know this has been an inconvenience for many of you, and we very much appreciate your patience. We should have the new book return operational in a very short time.

Thomas C. Simiele

Director, Pasadena Libraries