The library’s online card catalog will shut down on Saturday, August 27th at 5:00 until Monday morning, August 29th.  Your library will change over it’s current catalog and check out system during this temporary online closure.  Be sure to come back Monday to view our new “Iluminar” system and try out all the new search options available!  Thanks for your patience!

The August “Quilter of the Month” is Hixton resident Marion Olson.  Marion’s quilts tell stories with fabric in a wonderful way.  This quilter with an art background uses her skills to showcase Wisconsin sights and history.  ”Highways of Wisconsin” shows unique buildings and landmarks from the state and is highlighted by black and yellow highway sashing.  ”Cabin in the Pines” can transport viewers to the forests of northern Wisconsin.  ”Seasons on the Farm” shows red barns against a background which changes with the seasons.  Marion also has some lovely felt applique pieces in the stage display case which are not to be missed.  Be sure to take the time to view Marion’s beautiful quilts at the library this month!

The Blair-Preston Public Library will be closed all day on Monday, August 22, 2011, so that staff members can attend a training session for its new catalog and checkout system.  This new and innovative system will be available on August 29 as part of an upgrade by the Winding Rivers Library System automation consortium (WRLSweb). The new online catalog, called Iluminar, will give users an improved search tool that is more powerful and user friendly.  New features include the ability to create reading lists, browse book covers online, and the eventual capability to search regional, state, and national library catalogs all at once.  Other improvements include tabbed searching, spell checking of search terms and a special catalog designed for kids.  Popular features such as requesting items from other libraries, email hold notifications and advance search options will continue with the new software.