Whitley County Public Library News

A series of bugs that had been plaguing the library’s public computers have been repaired.  It turns out that the errors were being caused by incompatibility issues between the security system and recent updates to the systems.  We apologize for any inconveniences that these problems were causing.

If you have searched our online catalog recently, you probably noticed that it has gotten an overhaul.  On May 14th the library’s circulation and catalog systems underwent a significant upgrade.  While the overall look has changed, all of the same functunality has remained.  If you would like more information about using some of the advanced features of the library’s online catalog (such as placing holds online, renewing your books online, or set limits to search only in specific parts of the catalog), feel free to ask.

The library will be closed Monday May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

The Dixie Theatre stood on the north side of Main Street and Fourth Street in downtown Williamsburg, and for a time Williamsburg had two theaters between the Dixie and the Lane.  The following article was taken from a 1941 issue of the Whitley Republican.

Judith Johnson, the Mental Marvel, who has caused one continuous sensation in her tour of American and Canadian theatres, promises to be greeted by a large and enthusiastic crowd of interested persons, the majority of whom will put to the test the power of this much talked of young mindreader, and at the same time receive the most unusual entertainment, when she appears at the Dixie Theatre, Wednesday.

Miss Johnson does not wish to be confused with the ordinary so-called fortune teller, as she has attained a point of perfection reached by few. Her work is so unusual and different that she has attracted the attention of scientists and men of learning the world over. So pronounced were her first few demonstrations that she remained in New York City over two years, mystifying, amazing and entertaining.

Miss Johnson calls people by their names, describes hidden articles, restores lost articles, also missing persons, gioves advice on business and investments, as well as upon love affairs, and will solve any problem that is causing doubt. So why not let her help you? She will appear three times a day for two days.

The theme for this week’s Storytime will be “My Mommy and Me”.  Come join the fun with stories, songs, playtime, and a craft Friday May 8th at 10am.

The library will be hosting its Annual Garden Party Saturday May 9th from 10am until Noon.  Space is limited, so please call 549-0818 to register.  Participants need to bring a basket or bowl for a child and parent/guardian to decorate.

From the Memorial Day History website:

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of rememberance for those who have died in our nations’s service.  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington Cemetery.  The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.

Memorial Day is currently celebrated on the 4th Monday in May (May 25th for 2009).