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Inside the National Library of Israel. Photo: National Library of Israel.

JNS.org The National Library of Israel (NLI) has launched a massive online database of centuries-old Jewish manuscripts from across the world.

The archive known as Ktiv, Hebrew for written word contains nearly 4.5 million images from 45,000 manuscripts, including prayer books, biblical texts, commentary, philosophy, literature and scientific writings in various Jewish-related languages such as Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino and Judeo-Arabic.

To the best of my knowledge, this is unprecedented, not only for Jewish studies and Judaica, NLI Director Aviad Stollman said, The Associated Press reported. There is no project with this scope that aggregated so many manuscripts from so many places in the world.

The database is a collaboration between NLI, the Friedberg Jewish Manuscript Society, the British Library, the Vatican Library and the Italy-based Palatina Library, in an effort to bring almost half of the worlds known volumes of Jewish manuscripts together in one location.

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Israel's National Library Launches Massive Online Database of Jewish Manuscripts - Algemeiner

Santa Clara County Library District cardholders can now check out eBooks in Spanish.

The district has hundreds of titles in its virtual library that cardholders can access via Odilo, an eBook distribution service.

Odilo is based in Spain and distributes more than 100,000 titles of digital literature to libraries in a variety of languages, primarily Spanish. The collection features literature for all ages, including some best-sellers and old favorites.

We live in a wonderfully diverse community, said county librarian Nancy Howe in a press statement. While our libraries already have varied international collection of books, DVDs and CDs, we wanted to go above and beyond in the selection, availability and quality of Spanish literature and broadcasts currently found in our libraries.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of Santa Clara County residents over the age of 5 speak a language other than English. Of the 1.9 million people living in the county, more than 19 percent speak Spanish in their homes.

Spanish eBooks can be downloaded from any device, such as computers, tablets, eBook readers and iOS or Android devices. Titles can be checked out for a three weeks before the file expires, thus eliminating late fees.

Lili Smith, the districts public communication specialist, said eBook checkout has been talked about for a long time, and librarians are available to help patrons with downloading and accessing the books. Instructions are also available in Spanish on the districts website.

The Santa Clara County Library District has more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and online resources for card holders. The district serves patrons through two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving cities in the Santa Clara County.

Last year there were more than 270,000 library card holders and the district welcomed 3.3 million visitors who borrowed 9.1 million items.

For more information, visit bit.ly/2w6V55D.

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Santa Clara County library district offering eBooks in Spanish - The Mercury News

Schools may be the central place of learning for students throughout the academic year, Forsyth Countys libraries are a supplemental and often-used free resource for homework and study help, and now card-holders can take advantage of a new tutoring service.

Forsyth County Public Library launched Tutor.com, a free, web-based, on-demand resource that is accessible with a library card at any of the countys four libraries, at home or on a mobile device.

The service will be available daily from 4-11 p.m. and is targeted for all ages. It provides access to live, one-to-one tutoring, a real-time writing center, test preparation, practice quizzes and 24/7 access to worksheets, videos and tutorials in more than 40 subjects.

Tutor.com is offered at more than 2,000 public libraries across the country, and were proud to offer the service free of charge to students and adult learners in our community, said Anna Lyle, library director.

Academic tutoring

Students in kindergarten through their second year in college, as well as adult learners, can get one-on-one help with homework, test preparation and skills and concepts they are learning in class for math, science, writing, English, Spanish and social studies.

Tutor.com also provides assistance for using computer programs and preparing for entrance AP, ACT, SAT, GED and HiSET exams.

Writing reviews

Students and adults working on essays, book reports, short stories and college or scholarship application essays have two ways of getting reviewed: with live tutoring in an interactive, online classroom or through a 24/7 drop-off review service.

Practice quizzes and study resources

Anyone preparing for an end-of-chapter test, a final exam or standardized test can use practice quizzes to assess their knowledge on more than 100 areas in math, science and social studies.

The Skills Center Resource Library provides 24/7 access to thousands of educationally sound resources. Students can watch instructional videos, download practice worksheets, customize their own flashcards and get test-taking tips.

Help for job seekers

Those looking for a job at any level can use Tutor.com to work with professional job search coaches for help with exploring job options, online applications, resume writing and interview preparation.

They also have access to resume templates, cover letter samples, online job search tools and career advice in the Career Center.

Beyond offering daily homework help and test preparation for students, our patrons will find value in the additional services Tutor.com can provide for job seekers and for students who want to improve their ACT/SAT test scores without paying fees for private classes or tutors, Lyle said.

For more information, visit forsythpl.org.

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Forsyth libraries launch free online tutoring service - Forsyth County News Online

Summer Hours

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Childrens Library

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Special Hours

The Library will be closed on Friday, Aug. 18, for staff development.

Childrens Programs

Tuesday, Aug. 8: Bookworms (2nd and 3rd grades) Join our book group for 2nd and 3rd graders. The library will supply books and snacks! This month we will discuss books from your summer reading you choose. Register online! 3-3:45 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10: Maker Camp Curious Creations (children grades 4 - 5) Join us on Thursdays and create with our new Makerspace materials. Each week will be a different theme using different materials. Learn what Strawbees, Makedos, Bristlebots and littleBits are. Register online the day of each program beginning at 8 a.m. This program is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.2:30-3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10: Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Bring your favorite stuffed friend to the library for bedtime stories and a craft ... then tuck them in for a sleepover at the library. Return the next morning at 10:30 a.m. to retrieve your pet and watch a slideshow highlighting the antics of the sleepover! Register online beginning July 27. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 11: Stuffed Animal Sleepover Pet Pick up. Pick up your stuffed pet from last nights Stuffed Animal Sleepover and see a slideshow highlighting the antics of the sleepover! 10:30-11 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 11: Science of Honeybees (grades 3 - 8) Learn about bees and the sciencebehind them with Melrose Recycling Coordinator Sadie Brown and Rachael Bonoan, President of the Boston Area Beekeepers Association. The presentation includes hands on activities and information on how we can help the bee population which is essential to our ecosystem. Register online beginning Aug. 1. This program is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences and administered by the MA Board of Library Commissioners.1-2 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 15: Basket & Blanket Concert - Vic & Sticks. The Family Resource Network and the Melrose PublicLibrary are collaborating to bring you a fantastic concert series. Pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket and join us on the library lawn fortonights concert. In case of rain, the show will be held at the Congregational Churchat 121 W. Foster St. (food is not allowed in the church) Sponsored by The Friends of Melrose Public Library. 6-6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 16: Summer Reading Ice Cream Celebration (all children who signed up!) Participants in the childrens Summer Reading Club are invited to this delicious event outside on the library lawn. Rain date is Thursday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. 2-3 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 17: Snack Pack (4th & 5th grades) Bring your lunch for this summer Snack Pack! Calling all book lovers entering the 4th and 5th grades! You are invited to participate in the librarys monthly book discussion group.Ask at the Childrens Room desk for a copy of the book. No registration is necessary. 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 23: Egg Drop Competition (ages 5 - 15) Dont miss one of the most popular programs of the summer! This year we have changed the rules. You (or your team) must build your egg holder at the library using materials from our MakerSpace. Eggs will be dropped at 7 p.m. from the top floor window of the library. Register online beginning Aug. 1. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Teen Programs

Monday, Aug. 7: Yak, Snack and Read (grades 6 - 8) Our middle school book club! New members always welcome. Readers choice bring a book youve read over the summer and we can talk about what weve read! For teens and tweens entering grades 6-8 in the fall. 6-7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 17: Teen Finale Party (grades 6 - 12) Cap off a great summer by celebrating with games, crafts, snacks, and prizes! For teens and tweens entering grades 6-12 in the Fall. Register online. 3-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 23: Egg Drop Competition (ages 5 - 15) Dont miss one of the most popular programs of the summer! This year we have changed the rules. You (or your team) must build your egg holder at the library using materials from our MakerSpace. Eggs will be dropped at 7 p.m. from the top floor window of the library. Register online beginning Aug. 1. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Adult Programs

Monday, Aug. 7: Concert on the Lawn (for Adults) Knock on Wood. Join us on the library lawn for a high-energy acoustic folk-rock concert for adults. Knock on Wood featuring local duo Howie Newman and Joe Kessler will perform covers and originals! No registration required. Rain date is Monday, Aug. 21. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 9: Adult Coloring Night Kindness Rocks. Get in touch with your inner child and spread a little kindness! In addition to our monthly coloring night, we are taking part inThe Kindness Rocks Project(www.thekindnessrocksproject.com). Bring your creativity and inspiration to share with others! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! To reserve a seat, sign up online or speak with a library staff member. 7-8:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 16: Becoming Melrose - Scenery Unsurpassed: A Glimpse of Highland History. Registration required online or with library staff. With its stately homes high upon upland terrain, the Melrose Highlands were once called little Scotland for the similar landscape across the Atlantic. This and other interesting tidbits of information will be shared in this colorful evening lecture at the Melrose Public Library. Architectural historian Ryan D. Hayward will discuss many of the former residents that built the neighborhood we call home.Becoming Melrose: The Heritage of the City of Home this series is supported in part by the Melrose Public Library, Friends of the Melrose Public Library and by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 7-9 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 17: Beach Blanket Book Club (for adults) The Melrose Public Library Book Discussion Group (for adults) will gather to discuss the books they have read on the beach (and anywhere else!) this summer. There will be prizes, refreshments and good conversation! 7:30-9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25: Red Scarf Book Club. This group is open to all and will meet the last Friday of each month in the librarys Upper Lobby. This months title is On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan. 1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 31: Popular Science Book Club. Take a journey through the latest scientific developments, expand your horizons and recognize how science impacts our world. Stop by the library to pick up this months selection, Time Travel: A History by James Gleick. 7-8:30 p.m.

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Coming up at the Melrose Library - Wicked Local Melrose

SAN MARINO, Calif. | Blue Boy isnt quite as blue as he once was and that isnt a good thing for one of the worlds most recognizable paintings.

To restore its luster, the 18th century masterpiece by British painter Thomas Gainsborough, featuring a British youth dressed nearly all in blue, will undergo a major, two-year restoration beginning next week.

Curators at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, said Thursday they want to revitalize its color and shore up its canvas.

The original colors now appear hazy and dull, and many of the details are obscured, Christina OConnell, senior paintings conservator at The Huntington, said in a statement.

Adhesive that binds the canvas to its lining is also failing, and some of the works paint is beginning to flake off.

Huntington officials plan to put the painting back on display in September 2018 for a year-long exhibition called Project Blue Boy. During that time, visitors can see the final phase of the restoration.

Steve Hindle, the institutions interim president, said the painting has been the most beloved work of art at The Huntington since it opened its doors in 1928.

It is with great pride that we launch this thoughtful and painstaking endeavor to study, restore and preserve Gainsboroughs masterpiece, he said.

Gainsborough painted the life-size, oil-on-canvas representation of a serious-looking youngster sometime in the 1760s. It was displayed publicly for the first time in 1770 and titled A Portrait of a Young Gentleman. By the end of the century it had acquired the name Blue Boy.

Gainsborough, who was noted for stunning landscapes and portraits, died in 1788. The identity of his subject for Blue Boy is unknown.

Railroad tycoon Henry Huntington, who founded the institution that bears his name, acquired the painting in 1921.

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Huntington Library launches 2-year restoration of 'Blue Boy' - Online Athens

Over the past six years, Melinda Reiter, president of Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library, has generated about $89,000 for the Manhattan Beach Library by selling donated books online.

Reiter estimates shes mailed about 8,000 packages of books both nationally and internationally, all of which her husband has packed for her. She mainly sells donated books through eBay.

I like the thrill of the big prices and watching bidders go higher and higher, even though its not my money, Reiter laughed. I dont know what gave me the idea, aside from I just saw everyone else making money from selling books online and I said, Why should they make the money? The library needs the money.

Last year alone, the Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library donated $25,000 to the library, which is used to help pay for everything from programs to books and magazines.

Reiter, a Manhattan Beach resident for 31 years, was recently honored as the County of Los Angeles Public Library's Adult Volunteer of the Year.

That was a real big surprise, because its a real big library system. It was such an honor. It pleased me, because I had done all this and I didnt know if anybody even knew what I had done, except the library of course, Reiter said.

Reiter started volunteering for the library when she retired from working as a computer programmer about 10 years ago. She volunteers about 20 hours a week.

We are so thankful for Melinda. Shes just so reliable and generous and wonderful. Such a great advocate for the library, said Manhattan Beach Librarian Melissa McCollum.Shes just incredibly hard working and reliable, freindly, very calm and supportive.

Reiter and others from Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library sort through book donations they receive in a small room on the southwest corner of the library known as the Friends Room. The room is filled with books sorted into different categories, such as Biographies or Business and Finance. Reiter researches the books to see which books are valuable enough to sell on eBay.

The most expensive book Reiter ever sold was The Tale of Archais by Aleister Crowley printed in 1898 in London. It sold for $586.

Shes also sold a video game for about the same price.

I actually sold one Nintendo (64) game for $600, '(Goldeneye) 007.' It was never opened. I thought, Oh! I had no idea it would be worth this much! Reiter said.

Reiter has also come across a few other interesting donations, including two signed Julia Child books that sold for $300 and $400, a Woodstock program and books signed by Donald Trump and Richard Nixon before their tenures as president.

Its just interesting going through these donated books. You never know what youre going to find, Reiter said.

In addition to selling donated books online, the Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library also hosts a used book sale every two months. It also has a permanent used book sale at the Manhattan Beach Library, where patrons buy used paperback books for 50 cents or hardcover books for a $1.

When asked if shes thought about retiring from volunteering for the library anytime soon, Reiter laughed and said, Ill be doing it as long as I can. I tell my husband, What else would I be doing? Cleaning house?

For more information about Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library, visitfriendsofthemanhattanbeachlibrariesinc.org/.

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Library's volunteer of the year raises $89000 by selling rare finds on eBay - Beach Reporter

Photo: Genevieve Reilly / Hearst Connecticut Media

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said the town is taking steps to deal with a $5 million hole in the local budget thanks to the state's fiscal situation.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said the town is taking steps to deal with a $5 million hole in the local budget thanks to the state's fiscal situation.

Late state budget means no paving, positions unfilled, library hours cut

FAIRFIELD The town boards approved a budget for the current year that banked on about $5 million in state revenue.

With a state budget still nowhere near adoption, First Selectman Mike Tetreau has been taking steps behind the scenes to mitigate that $5 million hole in a $298 million municipal budget.

Ive implemented a strategic hiring freeze, Tetreau said, adding that doesnt mean there have been no new hires. However, DPW needs a mechanic, and since were not getting DPW any new trucks, we need to hire that mechanic.

The library, Tetreau said, has eight open positions, but for now, the only one being filled is a circulation clerk. Tetreau expects to announce shortened library hours by the end of this week.

As of July 1, a capital expenditure freeze has been instituted.

Theres been no new paving since then, Tetreau said. Well patch roads, but were not doing new paving.

Tetreau said these things are being done in order to maximize flexibility as they await action on a spending plan by the state. During its budget deliberations, the Representative Town Meeting cut $825,000 from the contingency account that had been put there because of the state uncertainty.

Ive asked departments not to spend any money they dont have to spend, the first selectman said. If you can buy a months supply, versus six months, even though its been authorized, do that.

In June, Tetreau asked all his department heads to talk to three other similar department heads in other towns to find ways to lower costs or increase revenues. Now, he said, he will be sitting down with the department heads to see if there are any changes they can implement.

We have the lowest per capita expense per resident than the four towns with lower mill rates, Tetreau said. However, I still think we can improve.

Even if a state budget is passed, Tetreau said he still believes the town will find itself with a $2 to $4 million gap, based on which version of the budget passes. He said he thinks the town will end up getting some state revenue, but not as much as the town budgeted.

Were trying to mitigate the impact, but when were going to get this severely cut, our residents will see cuts in services or in hours town buildings are open.

Board of Finance Chairman Thomas Flynn said he agrees with Tetreaus actions, but added there are other things he would do to proactively address the issues.

There must be, Flynn explained, economic development initiatives to diversify revenue streams and bring in more commercial revenues, as well as exploration into more public-private partnerships in cases where services can be more efficiently and effectively delivered by third parties.

The finance chairman would like a benchmarking study on the fees collected by the town to make sure services are provided at market rates and a review of all town services to better understand what services a town should and should not be providing.

Flynn also called for a formal review of all department operations. There can be no sacred cows, he said, and the town should assess whether there are any functions being duplicated by departments that could instead be consolidated.

Tetreau said when the towns next budget season begins later this year, the budget will be put together with the assumption that Fairfield will be receiving no state revenue.

This will make it very difficult the next two or three years, Tetreau said, but said it will be necessary. Well be planning for no state aid and separating ourselves from the states fiscal problems.

As for now, the first selectman said they are doing everything they can to avoid layoffs and major disruptions to services.

greilly@ctpost.com; @GreillyPost

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Late state budget means no paving, positions unfilled, library hours cut - Fairfield Citizen

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields announced this week the appointment of Jenny Carroll as Director of the award-winning Mary Riley Styles Public Library. She began her duties immediately, the day after Mary McMahon retired after 18 years in the position.

Carroll started her employment with the Library in 2007 and rose to lead the Youth Services Department in 2013. In this role, she has overseen a 60 percent growth in participation in the many services, including the popular Summer Reading Program and the new Read and Roll bookmobile to serve at-risk children and their families. She has worked hard to build partnerships with City Schools and other City Departments to bring innovative Library programs to the public.We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Carroll as our new Library Director, said Brad Gernand, Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees. We are impressed by her energy, creativity, and innovation, which is reflected in the popularity of Library programs. Her knowledge and experience will allow us to continue the positive momentum we have in the Library, to the benefit of the entire community.

Carroll holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Mary Washington University, a Masters of Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, and a Masters of Social Work from New Mexico State University.

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Carroll Named New FC Library Director - Falls Church News Press

John Wiley andSons, Inc.announced the launch of Wiley Content Sharing across its research portfolio. The launch follows a trial that began in early 2017. Wiley Content Sharing facilitates collaboration by allowing authors and subscribers to share free-to-read full-text articles with non-subscribers. This new functionality will be available to all journals on Wiley Online Library. In addition,Wiley Content Sharing provides the public with greater access to research when following links from selected media outlets globally. During the four-month trial Wiley Online Library users shared more than 7,000 links to articles. Upon launch, Wiley Content Sharing will be available to more than 1,700 journals from across Wileys portfolio.

Wiley Content Sharing enables authors and subscribers to share their work with their peers as well as non-subscribers, including over social media, scholarly collaboration networks, and email. Wiley Content Sharing also provides the public with greater access to research through its media sharing capabilities. Popular outlets such asThe Daily Mail,The Wall Street JournalandReuterswere included in the pilot alongside specialist sites such asMedscape,NatureandScienceMag.

(readcube.com, wiley.com)

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Wiley Content Sharing Launches Across Wiley Online Library - EContent (press release)

By Montgomery County Memorial Library System

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TexasThis summer saw huge increases in library cardholders in Montgomery County.

With many new families moving to the area and hundreds of programs and free activities drawing crowds into the libraries, June saw double the number of new library cards issued over the previous month.

Just under 3,000 new library cards were issued in June, compared with 1,400 new cards issued in May, bringing the total number of library cardholders in the County to 285,377, or 52% of all County residents.

Large gains were seen in The Woodlands, whose two libraries issued 1,361 new cards, nearly as many new cards as the entire County issued the month before.

The library card boost wasnt the only large increase for Montgomery County Memorial Library System.

This was another record-breaking year for Summer Reading participation across all age ranges.

Over 12,000 kids, teens, and adults pledged to read during the reading program from May 30-June 14th, a 10.5% increase over last year, which itself had seen over a 10% increase from the year before that.

Generous sponsors supported the local communitys reading program, by providing coupons and other incentives for the eager readers.

The grand prize for the Adult Summer Reading Program this year was a Samsung Digital Tablet, donated by Hoopla Digital, one of the librarys providers of streaming digital content to patrons.

Library customers already know that the library is more than a place to discover new reading material. With job seeking assistance and technical computer training, free Wi-Fi and meeting room access, plus programs featuring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, the library is an unexpectedly modern place to find the pulse of the community.

The nationally-recognized George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library in The Woodlands is a designated Family Place Library and one of only 15 libraries nationally named as a finalist for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

The Mitchell Library was the only library in the state of Texas to receive this high honor. With a wealth of resources made available to all County residents, Montgomery County citizens have a lot to be proud of in their library system.

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Montgomery County Memorial Library System sees record-breaking summer involvement - Woodlands Online, LLC