The Electronic Newsletter of the Palm Beach County Library System

Contents:
1/ Introduction to Books & Bytes
2/ Useful Web Links
3/ Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Parties
4/ Memorial Day Closing
5/ In Next Month's Issue

1/ Introduction to Books & Bytes

Welcome to the May issue of Books & Bytes. In this issue we will provide an overview of "Useful Web Links." Also, we will invite you to join us for our Summer Reading Program Kick-Off parties, and inform you about a holiday closing.

We hope you enjoy receiving Books & Bytes. Please let us know what you think of our publication by writing to: webmaster@pbclibrary.org

2/ Overview of "Useful Web Links"

When most people need to locate information on the World Wide Web, their first choice is to visit a search tool, such as Yahoo! or Google. Search tools are large, computerized indexes containing pointers to millions of web sites. Unfortunately, when computer users search these tools, they often receive an overflow of information. Thousands, sometimes millions of results are returned with each search. Even more important: there is no easy way to measure the quality of any of the sites found, short of examining each one individually. This can make web searching a frustrating task.

Now there is a better way to locate high quality information on the Web. Let your library be your search engine by visiting our "Useful Web Links" page.

Rather than relying on computers, "Useful Web Links" makes use of the skill and experience of professional librarians. These people locate answers to a wide range of questions every day. Therefore, they know the best sources available on the Web. A team of librarians from across the Palm Beach County Library System evaluates web sites following a strict set of criteria. This process insures that "Useful Web Links" will include current, accurate, and high-quality information sources.

Another great reason to visit "Useful Web Links" is the strong local focus. Why search a general search tool for Florida information when our librarians have already located the best sites? Throughout our directory, you will find web sites containing information on Southeast Florida in general and Palm Beach County in particular. "Useful Web Links" is a great time saver for locating local information.

Useful Web Links is composed of the following 18 subject sections:

Quick Info
Telephone Directories & Locators
Newspapers
Florida
Literature, Writing & Languages
History, Geography & Genealogy
Science & Math
Art & Music
Government & Law
Jobs, Business & Consumer Information
Education, Social Issues & Psychology
Multiculturalism
Health & Medicine
Entertainment & Travel
Computers & Technology
Home, Garden, & Pets
Useful Stuff
Internet Search Tools

So the next time you need to locate important information on the Internet, start off right and save yourself time by visiting "Useful Web Links".

3/ Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Parties

It’s time for our annual Summer Reading Program and that means kick-off parties and lots of fun. Professional storyteller and puppeteer Windell Campbell will entertain, followed by crafts, face painting, and a great time for the whole family. Please join us at any of these four free parties:

Main Library - Saturday June 2, 10:30 a.m.
Southwest County Regional - Saturday June 2, 2:00 p.m.
North County Regional - Sunday June 3, 2:00 p.m.
Belle Glade - Monday June 4, 10:30 a.m.

The annual Summer Reading Program encourages children to keep reading throughout the summer while they are out of school. After registering for the program, each youngster will receive a packet containing a reading log, activity and coloring sheets, a pencil, and other fun stuff. After reading for ten hours, and keeping track of the books read in the reading log, the child will receive a certificate and a button. Contests will also be held for prizes throughout the program.

4/ Memorial Day Closing

Please note that all branches of the Palm Beach County Library System will be closed to honor Memorial Day on Monday, May 28. All libraries will resume their normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 29.

5/ Next Month in Books & Bytes

In next month’s issue we will look at the Government Research Services section of our web site. It is your one stop web directory for county, state, and federal government information.